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Chapter Text

Chapter 1 Rebirth

“Ferdinand!!” Myne screams from her space between her parents.

“Wake up honey it is just a bad dream.” Effa her mother says while stroking her back. “You had a horrible fever and now these dreams. I don’t know what we can do. You have always been sick but never like this!” Holding her daughter close and rubbing her back Effa holds back her tears. Myne has been screaming and crying in her sleep for the last bell and they were not able to wake her up until now. A strange yellow glow came off her for most of it and she was very cold. We almost lost her!

“I’m not going to work my daughter needs me here.” Gunter her father says. He loves his daughter and is very much afraid that she will die if he steps away from her for even a moment. He has never seen her like this. Her dreams are normally her escape and happy. She even said before she never wanted to wake up because her dreams were so much fun! What could have caused them to turn so bad so fast.

“But dad what if you lose your job!” Cries Tuuli. Gunter has already missed too many days because he refused to leave during her fever. Tuuli loves her sister even if she is not able to do anything. Fear comes over this little girl who had to grow up fast. Seeing her sister so sick and on the verge of death every day is a struggle. Tuuli has had to mature more than other children her age who have to grow up quickly anyways because life is hard for everyone. But even she doesn’t want to leave her sister after what they just witnessed. She knows though that without Gunter’s job they will not have enough money to make it through the winter and then Myne would die.

“Tuuli is right dad you should go to work. If I am awake it will be ok. Right? I can’t have bad dreams if I’m not sleeping.” Myne says. Her family looks at her strangely.

“Where is that coming from and how are you so calm now?” Tuuli asks. Her sister has always been odd especially when talking about her dreams but now she is acting even more odd.

“I don’t know, I just know?” Myne replies. A soft yellow light drifts through the open window and lands on her. “I feel like I need to go to the gate with Daddy today. That there is something there to help me.” Myne has always been strange and a cry baby. Seeing her act mature is very confusing to her family, but if there is something that might make her better than it is worth looking into. Strange colored dust comes in through the window landing on everyone. Gunter thinks it looks like the blessing light a noble give, but he doesn’t know why it would come in their house.

Yesterday she woke up as Urano/Myne. Her memories in another world have been unlocked. But she doesn’t know who Ferdinand is and why she was having a bad dream or what the dream was of. “Dad if I go with you to the gate, then everyone can work, right? And I will be close if something happens?” Myne asks knowing her dad will not go to work without her. Her father is very overprotective of her. I need to go to the gate! Myne thinks.

“Great idea! I can stay by your side too. If there is something to help you then we should go. But are you well enough?” Tuuli asks, worried about their dad’s job as much as she is worried about her sister’s health. She wants to know what could be at the gate to help her sister.

“I think so I rested all day yesterday and if Dad carries me, I won’t be walking around anyway. I can rest while dad works. What’s the difference if it is here or there. And then you can go to the forest and mom can work. Tuuli you should go to the forest. I will be ok at the gate it is inside and there are a lot of people who can protect me.” Myne says. Knowing that she has always been strange her family decides to go with this newly mature Myne.  

So, it was decided that Myne and Gunter would go to the gate, while Tuuli and Effa would gather and work.

The gods watching the family give a little help to them to ease their worries, give them the information and go along with what Myne has said.

Meanwhile…

Ferdinand wakes from his own disturbing dream but he remembers EVERYTHING. All of the memories from the previous weave and the conversation with the gods that followed. “Those damn gods trying to take my goddess from me. No never again.” Getting up and looking around he creates a plan, and he knows just who to call for it. Ewigeliebe has possessed him. Myne would call it PTSD. A completely natural reaction to seeing the only person who you love more than anything else be taken from you and after searching for a year finding her broken and crying at the foot of your enemy. The main thing he knows is that she is alive and needs to be with him as soon as possible. He cannot trust anyone with her until he gets his own mana under control. He will not admit it to others, but she needs to be with him for himself more than her right now. He does not know if he can go more than half a day without retrieving her.

“Karstedt, I need to you come to my room at the temple at once” as the message flies he calls Fran and tells him to let him get Karstedt from the gate. Knowing that he will be with Sylvester and be allowed to come because Sylvester is too curious otherwise. He goes into the hidden room to make the concealing amulets that will be needed. The Gods let him know before waking up that Gunter would be at the south gate with Myne today. He also sent messages to Justus to get clothing and to the other retainers so they can prepare themselves.

“Brother Ferdinand, Lord Karstedt is here.” Fran says through the contact stone. The timing was perfect. Ferdinand has just completed 3 amulets that conceal a person and their mana. He remembered the way to make them from the time before. Once he has his everything, and a certain someone, secured, he will make all the protective charms for Myne. She will need to be encased in his ice. He will not let her be taken again.

“Thank you for coming on such short notice.” Ferdinand inclines his head to the chairs and passes the anti-eavesdropping tool to Karstedt. Not wanting to waste any time he starts, “You will take on a daughter for me and baptize her as Elvira’s daughter. She will be my first and only wife.” Karstedt drops his noble barring upon hearing this and looks absolutely shocked. “We need to go to the south gate to talk to her father who is a soldier there. We will then bring her to my house, and I will keep her safe. I will explain more after she is safe with me.” Ferdinand states. His normal noble ways are being corroded at the moment, by the need he is possessed with.

“But how do you know all of this?” Karstedt questions him. His cousin is always ahead of knowing everything, but this is more than normal. How could anyone get this kind of information suddenly. Karstedt is very confused by these developments.

“The gods sent me back to this point after removing the previous weave and we made some … agreements.” Is the reply in the most demon lord manner that Karstedt has ever seen. Does this mean he challenged the gods and forced them to do things his way? Of everyone this man is the one person I can see doing that. Karstedt thinks to himself. “Do you mean you have lived this before? I didn’t realize the gods were even real!”

“Yes,” comes the reply “I have lived to see the country turn to dust. I will not fail her this time.” Ferdinand left out that he turned it to dust to force the gods to do as he demanded.

Karstedt has never seen his cousin so determined before. Taking a moment to really look at Ferdinand, Karstedt sees something that he has only seen a few times before. Ferdinand is fighting something inside. He saw something very traumatic to have that look in his eyes. It is a mix of possession for someone in addition to terror. The sooner that they retrieve the girl the better to calm Ferdinand down. I can find out more after we get him calm. If I try to talk to him now nothing good will happen.

***

At the gate the solders are getting ready for the shift change and the children are going out to the forest. Myne is bundled up in her dad’s arms and he is hesitant to put her down especially where he can’t see her. Having her wake up screaming some random man’s name and crying is making his protective instincts go on full alert.

Seeing his commander not wanting to get to work Otto offers, “Gunter, I have reports to do so I can keep an eye on her.” Myne perks up at this Does that mean books “Reports? You can read!!” Myne shouts right in Gunter’s ear. “Sure can. Would you like to learn? You are young enough and if you are weak this will give you a job you can do without hurting yourself” Otto responds. He has had to listen to his boss bemoan this girl’s poor health. If she is willing to learn I can pay him back for giving me a job and help his daughter have a chance at life, Otto thinks to himself. He only has this job because of Gunter and has wanted to pay him back for a long time.

“I will gather near the gate so have someone call me if something happens, OK?” Tuuli says to her dad before heading into the forest.

“Defiantly, I will shout the loudest if something happens.” Gunter says to Tuuli. Turning to Otto he says,“Are you sure Otto? You have to be very careful with her and keep her close to the fire and don’t let her get to hot but not too cold. And don’t let her be alone.” Gunter starts to rant as they walk to the office. As always Gunter cannot be contained when it comes to his family.

“Dad, calm down I will be fine.” Myne says stroking his hair. “Daddy sure does love me lots. Hehehe” Myne says quietly into Gunter’s ear making him smile wide. Myne hugs him tight before getting him to put her down near the fire. The room is bare, with just a big table and a few benches. There are many documents on the table.

Gunter is glad to see a little color back in her face. It seems like she has forgotten what the nightmare was about.

After getting settled in the office Otto pulls out a slate from storage and starts to go over the basics of letters and words. He is shocked at how quickly she picks up everything. When suddenly one of the guards run in the room. “Otto the Knight Commander is here!! He has demanded Gunter and his daughter be brought to him and you are needed there too!” the guard shouts into the room startling the two occupants.

“We are on our way!” Otto says to the guard, turning to Myne he adds, “I am going to carry you there and you will not protest.” When they enter the room, they feel it get colder for some reason then it gets warm again after Myne shivers. “Please excuse us Knight commander.” Otto says and sets Myne down on a chair in the corner.

“Stop, Put her here at the table. Everyone else leave.” The knight commander says. Everyone but the knight commander and the three commoners depart. “Hello there young lady what might your name be.” Karstedt says to Myne trying to ease the tension. Knowing that this will be more shocking for these commoners then it was for him, and that was plenty shocking.

Ferdinand however is not having it and comes into sight immediately activating a range anti-eavesdropping tool. “Bwahhhh!” Myne shouts, “Where did you come from!” “Close your mouth fool and come here” Ferdinand tells her. He is holding back as much as he can but with her in front of him, he is about ready to snap.

“No, you can’t touch my daughter!” Gunter yells at him scooping up Myne and holding her tightly. The air in the room drops and the chill sends shivers down everyone’s spines.

Ferdinand is vibrating with unleashed tension, “I recommend you let your daughter come to me willingly Gunter. I do not want to hurt you as she loves you, but I will not let anyone stand in my way. I will explain, but she needs to come to me.” Ferdinand is trying everything he can to stay seated and not take her by force. Seeing something familiar in the blue haired man in front of her she pats her dad and tells him to let her down. After a short back and forth of “let me down its ok.” And “I don’t wanna” Gunter finally sets her down reluctantly, and she goes to Ferdinand who picks her up and holds her close. “You may not remember me, but my name is Ferdinand, and I will be your husband.” He whispers to her. Upon hearing the name, she feels her heart is healed from the horrible dreams and she clings to him. Her head is hurting a little like it did the day before but then she heard a soft, “It’s not time yet.” And the pain left.

“What do you mean you are going to be her husband!” Gunter shouts. He does not like seeing his 5-year-old baby cling to an adult man. Then the name registers as the one she was yelling in her sleep, and Gunter is furious.

“I understand your concern, but the gods have made this so. Your daughter has mana and needs to be baptized and Karstedt ’s daughter to keep your whole family safe. I will do what I can to facilitate your contact with her, but this is so she does not die. I hope you understand that I am prioritizing her safety above all” Ferdinand says stroking Myne’s hair. Now that she is in his arms some of the tension dissipates and he is able to relax somewhat.

Gunter can tell there is love there but his daughter is 5 this does not seem right to him. He doesn’t understand why the gods keep getting mentioned. “Gunter the gods have unwoven the fabric. That means they have sent Myne and myself back in time to fix life. Everything was destroyed and turned to white sand. That means the mana was removed from the land and all life ended. I must make sure that doesn’t happen, and I need Myne by my side to do it. Also, we were married before and she lived into her 20’s. That means she is not actually five although she looks like she is two. I can promise that nothing untoward will happen to her. I will not fully be her husband until after she is of age. The wedding now is for her safety.” Ferdinand says in the simplest way he can knowing that Gunter will not understand noble speak. It is also so that Myne can understand. She is now burrowing into his chest as she takes in what he said. He is also a bit disjointed in what he is saying because he is still reeling from what happened himself. Trying to organize his thoughts to be better understood he strokes her hair. We will need to get her clean and her hair shining again. Focusing on ways to make her happy and safe is keeping the terror at bay.

“I don’t remember what you are talking about but I feel like I care about you a lot but I don’t remember what happened.” Myne says. She feels somewhat broken. She has had this feeling since waking up.

“Yes, I asked the gods to clear your mind from the pain of what happened. It was difficult for you, and you are so pure and loving that you do not need that pain in your mind.” Ferdinand tells her softly. He remembers everything especially how she died and what lead up to that. He will not let them touch her. He will not have that time of torment and separation again; he will not fail her. Holding her tighter he tries to calm down. Finally, his breathing and mana stabilize.

“Is that why she had the nightmares screaming your name?” Gunter asks. Ferdinand and Karstedt look at him shocked, and Myne just hides further into Ferdinand’s armor that he made soft, so it doesn’t hurt her. She is embarrassed and blushes. Ferdinand strokes her hair lovingly and holds her tighter with his other arm.

“That could be I tried to get to her before any memories could resurface and put you all at risk. She has a lot of mana, and it could be dangerous if it goes out of control. I know she would never want to hurt any of you, so I am here for her.” Ferdinand tells him hoping to get the point across that Myne will be going home with him.

Karstedt speaks up finally “I think it is best if we take her with us now. We can protect her better from herself and outside forces and keep others from knowing about you, and your family, if we take her now.” Trying to speed this up because the longer that he is gone the more Sylvester will bother him about this.

“Myne what do you want to do.” Gunter looks at his daughter heartbroken. His baby girl is already being taken by a man and he is over three times her age! This does not sit right with him at all, but he does not want her to die. The only thing he really understands is that they are saying she has mana, so she must go with them. Typical nobles not caring about anything else. He does not understand all the talk about the gods but it is something nobles talk about all the time.

“Well, I think I do need to go with them, but Ferdinand has a way to be invisible so that means there is a way for me to visit you right? We will not be separated forever but I won’t be able to live with you? Don’t worry though you will always be my Daddy!” Myne says smiling at Gunter. Ferdinand hands her over knowing that she needs to reassure Gunter for this to work right. After some back and forth he finally agrees. The gods had to work overtime to get him to agree though.

Otto goes and calls for Tuuli so she can say goodbye to her sister. Gunter is too busy crying into his daughter to notice anything else. Myne is hugging him and petting his hair. Tuuli joins in and when she is told the nobles are taking her sister to make her better, she gets upset.

“Myne, you said something was here to get you better not that you would leave us.” Tears streak down her face. She joins in the hug with her dad and it takes all of the years of training Ferdinand has to not grab Myne himself.

After a tearful goodbye Ferdinand tells them to not tell anyone other than her Effa and act like she died of fever in a few days. They are not happy about this, but he wraps Myne in blankets and then removes the soundproofing tool and with Myne became invisible and took off back to his home. Although she did not have time to say goodbye to her mother, she is informed she will be staying with them again before the season changes so that she will have a proper goodbye. While riding on his highbeast Myne relaxes into Ferdinand and finally feels at ease since she woke up from the nightmare. As long as you are by his side, you will be safe. She hears in her mind. It is the same soft voice as before. Ferdinand brings her back to his estate to prepare for the next steps.

Chapter Text

Chapter 2 Meet the Parents

Ferdinand had sent ordonnanz to his retainers to let them know the next steps. Only Justus and Lasfam will remain in Ehrenfest for the moment. Eckheart and his wife Heidemarie will be sent Dunkelfelger to get the Aub there to assist with a Zent meeting and collect Heisshitze and Clarissa who will be accepted as retainers.

Justus is excited to be of use to his lord but does not understand the request for any and all castoff clothing of Charlotte. Why does his master want Charlotte’s clothes? But, no matter, he knows how to get things done without asking unnecessary questions. Everything has been prepared and they are waiting for their master at the balcony of his room. He has not been home in two years, so they wonder if he is going to come back to noble society.

When Ferdinand lands with Myne in his arms and Karstedt following they get inside and take off the amulets. To his retainers it looks like the door suddenly closed and their master appeared out of thin air. This can only be the amazing mind of the master at work to create such a dangerous device.

“Justus do you have the clothes I requested?” Ferdinand states after activating the devises on the mansion wall. They will keep spies from being able to find out what happens inside. Myne is set down and removed from the blankets that are encasing her. The shocked retainers are doing their best to keep their expressions blank as Justus presents the clothes he has acquired. “Will this due my lord?” All the clothes are laid out for her to see.

“Yes, Justus that will do.” Ferdinand replies and then says, “My dear pick out what you like and get changed. You are a noble now and you must dress like one.” The second part is said softly, and he gently pushes Myne to the cloths.

“But I will get them dirty.” She says and then looks horrified at the place she was just burrowing into. Luckily it was faystone armor and his clothes are not actually dirty. “Yes, you will need to hold your breath and close your eyes. I am going to use a spell with water to clean you quickly.” Ferdinand replies remembering the first time he did this with her. After making sure she obeyed he casts Waschen on her and she is now clean, but unfortunately, her hair is not shining like he remembered. “We will have to do something about your hair later but for now pick what you want to wear out of the fall colors.” Justus pulls the fall outfits that would look best and presents them to her.

After picking an outfit and getting changed behind a screen she is able to get dressed with Heidemarie’s help. They move to the tearoom with Myne being carried by Ferdinand as he does not want to let her go. It seems like she will be carried by him for the forceable future. “Here Myne drink this.” Ferdinand gives her a synchronization potion. As she drinks it everyone else looks on with mixed expressions of horror. He has just dyed a 5-year-old child, but they do not understand why. “Shut your mouths. It is because of the gods. I am not going to do anything to her other than maybe read her memories in the future until she comes of age. This is necessary so she can use my jureve.” Ferdinand says exasperated at the fact they even let their minds go there. He sits down at the table and places Myne on his lap. “Eckheart did you call your mother?”

“Yes, she should be here soon.” Eckheart replies standing behind Ferdinand, standing guard as he has been wanting to do for these last years.

“Everyone sit down this involves all of you. Lasfam please bring Elvira as soon as she arrives.” Ferdinand orders his retainers without looking away from Myne. As he makes sure she has tea and snacks, his retainers look on hiding their shock. The fact that Karstedt says nothing lets them know to keep silent. Ferdinand ignores all of them and gathers his thoughts. He decides it is in their best interest and Myne’s to give more information then less. Soon Elvira is brought into the room. Noble greetings are exchanged and Myne instinctually knows how to give a proper greeting. The headache comes back and is removed again with a soft Sorry in her mind.

“Oh, my how lovely. Where did this child come from?” Elvira asks as she takes her seat. It is strange for a pre-baptism child to be presented and one who is still in infancy. How is this baby so well spoken? Elvira thinks to herself.

“This is your new daughter as chosen by the gods.” Ferdinand states bluntly. “Please chose a name for her as the last weave we named her after Rosemary and that was not a good choice for anyone involved. As much as I do love the name Rosemyne it is not appropriate.”  Drinking some tea for poison testing Ferdinand picks up Myne and puts her back on his lap. “If you will incorporate the name Myne I would appreciate it.” Ferdinand helps Myne with her own tea because she is too small to reach the table. He notices she is uncomfortable, so he rubs her back as she drinks.

“I will give you some time to think of a name for now, let’s get some things out of the way. Myne looks much younger than she it. She is 5 and I would like her to be baptized in the summer in 2 years by Karstedt and Elvira.” Ferdinand says.

Elvira does her best to keep her noble bearing but when she hears last weave, she gathers what is left unsaid. She heard stories of the gods being real when she was growing up in Haldenzel, so it is easier to believe then the others. Gathering her thoughts, she drinks her tea and observing the dynamic between the two. “Semyne? How do you like that?” Elvira proposes after a long thought.

“That’s a [German] name meaning goddess of the sun moon and stars!” Myne exclaims happily.

“When you use your hair product you have hair that shines like the stars of the night sky, and you have eyes like the moon. I think it is a very fitting name for you.” Ferdinand states sipping tea. Everyone goes quiet processing the fact the Demon King just eloquently complemented someone especially about their appearance. Myne has turned bright red in response her pale skin making it even more noticeable. She has never received such compliments in any of her memories and her daddy doesn’t count because he always says nice things about his girls.

Ferdinand sips his tea he knows what he just did. He is the only one with all his memories, so he is more comfortable praising her after years of her begging him for said praise. He also spent too long hating himself for leaving things unsaid with her. He will not make that mistake again. The good news is that Elvira is not asking to many questions and is going along with everything at this point. Then again, the gods like to meddle and the only thing he told them to do right now is to help people agree with him regarding this plan.

After a solid minute of processing failure Elvira starts to speak. “I am glad everyone likes the name. I had no idea it had such a beautiful meaning and as the gods have blessed you it is quite fitting. I would be happy to have you as my daughter.” She is running out of faystones and quickly steals Karstedt’s.

“Thank you ever so much Mother and Father. I will do my upmost to make you both proud of me.” Semyne says happily. She is glad to be accepted by the two in front of her. Ferdinand is glad he can give them another chance to be closer this time. The last time she was adopted by Sylvester and Florencia was expected to take the mother role, but Florencia never tried to be that. She was left without assistance and there was not much that Elvira could do to correct it.

“Now then I will discuss what this means for this house. Semyne will be staying with me and will spend most of this season in the jureve. Heidemarie you and Eckheart will be going to Dunkelfelger for about a season. It is ok for Semyne and myself to be separated for short periods during the day, but not at night. I will not have her stressed.” Ferdinand says. The reality is he does not want to be separated from her either. It is convenient to claim she needs him just as much as he needs her although he is not sure the validity of that statement, she does not negate it. He is nervous to have her out of site. He was tormented for years without knowing where she was. Trying to distract himself from the memories he word vomits information at them.

“When it comes to food and inventions just do as she says, and you will be very pleased with the results. I will be bringing a commoner boy into the house to assist with this also. His name is Lutz, and he will be a go-between for her and a preferred merchant. Lasfam, I want you to train him on our side and the merchant will train him on their end. He will be important to improving the duchy. You will also baptize a girl named Freida. You can pick a new name for her or leave it as is. She is the devouring granddaughter of the head of the merchant’s guild. She will be raised as a scholar and can also take the attendance course if she wants. Justus I am going to give you a list of children. They will serve my goddess and so will be important to bring together as they get baptized. For now, keep an eye on them and gather information. Make sure the chiefs do exactly as she says, and you will have food better than you ever imagined.” Ferdinand remembers the delicious meals his goddess made for him in the past and cannot wait to see what she comes up with.

Seeing that Ferdinand is giving his retainers time to digest the information Elvira turns to Semyne, “Now Semyne do you remember anything from before? You gave a beautiful greeting. I need to know how I can best help you as your mother.”

Semyne thinks for a moment. “It came naturally but I do not ever remember learning it. Once I met you things just clicked into place in my mind then my head hurt for a moment.” Semyne says and tugs Ferdinand’s sleave for more tea and treats. Ferdinand indulges her putting down his own cup to serve her like he is the retainer and she the master. He is happy to do so. It was years of torment and for him it feels like it was just yesterday. He is truly glad to do anything he can for her, he just needs her to never leave him. He will not be going on any trips without her. He is still trying to figure out how to deal with the academy.

Everyone is processing his actions while he replies to Semyne. “I made a deal with the gods; you will not have the bad memories but the knowledge that you need. I did not want you to have to struggle like you did last time. Elvira the key thing you should focus on is common since, noble euphemisms, and embroidery. Those are the areas that she will need the most help. I will have a music teacher for her. She learns very quickly. I will also oversee her general education and health.” Ferdinand states and holds up his hand. He can see she wants to say something. “There are factors you must know. At the moment she does not have memories but nightmares. Thus, she will need to stay by me at night. I need to be able to pulse my mana to her. This will help her know I am alive and with her when she is asleep. This is imperative. Also, the gods demand that we be wed at the first opportunity regardless of her age. That means the archduke conference directly after her baptism in two years. This should also keep there from being issues with the living arrangements.” Ferdinand states as calm as ever. Truly he is rushing everything due to anxiety and is just holding onto his composure, but he is a master of his outward emotions, so he thinks the others do not realize it. They have noticed there is an unbalanced look in his eye that does not match the rest of his expression.

“Way to drop a [bomb] on them” Semyne says looking at Ferdinand. Isn’t that the look that people who experienced trauma had in my old world? I think he is telling the truth, but it is a lot to take in. He is being very nice and cuddly though; I do like that. She thinks as she watches him carefully.

“Try to use words that exist in this language fool, or no one will understand you.” Ferdinand shakes his head. “I will also tell all of you, but you must swear never to tell anyone.” He looks at each individual sternly. They all nod. He knows that he can trust the couple and the others are namesworn so there are no issues revealing what comes next. “She has lived to adulthood twice from what I know.” Semyne looks at him shocked that he knows and then realizes that he must be telling the truth about everything else. “Once in this world and once in another without magic or class divisions. That is why she doesn’t understand the noble culture well. She was raised as a commoner and, in the temple, the first time in this world. We all misunderstood the lack of education dealing with common since, so there were issues. I am taking that into account this time. Also, the gods will be overseeing the marriage so there will be no issues with others trying to stop it regardless that she will be so young.” Ferdinand stated then signaled Elvira she had the floor. Ferdinand is overly tense and strokes Semyne’s hair to calm himself down. After all these years he finally understands her need for tactile reassurance. He will not fail her this time. His need is probably greater than hers.

“So, will she be living with you after that, or will she continue to live with us?” Elvira asks, trying to figure out everything that will be needed in her mind. Ever the scholar, she is mentally cataloging what will be needed and how many times over it will be needed.

“She can go to both houses, but I will need to be allowed to always access her room. Also, she will be adopted by Bonifatius upon her baptism. This will allow her to become an archduke candidate, just like Karstedt was before Veronica forced him to be demoted. That will give her a room in the north. I will have to make sure that Sylvester gives me permission to access. I think Bonifatius will demand her adoption anyway. I must get her semi healthy before that introduction.” Ferdinand replies. “She has mana clusters in her body that will need to be removed.” He remembers the two year long sleep. So many things he must take care of before anyone finds out about her.

“Somehow, I feel like I will die if I meet him!” Semyne wines holding her head again. Is this the gods keeping my memories away? If so just give them to me so this stops. “If that is the case, what about giving him a pet to make sure he doesn’t accidently kill me?” Semyne asks. She is confused again, and her mana becomes disturbed. Ferdinand notices the disturbance and holds her while stroking her back to calm her down. He puts faystones to her head and pulls out a ridiculous amount of mana.

“What a great idea you look like a shumil so it should be easy to get him used to holding a small frail pet all the time and control his strength!” Justus says happily only butting in to help ease the girl’s emotions. He can tell something is bothering her but does not know what.

“OK, but how do we tell father that we hid her from him for five years?” Karstedt asks. Silence permeates the room.

“Why not blame the gods.” Semyne states. “They are playing many games as it is so if we just say that you had a dream from them, and they demanded that you hide me until I was five then you can put all the blame there.” 

“We can also blame Veronica. Last time she was put in the tower for forging documents letting a noble from anther dutchy almost steal my goddesses.” Ferdinand says setting down his cup before he breaks it. “I will defiantly use that to get Bonifatius to force Sylvester’s hand in capturing her.” Ferdinand has to use a stone for himself and powders it. He puts is face in Semyne’s hair and breaths her in and he holds her. She is the only one who can calm him. She strokes his hair in response to help. He has PTSD! If I can help, then I will. It feels like this is going to be a full-time job, she thinks.

“Yes, I think that will work. Telling him that Veronica is the reason will redirect his anger and take out a big threat. It will also be a good reason for Father to adopt her.” Karstedt declares, happy that is settled. He knows it will not be an easy task to control his father.

“We will need to get Semyne outfitted properly, and I will get her a proper attendant.” Elvira says thoughtfully.

