Gazebo of the Goddess of Time

“It’s understandable that you’re in a hurry, Lord Ferdinand, but please calm yourself a little.”

It was Zent Eglantine that stopped Lord Ferdinand, who was heading quickly toward the door. With a slight furrow of his brow, Lord Ferdinand turned back and asked, “Is there something else?”

“You forgot the magic tool for preventing eavesdropping. And don’t you think it would be better to take our highbeasts from here instead of using the door? I’ve learned, after all, that the fewer people who know matters concerning the gods, the better.”

I was left speechless as the Zent gestured toward the window, but Lord Ferdinand paused for a moment, then lightly shook his head.

“I agree with moving discreetly, but highbeasts? We don’t have time to change into clothes suitable for flying”

“Not an issue. Due to certain pressing needs, these clothes are fine since I’ve remade my highbeast into a driveable type.”

…Huh? Due to pressing needs…? What does that even mean?

I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of situation the Zent had found herself in, but judging by the faraway look in her eyes, it seemed best not to press the matter.

“So you intend to use a highbeast instead of the transfer gate? It’s not impossible, but our winter clothing is hardly sufficient, and it will take time. Our absence will likely be noticed by our retinue.”

“If we use magic tools for warmth, there won’t be an issue,” she said. “And if we go through the detached building’s transfer gate, we can get there in the shortest time possible. What do you think, Lord Ferdinand?”

”…The detached building,” Lord Ferdinand murmured, furrowing his brow deeply. Lady Eglantine watched him quietly as he fell into thought. Was there something in the royal palace’s detached building? The air grew heavy with a strange tension, and wanting to escape the silence, I opened my mouth to speak.

“Um, Zent Eglantine… does this mean you intend for just the four of us present to go to the gazebo?” I asked. “What about our retainers?”

“They’ll remain in the waiting room,” she replied. ”…I understand it must seem unthinkable to move without your retinue, but when it comes to matters involving the gods, truly, trouble just keeps appearing. More importantly, there are other nobles in the palace aside from our retainers, so we can’t be too careful.”

If it were only our retinue, we might be able to swear them to secrecy. However, she explained that nobles from various duchies were currently stationed in the palace, and it would be nearly impossible to silence every noble coming and going—or to keep our movements out of their sight.

“Many saw the moment when the goddess descended upon you, Lady Hannelore. That is what led to the bride-stealing ditter,” she continued. “Now that you’re heading to the gazebo following the goddess’s guidance, there’s a real chance another commotion could erupt. Aub Korinthsdaum seems to be closely monitoring the situation in the Royal Academy. I want to conceal any sign of you approaching the goddess’s gazebo as much as possible.”

…For the Zent to be this cautious, could something have happened when she petitioned the gods? Or is Korinthsdaum making particularly troublesome moves?

In any case, I never imagined that she would suggest leaving without even her own retainers.

“Let us use the teleportation circle in the detached building. Zent, please provide us with magic tools for warmth.”

While retrieving the anti-eavesdropping magic tool from the table, Lord Ferdinand requested the warming magic tools from Zent Eglantine. As he received them, he narrowed his eyes, clearly studying them with interest—it was obvious he was trying to memorize the magic circle.

“In Klassenburg, it’s used fairly often, but perhaps it’s not very well known elsewhere?”

“Simple magic circles for warmth are somewhat known, but the more refined and practical versions like this may be exclusive to Klassenburg,”

Lord Ferdinand replied. “Since you’ve kindly lent me something so useful, allow me to offer this in return.”

He began handing out what looked like small charms embedded with feystones. The engraved magic circles clearly marked them as magic tools.

“There are times when secrecy is more important than anything else. Consider this a learning opportunity as well. These are charms with the mark of Verbergen—they will conceal you to others. As long as you make no noise, you won’t be seen.”

…Magic tools for concealment?

I couldn’t hide my surprise at Lord Ferdinand pulling out not just one, but several of them so easily. Even Kenntrips looked baffled, murmuring, “He regularly carries these around…?” Just how often did he move around in secrecy? I was curious, but somehow it felt too unsettling to know.

