As the Villainess Who Was Dumped, I Am Saved by My Childhood Friend from a Noble Family and Spoiled in the Frontier - Chapter 22

Spring. In the border count’s territory, the planting of wheat and vegetable seeds begins. Today, I was chosen to assist Lord Franz in the ceremony praying for a bountiful harvest.

This is one of the most important ceremonies overseen by nobility throughout the empire. After the imperial family conducts grand harvest prayers in the imperial capital, nobles across the lands follow suit by presiding over similar ceremonies.

The emperor or his proxy noble offers prayers to the heavens for a plentiful harvest.

As part of the entourage, a young woman assists with the prayers, and this time I was selected to be Lord Franz’s assistant. Apparently, he chose me because I served as the emperor’s assistant in the imperial capital last year.

This ceremony doesn’t require much from the woman’s side, but there are numerous restrictions that require careful attention.

The dress must be primarily white, you must always start walking with your right foot, when handing plant seeds to the ceremony’s host you must use both hands and present them lower than the host’s hands since they’re acting as god’s representative.

Last year’s practice was so difficult. I was always being scolded. But thanks to that experience, I was able to be useful to Lord Franz, so it was worth it.

When he said, “Since Nina served as His Majesty’s assistant last year, we had a bountiful wheat harvest! I thought we should follow that success this year too,” how could I possibly refuse? Rather, I accepted gladly.

There’s nothing more precious than being needed by someone. My recent broken engagement taught me that painful lesson. That’s exactly why, when someone needs me, I’m determined to work hard to meet their expectations.

“Thank you, Nina. With your help, this became a wonderful ceremony. This should ensure this year’s harvest is secure.”

“That’s quite a responsibility. If we have a poor harvest, it might be my fault.”

“Don’t worry. If that happens, it would be due to my lack of virtue.”

“Then it’s absolutely fine!! Lord Franz has accumulated plenty of virtue!”

“In that case, the responsibility falls heavily on me too.”

Our tension eased, we exchanged light banter and laughed together.

As we were talking, we could hear the whispers of the maids who had come to observe the ceremony.

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“This year’s ceremony was particularly splendid.”

“Yes, Lord Franz is naturally dignified, and Lady Nina’s conduct as expected from someone who performed such an important role in the imperial capital was truly elegant and beautiful.”

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Hearing their praise, we felt genuinely relieved.

“Even the gossip-loving maids are praising us. They’re honest, so you should hold your head higher.”

Hearing that, I felt truly reassured. Just having my hard work praised like that felt incredibly comforting.

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“But did you hear? About the crown prince’s new fiancée—apparently, she made a huge mistake during the capital’s ceremony.”

“What!? Again!?”

“Yes. My relative who works as an official in the imperial capital said her manners and conduct were completely wrong, and she got sulky and left in the middle of the ceremony!”

“Wow~”

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Lord Franz gave a wry smile. I know it’s no longer my concern, but I can’t help wondering, is this empire really going to be alright?