“I will be sending Eckheart and Heidemarie to Dunkelfelger with instructions and a letter for the Aub to make this flow smoothly. We will go speak to the Zent after Semyne is healed. We need to speak to him about the wedding and both Dunkelfelger and Zent owe me after the failed engagement. I will accept that bothersome knight and there is a scholar that Semyne will need. Also, Cornelius will be adopted to be able to assist as an archduke candidate. I will not let my goddess be without protection at the academy.” Ferdinand states. There are many players to make this work. More than he would like but the sooner that this part is taken care of the better for his control. I will need to make sure that she has a hidden room inside of every room with a transportation circle so I can always reach her. Ferdinand thinks to himself. The echo of her silent screams on his mind are only silent when she is near.

Details are finalized and the temple is brought up. “We will be keeping her away from the bishop, but I am needed there. The dutchy needs the mana we provide and although there are enough blue priests there is corruption. I will be removing him with Veronica. It is a matter of duchy safety that he is removed from power.” As Ferdinand says this, he gets a pressure in his mind.

Let them live for now but have them at the wedding. We will remove the impurities at once by your hand. Our daughter will visit the garden for the few moments it takes for you do dispose of them. The pressure fades.

“The gods want them at the wedding. They will be removed, and the gods will show their might. Such pests.” Ferdinand says holding his head. The pests are the gods and those who need to be removed.

“That will be good in some ways but bad in others. Will that not cause bigger issues with the factions? They will demand that you become Aub, and they will have too much power.” Elvira says. Her biggest concern is the factions she has been trying to manage for Florencia.

“No, we will not be Aub. The gods will state that we will be royals upon Semyne coming of age. They will give her the book of wisdom at her graduation, and we will take over.” Everyone goes into another processing error as Ferdinand sips his tea and waits. He did not want to say this, but the gods will tell everyone anyway and they need to be prepared that their daughter will be the highest person in the country.

“I get a special book to read!” Semyne exclaims happily ignorant to the fact that book it to rule the country. “New books! Fufufu.” Happily singing to herself, everyone but Ferdinand looks on with horror. Ferdinand is just happy seeing her happy and gives her more tea. “Don’t worry little love, I have many books for you, and you will be able to create so many more. I will take the country for you, and all the dutchies will offer you their books to copy and publish. You will have more books than anyone can read in a lifetime, and you will have all the time I can give you to read them.” Ferdinand indulges her. Petting her hair and feeding her more, he knows he is being too indulgent, but he cannot help it. Seeing her smile is healing for him and he will do anything to keep her this way. The others are keeping straight faces, but the ladies have their eyes shining. They are happy to see Ferdinand besotted and are ignoring the age situation completely, so they do not hurt their heads.

“We will need to have more meetings in the future. For now, we need to deal with the immediate. You need to tell your brother the situation if you can and we need to get Semyne the proper attire and deal with father-in-law. Have you contacted Dunkelfelger?” Elvira says as the first to regain her composure. She does not want to break the atmosphere between the two, but things need to be done.

“I will visit my brother shortly and contact the Aub via water mirror. I would like Semyne in the jureve first for her protection, but we need to deal with the merchants so I will get to my brother today and send my retainers when we have permission.” Ferdinand says planning his next moves.

“Do you already have her materials? How will you make one?” Elvira asks confused.

“Due to her constitution, I was able to give her a synchronization potion to change her colors so that she will be able to use mine.” Ferdinand responds. “If you have more questions about that ask your husband.” Not wanting to explain why he dyed her. “I would also like you to adopt the girl from Dunkelfelger. Her name is Clarissa, and she will be getting her memories from the last weave. She is highly intelligent and, along with Hartmut who she married, are fully dedicated to my goddess. They made many arguments to the gods for retaining their memories. I thought it best to allow it as things will move smother with everyone brainwashed.” Ferdinand shakes his head. When everyone else fell these two could still feel her and did everything to help him find her. He trusts them with her life.

His agitation could be felt now by the others, so the meeting ended, and Myne was henceforth called Semyne or as Justus calls her little queen.

Chapter Text

Chapter 3 Whose on First

Ferdinand knows that he has to talk to his brother to get access to the water mirror but he doesn’t want to leave Semyne. After having lunch with her, he very reluctantly leaves her in his library. She keeps telling him she will be fine. He sets all the defenses to the max before heading out and leaves her in his book room with Heidemarie.

Sending an ordonnanz to his brother, before eating, he requests an urgent meeting. Sylvester agrees wanting to know why he had to give up his guard night that morning. They arrive just as he finished lunch and well before he must attend his afternoon meetings.

“Thank you for seeing me on such short notice Sylvester.” Ferdinand says after his greetings. He has been able to collect himself and his emotions somewhat but Sylvester notices there is something off about Ferdinand.

“What do you need brother. Just ask and you know I will give it to you.” Sylvester drops his cheerful attitude for once reading the situation. It is not difficult with the aura leaking from his brother.

“I need to use the water mirror. I will explain everything to you soon but for now it is need to know. A matter of safety for those involved.” Ferdinand tells Sylvester privately. Sylvester is not one to intentionally hurt his brother and knows that Ferdinand is the best tactician there is. If he, who never asks for anything, needs to contact another duchy, as a matter of security, then Sylvester will ask later what is going on. Ferdinand’s need comes first curiosity second.

Filled with brotherly concern, Sylvester leads Ferdinand and Karstedt to the room with the device and clears it of all others. “What duchy brother?” Sylvester asks with his Aub persona on.

“Dunkelfelger please,” Ferdinand says with a blank face. Sylvester initiates the contact with concern in his heart. Ferdinand would never risk a ditter demand unless it was necessary. He thought he would be contacting Drewanchel. Both duchies love Ferdinand and always ask after him when they meet, so Sylvester knows that this will go in Ferdinand’s favor.  

After a short time, the mirror displays the other Aub. “To what do I owe the pleasure Sylvester? I was just about to enjoy a relaxing ditter. I hope we can make this quick.” Aub Dunkelfelger says cheerily. Ferdinand steps into view and his expression turns to worry. “Ferdinand is everything all right? I never expected to be contacted this way by you.”

“Please clear the room Aub Dunkelfelger. I need to speak to you privately.” Ferdinand waits for the aub to signal this has been done. “I need to send my retainers to you. They will have a letter for your eyes only along with some requests for personnel. The reason will be in the letter. I will only be asking for one adult and one recently baptized child. Again, it will be in the letter. When can you receive them? It will be for a season or less. I will allow them to ditter while they wait for me to finish things on my end.” Ferdinand says giving as little information as he can get away with and tempting them with ditter. Sylvester is shocked standing beside him. Never has he heard of Ferdinand initiating ditter.

“Well, we owe you after the issues my sister caused, and you never ask for anything. I do consider you a brother even if you didn’t marry my sister so you and yours are always welcome. Is the adult you are asking for the knight who was desperate to serve you before?” Aub Dunkelfelger asks. Trying to maintain his aub persona when a ditter offer is put in the mix is hard but Ferdinand himself will not be participating but maybe when he visits, the aub thinks trying his hardest to remain still.  

“Yes, the very same.” Ferdinand replies. “I would like to have my people there at the first opportunity so that you can review the information before winter.” All nobles are busy in the winter and Ferdinand does not want any more delays. I wish I could just use a spell and fix her immediately but that would be too easy. Also it takes time to get a meeting with the fake Zent. Ferdinand is quite annoyed.

“We can do the transfer today. We always have the guest wing ready for ditter! I mean guests.” The Aub says quickly correcting himself. Ferdinand shakes his head at the expected slip. “I will send them through the academy. The retainers I’m sending are married. Thank you for your cooperation in this, I will remember it.” Ferdinand states. After they say their farewells, the call ends and his brother looks at him with concern.

“Are you leaving me brother? Why are you leaving me?” Sylvester’s eyes become glassy with tears. He never expected things to turn out this way, and it is a painful feeling in his chest.

“You fool I’m not leaving you! I still must help you clean up your mother’s mess!” Ferdinand says exasperated. The glassines he sees in his brother’s eyes triggers the memory of when Sylvester died before. Ferdinand acted without realizing it and pulls his brother into a hug. “You are such a fool, but I will not abandon you. I will explain everything when we have more time for now know that I WILL fix this, and I WILL keep you safe.” Squeezing his brother one more time Ferdinand departs to get back to his goddess. She is the one who can fix this torment inside. He does not need her to do anything other than just be with him.

Watching his brother leave, Sylvester turns to Karstedt and asks, “Are you going to tell me what happened this morning?” Karstedt looks bothered. “I think it is better for your brother to tell you himself. What I can say is that he has changed. Everything has changed and we must be flexible to keep up.” Karstedt kept telling himself this later that night when he brought the night blue shumil to his father and tried to stop the rage of the one-man army.

Eckheart and his wife, now having permission, head through the dorm to Dunkelfelger. They pray for the poor Aub’s heart the whole way, knowing what the letters they carry say. They are however glad that they are going to be in a safe environment away from poison for a short time.

In the lower city letters have arrived and shaken the recipients, however commoners are more flexible as nobles are always making unreasonable demands.

Otto and Benno received a meeting summons with some very strange requests. Otto’s was more odd then Benno’s. Otto must find a child through the captain and bring him as an apprentice. Benno must bring his sister and the captain’s daughter as an apprentice. “Why are nobles forcing us to hire south side commoners?” Benno asks the wind, thinking Otto didn’t know. Otto, knowing about Myne going to some nobles and the promise made, is not that surprised but this but cannot say anything. “Let’s just do as it says and get them ready, we have three days to gather everything I will contact Gunter and bring the children at once.” Otto runs out of the store before Benno can even reply.

When the children are presented, they are not up to scratch but that was expected. “We need to get them washed and dressed in proper cloths. After that we will need to drill in as many manners as we can before we go. Kids you will stay with us for the next few days so you can learn everything you can. If you mess up in front of a noble, they can kill you so take this seriously.” Benno says. He does not want to be responsible for the death of children. Pulling his hair, he formulates the best way to train these children. He also calculates the cost of medicine he knows he will need due to this strange demand. Gunter deals with Lutz parents so they will not cause issues. Bringing nobles into the picture helps to keep them from demanding Lutz back but they are very worried for their youngest son. Effa and Gunter are worried for their daughter but hope that Tuuli will come back with a report about Myne.

The following days are bliss for Semyne. Learning new words reading new books and having a dotting handsome man at her beck and call! What more could a girl ask for. There are times when he goes to do something and comes rushing back needing to hold her. He has gotten very good about not bothering her reading when doing so. And at night he holds her and sings to her. She has not had any of those bad dreams, but there are times he gets agitated in his sleep, and she just strokes his hair and talks to him. He calls her old name “Rosemyne” when this happens. Overall they are very calm days.

The same could not be said for Tuuli and Lutz.

After getting as much crammed into their heads in the few days they have they finally go to the mansion they were summoned to. “Is this an archnoble’s estate?” Corrina asks her brother while riding in the carriage that was sent for them. “It looks like it, but I was not told who we are seeing just that we had to bring these kids and those bolts of cloth.” Benno responds. Otto remains silent with a hand on Tuuli’s shoulder. Benno notices this but waits to quiz Otto for when they get back home. Once they are ushered into the tearoom where the nobles waited Tuli could not hold in her exclamation of shock. Otto put his hand on her shoulder reminding her where they are and to stop. She quickly gets control of herself on the outside but inside is screaming. The greetings are exchanged, and Ferdinand, holding a well-dressed Semyne, blesses the commoners.

A sound control barrier is put up once everyone is in place and the servants are dismissed. Only those summoned, Elvira, Semyne, Karstedt, Ferdinand and Justus remain. “Semyne you may.” Ferdinand tells her as he sets her on the floor. “Tuli!” she yells running to her sister. They embrace crying. “As you can see there is a reason, we asked you to bring these two children. They will be instrumental to your future as exclusives of the Archdukes family.” Ferdinand tells the adults. They all swallow knowing the weight of those words. “Semyne calm yourself or I will remove you.” “Yes sir.” She responds and gets control of her emotions. Justus helps her sit on a chair with Tuuli as they are so small, they both fit. Tuuli snuggles into her sister so happy that she is better.

“Now that we are all calm” Ferdinand says glaring at Semyne. “You must refer to her as Semyne from now on. You may call her Myne when she is undercover in the lower city. She is the daughter of archnobles connected to the archduke house and she will be an archduke candidate herself. That means in public you cannot act like sisters. I will make opportunities for you to do so as much as possible. Corrina you will be her seamstress so there will be times you can bring Tuuli to help you measure and such where they can be less formal that is why you have been included in this conversation. Lutz, I know you want to be a merchant so you will be one. You have time to work on this. You will need to leave your family’s home, however. You will go between my estate and the Gilberta company as you will be creating the insanity that is thought of by my wife.” Ferdinand says.

“Why do you keep dropping heavy things on people like that!” Semyne interupts remembering not to use the word [bomb]. She pouts adorably and Ferdinand holds himself from taking her from Tuuli.

“Because it is faster than talking around it to get them there. You taught me that in the last weave.” Ferdinand replies. Turning to Benno he sighs. “ Also know that she is a gremlin who will make you a lot of money but will bring headaches like you have never known. I will do my best to control it on this end, but you have permission to control her on your end. If she is going out of control, you need to stop her.” Turning to Lutz he adds, “Lutz you will live in my home to best understand how to control her by exposure to her.”

“My lord may I ask some questions?” Benno asks with an ashen face. “You may.”

“When you say wife are you referring to Semyne or someone else?” Benno asks. He is very concerned that the tiny baby is being referred to as wife.

“Ah yes, I understand the confusion. I do mean Semyne.” All the commoners become pale at this. “The gods have decreed it so we will be wed after her baptism. It is not standard in noble society however the gods do not care for these things. Her parents” Ferdinand says gesturing to Elvira and Karstedt, “understand and accept this. She will be adopted by her grandfather and our engagement will be announced at the baptism and the wedding will be the following spring at the archduke conference. You will need to make sure her outfits are worthy of that standing. Do not worry overmuch about the outfit for the wedding day as the goddesses are going to overdress her anyway. They love to meddle too much when it comes to her.” Ferdinand rubs his temple remembering all the times her blessings shot out and the over blessings the gods gave her.

“So, you wish for her to be dressed as an archduke candidate?” Corrina clarifies. She is starting to design what would look best on Semyne with her coloring.

“For now. After the wedding she will need to be dressed as the ‘Daughter of the gods’ as they are going to claim her at the wedding as theirs. Don’t worry overmuch about that, the gremlin has many ideas that are out of standard and never seen before. Also, she will be in the temple for a lot of her time here so she will just need elaborate robes befitting her standing. We will be ordering a lot of things through your shop.” Ferdinand replies as everyone again falls silent. “The blue robes will be needed for the dedication ritual in the middle of winter. We will also need robes for her brother. When the big orders are done I would like to order new robes for myself to pair with hers but that has no rush.”

“Ferdinand stop doing that to them!!” Semyne yells. “At least give them a year or so to get used to doing work they are not used to before giving them nightmares!” Tuuli looks shocked at her sister for yelling at an adult and a noble at that.

“Fine I think I told them all the key bad points anyway. For now, just wear normal styles. We will deal with your jureve as soon as your measurements are taken.” Ferdinand turns back to those listening, “She will be asleep for maybe a season so we will need late winter to spring things made. Her measurements will not change. Hear that gods she is not allowed to grow! Sorry about that they like to meddle with her.” Ferdinand says, everyone is getting used to him being out of expectations. “Tuuli I’m sorry but I need her back” he says as he picks up Semyne who giggles at the situation.

“It’s ok Ferdinand they will not do anything. They are afraid of you. Fufufu. But don’t worry Corrina, I can show you a way to adjust for growth so even if they meddle it is just a matter of taking out some seems.” Semyne says giggling while petting Ferdinand’s hair. Tuuli is on the chair stuck between a pout and a giggle from watching the big bad noble melt for her sister.

“Now that all of the private information has been shared, Semyne please deal with the Rinsham I can’t wait for the initial test products.” Elvira says with shining eyes. She remembers how Ferdinand waxed on about hair and needs to get her hands on this product sooner rather than later.

And so, the merchant, that Benno himself trained, came out and a tense negotiation of exclusive rights broke out with the others looking on in shock and only two of them understanding what was being said between the bargainers. The pale looks on Otto and Corrina’s faces was enough for the others to know that Semyne was holding her own, and Benno was doing the same.

“Well then that is it. Who taught you how to do that?” Benno asks. “That would be you.” Ferdinand responds “She has no memories of before, but the information is retained. Don’t worry about how she got the information just be glad she has it. I am the only one who fully remembers what happened. One of us had to so it would go smoothly this time. I was not going to burden her with it, but I wanted her to have the needed knowledge. The gods gave in to what I wanted in the end.” The demon lords smile is in full force, and everyone prays for the gods to be strong against this man.

The truth is that the memories of the lower city knowledge and things she had to know were granted by the gods while she was dreaming. She promised not to tell Ferdinand as only keeping the knowledge was hurting her. Ferdinand has worked so hard to protect her that she doesn’t want to tell him the truth. She doesn’t remember past her first year at the academy for now. The gods told her she would get that when she is in the jureve.

With the magic contract signed the recipe for Rinsham is handed over. “Make sure you do it just like that or it will be messed up. That is both the high quality for nobles and the lower quality for the lower city. I will sell you how to make paper and hair pins with the demand that my two associates are given the best contracts. I will send a gray priest to your store to assist them and the rest of your workers how to deal with nobles in return. I know that it would be difficult for them to be able to go to the castle otherwise.” Semyne says and then looks confused at how she knew all of that.

"Hush little one don’t think about the how just be grateful that it is. It is better this way without the pain. I promise you.” Ferdinand says stroking her hair to calm her. She is still in his arms as he is reluctant to let her go for long. She knows she has to pretend confusion for now but it is a good excuse to get gyu so she does not mind playing it up.

Benno and Semyne then work out the deals for the other contracts and agree to set her up with a guild card after she wakes up. With the deals done the ordering can begin. The magic tool is taken down and the servants are called back in to assist. While Corrina is measuring Semyne behind the partition the others are ordering the necessary things for three rooms from Benno. “We will need to ask her what color she will like but with her birth season summer she may want blue.” Elvira says. They order the type of cloths and beddings needed. Ferdinand already has the room measurements for the temple and his house and Elvira has them for the room with her.

After all the sizes are written down Semyne rejoins the group. “What color would you like your rooms daughter. There are three. They can all match or be different it is up to you.” Elvira says.

“I think that the blue of the sky on a summers day and the gold of the sun are the perfect pair.” Semyne says looking right at Ferdinand whose hair and eyes she just described and whose ears are now pink. Elvira’s eyes shine with the light of a lover of romance and her fingers twitch to write it down.

“I think that is a lovely idea daughter! We will also need thread in those colors in addition to the night sky and moon.” Elvira says looking at Semyne who just got described herself and is now blushing gloriously.

“Corrina and Tuuli, I will show you how to make the clothes adjustable so it can accommodate for any random growths I may have.” Semyne says getting a wooden board and bringing them to a table. Elvira joins them to approve the fashion choices. She is pleasantly surprised at what Semyne comes up with and her main clothing is chosen for the winter season.

“Benno please get these cooks and inform them they will start in the temple but also work in the nobles’ quarters and castle in the future. Also here is a list of Semyne’s exclusives that will be needed. They can stay at their current workshop but, if possible, Johann and Zack should be positioned that they can make their own workshop. In the meantime, I will be messing with the ink guild to remove threats.” Ferdinand whispers to Benno holding the paper with names.

Everyone said their goodbyes and only the nobles were left. “I will take Semyne, and we will return when she is in full health.” Ferdinand says. He Cannot help but collect his goddess and carry her again. How am I going to get healthy if I can’t move? Semyne thinks but she is very comfortable being held in his arms.

“Of course, Lord Ferdinand everything will be prepared when she wakes, and I will have everything you need sent to you. Having everything the same makes it easier.” Elvira replies. I am so lucky to have a daughter now and one who is so cute too! Elvira thinks as she lovingly strokes Semyne’s hair.

“We shall depart. Karstedt, please inform your father about your daughter and tell him that she is safe but out of the duchy. I will bring her via the transportation circle when she wakes up. That way we can say she has been with the gods up to this point.” Ferdinand says. Everyone agrees and goes to do their tasks.

Chapter Text

Chapter 4 While the gremlin sleeps

A/N it has only been 5 days since she regained her memory as Urano it is the fall of her 5^th year, and she has the mark of Ewigeliebe meaning that by taking the synchronization potion she is now the same color as Ferdinand. That is why she can use his potions.

At Ferdinand’s estate

Ferdinand had Semyne empty her mana in all the tools around the house and into several faystones to assist the healing process. “Now I am the only one who can enter here so you do not need to worry about anything. I will be keeping a close eye on you, and I will not be going to the harvest festival. There are enough priests anyway. The main thing you need to do is to not let any gods grow you when you are in there. Do you understand?” Ferdinand asks Semyne. She is of course in his arms.

“But I want to grow! It’s better to be a normal girl, isn’t it?” She asks. She feels like she is forever playing a game of “the floor is lava” with how much she is in his arms and not allowed on the ground.

“No, you are too beautiful as it is if you are normal size others will come after you. You are not allowed to grow until after the wedding. Then you can grow and be the normal size for your age when you enter the academy.” He retorts giving her a bit of a squeeze.

“Fine as long as it is only a short time, I can deal with it.” She says watching Ferdinand get everything ready for her long sleep.

“We are doing this now while no one knows about you be glad we are not waiting. After you wake up, I will have to go to the sovereignty, and you will join me. My retainers will watch you while there. And I will give you all the books you want.” He says handing her the potion. “Now drink and rest I will not let any disturb your slumber.”

He strokes her hair as she drinks it and gets lowered into the tub falling asleep as Ferdinand watches on. Once submerged the worried expression he has been trying to hide comes forward. “Gods I am telling you now if you do anything other than making her healthy, I will come after you. Do not grow her at all!” Ferdinand says into the empty room.

Meanwhile in the realm of the gods…

“Why do I have to be tied up? I’m not going to grow her I promise I’m just going to watch like everyone else.” The god of growth shouts indignantly. Leidenschaft the god of fire who is over the god of growth looks at him. “I know you will not hurt my daughter, but this is for your protection. That man has barged in before and if he sees you free and thinks you are going to do something he will act first ask questions later. We need to show him that only Heilschmerz and Flutrane are acting and within parameters given. You know how crazy he can be.” All the gods and goddesses nodded. The two that are allowed to act are doing everything they can to be careful and assist the process with as little down time for their daughter as possible. Mestionora on the other hand is sneaking off to finish giving the child her memories. It is going to hurt but it is better to know and Myne agreed. Besides she needs to save the garden! There is nothing wrong with giving the child back her book, no nothing at all. And Ferdinand will never know it was her anyway.

Back in Ehrenfest lower city

Benno is teaching the two children everything he can. They are lucky that they are good learners. He thinks to himself. Maybe they are blessed because the one they will call daughter of the gods is looking after them.Along with teaching the children he gets the production of Rinsham up and running, shaking his head at how simple the formula really is. The testers for the upper and lower city are ready along with the exclusive scents that were listed for Semyne, Elvira and Ferdinand. It is doubtful they even know that she added this into the contract, Benno thinks as he remembers that crazy negotiation. Well at least they pay more for the exclusive scent but then again Semyne gets a commission off each one, so she is getting more on those too. I must have trained her well last time.

A week has passed since the summons, and everything is ready for the first product display. The Gray priest has started to arrive and was very out of his element. However, his manners are perfect, and the children are all learning very quickly.

Back in the noble’s quarters Ferdinand sits his brother down for a drink with Karstedt and Bonifatius, who now has a shumil in his arms all the time. Karstedt has already informed and calmed down his father to avoid the rampage and told him about the wedding and the gods so that Ferdinand stays alive.

“Aub Ehrenfest thank you for meeting with me.” Ferdinand says as he sits down. He is ready to get this over with and get back to his house. He has spent hours just staring at her. He pretends to himself it is to make sure she is not growing but the truth is he itches if he is away too long. He won’t let her limbs atrophy this time. So, he has excuses ready for the non-existent questioning.

“Brother don’t be formal with me this is a casual meeting.” Sylvester says sipping at his drink. Will I finally get to know what he needed to send to another duchy for?

“Of course, brother but I have some matters that I need to tell my Aub so that I don’t get in trouble.” Ferdinand replies playfully. The other two in the room tense knowing the information to be shared and not liking it but accepting it as fact.

“Oh, now brother what could you need to tell the illustrious Aub that could get you in trouble?” a fake serious Sylvester inquires. He chooses to stay playful to avoid the haunted look Ferdinand had before leaving last time. “I am to be wed in two years at the archduke conference to a goddess.” Ferdinand drops on his brother’s head with all the seriousness he has and sips his drink. Sylvester drops his cup and spits out his drink. He looks at the other two who are just cringing at the delivery and notices they are not shocked about it. “Karstedt how long have you known?” he says looking at his guard knight. Glaring at him really.

“Since Ferdinand called me suddenly that day. I had to know it is my daughter we are talking about!” Karstedt defends himself. “Also, he wanted to tell you himself it’s the gods we are dealing with so I couldn’t do anything about it!” Karstedt uses the same tactic as he did with his father to throw the whole mess on the gods and Ferdinand.

“You have a daughter!” Sylvester gets up and paces. “Why did you not tell me? How old is she? She is going to be the wife of my brother, but she is not known?” Sylvester understands better why another duchy is getting involved now. Ferdinand must have communicated with the gods at the temple.

“Please calm down. She was taken by the gods at her birth to protect her from your mother! She will be back in a season or two so we can now tell you so that you can prepare. She was weak at birth and is most likely tiny as of now. She is 5.” Karstedt says doing everything he can to calm his lord down.

Sylvester plops in his chair when his mother is mentioned but jumps up again when her age is said. “She is 5!” He exclaims. “And you are ok with this? Bonifatius how are you ok with this?” He turns to his uncle. Ferdinand wonders if his eyes will leave their sockets.

Bonifatius rolls his eyes. “Of course, I am not ok with this, but the gods do what they want. How am I supposed to let my precious granddaughter get married at 7! But I must. The gods will not be defied in this.” He hangs his head upset he cannot protect his granddaughter. “Wait married at 7! You will be married in two years to a CHILD!” Sylvester yells and then collapses in his chair. “What are they doing!” Pulling his hair, he tries to collect his thoughts.

Ferdinand choses this moment to twist the screw in. “They are going to make her queen upon her coming of age so getting married sooner is better for their plan.” He states calmly like there is nothing wrong with taking over the country while swirling his drink.

“You WHAT! Are you trying to kill me brother?” Sylvester says rubbing his hand over his face. If he thought what was said so far was bad it just got worse. “I do not know what to say anymore if she is queen, you as her husband will be zent? How is this going to play out?” What will this mean for their duchy? They do not have the means to support a zent.

“Simple the gods will call for us at the conference following her baptism. As we will already have Bonifatius adopt her she will be an archduke candidate. They will then demand our marriage and oversee it. Claim her as their daughter and announce her ascension to queen upon her coming of age. She will then go to them as I assassinate the traitors removing their namesworn in the process. I will be given the book. The ‘royals’ will then be demanded to rule while she is educated and step down upon her coming of age.” Ferdinand states.

“How can you be so calm about all of this!” Sylvester says holding his head. He will not be able to escape this.

