A Bookworm's Journey in the cardinal world ||Tensura X Ascendance of a Bookworm

New Family

Rozemyne's POV

As we made our way in the carriage to Lord Karstedt's estate, I could feel the weight of my new identity pressing down on me. Lady Elvira and Lord Karstedt—my new mother and father—sat across from me. I was heading to my new home, where I would spend the next month learning the noble etiquette expected of an archnoble. It was all preparation for my coming-of-age ceremony, after which I would be officially adopted by Sylvester. The thought of leaving my sister, Tulli, behind tugged at my heart, but she assured me she would be fine. She would be trained in etiquette by Lady Florencia, just as I was.

"Mother, Father," I began, trying to keep my voice steady, "what will I be trained in besides etiquette?"

Lady Elvira gave me a small, approving smile. "Nothing much at first, Rozemyne. Your focus will be improving your etiquette. As it stands, your manners are on par with those of a laynoble, but we need to elevate them to the level of an archnoble. There's much work to be done."

I nodded, trying not to let the weight of her words press too heavily on my mind. "I understand. I thank you for your guidance."

"Beyond etiquette," Lady Elvira continued, "you'll also need to learn the various euphemisms and customs that we nobles use. Even though our faith has changed, these practices remain ingrained in our culture. You'll need to learn them all to navigate a noble society effectively."

She paused, then added, "After you're adopted into the archduke family, you will continue under my tutelage. I'll teach you how to socialise like a proper noble lady. For instance, you'll need to learn the appropriate greetings for people of higher station."

Lady Elvira then demonstrated the greeting, kneeling gracefully and crossing her hands in front of her. "It is a profound honour to be in your presence, Demon Lord Rimuru. Your Majesty, I trust that your day has been most splendid."

I watched her closely, noting every detail of her posture and tone. This was how an Ehrenfest noble—or even the archduke—would greet someone like Lord Rimuru. It was a reminder of the weight of my new responsibilities.

"Now," she continued, "when you encounter those below your station, you will stand and wait for their greetings. You will then respond, 'The honour is mine. Your presence graces this occasion, and I am pleased to share this moment with you.'"

I repeated the phrases under my breath, committing them to memory. Lady Elvira corrected my posture and intonation, ensuring that I understood the importance of each gesture. It was clear that every word, every movement, was a reflection of one's status and upbringing. There was no room for error.

As we approached Lord Karstedt's mansion, I could see a group of people waiting to greet us. Among them were familiar faces—Eckhart, Ferdinand's guard knight, and Lamprecht, Wilfried's guard knight. There was also a younger boy whom I didn't recognise. I had been instructed to act as if I were meeting Lamprecht for the first time, as our previous meeting was to be kept secret. Among the crowd, I also noticed a noblewoman who seemed unfamiliar.

"Mother, who is she?" I asked quietly.

"That is Trudeliede, Karstedt's second wife," Lady Elvira explained, her tone neutral. "She acts as Veronica's messenger, so be cautious around her. Veronica may be captured, but Trudeliede has not committed any crimes. She remains a threat."

My heart skipped a beat. "Is she part of the group that Lord Rimuru is trying to punish?"

Lady Elvira shook her head. "No, she's smart. She has avoided any direct association with them."

I felt a wave of relief wash over me. At least I wouldn't have to pass judgement on her. But the caution in Lady Elvira's voice was clear—Trudeliede was not someone to be underestimated.