Ascendance of a Bookworm: Adopted Daughter of an Archduke Episode 3: Archduke's Castle and Italian Restaurant

The carriage ride ends, bringing Rozemyne to the imposing Ehrenfest Castle. Ferdinand points out the knights' training grounds, but her eyes are fixed on the promise of a library. The sheer scale of the stone structure, with its inner gates and sprawling grounds, hints at a life far grander and more confined than her previous one. She approaches this new beginning with a mix of wonder and apprehension, a small child facing a very large, gilded cage.

In the castle courtyard, a retinue of servants and new guards awaits Rozemyne. Her elder brother, Cornelius, greets her with earnest dedication. Angelica, a quiet, blue-haired girl, surprises Rozemyne with her delicate appearance, chosen specifically to blend into noble social settings. This meticulous selection of staff highlights the deliberate construction of her new identity and the layers of artifice required of high society.

Rihyarda, a brisk, older woman, is introduced as Rozemyne's head attendant. She quickly disarms Ferdinand, revealing herself as his former wet nurse and calling him 'botchama.' Ferdinand's visible discomfort is a rare crack in his stoic facade, an amusing display of his humanity. Rihyarda's maternal over-familiarity reminds us that even the highest nobles are still subject to the relationships formed in childhood.

Rihyarda leads Rozemyne on a tour of the opulent North Wing, pointing out the marble and gold of the hallways. Her new room, thoughtfully arranged by Elvira to mimic her old one, offers a small comfort in the grand surroundings. During a bath, Rihyarda's surprisingly gentle hands contrast with Rozemyne's memories of rougher commoner baths. This scene underscores the stark difference in her new life, a transition from practicality to pampered existence.

The archducal family gathers for a stiflingly formal dinner, where Rozemyne meets Florencia and dines with Sylvester and Wilfried. The strict etiquette and silent attendants create a cold atmosphere, a stark contrast to the warmth of her previous family meals. After the uncomfortable dinner, Wilfried approaches Rozemyne with a genuine apology, a small but significant moment of connection in this rigid environment. His words signal a nascent shift in their relationship, moving past past grievances.

Preparations begin for the Starbind Ceremony, a social event where noble families seek marriage partners. Brigitte, a striking red-haired woman, is introduced as Rozemyne's guard knight. Sylvester pulls Rozemyne aside to explain her role as a trendsetter, using her hair ornaments and soap to boost Ehrenfest's economy. These practical, mercantile goals underpin the grand social rituals, exposing the hidden levers of power and influence.

The Starbind Ceremony reaches its climax as couples seek divine blessing. Encouraged by Ferdinand, Rozemyne chants a grand prayer, unleashing a colossal surge of golden mana that floods the entire hall. The noble crowd is left in shocked awe by her overwhelming power, a raw display that transcends social graces. The effort drains her completely, causing her to collapse into Ferdinand's arms, underscoring the immense cost of such a potent exhibition.

The group travels to the lower city for a celebratory luncheon at Rozemyne's Italian restaurant. Sylvester complains constantly about the smells and rough ride, highlighting the chasm between noble comfort and commoner life. Inside, they meet Benno, Gustav, and Freida, marking a rare high-level collaboration between archducal authority and the merchant class. The restaurant's refined interior, a testament to Rozemyne's vision, impresses even the Archduke.

The meal served — clear consommé and incredibly soft, white bread — genuinely surprises the nobles. Sylvester and Ferdinand are taken aback by the depth of flavor in food from the commoner district. Ferdinand, usually reserved, expresses his profound appreciation for the culinary beauty of the clear soup. Rozemyne watches with quiet pride as her recipes win over the most powerful men in Ehrenfest, proving that taste can be a potent diplomatic tool.

The conversation shifts to the town of Hasse and its potential for new papermaking workshops. Benno presents a report on the rich natural resources available. Rozemyne proposes establishing a small temple in Hasse, using orphans as a stable labor supply for the workshops. Sylvester and Ferdinand find her proposal strategically sound, showcasing Rozemyne's unique blend of social conscience and pragmatic business sense.

The party flies to Hasse on their Highbeasts to scout for the monastery site. Ferdinand prepares a high-level creation magic ritual, summoning a massive magic circle that descends from the clouds. In a dazzling flash, a complete stone monastery instantly rises from the ground, leaving Rozemyne stunned by the scale of noble magic. Sylvester then tasks her with gathering donations for the project's maintenance, immediately shifting from awe to the practicalities of funding.

In a lighthearted, chibi-style segment, Sylvester and Karstedt bicker over where the master chef from the restaurant should reside. Karstedt wants him to impress guests at his estate, while Sylvester wants him for his personal enjoyment at the castle. Ferdinand intervenes, suggesting a compromise that places the chef at the castle to serve the archducal family primarily. This petty argument over a talented commoner reveals the self-serving nature that often lies beneath noble grandiosity.