“Well, I already have the book so it’s just a matter of showing it. It’s not like the royals can actually get it.” Ferdinand says to a shocked room. Karstedt and Bonifatius were not aware it was already in his possession.

“YOU ALREADY HAVE IT” they all shout at him at once. They jump up and hover over Ferdinand glaring at him as hard as they can. How could he hide this from us? They all think together.

“Oh, I must have forgotten to mention that. In the last weave they didn’t even try so they are not going to get a chance this time. They don’t have all the colors anyway.” Ferdinand says nonchalantly. To an outsider it is like he is tossing seeds on a field, but those seeds are actually explosives that go off all at the same time and the whole field is left shaken.

“Last weave brother? I think you are leaving out a lot of things here. How long have you had the book?” Sylvester questions. “Can this get worse?” He holds his stomach I am going to die before this meeting ends!He thinks

“I got part of it in my last year at the academy. When I regained my memories of the previous weave, and yes everyone dies and turned to white sand, so I have no choice, I got the rest of it. Now we just need to deal with the biggest threats to my goddess and then she can have a semi-normal school experience. I would like Cornelius to be adopted with her so he can be high enough status to protect her when I am not there.” Ferdinand says.

“Can you not be so deadpan about this brother? You are killing me.” Sylvester has his hand on his stomach trying to stay calm.

“I will adopt them both. I will do anything to protect my precious granddaughter.” Bonifatius said with a resolute look.

“I fear for anyone stupid enough to do anything to upset or hurt her with you three involved.” Sylvester says like he doesn’t have to worry about anything.

“Oh, you don’t intend to protect your treasure?” Ferdinand finally has an expression, but it is the lord of evil on his face. Bonifatius has a stony look along with his son. “What do you mean brother. Between the three of you I would just get in the way.”

“She has inventions that will make you rich and the ability to rase the ranking to that of a greater duchy also it is up to you to make sure we get there and stay there so as not to hurt the image of the daughter of the gods. You realize that others will try to steal her even if she is married to me, right? She has as much mana as I do even at her young age and because of that fools may think that the marriage is not real anyway because she is so young. They may also try to force her to take other husbands or for me to take other wives. There is a lot for you to do with security my dear brother. You must also drain as much mana out of those who will be disposed of now so that you can clean up the duchy to be ready for trade.” Ferdinand lists the basics. “First thing is to get your mother to use as much mana as possible for the changes we will need to make I will make sure everything else is in place and ready with the merchants and solders. Also, if you don’t want your son demoted and turned into a bumbling fool, give him back to your wife tonight and do as much damage control as possible. He doesn’t know how to function.” Ferdinand is intentionally being cruel with his information dump. You will assist me brother and you will feel the urgency to protect her, or I will remove you from your position. Ferdinand thinks. He is pissed his brother would fail to realize his part.

“Ferdinand why do you have to destroy your brother in such a way! I forgot I was Aub for a moment it was a mistake!” Sylvester cries out. “I will do as you say. I trust you and from what you say the gods will be taking mother to the towering heights?”

“She will be executed she will cease to exist.” Ferdinand states holding back a smile. Knowing that the one who caused him so much pain will be called out by the gods, and obliterated, is happy for him but his brother cares for the woman, so he holds back. He hates her but loves his brother.

“Is there anything else you need to dump on me brother or is that it? Is my life over?” Ferdinand taps his temple for a moment going over all the points. “I think that is it for now there are many things that will be addressed in the future but those are the most important. You will want to get the assistance of a second wife, however. You cannot keep relying on Elvira who is a married to your knight commander to keep acting in that role, it is not right. She will have enough on her plate with her own daughter she cannot keep running the women’s factions for you.”

Karstedt grimaces as he realizes what has happened. “I don’t rely on her like that she just helps Florencia she is not acting as a second wife!” Sylvester denies.

“Florencia has been hiding from your mother and has not been able to act even as a first wife. The only role she has fulfilled for you is giving you children. She has not done any other jobs as your mother does not allow her to. Elvira is the only one acting in any capacity among the nobles in your favor.” Bonifatius enlightens. Sylvester looks shocked and sits there in a daze.

“I will leave you now brother I need to go to my goddess and as we lived into her adulthood, I do know those facts to be true. She does not remember the events, but I do. Leave her be. You were bothersome to her last time, do not error this time.” Ferdinand gets up and flies off before anyone can respond. He goes straight to his hidden room and checks his goddess, his everything. Good no growth and there seem to be fewer blocks. This is going quickly. He thinks as he changes out the faystones from around her.

The three men were left sitting there to discuss who would be a good second wife for the Aub once his mother was removed. It was decided to leave it to Florencia and Elvira as she would be assisting them.

Bluanfah is watching on appalled that they don’t try to make an effort. At least Ferdinand is aware this time. And Semyne, love the new name, I know what was done! I can dance for you too! The goddess of sprouts goes off to find a good girl to connect with the silly Sylvester. I need to make sure I pick a good one so that our daughter has an easier time. Ferdinand will like that too. Less work for him more time to take care of his raffel.The goddess scurried off to find the perfect candidate to point out when the time came.

Chapter Text

Chapter 5 The Shumil awakens

Semyne finds herself in a land of cotton candy and a watering can. While she can just step on the blocks the water melts them faster. So off she went removing all the pink leaving a pure white room. Beloved daughter we will not interfere in your life. You must ask us for what you want from us. We can only do as asked to do. That is the agreement. We cannot return your memories without permission from your husband. If you want those, we need permission first. If you want to read your old books to invent new things just pray about that one thing before you go to sleep and you will be able to read the one book. Only one per night and only for one bell. That is the agreement. We are only a prayer away. The voice of all the gods and goddesses say in harmony. It’s easy to understand but unnerving to hear them all at once.

Then Semyne is transported to a library. Mestionora sits with a two shumils. One is golden and the other is black. “My dearest daughter, are you ready to remember everything?” She says patting the seat next to her on the couch. The couch looks like one from a fancy movie with only one arm and velvet covering it. It is Yellow with green legs and gold trim. The table next to it is blue on top with red legs. The curtains over the windows are a shear white. The tea set on the table is a beautiful black with gold trims. Each cup has a different divine instrument, of the pillar gods, while the tea pot has the crown and cloak on it.

Taking it all in Semyne goes to sit next to the goddess that looks like an older version of her. “I am ready, but how will you keep Ferdinand from finding out?” Mestionora pulls the girl to her and hands Semyne the book of her past. “We are under the cloak of Verbergen. We should not be found. The other gods are not aware of this either.” The goddess says petting the small child.

Semyne nods and starts to read her past. As she is reading the memories start to flood in like a movie but it is easier this time because it is a gradual development. As she remembers the pain she starts to cry. The goddess holds her tight and gives her all the comfort she can. Then Semyne gets to the ending.

All her knights are dead. They died protecting her. Ferdinand had gone to the academy to tell the zent that they had taken Ahrensbach’s foundation, and she had gone to the port to look for fish. She should have waited for Ferdinand. They should have closed the gate first. So many ways this could have been avoided. Instead, she was taken. Stolen through the gate. She prays to the gods, but her tools have been taken. All her charms activated during the attack, so she does not even have those to protect her. All she has is this child and hope that Ferdinand will come for her like did for him.

Pain radiates her body as she has been forced to accept this cruel man. The child inside of her is Ferdinand’s but the mana it is getting is not. She hates herself more and more each day. If not for Ferdinand’s child in her belly she would have let go, months ago.

Gervasio is obsessed. He forces himself on Rosemyne every day if not more. Always saying it is to help the child, but she knows the truth. He does not want the child to have Ferdinand’s mana. Rosemyne has already been forcibly dyed by Gervasio and is made to take the synchronization potion a few times a day. Ferdinand, please save me! She thinks over and over. Without her ring she cannot expel her mana will. Even if she did, he would not know how to find her. The hope she clings to is because Hartmut and Clarissa were with Ferdinand. He must know she is alive. If she is alive Ferdinand will come, he must.

The year proceeded and she gave birth to a girl. The child has the same look as her mother. Gervasio is pleased. “Now, that his spawn is out of you, I can give you, my children. We will go back. The takeover is almost complete I only need to gain the book, and all will bow before me.” Rosemyne can see the insanity in his eyes. But hope kindles in her heart. If she goes back Ferdinand can find her. Knowing this she continues to hold on and does not change her actions. There are no allies here. The safest course of action is to wait. She must bring their child to Ferdinand and then everything will be right.

Gervasio keeps her and her daughter locked up. Only hope is keeping her from dying, and her child who needs her. They set sail and soon are back in Yurgenschmidt. They are covered in silver cloth and Rosemyne is forced to wear a soundproofing tool, so they are not detected. She does everything she can to slip some part of herself out of the cloth. The sound blocking tool however is impossible for her to remove. Eventually they make it to the academy and Gervasio gets to the shrines. There is an uproar outside and the doors are opened. Ferdinand is leading the charge with Hartmut and Clarissa by his side. Gervasio grabs Rosemyne by the neck and takes off the silver cloth. “Is this what you are looking for BROTHER.” He sneers at Ferdinand. “I have made her mine and gave her my child. You are nothing to her now.”

Rosemyne screams that it is not true, and the child is Ferdinand’s. Unfortunately, the sound blocking tool is still active, so she is not heard. Ferdinand senses the difference in her mana and breaks. His mana is on a rampage, and no one is safe. It is clear he has been compressing his mana and he crushes all those who do not have the silver protecting them. The first to succumb is the child in her arms. Rosemyne screams and falls to the ground. He will not believe me. Our precious child is dead. There is no more reason to live. The only one who he did not crush was Rosemyne, but it did not matter. With her child gone and the man she loves hating her she gives into the heat. Crying over her child she explodes and all those who are namesworn follow her.

With the book absorbed into Semyne she comes back to the library. Mestionora is holding her close and stroking her hair and back. “I am sorry my child. I do believe you need to remember everything so you can avoid it again. This is what Ferdinand demanded we keep from you.” Semyne cries for the child she will never know. She needs Ferdinand more than ever. It is not his fault he broke. She had his name, so every time Gervasio forced his mana on her Ferdinand could feel it. She is glad that the fabric has been unraveled because now she will love Ferdinand and never be separated from him. She blames herself for going off without him that day. She will never do that again.

After she has calmed down Mestionora has tea and cookies for her. “Whenever you are ready I can take you back. Please don’t let him know that you remember. I told him that I could not keep it out of your dreams so he will not realize you remember if you don’t say anything. Try to be happy this time daughter. We all love you.”

Finishing her tea and cookies, Semyne smiles at her twin. “Don’t worry, I will make sure he is happy this time. I will not fail again.” Semyne has a determined look on her face. “I am ready to go back. But can you do me a favor?”

Mestionora will do anything to make this beautiful child happy. “Of course, dear what do you need.”

“Please speed up the wedding. You can do a hologram to overlay yourself when we get married, so others see me as an adult. I don’t want to wait two years. I would prefer this spring.” Semyne says. She has remembered it all living to adulthood twice. She will have Ferdinand as her husband before any come between them.

Mestionora understands this simple need. “Yes, my child, I will do that for you. And we will give you the most beautiful dress on that day.” Giving Semyne a final hug, Semyne starts to wake up.

Ferdinand has been living in his hidden room from the time he saw his brother so that he would not be disturbed and was there the moment she started to wake. Only her noble parents and his retainers knew where he was. He called for Justus at the first signs and Elvira is now there also with the new clothes that were delivered. It has been half a season. Much faster than expected but a happy occurrence. She has not grown but has not atrophied. Upon rising from the tub Ferdinand casts waschen on her lungs and body to avoid discomfort. She looks at him with thankful eyes knowing it could have been worse. “Welcome back Semyne. Did any gods bother you?” He is ready to kill them all.

“They didn’t bother me. They told me I must pray if I want their help and they won’t give back my memories unless you agree. They won’t act out of turn they promised.” She told him hugging him tight. Worried that regaining her memories took a long time she asks, “How long” and the most important question dropped into the room.

“Only half a season. Much shorter than expected but I guess they worked very carefully on the only thing they were allowed to do.” He replied hugging her tightly and carrying her out into the main room. “Now your mother will help you get dressed, and we will need to teleport to Dunkelfelger. The sooner we do this the sooner we can get home.”

It is currently 2 weeks before the winter gathering, so they need to work fast. Aub Dunkelfelger has already been notified and has requested the meeting with the Zent. Once Semyne is ready Ferdinand takes her back to his hidden room and to the transport circle to the Dunkelfelger gate. After the greetings and introductions to the Aub and other retainers of Ferdinand they depart to the royal academy. “I am so glad to be of assistance to you after all this time.” Aub Dunkelfelger says. “Relax I am not taking anything, yet. It will be about 10 years from now. We are just laying the groundwork and protecting my treasure.” Ferdinand tells him. Once they are in the dorm Ferdinand hands Semyne off to Heidemarie and kisses Semyne on the head. “Be good I will be back as soon as I can.” He tells her quietly. Pain throbs in his chest at leaving her but she will be safe in this dorm. Heidemarie takes her into a tearoom and gives her a big book that she hasn’t read in any of her lives. Semyne is now happily enveloped in her reading while sitting on Heidemarie’s lap. If Heidemarie is ok, then Ferdinand is too. Semyne reassures herself.

Ferdinand activates his amulet and disappears. The Aub leaves the dorm with his hidden shadow to meet with the Zent. When they are in the meeting the Aub asks for Zent to clear the room. Thinking that the Aub is his backer because of his new wife he agrees. It is just the Aub and zent. The sound-blocking magic tool is activated, and Ferdinand appears next to the Aub.

“What is the meaning of this how can this be!” The zent exclaims. “Look at me and tell me you see no resemblance” Ferdinand states as he sits down. The zent thinks for a moment and then recognition crosses his face. “My brothers!” The Zent is mortified at what he is seeing. Knowing that his brother’s son is before him after the war just ended terrifies him. The fact that Aub Dunkelfelger is assisting him is even worse. Without the book he knows he is not the true zent. Does this mean he has the book. He thinks trying to calm down. It could be a good thing if he does. He came first in class every year and although he is known to be cold, he has not been known to be cruel. 

“Yes, which one I don’t know, and I don’t care. The main thing is that you will not purge anyone.” Ferdinand jumps in saying. He is very uncomfortable being here without Semyne in his arms. “The gods are against it. They also demand you give me your name so that you cannot act against the true Zent.” Glaring at the fake royal Ferdinand announces his claim to the throne. “Grutrissheit.” The book of wisdom appears in all of its glory. “As you can see, I have what you need so sit down and shut up. This is the will of the gods. You will give me your name and not purge anyone. If there is anyone who is dangerous the gods will decide. I will give you a temporary copy of the book so you can rule for 10 years. When my wife comes of age, we will take over. Do you understand?” Ferdinand says with his calm manner as the fake zent sweats in front of him.

“Yes, you just need my name, and I will rule in your stead and in 10 years you will take over and I can retire.” He replies. He reminds me of the cruel forth prince right now. What is this about a wife coming of age. He thinks trying to wrap his head around what is being said.

“Yes. Do not tell anyone about giving me your name. There are spies in your house I will assist in removing them. The less others know the better. The spies will try to use drugs to brainwash you. Giving your name to me is to keep you safe as well as make sure you do not act against me.” Ferdinand says remembering how his goddess reprimanded him in the past abut communication.

“Thank you for your concern.” The fake zent says bowing to Ferdinand.

“After the 10 years if you do a good job, you will become Aub of the land controlled by the Sovereignty. That way your family will have something for your effort, and I will have less of my mana used. Also tell the Aubs with border gates to use the high bishop’s bible to supply mana to the gate. Make them responsible for the mana there. The war started because your brother was killed strategically to leave only one gate open. We will go together and close it. I need your name before then so I can protect you. You will not have the ability to open or close the gates I will do that for you if needed, the same with drawing borders. For now, they will all remain closed, and you can blame that on the war that we are just getting over.” Ferdinand says getting up. “Tell Aub Dunkelfelger when you have the namestone ready and remember not to tell anyone. Also stay away from rooms with a sweet smell. The sooner we do this the better. If you fail, I will just remove you.” Activating the amulet, he disappears again.

“It looks like our threads were woven with exceptional speed today. May they meet again soon.” Aub Dunkelfelger says to the royal and walks off.

Zent sits there for a time and thinks on everything he has been told when his knight commander walks in. “Zent what did the Aub want to discuss with you?”

Remembering the warning he comes up with an alternate reason. “Oh, just things regarding his sister nothing much” was the reply. Trying to keep things as vague not knowing where the spies are.

“Oh, do tell I wish to help you in all things.” The Knight says while going to the fireplace. Zent remembers what he was told and makes a quick decision to reward Dunkelfelger. “He was just making sure his sister is treated right because she is the third wife not the first. I think I will make that change myself. I have other things to see to.” The zent gets up and leaves the room just as the sweet smell starts coming from the freshly lit fire. He was right I cannot trust my own. I must do as he says to protect myself and my family. I am just glad a true Zent has come forward. Although he seems cold and cruel there is some kindness in letting us live. He thinks. It only took 3 days for him to get everything together and request another meeting in private. In that time, he also informed all his wives of the change. They were not happy but accepted it.

Ferdinand and Semyne stayed in the Dunkelfelger dorm and enjoyed each other’s company while reading books. Aub Dunkelfelger let Semyne stay with Ferdinand saying that because she is not yet baptized it will not matter. As long as she is with him she doesn’t have the nightmares. Three peaceful days where spent, however the food is not up to standard for either of them. Some things will have to wait.

When the next meeting takes place the fake zent had sent his commander on a mission kill some faybeasts that were acting up in the territory. Again, he had the room cleared and the tool was set up. The namestone was passed over to Ferdinand and he encased it with his mana. “Here is the tool. Be very careful with it as I will not make another. I have only given you the bare minimum needed for what I will allow you to do. If you want to do anything that involves the foundation you will need to tell me as the foundation you have is not for the country but for your duchy.” Ferdinand will not allow others to access the foundation or even know how to get there. He plans on going directly from his hidden room so that he can bring Semyne with him. He will not risk anyone getting control of the country.

“What! How can that be?” was the shocked reply from the royal.

“Stop being so surprised at everything. You were never supposed to be zent and you know this just make sure your sons are not a problem for me or I will remove them. Now we will close the gate and you will be able to claim you have the book. I will be married in 2 years by the gods. You will stand by me no matter how odd it seems. Your primary goal is to preserve life as much as possible and to keep Klassenberg restrained. There will be no purge. The solution is the shield of Schutzaria. Any who can walk through it have no issues with you. I will assist with this as the only priest who can do this. We will have all the Aubs walk through it along with all their wives and others who are in attendance. Any who cannot walk through it will be sent to the white tower and used for mana. We will not risk the garden over something like war. The Gods also have a list of those who will be executed.” Ferdinand says.

“When will we be cleaning out the spies?” The Zent is afraid because his commander is part of the spy ring and he wants to be free of them.

“When I get married in two years. She will be baptized in the summer and the following archduke conference we will wed.” Ferdinand declares.

I must move this up I do not care that he marries a child he can do whatever he wants, I just want to protect my family. Zent thinks and in making this choice voices his request. “Is there any way to speed this up from two years to this spring? I do not know how long I can avoid my knight commander and I fear for the lives of my family.”

“You will need to fund many things if we are going to do that. Including the rooms in the castle that have not been prepared for my goddess and her brother. If she is baptized early, we will need them two years earlier.” Ferdinand replies. While he is annoyed it is for the best that the scared man does not hold power for longer than needed. “Yes, I can do that, and we can send the things that are needed too just ask and I will send what we can.” Zent says. Remembering about the gate he adds, “By closing the gate, we are basically announcing to the country that I found the book so it will be easy to get everyone on my side.”

“I hope it is that simple, but it never really is. Use this time and try to find out who is on your side.” Aub Dunkelfelger replies. He just hopes his sister will be safe. Trusting Ferdinand knows what he is doing he goes along with the plan.

With the talks done they immediately use the amulet and teleport to the gate and close it.

Once they return to the dorm Semyne greets Ferdinand with a hug and snuggle. “What is the matter is everything ok? Why are you not reading?” Ferdinand looks around at his retainers.

“She just missed you. She couldn’t focus on reading even with us holding her. She has been very agitated for the last half of the time you have been gone.” Justus replies. Ferdinand realizes she has been agitated since he went to the gate that she was stolen from. He hugs her tightly and inhales her sent.

“I was so worried. I don’t know why but there is a bad man, and I don’t know who or remember what he did but there is a shadow, and it scares me.” Semyne says rubbing her face into Ferdinand’s neck. “Don’t worry we are taking care of that; the gate is closed, and we are safe.” Ferdinand tells her rubbing her back in slow circles. “I think it is time we go home. Is Clarissa ready?” Ferdinand says. “Yes, she has her name stone and is ready.” Heidemarie replies.

Semyne is relived that the gate is closed but she has a feeling that it is not over yet. She is determined to stay near Ferdinand no matter what.

When they were waiting for Ferdinand to have his meetings Clarissa regained her memories. She told Semyne that the gods told her Hartmut will regain his memories also. After giving Ferdinand her name, the group returns to the Ehrenfest dorm.

Ferdinand carries Semyne with Justus trailing behind. When they reach the dorm, they send a message to Sylvester to come get them as they need broaches for Semyne and Clarissa to be able to enter. Justus gets the tearoom ready, and they have tea while they wait.

Sylvester comes in the room saying, “Brother do I finally get to meet her?”

Ferdinand holds Semyne closer. “Sylvester calm yourself or you will frighten her and why are you not giving proper greetings you are setting a bad example.” He scolds standing up. After making sure his brother will not accost Semyne he puts her down so she can give her greeting. After a perfect greeting, without the mana blessing, Sylvester blesses her. “Wow such poise! I guess I should have expected such from the girl who has stolen my brother from me.” He teases her.

“Well, I hope that the same can be said for your children. I have been with the gods for years so there is much I do not know.” She responds using the cover story to help deal with any future mishaps. Remembering how much of a failure Wilfried was, she can’t help but hope that things are different this time.

“Here is your broach you can give it back when we arrive at the castle, or you can keep it for when you go to the academy yourself. It just means two less I will need to prepare for then.” Sylvester tells her handing it over. He feels off balance being indirectly scolded by a child who looks like a baby. What has my brother told her? He thinks glancing at Ferdinand.

“I will hold onto it for them brother it is better have if we need it.” Ferdinand responds for her. “Also, you will not see her again until her baptism. It is for her safety as well as the fact she is not yet baptized. I should note that the baptism has moved up to this winter.” Ferdinand reports. He does not want to have another meeting about this and Karstedt can now work out all the details without him.

Sylvester mopes, without catching the last part, as the teleport back and Ferdinand immediately removes them from the castle and brings them to Karstedt’s estate.

Chapter 5 ½

What happens in Dunkle stays in Dunkle

Eckheart and Heidemarie have just arrived at Dunkelfelger’s dorm. The Aub comes out to great them and after a warm welcome they are brought through the transportation circle to the castle.

Heidemarie stops the Aub from being impatient by saying, “We have the letters for you, but it is best to do this in your office.” She then follows the Aub all the way to the office. The land of ditter waits for no one as they get right to it.

When it is just the three of them in the office the letters are handed over and the contents are explosive for the country.

Aub,

I will get to the point. You are the sword of Zent. There is only one in this country that has proof of Zent and that is myself. My retainers do not yet know so please do not ask them about this. Discretion is key in this matter. I will need you to set up a meeting with the fake Zent. For now, tell him it will be at the end of Autumn, and you will let him know when the time is closer. I can explain matters in person after the first meeting. We will need to stay in your dorm between then and the second meeting. I will give him the tools to protect your sister and I will not send her family far higher unless they force my hand. As stated, I am requesting two personnel. The first is that fool of a knight that is obsessed with me. Heisshitze is acceptable and will show your support when it is time. Also, I would like to have Clarissa adopted into Ehrenfest. She will be a good retainer for my future wife. She is the daughter of your knight commander. I will have her adopted by his counterpart.

In regards to my future wife. She will be joining us and staying in the dorm. Due to circumstances, I will explain in person, we will need to share a room. I trust that you will have her protected while we are in our meetings. Please also prepare some thick and difficult to read books for her to read while we are busy. She is very intelligent.

Regarding my retainers and ditter. I will approve them doing one ditter. Anything more than that is up to them and if they say no, please keep your people from asking again. If they say they have not been bothered, then I will set up a time to involve myself in a ditter. If they were bothered for ditter then I will not see a point in participating in one. Use this to keep your people restrained.

See you at the end of fall. This will clear your debt to me.

Ferdinand

The Aub folds the letter back up and sighs. “So that is what he thinks a letter should be? If I know him then something big happened to cause him to break etiquette. Regardless you are both welcome here. I am curious if you know his future wife?” After the situation with his sister, he is hesitant to get involved with Ferdinand’s love life.

“That would be my baby sister!” Eckheart answers. “She is cute and lovable, and my master adores her! I have never seen his face get so soft for anyone but her!” Eckheart like his grandfather could be easily mistaken for a Dunkelfelger.

Heidemarie joins in, “She is blessed by the gods and will grow up to put everyone else to shame, and she is very sweet.” The couple is obviously enamored with her.

The aub contemplates what he has heard. “Your baby sister? Just how old is this girl? You have only just gotten married yourself, correct?”

Eckheart has no understanding of the implications of his next words. “She is a tiny thing at 5. So small she looks like she is 2 but she will grow faster after her baptism, so says the gods. They are involved so I don’t ask to many questions.”

The aub hides his shocked reaction. “Five you say? Well, that will make the room assignments easier as she is not baptized so she in a way does not exist. Then she can stay with Ferdinand. That is the best way to rationalize his request. All right I will not think on it further as neither of you are concerned.” The aub does not know they are namesworn or he would have thought about it a lot more.

During their stay Heisshitze and Clarissa are both summoned and asked if they want to make the move. Heisshitze jumps at the chance to serve Ferdinand as expected. For Clarissa she is told that this will allow her to join the knights course as she is not qualified to do so in her duchy. She also jumps at the chance when she finds that out. Her parents are not quite happy about that, but the Aub tells them they will better understand at the end of the season.

Preparations are made and a ditter is done. Eckheart uses that time to get Heisshitze to better cooperate with him and understand what is expected of him in the new role. Unfortunately for the Dunkelfelger knights there was a fool who bothered Eckheart for ditter so they will not have a chance to face the lord of evil.

Clarissa is ready for the move and winter in a new duchy. Her parents will join the group staying in the dorm to make sure she will be taken care of and to meet her new lord. When they finally meet, they are surprised at the tiny child that their daughter will serve, but more surprised when lights of all colors drift down on Clarissa one day. Falling to the ground in pain she screams and cries for a few minutes. Ferdinand, knowing she is getting her memories just gives her a healing blessing and waits. Clarissa’s mother is bothered by this reaction.

When Clarissa gets up, she runs to Semyne and hugs her crying. Clarissa’s mother does not want her to leave after what happened, but Clarissa is stubborn and will not let anyone take her from her lady. “Mother I will serve Semyne until my last breath do not try to take me from her!” Clarissa states with an unwavering spirit. Realizing her daughter has made her choice, the parents concede and say goodbye to their daughter.

So, the team heads back home with the new additions and Clarissa regains her memories.

