Rumors About Alexandria and the Lord's Office

During the old Ahrensbach era, Detlinde, who was the next in line to become the archduchess, hardly managed any of the Aub’s duties and left everything to Ferdinand, who had been appointed by royal decree as her fiancé. This decree remained even after the duchy became Alexandria, with the royal appointed fiancé still holding all administrative power. Because of this, there were rumors saying, “He doesn’t want to relinquish the power he once gained.”

In the Archduchess’ office in Alexandria, a single scholar expressed his opinion to the Aub. It was not at all unusual for scholars to come and go during their work. However, it was rare for one to present their case without returning to their department after submitting documents.

“The temple classroom, however, doesn’t require merchants who can’t even train their own staff to serve nobles. It’s the nobles’ duty to send teachers to educate the merchants they favor. Otherwise, it could lead to taking away their jobs.”

“Then send the teachers to the temple. If they are deemed good teachers, we will employ them there.”

Responding to his claim that the temple classroom was unnecessary, I, still seated at my desk, replied with a smile. It seemed like the perfect solution, satisfying both the commoner merchants, who complained about paying high fees to teachers who didn’t teach much, and the nobles, who wanted to protect teacher employment as much as possible.

However, it seemed it wasn’t the answer he wanted. The scholar frowned and let out a small sigh. Seeing this reaction, my guard knight, Straahl, who stood behind me, and Hartmut, who was taking notes of the conversation as a scholar, both stiffened slightly.

…I probably won’t be seeing this man in my office again.

I’ve heard that nobles who took a disrespectful attitude toward me were subtly distanced, no longer allowed to attend face-to-face meetings. It wasn’t a formal punishment, just a way to gently keep them away. As a minor and a female Aub, I suppose it’s somewhat understandable, but if people say they are unfit to manage their emotions and interact with the archducal family respectfully, I can’t really argue.

…I hope they’ll be forgiven soon.

Just as I was about to urge the scholar to leave, he, still frowning, spoke up again. Apparently, he wasn’t done yet.

“In addition to the temple classroom, I’ve heard there’s also a temple library. If the Aub is dedicating effort there, wouldn’t it mean there’s no need for such a large library in the castle?”

…What!?

I blinked in disbelief, not understanding what the official in front of me was saying. Books continuously accumulate. Shelves fill up in no time, and before you know it, the overflow of books ends up stacked on the floor.

“A large library is necessary, and of course, the new one should be as big as possible. If Ferdinand hadn’t stopped me, I would have made it even larger…”

Once again, the scholar seemed slightly perplexed, as if my reaction differed from his expectations. He then began to explain why a large library wasn’t necessary.

“You can’t place confidential materials in a library that anyone can access, and if the documents you frequently use are stored far away from the workplace in a library, it would be inconvenient. Wouldn’t a reference room suffice for administrative work?”

I couldn’t help but grimace in surprise, “I don’t understand what you’re saying.” It was so incomprehensible that it was hard to even maintain a polite, noble-like smile.

“I understand the need for a reference room, but I don’t understand the opinion that a reference room is enough. If there’s only a reference room, how are we supposed to spend time outside of work without books? A library is essential to human life, isn’t it?”

”…What?”

It seemed he also didn’t understand what I was saying, as his expression turned puzzled. With both of us staring at each other in confusion, Hartmut quietly spoke up from behind me.

“Lady Rozemyne, unfortunately, there are people in this world who don’t read books outside of work.”

”…I’m aware that many knights have that tendency, but he’s a scholar. I can’t believe a scholar would say a large library isn’t necessary. Could he possibly be a spy or a body double?”

Georgine and Grausam had several body doubles, after all. If he were an old Ahrensbach noble, it wouldn’t be surprising if he had a double. As I began to doubt whether the man in front of me was a real scholar, he desperately started explaining to Hartmut.

“I did not say a library isn’t necessary. I just feel that it’s too large. With fewer nobles working in the castle, we can’t afford to hire many librarians, and since there are still few documents and books, there are hardly any users. I was simply going to suggest that for now, the library only open on Earthdays when the Aub visits…”

No, no, we’re talking about a library, right? It’s meaningless if others can’t use it too, right?

Perhaps because Detlinde showed no interest in reading, the nobles of old Ahrensbach seem far too unfamiliar with books. Since we’re aiming to become a city of libraries, we need to urgently address this detachment from reading. To do that, we should focus more on educating children than adults.

“Hartmut, contact the Plantin Company. Tell them to prepare books and educational toys.”

“Clarissa, please install bookshelves in the children’s room for winter and the multipurpose hall of the Royal Academy. Let’s have the educational environment ready by winter.”

“Understood.”

As Hartmut and Clarissa responded crisply, Lieseleta and Ferdinand entered the lord’s office. It seemed Lieseleta had gone to fetch Ferdinand.

“Lady Rozemyne, I hear you’re having some trouble with a scholar?”

Ferdinand, now wearing a sparkling smile that was extremely displeased—likely from being interrupted during his work—alternated his gaze between me and the scholar. Gasping, I smiled brightly.

