Prologue

She was lonely, so, so lonely, cold and scared of her future. Myne now Rozemyne knew she had made a promise to her family, but just a few weeks in she already felt she was in over her head. Her new family was good, not bad at all and she got along well with them. Rozemyne could feel the care Ferdinand put in choosing the Linkberg to be her noble family. 

Well- there was Sylvester, but from what she understood their bratty Aub was never part of Ferdinand’s plan. Rozemyne thought she could hold on somehow but one thing happened after another. Her face got grated by Sylvester’s mini me, and while Ferdinand healed her and assured her this was to avoid the worst in the future her back was cold when she realised nobody apologised to her. Then Hasse happened, she was reaching her boiling point and snapped at Wilfried.

Ferdinand then realised she had been pushed beyond an unacceptable limit and then books and days off were given, only to rest her body but not her mind and heart. She wanted gyuu… human’s warmth pressed against her tiny body, the gentle scent of her family in her nostrils and assuring heartbeat of life thumping against her ears.

She knew what it was quickly, a mental illness Urano had read in passing. Touch starved, a desire for physical contact after receiving little to no physical interaction with others for a period of time. Considering her physical age, it was even worse as many studies emphasize the importance of social touch in human development. Her recent distress was not helping either as children needed physical touch to soothe them.  

But… Ferdinand was a stingy meanie! 

“I want gyuu so badly…” She turned restlessly in her bed. 

A gentle and soothing voice called out from outside the canopy. “Lady Rozemyne, are you alright?” 

That was Monica, and Rozemyne was reminded again of noble's inconvenient lack of privacy. “Ah… I am alright, I just can’t sleep.”

“May I open the curtain?”

This was Ferdinand’s order for sure, check on her condition and report as soon as possible. “Sure… come in.” 

“Well then, excuse me Milady.” Monica gently pulled the curtain, revealing her attendant. Rozemyne blinked owlishly as Monica examined her, eyes darted towards Monica’s neatly bundled green hair in a different shade than mother and Tuuli but close enough in the darkness of the room. “Milady’s pulse is a bit quick but your temperature is normal, how do you feel Milady?” 

Rozemyne snapped back from her daze and answered robotically, “I feel fine, I am not dizzy…” 

“That’s a relief, Milady.”

Monica and Nicola were always a soothing presence to Rozemyne, but then her gray robe reminded Rozemyne of the issue that led to Hasse’s problem. The flower offering issue that due to the temple now led by a little girl and misogynistic archduke candidate became scarce and blue robes renting out their flower asked for a high price- which then lead to preying on pretty orphans in farming villages. 

The shitty common sense of nobility, flower offerings- well, actually prostitution was the oldest profession in the world. Even in modern Japan the Maiko and Geiko still exist, less on the lewd service and more on the dreamy company of pretty and talented girls. She had gone to Kyoto before and a distant relative had become a Maiko. It was fun when that cousin cajoled her and mother for a dinner party with the pleasant company of a professional maiko. 

Company… of a flower, and she was the High Bishop- How could she not realise the loophole where she could get a fix for her touch starvation so close? 

Also if commoners were so low in the eyes of nobility, it was just right for a noble lady like Rozemyne to use them as she saw fit. Kinda like how nobles in ancient china use cute puppies as bed warmers! 

“Monica! Please offer me flowers for one night!” 

Gray Shrine Maiden Nicola & Monica 

As mere gray shrine maidens, Monica had been taught by her elders about flower offerings from a young age. What would happen with a nobleman, and how she had to be submissive and accept everything willingly. Putting up a fight at all was a taboo, and if she was quiet and good she would be able to enjoy the offering. 

Monica learned later on the guidance was not quite correct, as Wilma was deeply scarred when she was almost taken. The lesson taught however was not wrong, it was the right way to survive as a gray shrine maiden. Monica was not the prettiest among orphans and she had been passed over by many blue priests. 

Then Lady Rozemyne reformed the temple and it became a safer place for them all, and she made it clear flowers could only be offered by those willing to give it. So it was quite a surprise when Lady Rozemyne of all people asked for flowers that night. In a normal situation Monica would tremble in horror but when her lady asked with sparkling eyes, she was half embarrassed and half-flattered. 

“Alright, Milady… this servant is willing then shall I-.” Monica then stopped- instruction from her elder back then was to lay down and leave it to the noble lord to do as he pleased. Lady Rozemyne was a young noblewoman, so the gender was already wrong so how did it work with the lack of Ewigeliebe’s sword? 

Lady Rozemyne patted the side of her bed, “Very fine, Monica… now lay down beside me!” 

She obeyed wordlessly, her lady was blessed by Mestionora so surely Lady Rozemyne knew how the flower offering between ladies could work. She was a bit nervous laying down on a luxurious bed but she had heard from her elders that it was one of the benefits to be enjoyed. It was really soft and felt nice, how could she return to a straw-filled bed after this? 

“He he he, now Monica… you shall be my [bedwarmer] and [body pillow].” 

Then Lady Rozemyne had her wrapped her arms around her tiny and warm body, and told Monica to speak of her day before both of them drifted off to sleep. Monica woke up a little after the first bell, refreshed and warm. There was no pain in her lower abdomen or any sticky stuff she had to clean up if she offered flowers to men, and Lady Rozemyne smelt so nice and soft! 

*
Nicola had heard from Monica that now Lady Rozemyne also wanted flowers if they were willing, and how it was secret from her male attendants. Nicola was very confused, because their lady was not a man so how could the flower be offered then? There was no sword of Ewigeliebe in a lady, so wouldn’t it be like soup without salt?! Or Calfe potato without butter! 

“If you don’t want to, I can have Lady Rozemyne all to myself.” Monica said smugly. 

“No fair! I will offer myself to Milady too!” She was the happiest with Lady Rozemyne and Nicola wanted to please her in every way. 

