Rite

Thanks to all of you, we have achieved first place in the Low Fantasy department for today.

Truly, thank you!

In the morning, I pass through the church gate beside my grandfather and grandmother, having been accompanied by them in the carriage from last night.

Beyond the main gate, the Reverend awaits us already.

“Welcome home, Miss Spica. From today onward, this place shall become your second sanctuary.”

“Thank you for your welcome. From this day forward, until the time I depart for the divine presence, I pray you will guide me.”

After a bow, I follow quietly behind the Reverend’s faint, wistful smile.

He seems older than the last time I saw him.

I only wish I might spend a little more time with the daughter he is about to welcome…

I have heard that the Virgin of the Barrier does not rest in her final slumber for long after her duty is released.

Whether it be days or months hence—only the divine knows.

All I can do is pray that moment may stretch, just a little longer.

“You have endured greatly. You have borne it well… I know it must have been grievous. Yet you have committed no sin, our nation’s treasure. Do not grieve…”

The words spoken to me by the one ahead—words I had never received even from my own family, who lived beside me.

Now, at last, I realize I have come to receive from strangers the very words I longed for, the very words I wished to hear.

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

I answer, brushing gently at the warmth gathering at my eyes. The one ahead—his face, distant, resembles that of a father from a faraway day.

The chamber into which I am led bears a likeness to the one I passed through last summer, in the Grand Duchy.

A room with white walls, like a church, and white curtains fluttering softly in the breeze.

On the windowsill, a ewer filled with holy water glowed with a faint, sacred light. A set of sofa and low table, draped in lace, stood nearby.

The door leading deeper into the room—its design suggested it was likely the entrance to a bedroom.

Upon the low table rested a single sheet of parchment and a glass nib pen.

I was guided to sit across from His Eminence, nestled between my grandparents.

"Shall the ceremony of appointment be held immediately upon readiness, or would you prefer a few days’ delay?"

His Eminence looked directly into my eyes as he asked.

"Immediately, if it please you. I have already made my farewells."

I did not hesitate. The hands holding mine from either side gripped just as tightly, yet neither sought to stop me.

Then, if you would, sign this covenant. With this document, you shall ascend from mortal rank to take your place among the humblest of the divine, elevated beyond humanity.

I收回 my hand from the quill and turn once more toward Your Eminence.

Has the arrangement I requested been made?

The matter of the extraction of the cursed eye... The family physician of the Emmental household and his master have already arrived. Additionally, skilled healers and physicians have been gathered from the church.

As soon as the purification before the ceremony concludes, it will be time to retrieve it. The magical transport device has already been arranged by Miss Spica, so there will be no delays...

The lord’s gaze slips away, faint and distant.

She seemed sorrowful enough to ask why one would go to such lengths.

I am grateful for your thoughtfulness. If that is the case, then there is nothing left unsaid.

Saying that, I glide the glass pen across the page.

When I finish writing my name, the paper rustles like golden sand.

This is a vow of constraint, of covenant, of selection.

Proof of my purity, a solemn pledge to serve as Virgin of the Barrier, a testament to my severance from the register of humanity…

The High One chants the hymn, and the sand is drawn into the crystal retrieved from within their robes.

It becomes an hourglass of golden sand.

Then I am led to the bathhouse.

The vast bath is filled to the brim with holy water, a sight both awe-inspiring and unnerving.

I immerse myself in the faintly glowing liquid, my body polished thoroughly, every part attended to.

How long has it been since I last allowed another to dress me…

I am startled by how accustomed I have grown to dressing myself in solitude.

After rising from the bathhouse, I don the pure white gown cleansed by magic and don it once more.

I hurried to the workshop that had crafted the necklace I had given to the girl named Luca, where I had it fitted with a Sacred Stone.

It was a piece adorned with the Sacred Stone of someone dear to me.

The Sacred Stone could become a maiden’s strength if it touched the skin…

Thus, I had it made to remain untouched by my flesh, so that it might sleep alongside his heart.

Though it is customary to return a gift when an engagement is dissolved, he entrusted me with his heart when he said, “You need not return it… Do not return it. As long as you are well, think of me as being with you.”

My attire complete, I was led once more to the room from before. I fixed the faces of my grandfather and grandmother firmly in my sight.

What awaits me next is the procedure to remove my eyes…

When we meet again, I shall be blind.

I etch the colors of the final scene I shall ever see into my mind, along with the last sight of this life.

"Grandfather, Grandmother, thank you for accompanying me, one who has only ever asked for what she wanted...

You did not try to stop me from making my own choice, did you…? Do you not think of me as a foolish girl…?"

As anxiety spills from her lips, both Grandfather and Grandmother slowly shake their heads

"You decided after much thought, after exhausting every doubt. Who could call that foolish? Be proud of it. How could anyone say it is foolish...

And Spica, you have always had a strong will. Once you set your mind, you would not yield—such a stubborn child. That is why we thought our duty was only to push you forward from behind."

"Yes, indeed. How could we not be proud of the daughter who will now serve the nation? If anyone dares call you foolish, then that person is the one who is foolish. Hold your head high, our Spica..."

What moved me most was that they respected my will above all else.

But I will not shed tears anymore.

I turn my feelings, overflowing within me, into a smile, and face them with gratitude.

Facing two others whose expressions are on the verge of tears, the door to the room is knocked upon.