“We’re not having any trouble at all. We were simply discussing some issues with Alexandria.”

“Oh? Issues, you say? Do share them with me.”

…Oh no. I can almost hear the unspoken words: “You’re not planning on doing anything reckless, are you?”

Despite his sparkling smile, Ferdinand’s eyes weren’t smiling at all.

“It would be problematic if we want Alexandria to become a city of libraries, but many of the citizens aren’t familiar with books, wouldn’t it? I just gave orders to install bookshelves in the dormitories of the Royal Academy and the winter children’s room to help the children become more acquainted with books.”

“There’s too much waste—temple classrooms, temple libraries, the castle’s library. I would like to request a reconsideration of the budget allocation…” the scholar added.

As both the scholar and I voiced our concerns, Ferdinand furrowed his brow and began tapping his temple lightly with his fingertips.

“It seems you haven’t even managed to share the key issues properly.”

“The problem is that the nobles from old Ahrensbach don’t appreciate books and therefore can’t grasp the value of libraries. If there’s a shortage of personnel, I think we could place a dedicated librarian and use magical tools for assistance, as we do at the Royal Academy. A library that only opens on Earthdays is out of the question.”

As I began explaining the importance of libraries, Ferdinand’s frown deepened, and he shot a sharp glare at the scholar.

“It seems you fail to understand the significance of a library in Alexandria. First, attend Hartmut’s supplementary lessons until you grasp that. Lady Rozemyne, I will handle the personnel shortage by creating magical tools for the library, so please continue your administrative work.”

I had been happily talking about the library when I pursed my lips in a pout. Increasing the number of library users was a pressing issue in my mind. It would be a waste if we built the library, but the citizens didn’t understand its value.

…Ah! I just came up with a great idea!

“If people aren’t going to the library because of the reference room, why don’t we move the reference room to the library? We could create a restricted archive section for confidential materials…”

“The Aub will use ‘searching for materials’ as an excuse to go to the library and never return. The reference room will stay as it is.”

…Ah, he caught on. I drooped, feeling disheartened.

Before I could even finish proposing my idea, he saw through my real intention and rejected it.

“Now, Hartmut, Clarissa. You need to understand priorities. Fulfilling the Aub’s every wish should not be your top priority.”

“At all times, Lady Rozemyne’s wishes are my top priority,” Hartmut countered with a serious expression. Ferdinand nodded with a sparkling smile in response.

“A scholar’s duty as an retainer is not to indulge the Aub’s whims but to assist with administrative work. If you prioritize her wishes over assisting with her duties, I will appoint you as librarians in the temple library and the castle library. As the Aub’s retainers, you will surely prioritize the library, her most cherished place. There should be no complaints then, right?”

It seemed like a wonderful idea. If Hartmut and Clarissa were in charge of the library, they wouldn’t say things like “only open on Earthdays.” If Hartmut could also manage the temple library, he would better understand the temple classroom situation, as well as interactions with the merchants.

Fortunately, the Aub had many scholars. Since I still didn’t know much about old Ahrensbach, Ferdinand had assigned many scholars to assist me. I’d finally begun to get used to them. Sending Hartmut to oversee the temple library seemed like a perfect match for his abilities.

“Wow, if Hartmut and Clarissa become librarians, my library will be so well-managed!” I praised Ferdinand’s suggestion.

However, Hartmut and Clarissa gasped, quickly shaking their heads and declining the librarian positions.

“Lady Rozemyne, we wish to serve as your assistants, not as librarians.”

…Hmm. I would rather be a librarian than an Aub, but apparently, Hartmut and Clarissa were more eager to stay by my side.

They desperately pleaded their case and returned to their work. I thought at least one of them would prioritize the library over administrative duties, but it seemed my retainers preferred their work. It was a bit disappointing.

As Hartmut and Clarissa left for their duties, the scholar also quietly disappeared. Left alone at my desk, I glanced up at Ferdinand, who was standing nearby.

“But, Ferdinand, creating an environment where Alexandria’s children can grow familiar with books is a pressing issue,” I insisted.

Ferdinand’s smile only grew brighter, and he leaned in, his imposing presence overwhelming me as his glowing smile drew closer.

“The dormitory and children’s playroom are used in winter. As long as things are ready by then, it isn’t a pressing matter. Before we worry about your retainers, it seems I need to drill the concept of priorities into the Aub first.”

”…Understood. I’ll get back to work.”

I quickly lowered my gaze, trying to escape the pressure of Ferdinand’s smile. I heard a sigh.

“I will create the magic tools necessary to keep the library open every day, so you needn’t worry about that,” Ferdinand added as he began to walk toward the exit.

I responded cheerfully with a “Yes!” as I returned to my duties.

…Alright, time to work hard and get everything done!

Even after becoming Alexandria, the royally decreed fiancée held all the reins of the duchy’s administration. That rumor wasn’t entirely accurate. It was better for the fiancée to have control over the Aub for the sake of the duchy.