Ascendance of a Bookworm (本好きの下剋上 司書になるためには手段を選んでいられません)

Rosemyne defeated the Lord of Winter and finally obtained her first material.

Meanwhile, in the town of Hasse...

If Hasse is destroyed, it'll be your fault!

That's right!

That's just a rumor.

But, according to the merchants,

attacking the monastery counts as treason against the lord,

so the whole town could easily be wiped out.

Treason?!

I didn't know anything about that!

We were just following orders!

Don't take the rumors of the merchants seriously!

It'll be fine. I'm sure the former high bishop will take care of this.

The former high bishop has already passed away.

What?

Is that true?

Don't lie!

I'm not lying!

According to the rumors among the merchants,

the new high bishop is the Archduke's daughter.

Apparently, the compassionate high bishop has been worried

that the townspeople who didn't take part in the attack

will be caught up in the punishment.

They say the new high bishop is so compassionate

that she is considered a living saint.

We should ask the high bishop to intercede with the lord on our behalf.

That's right! That's right!

Don't be fooled by Richt's words!

You have to do something about this!

Ascendance of a Bookworm: Adopted Daughter of an Archduke

Episode 14 Hasse's Punishment

The pure and flowing waters of the Goddess Fruhtrane

have swept away the God of Life Ewigleben,

rescuing the Goddess of Earth Geduldh.

A blessing upon the melting snow!

A blessing!

A blessing!

The banquet celebrating the arrival of spring has begun.

First, we shall announce the this year's top students at the Royal Academy.

Next, commemorative gifts were presented to the top students.

Then academic rankings were announced. After that...

There has been a significant improvement

in the children's academic performance this winter.

I attribute this change not only to the influence

of Wilfried and Rosemyne joining the playroom,

but also to the educational materials that Rosemyne created.

I intend to use this opportunity to strengthen Ehrenfest's influence.

It all started with a single remark from Brigitte.

I'll...

I won again!

Yeah...

Amazing...

I can still keep going!

I'm sure that karuta and picture books will be all the craze

by the time you attend the Royal Academy, Lady Rosemyne.

Given how effective they are,

I think selling them to other duchies at a higher price may be a good idea.

We can strengthen Ehrenfest's standing if we start a new trend.

Our standing?

Yes.

Currently, Ehrenfest ranks somewhere in the middle

among the duchies of Yurgenschmidt...

However, our standing is due to other duchies

falling from power and losing their influence after the political upheaval,

so Ehrenfest itself doesn't possess much influence.

First, we must raise our ranking.

To do that, we need to improve our academic performance.

That is why our study materials are to be kept hidden from other duchies.

Even within the Royal Academy,

taking them to other duchies will be strictly prohibited.

I ask for everyone's cooperation in increasing Ehrenfest's influence.

After the conclusion of the banquet celebrating the arrival of spring,

the giebes all returned to their ruling provinces,

bringing the winter social season to a close.

And Dorvan will be last.

That will be order for the Spring Prayer.

I understand.

Now, regarding Hasse's punishment...

We had a discussion about this matter

a short while ago, with my adoptive father in attendance...

Revoking the Spring Prayer?

Yes.

The Spring Prayer is a ceremony to fill the land with mana

and pray for a bountiful harvest.

Without the Spring Prayer, their crop yields will drop.

Such a thing is a matter of life and death for the farmers, after all...

Doing it just once wouldn't be much hardship.

If the leader of a town fails, the entire community must bear responsibility.

Attacking the monastery is a grave crime.

Not sending priests for the Spring Prayer

for merely one year is simply too light of a punishment.

A punishment befitting the crime, huh?

Father accepted the punishment I proposed after that, correct?

Yes.

While I understand that was the optimal solution for you,

since you wanted to save as many of the commoners as possible,

it would set too poor of an example.

Huh?

We will dispose of the mayor as a traitor.

Yes...

I checked the situation in Hasse the other day.

How was it?

It seems they had a meeting about it over the winter,

and the mayor's faction has been completely isolated.

I made sure to circulate rumors that someone had to take the blame,

so the mayor must be keeping a low profile these days.

What? Aren't you happy?

We were able to turn the tide in your favor.

The disposal of the mayor has been confirmed.

That is only to be expected.

Everyone reacts the same way...

Is that all?

No, there's one more thing.

You should go to Hasse and announce the punishment in person.

Go and proclaim that the penalty has been reduced thanks to the mercy of the saint.

I have to proclaim myself as a merciful saint...

We simply must go and see, Mark.

Yes, Master.

Ugh, I'm so dreading this.

Oh!

It seems the measurements are finished.

I have decided to place the order.

I see. I'm glad you liked it.

To think you even considered my outfit for the Star-Binding Ceremony...

I only wish for you to wear something that makes you the most beautiful,

in hopes that you find a wonderful gentleman as your future partner.

I am truly delighted.

Then, Corinna. It is an unusual outfit,

so I imagine it will be quite a challenge, but I have faith in your skills.

I'm counting on you.

I will do my best to meet your expectations.

Lady Rosemyne, do you need a new hair ornament for spring?

I have prepared one for you to wear during the Spring Prayer.

Of course!

I shall take it...

It's finished.

It suits you beautifully.

Thank you, Tuuli.

The visitation time is coming to an end.

Lady Rosemyne, what would you like to do regarding the escort to Hasse?

Nora and the others will be coming along and returning to Hasse.

I would like to ask for your help again to ensure their safety.

Lutz, please hand this to the commander of the East Gate.

Duly received.

And then, the day to head to Hasse arrived.

We will depart soon.

Let us see how many people have been moved by your plans.

Yes!

They're here!

High Bishop. High Priest. Welcome to Hasse.

I offer my heartfelt gratitude to the Goddess of Water Fruhtrane

for bringing you here.

From this point on, I am a saint...

People of Hasse, I am Rosemyne.

I have pled with my father.

I asked him not to destroy Hasse.

However, attacking the monastery

is an act of treason against the archducal family.

No matter how much I plead, that fact remains unchanged.

However, there are likely many among you

that have been threatened or deceived by the town mayor.