The one who enters is Doctor Carp, our family physician, and a man in white robes, visibly two decades older than Doctor Carp.

I have not met him directly before, but this must be Doctor Morsegue, the master of Doctor Carp, and the leading authority on the illness known as Monazan disease.

Several others in white robes follow behind him.

I am instructed to sit deeply into the chair, and I obey.

"Proceeding now with the extraction of the cursed eye. The procedure will be conducted through magic, so the lady shall not be touched. After removal, the eye will be swiftly transported to the Imperial City’s Emmental estate, where it shall be transplanted into Master Alex. If you consent, please sign here…"

As the doctor speaks, he hands me a single sheet of paper.

This is the final confirmation document regarding the donation of the cursed eye.

At the final section, where the procedure and method are detailed, I sign my name.

"Are you certain, Lady, that you wish no word to be spoken of your role as donor?"

The doctor asks, his voice laced with quiet concern.

"Yes… do not tell anyone. But if… if any of my family should notice and inquire… then you may answer them."

He takes the paper from me with a gentle "Understood."

Before me lies a magical vessel, filled with holy water and crafted of crystal, alongside a round artificial eye made of glass. At first glance, it appears merely a jar and a glass sphere, yet I know well—having prepared it myself—that these are enchanted objects.

Now, Doctor Morsego instructs me to close my eyes.

“Miss, now please close your eyes gently and release your tension. When I count to three, I shall exchange the magical eye with the artificial one. Here we go—three, two, one…”

A soft *plink*, then *drip*, as something two falls into the water. My vision instantly darkens into a void without even the faintest trace of light.

Almost immediately, I am questioned by someone who seems a healer—whether I feel unwell or in pain. I answer that I feel nothing amiss.

I blink. Nothing reaches me.

Then, a soft cloth is wrapped gently around my eyes.

I attempt to rise, startled by how unsteady I am on my feet. Warm hands—someone’s—take hold of both my arms.

“Now then, it would be remiss to keep Lady Spica waiting any longer. Let us proceed to our duty.”

With those words, I take a step forward, and the unease and fear coiled within me begin to fade. I carry myself with resolve, urging myself onward—yet guided by the warmth of another’s touch, I move toward the sacred domain.

The ascent and descent of countless steps recalls memories of childhood.

Eventually, I sense the air growing clearer, and after the door closes, I understand we have arrived in the transfer chamber.

After the elder’s voice, a faint scent of flowers touches my nostrils.

Is it that, deprived of one sense, the others strive to compensate?

Dazed, I follow as I am led, and then the elder speaks again, gently pulling me back into reality.

“Now, please step forward another three paces. There, that is your place.”

A breath later, the High One begins the incantation, and warmth envelops me from all sides. It must be the divine light I saw last summer, radiant and holy. The High One turns to me, seeking confirmation of resolve.

“Spica Luciana, do you swear to dedicate yourself as the foundation of the nation, guardian of our peace and tranquility?”

“Yes. I, Spica Luciana, pledge my life to the Empire and to all who dwell within it, that their peace may endure.”

The High One speaks my name, using my baptismal name. Disowned by my family, I no longer bear the name of Emmental.

“Is there anything you would say before this?”

“Yes. First, to you, High One. Thank you for your efforts this day. May you and the newly awakened Sovereign enjoy days filled with grace.”

“Ah, thank you.”

A moment’s pause, then a voice slightly muffled in response.

"Next, thank you, Grandfather, Grandmother, for accompanying me on my journey. Though it grieves me not to see you at the hour of my awakening, my heart remains with you."

"Spica… I await you before the Divine Presence. You shall hear my prideful tales of you, long before you arrive."

"May Francesca Kraus von Emmental, your attendant, shine brightly upon the next star."

Grandmother’s prayer resonates warmly within.

"Aah, we shall wait for you in the presence of the Divine, boasting of you long before you come.

Elbam von Emmental, former Count of Emmental and current representative of the Emmental lineage, hereby declares: Spica von Emmental, now Spica Luciana, is appointed as the cornerstone guardian of this domain.

Go forth, star born beneath the light of dawn…"

Grandfather calls out a name I thought he would never speak again. Saved by that memory.

Yes, I shall depart at once. May good light guide you all on your journey.

Thank you sincerely for this journey. May we meet again at its end. Farewell, all of you.

After a bow, her hand is withdrawn. This must be the hand of Grandmother.

Lying down on the bed, she touches the Sacred Stone of Arthur, then folds her hands upon her chest.

The hymn of Your Reverence is pleasing to the ear...

I recite the sacred words, and once more am wrapped in warmth. Then, without resistance, I sink into sleep.

And I stood in a garden unknown to me.

The eyes that should not be seen are seeing.

Welcome, Spica-sama. Thanks to you, I have been able to serve this long. Please take care of what comes after…

I had just felt a gentle embrace from behind, and then there was no figure there at all…

That must have been Lady Alicia…

Lady Alicia, I thank you for your devotion. Thank you for your service until today…

I bow deeply toward the place where the presence has vanished.

Then, I am called again, and turn around.

This was our first meeting, our first conversation, and our first covenant—between me and the First Lady.

Spica’s half-life ends here, once and for all.

From the next installment, we shall speak of the regrets and penitence of the remaining Emmental family.

I thank you for your continued support.