Chapter Text

Chapter 6 Welcome home

They arrive at Karstedt’s estate and go right in. It helps that Karstedt is with them. Elvira takes Semyne immediately in a hug. “I was so worried about you. I am glad you are home now daughter.” Semyne enjoys all the cuddles she is getting. Ferdinand looks on happy to see that they have a closer relationship this time, but annoyed Semyne was removed from him.

“Don’t worry mother nothing can happen to me in Ferdinand is there. Fufufu” Semyne giggles. Everyone looks at her indulgently.

Once the lunch is set up the conversation starts with sound blocking. “Unfortunately, I have not found anyone who meets your requirements to be her attendant. There are no widows without children who are young and have completed the attendance course.” Elvira says to Ferdinand. “Heidemarie is back with me and has brought Clarissa, so it is fine for now. I have everything ready for the transfer when you are ready. She has already regained her memories.” Ferdinand says gesturing to the 7-year-old next to him. “We also need to get Hartmut.”

“Do you mean Cornelius’s friend? I have been meaning to ask about that.” Karstedt inquires. “The very same. He will become her devoted when he sees her first blessing. And his future wife Clarissa became her devoted after she has her first ditter against Dunkelfelger. Semyne is a strategist, and I would rather keep that information for us and not have ditter every year again.” Ferdinand responds.

Semyne realizes the headache and remembers games from her old world. “Why not make other ditters and distract them with different types?” She says.

“Where did that idea come from.” Elvira joins in.

“Well, ditter uses a lot of resources and mana. They will never stop. The best way is to get the knights used to doing things without mana. Because of those situations where mana is detrimental like dark beasts or silver cloth. So, if we help them do things with no to low mana, they can gage a situation before making it worse. Like when you encounter something you are not familiar with hit it with a tiny bit of mana if it grows switch to no mana or dark weapons. But as only some have access to dark everyone needs to know how to fight without mana to be protected.” Semyne says like a professor at a lecture. “We will need to have all knights start to carry an extra weapon of choice. Like throwing knives or a sword so they have something not mana reliant. This will also be good for laynobles to not run out of mana in a fight.”

“I agree the last time the academy was attached with dark beasts, and many died. By introducing a new way of fighting they will have to relearn and will not try to ditter us as much. Also, the students will be better prepared and may live in the face of these dangers. Adults with dark weapons also need to be able to attack in the mana blocking situations. We need to have them use traps and physical attack bombs.”

“THAT’S THE WORD!!!” Semyne jumps up yelling.

“Calm down fool you would have known it if you described it to me.” Ferdinand sits her back down on his lap and checks her mana. “You may be healthier now, but you still need to remain calm. You are not used to the mana flow. Now is probably a good time to give it to you. Here is your ring.” Ferdinand pulls out a box with a beautiful ring that matches his with a blue stone in the middle.

Semyne looks up at him with shiny eyes. “There was a story in one of the books of the gods where a man proposed with a ring instead of a stone. It said that the mana was strongest going from the finger to the mana organ and that this showed his undying love for his future wife.” Semyne says as Ferdinand puts the ring on her finger.

“Well, it is a good thing I will be your husband then.” Ferdinand’s ears turn a cute pink at the tips and Elvira powders all her spare stones. “Now then” Ferdinand clears his throat “we need to adopt Clarissa and finish the paperwork.”

“Father-in-law will be happy to have a granddaughter to train.” Elvira says regaining her noble composure and mentally noting to keep more stones on her if her daughter is going to be so adorable.

“Good I will have her take both the knight and scholar courses. This will be for the best. Last time she was a scholar knight of Dunkelfelger this time we will have her do the same. She is namesworn to me for Semynes sake, but Hartmut will still want to be namesworn to Semyne so I can keep an eye on her through him. That way I can keep tabs on her as she keeps tabs on me. Hartmut has always understood her mana fluctuations through the connection better than anyone.” Ferdinand declares. “I will request a meeting with him and start training him. The sooner we do this the better. Elvira prepare to have Semyne baptized at the winter gathering the Zent needs things moved up. Also, Cornelius will be adopted by Bonifatius this winter. We will need both rooms prepared in the north. Do not worry about the cost the Zent has already agreed to cover both rooms in addition to any other expenses that occur from the change in schedule.” Ferdinand gives them the go ahead to make things extravagant. “He can’t even keep from reviling he knows there are spies. That incompetent fool. Semyne I will have Justus bring you to the lower city and you will assist with your preparations for winter there. I know you want to spend more time with your people there and say goodbyes. The nobles will not expect you there so it will be safest, and you will have access to your exclusives. Verbergen bless and conceal Semyne from those who would harm her and change her appearance until the change of seasons.” Black specks rise out of Ferdinand’s ring and swirl around Semyne changing her hair and eye color to blonde hair and red eyes. “Now you will really pass for Benno’s daughter.” Ferdinand laughs and kisses her on the head. “Justus take Myne to the new house and have the others meet her there. Verbergen will let them recognize you but to anyone else you will not stand out.” Justus agrees. “I will meet you there shortly.” Ferdinand says.

“I will see you again soon daughter. I will make sure everything is ready for your return.” Elvira says stroking her hair. “I will meet you in the lower city with Heidemarie to get your baptism dress and winter clothes picked out. We will have to get the other shops to help with the rooms.”

Everyone went to their needed duties, Ferdinand and Karstedt left to deal with the most difficult one. Time to face Sylvester and father. Karstedt thinks as he pulls out his highbeast and sets off for the castle.

Karstedt requests to speak with his father and Aub alone and they are on edge knowing who it involves. Activating the tool, he starts “The king may have demanded some timelines be changed for the sake of the countries security.” Trying to ease them into it unlike a certain demon king. If I start, there may be telling them my daughter will be married this spring will not be so harsh? Who am I kidding my father will want to kill someone. “And my daughter will be baptized this winter with the other children,” as expected Bonifatius not having it. “What do you mean my cute granddaughter will be baptized two years early” he says with a look that could kill lesser men. “Father please let me finish. They must move everything up. Including the wedding! Please father let me finish!” He begs.

Bonifatius is vibrating with anger and treasonous thoughts. “Fine I will listen first kill after,” he states. That fake Zent is asking to die.

“Please don’t kill anyone father it is the only way the zent can get rid of the spies that are in the country. To secure his temporary reign he needs the next zent to remove the threats. In other words, Ferdinand is going to have an execution after the wedding and the spies will be outed.” Finally able to finish he slumps down in his chair.

“Son you are telling me that on her wedding day there will be an execution?” Bonifatius glares at his son.

“I agree that is not a very good look at least do it on a different day.” Sylvester finally chimes in.

“You are correct I will have them hold off the execution until the next day. My goddess should have only good memories.” Ferdinand agrees. I will not let anything taint this. My pure goddess will have a pure day.

“Oh, and Semyne and Cornelius will need to be adopted by father this winter so their rooms will need to be made ready in the north as soon as possible. Elvira has everything ready for the most part. Both of my children will also be at the temple when it is not winter and have rooms made ready there. Sylvester you will need to reinstate Ferdinand to noble status this winter and state that my children are going to the temple but retaining their noble status also. Father before you go there, Ferdinand will clean it before my daughter steps foot near it, but the bishop needs to change to Ferdinand immediately.” Karstedt takes a page out of Ferdinand’s book of information dropping.

“Yes, I will make sure that it is perfect for my all goddesses do not worry about that. I have already secured some of the gray priests that will work for her and Cornelius. They are the best.” Ferdinand chimes in.

“I will notify Florencia and I can do the others. I will be glad to have my brother back by my side.” Sylvester says happily. Finally, something good from all this mess. He thinks.

“You will also need to remove your son from your mother. The sooner the better, use that to make Florencia happy about the situation. Have you asked her about a second wife? Elvira has not mentioned it and she would if she heard anything.” Karstedt glares at Sylvester knowing he is putting it off to avoid it.

“Not yet I want to wait until after the conference so there is less stress.” Comes the whine as reply.

“No, you must do it now as you are about to lose your base of power. You need to get the opposition to your side before winter is over and have an engagement announced and a wedding ready to go at the archduke conference. You have no more time. Your mother and sister will be removed and all those who are linked will follow them. This will be happening THIS SPRING. You need to make a statement before hand to have some base of power when they fall.” Ferdinand tells him.

“This is faster than we want but you have to make moves now while we still can otherwise you will potentially be forced to give you seat to father while the next generation grows up.” Karstedt states.

Sylvester’s eyes widen and stare at his loyal knight and brother. “Is it really that bad?” he asks.

Bonifatius thinks for a moment, “yes, it is I can see that happening. Your mother has worked hard to cause friction. The moment she is gone they will want all her blood removed in response. Your son will be the first target and you will be next. Your other children may be safe but may need to leave the duchy if the factions are not suppressed or appeased now. You need to make your moves soon.” Bonifatius tells his nephew. “I never wanted to be Aub, but I will if it keeps war from happening.” Anything to keep my precious granddaughter safe and happy. He thinks stroking his shumil. He still has the first one and has done very well in not killing it.

“I understand Uncle I will talk to Florencia about this. I will need your help suppressing mother.” Sylvester is extremely depressed with the reality he has avoided his whole life. He slumps in his chair and looks like his soul left his body.

As the top men of the duchy work out a way forward, Semyne and Justus are walking around the new house for her lower city family.

“Benno will be here soon with everyone right? Can you tell me what the situation is?” She says to Justus.

“Well little queen, some gray priests who wanted to work outside of the temple were bought and will be moved here to help your family and to assist in your future projects. Benno has gotten the Rinsham workshop up and running and you can start using it tonight. My lord didn’t want it getting outside the duchy yet. And Lutz will be moving in with your parents but can visit his family whenever he likes. They were not happy, but my lord remembered how to deal with the situation, and everything was explained. They are happy that he will be with Effa and Gunter who will love him like their own.” Justus explains.

“Very well I am sure Ferdinand has the situation in hand and I will be glad to have my hair extra clean. Also please don’t call me little queen here I know nothing I say will stop you in the noble quarters especially after the wedding, but you must be more careful here.” She glares at Justus knowingly.

“Of course, little miss I will do as you command.” Comes the reply with a friendly smirk.

As the conversation ends, they hear people entering below them. “Shall we go down to greet them?” Justus asks while picking her up and walking anyway. The mix of formality and casual air is humorous to Semyne. He puts her down when they see the others.

“Myne!!” Tuuli says running to them and hugging her tightly. “How did you know it was me?” Comes the muffled reply. “I am your big sister of course I know it is you!” Tuuli tells her hugging her tight. “We were told to call you Myne when you are here, that is ok right?” Lutz asks from beside them. “Yes of course we can’t let people make the connection that’s why Ferdinand had the gods change my hair and eyes for the rest of the season. It will be back to normal when I am in the castle this winter but for now, I get to be a normal kid!” Myne says with such enthusiasm everyone gets worried she will pass out. “Now little miss keep calm, or it will be off to bed with you.” Justus says. “Fine but we need to give you a new name too. Now let’s see…” Myne ponders the names and mumbles a bunch of crazy things. “Why not call him Jay” Lutz says figuring this will go on forever. “You may want to find a name for Ferdinand too, but I’ll leave that to you.”

“Jay, I love it and Ferdinand can be Ferdi!” Myne bounces up and down in excitement.

“NO” everyone shouts at once.

Startled Myne calms down and says, “Fine then how about Dino.” Myne pouts.

“Dino works.” They agree shaking their heads.

“And Clarissa can be Clare.” Myne says and introduces her to everyone.

“Now that names are picked what do you think of the new look?” Myne says twirling proudly.

“You need to change your clothes to fit back in, and why do you look like that.” Benno says exasperated.

“Apparently it would be easier to get around if people thought I’m your daughter.” Myne replied and everyone looks shocked.

Gunter is not impressed “I can see how a merchant’s daughter can get around better than a mine, but it still hurts.” Gunter pouts and then glares at Benno.

Myne, ever the compassionate one says, “Dad don’t worry I am always your daughter and that’s why I have to look different, so I don’t risk hurting you.” Myne hugs Gunter tight. “I will be the illegitimate daughter of Benno from one of his travels out of the city. That way the guild master will leave me alone.” she says like it is nothing.

Benno looks depressed but starts going into merchant mode. “It makes since, but I don’t like it. Jay you will need to keep an eye on her, it is easier to have her assigned a keeper if she is my daughter.” Benno shakes his head. “Lutz you too. Keep her out of trouble if you can. She is too powerful; we must slow her down.”

“Yes sir” Lutz says looking sharp.

“Now let’s get you changed, and everyone settled in and then we can discuss what we will be doing over the remainder of the season.” Benno shows her into a room with her lower city clothes and then goes to get things for Claire.

And so, they set up the house and kitchens and Myne got to teach her cooks and family the new recipes. The plan for the fall was set and the orders for paper making equipment were put in. Myne planned the next 3 years of development with Benno, Mark, Justus, Lutz and Tuuli and taught Tuuli how to make hairpins. She also made one for Tuuli to use at her baptism the following summer. Tuuli did her best to make the one Myne would wear that winter.

They also got a rush order on a baptism outfit that uses the summer colors for Myne with Elvira’s help.

Ferdinand arrives during the planning and picks up Myne carefully. “Dino!! That’s what we are calling you here. Justus is Jay, I am Myne, and Clarissa is Clare!” Myne says and hugs her tiny arms around Ferdinand’s neck.

Chuckling Ferdinand gets her settled on his lap and they continue the discussion. “I can’t believe I almost forgot to do this.” Ferdinand says. Turning to Clarissa he gives the order. “You are not allowed to inform them of anything that happened in the previous weave.”

“Yes sir!” She responds. The talks continued and they sorted out the next three years leading to their entry into the academy. Clothing for after the spring is reworked with Elvira picking what new parts will be premiered the following year.

“I will get your knights together, have them train with your compression method step 1 until we talk again. Don’t share beyond that without a contract. I will have your grandfather gather more knights for you. We need to keep you protected. The ones that come here will be namesworn. I will not have you at risk.” Dino strokes her hair and hugs her just a bit tighter. It is strange to him holding her now as she is still just 5 but looks like she is 2. I should get Damuel again. He works well with her.

After the talks Ferdinand brings her to the room, he prepared for her so they can set up the hidden room. “Fill this with your mana and envision the room you want.” Ferdinand tells her remembering the time they did this before. After overwriting the magic circle so that he will always be able to enter they open the door. “Why are you such a fool?” He says shaking his head and bringing her into the room. It is a large room with a loft on one side with a big window on the far wall letting in a lot of light. “This room is much larger than you need. Why did you put a second floor?” He asks her.

“The loft is for reading and being cozy!” She replies with her cheeks puffed out.

Dino shakes his head, “You will be reading in the main room with your family so they will be able to pull you away from it. There will not be any magic books here anyway so there are no books to keep in this room. This is so that you are not a danger to them if your mana is not stable, you foolish child. I am going to make sure I can teleport to you wherever I am. I don’t trust you out of my sight.”

He hands her over to Claire and sets up the circle using hidden ink. After putting all the furniture in the room, they depart. The room was planned to be much smaller, so it only has a desk, chair and bench in it for now.

When it was time to sleep Dino and Myne we ready to sleep in the same bed as they had been doing. This did not go over well with Gunter. Effa was not as harsh about it but was also upset. When the situation was explained Gunter put his foot down “She can sleep with us her family. You may sleep in that room. If there is an issue, we will address it but there won’t be! I’m her father and I can protect her just fine!” Gunter slams the door in Dino’s face.

Myne giggles a little but is torn between wanting to be with her family and needing to be with Dino. As the night goes on Myne starts to sweat. “No no get off me not my baby!” Myne screams in her sleep. Her parents are very disturbed by what they are hearing and try to wake her up.

Dino is by her side immediately and pulls her into his arms. “Wake up it is just a bad dream. I am right here, and no one can harm you, my love. It’s time to wake up for me.” He says softly to her. He is radiating a negative aura but tries to give her a positive voice, so he does not make it worse.

Myne cries in her sleep and whispers, “Don’t kill the baby Ferdinand its yours not his don’t kill our baby!” Ferdinand is gutted when he hears that. He remembers the moment she is trapped in. he falls to his knees with Myne in his arms and starts to cry into her hair. “I won’t hurt our baby my love. I will never hurt you or our child. Wake up love it is just a dream.” He tells her. He is broken by the new information. Her parents and sister watch in horror. They agree with a look to not separate the two again. This is not something anyone should witness.

Myne starts to wake to the tears dipping on her face. Realizing what happened but remembering that she is not supposed to have the memories, she plays dumb. “Why are you crying Ferdinand?” She asks wiping the tears from his cheeks.

“Remember its Dino here silly we are in the lower city.” Comes the response avoiding the question. “Can I please take her back now?” Dino asks her family. His broken eyes and tear-stained face tell them of the love he has for her.

“We will see you both at breakfast.” Gunter replies helping Dino to stand.

Myne did not have any more bad dreams sleeping in Dino’s arms. Her family realized fully that they have memories from another life, and they should overlook the closeness. Gunter is not happy when he sees them go to bed at night but is glad that his daughter does not scream in her sleep again.

The season passes and it is time for winter. The nobles leave with the new clothes for Semyne and head to Ferdinand’s estate. Parunes are promised for the dedication ritual and Justus is now curious as to what this new thing is.

Chapter Text

Chapter 7 Overview of the second half of Autumn and the start of winter and the Baptism

The Gilberta company started to stock up on the Rinsham in preparation for winter. Corrina worked with Semyne and Elvira to make the dresses that were needed once the baptism dress was completed. Semyne was told in no uncertain terms that any new styles had to wait until after spring and would be most prominently used next winter. Semyne was not that happy about it, but Ferdinand reminded her that the gods were planning an extra special dress for the Starbinding and that she could have other dresses made for the conference. Fabrics were also sent via the academy teleportation circle for her use from Dunkelfelger and the Zent.

New and remembered recipes were created and contact with the guild master and Freida began. She would be baptized as Lasfam’s daughter and attend the academy as a scholar for Semyne. This also started the battle of the kitchens and Ferdinand sent his chefs to learn and participate. Sylvester was none the wiser to this as he would have tried to steal all the chiefs for himself. A restaurant was planned for both the upper and lower cities so that the merchants traveling through would be able to experience it. Both would have the same referral system as before. If Justus can’t get around it, then it will work wonderfully and with Bonifatius and Semyne being the backers’ nobles cannot use their status to force their way in. It was decided to have a high ranking Archnoble as the manager of the upper city location. Bonifatius had a retired buddy who loves food that he would ask.

Bonifatius and Semyne finally got to meet and his training with the shumil paid off. To see a macho man, melt like that was amusing for everyone. Gunter was also happy to see how many nobles care for and will protect his daughter. Bonifatius was told that this is where the gods chose to hide her, so he has no issues with the commoners. To him all that matters is she is surrounded by people who are good to her, she is happy, and he can hold and spoil her. Now that his strength is under control everyone is more comfortable allowing this. Semyne now has lots of people who want to cuddle her and spoil her rotten. It is a good thing that she is humble and doesn’t want anything more than cuddles and books.

At the castle Sylvester got his son back with Florencia and found out how shockingly stupid Wilfried truly is. This was enough to demand his mother step down. Everyone knew she would act in the shadows, so everything was cleansed, her rooms were changed, and she was given new retainers that were namesworn to Florencia. While Florencia was not happy about demanding names, she relented when she found out that Veronica demanded names for anyone near her. Florencia was relieved when she was able to tell them she was protecting their names from Veronica and would not abuse it. Scholars were gathered among the Florencia faction that could create amulets that detect and work against different poisons and would use this as research to help the ranking improve.

Elvira worked hard to find a proper second wife for Sylvester and was able to find Adelheide the granddaughter of the previous Giebe Leisegang. This along with the restraint of Veronica has calmed the Leisegang faction temporarily. They did state that if her child was not the next Aub then they would have to be married to them. Sylvester and Florencia agreed with this and whatever children formed a couple would have the priority of the next Aub. They stated they would not force their children into an unhappy marriage however and all agreed.

The hunting tournament and the harvest festival completed, and nobles started to enter the city. Preparations for the baptism were finished and Myne became Semyne once again. With many hugs and promises Semyne and company moved back to the noble district.

Ferdinand prepared many amulets for Semyne, and all could see the ice he covered her in.

_______________________________________________________________________

The blue and white dress along with the summer hairpin are ready for the baptism the following day. Ferdinand request that Semyne stay in his house this last night before going to live in the north all winter. With his change to high bishop after rejoining the nobility there is a lot that Ferdinand must do in the temple and Semyne demanded to make sure that he sleeps tonight. So, Elvira reluctantly agreed but said that they had to leave after Semyne was put to bed and have her back before second bell.

Cuddling with Ferdinand in his large bed Semyne asks, “What will happen tomorrow? I have a feeling that things will go sideways.” Ferdinand thinks for a moment before he reveals the previous weave. “The last time you were baptized twice and passed out at each. Then when your sister Charlotte was baptized you were attacked. You do not have a good history with baptisms so that could be the source of unrest. That is also why I wanted you with me in my house tonight. When everything goes well tomorrow you will have no trouble sleeping at the castle. The north is also protected so only those with permission can enter. That will keep you safe along with the charms I have given you. I will join you when I can. I received permission from Sylvester and will add a teleportation circle to your hidden room when we set it up tomorrow.” He smooths her hair and kisses the top of her head. “There is nothing to worry about I will keep you safe always.” Semyne snuggles deeper into Ferdinand. “I know you will always protect me. You always have.” And with that she drifts off to sleep with Ferdinand following not long after as he is lulled by her gentle breathing.

“My lord, it is just after first and a half bell. I let you sleep as long as I could.” Justus says setting up the tea. “I will sit with her while you dress so she doesn’t startle.”

“Hmm yes thank you. It is better if you hold her. I’m going to increase the mana that surrounds you, so she feels it.” Ferdinand does just that and hands her gently to Justus.

“Of course, my lord. Anything for your little queen.” Justus looks at her adoringly. Ferdinand would normally get jealous of this however he knows that Justus cares for her like a parent and is happy that his master has finally found happiness. After getting changed quickly they set off and arrive with plenty of time to spare. Given the situation Semyne has been given a room with a balcony so they can come and go discreetly. Clarissa is sleeping on the trundle bed and is placed onto the main bed with Semyne. They naturally hug each other in their sleep as Semyne feels Ferdinand’s mana from her.

Ferdinand and Justus go back to Ferdinand’s estate and finish getting ready. At second bell they arrived at Karstedt’s estate as they were expected to. Ferdinand will have breakfast with their family and arrive with his fiancé. Bezewanst is still the bishop so he will be performing the baptism much to Ferdinand’s dismay. However, this also allows him to stay by Semyne’s side throughout the day.

Semyne has gotten ready and practiced the song one last time before heading down to breakfast. When everyone is gathered and eating Ferdinand speaks up. “I know you will not like it, but you will need to give a large blessing when you are baptized and another during your playing of the harspiel. This will assist later with the fact the gods are involved. It will also help people see that your mana capacity is too high for them to think about taking you for their own before we are married. How is your mana this morning?”

As nobles everyone tries to keep a straight face. “Are you sure she has enough mana for that, and I never heard of someone blessing during a song?” Elvira worriedly interjects.

Semyne thinks for a moment and says, “I feel full of mana, and I would be glad to let some out. I can decompress before the song so there should be no issues. If I feel low, I will be careful during the song and will not give a blessing.” Eating the food, she is very pleased that her father bought all of her recipes.

Ferdinand looks at her eating happily, “Yes, you said in the past if you sincerely prayed while playing it would turn into a blessing. You should have no problem doing that as you have been doing your ridiculous compression method.” he responds.

“You are compressing already!” All her brothers exclaim. 

Ferdinand looks put out at the shouting. “She is beloved of the gods of course she can compress her mana.” he says. He hopes that by acting this way they will get used to her being out of standard sooner rather than later. All these exclamations were tiring for him.

“Enough of that finish eating it is time for us to depart.” Karstedt says. He has been given the day off due to the baptism. “Before we go, I will need your ring Semyne so I can give it to you at the proper time.”

Semyne hands him her ring. “Yes, Father, I understand. I do feel odd without it though.”

“Remember to stay next to Clarissa today as you are both debuting. However, Semyne you will go last. Clarissa the report I received said you are quite good for your age. Very good, make sure not to disappoint.” Ferdinand states.

“Understood.” Clarissa responds happily.

Both girls are in white with the seasonal color of their birth on display. Blue for Semyne and yellow for Clarissa as she was born in fall. Clarissa is wearing the same dress she wore at her fall baptism. The girls are taken via highbeast with Clarissa on Elvira’s and Semyne with Ferdinand. They will establish the engagement from the first as planned.

Ferdinand waits with the girls until all the children have arrived. Giving Semyne one last squeeze and a kiss on the head he then heads into the chambers. Verbergen is at work helping him to get to his position without being noticed. It helps that Veronica is drawing attention. Sylvester walks in with Florencia and the ceremony of winter begins.

“Welcome new nobles of Ehrenfest!” Sylvester says and the children walk in with Semyne and Clarissa leading the group. Because of her incredibly small size the procession takes much longer than expected and the children in line start to fidget. However, Semyne and Clarissa are exemplary and do not worry about the others. Upon reaching their place Semyne smiles at Ferdinand who is seated near his brother’s seat. The bishop starts with the baptisms and then it is her turn. When she stamps her mana on the metal the bishop exclaims, “you have been blessed by the supreme couple and all five pillars! How can this be?” There has not been a noble with all seven colors since Ferdinand and before that it was a long time.

“Please continue with the ceremony High Bishop.” Sylvester says to him quietly bringing him back. At this Karstedt comes forward with the ring and presents it to her. Then the Bishop gives her a tiny blessing. At this point his mana has almost run out from the blessings he has needed to give. “May all of the gods bless the High bishop, my family and all those in attendance!” Semyne says and the light of the seven colors shoots from her ring and covers the whole room. The bishop looks on with envy. How can a child have this much mana and be blessed by all the gods! He thinks. Well, I will just have to assist my sister in removing her. I am sure that there is a way.

Bonifacius sees his queue and shouts, “On this day I will adopt my adorable granddaughter who is so loved by the gods. I will also be adopting my grandson, Cornelius.” And the adoption papers are quickly signed. “And now the winter debut.” Sylvester says.

All the children play starting from laynoble and going up in rank, and with her adoption Semyne is the only Archduke candidate, so she goes last. As reported Clarissa is quite good for her age, and with her memories, better than she would have been otherwise. Next Semyne preforms and she plays the same song from the last weave to Leidenschaft, and she gives another blessing. Blue light fills her and gently floats all around the room like bubbles before disappearing on those in attendance. Her playing is perfection and Ferdinand is very pleased. There are nobles looking at her with hungry looks now and Sylvester knows it is time.

“There will be changes in the temple as of this winter. The gods have called for a change in how things are run. My brother Ferdinand will from now on be the High Bishop he will also be regaining his noble status. The gods demand that an archduke or archduke candidate be the High bishop henceforth. Cornelius will be the high priest and Semyne will be the Orphanage director. This is the will of the gods.” Bezewanst the high bishop is livid at this announcement. How could he demote me! I am his uncle! I will have to talk to my sister about this too, her son is out of control!

Sylvester continues with, “I shall now announce the engagements. Semyne will be married to Ferdinand at the next archduke conference. Please proceed.”