She was nervous that night but assured herself that she had cleaned herself extra well and even used the more aromatic rinsham for tonight! 

“Hello Nicola.” Lady Rozemyne beamed adorably, “Did you bring what I asked for?” 

“Yes, Milady…” She was not experienced so she just followed her lady’s order. What was asked of her was a plate of cookies she baked herself and two cups of warm milk. Lady Rozemyne then had the tray placed on the bed and they carefully ate cookies that were smaller than usual, so no crumbs fell on the bed and then drank milk to wash it down. Nicola then regaled Lady Rozemyne about her cooking lesson that day and how Cuococalura’s blessing was a perilous path to tread than expected. 

Nicola swayed a little, her full tummy and warm milk made her want to drift to Schlaftraum’s realm as Wilma taught her. “Fu fu fu… let’s sleep together.” 

“Eh?”

“My order for Nicola tonight is to sleep beside me and become my [bed warmer].”  

She didn’t understand so Lady Rozemyne explained what bed warmers did. It was still cold indeed in spring and Lady Rozemyne got sick easily from the cold. “I understand Milady! I will warm you up.” 

Nicola had learned from her seniors like Monica did that flower offering at times was enjoyable but they had to brace themselves that the ‘fun’ at times was one sided. They would be lucky if their master was good at it, however as a mere gray shrine maiden they had to be devoted to their master’s joy not theirs. 

Lady Rozemyne was so nice, she smelt good and felt so soft! It was kinda like sleeping with other orphans but not the same. The bed also felt so nice! No wonder Monica was hooked- they were lucky to get a good mistress that made flower offering enjoyable! 

*

Rozemyne- Interlude 1

It was a success, Monica and Nicola were neither Mom nor Tuuli but they were warm and enjoyable company in bed nonetheless. Why didn’t she abuse her authority as High Bishop for cuddle buddies sooner?! Oh riiiight- because nobles could be both salacious and prudish. Her dearest High Priest was at the forefront of prudishness. He even called Cinderella shameless! 

Since Fran was a tattletale, of course Rozemyne had crossed him out from the list of cuddle flowers. So in effort to keep Fran out from ehe he he- her new interest, she told Fran that he would be permanently out of night shift. She was a lady, and Fran as her male attendant shouldn’t be on watchduty for her sleep.   

Predictably Wilma supported her on this, “Fran, Lady Rozemyne has been baptised as adoptive daughter of Aub Ehrenfest, it’s already difficult for her in noble society due to her upbringing…” Apparently both Wilma and Rosina had been concerned about Fran being on night shift for a while. 

Fran being the nice boy he was, nodded, “I understand…” 

He even agreed not to inform the High Priest, after all this kind of delicate matter concerning the maiden’s heart and reputation wasn’t something Fran wanted to involve Ferdinand in. Ferdinand didn’t understand the maiden's heart and did not want to. 

That was how Rozemyne manage to protect her life of depravity, fu fu fu~

Artistic Ladies, Wilma & Rosina 

Wilma could still recall that day vividly, Lady Christine was occupied with her classes and Wilma was told to receive supplies of paint and canvas at the back gate from a merchant. Only to find out there was no merchant but a sinister eyed blue priest waiting for her in the receiving room. He said many blue priests had been eyeing gray shrine maidens under Lady Christine’s employ, how they were so sophisticated and beautiful like noble ladies. How much he had craved to lay his hands on one of them. 

The horror of his arm on hers, impatiently dragging her to his room and all the while the other hand crawled over her immature body. The horror and relief when her mistress saved her was still vivid in Wilma’s mind. Her experience with desires of men was terrifying, and she never wished anyone to experience it but alas this was the temple. Lady Rozemyne was their saviour who kept them safe from forced offerings to Beischmacht. 

“Flower offerings aren’t so bad.”  

 So Wilma’s heart shook noisily when during cooking, the accursed term left Nicola’s lips. The girl however was humming while stirring soup, unaware of Wilma’s terror. It took all her self restraint to not grab the girl’s shoulder when she was still cooking.Wilma’s eyes darted around the kitchen, thankfully it was only them as the rest had been gone to the dining room. 

As soon as the last soup was laddled and delivered, Wilma dragged Nicola to the empty kitchen. “Who told you about flower offerings, Nicola? Who laid a hand on you?!” 

Nicola raised her hand, “Wilma, calm down! It’s Lady Rozemyne I am giving my flower to!” 

Wilma froze, it was as if Schneast had descended to the room as she couldn’t make sense of what Nicola just said. “Nicola… that…” 

“We’re so lucky, Wilma! Lady Rozemyne is the rare master who makes the offerings feel really good!” 

“W-what did you do?” Wilma didn’t want to ask but she had to as this concerned Lady Rozemyne’s reputation. 

Nicola tilted her head to the side, “We share the bed and then she asked me to be her [bedwarmer] that give her [snuggle] and [gyuu]- oh but beforehand we will have an opening conversation to lighten the mood!” 

Wilma heard so many nonsensical terms she never knew even, she had never such a thing when serving Lady Christine or story from flower shrine maidens. She knew the previous orphan director, Lady Margarette had partaken in worship of Beiscmacht in spite of being a lady.

Lady Rozemyne perhaps was getting bad influence from somewhere! Even so she was their lady saint, so Wilma believed she would listen! 

So when she delivered her report about the orphanage to Lady Rozemyne she said. “Milady… this Wilma has not been the most devoted attendant, at least for tonight please allow me to guard your sleep.” This wasn’t something she could speak of with Fran and Gil around!  

Lady Rozemyne’s golden eyes sparkled prettily at her offer and Wilma melted inside. “Very fine, Wilma! Then- Rosina… why don’t you join Wilma for tonight? We will compose a new song.” 

Wilma paled while Rosina jumped at the chance, “New song, Milady? By all means please allow me!” 

