Ascendance of a Bookworm: Adopted Daughter of an Archduke Episode 1: I've Become a Noble

The grand carriage glides through the noble's quarter, carrying a transformed girl. Rosemyne, once Myne, now sits in a luxurious world she did not choose, her past flashing in quick, vivid images: the books, the accident, her commoner family. Ferdinand narrates her journey, from book-lover to 'manaeater', from temple shrine maiden to a noble's daughter. He calls her name, a firm reminder of her new identity. He warns her about the consequences if her true origins are discovered, a threat hanging heavy in the air. Rosemyne clenches her fists, resolving to protect her loved ones through this dangerous new path.

Within the stately mansion, Elvira, Karstedt's first wife, calmly discusses Rosemyne's adoption with her son, Cornelius. He expresses skepticism about taking in a 'temple-raised' girl, but Elvira is undeterred, confident in Ferdinand's judgment. She smoothly assigns Cornelius the duty of Rosemyne's guard knight, a decision he protests with a sigh of resignation. This exchange reveals the shrewd practicality beneath the veneer of noble politeness.

Rosemyne arrives at the mansion, a small figure amongst the imposing architecture and formal greetings. Karstedt introduces her to Elvira, and Rosemyne, overwhelmed, struggles to speak. She manages a formal introduction and a blessing for their encounter, a display of mana that causes her ring to glow green. Elvira reciprocates the blessing, accepting Rosemyne as her daughter. It is a moment of fragile triumph, a test passed in a world of unspoken rules.

Life in the noble house begins with mundane struggles, like Rosemyne's aversion to a particular black hair treatment. She soon discusses a special soap (rinse) with Elvira, suggesting its potential appeal to high-ranking nobles. Elvira is intrigued, especially when Rosemyne connects it to Ferdinand. Ferdinand and Karstedt then enter, and Ferdinand chastises Rosemyne for calling him 'High Priest' outside the temple. He promises her control of the temple library key if she successfully navigates her baptism, an irresistible bait for the book-loving girl.

Elvira diligently instructs Rosemyne on noble etiquette, emphasizing constant smiles and elegant posture. Rosemyne practices tirelessly, observed by Cornelius. He encourages her, suggesting she call him 'Brother', which she happily adopts. When he offers a break, Rosemyne eagerly declares her desire for books, leading to a trip to the house library. Her sheer joy at discovering books in her new home is palpable.

Despite her joy, Rosemyne's frail body remains a constant concern. While exploring the library with Cornelius, she trips and collapses, highlighting her physical weakness. Ferdinand uses this incident to solidify Cornelius's role as her personal guard. He points out that if Rosemyne cannot even navigate a house without collapsing, she certainly cannot be taken outside unsupervised. Cornelius, now fully understanding the necessity, accepts his duty with a resigned 'Yes.'

The mansion's serenity is briefly interrupted by the arrival of Rosemyne's two older brothers, Lamprecht and Eckhart. Lamprecht playfully lifts Rosemyne, causing Cornelius to worry for her health. Rosemyne recognizes them from her previous life as Myne, recalling their presence during the trombe subjugation. Eckhart, now knowing Ferdinand protects her, vows to cherish Rosemyne as a sister, offering her genuine acceptance into the family.

Eckhart explains the noble custom of home baptisms, revealing that Ferdinand will be officiating. He warns Rosemyne that Ferdinand's presence, especially in his ritual attire, tends to excite noblewomen. Rosemyne realizes Ferdinand holds a celebrity status among them, an idol. The grand hall is prepared, and Rosemyne, hand-in-hand with Karstedt and Elvira, nervously descends the stairs towards the altar, ready for the formal ceremony.

At the altar, Ferdinand presents Rosemyne with a plain white stone. He instructs her to hold out her hand, and with a touch of his magic tool, the stone transforms into a dazzling, multi-colored divine gem, reflecting her immense mana attributes. This display is met with approval from Karstedt and Elvira. Then, Sylvester, the Lord of Ehrenfest, steps forward to formally adopt Rosemyne. He grandly announces her adoption, weaving a narrative of her protection and charitable work, portraying her as a saint. As her adoption contract glows and burns, Rosemyne raises her hand, unleashing a powerful blue blessing that fills the room, solidifying her new, divinely-sanctioned identity.

Sylvester proudly introduces Rosemyne as his new daughter to the assembly, her divine display having cemented her status. She is then introduced to his other children, Wilfried and Florencia, and her new guard knights. Wilfried, eager to play, tries to pull Rosemyne away, but her focus remains on the promised library key. Her frail body gives out, and she collapses to the floor, a trickle of blood escaping her mouth, ending the ceremony with a shocking collapse.