Ferdinand gets up and kneels before Semyne. “My all goddesses. Bluanfah will dance for us for all eternity. You are my goddess of light and my Geduldh. I will conceal you in my cape and cover you in my ice so that no other can come near you. Please accept my raffel.” Justus opens the box for Ferdinand. He offers it to her, and it reads “All of my lives will be yours.” Red is her color Ferdinand thinks as her face turns an adorable shade of red as she nods and accepts the stone. The nobles finally notice the aforementioned ice really is covering her.

Semyne plays with a charm on her wrist. Clearing her throat, she says “My all gods. You protect me. You are my dark god, my Ewigeliebe, my Leidenschaft, and my Angriff. I know with you I will always be safe. Any who stand in my way will be decimated in your wake. I will keep you happy and healthy. Please accept my raffel.” Heidemarie hands her the open box. When Ferdinand reads it, his ears turn pink. “I will forever be dyed by you.” This shameful fool! She knows exactly what she had said! Ferdinand thinks as he sees the glint in her eyes. She will never allow anyone to force her again.

The nobles reluctantly wave their schtappe. Everyone is stunned with the vows that are truly the embodiment of winter. Who could have expected that even the small child would be so possessive.

As they step to the side Sylvester comes forward with his fiancé. “I will also announce my own engagement. I will also be married this spring.” Most of the nobles are shocked as Sylvester always claimed he would never marry any other.

After exchanging stones and vows with his goddess of water, Sylvester distributed the capes and broaches to the first years and told the students their schedules. The entire time Veronica is seething but cannot do anything as her retainers will not let her.

“One final announcement before lunch and the introductions to the new children.” Sylvester says. “Semyne is so loved by the gods that her status is the highest here. Please remember that going forward as she is higher in status then myself.” At that the Archduke and company leave the baffled nobles in their wake.

Ferdinand does not leave Semyne’s side. More aptly put he does not put her down, for she is either in his arms or on his lap. After Florencia greets her, it is Veronica’s turn. Veronica looks ill as she knees before them both as they sit with Semyne on his lap forcing her to kneel to Ferdinand. She gets through her greeting as fast as acceptable and flees faster than Steifebriese. While all the nobles were seemingly respectful some made comments about her size and age, especially about Ferdinand getting married to one so young. It seems like the Veronica faction is making these bold statements for Veronica herself as she cannot say anything now due to her precarious position. She was not even allowed to sit on stage next to Sylvester. Ferdinand took her spot while she was in the audience.

The gathering commenced and Semyne was able to make it through without issues. Sylvester gave Ferdinand and his retainers permission to enter the north, along with Bonifatius and his retainers, to make sure that the children are protected. Thankfully all the information about them was kept secret so no one had any time to plan anything. Because they are now Bonifatius’ children, he can see them whenever he wants and has given Ferdinand the same permission. After they are married Sylvester and Bonifatius have allowed her to keep her room and Ferdinand will be able to access all the time due to the safety of the north and her special position.

Ferdinand, Bonifatius and Cornelius join Semyne in her room when they arrive for a brief meeting and some better food and tea.

Cornelius is the first to speak. “Why did all the food taste so bland? Father has better food at home these days.”

Semyne smiles at him, “I am so glad you like my creations brother. Please have meals with me whenever possible. Father is having your chiefs train with mine and this will help them feed you properly. Fufufu.” She happily giggles.

Ferdinand and Bonifatius look on indulgently at the good sibling bond. “I am very glad you will be able to support each other. Please stick by your sister whenever you can if I am not around.” Ferdinand says.

“My grandchildren are the best and brightest!” Bonifatius adds. Everyone chuckles at that, and they happily enjoy the food.

Semyne waits for tea before addressing the larger issues. “We need to talk about the two who will act now that I am known.” She says getting up and going to Ferdinand. He always needs to hold her when they talk about a threat against her. She also needs the comfort.

Putting up the tool Ferdinand starts, “Bezewanst and Veronica will be monitored. I will have to go to the temple tomorrow and start to stir things up. I will be eating here with you or taking a potion. I will not risk poison. I will be here every night as always.” Ferdinand says stroking her hair. They both know she will not sleep without him. “Veronica is surrounded by those sworn to Florencia so everything will be watched, and she is not allowed to be alone ever even at night. It is basically a prison without the bars. I will be keeping Bezewanst from going to spring prayer to minimize his contact.”

Semyne thinks for a moment, “Will we be going to spring prayer? Cornelius too?” She asks. “No there are enough blue priests this year. We will go to the dedication ritual and so the land will be full of your mana regardless. We will only go to Haldenzel to see your family at that time and give them an early spring and get some Blenrus. This is my gift to Elvira for being such a good mother for you.” Ferdinand tells her. “Cornelius, for the fall harvest and next year’s spring prayer you will join Semyne and myself. I will teach you both how to do the rituals. I will do the first location and you will alternate after that. You must memorize the prayers. You have time. I will take care of what is needed in Haldenzel. Semyne I will have your whirling teacher help you and have Elvira teach you the song. You will perform it alone this year to teach them how to do it properly ok?” Ferdinand is slightly worried about the mana cost, but he will have many feystones filled and ready. Veronica will give her mana to them this year as retribution for the higher taxes imposed in the past.

“I will do my best for you!” Semyne says to her love. I will make him so proud of me! She thinks remembering a bit of how it was done last time.

“If either of you feel odd come back here. I don’t care if you are supposed to be somewhere or if Sylvester calls you. Come back to your rooms and send a message. You are safe here I will deal with everything else.” Bonifatius tells them.

“Yes, I agree. We can never be too careful. Cornelius your job is to pick up your sister and run if there is ever a confrontation. The guards will do the fighting you will do the running and Semyne you will put up the shield.” Ferdinand says handing her another ring. “This will let you use Schutzaria’s shield. Just poor your mana in it and imagine the size you want. You can run with it if you don’t think of the dome.” The ring adjusts to her hand, and she hugs Ferdinand tightly. “Now let’s activate your hidden room and then you can read before bed.”

Semyne makes another oversized room and gets scolded for it. She believes it is needed so they both can brew and work in it. And when she tells him it is because they are sharing it his ears turn pink and he shuts up.

The first night in the castle was then spent reading the books she got from Dunkelfelger.

Chapter Text

Chapter 8 Winter playroom and the better grades committee

Timing really is everything. Without enough time for production, learning materials are not ready. Instead Semyne and Cornelius must be creative. Semyne chose to spend the first few days focused on the students and getting her retainers. The ones she had before have not yet started school, so she only must convince them to follow. She is worried about how Hartmut and Clarissa will get along. Hartmut still does not have his memories and will probably get them in the children’s room.

Now that Cornelius is an archduke candidate, the children must introduce themselves to both siblings. Ottilie, Hartmut’s mother, has agreed to serve Semyne. Elvira has also agreed to be her adult scholar so they can spend more time together. Damuel and Brigitte have agreed to be her knights. She has taught all her retainers the first compression step. Elvira has chosen to watch in the winter playroom to monitor Semyne’s common sense issues. Ella and Hugo have prepared sweets for the children and Semyne has started with cookies. She will bribe the students with the recipe like the last weave to get their grades up and the ranking improved.

As the children come to greet her, she takes note of who is already hers. With the archnobles at the front of the line Hartmut is first. “May I pray for a blessing in appreciation of this serendipitous meeting, ordained by the harsh judgment of Ewigeliebe?” Hartmut asks kneeling before her with his eyes glistening. “You may” Semyne says annoyed. She sees that he is a fanatic even without his memories. Should I just have him hit with them now? She asks herself. As he responds she is debating giving him a blessing to remember and having Damuel pull him to the side.

“O Ewigeliebe, God of Life, may this goddess be blessed.” Hartmut says giving her a blessing.

With that Semyne thinks Yep, yep, he is going to get it now! I can’t believe this kid! “May this blessing make you remember.” Semyne replies. Everyone is shocked at the response and the 7 colored lights that engulf Hartmut. “Damuel please pull Hartmut to the side the gods will be in his brain for a bit.” Semyne says looking away and waving her hand in the get this trash away motion.

Hartmut has a face of pure ecstasy, and it seems to be creeping everyone but Clarissa out. “Clarissa, go to your god of darkness and keep him out of trouble.” Semyne says not wanting to deal with either of them right now. Clarissa’s eyes are shining because she finally has someone to talk about her mistress to and she gets her husband back.

With them out of the way Semyne sighs and waves the next child forward. She smiles kindly at the children who she will be taking. Justus and Elvira already received a list of the pre-baptism children that need to be protected and removed from their families this spring, in addition to all the children Semyne wants for her own. Her adult retainers will be assisting her in probing them.

When the greetings are over it is time for Semyne to make her announcement. Everyone is sitting down for tea so they can have a taste test of her treats. Hartmut is still spasming in the corner with Clarissa and Damuel. “First I would like to thank you in advance for ignoring THAT.” She waves in Hartmut’s direction. “This year we will be making changes to the academy and winter playroom. I will not be able to oversee it, as I am not there, but all of you at the academy have a responsibility to raise your grades and study hard. We need to raise the ranking as much as we can. I will be offering a reward for various achievements. The first is the recipe for these cookies.” Signaling to the staff she has the cookies passed out. “This will be given to every honor student so that your chiefs can make it at home.” She pauses to give the poison testing and takes a sip of tea. They are molasses and peanut butter cookies that only use the two ingredients.

As the children taste them, they start to chow down, and a few forget their etiquette lessons. It looks like we may have a few honor students this year. Semyne thinks. “Next is for the class that has the best grades.” Pound cake is brought out and she tests it again. Remembering the last time, she uses the honey version. She had her cooks figure out how to do these without sugar and uses maple syrup and honey. Again, it is a hit. She has tasked her lower city contacts to find sweet plants to try to make her own sugar substitution now that the gate is closed. This will help the ranking rise. “And now for the last. The class that all passes the fastest will receive this.” These are fudge blocks using coconut milk and red jam. They are white and red and perfect for winter. “This is called fudge.” Tasting again Semyne enjoys the taste but wishes she had chocolate to add.

The children all have stars in their eyes. “Lady Semyne? Where did you find your cook?” One of the children asks.

“I did not find them I taught them. I am the one that thought these up. The goddess of cooking Cuococalura likes to visit me in my dreams and teaches me new foods. She has asked me to bring them to the garden, so I have.” Semyne responds trying to sound as plausible as possible. I am supposed to enhance my sainthood this time. Hartmut calling me a goddess is unfortunate but helps. As she thinks this Hartmut starts to get up and runs to her feet. Kneeling at her feet he puts the back of her hand to his forehead, “Goddess thank you I am so glad you are well! I will serve you until my last breath!” Hartmut announces.

Semyne just sighs. She knew something ridiculous would happen. “Hartmut get up and go sit with your future wife. I need to get the students ready to raise the ranking.” She tells him.

“Of course, my queen.” Hartmut says softly and goes back to Clarissa. Unfortunately, he was not soft enough and one of the Veronica children shouts, “Did he just call her his queen? He called her a goddess too! Is he trying to marry her?”

Hartmut turns to the child and becomes menacing. “I am not worthy to try to be her dark god. Lord Ferdinand is the only one who can stand beside the goddess incarnate. She has been sent by the gods to save us. It is our duty to worship her and assist her in all things. I will destroy anyone who dares to sully her air.” Damuel hurries over and pulls Hartmut to his seat.

Semyne sighs again. This will be a long day. “Enough of that. I only have one dark god and that is Ferdinand. I will have no other. Anyone who tries will die. Now back to our ranking. You will find out why after the archduke conference when I marry Ferdinand. We need to raise the ranking as high as we can. I would like us to be in the top four by my graduation.” The children are shocked. “I understand that may seem like a crazy goal, but we can and will do it. I have a plan and the first thing on it is to get our grades up!” Semyne says. The current ranking is 15^th thanks to Ferdinand bringing it up and Eckhart and Heidemarie helped to keep it up also by being honor students.

Cornelius stands as it is now his turn to speak. “We have had a few exceptional students in the past. We will help make everyone the best we can. Factions are an issue. We do not care what faction you are in, if you do not preform and try, you will risk being denied further attendance to the academy. There is no point in having those who ride on the achievements of others. If someone is bringing their class down out of spite, we will find out. The academy is closest to the gods, and they are watching.” He looks at the ones he knows are in the Veronica faction and most likely to cause us issues. “Forget about your family for a season. The only one that can save you is yourself. Study hard and do the best you can. Achievements are rewarded, failure is punished.” He sits down. They had planned to play good cop bad cop with this and hopefully it works.

Semyne nods to her brother and adds, “We have created a new magic tool. The adults will be picking from the scholars with the best grades to present it at the tournament. They will also be allowed to work on it themselves to see if they can make it better. This will be a very large step. We are ranked 15^th let us try to be 13^th by the conference if not higher.” Semyne is about to light them on fire. “This is fluffy bread. At this time, I am the only one who can make it. If you get our rank to 10 this year, I will have the secret ingredient sold to those who attended the academy. I know that is 5 ranks and while not impossible is improbable. When we get to rank 7, I will start selling it to all of you if you are not able to get to 10^th this year. Those who are about to graduate will want to work extra hard as only honor students will be able to buy it from the years that graduate.” Semyne smiles to herself as she pulls the hot bread apart, dips it in butter and enjoys a taste. “I have many different recipes to share so do your best and I may just have the dormitory food prepared by my personal chiefs.” All the children’s eyes go wide at the amazing bread they are eating. The laynobles are especially enthusiastic about a secret ingredient.

Semyne sees the fire and so she adds, “if everyone is done with classes before the dedication ritual, I will send my chiefs to replace the ones in the dormitory, but you must strive for the highest grades possible.” She adds. The enthusiasm in the room is palpable. Even if they can’t meet all the other goals, they can at least eat the amazing food for half a season. Yes, the children are fully motivated.

After tea the children gather to play games. It is time to introduce the first new ditter game. Cornelius starts to explain how to play it. “We are going to play a new game. It is a new type of ditter for the winter. We will only use snowballs as our weapons. When someone yells ‘cover’ you must cover your face and hide behind something. One of the adults will release a powder that changes color when it touches your skin. If you get marked by it on your face, you are out. It can only be removed by a special liquid that we have and it completely safe.” This is to help response times when dealing with death powder. “Everyone needs to keep an eye on the powder throwers and yell ‘cover’ if they are going to release it. The goal is to take out the powder throwers before you are taken out. You must hit them on their skin with the snowballs to take them out. If they run out of powder before everyone is out the children win.” Justus and Ferdinand figured this powder out when Semyne was in the jureve. Semyne tried to come up with a simple game that could help children respond. She took red light green light, with paintball mixed in, as the example.

Bonifatius worked with the knights to set up a playing field for the children. The outside area has many safe zones and other structures to hide but also areas for the adults to sneak.

Semyne is still too small to join in, so she remains behind with Damuel as the others go outside. “Can I visit Ferdinand yet mother?” She asks Elvira.

Elvira thinks for a moment and then sends Karstedt and Ferdinand ordonnanz to tell them the children are about to start the new game. Knowing Sylvester, he will drop everything to see something new and Ferdinand wanted to see how the game plays out. Semyne is happy with this outcome and gathers the attendants to have the treats prepared so that the adults watching can also taste what the children could win. This should help the parents encourage their children to get the best scores possible. Elvira approves of this, and they gather the food.

Ferdinand is the first to arrive with Eckhart, Heidemarie is already assisting Semyne. Justus arrives behind Sylvester and Karstedt as he was with them in a meeting. Other nobles start to arrive not much later. It is not normal to have a game like this until the students have left so everyone is curious. They also want to try to gather as much information as they can. Ferdinand goes to the middle of the field where everyone can see and hear him.

“This game comes from the dreams of my all goddesses. It will benefit us in the future and is needed for coordination and self-preservation. The snacks provided are also her efforts. The recipes are rewards for your children’s achievements. Each one has a different level needed. We are going to be raising our ranking and anyone caught sabotaging that will be punished.” Ferdinand says.

Sylvester goes to stand next to Ferdinand. “As your Aub I am telling you to take this seriously. Things will be changing very quickly, and we need our ranking to be as high as possible before the conference. Adults will need to assist. Think of trends that your students can spread. We will be renovating the lower city when the snow clears. We will be getting ready for the day that upper duchies want to trade with us. If you don’t want Semyne taking all the credit for our rise, then it is up to you as parents to help your children become excellent.” Sylvester tries to get them to cooperate a new way. He knows his mother’s faction will not want to make Semyne look good so why not get them to increase for themselves. What he fails to realize is that the biggest issues will die with his mother that spring.

“Let the games begin!” Sylvester yells as he flies with Ferdinand over to where Semyne is being held up by Elvira. Ferdinand takes Semyne and thanks Elvira. As they watch the game Semyne feeds Ferdinand the bread and some tea cookies she had prepared just for him.

Ferdinand notices the tea cookies. “Did you make these for me? I remember us talking about not using anything with sugar.” Semyne blushes and strokes his cheek. “Of course, I made you a special treat. I must make sure that you eat, or you will just take those awful potions.” In full view of everyone she snuggles into his chest happily. See that? He is mine and I am his so back off blondie! Semyne thinks. There is a blonde lady that has been eyeing Ferdinand the whole time. I will have to remove you. “Justus.” Semyne calls out. He is standing right behind Ferdinand, so she was able to call quietly. “That blonde who is she?” She asks.

Ferdinand smirks and lets them do their thing. She is as jealous as I am. Good that will help me get away with removing pests from her orbit. Ferdinand thinks as Justus confirms that she has been pining after Ferdinand since his academy days. “She is an archnoble and has tried to get near my lord many times. When he left for the temple, it is said she threw herself at Veronica’s feet begging her to hand him over. Veronica refused not realizing that it would have been worse for my lord to be shackled to her than in the temple.”

Semyne looked shocked, “And veronica let her live?” Justus chuckled, “her parents asked for forgiveness and gave their names. It benefited Veronica and she gathers information on him, so she has been allowed to live.”

Semyne thinks for a moment and realizes why Ferdinand and Justus are just ignoring her. “So, her parents and maybe even her?” She says vagally. Ferdinand nods and is glad for the lack of clarity to anyone spying on them. “Yes, my love we can deal with that pest later if we even need to.” Ferdinand starts to pet her hair below the intricate braids. I need to add charms that can be woven into her hair. The hairpins are nice, but they could fall out. Semyne purrs for him and they continue to watch the children while putting on their own display.

The children are having a blast and are doing a good job. The first few times the powder went off showed the children the need for communication. This also gave them a kid against adult mentality that will help when at school.

The adults are going down, but they will most likely win this round. With all the children playing it will help with not only the knights, but it will help the attendance and scholars be able to deal with attacks.

Between the game and the side show of affection there is something for everyone to watch. And the food is gone before anyone notices. The adults want to keep eating it and realize the truth, their children must do well this year and get those recipes. Everyone is fired up with the game and food and the adults are even thinking of things to send their children with to the academy to start trends or research.  

The game is finally ending with Hartmut, Clarissa and Cornelius the last children standing. They took out the last of the adults themselves. Semyne wonders if it is fair that two of the three winners have memories of adulthood and how to beat the dust, but fair or not they have shown the other children what is possible.

Semyne decides to reward all the children for this. “Tomorrow for lunch I will have the chiefs prepare a special treat for the children as a reward for winning!” She announces to everyone. The children who had gotten out, and were depressed, perked up at this announcement and started to look at the three winners with admiration.  Ferdinand gives her a squeeze, “you know by doing this you have made them revere Hartmut who will use this trajectory to spread your sainthood, right?” Semyne shakes her head, “unfortunately, it is the legend of the goddess he is intent on spreading since I forced his memories on him. He was being a pest with his first greeting, so I punished him with it.”

Justus chuckles, “I bet he enjoyed every second. He is and odd one when it comes to you.”

Ferdinand grimaces and starts to walk back inside. “If he was not so great at his job, I would have removed him, but he is excellent, and I will not take a good defense from you.” Ferdinand goes right to the playroom by the fire and sits down with Semyne to warm her up from being in the cold. Elvira and the others chuckle at this because he has given her temperature regulating amulets. Ferdinand however felt her shiver slightly and does not want to risk her health at all.

Semyne looks up at Ferdinand, “Don’t worry, when someone, who overheard Hartmut call me a goddess and queen, asked if he was trying to marry me, Hartmut shot them down and stated only you have the right to stand by my side.” She strokes his hair and ego at the same time. Fufufu I will make you happy till the end of time. She thinks. Ferdinand is very happy to hear this.

The children continued to play outside, and the parents went back to socializing but Sylvester found a chance to get away from the meetings for a bell. Entering the playroom he finds only Ferdinand, his retainers, Semyne, Elvira and Ottilie. Seeing the practically empty room he moves over to the fireplace with Karstedt. “So, brother, Was the game supposed to be the entertainment, or were you?” Sylvester teases.

Ferdinand doesn’t let it get to him. “I must make sure everyone knows that she is mine and I am hers. There was a pest bothering her today.” He replies playing with Semyne’s hair. I should let her grow after the wedding for her health, but I don’t want to let her grow at the same time. He thinks making a face. Sylvester misinterprets that he is annoyed by someone sniffing around Semyne.

“I really don’t think anyone is interested in her, yet she looks like a baby still.” Sylvester says trying to relax his brother and not understanding why anyone would want to be with someone so young. He understands his brother loves her because she grew to adulthood but anyone else it does not make since.

Semyne makes a face while braiding a strand of Ferdinand’s hair. “It is not me that was the object of the pest. It was some blonde that will probably die soon anyway so I’m not going to bother killing her myself.” Ferdinand laughs happily at her statement but everyone else is shocked.

To hear a child that looks two say they are going to kill someone is very strange for them. “Love get your mana under control.” Ferdinand says stroking her hair. “She is an insect that will never have me. I am all yours.” He tells her with a sweet look on his face. Sylvester has never seen this look before; he didn’t even know his cute little brother could make such a face! “Who are you and what have you done with my brother!” Sylvester shouts.

Everyone laughs and Semyne calms down at this. “Mine, you are mine and no one can take you from me.” She pouts and clings to his neck.

Justus choses this moment to but in, “I think someone needs a nap. Let’s not forget she is 5 with the body of a 2-year-old. Her mind may be advanced, but her body is not.” This is all the excuse that Ferdinand needs to whisk her away to her room. “But I still need to make sure that the students are going to be ready for school! Semyne cries out.

Elvira was ready for this though, “Don’t worry I will assist Cornelius in your place, and we will get everyone settled. You will be pleased with the results when you come back. Go rest now daughter.” She says patting Semyne on the head.

After putting Semyne in the bed and laying with her, Ferdinand felt Schlaftraum’s call, and they both fell asleep.

They were brought to the realm of the god’s and the first to greet them is a tied up god of growth. He is fully tied in ropes from his torso to feet, and is hopping down the road to them crying. “Please Ferdinand make Leidenschaft untie me!” He begs between sobs. When he reaches Ferdinand holding Semyne he finally trips and falls at their feet. “Please I have been good, and I won’t do anything without permission just let me *hick* free!” He starts to hiccup in his cries.

“Ferdinand why don’t we help him he looks so sad.” Semyne whispers to Ferdinand as the god wiggles and cries in his bindings.

Ferdinand is annoyed but the drama, “You are always a softie. He grew you too fast last time and it hurt you I’m not inclined to let him go. Leidenschaft has the right of it. I hope they have tied up that gremlin too.” He growls at the god and kicks him a bit for hurting Semyne in the last weave.

“What gremlin? The goddess of chaos?” Semyne asks trying to figure out who Ferdinand has the biggest grudge with.

Mestionora, the aforementioned gremlin according to Ferdinand, made the mistake of showing up at that moment. Ferdinand scowls at her and points, “no that is the gremlin. You stay far away from her and do not let her temp you with books. She will try to take you from me, and I will not have it.” Ferdinand is livid.

Mestionora shakes her head. “I will not take her; we have a deal. You protect my uncle, and I will protect my daughter.” She says calmly.

“She is not your daughter she is nothing to you just stay away.” Ferdinand says turning to protect Semyne from the Goddess.

“Oh! Oh! Untie me and I will tie her up and throw away the key!” the god of growth says still at Ferdinand’s feet. The lord of evil smirks. “Yes, that is a fine idea, very fine. Leidenschaft you may release your subordinate.” The ropes disappear and a net appears over the goddess of wisdom and traps her. “You just stay in your library and don’t give anyone any wisdom. We will release you when she comes of age.” Ferdinand says still smirking.

Semyne tugs his hair. “But we need her before that.” She says with confidence.

“Oh? And why is that?” Ferdinand asks dryly. “She must do an overlay with me at our wedding so that others see me as an adult when I marry you. It also makes it more obvious there is divinity at the wedding.” Semyne says shyly.

Ferdinand rubs his temple. He does not want them near each other for fear of Semyne getting her memories abdck. “I understand why that would be a good idea, but I don’t want her near you and if she is doing an overlay, I will not be able to relax.” He starts to hug her as he walks to the castle in the distance. The two gods follow one happily free and the other thrown over the shoulder in a net. Ferdinand at this point has the full loyalty of the god of growth.

In the castle Ordoschnelli the god of couriers meets them at the door and brings them to the throne room. There are two thrones for the Supreme Couple, and they are sitting next to each other. “Greetings my children. I am glad you have been able to join us. I know you are just starting your journey, so I do ask you to pardon this intrusion. A few of the others had conflicting opinions as I would not let them act without your approval on several matters.” The Goddess of light says greeting them. All the gods and goddesses are there all 91 of them.

“We thank you for your consideration,” Semyne says reverently. Ferdinand however is annoyed. “Why were we called in this way. Just don’t act. The little fool will call upon you without even thinking anyway.” Ferdinand shakes his head and pinches Semyne’s cheeks just thinking of how much trouble she will cause.

The goddess turns to her husband and sighs. The god of darkness waves his hand and a table for three appears before them. As the couple goes to the table Semyne asks, “Where is my chair?” Ewigeliebe laughs from nearby and says, “As if your feet touch the floor on a normal basis. Do you really believe he is going to let you out of his arms for a moment when he considers us the enemy?”

Ferdinand nods his head. At least one of the gods understands the situation. Geduldh sighs as her husband pulls her close. “Myne, I feel for you. I understand better than anyone how suffocating it can be.” Ferdinand and Ewigeliebe growl at this but Semyne laughs, “But I don’t feel suffocated. I feel loved. Honestly, I may be worse than he is! Fufufufu.”

At that Ferdinand pets her head and calms down a little. He is very pleased to hear she likes the way he is acting. Some of the gods are shocked at that but others know that Semyne is just as blessed by Ewigeliebe as Ferdinand is.

The supreme couple bring the attention back to the task at hand. “There is not much time if we are going to plan during your nap so let’s get this figured out. I understand you do not want Mestionora near Myne, but her idea is a good one. The other option is to have her grow that day, but she will then be 16 permanently and not go back in age. Do you have another idea for this?” The goddess of light asks.

Semyne thinks for a moment and remembers that in her world there were people with a medical condition that made them the height of a child while growing to full adulthood. “I could become a [dwarf].” She says. She is honestly out of ideas. “What is that?” Ferdinand asks curious of the new word. “It is when someone can reach full maturity, but their height is that of a child. Really it just relates to anyone who is under a certain height when they stop growing. There are many different types. They deal with bone structure and proportions. There is a type that is fully proportional just minimized. That is what I would prefer. They are under 147 [centimeters] or 4 foot 10 [inches] um that would be just under 5 feet. But that is the maximum height for them to be considered a dwarf. So, If I get to be the size of say a 10-year-old but the proportions of an adult and then it’s just a matter of me growing in height?” Semyne says tapping her finger to her chin.