“As for Wilma.” For a moment Wilma considered backing down “Why don’t you bring your paper and pencils? Heidi’s workshop has just delivered a new set of colored ink!” 

Lady Rozemyne was learning to be a temptress!!!! 

Nicola’s comment when learning the arrangement for tonight was not helping. “Oh, isn’t that what is called a flower in both hands?” 

Wilma shook her head, “Lady Rozemyne is a lady and there would be no such thing!” 

Wilma prayed to Angriff that night as she climbed the stairs to Lady Rozemyne’s chamber. A very enthusiastic Rosina was already fidgeting by the door as she held the harspiel. Apparently her fellow former servant of Lady Christine had started early after Lady Rozemyne’s bath. 

“It’s a very passionate song.” Rosina said with flushed cheeks, “Fu fu fu… but it can't be sung anywhere else but in Milady’s room…” 

“Eh?”

Rosina leaned forward shyly. “It’s a bit… shameless…” 

Wilma trembled, “Ho-how… could you- such a song by our lady and-”

“Oh Wilma, you have to listen to understand my delight as follower of Kuntzeal…” She sighed. “It’s a song that elicits Brenwarme…” 

Wilma entered the room with Rosina in tow, and was relieved to see that her lady didn’t seem any different than usual. The kind gaze she directed at them was still the same, there was no dirty desire whatsoever. Wilma felt silly, of course a seven years old little girl didn’t have that kind of desire! 

“Wilma, sit on my bed!” She ordered with a bright smile that didn’t match her command. 

Wilma froze but the obedience ingrained in her as a gray shrine maiden followed that order. “What would you like me to do, Milady?” 

“Well… Wilma is like the holy mother of the orphanage, so I want a [lap pillow] from you!” 

“Pardon?” The praise of being a holy mother aside, Wilma had heard another unknown term she couldn’t understand. 

Lady Rozemyne’s smile widened, “I will just put my head in your lap, and have you pat my head.” Before she could tell her lady it was not appropriate, she already had a lap full of beautiful night colored locks and Rosina started playing the song that elicited Brenwarme. Wilma lost her chance to chastise her lady as the song Rosina played distracted her. 

‘Our gazes meet, inside this closed-off world-’*

The lyrics were extremely shameless! Was it not about Geduldh being confined by Ewigeliebe?! 

‘There's no point running from rusted chains’

Lady Rozemyne who had her head on Wilma’s lap was humming to the song- She reflexively covered her mouth with her hands before she leaked a strange noise. 

‘As we dive deep into white world, The scent of our binding sweat would surely overwhelm us!” Rosina was blushing furiously as she strum the harspiel. 

The song was affecting both of them, Wilma felt hot from her toes to the crown of her head! The song ended and Lady Rozemyne beamed happily, but Wilma couldn’t find Glammatura’s grace to reprimand her. Also- Lady Rozemyne’s hair felt so good to the touch, it was like the finest strands of silks! 

“Hm… Rosina, switch places with Wilma.”  

Then Wilma found herself occupying the musician’s chair with Rosina giving their lady a [lap pillow] and she picked up her board and paper. Lady Rozemyne adjusted her sleeping pose and Wilma’s heartbeat sped up as her young lady turned to her side, one arm propping her head making a very sensual pose. 

“Oh- Wilma, draw me like one of your [French] girls.” **

“Eh?”

Lady Rozemyne giggled, “I just want to say it once at least he he… but Wilma, can you draw me as an adult? You know my exclusive hairpin crafter’s mother right? Draw me with her as a template!” 

Of course Rosina knew Effa was Lady Rozemyne’s real birth mother and the request was… odd but also very adorable. Wilma quickly got to work, imagining her lady once she was blessed by Anwachs. 

“Wilma… have you ever thought of drawing naked people?” 

Wilma almost made a mistake at the bizarre question her lady threw at her. “N-no- Of course not Milady!” It took her all to not call the suggestion shameless. “It’s in…inappropriate.” 

Lady Rozemyne heaved a sigh, “Wilma, art is beauty… appreciating all kinds of beauties is pursuit of Kuntzeal. Nude art means the values are intrinsic and true, that underneath it all there is nothing to hide, that what you see is exactly what it is.” 

That sounded so enlightening and not shameless at all! Wilma herself had observed herself when bathing, how her arm moved, her joint and how to apply it in her drawing. 

“You know Wilma… The High Priest is also a knight, you can’t tell from how scholarly he seems most of the time but he must be pretty muscular underneath.” 

Wilma’s recent obsession was the beauty of the High Priest, that sculptural beauty of his face alone was world shaking- and Lady Rozemyne was saying beneath his robes… even more beauty was hidden! 

“In the world of dreams where I received my wisdom, many arts especially sculptures and painting are unclothed… but Kuntzeal abhor those who see them with shameless mind.” 

“...It’s shameless if the mind looking at them knows not of Kuntzeal’s grace…”

“Indeed-” 

The sketch was finished just in time for Lady Rozemyne’s bedtime. Lady Rozemyne was satisfied by Wilma’s work and beckons her to bed. She was then enlightened to what [bedwarmers] do, both she and Rosina were confused but they were clothed and had their warm and tiny young lady snuggling to their sides happily. 

Now Wilma understood why Nicola loved offering flowers to Lady Rozeyne. 

Rozemyne- Interlude 2 

She spent the majority of her time in the temple, but alas she had a room in the palace that had to be occupied from time to time. If it was just a few days to a week she could hold on without her cuddle flower remedy but at times like during spring conference or winter’s children room, it could stretch to a week or two. 

Ferdinand was around but he was as stingy as ever with gyuu, even though for some reason his gyuu was without comparison. Rozemyne had no idea if it was just part of Ferdinand’s perfect human trait but his gyuu felt amazing! His herbal scent mixed with ink and some other mysterious fragrance was so soothing, big hands that was slightly rough with assuring touch and body temperature that was slightly lower than hers that would gradually warming up as they hug- 

Gyuu from her gray attendants was good, but gyuu with Ferdinand was like a premium tranquilliser. 