“Well then, let us be off. I shall lead the way. Lord Ferdinand, if you would take the rear. Please, close the window behind you.”

There were two identical buildings?

As I soared upward on my highbeast and looked down at the royal palace grounds, I saw what I could only describe as two identical structures standing side by side. For a moment, I blinked in confusion. Was I seeing double? But no—one of them was unmistakably the royal villa used by the Zent. And next to it, an exact replica.

…Had that always been there?

The snow fell steadily, but thanks to my highbeast’s enclosed design and the warmth of the magic tool, I felt no discomfort. Kenntrips, however, rode a mount type highbeast, and snowflakes were visibly clinging to his hair and shoulders as he followed behind me.

Since we had always traveled via the transfer circles, this was my first time seeing the current royal palace from the outside. At first, I assumed the two identically sized and shaped buildings were divided for public and private royal use—perhaps one served as the main palace and the other as the royal family’s residential wing.

However, the building we were heading toward had no lights on whatsoever, and aside from a few stationed guards, there wasn’t a single figure in sight.

…Could it be that this building is the detached palace?

In Dunkelfelger, what we call a detached building or annex is typically smaller than the main castle. That’s why it felt a little odd to refer to a structure of the same size as the main palace as the detached palace.

Still, there didn’t appear to be any other building that fit the description, and the Zent was clearly heading toward the dark, unlit one.

…Even so, it really was surprising how well our presence was hidden.

Zent Eglantine landed in front of a door and waved. We followed suit, descending toward it. It looked like a back entrance—perhaps one used by attendants or servants.

I heard a sharp intake of breath, a hiss of surprise, and turned to look. Lord Ferdinand was dispelling his highbeast. I could only see his back from where I stood, but something must have happened.

“This way,” she called.

She spoke in a hushed voice as she opened the door. We stepped inside as well. The place seemed completely unused—there wasn’t a single light on, and the hallway was terribly dark.

“This is the detached palace? It looks as though it hasn’t been used in quite some time…”

There was no sign of life, and the stillness made every sound seem to echo unnaturally. Perhaps because it had been sealed off, the air felt stale and a little dusty. With no lights, the abundance of shadows gave the place an eerie atmosphere.

“This building requires a large number of mana-registered keys, making it inconvenient for those without proper access. It’s not suited for the main palace where many come and go, so we plan to dismantle it once we have the mana reserves to spare,” Lady Eglantine explained.

As she said this, she began walking through the dim, silent building. Perhaps because it was a back entrance, or perhaps because the building was unused, there were no carpets on the floors. Every footstep echoed loudly.

Even though the concealment magic tool hid our presence, the sound of our footsteps clearly gave us away, making it impossible to feel at ease.

Lady Eglantine, despite the building being unused, seemed to know its layout well and walked without hesitation. Whenever we reached a corner, I couldn’t help but feel something might emerge from the shadows—I had the urge to walk with a shield ready. But since no one else seemed cautious enough to summon a shield, I had no choice but to endure it and walk along with them.

”…Lord Ferdinand?”

Noticing the sudden stop in footsteps behind me, I turned to see Ferdinand-sama staring sharply into the shadows around the corner, his expression tense.

“Getilt! Is something there!?”

”…There’s no need for a shield. Let us keep going.”

“Eh, but…”

Surely something had caused Lord Ferdinand to stop. I couldn’t imagine him pausing and glaring into the darkness over nothing.

“If you’d prefer to take the rear, Lady Hannelore, I won’t stop you…”

“No, I’ll go on ahead.”

Being left behind in the dark would be far worse. I quietly dismissed my shield with a “ruken” and, while doing so, gave a slight glare at Kenntrips, who was offering his hand with a wry smile to escort me.

“I’m not afraid of the dark, you know.”

“You remembered your training and couldn’t help but stay on guard, thinking something laid by an enemy might jump out at any moment, didn’t you?”