Ferdinand rubs his temple. “Everything with you must be out of standard. All of these are options, but I would like to think on them.”

The gods are nodding, they agree this should be carefully considered. “When you are ready just pray for Schlaftraum and you will be able to come back. We do ask that you come together.” The god of darkness glares at Ferdinand. Everyone knows he tries to do everything himself.

“Yes, we will do that it is not like we sleep if the other is missing anyway.” Ferdinand sighs. They are then brought back to Semyne’s room.

Chapter Text

Chapter 9 Convincing retainers

After waking up from their nap Ferdinand is reluctant to let her go. They lay in her bed for a time as he calms down, playing with her hair and stroking her back. She puts braids in his hair. “Will you grow your hair out for me?” She asks him. “Yes, my goddess, anything for you.” He replies. He only cut it because he went to the temple.

Ottilie gets her lady presentable again and Ferdinand watches on with a soft smile on his face. Ottilie has known him for years and has never seen this before. She is very happy for him to have found love and glad her lady loves him back.

In the playroom the children have had a basic test for the different levels according to the study guides that Ferdinand and Justus put together. They now have the areas of study that need to be addressed. Adults have been pulled from the different fields of study to give them a crash course and it has been a very busy time before lunch.

As the children are at different learning stations, Ferdinand carries Semyne back in. They head over to Elvira to get a status report. “Mother how are they doing?” She is very happy that she can call her mother this time instead of having to call her by name. Well, it is more she uses her status to demand being able to call Elvira mother all the time. Elvira looks pleased, “The children have already made improvements! The children are doing well in the stations like you said. After lunch they are going to take another test to see what they remember and switch stations. The children who are not yet attending are at the first-year stations when the other first years are not there so they can get ahead and now the older students don’t want to lose to the younger ones! It is truly a wonderful sight.” My daughter is so smart and gifted to come up with this! Elvira thinks happily.

Ferdinand nods knowing this would happen under Semyne’s influence. “Very good. The food and competition are a good motivator. We will need to see what students are at the top of their classes and see if they will serve your children.” Ferdinand says trying to scout retainers for Cornelius as well. “Have we gotten replies about Semyne’s retainers so far?”

Elvira turns to her aide and gets the correct board. “For the apprentice knights Angelica is a fanatic and begged us to let her serve you before we could even ask.” Semyne giggles to herself trying to see calm air headed Angelica as a fanatic. “Ernesta has agreed, and her family seems to have told her to get close to you as they are from Haldenzel. Lenore agreed and Alexis originally wanted to serve your brother, but Cornelius asked him to protect you instead. It seems the two of you agreed that Alexis could serve Cornelius after you have more knights in the years below you?” Elvira looks displeased at this.

Semyne nods. “If he wants to switch, I do not want to stop him. At our tea part last night Grandfather, Ferdinand and brother all agreed that I need to have as many knights and retainers as possible. Brother is going to have his knights prioritize me anyway when we are together so it’s not a stretch, He wants to be the knight commander for me when we move. Eckhart just wants to serve Ferdinand like a lost volhenir,” Ferdinand shakes his head at this, and Justus hides his laugh, “so I am going to raise brother Cornelius for the role. I know he will protect me with his life. Brother Lamprecht can take over the house and become knight commander here. So, we are raising both brothers for that role and Eckhart will be backup for Cornelius.” Semyne tells her mother. Elvira is shocked that her sons are all planed for but then agrees that this is the best outcome.

Elvira continues, “As you know Damuel is in his 5^th year and has agreed to serve you. Brigitte is also in her 5^thyear and has also agreed. We will have a meeting with her and her family as you requested. I have gotten the other party to agree already for you.” Elvira says mentioning the change of engagement and paper production. Semyne wants to get started in Illgner before they have issues. It is easier to break an engagement by saying “my lady asked me to marry someone else” then to have it broken by scorn. Semyne will do what she can for Brigitte and her family.

All the requested knights have agreed. Pulling out the next board Elvira continues, “for scholars Hartmut jumped at the chance. It was more of Justus saying ‘shut up and serve your lady already’ so he is yours. Clarissa with be taking both courses as agreed. We do not have other scholars chosen yet we are going to see what honor students wish to serve you at the end of the year.” Semyne nodded this was expected. She will be taking in ones from the duchy later for paper and printing, but they are not going to be personal retainers.

Attendance is another matter. Semyne knows she will need a few and the best possible for her trends to spread and to hold tea parties. Christine who will be in her 4^th year when Semyne is in her first will be heading to the academy as a first year this year. “Christine has agreed and will be taking the attendance course. She is happy to help you at the temple also.” Elvira starts. “Lieseleta is the only other one on your list and she is in your year. When asked she was concerned about serving you so quickly as most to get approval. We talked with her parents and since Angelica begged them, they will send both daughters to you. We also informed them that you have a way to keep Angelica from failing.” Elvira finishes. Ferdinand laughs at this remembering how airheaded Angelica is.

“Yes, we need to take her in sooner so that Semyne can fix her brain.” Ferdinand looks at Semyne lovingly. My goddess is the only one who can make that air head become an honor student. Ferdinand thinks.

More attendance will be needed later but, like the scholars, they are waiting to see who puts in the most effort.

“Cornelius says that he will just take whoever doesn’t serve you and is an honor student. As he is going to follow you as a vasal he really only wants those who will serve you later.” Elvira says shaking her head. “He is using Lord Ferdinand as an example in needing minimal retainers. He also said that any who wish to stay here after graduation are worth training but not worth getting close to, and we should leave them for Lord Sylvester’s children.” Semyne and Ferdinand nod at this. “If brother thinks that is best then let him. He will be leading and training all of the knights and he can just pull any male honors attendant. For now, he doesn’t need much. I think it is a good idea to have all of the honor students working in a rotation as our retainers for different events for extra practice while having our personal retainers be like the managers. That way we can leave Sylvester with many trained nobles and not get too attached to them.” Semyne says.

Ferdinand taps his temple. “I don’t hate the idea. But you cannot get too close to them. They will just be assistants to your retainers not retainers themselves. Those who wish to follow you will be able to earn their spot but those who wish to stay behind will not be allowed more.” He says sternly. He knows how soft his little love can be.

Semyne nods but adds, “Brigette though should stay here so she can be happy and protect my printing.” Elvira looks at her. “I know you said she wanted to remain last time, but things are different. Her family will prosper without the hardships as before so it is possible, she will wish to follow you.” Semyne looks at her mother, “That is true. I do want her to be happy. If she chooses to follow me that is her choice, but she will retire when she marries so I do not see how that could realistically happen. I think it is best to encourage her to remain and let her know that she is protecting my commoners here by staying.” Semyne says.

Elvira and Ferdinand agree with this, and it becomes time for lunch. A very tasty lunch made Semyne’s cooks. They whole day is tailored to encouraging the children to do their best for good food. As they eat at the tables, they are not eating anything fancy just full of flavor. The basic soup without throwing the water out. Fluffy bread and pasta with sausage. Simple but delicious. The adults that are in the room are eating lunch there also and Semyne used that to have the adults sneak etiquette lessons in. Ferdinand spent lunch alternating between feeding Semyne and himself. The excuse is that she is too small to eat properly at the table.

At the after-meal tea Semyne makes a request to the students. “I have a request for all of you. You may consider this crest work so pay attention. Archnobles you also.” She says remembering how stubborn they can be about making money. She needs everyone on board. “I will be hosting a compression class this spring for those who earn enough money and who get high enough grades. The amount will be based on you rank as a noble as it is easier for an archnoble to earn money, their fee will be higher. I will allow parents to supplement up to half the cost. If you are an honor student, the cost will be lowered.” She added these to get them motivated. “Factions will not be considered because they should not exist.” She says resolutely. This she believes without a doubt, and she is going to break the factions with the children leading it. Elvira has already been informed about this and due to the purge, that is about to happen and cause issues, Elvira agreed that it is for the best.

“I know it is a shock for most of you as factions are a part of your lives, but they are slowly killing us from the inside and it will keep us from becoming the greater duchy that I know we can be. Our enemy should not be in our own house but the other duchies. We must rise against the pressure from parents to break this mold and become a new Ehrenfest.” She holds her tiny fist up as she stands on Ferdinand’s lap. As he supports her Ferdinand is very pleased to see the looks of the children becoming motivated. She is very good at uniting people. He thinks.

“Now onto the tasks you can complete.” She motions to Damuel, “It may seem strange to use a knight in this case but I do not yet have a scholar at the academy so you will go through my knights and attendants who will be there. That said please gather information. We need different types from all fields of study. For those who are shy you may copy the books in the library. You can also get others to do this for you. In fact, I encourage you to do so. The more people that work for you the more money you will make off commission. If you have questions about this, please speak to the adults who will be running the ‘How to get rich quick’ center after lunch.” They chose Justus to lead it with the methods from Benno. “There are other things I would like for you to gather for me. That is different plants and seeds that are in other duchies. Common or not. We will have a list of what we have and as it is gathered the list will grow. I will only be buying the first one of each and you will need to say where it comes from and any information on how it grows.” Semyne is desperate for chocolate, so she added this task to the list.

“This year I do not expect the transcriptions to be extensive, but we need as much information as we can gather. I will be selling it to the adults, and they will put the price on what it is worth. Please send the information at the end of each week and we will have it apprised. There is a lot of information about post war movements this is especially important.” Semyne says. Ferdinand stealthily encourages her using his thumbs to rub her back as he supports her.

The students look at each other as they digest the post meal information. One of the students from the higher grades stands up. “Lady Semyne is the compression method going to help us older students? What is the point when we will stop growing soon anyway?” They say. Ferdinand is the one to reply. “Yes, you can double or triple a full-grown vessel with this method. While younger children will see the most improvement it will help anyone who is dedicated to the process. It is how she already has the mana to match me.” Everyone knows that Ferdinand has the most mana in the Duchy and by saying Semyne’s mana already matches it tells everyone what they need to know about this out of standard couple. Semyne is on the lower end of matching Ferdinand but is doing all 4 stages of compression. Ferdinand himself is compressing more because he knows his goddess will surpass him if he does not. Also, the country will take a lot of mana from them both, so they need to compress to rule properly. The gods also honored his request to increase both of their mana vessels to ease the burden of the demand put on them.

The older students look ravenous. “You will also want to sell ingredients. Tomorrow we will gather in the noble forest and the knights will guard the others and everyone will learn how to cooperate. I have taught my retainers the prayer to heal the gathering spot so you will be able to collect as much as you want and heal it after.” If there is no purge the old course and treasure ditter will still be used. This will help there from being a decline in education. The students are shocked they can heal the spot on their own. “I will do everything I can to support you. It is up to you what you do with this.” Semyne says. The students are really beginning to understand her support and what it means.

The afternoon started with centers and many students wanted to join the money-making center, but they needed to break into smaller groups for it. Ferdinand has to go back to the temple to keep cleaning it up, so he takes Justus and Eckhart with him. Heisshitze is assigned to Semyne whenever Ferdinand is not with her, as she has no adult knights of her own right now. Bonifatius is in the last stage of sliming the pool for her knights and they will be picked and assigned tomorrow.

Ferdinand has already seized the high bishop and high priest rooms and has kicked the occupants out. They are receiving their things one by one after Ferdinand and Justus check them. It is a painstaking process but at least they don’t have to strip search them again.

The grey attendants are being interrogated and only those who are not loyal to the former bishop are allowed to serve. Those who are loyal are disposed of. The new attendants have been informed that they will be removed if they side with the former bishop and what his restrictions are. The former priest is not as bad and is going to be given a chance to prove his worth after everything is sorted. It benefits Ferdinand to have an adult who can help with the role Cornelius will be holding. Semyne will take over the orphanage directors chambers and the furniture has already been moved.

For her temple attendance Ferdinand is already training Fran and has pulled Wilma from Christine with her permission. Nicola and Monika have also been pulled for her and are cleaning up her room. Ferdinand will let her work her magic on Gil herself and Delia has not been baptized yet. Frans current assignment with Wilma is to note the condition of the orphanage and get it cleaned up for the new director.

Fran is nervous remembering the last mistress he served. He knows nothing of this new director other than she is the highest noble in the duchy but not the archduke. He is not even sure of her age. All he was told with Wilma is to clean the orphanage and take stock of everything and one therein. He takes the boys wing and starts to assemble all the greys for the task. The new high bishop told them directly, “It will be a lot of work for you both. Here are some boards, let me know if you need more. You should delegate the different tasks and take note of who helps. Also note anyone who does not help” the bishop had an evil smile on his face for the last comment. Fran fears for those who are on that list. They have been told that they have until the dedication ritual to get everything spotless. Arno helps but taunts him the whole time.

Wilma works hard in the girl’s dorm and orphanage. They were told even the unbaptized children would be inspected and need to be cleaned and prepared. She is concerned that she was pulled away from Sister Christine, but she wants to be helpful wherever she can. I will do a good job so that I do not disappoint my new mistress. She thinks. The events that caused her to be afraid before have not happened yet.

The attendance work hard and Benno has all the furniture and items delivered to the rooms. Ferdinand asked to be the one to order her dishware for the castle and temple. While it will not be the color of her hair this time it will be from him. He has put the dutchy crest as demanded by Bonifatius but on the other side he put the Myne workshop crest from the last weave with the addition of a shumil in the middle.

Ferdinand stops by her new room and sees that everything is in hand to be completed before the dedication ritual. He also checks Cornelius’s room and has Zahm assisting there with others.

All the basic items are sorted through, and the former high priest rooms have been cleared. Most of the former bishop’s items have been seized and will not be returned. He is also forced to donate almost all his mana every day so that he cannot respond to magic letters secretly.

Sylvester was able to finish his meetings in time for family dinner at the castle. Ferdinand has been requested to join with Semyne, the offer was more of a demand. Semyne offered to have her cooks take over the kitchen and would sell Sylvester the recipes he likes for one large gold each. Sylvester must try them first to see if they are worth it. Ferdinand is just glad that he does not have to pay as he is assisting with the development.

At dinner Veronica is sitting far away but is still present much to Ferdinand’s annoyance. Semyne wants to use this season to torment her before she is removed.

Cornelius sits next to their grandfather and across from Ferdinand who as always has his little love in his lap. “When are you going to let the gods grow her brother? It is a little disturbing.” Sylvester asks.

Ferdinand frowns at his brother. “Don’t look at me like that. She will grow once we get married. I just don’t want people getting ideas thinking they can steal her before then.” Ferdinand replies glaring at Veronica down the table. “Some people think they can take what belongs to others. They are now paying the price, but I do not trust them.”

Sylvester understands this due to the situation with his son and Florencia agrees. “Yes, those who steal from others should be punished harshly.” Florencia joins in on the glaring. Everyone turns on Veronica. She holds her head high like she did nothing wrong and Bonifatius feels the need to chime in with an evil smile. “Do not worry Ferdinand, if any dare to come near my granddaughter I will peal their skin from them and listen to their screams. Then I will make them eat it as the feybeasts feast on their meat.” Ferdinand joins in on the grin and everyone else shivers. At first Semyne is horrified and then remembers the blonde that wants Ferdinand.

“I agree grandfather. The same will be done to any who try to take my dark god from me.” Semyne smiles up at Ferdinand who after a little shock looks down with a tender smile. “Yes, my love we will make all who oppose us cease to exist.” Veronica gets chills at this realizing she is already being targeted by almost everyone at the table and has no way to contact anyone who can help her.

The food is brought out and Semyne and Ferdinand start to eat. Not far into the meal Veronica starts to gasp and must be removed after falling to the ground. They did leave here there for a bit before Ferdinand called it unsightly. “Semyne what was that?” Sylvester asked as he does still care for the bitch.

Semyne looks unfazed. “It was just a numbing agent mixed with spices. Very Ahrensbach, she should have no issues. Fufufu. That’s what she gets for poisoning my man all those years.” The lord of evil has nothing on the evil smile on the tiny face. Semyne can just hear the horror theme playing in the background with the little girl’s voice that sings a creepy lullaby.

Ferdinand looks at her with pride while the others have a mixture of faces. Florencia looks proud and horrified at the same time. The main thought in everyone’s mind is, I never want to get on her bad side. And Sylvester’s added thought is, I can’t believe she will be queen, and no one will be able to stop her! Ferdinand is quite happily feeding his love and eating the yummy food. This helps to ease the tension somewhat and everyone goes back to eating.

Sylvester can’t let it go due to his curiosity. “How did you do all of that?” He asks. Semyne has no problems replying, “Her plate was tainted, and her attendant helped during the serving. It is a dusted spice that was put on her food the numbing made it difficult to swallow while the spices still affected her without her being able to taste it.” Semyne remembered the stupid cinnamon challenge that was on the internet all those years ago and gave her that.

Ferdinand is happy that Justus would never risk him in that way and praises her ingenuity. However, he would like to get off the topic completely. “So, Cornelius, how did you find the playroom this year?”

Cornelius, surprised to be the center of attention, replies, “Well the difference in status is a little difficult to get used to. I have found a few that want to work as retainers. The change in studies is good. I can see the centers helping us get the best grades from here on out. Some students asked if they could come back for special training in subjects, they struggle with so they can be honor students. The biggest change is Angelica that I have seen. She seems to be trying this time. Clarissa is egging her on too, saying that if she doesn’t get good grades then she will not be allowed to take the knight course.” Semyne nods but then remembers something, “I thought she took that because she wouldn’t have to think, is that not the case anymore?”

Cornelius nods back at her, “It is still the lowest need for written work but with the guides you made, and the physical movement during lessons for the more active students, she is able to remember more and seems motivated because of it.”

Ferdinand remembers something else that will help her. “Semyne you can make her the manablade again just think of your grandfather ordering her around not me please.” Semyne nods to that. “It will be her reward for passing all her first-year classes. That should help motivate her and she has 2 years to study.”

Florencia looks on and has questions of her own. “I understand you are training the students to be able to pass without going to lectures. How are the newly baptized doing with this?” She is worried for her son who has not improved since she has gotten him back.

Semyne sees where this is going. “Lady Florencia, please do not forget you have other children. Your firstborn has been tainted. I will allow him to use the material I come up with but Ferdinand and myself will not be involved in his training. I will assist you other children but not him.” Semyne has cut him off before she can be bothered with him. “Truth be told it is best to keep him far away from me unless he learns an attitude of gratitude. You may even want to demote him as he has not been baptized yet.” She hates to be so harsh but the foolish child causes trouble where it is not needed. She will not allow him to be Aub if he is anything like how he was before. Florencia is shocked by this declaration and tries to reconcile what she has heard.

Ferdinand does not want to get more work like he did last time from the couple. “Please remember these are you children and responsibility we do not have the time to devote to them. We will assist as much as we do for the other children, and they may have early access to the materials, but their teachers will need to work with them. I will need to be working with the Sovereignty and the temple I cannot assist in other matters also.” He states in no uncertain terms to keep work from being sent his way.

Bonifacius sees where it is going and chimes in, “I will be training my grandsons to be the future knight commanders. I can assist my son with the knights training but only after my responsibilities. You will need to find someone who can stand in here during the first day of the archduke conference. I will not miss this wedding and my son will not either. All of her brothers will be there also.” Sylvester goes white. He thought he would at least have some help.

Semyne is pleased that Ferdinand is laying the groundwork for his brother to not rely on him. “Lord Sylvester you must realize that when I come of age, we are all leaving. You need to raise you children to support you and have your wives assist. That is the whole point in you getting married this spring yourself. One supplier was removed, and you gained 3. Speaking of mana and how much you have available right not we need to start storing it up and get ready to revamp the lower city. I don’t know if trade will happen this year, but it is coming, and the lower city will need to be ready. I have the student’s gathering information on who is where and what is going on. We should call back the Sovereignty nobles we have sent so that I can get to know them, and they can give us information.” Semyne thinks over what else needs to be focused on this winter.

Ferdinand remembers something, “Please reinstate Professor Hirschur’s funding as Veronica has been stealing it.”

Sylvester is appalled, “Brother!!! Why am I just now hearing of this? How long has this been going on?” He is out of his seat and then, realizing he is standing, sits back down.

“Brother,” Ferdinand says shaking his head, “You can believe that anyone that told that chaos no had their money, lives, or both taken from them. You will see in the spring. We are trying to break the factions now to save the children. And keep them from being related to their parents’ crimes.” Sylvester nods sadly and thinks of all the aids he will need to switch out. He is lucky that Justus is on loan for half a day to help clean everything up.

After dinner Ferdinand carries her to the north with her grandfather and brother for them to have another after dinner tea session. These will become a standard end to the day. Private reports of the daily activities are exchanged and impressions of needed improvements. Elvira as her scholar attends and can enjoy time with all her children together. Some nights when he can get off early Karstedt is allowed to join also. Sylvester however must request attendance in advance and sometimes will use Karstedt to get an invite as the food is the best there.

Those who know, agree that this is where the true plans for the duchy are formed.

Chapter Text

Chapter 10 Here we go a gathering among the leaves so green

Waking up every morning in his arms, is a dream come true for Semyne. She purrs like a zanite. Ferdinand plays with her hair watching her sleep and when he notices she is awake kisses her forehead and helps her get up.

Breakfast together is a quite but happy affair. She has stopped the ridiculous soups for breakfast, and they are having an American breakfast of eggs sausage and pancakes. One day she will figure out how to get the proper fluffy egg cake. Japanese food will have to wait.

Cornelius meets them in the corridor to head to the forest. They are both wearing highbeast clothes for gathering. Ferdinand is wearing his armor and is going to join along with Bonifatius to make sure that the children are safe. Well to make sure that Semyne is safe.

“We will need to make you both highbeast in a few days.” Ferdinand says. Bonifatius is nodding but Semyne chirps in, “That class is tomorrow so that the students can get a chance to join in. I am going to show them how to make mine.” Ferdinand looks disgusted, “Please tell me you are making a shumil and not a grun.” Semyne giggles, “Hey lessy was cute!! But yes, I will be making a shumil I want to make it today in the afternoon with you and Justus. I will need him for the class so he can show one with reins.” Justus is not there to hear that, but Ferdinand knows he will pitch a fit if he is not invited to do so. “Very well you may steal my retainers again,” he tries to act annoyed, but he is not fooling anyone.

Cornelius decides to get in on the fun, “Cousin if you are so bothered by it why are you assigning them to her constantly? You cover her in ice and then have your retainers be extra ice! You are worse then Ewigeliebe!” Semyne giggles, “Be careful brother he takes that as a complement!” Her grandfather looks on and adds, “Who Ferdinand or the god? In my opinion, you my darling granddaughter, are the worst of the bunch.”  Everyone laughs at that.

The gods watching above start debating over who is more possessive. Verbergen, however, is working overtime with the god of growth Arnvax. He is not doing anything sneaky he promises this is only to give them another option. Mestionora however is still stuck in the net but is given new books by the other gods to keep her contained.

The group meets the children at the area where they do the fall hunt. Heisshitze stands next to Eckhart looking thoroughly pleased. He has had it beaten into him by Bonifatius to not say anything when others are around, and he takes his guard duty seriously. However, he has been invigorated by yesterday’s ditter and is putting all his limited brain cells to the task of coming up with one himself.

Ferdinand holds Semyne so the children can see her. “Today you will learn how to properly gather and protect. The knights will assist on the outer layer followed by the 6^th years and so on. New students and those who are not yet going to the academy will be in the centermost formation with myself. Tomorrow we will learn how to make highbeasts. It is winter so we should not encounter many animals. If we do listen to the directions of the knights.” Bonifatius takes over from there as everyone gets into position.

Ferdinand has extra bags along with Justus to be able to gather anything Semyne sees and to restock what they can. He also knows that his little gremlin attracts feybeasts better than any lure.

Hartmut and Clarissa are walking in front of Ferdinand with Cornelius between them. After yesterday they are already able to coordinate together. The knights training has not deteriorated like the last time, but most students have not had a chance to practice these skills. Heidemarie is following Ferdinand with Flutrane’s staff. The plan is to get to a central location call for summer and then heal the land to teach the students the prayer and how it works. Ferdinand has the circles for both and the filled feystones.

A few feybeasts appear and the knights are sent out to remove the rest. Everyone is happy for a chance to collect. Damuel has been in training and is able to sense mana like the last weave now. And is called on to do so. The other students are now in awe that a laynoble is able to assist in a greater capacity.

When the area is cleared of the beasts, the clearing is secured and Ferdinand hands Semyne to her grandfather. “I will be right back my love,” he says taking out his highbeast and flying up to cast the spell. Everyone is in awe of the magic circle and the snow melting. Leidenschaft and Ewigeliebe have an agreement for the moment to make this work, so they are hovering over Ferdinand’s shoulders. Semyne is the only one who can see them, but everyone starts to feel some of the pressure from the aura. “Hey back off you two, the children will faint!” Semyne yells at them. The gods blush and touch Ferdinand to give him a bit of their power and then leave. “Did they really need to do that? I guess they used the spell as an excuse.” Semyne grumbles to herself. The others don’t know who she was talking to but felt the pressure leave.

The spell worked and the snow has vanished over the whole noble forest. Heidemarie brings forth the staff and Ferdinand lands. “It is your turn love are you ready?” Ferdinand’s concern shows on his face.  Semyne reassures him. “Yes, I am ready. Stop worrying.” Ferdinand holds the staff for her as her body is too small to support it.

“O Goddess of Water Flutrane,” she begins, and the wind stirs around her, and she feels the goddess, “bringer of healing and change, O twelve goddesses who serve by her side.” The knights kneel and the children follow, after a stunned moment. “Please hear my prayer and lend me your divine strength. Grant me the power to heal your sister, the Goddess of the Earth Geduldh,” another goddess comes forward,” who has been wounded by those who serve evil. I offer to you our joy and songs of glee, please cast the blissful ripples of your pure divine protection. May your divine color fill the land of my wish.”

As she pours in her mana the goddesses and their subordinates assist and use this opportunity to spread the healing throughout the duchy. They are not growing the plants outside of the forest, but they heal the land that has been deprived of challises from veronica’s abuse, so it is filled with mana for spring. When the prayer is over the noble forest is transformed. Ferdinand quickly hands the staff over to Heidemarie so it can go back to the temple.

Semyne sees the awe in the eyes looking at her. “This is the healing ritual. Anyone can heal the land if you recite the prayer and give your mana with your hands on the ground. The more honest your prayer the easier it will be. Those who have not yet had the Devine Protection ritual, take note. Honest prayers will grant you the protections of those you pray to. I hope that in the coming years everyone is able to get the blessings of Flutrane! Now let us gather what we can before the feybeasts come.” Ferdinand picks her back up and helps her gather as Ordonnanz fly so that adults can also get much needed materials.

As expected, Sylvester is the first to arrive with Karstedt. “Wow I have never seen the forest like this before! It is bursting with life!” Sylvester starts jumping around gathering in a haphazard manner. Noble barring has been forgotten by everyone in site of the wealth they see before them. It is like a dragon with gold. Everyone is getting as much as they can throughout the forest. Damuel and a few knights are keeping watch for beasts and will take a tax from those gathering as payment for the protection.