Still- no gyuu in the palace was a problem! 

It was inevitable that Rozemyne’s naughty claws would reach out towards her noble aides.

The Escort Knight, Angelica & Brigitte

Lady Rozemyne’s entourage was small, so their work shift was inevitably longer than most. Brigitte and Angelica however could not complain because their lady was the most generous and kind master any knight could find in noble society. Angelica had her Stenluke and Brigitte a wonderful dress design that could show off her beauty. 

She was also the most eccentric, but nothing Brigitte couldn’t handle. She was the lady of a rural province herself and some of her behaviour was not considered noble like. Still it caught her off guard when Lady Rozemyne asked for either of them to stand guard by her bed, Angelica jumped to the command right away. 

“I think I understand that standing close by Milady’s side will make you safer!” 

No, Angelica didn’t understand anything. 

Brigitte didn’t think much of this order and opted to let the petite knight do as their lady wanted. She was unsure what to think when in the morning she found a wide awake Angelica not standing guard but on the bed, with Lady Rozemyne cuddling by her side. 

“...Angelica…”

“Brigitte.” Angelica beamed happily, “Lady Rozemyne is warm and her sleeping face is adorable.” 

Due to her closeness with commoners, Brigitte understood quickly what her lady wanted. Lady Rozemyne had a huge responsibility as archduke candidate and High Bishop, but she was still very much a child who longed to be pampered. She was raised in the temple by grays, it was not out of stretch; they raised her with commoner’s intimacy not found in a noble family. Brigitte herself remembered as a child being jealous of commoner children who could snuggle and stick to their parents past baptism.

It was adorably mischievous of her to con a snuggle from the unthinking Angelica however.  

So it didn’t take much convincing from Lady Rozemyne for Brigitte to relent, however she warned Lady Rozemyne about why closeness like this was avoided by nobles. It wasn’t because they were less affectionate than commoners completely, but mana made it dangerous to stick close to fellow nobles. It was good that Angelica was awake and in control, but the escort knight, unlike attendants, were not trained for finer mana control so no accident would happen. 

“So Milady, I will not stop you seeking comfort from Angelica and I but we can’t stay on your bed all night. We will leave as soon as you're asleep, alright?” 

“Uhm, thank you ever so much Brigitte!” 

Brigitte herself soon had her turn to be… [body pillow] Lady Rozemyne snuggled to. Contrary to her expectation that it would be a quiet affair and Lady Rozemyne would fall asleep soon, her lady started chatting enthusiastically about improving the commoner's livelihood. As printing was the next step after papermaking, Illgner would have the boon if their commoners became literate. Also how gathering folktales in their region would become easier. 

Brigitte was surprised she would be well rewarded for such a simple task of laying still! 

She then talked about… Brigitte’s bossom, or just women’s chest in general. “Do you know it can grow past puberty?” 

It could grow bigger, It was already so heavy to her! 

“Also left one is bigger than right one~” 

It was? 

Lady Rozemyne soon drifted off to sleep and curious Brigitte left the room to go to the bathroom just to check if her lady’s wisdom was all true.

Rozemyne- Interlude 3

The Royal Academy had a library and everything she loved except from lovesick royals and a sarcastic- non-blood related cousin. Her biggest problem however is she had to spend the majority of her time in academy gyuu-less! This was not good for her mental health and even Rihyarda started to notice she was not as energetic as usual.  It had caused her insomnia and Rozemyne knew it would get worse . 

Rosina was around but as an exclusive musician she was no longer an attendant. Rozemyne attempted to circumvent this by making Rosina play a lullaby at night but her apprentice attendants would still be around for night shift. Rihyarda was old so she didn’t do night watch as often. So if she could corrupt at least one of the apprentice attendants to be her accomplice…  

“Lady Rozemyne, what do you think of this design for Schwartz and Weiss? This flower design would absolutely look adorable on them, right?” 

Her eyes met Lieseletta, Angelica’s sister who as her guard knight said very weak to cute things. Her current body was very cute- she could try seducing Lieseletta fu fu fu~

Shumil Lover Attendant- Lieseletta 

Her lady’s gaze at Lieseletta lately had been heated and Lieseletta couldn’t help but squirm, it reminded her so much of her shumil when she teased them with food. Also quite pitiful as if Lady Rozemyne was a shumil, Lieseletta would give her all rutber in the world but alas… she wasn’t so Lieseletta had no idea what to give to fulfil her lady’s wish. 

However, Lady Rozemyne’s mysterious intentions  aside, Lieseletta could see her lady’s behavior that reminded Lieseletta strongly of her beloved shumil. Acting adorable to melt Lieseletta’s heart. 

It started from… a sudden change of hairstyle Lady Rozemyne requested out of the blue. Hairstyle was the identity of a lady so one of Lady Rozemyne’s rank didn’t change it drastically and just altered it slightly according to trends. Rihyarda however approved of this as Lady Rozemyne in spite of her beauty didn’t care very much about fashion, and Brunhilde was more than thrilled to experiment. 

They were confused when Lady Rozemyne asked for cloth with color as similar as possible to her hair. Of course in the dormitory there was a reasonable supply of cloth for ladies to practice with, and Lieseletta of all people had an abundant supply of cloth in the colour her lady wanted. It was the colour of shumil’s coat after all! 

Lady Rozemyne then started stretching feystones to a loop and had Lieseletta sew the dark blue cloth to a very familiar shape that never failed to make her heart race. Lady Rozemyne then inserted the wire made of feystone into the sewn cloth, creating a hairband that was a common hair accessory but with extra addition that moved according to her wish. Her usual hairpin and lace was attached to the headband, creating a very luxurious and adorable headdress. 

She-

“How do I look?”