”…Exactly. I understand logically that nothing should be lying in wait, not in a place where even the Zent walks ahead without her retainers, but… I still can’t help feeling on edge.”

When I said that with a sigh, Lady Eglantine looked at Kenntrips and me with a puzzled expression.

“Do even members of the archducal family undergo that kind of combat training?”

“Those born in the duchy do. Perhaps not those who marry in from other duchies, but those raised as archducal candidates are expected to lead knights from the front. Dunkelfelger is the Zent’s sword, after all.”

”…I didn’t know that.”

We ascended a narrow staircase, walked a short distance, and turned a corner into a spacious area. Thanks to the open ceiling and windows, it was relatively bright even without lights, and we could see a grand set of doors and a wide staircase—likely the entrance hall. It seemed the door we had entered through earlier was indeed a servants’ entrance.

“This is the transfer door that leads to the central building of the Royal Academy. There will be people around, so stay quiet. It might be best to cover your mouth to avoid making a sound. Also, be mindful of your footsteps.”

She warned us then began pouring her mana into the door. I did as instructed and covered my mouth with one hand, stepping through with Kenntrips escorting me. Just beyond, I could see the transfer door that connected to the Zent’s palace—and a familiar knight standing nearby. Beyond that, more transfer doors were lined up, confirming that we were indeed in the corridor of the Royal Academy’s central building.

…Something felt off. I was certain the door to the Zent’s palace had been at the far end of this corridor—hadn’t it?

As far as I could remember, there had only been a wall there. When I turned around in confusion, I saw Lord Ferdinand suddenly emerge from that very wall—and I nearly screamed. I quickly pressed my hand harder over my mouth and swallowed the cry.

…What was going on!? Was there a hidden door!?

I instinctively came to a halt, but snapped out of it when Kentlips gently moved his arm. Lady Eglantine was already walking ahead. Still unable to comprehend what was happening, I started moving my feet again, letting Kenntrips escort me.

…Careful not to make a sound.

Since there was carpeting, it wasn’t too hard to keep quiet if I was careful, but walking right past the guard stationed at the royal palace’s door left me feeling tense regardless. As I held my breath and walked, she suddenly turned.

…Um, Lady Eglantine? Where are you going? Isn’t that area off-limits? We’re heading to the gazebo, aren’t we?

We turned instead of continuing straight as we normally would and were led through a restricted area. Had I not been covering my mouth, all the questions swirling in my head would surely have slipped out.

…Isn’t that the corridor leading to the knight’s building?

After walking a bit further, I recognized the area. But instead of heading down the corridor, she exited through a side door and mounted her highbeast once more. So we followed suit.

Since my highbeast was the driveable type, I could speak here without my voice leaking outside. And even if it did, it wouldn’t reach the others riding ahead of me. So I let out a quiet murmur to release the thoughts weighing on my heart.

“True, it avoids the eyes of others… but takes us through nothing but such secretive places… it’s far too much for my nerves. I’m not royalty, you know.”

By the time I had calmed down a little from voicing my thoughts, we had arrived at the gazebo—our destination—without passing through the scholars building.

“Well then, I’ve brought Lady Hannelore here, but…”

Unlike me, who was flinching in nervous anticipation of what might happen, Lord Ferdinand looked slightly irritated that nothing had occurred upon entering the gazebo. He frowned as he glanced around.

“Now then, Lady Hannelore. As before, please call upon the goddess.”

“Please wait, Lord Ferdinand. Are you saying you intend to have Lady Hannelore summon the goddess again!?”

“I am.”

At Lord Ferdinand’s words, Kenntrips sharply furrowed his brow. I had been told we would be going to the gazebo, but I had not heard anything about summoning the goddess again—though the Zent had implied it was a possibility.

“And have you considered just how much of a toll another descent might take on Lady Hannelore…?”

“Lady Hannelore most likely has a body that resists divine mana, so there is no problem.”