Many plants that have a high mana need, so they are high quality materials, are seen in the forest for the first time. While they are native to the duchy the mana level has not been high enough for them to produce anything in generations. The adults are salivating, and the older children are planning to sell some at the academy. The lower nobles are very pleased to be able to use this as income for the compression method.

Hartmut and Clarissa are using this opportunity to brainwash everyone to worship their goddess. Semyne is actively tuning this out as she is very embarrassed by it. A few feybeast appeared but Damuel was able to sense them and instruct the knights for irradiation. This made the tax easier to hand over from everyone who was being greedy. Bonifatius used this time to teach the children how points are distributed so that even support like Damuel does not get overlooked. Damuel is quite happy to hear this.

The children then happily went to the special lunch that was prepared. Because they are children, she went with a kid’s menu style of lunch. Loaded pofaffle soup, fried chicken cutlets with cheese and pome sauce and pizza with cheese and sausage. Instead of tea she is serving hot apple cider to warm them right up. The treat at the end is a biscuit with jam baked in and honey drizzled on top.

Everyone loves it and praises the food. The younger kids need a few reminders from the adults but otherwise everyone is perfect with etiquette. Semyne hopes that they all pass on the first day.

After a very filling lunch, the children get back to their studies and Ferdinand must go back to the temple. After reluctantly setting her down near the fire he heads out. Hartmut and Clarissa are staying with the children today to watch over everyone’s progress. Justus and Elvira are putting the materials away from the gatherings during lunch and collect Semyne after.

The centers for the day start with seated lesson and move on to the learning activates. Boards are put up in different areas of the room with the names of duchies and then a specialty is called, and the group must see who can run to the correct board first. After a few rounds more boards are put around the room at random and the children must find and bring back the right board. 

Other games are added that require movement for those like Angelica who need to be able to relate it to strength. Hartmut and Clarissa are showing how praying can increase abilities and the importance of praying for each other. There is also a center to make pendant talisman that are similar to the ones from China. Intricate knots and threads with a feystone that has the god and subordinate symbol on it. The feystones are the element of the god or goddess. The strings are infused with mana and smaller feystones are in the knotted string and in the handing tattles to work as a battery to keep the prayer feystone charged. If someone wants to pray to the god and all subordinates, they can add more feystones below the main one or have more pendants.

The scholars are assisting the lower year children with brewing the mana thread.

Most of the children just focus on one or two gods they want to increase blessings with. Semyne and Ferdinand want to encourage children to become as strong as they can to decrease the burden later. Ehrenfest is going to be one of the few duchies that will deal with a mana and manpower shortage soon.

The other goal of the pendants is to increase the daily use of mana so that students learn to manipulate it easier. All students over their third year can show their pendants at the end of the year for a reacquisition ceremony to increase blessings. They have been told not to increase to many or they will not be able to control the flow.

The students are very sleepy after this class as to be expected from the exiting day.

Justus and Elvira take Semyne after lunch to find out about her highbeast. Cornelius tags along to make his also. He will make one that is normal, so Heisshitze is going over the basics.

Elvira hands Semyne the stone and before any instructions she has dyed it and with a constipated look on her face creates the shumil boarding highbeast. It is almost clear and has all the colors of the gods swirling along the surface looking pearlescent. The most surprising part is that there is a bit of purple in the swirling colors.

Justus is in heaven trying to figure everything out but doubts it can fly. Semyne has no mercy for him and takes off after getting Justus to put his seatbelt on. She takes a quick lap and then leaves him alone in the highbeast to get away from the questions. “Justus you are intelligent all you must do is imagine it and it will be. So go make one already.” She is sleepy after the long day of gathering and now magic class. Her body is still very weak and cannot handle very much. Elvira picks her up and tells Justus to hurry up.

Justus makes his bahelm highbeast and then molds it into a carriage shape. The result is a flying unicorn cow with a man in the belly. Semyne wants to vomit at the sight, I guess this is how they felt about the grun. She is not please as it is not at all cute. “Justus what abomination is that! It’s not cute at all!” She cries out and starts to actually cry.

Justus puts his highbeast away and runs over, “Are you alright little queen? I didn’t mean to upsent you with it. What is the matter?” All she can do is ask for Ferdinand. The lesson for her comes to an end and Elvira takes her to the temple to be with Ferdinand while he works. Elvira had foresight with this and got a baby wrap from Effa so that Ferdinand can still work. The result is adorable with little Semyne cuddled to his chest as he fills out paperwork. Every now and then Ferdinand checks on her but she is sleeping softly clinging to his robes.

Dinner with the Archduke couple and the bitch from hell is a tense affair. Veronica eats her food one tiny morsel at a time. Ferdinand is amused at this and ask if there is anything wrong with her food. “Do you not like what has been prepared? Are you saying that the cooking of the gods is not good enough for you? Do not waste the food. You are lucky to even be in the presents of a goddess be respectful and eat what is prepared.” He says throwing her words back at her. Semyne is glad Ferdinand has found courage to say these things to his oppressor. It is petty but Ferdinand needs to heal. Sylvester says nothing but looks a bit sick.

Florencia is glad her tormentor is getting her own but is also worried about her children. “Semyne, yesterday you said you would not assist our son and we should disinherit him can you explain why?”

Smoothing out her skirt and leaning further into Ferdinand Semyne replies, “Your son has been deceived and may say things about my god of dark that will cause me to kill him. If he is stupid enough to say something about the future king, he is not fit to be an archduke candidate.” Semyne sneaks a look at veronica who goes white realizing that she referenced Ferdinand being the king. “As we are the ones ruling the country, I will never approve an Aub that would speak against us. Also, he is easily misled. I understand wanting to limit the fight for succession however it is imperative to have competition. The reason why Georgine was so cruel was because she was removed from the race and Sylvester was named without trying. He then continued to not live up to what was needed to be done. If Veronica had actually cared about her children or the duchy, she would have baptized Ferdinand and used him to encourage Sylvester to actually achieved something.” Semyne is given her tea by Ferdinand.

Ferdinand is not happy with how harsh she is being, but they talked about this last night with everyone at tea. To get the archduke couple to fix the issues they have to be harsh. To say it in front of Veronica is just an extra blessing as they can berate her openly now. Elvira was very much for this approach as she has been tormented by her aunt all her life. Elvira is serving Semyne today so that she can bear witness.

Veronica scoffs from her seat and acts above herself as expected. “You really think I would take in a by-blow? I am the only goddess my husband was allowed to have I would never accept any but my own and my son is the best and perfect there was no need for any completion.” As she turned to act up her attendant added spice to her food. Coughing was then heard from that end of the table.

Semyne giggles in response, “Oh my, it looks like you didn’t know. My god of dark is not a by blow of some lower duchy Aub but a hidden royal that was placed here for his safety. A safety that you broke.” Semyne glares at the bitch. “You should realize your place scum. Your mother was a mana deficit child of a third wife and only forced her way because she was from a greater duchy. You are a pathetic excuse for air and a horrible person. My husband is far greater than you will ever be.” Semyne says adding a little crushing to get her point across.

Ferdinand realizes what she is doing and covers her eyes. “My love, stop before she dies.” Semyne grabs Ferdinand and clings to him tightly putting her face in his chest. He hugs her and rubs her back. Everyone in the room is shocked at the statement of Ferdinand’s birth. The fact they let a royal hidden or not be tormented is a death sentence. Sylvester understands now why his mother must die on a public stage. “Why did you tell them that?” Ferdinand asks her. “I’m sorry she just made me so mad looking down on you when she is less than nothing.” Semyne says and it is loud enough for the table to hear.

They notice that he does not dispute the claim and with the statements they will ascend to rule being a given it is very believable.

Veronica is sputtering in her seat and Sylvester looks at her. “Did you really torment my little brother like that? You are no mother to me. I would have you cast out if I was not told to act otherwise.” Sylvester is very upset about all of this and looks at Ferdinand. “Will you still be my brother?” He looks like a pet that was just kicked.

Ferdinand sighs and rubs his temple. “Sylvester you are my only family other than Semyne. Stop pouting you tried to help with what you knew. It was fathers’ fault for not stopping it. You had no power to do anything. By the time you got power we agreed I would be best in the temple, and you did protect me there. Please relax about this issue. You should be more concerned about your children and duchy. The gods will deal with those that hurt their children.” Ferdinand looks at his brother calmly.

Dinner ends and the tea party in Semyne’s room begins. “The gods wish to speak to us tonight, Ferdinand.” She says once everyone is situated.

Ferdinand is annoyed by this but nods. They go over the plans for the highbeast class with the others and the reports of the day.  Cornelius tells them about his highbeast. He went with a Riesefalke. He said that he wanted to have a strong highbeast that was from his home even when he would be moving away. Everything is progressing as expected and the students are doing well. The grades are expected to rise this year dramatically.

Once asleep they find themselves on the path outside the castle. There are no gods that run out to meet them this time and they make their way in. Ferdinand carries Semyne to a different room this time. A circular theater style room is set up with a table for 7 in the middle with tables and seating on different levels rising up. The king and queen of the skies are standing at the table and the 5 pillars are just behind them.

“Welcome back, we have some news that will change our options for the wedding, and we wanted to present it sooner than later.” The goddess of light says.  Gesturing for them to sit at the table Ferdinand doesn’t notice he has taken the seat of the god of life. The gods snicker and it is pointed out. “Leave my son alone he is welcome to my seat anytime.” Ewigeliebe says and is very pleased for the honor. He considers both to be his children as their love for each other rivals his for his wife.

Arnvax and Verbergen come forward and present what they have made. “These rings will allow her to appear differently. The yellow ring will bring her to the physical age of Clarissa who is her schoolmate. And the blue one will bring her to her chronological age with the blonde hair and red eyes to appear as a commoner. This will allow us to have her grow to 16 at the wedding and she can be that size whenever the rings are not activated.” Arnvax says vibrating with excitement that he may have made up for his mistakes.

Semyne likes the idea and Ferdinand can tell instantly. “What is the mana usage on this and if her mana is low what complications will it have?” Ferdinand poses the question before Semyne can just agree to it. Thankfully they are out of her reach.

“We made sure there would be no issues regarding that. If the ring is activated, only she can deactivate it by actively pulling the mana out of the ring. That way she will not have the issues with clothing like last time. Also, the goddess of weaving will outfit her on the day so the clothes will grow with her. Heilschmerz and Flutrane will also keep it from being painful. She will not feel anything when it happens.” Verbergen replied. He is a very soft-spoken god who disappears if you are not looking directly at him.

Semyne is relived at the information and prods Ferdinand, “This is really the best that we can ask for I can be a normal girl but also be my full size at the wedding.” Ferdinand is as ever worried about her. “Can anyone else pull mana from these rings or only her?” It is a fair question. Arnvax replies “The only one that can pull the mana if you Ferdinand because you are so similar in color and have matching mana.” Ferdinand is ok with this as he sees the advantages. “We will take the rings and give a final answer before the day, but this plan has merit thank you.” He says to the two gods that presented it. Turning to the couple he says. Can you call forth the goddess of weaving I need to make sure this dress is appropriate for this event.” The goddess of weaving, who is excited and nervus, comes forward and says “I will have three options for you by the closing of the dedication ritual. Can that work?” She has the sketches, but she refuses to even show her fellow goddesses.  Ferdinand nods.

Semyne pipes up, “I have a quick question. What god has the color purple?” Everyone freezes. Ferdinand looks at her, “Why do you think a god has that color?” Semyne nods at his confusion. “I made my highbeast today and it was clear with the different colors of the gods swirling in it. There was also purple inside of it.”

Ferdinand strokes her hair but glares at the gods, “What did you do?” He asks. His low voice dropping lower and the pressure in the room seems to increase. He is intimidating gods.

The goddess of light sighs and begins to speak. “Remember the issue with the partial book last time? To avoid that we had to add a tiny color to each of you. Myne is purple. It is not that there is a new god per say it is a color that is unique to her. We added it after her baptism so there would not be issues with it being noticed. I did not realize her highbeast would show it.”  The goddess shakes her head.

Ferdinand taps his temple. “Why didn’t you tell us about the color before? You had plenty of opportunities. Didn’t I tell you to consult with me first?” Ferdinand is not happy with this at all.  

The god of darkness comforts his wife as he replies, “You have orange, and she has purple. It was the only way to keep your colors close enough and still be able to tell your mana apart. Tools will not know the difference because it is so slight, and your mana will still feel comfortable and warm for each other.”

Ferdinand understands they why but is still bothered they did not ask first. Semyne however remembers her art class from school, “Don’t those colors make brown when they are mixed?” She asks. The gods look at her confused. The goddess of wisdom is still trapped in the net but answers for the others. “Our colors are based of the light spectrum, so it is pink or red not brown.” Ewigeliebe is happy to hear this as it is the representation of his love for his wife and their mis of colors.

Ferdinand doesn’t care about the way they mix and is still annoyed, “Is there anything else that we should know? Let’s get it all out in the open.” The gods shift a little nervus for what comes next. Dregarnuhr is pushed forward. “Well, when you demanded more time with her, I gave my blessing but didn’t understand what you meant so it may now be how you want it.” The goddess normally is on top of things, but this time may have messed up. “You will not age. She will not age when reaching her growth of 16.” She tries to hide behind the other gods, but they keep pushing her forward. “Blame Mestionora she told me you agreed to be zent forever and said it would be bad to have you old and wrinkled!” She cries as one last attempt to save herself.

Ferdinand’s glare moves to the goddess reading a book, oblivious to what is going on around her. Trapped in a net Ferdinand is tempted to lock her in a room without books for as long as he has to live beyond a normal lifetime.

“Mestionora you will pay for this.” The growl falls on the room, but the goddess is still oblivious. Semyne has not grasped the repercussions of this and is just happy to have a long time with Ferdinand. Ferdinand just wants peace and knows he will never get it this way. “You will find a way to fix this. We will not live forever.” He tells the gods and storms out of the room.

Clinging to Semyne he wakes up she stirs but goes back to sleep. He spends the whole night watching her and comforting her when she gets restless.

That damn goddess will be destroyed if I have anything to say about it. Ferdinand thinks stroking his loves hair.

The gods are left in the room gaping at Mestionora. How could she be so stupid. They lock her in her library, but she is still obliviously reading her book. They refuse to unlock her until Myne is ready for the book herself. Maybe she can just get it from Ferdinand as he has the whole thing.

Day turned to night and then night turned to day. Another page in their books has been written.

Chapter Text

Chapter 11 Leading up to the dedication ritual

After breakfast in their rooms, the normal duo is waiting for them. Cornelius and Bonifatius are determined to follow wherever Semyne is to keep her safe.

Today is the day the 6^th years head to the academy. The room has a few less students and everyone is gathered together for the first lesson of the day. Everyone is wearing their riding gear and excited for what new thing they will learn. Bonifatius leads the way to the training grounds.

Bonifatius first shows them the standard riding highbeast and has some knights show their varieties. Cornelius goes next so the children feel like they can choose. After that Semyne and Justus pull theirs out and the children get excited. “If you are going to be in the knights course, we recommend using the riding version. For others, the ability to carry more and have extra protection, you may wish to make the boarding one. Please use animals or feybeasts that are more rounded for their bodies as this will help you create the cavity inside. We have made single person ones so that you can practice using the least amount of mana. After class I will show you the flexibility based on mana and imagination. It does not need wings. If you can dream it, it will do it.” Semyne tells the group. The students interested in the boarding beast start to look them over and take turns going inside.

Lieseleta has a slight blush on her face and Semyne remembers her love of shumils. “Would you like to make one like mine? I would love to see all the cute girls with cute shumils, wouldn’t you?” She says encouragingly. The fire has been inflamed and Lieseleta thinks hard about how it should look and after a few tries she is able to make it. She is the first to complete the task and all the girls swarm to her. She made hers like a carriage instead of a car so the girls can pick it up easier from her.

Justus notices that no one cares about his anymore and pouts a bit. Semyne giggles seeing this. Some of the students are struggling and Semyne goes around encouraging them that it is normal for it to take a few tries and that they are doing very well. The class is over at lunch and they head back to more delicious food.

With full bellies she has the students sit at tables and has a form of art class. By teaching them with a claylike substance they better understand how they shape the stone. Those who wish to practice more are allowed to go in groups for a station during lessons.

Lieseleta pulls Justus aside after lunch when Semyne is distracted and asks if there is time for him and Elvira to help her brew something for Semyne. Justus is as curious as ever and agrees instantly. It may have to wait for the dedication ritual, but they will assist happily.

That night at dinner Veronica skips playing sick but gets no food sent to her room. Ferdinand seems to relax at this and Semyne agrees that Veronica can just stay there and not be seen unless she needs her mana drained from her.

The dinner goes smoothly, and Sylvester is glad to still be able to call Ferdinand brother.

The after-dinner tea has Karstedt showing up so the whole family is in attendance. Ferdinand starts with a report on the temple preparations, and everything is going according to plan. Bonifatius tells of the highbeast class and how wonderful Semyne is with the other children. Elvira gives a report on the gathering from the day before and the amount is staggering. Karstedt states he will have knights patrolling the forest to make sure feybeasts don’t come out.

Ferdinand then brings the topic to the meeting with the gods. “They proposed a decent plan and we will have time to think it over. The dresses will be ready to review before the dedication ritual. And we have found out bothersome information.” Ferdinand taps his temple as Semyne tells the family the news. “We have our own colors like the gods do. The purple in my highbeast is my goddess color and Ferdinand has orange. They said that mixed like light it creates pink! Isn’t that cute!” The tiny girl giggles.

Cornelius is confused but the adults are appalled at what this means. They understand that if they are given a color, it is likely they are gods or going to be in the near future. Ferdinand nods at them and informs them, “I don’t think we can die.” There is silence until Cornelius whispers, “What does that mean?”

Ferdinand shakes his head realizing the children don’t understand. “We have been elevated to gods. We will stop aging. Semyne will age to 16 at the wedding and that will be where she stops. From what they said I have already stopped aging myself. I believe that it was Mestionora who caused this so that we would be Zent forever keeping her uncle safe. I will find a way to fix this.”

The room is quiet and Semyne finally realizes the issue. It is not that they will live forever it is that everyone she loves will not. She will only have Ferdinand with her for all eternity, and while she likes that, she does not want to lose her family. As her mana fluctuates the tea party ends and Ferdinand gets her to bed. “Quiet now my little love. I will find a way out of this. You know I always find a way to make things work for you. I will not fail you, my love.”

That night they didn’t sleep. Ferdinand had Semyne tell him of her past world and all the creations that they had. Finally in the early hours of the morning Semyne fell asleep.

The supreme couple decided to question their granddaughter as to why she acted in this way. The goddess of light took away the book and asked the indignant goddess of wisdom, “Why did you make them live forever?” Trying to sound as gentle as she can. The goddess of wisdom glared at her grandmother, “They took uncle with them. They could have found a better place to die instead of right next to him and this way I won’t lose him again.” Mestionora said this acting like a petulant child. The god of darkness shakes his head, “Them living forever will not save your uncle all it will do is piss of Quinta and make it more likely for you and your uncle to be attacked. He will take over your library and give it to Myne. He only cares about making her happy and this will cause her to be sad. You do not think! You and your uncle are so rash! How are we supposed to fix this. They have their own colors now. They are gods in their own right. They will continue to grow in power and strength, and you will not be able to stop them. We have to fix this and fast!” The god of darkness started pacing and pulling out his hair. The petulant goddess crosses her arms and humps, “Its not all my fault they should not have killed my uncle.” The goddess of light slaps her across the face, “You fool, you need to stop being so obsessed with him. If you want to give your life like he did then go give yourself to the garden too. Do not bring death on the rest of us with your selfishness. We will offer your library to Quinta and Myne. Be glad if they keep you around.” The supreme couple locks the books in their places and storms out of the library.

Upon waking Ferdinand got dressed carefully and Heidemarie dressed Semyne in comfortable clothes with a warm fur blanket wrapped around her. They use the baby wrap to attach her to Ferdinand and he takes off for the temple. Justus stays behind to inform the others what has happened.

Lamprecht, Damuel, and Brigitte head off to the academy and the children’s room gets smaller. Many children attend the highbeast center and the money centers. Justus uses this time to help Lieseleta start her new project. Elvira takes them back to her house and they find out what the plan in.

Lieseleta is nervous but tries to stay calm, “I would like to dress my lady in cute styles and make a special headpiece for her to wear. This is the design.” She passes the board over to Elvira who tries to hold her composure and passes the board to Justus. Elvira takes a sip of her tea trying to calm herself before asking, “how do you propose to make them?” Lieseleta was ready for this and it is the most difficult part of the task. “If we use mana wire and mana infused cloth Lord Ferdinand can also add charms. It is possible that it can respond to her emotions.” Lieseleta has to stop herself from talking and shoves her hand into her feystone bag to calm herself. That does not remove the blush from her face or sparkle in her eye. It must be contagious because Elvira has the same symptoms. Justus is smirking and nodding his head. “I do believe that my lord will be willing to assist with the mana to make these. And we can always ask the little queen to dye some thread or cloth. This will be a very good idea and help to relive the mana strain on our lady’s tiny body.” Justus says confidently looking over the drawings. They all nod at each other and the planning is underway. The tiny girl will be turned into a shumil with mana ears before the end of winter.

At the temple Fran gets his first glimpse of his new mistress.

Ferdinand is working in his office with a fur blanket on his chest when Fran comes in to report on the progress of the orphanage and Semyne’s new room. Trying to hold himself back from asking he gives the report about the cleanup, when a tiny voice asks if they are able to make soup yet. Ferdinand pats her head and tells her “Little one, you are still sleeping. Will you wake up and meet your temple attendance properly?” Letting out a cute yawn, Semyne nods rubbing her eyes. Ferdinand chuckles at her and pulls her hands away gently so she doesn’t hurt herself. She is slightly pink from the warmth of Ferdinand and the blankets.

Fran does everything he can to hide his shock at what comes next. From the blankets an infant goddess is reviled, and he instantly kneels with his arms crossed. The other in the room that see her do the same. Semyne is confused but Ferdinand knows it is because she is beyond beautiful. “This is Lady Semyne, she has been blessed by the gods and will be presiding over the temple orphanage. Treat her with the upmost respect she is the most powerful person in the duchy.” He is not wrong saying that, but country is more accurate, if one excludes Ferdinand himself.

Semyne is uncomfortable with the reverence, “Please stand and resume what you were doing. I don’t want to keep you.” She shakes her head and subtly glares at Ferdinand. He just chuckles at her look and that makes everyone freeze again. They have never heard him chuckle before.

Fran is the first to recover. “Greeting to you my lady on this auspicious day of Ewigeliebe, I pray you will be blessed. My name is Fran.” He says with a bend at the knee and his arms crossed over his chest. Semyne is overcome with happiness at seeing him again. “Fran it is wonderful to meet you. I know you will serve me well. Please excuse my tiny stature, the gods will resolve it by the start of summer. For now, please tell me all about the orphanage and its situation.” Ferdinand sits her on his lap as he listens to the report.

Semyne asks Fran many questions and gets him to name certain people with her probing. “I understand that most do not consider pre-baptism children to be people, but I do. They will be kept clean and feed like all the others. I will have my trusted commoners come and teach how to gather and cook so that no one will go hungry even if there are no priests to feed them.” Fran looks at her trying and failing to hide his surprise. “For now continue what you are doing and work with High Bishop when you are free. One of my goals is to decrease his workload.” She looks up at Ferdinand with a bit of a stink eye. Knowing him he will take all the work for himself. She thinks.

“Fran please make sure to prioritize Lady Semyne while she is here. Otherwise you are welcome to join in the work here.” Ferdinand says. “For now can you gather all of her retainers and mine that are not here? We will meet at her new chambers. Do not worry if they are not perfect we just need the room further away.” Ferdinand says. Fran every the humble servant goes off to do just that. Ferdinand remembers the issues with Arno then. I will have to have Eckhart remove the threat tonight. He thinks. He will not let anyone make issues for his little goddess.

Ferdinand’s temple retainer helps him remove the baby carrier. Semyne is sitting on his bed and giggles at the sight. Ferdinand shakes his head at her guessing what she is thinking and then carries her to her new rooms. Eckhart and Heisshitze are with them as guards.

Wilma, Nicola and Monica have joined Fran in addition to Ferdinand’s retainers. They gather in the lower area of the directors rooms and everyone is kneeling with their arms crossed. Ferdinand sets Semyne down on the table so that it is easier to see her. “As you all know there have been major changes this winter to the temple. Lady Semyne and her brother Lord Cornelius are archduke candidates who will assist me in running the temple. There are some extenuating circumstances that need to be address to our retainers. The gods have woven our threads. If you are confused this means that Lady Semyne and myself will be married late this spring. The gods will also bring her into adulthood at the same time. To give her a somewhat normal life she has been given the ability to look her age when socializing with other children. This also means that us sharing chambers at night will be the norm. Please get used to this now. We will be living here for the dedication ritual and will be back after the wedding. The gods have asked us to purify the temple so we will remain here for the next 9 years or so. After that we will have to move.” Ferdinand gets the sleeping situation out there first so he doesn’t have to deal with them freaking out when they find them in the others bed.

Semyne tries to look as adult as possible in her tiny body. “There are things that cannot be explained. Just know that we are following the will of the gods in this.” She says confidently.

The gods are excited they can do something, and the seven colors of blessings float down from the ceiling onto the couple. Ferdinand is not impressed with this. “If they don’t stop interfering just because they are mentioned I am going to drag them down here.” The retainers are shocked, but Semyne just pats his arm. “They are just trying to ease the way and show their support. Besides they locked the troublemaker in the library without access to her books! That’s the worst punishment ever! To see books but they are forever out of reach.” She puts her hands to her face like the scream and Ferdinand shakes his head. “Only someone as obsessed with books as you are, would find that a horrible punishment however she is the one that has the same determination as you, so it is adequate.” Upon hearing this the supreme couple sigh in relief and accidently bless the pair again.

Semyne closes the meeting so the retainers can get back to work. “Please keep the information we told you today secret. There are those who would oppose the gods and us. Please protect me with your silence.” She gives her cutest look that melts even her grandpa, and they are all putty in her hands. Ferdinand waves them back to work and Semyne asks to see how her room is coming. Her retainers are agitated by this, but Ferdinand reassures them that it is fine. Nobles get to do whatever they want anyway.

Seeing her room is the same colors as the one at the castle and the fabrics are the same she is pleased. “Wilma, I would like you to assist me with the orphanage. You can have a room here with me or there. It is up to you. I will also have protection amulets for all of you. As you are mine, I will protect you. If anyone tries to touch you without consent it will go off. Fran you will have the protections also. Nikola and Monica I would like you both to work with the chiefs when they come with me. You do not have to be perfect but I would like for you to make the food for my chambers and the divine gifts when I am not here so the amount of food does not fluctuate. I will ask my brother to have his retainers do the same.” Semyne says with a gentle saintly smile. Ferdinand adds that his chiefs will remain in the temple to do the same as he has others elsewhere.