Lady Rozemyne looked like a shumil princess! Lieseletta hastily yet discreetly shoved her hand to her bag of feystones to calm down her raging mana. “You look very adorable Milady.” That was Brunhilde, Lieseletta dared not to speak out in fear she would let out an incomprehensible squeal. “However, Lady Rozemyne you already look as young as you are I am afraid the reception of this new style-” 

Brunhilde was not wrong, Lady Rozemyne looked like she was several years younger than her real age so styling her hair so cutely might get mocked by those who look down on her. Lieseletta however believed otherwise. “Brunhilde, I believe-” Lieseletta almost stuttered. “Those who see Milady’s adorableness will have a favorable impression of her and their hearts will be swayed.” Just like Lieseletta now. 

Brunhilde seemed skeptical, “That’s one way to look at it… but the hairband does seem to be a cute trend and unlike hairpins it can be imitated right away and be in a more favorable light…” Their resident expert of fashion murmured softly. 

In the end Lady Rozemyne held her all territory tea parties with her new hairstyle and Lieseletta was pleased to see the three highest ladies in attendance, Lady Eglantine, Lady Adolphine and Lady Hannelore were obviously quite taken by Lady Rozemyne’s adorable appearance. Lady Detlinde of Ahrensbach was unfortunately holding prejudice against her lady but… the three top ladies fiercely defended Lady Rozemyne. 

Lady Hannelore seemed like she would look good too with the hairband and Lieseletta could see the obvious longing in her eyes for Lady Rozemyne. 

Lady Rozemyne was then pressured by Lady Detlinde to hand her a rinsham and even though Lady Rozemyne kept an impassive face… her ears- no her hairband’s ribbon dropped like shumil’s ear when they were upset! How could she do that?! Oh- there was support made of her dyed feystone so she could control it- 

In response to that adorable shumil-like display, the ladies banded together to defend Lady Rozemyne and Lady Detlinde left defeated. 

“Thank you ever so much for helping me, everyone!” She beamed, her shumil ribbon twitched in happiness. 

Lieseletta told herself to hold on as she still needed to help her lady to close off the tea party. 

“Thank you for today, Lieseletta!” She beamed at Lieseletta cutely afterward. 

She had not chosen the wrong master at all- thank you sister! For leading her to serve Lady Rozemyne! 

* 

Lieseletta was very good at lace knitting, and it was a talent both sisters inherited from their mother. Lady Rozemyne, during one of the bride training sessions, gave her female aides… presents for their good work, and it was a new pattern lace! Brunhilde and Leonore were very pleased, although Judithe and sister seemed to wish for something else and Lieseletta… 

This pattern- 

“I look forward to the finished product from Lieseletta!” 

She finished in two days, because she wanted to see Lady Rozemyne wearing them as soon as possible. It just happened that when she finished, it was her night shift turn. Lady Rozemyne happily wore it, a night cap with floppy shumil ears to keep her warm in the chilly winter. Lieseletta trembled with happiness. 

“Ne~ Lieseletta, I am lonely at night so would you mind holding my hand as I sleep?”

It was a strenge request and not very appropriate, but looking at her sparkling gold eyes Lieseletta was not inclined to refuse! So she did as her lady ordered, only taking her hand back after Lady rozemyne drifted to Scraltraum’s realm.

However- Lady Rozemyne’s spoiled behaviour escalated night after night. At first it was just hand holding, then it was head pats… then [lap pillow] where she rested her head on Lieseletta’s thighs! Lieseletta could feel her resistance and sense of propriety was chipped away but whenever Lady Rozemyne’s ears dropped like sad shumil she always lost! 

Then Lady Rozemyne said to her, “My gray attendants kept me warm in winter, it’s especially cold tonight.” 

“Lady Rozemyne.. This is a bit-”

“I mean… shumil became piles of fur together to keep warm, didn’t they?”

Father, Mother… this Lieseletta failed your teaching to serve sincerely as an attendant. Their daughter had fallen to the temptation of a shumil princess. So Lieseletta slept by Lady Rozemyne’s side as ordered, enjoying every moment of it. 

“It’s very nice indeed.” Her sister chimed in when Lieseletta hoped that her loyal knight sister would chide  her for Lieseletta’s misconduct.

Dedicated Attendant- Gracia 

She was blessed by Geduldh, and her high magical power made Gracia a very desirable water goddess candidate in the Veronican faction. She had been groomed by her ‘parents’ with the duty to give birth to highly magical children in mind and since they took her in had been parading her around Veronican family for the highest bidder. Her timing of birth had been quite fortunate according to them. Many mednoble Veronican family had been producing archnoble level first born for two generations by marrying Ahrensbach nobles from Gabriele’s entourage, and they seek to do so again in the next generation and promote themselves to the rank of archnoble.

Gracia was disgusted, but among the highly, magically abudant women of the Veronican faction, she was highly desired due to how well endowed she was. Her ‘mother’ even commented that Gracia had the ideal body to bear Geduldh’s burden. 

When she found out that Philine had cut off her family and went to the temple. Gracia longed for the same freedom. Even more so to go to the temple, her own birth mother missed the temple. Spending her days devoting her mana to the Gods without being bound by Libeskhilfe, wasn’t that such an ideal life?

So even though her family only received light punishment, she pleaded to offer her name to Lady Rozemyne so she could serve the lady saint. Lady Rozemyne didn’t ridicule Gracia’s wish to never marry either and even gave blessing to do as she pleased. Contrary to Gracia’s fear, Lady Rozemyne’s entourage welcomed her with open arms including a purist Leisegang like Brunhilde.

It was only after she got to know them better, Gracia learned that the younger generation of Leisegang were against the extremist older generation. “What backing do they provide? Since I serve our lady I don’t remember a single instance where they supported her appropriately.” Brunhilde uttered with a scary, cold smile. “Just when we’re so busy now our lady lost her guardian…” 

“They even speak nonsense like lowering the rank, what do they think our lady’s accomplishment is?” Leonore added. 