…Come to think of it, the Goddess of Time also said I had “a nature highly resistant to mana influence.”

From what Leiseleta told me, and from Lord Ferdinand’s way of speaking, I could gather that Lady Rozemyne had a very difficult time because the gods’ power lingered with her for quite a while.

“I had also heard there were no issues last time.”

“She remained unconscious for ten whole days!”

“And that was all, wasn’t it?”

“Wh—!?”

Kenntrips was at a loss for words. For us, being unconscious for ten days was a serious issue, but to Lord Ferdinand, it seemed to fall within the range of “not particularly problematic.” With an utterly exasperated expression, he coolly brushed Kenntrips off.

“I told you—it was the price. The advice I gave earlier wasn’t to do you a favor or create a debt. It was the price for what I’m asking, and Lady Hannelore accepted that. Your feelings are irrelevant. Be silent.”

“Kenntrips, Lord Ferdinand is correct. I’ve already received the compensation. I must now deliver news regarding Lady Rozemyne’s circumstances.”

“Lady Rozemyne’s circumstances…?”

…Ah, I may have said too much.

Unsure of how much I was actually allowed to explain to Kenntrips, I fell silent for a moment and looked up at him as he gazed down at me with clear concern.

“You’ll probably be worried and troubled again like last time, but… I’m counting on you to handle things if I’m gone.”

“Handle things…?”

“If Lady Hannelore is going to lose consciousness, then as her fiancé candidate—no, as an apprentice archscholar—you should understand the reason you were brought along.”

…Neither Lord Ferdinand nor Zent Eglantine can afford to be troubled by me. Kenntrips is the only one I can rely on now.

As he reached out as if to stop me, I gently took his hand and patted it lightly, trying to reassure him. Just as I had that time before…

“I’ll be fine. You just take care of everything while I’m asleep… please.”

“Let us offer our prayers and gratitude to Dregarnuhr the Goddess of Time, for spinning today’s thread.”

I gave the same parting greeting as before, but… nothing happened. The only thing before me was Kenntrips, wide-eyed and audibly gasping in surprise. Tilting my head with a soft “Oh?”, I caught sight of Lord Ferdinand’s smiling face at the edge of my vision.

”…Lady Hannelore?”

Lord Ferdinand’s voice was lower than usual, and even though I had a magic tool for warmth, a chill ran down my spine. Still holding the hand I had been patting to reassure Kenntrips, I now gripped it tightly, seeking his agreement.

“U-um, I did exactly the same thing as before! Right, Kenntrips?”

”…Yes. That parting phrase was what you said back then. I remember now.”

Kenntrips agreed with me, but Lord Ferdinand still didn’t seem convinced.

“There must be an important difference. Please explain the exact details of what you did at that time so I can consider what is different.”

“Eh? The details… of that time?”

…There’s no way I can say it! That I asked Lord Wilfried for the terms of a marriage proposal and got rejected—how could I ever admit such a thing!

I absolutely didn’t want to say it, and while turning pale, I desperately tried to recall what had happened back then. Kenntrips also began scanning his memory, his eyes searching for clues.

“Last time, it was right after you finished your conversation and said your farewell. At the same moment, the feystone her charm lit up. I believe it was the one Lady Hannelore was wearing.”

“It was my charm of Dregarnuhr that lit up!”

At Kenntrips and my words, Lord Ferdinand furrowed his brow in confusion.

“A feystone lit up? Had you infused it with mana?”

His words triggered my memory. That’s right—when Lord Wilfried rejected me, the mana within me had surged with such intensity that I could barely contain it. To suppress those emotions, I had tightly clutched the charm.

I released Kenntrips’ hand and rolled up my sleeve just slightly. There, just like before, was the charm of Dregarnuhr. I grasped it tightly in my hand. Unlike last time, I didn’t have uncontrollable mana surging within me, but wanting to avoid Lord Ferdinand’s wrath, I poured my mana into the feystone.

“Let us offer our prayers and gratitude to Dregarnuhr the Goddess of Time, for spinning today’s thread.”

