Ascendance of a Bookworm Season 3 Episode 4: Spring Prayer

At a tea party, Rozemyne observes the polite indifference of adult noble women. They chatter amongst themselves, her presence a mere formality beside her adoptive mother, Elvira. Rozemyne plays the part, but her mind is far away, calculating the next steps for her printing business. The elaborate social dance of the nobility clashes sharply with her inner drive.

Back in her chambers, Rozemyne faces the stern gaze of Ferdinand, who scolds her for collapsing, a dangerous habit. Florencia and Elvira acknowledge the social success of the tea party, yet highlight the desperate need for funds for Rozemyne's ventures. Ferdinand, ever practical, insists on her health, while Rozemyne hides her exhaustion, knowing her grand plans depend on these powerful figures.

A flash of insight strikes Rozemyne: Ferdinand is a noble 'idol.' She imagines him on a stage, women swooning, heart-shaped fans waving. This comedic, vivid image ignites a new plan to solve their funding woes. She believes his popularity, if channeled correctly, is a gold mine waiting to be tapped for her printing business.

Rozemyne directly proposes the charity concert, but Ferdinand rejects it out of hand, citing no personal benefit. Her offers of new musical scores and exotic recipes from her world do not move him. He sees performance for money as beneath his dignity, a wall of noble pride that temporarily disheartens her. She realizes even the best ideas can founder on tradition.

Rihyarda, Ferdinand's former nanny, steps in with a sharp rebuke, calling him 'mean' for his inflexibility. She reminds him of his duty to support the Archduke's sanctioned venture, and the weight of this responsibility makes him buckle. His composure breaks, and he begrudgingly agrees to the concert, much to Rozemyne's secret delight.

The planning begins, with Elvira eagerly taking charge of invitations for high-ranking nobles. Rozemyne introduces the radical concept of tiered tickets, maximizing revenue in a way alien to noble custom. Ferdinand sends an ordonnanz, accepting fully but adding strict conditions: immediate magical training and regular medicine to prevent collapse. The stakes are raised for Rozemyne.

In the training hall, Ferdinand instructs Rozemyne to dye a clear magic stone with her mana. She visualizes it as a balloon, but her control fails, and it explodes violently into golden dust. Ferdinand, with a mix of annoyance and genuine concern, shields her from the fragments. The immense power of her uncontrolled mana is terrifyingly clear.

Ferdinand forces a foul medicine on Rozemyne and buries her in dense magical theory texts, warning her against pleasure reading. Rozemyne perceives this as petty revenge for the concert and vows to retaliate by using his most handsome portraits on the concert programs. Later, she returns to the temple, finding relief in the familiar environment, a stark contrast to her demanding noble life.

Rozemyne reunites with Lutz and Benno at the temple, initially emotional, but quickly shifting to business. She unveils her new plan: stencil printing, or 'galley-ban.' She explains the wax-coated paper and stylus technique, promising a revolution in production capacity and profits. Benno's eyes light up, seeing the immense potential for mass-produced programs and tickets.

Gill reports issues with the wax coating consistency, a critical technical hurdle. Rozemyne tasks Lutz with solving this problem, emphasizing its importance to the entire printing process. Later, Benno presents Rozemyne with a beautifully carved writing board, a 'shojiban.' It is a gift that bridges her two worlds, acknowledging her hard work and innovative ideas.

Rozemyne attempts to enter her workshop, asking her noble guards, Brigitte and Damuel, to wait outside to protect her business secrets. They refuse, citing their sworn duty to protect her at all times. Rozemyne is confronted with the reality that her noble status grants her protection, but at the cost of privacy and operational secrecy. This moment highlights the constant clash of her two lives.

Rozemyne explains her fear of trade secrets being leaked to Brigitte, acknowledging the difficulty of her position. Brigitte, though initially hurt, accepts the compromise. Inside, they perform the first stencil print, which produces a perfect, detailed portrait of Ferdinand. Rozemyne, triumphant, declares they are ready to make a fortune with this new technology. It is a victory for innovation and understanding.

In a post-credits skit, Rozemyne explains the concept of tiered tickets to Elvira and Florencia. She illustrates how seat location and proximity to Ferdinand will dictate the price. Elvira's eyes literally catch fire, declaring her intent to buy the most expensive front-row seat. The scene playfully reinforces the 'idol' theme, proving that even high-ranking noblewomen are susceptible to fan enthusiasm.