“Ensure those fossils don't get anywhere near my sister.” 

“Of course Cornelius.” 

It was the same everywhere, Gracia supposed. Older generations of their family assumed they were entitled to exploit the younger generation with prejudice. The Leisegang aides in Lady Rozemyne’s entourage were running intervention rigorously. The more moderate Leisegang like Groschel and Haldenzel had a smaller voice in the faction despite their influence, the extremists apparently had no hesitation to reach out toe ven their Aub. 

Lady Rozemyne was exhausted whenever she was in the palace and as her attendants they did their best to make her more comfortable in her private room. Then she started noticing Lady Rozemyne’s gaze towards… her chest. Of course it was not a lewd gaze like Laurenz’s, but a gentle longing she couldn’t place. 

“Gracia is abundantly blessed by Geduldh…”

Gracia stammered, “It’s nothing Milady, it’s quite a burden to one’s shoulders.” 

“Brigitte also said the same thing~” 

Later Lieseletta pulled Gracia aside and notified her that Lady Rozemyne wished for her to attend her for the night with Lieseletta. “I will do my best.” 

Lieseletta blushed, “Uhm… serving Lady Rozemyne is different, I believe you understand… there are many things not taught in class we have to do for her.” 

“Like paperwork?”

“...Kind of…”

That night Gracia was very confused when Lieseletta was not standing by the designated spot for night shift attendant but went inside Lady Rozemyne’s room. Gracia followed as instructed but then Lieseletta not only entered the room but also approached the canopy, and climbed up Lady Rozemyne’s bed. 

“Gracia?”

“Y-yes?”

“Come in too please.” 

Was this… another unusual service Lady Rozemyne required?! What were they going to do in bed? It could not be that right- girls couldn’t greet winter together and- As the canopy was pulled, Gracia was greeted by the sight of Lieseletta laying down beside Lady Rozemyne. 

“Let’s have a chat before sleep~” Then Lady Rozemyne started to ramble about random things as Gracia tensely sat on one side of the bed. She relaxed soon as Lady Rozemyne began to speak of Brigitte, an adult female knight that had retired. The topic then drifted to… wisdom about Geduldh’s bosom and body positivity. 

“With the right dress and style, Brigitte became very popular! Ladies need to feel good about their bodies and not be concerned too much about what people think about their body. It will just lead to stress.” 

“O-oh…” She never felt good about her body, and as her lady said a mere gaze from boys irked her all the time. She was unsure if she would ever find anything good about  her curvaceous body. 

“There’s nothing wrong with enjoying them yourself.” Lady Rozemyne told Gracia. 

“Eh?” Enjoying her own body?! 

 “We’re all girls here, nothing lewd! Have you tried to feel your breast, Gracia?” Lady Rozemyne asked and Gracia stammered but grateful her lack of nerve stopped her from calling her lady shameful. “You see… it’s supposed to be relaxing!” 

Relaxing… her breast supposed to be relaxing? 

“It’s called [boob cuddle]* and just by simply holding them will send a hormone called [oxytocin] I believe everyone needs in these trying times, giving warmth and comfort.” Lady Rozemyne heaved a sigh. “I am anticipating the blessing of Answach for myself so I can feel the joy too!” 

The next day during her break Gracia followed her lady’s wisdom, thinking all distress her curves brought her since Answach blessed her and if this really could give her a modicum of comfort she could try. Flutrane’s blessing was strong in Lady Rozemyne’s entourage, change was encouraged and nurtured. She too had to try to change and feel better about herself! 

For a moment she was afraid to feel pleasure of lust and proved her siblings were right about strong protection of the Beischmacht she had but- “Hm…” it was just- comfortable?Her body felt comfortable under her own touch, even… relaxed but nothing of that nature. 

Few days later she had another night shift, with Lieseletta’s encouragement she enthusiastically reported to Lady Rozemyne that indeed feeling comfort from her own body was a positive experience. She still didn’t like how boys looked at her body, but she found something good about herself for once. 

“How I envy you… Answach has yet blessed me Gracia.” Lady Rozemyne looked at her longingly. 

Gracia wished she could aid Lady Rozemyne somehow. “I will pray for you too, Milady.” 

“I remember hugging Brigitte and she feels so good due to her abundant blessing of Geduldh, ne Gracia… can you hug me too?” 

Those huge golden eyes looking at her pleadingly stirred something in Gracia and she understood why Lieseletta crossed the line of propriety. The next thing she knew Gracia had Lady Rozemyne’s head flush against her chest like a baby shumil. She was so cute- and the weight on her chest was so comfortable! Her lady was enjoying her body- Gracia was so grateful for her abundantly blessed bosom for the first time in her life!

Ferdinand - epilogue 

Rozemyne became unstable after the events of Hasse and her aides both in the temple and palace voiced their deep concern for her. Rihyarda went as far as scolding him for pushing her too far. Ferdinand himself realized his mistake, Rozemyne’s mana was unstable all day and even though she crave it he hold firm to not spoil her with gyuu, It was for her own good.

He was about to invite Plantin company when she stabilised by herself, but Ferdinand had her downtown associates called anyway just in case. Still- there was a nagging feeling something was off since then. Especially her… closeness to female aides. First it was Angelica and Brigitte, and Ferdinand assumed she was seeking a figure similar to Tuuli, Myne’s sister in them. 

Then when she went to Royal academy, it expanded to Angelica’s sister, Lieseletta and later Gracia. The last made a lot of sense due to name dedication. However there seemed to be something else going on within Rozemyne’s entourage but they were all tight lipped as they should.

Justus tried to investigate but to no avail, however he did find out Rozemyne indeed had something going on with her aides. Cornelius was completely out of the loop, Brunhilde and Leonore were in the know but kept it to themselves with fierceness of veteran aides. As for Hartmut… 

He of all people shed a little light on this in spite of his fanaticism, not on purpose- but during one of his lessons with Justus he leaked out a lament why he was not a woman to Ferdinand’s scholar. 