The girls are very pleased with their options and happily agree. Semyne goes to the next task. “Fran you said there is a boy who is refusing to work, his name is Gil?” Fran agrees. Semyne choses now is a good time to get the boy working properly. “Please bring him to me.” Fran leaves to get Gil and Ferdinand asks to also see Arno. He then pulls Eckhart aside and tells him what to do. Semyne is looking through the rugs that have yet to be chosen and asks to pick what should be in the main area, unaware of what Ferdinand is doing.  Fran comes back with the both of them and Arno is told to go with Eckhart for assistance. He will never be seen again. Fran brings Gil into the chambers and upstairs to where his new lady is. Gil reals back as soon as he sees the tiny child. “Who is that? Why are they in a noble’s room?” Gil shouts. Ferdinand walks up behind him, and the voice could kill. “What are you saying about her?” Gil gulps and turns around seeing the high bishop behind him. “I’m sorry high bishop I was startled. I didn’t expect to see a pre-baptism child here.” Semyne giggles at this. “Ferdinand, I don’t take offence to that its fine I will starve this child into submission.” She really has no intention of starving him but knows how food motivated he is. Ferdinand still glares at the boy. “He should speak to you properly. I don’t know why you want this runt.”

Semyne tells the girls her final opinions and reaches out to Ferdinand to pick her up. He immediately does. “The first task all of you must remember is to carry her everywhere. Especially on stairs. Her legs are tiny, and she does not have a lot of stamina. Treat her with care. Things should be easier after the spring.” Ferdinand says remembering they didn’t address the duties regarding her person yet. Semyne addresses Gil again, “I may be tiny for a little while, but I am still higher than you. Remember to be respectful. If you want the best food hot, then you will serve me. Otherwise, you can fight for scraps with the others in the orphanage. If you don’t work, you don’t eat. Things will be changing and quickly. The old ways that allow for laziness will no longer work.” Ferdinand understands now how she means to get his cooperation and approves.

Gil got to work and in the following weeks became a perfect attendant under Fran. A chief was sent from Benno to practice in the kitchen and make sure that all of the utensils for cooking were there. The retainers got a lot of good food in advance.

After the children settled into a rhythm and the students were all at school Semyne remembered the best part of winter. So, Semyne begs Ferdinand to go to the lower city to gather parunes. Ferdinand gathers those who know about her at his house on the next clear day. “Thank you all for joining me. We are going on a special mission to the lower city forest. We need to go further out from the gate. The commoners gather on these clear winter days for a treat so we need to make sure to leave their area alone.” Everyone nods at Ferdinand’s orders. They are curious as to what this could be and excited to be included.

Ferdinand and his retainers along with Hartmut and Clarissa. Prepare the bags to carry the parunes back. Semyne also asked to get branches to see if they can be used for anything. Elvira has also joined the fun while Karstedt is stuck with Sylvester keeping him occupied.

Ferdinand has everyone gather in Semyne’s highbeast and adds the concealment charm to it. Now they are fully hidden with only one charm. Flying over the city they see the commoners running about heading to the gates to gather. The south is extremely busy. Floods of people are leaving their houses to gather the winter fruit.

Flying over the forest they see the trees. Semyne follows the trees to the farthest one out before landing. Everyone rushes out and Ferdinand calls them back. “Don’t run, Semyne is the only one who knows how to gather this so listen.” They all look excited. Semyne says calmly, “These trees react to the warmth of the hands of commoners. First I would like to see if they react to mana. Ferdinand can you bring me to that one?” She says pointing. He obeys and she sets her bare palm on the tree and lets a sliver of mana into it. The tree eats it up and starts to shake. She pulls her hand away when it is shaking and starts dropping fruit but before it can burst. “You have to be very controlled with your mana. To much and it will explode not enough and it will do nothing.” The tree drops the fruit one after another and stops shaking. Then she tries it again and as the mana has left the tree in the fruit it starts to grow more. “this is amazing we can focus on a few trees and regrow as much as we want without bothering the commoners!” Ferdinand is happy for her but tells the others to try also as Semyne’s mana is special. The others are able to do this but Hartmut and Elvira cannot. Semyne thinks for a moment before stating the answer. “It’s the name-swearing. The mana of the master covers the sworn and changes their colors. It is one of the reasons I want the students to acquire many protections so that you two don’t stand out.” She says looking at Hartmut and Clarissa. Hartmut is even more resolved to give Semyne his name.

Semyne picks up one of her parunes and dyes it. She now has a huge feystone. “Hey Hartmut. You need materials for your namestone right?” She asks in an offhanded manner. “Hartmut turns and sees the feystone and immidiatly picks up the parune he forced a tree to drop and tries to dye it. “Uhhhhhh its so large this may take a while.” Hartmut says straining. “Try slamining it. You may want to take a reguvination potion and slam it and have your mana recovering at the same time.” His eyes light up and he does that. Not long after he is sitting on a stump with a huge feystone egg of all colors. Justus puts on special gloves to help Semyne and Ferdinand recover their fruits. It will be a very plentiful winter with this.

Ferdinand allows her to spend a bell with her family later that day to have parucakes and special jam she made for them. Lutz was very happy for the new treat and Tuuli got was just happy to see her little sister again. They spent the time talking about what would happen and the plans for the wedding. Gunter and Effa wanted to be there but understood it was not possible. Tuuli did not understand, “Why cant we go if that thing you have means others cant see us?” She asked. This caused a processing error for everyone. Myne was the first to react, “Tuuli you are so smart yes! I will figure out how to make one for you!” She squealed. “Now calm down, it is not safe for them to be near so many nobles. It is better to have someone record it and then you can show them later.” Ferdinand replied tapping his temple in exasperation. Her parents are nodding.

Semyne does not agree and wants her family there. “If it is a matter of proximity then why don’t we just have someone with a boarding highbeast float them near the top of the ceiling? With the concealment and the gods wanting to make me happy there should not be any issues.” The reply is far to logical and Ferdinand has no response for that. “We will think about it. But I will not give a definitive answer right now. Justus is the only one that can make it and he will need to compress more to sustain everything for that long.” Ferdinand is exhausted from the conversation.

After verifying with Benno the winter handiwork, they headed back to the castle for dinner.

The days leading up to the dedication ceremony were exciting for the children. Reports from the academy started coming in. While no class passed all on the first day many more students had. Almost all students had passed a week before the ceremony and the one who didn’t had one exam left. Everyone was working together to help them. Semyne was happy that she could motivate the students without being there.

Veronica tried to escape so she was moved to the ivory tower under secrecy. She would be brought out for transport for the archduke conference and chained to attendance using both mana and normal chains so they would not be broken.

The day before the dedication ceremony the letter came from the academy. All the students had passed their classes. The students were elated and as promised Semyne had the chiefs switched out from the Italian restaurant pool. As it is not open yet they were getting a big bonus and practice working for nobles.

Ferdinand brought Semyne and Cornelius to the temple and they gave their vows as priests and accepted their blue robes.

Chapter Text

The goddess of light and the god of darkness are looking down over the fealty ceremony and grimacing. “My love we should bless them but at the same time Quinta will be pissed.” The goddess says pouting. “I think this is a time that we can have some reason to bless them. Is that not why Quinta is having this done before all those in the temple?” So, the ceremony at the main alter concludes with blessings falling upon both children equally with all seven colors.

Ferdinand is not impressed but expected this. He is just glad that Cornelius also got the blessing and in equal measure. Semyne is quite happy to have her robes again as it is easier than the crazy sleeves that she must wear otherwise.  The blue priests are in shock and awe with what has happened, and the former high bishop is struck dumb and faints.

That night over dinner Ferdinand and Cornelius join Semyne in her room to enjoy a new dish she created for the occasion. “Tonight, I have used some of the Parures we gathered and we will have it for dessert. For the soup we have a cheese and vegetable soup with pork shank in a mushroom sauce.” Semyne says proudly. This is a rare dish to be able to have. Everyone enjoyed it and at tea afterwards the conversation turned to the academy.

“The children have done very well for this being the first years since you have taken over and have not had time to prepare. You have done very well little love.” Ferdinand says to Semyne stroking her hair. “Cornelius, you have done very well supporting your sister and studying hard. You have been and very good example for the boys and older children. Thank you.” Ferdinand says and motions to Justus. “This is for all of your hard work after being thrust into an unknown situation.” Justus gives the box and poison testing is done as usual. Ferdinand has everyone turn to the wall and erects the soundproofing tool. When Cornelius opens it, he sees the manablade and the feystone hilt. “Semyne gathered the stones herself and I have made the hilt for you. As you know we have our own colors so this manablade is basically one made by the gods so please take great care with it.” Cornelius goes white understanding what the gift is. “Is this not too much cousin?” He says trying to regulate his breathing. “Brother, we want you to be protected always and besides this way you can better protect me, right?” Semyne says so casually sipping her tea looking at her brother with fraternal love. “I know that you will have your knights prioritize me if anything happens so this is my way of making sure you are also fully protected.”

Cornelius bows his head in acquiescence and lets his sister and cousin spoil him a bit. “I will treasure this always and protect you both with everything I have. As we discussed I will also take the knights course so I can follow wherever you go and protect you.” Ferdinand nods and removes the soundproofing barrier and lets the attendants get back to work.

Suddenly a gray priest rushes in and whispers to Fran. Fran then comes over and tells Ferdinand, “Brother Bezewanst was seen wandering this way. One of his grays is worried he will try something and ran here to warn us.” Ferdinand smirks, “looks like the man just wants to be a mana battery for his last few seasons of life. Let him try so that I have a reason to put him away for the seasons.” Ferdinand waves Fran back to his post. Everyone is now on alert and Ferdinand points out that anyone trying to get to them has to go up the stairs that are easy to see.

Bezewanst demands entrance and tries to act above himself when he enters but stops short at the top of the stairs when he sees that both Ferdinand and Cornelius are there with Semyne. “Brother Bezewanst why have you demanded entry into the director’s rooms at this hour?” Ferdinand says wearing the white robes of the high bishop. “Or should I ask why you wish to see my fiancé?” Bezewanst almost takes a step back but realizes he is still on the edge of the stairs. “Well, I wanted to introduce myself to my new family member as the uncle of the Aub I should welcome the children to the temple. I was going to the boy’s room after due to the time.” He said trying to cover himself.

Semyne lets Ferdinand take care of all the nonsense and continues to drink her tea and has a side conversation with her brother to show she could care less about the new addition. “Brother Cornelius, as I was baptized so young, please remind me of the proper etiquette for when someone enters a room.” Thankfully her brother is quick on the uptake and says, “Of course dearest sister, The first thing is that the one of lower status must great the one of higher status from a kneeling position. Anything other than that is a direct insult and can cause a permanent stain. As you are the highest in the duchy according to our own Aub you must remember to never initiate the greeting. I understand that Zent will also be making a similar announcement when you marry this spring so you will never be the one to kneel. Ferdinand is only to kneel to you and not anyone else.” He threw the last bit in for good measure to let the fool know how bad the blunder is. “Now as for myself,” he continues while Semyne looks like an ardent pupil, “As I am the high priest and also have been baptized as a noble, I am above all others in the temple but in the castle only the Aub and first lady are the ones I need to kneel to. Grandfather adopting us in front of the duchy made that clear.” Cornelius states acting like a teacher. Bezewanst goes totally pale and knees down to say his greeting.

Semyne remembers how she tried to kill her parents the last time, so she drives the wedge further now. “Why have you not given a proper blessing to us Brother Bezewanst? Is that not a sight also?” Ferdinand’s cheek twitches at this and he goes along. “My dear he is not a noble like you. He is just one of the mana batteries of the temple sent here for lacking mana to be of use to his family.” Bezewanst can say nothing to this and just bows his head. Semyne is slightly annoyed that he is not retaliating enough to be put in the tower.

“Tomorrow we will all be dedicating mana together may Dregarnuhr weave our threads together then.” Semyne says basically saying don’t let me see you before then. Bezewanst nods and flees from the room. After he is gone Semyne voices her annoyance. “Well, that was anticlimactic. I would have liked if he had put on his uppity face so I could crush him. Dirty Santa is no fun.” Ferdinand shakes his head at her bloodthirsty ways. “My dear you will have your chance to toy with him tomorrow when you drain him just remember that the others will also be there.” Cornelius sips his tea watching their interactions and then asks, “Did I do as you wished dearest sister?” Semyne smiles at him and nods, “Of course, dearest brother, you were perfect, and he was very much put in his place and informed of all of ours at the same time. Mother will be proud when I inform her of this.” Cornelius smiles.

Ferdinand brings the conversation back to the academy and they finalize the information that will be leaked at the tournament which is not much. According to the students gathering information they have not said much about their own duchy but have gathered much of others. After tea they called it a night and Cornelius left the room. Ferdinand was able to go back to his room and get changed while Semyne’s attendants got her ready and bathed upstairs. Ferdinand worked on some last-minute planning for the next day as Semyne read a little before she had to go to sleep. Finally, they both went to sleep.

The next morning Semyne woke up before Ferdinand and snuggled into him more. “Being held all night is the best. I am so glad I get all the gyuu I want” she whispers absentmindedly and plays with his hair a bit before drifting back off. Ferdinand woke when she started snuggling and heard her letting his smile take over his face when he was sure she was back asleep.

That morning they had to get up early and bathe to be cleansed before the ritual. This also meant they had to wait to eat so Ferdinand had the ritual earlier than normal for the sake of Semyne’s health.

At the appointed time Ferdinand waited with Semyne outside the doors and waited to be called like normal. “The high bishop shall now enter.” At that the doors opened, and Ferdinand carried Semyne in and set her down on the rug next to him. He looked at her with a slight nod and they started together, "I am one who offers prayer and gratitude to the gods who have created the world. O mighty King and Queen of the endless skies, O mighty Eternal Five who rule the mortal realm, O Goddess of Water Flutrane, O God of Fire Leidenschaft, O Goddess of Wind Schutzaria, O Goddess of Earth Geduldh, O God of Life Ewigeliebe. We honor you who have blessed all beings with life, and pray that we may be blessed further with your divine might." The other priests joined in and swiftly had their mana drained from them. Those who wondered why Ferdinand never joined them before now understood the difference. Fran gave the signal when a few priests passed out and the mana was cut. “Thank you all for your service please rest up we will do this again tomorrow.” Ferdinand said but stayed standing next to Semyne. “Everyone please leave so that we may continue to dedicate our mana as we have more than enough to keep going.”

The priests were bothered by this but those who could left, and the others were dragged out by their retainers. Bezewanst, having a little more mana than the average priest, thought he could continue as he should have more mana than a child. He conveniently forgot about the massive blessing at the baptism. “I shall continue with you high bishop as my mana is fine.” Ferdinand expected this and Cornelius chose to watch as the high priest but not continue to offer himself as he doesn’t have the mana capacity and would only slow the others down. He knows they are going to drain the fool to within an inch of his life and does not want to get swept up in that.

“Very well you may continue, let us make this quick.” Ferdinand says and gets back into position, and they say the prayer again. It does not take long at all for Bezewanst to pass out and at that point they decided to call it a day. Bezewanst’s attendants struggle to roll him out of the room due to his rotund body and Semyne feels sorry for them, she whispers to Ferdinand, “Can you have Fran suggest that the drag him out on a sheet or some cloth. I don’t want his attendants to suffer because he is a glutton and is so fat. They would be of better use if they are not broken after this.” Ferdinand agrees and tells Fran what to do. Ferdinand then leaves with Semyne and Cornelius to go to Semyne’s room for a late brunch.

For brunch she had the cooks make a western feast. Poached eggs with hollandaise sauce and ham slices, bacon, fruit, jam, fluffy bread, cheese along with tea and juice are all presented to the hungry guests. Very different from the usual soup and bread that passed for breakfast normally. She also had paruecakes served. The children at the orphanage were already getting served thanks to Monica and Tuuli who were working in that kitchen. Semyne didn’t want the children to have to wait for a bunch of passed out blues to eat first.

The men said nothing while eating part due to hunger part due to how tasty and novel everything is. After the dishes cleared and the tea got served Cornelius broached the question for them both, “Sister how much do you want for those recipes?” Ferdinand’s expression did not change but his eyes looked hungry for the information. Semyne sighed, “Brother I will give you all but the last as it is a commoner staple and should not be spread to anyone. By that I mean that the ingredients are needed for other reasons not this treat, ok? It is only to be made by my exclusives however I will spoil you with it in the winter.” Eyes wide the men looked at each other, “Little love are you saying you will not charge us for these but give them to us?” Ferdinand is very confused by the money-grubbing gremlin and then becomes very on guard. “Ferdinand is worried over nothing. This is my way of thanking you both for last night and today dealing with that overgrown fool. But I do have a small favor to ask in return. It is but a small thing.” Semyne says but is stalling and making the others very unnerved. “Sister please tell us what you need you know we want to help where we can but cannot commit to something without knowing about it.” Her brother says trying to control the situation.

“Well, it is simple, I would like to have a concert in the summer when we have the ability to print. I want to sell tickets and have members of the archduke family play. We will have pamphlets and put Sylvester on the pedestal. The proceeds will be used for duchy improvements and payment can be with mana, ingredients or gold. That way it will be easier for people to give what we need to become strong. With obstacles being removed we will need more, and this will help create a new base. This can also become a yearly event that coincides with the summer star bind. With printing we can also have images of the family that people can take home with them.” Ferdinand remembers what she refers to and starts tapping his temple. “And will we also be taking part in this, or will it just be Sylvester and Florencia as their children have not been baptized yet?” Semyne nods, “Why of course we will participate, and I will be my correct size by then. I don’t think I will want to be in my adult form, but I can at least be normal. I am sure that Grandfather would love to do a sword dance and remind any fools not to cross him. Sylvester may even look good doing that too. The main thing is for them to be actively putting themselves out there to gain support and show they will do anything for their people.” She retorts. “Brother and I can play a song together and I can play a song with you also Ferdinand. No one has to preform alone except for our illustrious Aub don’t you think?” Cornelius nods at this knowing he will not be alone with others watching and wants to support his sister. Ferdinand however taps his temple with a frown. “I will discuss this first with your mother. In the meantime, you will need to focus on printing. Go ahead and summon your people for three days. We are halfway done and will probably be able to finish by the day after tomorrow if we do not push at all. Benno can summon your craftsmen. Let me know if they need transportation.” Shaking his head, he motions to the attendants.

 They clear the table and bring the carrier forward. “It is time for your nap and the rest of us have paperwork to get done. Let’s go.” Cornelius heads to his room to change and Semyne is changed upstairs before Ferdinand goes back up to get her. She gets comfortable and drowsy after Ferdinand tucks the fur around her and heads off to his own rooms.

Chapter Text

Dedication Ritual Part 2

The day went by without any issues as most of the problems were passed out. Semyne herself slept most of the day and was ready that night it was time to meet the gods again to find out what type of dresses she would be able to pick from. The goddess of weaving was both nervous and excited for this meeting. Ferdinand and Semyne sit down at the table and the goddess have the three options on mannequins for them to see.

“I tried to give you a more traditional option a moderate but different option and one that is Ewigeliebe incarnate.” The said god is quietly assessing that dress walking around it and nodding happily. Semyne can’t help but giggle at this and Ferdinand relaxes because all the dresses are the appropriate level of modesty.

“For the first dress we have the traditional birth season dress.” The dress is blue but almost purple with gold embroidery and has the high neck and flowing sleeves. There is a peekaboo area for the engagement stone to be seen by all. “Then we have the spring floral dress.” This all-white dress is covered in flowers of all the gods including the purple and orange of Semyne and Ferdinand. The dress has the traditional long, big sleeves as they all do and is a very poofy dress with many layers and a long train. “Then finally we have Ewigeliebe’s dress the trumpet style dress that is almost scandalous as the sleeves are not connected to the dress and the sleeveless sweetheart neckline of the main dress shows a lot of skin. The tight trumpet satin is overlayed in embroidered lace that floats over the dress and is used to give it sleeves. “For this dress Ferdinand can add mana chains like these to cover the shoulders.” The goddess then gives Ferdinand some papers that have different options for more ice. This provokes the demon king smile and Semyne has picked her favorite.

“Can I bring them all back with me? I think that they all have a time that can be worn.” Semyne says with a smile. The goddess beams back at her and waves her hand and another dress is added to the others. It is extravagant gold with blue and gold crystals all over it with a wing style shoulder and the sleeves are the same tule cascading down to the floor. “I thought this would be nice for your graduation.” The goddess nods. “You may have all of these and wear whenever you want.” Semyne started to glow with happiness and all the gods and goddesses sigh with relief that she likes them.

Ferdinand however is looking at the schematics for the ice. There is the first that almost fully covers the skin with pearl like feystones, the one that is more on the shoulders, pearls that act like a bib, the dainty diamondslook, and the multicolor choker look. “I will be taking all of these as well I am sure I can find good uses for them.” Ferdinand and Ewigeliebe nod to each other grinning making the others shake their heads and Semyne smile. “Do you have anything for Ferdinand to wear special?” She asks the goddess and Ferdinand shuts that down immediately. “No, I will have our exclusives make matching outfits to these for me I don’t need special cloths that can adjust in size like you do and you know that is the only reason I am going along with this.” The goddess shakes her head. “If you change your mind, I have your cloths also. But I will not push them on you.” Ferdinand nods at her and picks up Semyne and leaves without another word.

When they wake up, they are back in Semyne’s room and there next to the table are the five mannequins. There is another dress that got added That is a poofy white to blue dress on a gradient with lots of lace The blueprints for the ice are on the table and there is a box with bolts of cloth that matches the dresses perfectly. Ferdinand storms over to it but is very surprised to find that although the goddess made it the cloth is normal and he can dye it himself or leave it. The note on it reads:

Ferdinand,

I will not overstep. If you want to use this, you may as it will assist your friends to not be overworked. Please don’t be mad as I just want to help.

Ventuchte

Ferdinand calmed down at the note and is glad they already called Gilberta.

Semyne is very well rested even after the dress’s excitement, her attendants are a different story. When Wilma and Nickola enter to wake up Semyne they almost faint. Never have they seen such luxury and the dresses still have the god aura on them. Semyne is too caught up in touching them and looking at the new one that she doesn’t notice the girls. Ferdinand however does. “Girls you will have to get used to the gods dropping things off for their daughter at random. Focus on the dedication ritual that we will need to complete first and then you can play dress up after her nap. I will inform her mother that they are here so there will probably be a few nobles coming in the next day or two so they can fuss over this. Semyne open the hidden room we will move them there for now and will deal with them in there.” Semyne goes to the door and opens it, and the mannequins start to wheel themselves to where they are supposed to be. The trains on the dresses are secured up so they don’t drag. The trunk with fabric also wheels in after them and they go to a nice corner. “See Ferdinand, I told you we needed the space!” Semyne says overly excited that she was right. Ferdinand however is not impressed. “You are just encouraging them to interfere so stop it. Now go get ready I will be back to get you soon.”

They all entered again the same as before however the blue priests were given the option observe first this time as to not pass out. Everyone agreed and so the blues lined up on either side as the three highest positions within the temple knelt to pray. Cornelius practiced in the castle dedication room to prepare for this moment to give as much as he could to show that he was not far behind the others.

With just the three of them the chalices were almost completed. The priest looked on with shock and awe as what the normally had to do over two weeks was done in less than half a bell. The other thing that was noticed was that both Ferdinand and Semyne glowed with their unique god color. After the trio got up Ferdinand addressed the blues, “As you can see this is the difference. If anyone looks down on these children, they are fools and will not be tolerated. Be grateful they are here and able to lessen your burden. You may dedicate yourselves when we have left.” Semyne was quickly scooped into Ferdinand’s arms, and they left the blues in awe.

Frietack was the first to regain himself and got the others attention. “Let us dedicate our mana first while that image is still engrained in our eyes. It may assist us in our offering. We must make a proper offering to the gods now that we have seen those they recognize as their children.” The others agree and offer better than they ever had before. By the time they were done all the offerings were full. Fran was informed of the achievement and was sent to relay it to the high bishop. The blues had a meeting together and almost all of them turned to the side of the trio. However, nothing is perfect and those closest to the old bishop secretly meet to try to undermine the new regime.

Bezewanst was just waking up from the day before when he received the information from Edgemont about what happened. The grays informed Fran who relayed it to Ferdinand and now he has an excuse to send the fools to the tower.

The day of the meeting with Gilberta came and the day was clear, so all of the exclusives were able to make it. Johan and Zach were there as well as indigo as those three were required to work together to create printing. The orders for letter types and the blueprints were put in and Indigo got his own orders. The printing press, letter types, pumps, wax stencils, and bookshelves were all put in. When the craftsmen were done Ferdinand asked Gilberta to stay behind.

Benno was hiding his nervousness, but Ferdinand just wanted to discuss the clothing for the wedding and show them the dresses that they needed to match. Elvira and crew were informed the first meetings were over, so they came from Cornelius’ room where they were having tea, so they didn’t frighten the commoners. “Before we begin let us discus what we need to get done urgently. First, we will need to pick the dress I will where for the starbind and then the dress for the next day. Will I be at the Conference longer than that?” Semyne begins. Ferdinand shakes his head, “I do not want you there for more than the starbind. I don’t want anyone trying to talk to you or corner you. The traitors will be removed the day after, so I have to be there, but you do not.” Semyne smiles, “I will watch those who hurt my dark god burn by the will of the gods. It will also help people see that they cannot cross either of us.” The smile is quite evil, and her commoner allies get chills when they see it. Semyne keeps forgetting she looks like she is two and it is a very creepy look to have.

Elvira pats her daughter on the head. “Ok so you will both leave directly after the execution and let the Aub and Zent do their jobs as they should. So, you will need three dresses. One for the starbind, one for the gathering after, and one for the execution. Ferdinand will need to have matching cloths and will not stay after that at all, correct?” Ferdinand nods his agreement. Benno, Mark, Lutz, Corrina and Tuuli are all present among the commoners. Elvira, Clarissa and Ottilie are the nobles in addition to Ferdinand and the temple staff. Semyne chooses not to prepare anyone and opens the door so they can all enter. Her commoner parents are going to visit the next day to see the dresses.

Ferdinand opens the door to the hidden room with Semyne and goes in first, so everyone’s expressions are on display for her. Elvira walks in first and stops in her tracks before hiding her lips and moving to the side with her eye glittering and fingers twitching to write. Ottilie is not as composed but does gather herself quickly and Clarissa is not so composed at all and squeals with Tuuli when they see. Corrina does her best but is shocked herself. Lutz has the comedic jaw drop where Benno and Mark hold their own but have the merchant look in their eyes. The temple staff has already seen them so they are not surprised and get the table and chairs moved in so the meeting can continue.

“Daughter, I didn’t realize your hidden room was so large. But for this it is a very good thing.” Elvira says trying to get her attention off the dresses before she has a mana explosion. Ferdinand grunts and sits down with Semyne while everyone regains themselves. Elvira soon follows sipping her tea. Semyne also has a bit of parue juice prepared. After a time, everyone sits down, and Corrina gathers her boards so she can start sketching the corresponding outfits for Ferdinand. “Do you want innovative styles for Ferdinand also or just very elaborate takes on the current trends?” She asks the room. Semyne turns to Ferdinand and Elvira. “He should be able to put his armor over it but that is the only thing I ask.” Elvira nods to this wisdom and Ferdinand goes with the elaborate versions of normal formal wear. “Please go try these on so we can see how they move. I will make matching outfits for all of them, so you don’t have to pic until later.”

The game of dress up began and the mannequins had undergarments on them along with a bag of the shoes and other needed accessories hidden under the dress skirts.