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 was left in charge of the castle alongside Bonifatius and Wilfried.

Then, the Archduke and his wife returned after the end of the Archduke Conference.

Welcome back.

We have returned.

Were the two of you able to complete your duties properly?

Of course, Mother!

We replenished mana diligently every day.

Brother, you've gotten the hang of it, haven't you?

Yes. He worked quite hard.

I'm proud of you, Wilfried.

What is it, Father?!

This is all your fault.

Ascendance of a Bookworm: Adopted Daughter of an Archduke

Episode 18 Damuel's Proposal

I heard you informed my elder sister about my uncle's passing.

I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about...

Father's uncle would be the former high bishop, right?

But, older sister?

My elder sister, the one who married into Ahrensbach.

I've never even been told how many siblings Father has...

My sister told me that the new high bishop had kindly informed her.

You were definitely the one who told her.

I have no idea who among the letters I've responded as the high bishop...

Oh!

That magic letter?!

That must be it!

I see. You didn't know.

What happened between you and your sister?

My uncle was very fond of my older sister.

It seems they kept in contact after she married.

So, she berated me mercilessly during the Archduke Conference,

saying it was terrible of me not to inform her of his passing.

So that's what you look so exhausted...

That's why she is coming to visit his grave at the end of summer.

She said she wished to come thank you for letting her know.

She's going out of her way to come and thank me?

How conscientious...

You don't get it at all.

Huh?

Knowing that older sister of mine,

if she finds out you're the reason Uncle was captured,

she will cut you down with spiteful remarks that dig at your heart.

Huh?!

The duchy of Ahrensbach outranks Ehrenfest.

Offending her could easily turn into a diplomatic incident.

So, she isn't conscientious,

but the type who holds grudges and gives you a headache...

You best be careful.

Yes...

"That concludes this matter"... is what I'd like to say,

but there's another important issue

I need to tell you about, other than my older sister.

What could that be?

I was thinking of taking advantage of this year's Star-Binding Ceremony

to have Ferdinand return to the secular world.

You're going to have Lord Ferdinand return to the ranks of nobility?!

Hold on a moment!

Do you plan to destroy the cathedral?!

This is no laughing matter!

Currently, the operation of the cathedral heavily relies on Lord Ferdinand.

Right now, with no fully trained successors,

everything would fall apart should something like that happen!

Above all, if Lord Ferdinand leaves,

the burden on me would become absolutely overwhelming.

I will most definitely collapse!

That would be a major problem.

I'm glad you understand.

However...

Do you know why Ferdinand is in the cathedral?

Piecing together the various bits of information,

it seems like he entered the cathedral to escape the harassment of your mother...

The details, however...

She was a harsh woman to begin with, but...

Shortly before the passing of the previous Archduke,

Lady Veronica's malice grew to the point of threatening Ferdinand's life.

My mother always believed

that Ferdinand wished for the death of the previous Archduke

and was plotting to seize the position for himself.

That's some extreme paranoia...

In order to draw them apart,

I was the one who told Ferdinand to enter the cathedral.

Even after my father passed away

and I became the Archduke, my mother didn't change...

I don't want to leave Ferdinand in a situation like that.

He's still worried about that? He's so troublesome.

What will you do?

Do?

I understand Father's regret.

However, considering your health,

I think it's better not to change your environment.

If you don't wish to return, I will speak to father according to your wishes.

No, that isn't necessary.

He will likely have me return to the secular world,

then send me to work at the cathedral under his orders.

If my position as high priest doesn't change,

there won't be any disadvantages for you.

Above all, Eckhard and Eustachius have been exposed

to petty acts of malice merely due to their association with me.

It'd be good to return to the nobility for the sake of their reputation as well.

High Priest.

What is it?

I don't care about the advantages or disadvantages of others.

I am asking how you personally feel about going back.

My own will?

What will you do?

I'll be dragged to the castle to assist in the administrative work either way.

In that case, I should choose the option that offers the greatest advantages.

I wanted to hear you say "want to" not "should" here.

I understand.

If that's your opinion, High Priest...

Apparently, he would like to announce your return

when the nobles have all gathered for the Star-Binding Ceremony.

I have been told that after you return to the ranks of nobility,

you will officially become my guardian.

Your guardian?

Perhaps returning was a hasty decision.

What is that supposed to mean?!

Exactly as I said.

And then...

We made preparations

for the sales event at the castle and the Star-Binding Ceremony.

I really hope everyone accepts Brigitte's new outfit!

You've come, Ferdinand.

Come to think of it, why is his cloak a different color?

You can marry if you return to the nobility, right?

Shouldn't you be out looking for a partner?

It'd be pointless.

No woman here matches my level of mana.

Not even one?

It seems having too much mana can also be a real problem...

In that case, why don't you simply marry Rosemyne?

As she grows up, her mana capacity will likely complement yours.

You want me to look after this problem child for the rest of my life?

What kind of cruel joke is that?!

Exactly!

If I had to listen to this nagging forever,

it'd really be nothing but a cruel joke!

You two are perfectly in sync.

Yes, indeed.

Rosemyne, you will have the greatest opportunity to find someone

that matches your mana level while you are at the Royal Academy.

Hide your true nature and look for a partner seriously.

I will make every effort to find a partner that has a large library!

Don't decide on such a major matter that affects the territory on your own!

Ferdinand doesn't have the authority to grant you that kind of permission!

What are you talking about?

I will officially become Rosemyne's guardian.

A guardian is like a parent, right?

Wow!

So beautiful...

It's hard to believe that's the same knight from last year.

Isn't my guard knight beautiful?

We will now begin the Star-Binding Ceremony.

New brides and grooms, gather!

May you bless them with your divine protection.

My work is done!

Now, it's the time for adults.

Since my part is over, it's time for me to make my exit...

This is no time to be a wimp, Damuel!

Princess.

I-I understand...