Ferdinand was unsettled and wish to drag Rozemyne to hidden room for interrogation but alas… it was nowhere near his top priority with his royal order, Ahrensbach, Leticia’s education, his foolish fiance and later on the foreign invasion and the stupid royal family. Ferdinand’s eidetic memory however did not forget this nagging problem and it was always at the back of his head somewhere. However it was pushed behind establishing Alexandria for his all goddess. 

However as usual Rozemyne went diagonally from his expectation. She was supposed to enjoy building her library duchy and reuniting with her family, and Ferdinand would wring it out of her once the situation stabilised. Strangely enough the one prompting the bout of insanity was no other than the newly crowned Zent. Perhaps being a dedicated servant to Rozemyne had made a portion of his beloved goddess’ eccentricity flow to Eglantine. 

"That is the document for royal decree. In order to make it easier for noble society to know that Zent has changed, so I request your approval" 

Eglantine signed the document but looked unconvinced by something. “I do not mind signing this, however…I was under assumption  that today's invitation was to discuss speeding up the starbinding ceremony. ......" 

 "Yes?" Rozemyne blurted out, confused. 

Eglantine hesitated for a moment before uttering,  "Since you hastened the arrival of winter in order to erase divine power that resided in Lady Rozemyne, I believe Aub Alexandria intends to speed up your starbinding, do you not? Considering… what happened in the garden from the beginning.” She blushed, gracefully covering her lips in a shy manner.

Surely from someone who arrived later on to witness Ferdinand taking off Rozemyne’s jewelries, Eglantine was not wrong to assume they had greeted winter before autumn arrived. 

Rozemyne started to protest,  "Winter hasn't arrived yet! Lady Eglantine!” 

 "Rozemyne, calm down." 

 "I can't calm down because of this misunderstanding. Because of that ......." Rozemyne trailed off before becoming very still- “Hm… hastening starbinding means…” 

“And how… Aub Alexandria has been dyed beautifully…” Eglantine went on. 

Ferdinand was about to correct her misunderstanding but Rozemyne exclaimed, her shame totally forgotten. “What a wonderful idea, if it is within your power to approve early starbinding by all means! Please let us have it… next year!” 

His mind went blank at what she just said so innocently, then mesmerised by her bright and hopeful expression. Even though she said she didn’t understand the subtleties of courtship between man and woman, Rozemyne truly wanted to marry him so much?! 

Hartmut and Clarissa were let into the soundproof barrier when Ferdinand’s mind rebooted (as Rozemyne would call it) and her most fanatic scholars were already ranting off about the reception party. “Absolutely Aub, for you… the honorable incarnation of goddess it’s not impossible to hold a reception party for the whole duchy to celebrate your union with Lord Ferdinand.”

“If Zent allows it, we can ask for Aub Ehrenfest to use the border gate to transport your exclusive seamstresses and have them cooperate with local companies to expedite the preparation!” 

Rozemyne was nodding enthusiastically. “Very fine, Hartmut, Clarissa!” She then turned to Eglantine. “Of course, Zent Eglantine can expect an invitation to my reception party soon.” 

“How wonderful.” Eglantine didn’t seem fazed, totally in tune with Rozemyne. 

Anastasius groaned, “...What a disaster, there would be a repulsion to your appointment from Aub council not supporting you… and now early starbinding? We would field so much protest from those wishing to make connection with goddess incarnation!” 

After every problem royalty heaped upon them, Ferdinand could care less  of their troubles. It was none of Alexandria’s business or his Aub’s. Ferdinand for formality sake of course didn’t voice it out loud, however Rozemyne with her newfound authority was not so merciful. 

“That sounds like a lot of trouble, but I have no intention to accept anyone coming between Ferdinand and I. Isn’t it more efficient if they give up by next year instead of wasting their effort for two years?” She tilted her head to the side. “Or we can have everyone who wishes to court me offer courtship jewellery! I can powder them and they get something nice to take home as consolation!” 

“Oh my.” Zent Eglantine didn’t say anything more to Rozemyne’s brutal solution to refuse unwanted suitors. 

“What’s with Ehrenfest’s education, just how disrespectful you can be to besmirch honour of others as you please?!” Anastasius growled, “You are going to be Aub, have some  grace of Glammatur and Geboltnung!” 

Rozemyne retorted, “Well, since they tried pushing me to be High Bishop of Sovereignty Temple. It’s not like they care about mine.” Rozemyne smiled proudly, “'Don't do unto others what you don't want done unto you is my principle.” 

Anastasius became quiet, he too was someone who had experienced that principle of Rozemyne. Now that his family had to live in the palace they ‘prepared’ for Rozemyne. Now the question would be, would he offend Rozemyne again?  

In the end the prince consort decided the turmoil and dissatisfaction at the upcoming Archduke Conference was not worth arguing with Rozemyne for. Eglantine decided she would sign the approval letter for hastening their starbinding anytime Rozemyne desired it. 

“Ferdinand has taught me all the coursework of the  archduke candidate course and the scholar course, so I can graduate if I want. Also, would it not trouble my peers if I go to the academy as a minor Aub?” 

“I am thinking you can sit with us at the dais, Aub Alexandria.”

“...I don’t think I would like that very much, Hannelore and Charlotte would be fine but I think other students wouldn’t be comfortable socialising with Aub.” 

Ferdinand had a headache when it was decided the starbinding shall be hastened as Rozemyne wished but she would get her coming of age the same time as her peers. Ferdinand approved of this just to reduce the possibility of being disturbed by the gods again. He was prepared to let her go so she could see her friends in the academy and read books. 

After Zent left, Ferdinand dragged Rozemyne to the hidden room. Cornelius’ protest was ignored and he was detained by Eckhart. As soon as the door was closed, Ferdinand asked. “What are you thinking, hastening our starbinding like that?”