Just like before, the feystone in the charm shone brightly, and a yellow light burst forth from it, rising toward the ceiling of the gazebo. That thin yellow beam of light began to draw a magic circle across the ceiling.

“Ah.”

…It worked!

Lady Eglantine stared wide-eyed at the forming magic circle, clearly surprised.

Lord Ferdinand, on the other hand, watched it with keen interest, studying the glowing lines intently.

After a final call of “Lady Hannelore…” from the pale-faced Kenntrips, who was already anticipating the coming descent of the goddess, I once again found myself standing in the same blank, white world.

“Hannelore, I shall borrow your body once more. Please wait over here.”

Just as Dregarnuhr the Goddess of Time appeared before me veiled in pale yellow, she waved her sleeve gently and vanished before I could even voice my consent—unlike last time.

However, I was not left alone in the white world. From the door the goddess had indicated, Liebeskhilfe the Goddess of Binding, peeked in with a playful chuckle.

“Hannelore, come over here. You’ll be bored all alone until Dregarnuhr returns, won’t you?”

I couldn’t possibly refuse her, and I wanted to offer my thanks—and more importantly, I had to confirm Lady Rozemyne’s current state. So I made my way over to the Goddess of Binding.

It was the same room where I had once visited Ventuhite the Goddess of Weaving. That time, she had been watching her loom with a serious expression. But now she sat in a chair, smiling gently as she gazed at the glowing threads.

“You have it rough, don’t you?” she said. “Dragged into this by that stubborn man… No matter how many times we told him to wait patiently for Rozemyne to return, he simply wouldn’t listen.”

“Rozemyne is not here,” the Goddess of Binding replied with a light shrug. “She fulfilled her role in connecting the threads of fate, yes—but she still had something she wished to do.”

With that, she pointed toward the glowing threads that the Goddess of Weaving had been staring at.

“She chose to stay and watch a while longer. After all, this moment—this convergence of countless threads—is one she’s longed to see with her own eyes. You could say she’s bearing witness to the fruits of her devotion.”

…So Lady Rozemyne hadn’t returned yet, not because she was lost or trapped, but because she chose to remain.

I felt a sense of relief, though it was mixed with a quiet awe.

“The threads have been connected, but she’s off gathering materials now, so she isn’t here.”

Liebeskhilfe, spoke as though it were the most natural thing in the world—but I had no idea what she meant. What exactly was Lady Rozemyne being made to do?

”…Materials?”

“To supplement the thread she gave,” Liebeskhilfe explained lightly. “She used her own thread to mend Ferdinand’s, didn’t she? Now she’s gathering what’s needed to replace it. Consider it a kind of reward—something given in return for her efforts.”

I let out a breath of relief and pressed a hand to my chest at Ventuhite’s words. When I first heard that Lady Rozemyne’s thread would be used to mend the severed one, I couldn’t help but worry about the consequences. But it seemed the gods had a way to restore what was lost.

“So there is a way to replenish her thread,” I said. “I’m relieved to hear that.”

“That’s right,” she continued, “we’re being considerate by letting her gather the materials, and yet Ferdinand keeps pestering us to send her back quickly. Isn’t he just awful?”

“Um… ah… well…” I faltered, unsure how to respond.

As the Liebeskhilfe looked to me for agreement, I began to panic slightly. There was no way I could openly agree with her—not to a goddess. I hadn’t quite grasped everything at first, but now it was becoming clearer: from the gods’ perspective, it seemed that Lady Rozemyne was gathering materials as a reward for repairing the threads—yet Lord Ferdinand was being seen as a nuisance, pestering them to “send her back already.”

“Since Ferdinand was, in a way, the root of this situation, and after receiving so much help from Rozemyne, he’s now trying to take away even her means to replenish her thread. Don’t you think he’s truly selfish and overbearing? Or is that not how it feels from a human perspective?”

…There’s been a misunderstanding! A serious misunderstanding!