“I thought Ferdinand wanted to marry me?” 

Ferdinand took a deep breath, his ears burning. “Yes, I… do-” He cleared his throat, “But you didn’t seem in haste for our marriage, you don’t hold that sort of feelings for me either. So why…” 

Rozemyne pouted, “Well! Cornelius is so noisy that I can’t be alone with Ferdinand before starbinding… and really, is he going to be like that for two years until starbinding?! I need my dose of Ferdinand’s gyuu!” 

“You don’t make any sense-” 

“Also, doesn't marriage mean all you can eat gyuu from Ferdinand?”

Ferdinand’s headache intensified, and he wondered if he went wrong in educating her for who knows how many times. In the first place, he never really corrected her to seek books as her bride price and he proposed to her with the offer to make her a library city. So Rozemyne thinking of marriage as means to get what she craved for was nothing new. Ferdinand was glad she had longing for him even if it wasn’t romantic love he yearned for, but…

“Everyone’s gyuu wasn’t so bad but Ferdinand’s gyuu was a premium gyuu for me-” 

Everyone’s… gyuu? Did she mean gyuu from her downtown family or Elvira’s?

“Also since my formal engagement with Ferdinand it’s getting harder to get gyuu from everyone else! So come on, let’s get married!’ 

Ferdinand froze, “Rozemyne… who do you mean by everyone?”

“My bed is so lonely, come on Ferdinand!”

“Rozemyne!”

The next day Ferdinand gathered Rozemyne’s aides and commanded them to confess or else, she was now Ferdinand’s fiance and every inappropriate behaviour was his right to know. Angelica’s expression didn’t change, but Lieseletta and Gracia trembled under his icy gaze. Leonore struggled to not avert her eyes… Clarissa was outright glaring at Lieseletta and Gracia enviously. 

Unable to let her aides suffer from his wrath, Rozemyne confessed about the ‘depraved’ life she led since she was eight years old. Considering the timeline, it was a little after the Hasse incident that caused her unstable emotions. Rozemyne had then been seducing her gray attendants, female knights and attendants to warm her bed. 

“I am [touch starved] so it can’t be helped! I did it to heal myself, it’s medical treatment!” Rozemyne defended herself and her aides vehemently. 

“Rozemyne, explain now…” 

It was a mental illness, her feystone phobia was bad enough but Ferdinand had not even noticed that Rozemyne suffered from another one. He had thought Rozemyne was exaggerating before about needing gyuu to live, she could be dramatic at times but… according to Rozemyne children craved skin contact for their emotional stability. He was reluctant to provide that comfort so she sought it from someone else. 

“Please don’t punish my aides, I used devious means like you taught me to get what I want!” She then confessed she had simply ordered her gray attendants to cave in without resistance, as for Wilma and Rosina they were lured with artistic wisdom. Angelica obeyed Rozemyne’s order without question and Brigitte… seem to assume her unique upbringing made Rozemyne behave similarly to commoner children. 

That was… dangerous- but it seemed the sharp female knight didn’t notice she was indeed commoner born. 

Lieseletta apparently required a more elaborate seduction, which explained the new trend of shumil headbands that appeared out of nowhere in her first year. She created a new trend just to beckon an attendant to her bed! The dedicated attendant Gracia was a little different, but seduced all the same with Rozemyne’s beguiling words.

“All for gyuu…” 

“Gyuu is the panacea of life for me!” 

“...Rozemyne…” His Ewigeliebe was stirred but Ferdinand held himself back, praying for Durdetzen. “You like my gyuu more than anyone else’s, is that correct?” She nodded enthusiastically. “Does it mean after we bind our stars you will only seek mine in bed?’

Rozemyne froze, “eeeh… it would be awkward to ask Lieseletta or Gracia to hug me with Ferdinand in bed…”

“Surely you mean if you have mine, you don’t need anyone else’s?” 

Rozemyne nodded slowly, “...Yes, I only need Ferdinand.” Then she grumbled. “I will miss [boob cuddle] however…” 

“Rozemyne.” He knew his voice had dropped at least an octave and his mana shook. “Please tell me everything you and your aides have been doing behind my back in your bed, now.”

Many nonsensical terms came out of her mouth, which Ferdinand had learned long ago were dream world’s terms that didn’t translate well to their native language.

“Explain…” He gritted out. 

Her aides had not been laying down beside her or hugging Rozemyne innocently, she had slept on them- touching them and it was so inappropriate. The [boob cuddle] was especially shameful and [lap pillow] was not any better. 

Ferdinand could hear Chaoscipher whispering to him, and he understood how easily Ewigeliebe fell to this provocation if Geduldh was anything like Rozemyne with her subordinate goddess. Another part of him was blaming himself for not noticing Rozemyne’s deep loneliness and his own folly to not notice how dear she was to him. She had looked for others to fill that gap in her heart and it was not him. 

“If… if I am willing to give all of these… cuddles and gyuu you wanted, are you willing to just let me do it with you… in noble society?”

“Eh?”

“I will be the [body pillow] that warms your bed after our starbinding, and let you put my head in your lap… for [lap pillow] but I…” He swallowed down his hesitation, summoning the same bravery he had when confessing his desire to be by her side. “Just seek them from me and no one else…” 

Rozemyne’s eyes widened and for a moment Ferdinand feared Ewigeliebe-like side of him had scared her off only to be glomped on by Rozemyne who screamed, “Yes- all you can eat premium gyuu from Ferdinand! Deal!” 

Ferdinand had his arms full of a very happy Rozemyne, rubbing her cheeks on his chest like a very happy shumil. He was relieved she accepted him but also renewed his determination to not let his guard down any longer, if he was not careful even her attendants would steal her away from him! 

That very same day, Zent Eglantine was contacted through the water mirror to approve their early starbinding as soon as possible.