Let’s Manage the Tower

Book 3: Volume 2 - Chapter 10, The Start of the Ritual

Translator: Kazumi

Editor: Silavin

The <Ritual of Activating Spirits> was traditionally held on the night of a Full Moon, when Spiritual Energy reached its peak. While nighttime ceremonies were most common, the ritual’s timing could be adjusted based on its specific purpose and the activity patterns of both the Spirits and the World Tree. This flexibility meant that sometimes daytime ceremonies were more advantageous.

As both Collete and Shiomala had explained, the World Tree’s shrine maiden held complete authority over the ritual’s execution. Most observers were not privy to the specific details until shortly before the ceremony began, though this rarely caused issues since the ritual’s core elements remained largely consistent.

However, when the shrine maiden announced changes to the traditional format, it often stirred controversy among the participants.

Such was the case when Shiomala, the current World Tree’s shrine maiden, introduced Collete during this particular <Ritual of Activating Spirits> in Sewri Village. Before the ceremony, Kousuke had approached Shiomala with his concerns.

“I’m wondering about the implications of involving Collete in the ritual,” Kousuke said. “Won’t this cause significant changes?”

Shiomala tilted her head, momentarily puzzled by his question. “What exactly do you mean?”

“I’m asking about the potential impact of introducing Collete as an assistant,” he clarified.

Shiomala answered with a gentle smile. “While we’re generally conservative about making changes, we don’t reject those that are necessary.”

“So Collete’s participation has been deemed necessary?”

“That’s precisely why I requested your presence,” Shiomala explained. “The villagers need to understand that this is the World Tree’s will.”

Kousuke nodded, understanding the logic. It made sense that the Elves, who lived under the World Tree’s protection, would accept changes deemed necessary by their guardian deity. Though Kousuke wasn’t sure when Shiomala had communicated with the World Tree about this matter, he accepted that they likely had their own special means of connection.

“But what exactly is Collete planning to do?” Kousuke wondered aloud, realizing he hadn’t heard any details about her role in the ritual. As an outsider, he had assumed he didn’t need to know the specifics, but it was clear that Collete understood her responsibilities from the moment Shiomala had requested her participation.

Shiomala’s response came with a knowing smile. “Collete has shared her plans with me, but if you’re curious, you should ask her directly. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind telling you.”

Seeing her suggestive expression, Kousuke decided to drop the subject. Her smile suggested this was a private matter between women, and his experience living among them had taught him when to step back from such situations.

In the end, he never learned of Collete’s intended role before the ritual began.

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Typically, the Ritual of Activating Spirits in Sewri Village consisted of Shiomala, as the World Tree’s shrine maiden, offering prayers to both the World Tree and its attending Spirits.

While the ceremony itself was brief, it was followed by a village-wide celebration where the Elves gathered to feast and drink in gratitude for their blessings. The event had evolved into something of a fertility festival, with special offerings prepared for both the World Tree and Spirits, alongside the communal feast. This monthly celebration during the Full Moon had become a cherished opportunity for the Elven residents to relax and enjoy themselves.

However, this particular ritual deviated from the usual pattern. Instead of proceeding to the customary feast after Shiomala’s prayers, she remained on the ceremonial stage and made an unexpected announcement.

“At the World Tree’s request, we will be incorporating an additional ritual today,” she declared.

The announcement caused a stir among the audience, though such additions were not entirely unprecedented. Some more perceptive observers connected this change to the unusual activity they noticed outside the village.

The initial excitement quickly settled as the crowd remembered that additional rituals were often necessary for important reasons. They fell silent, waiting for Shiomala to continue.

“This ritual will not be performed by me,” Shiomala continued, “but by another.”

At these words, Collete’s parents, who stood among the observers, visibly tensed, though few noticed their reaction. The crowd remained attentive, unaware of the underlying significance.

Then came Shiomala’s surprising announcement: “Well then, Collete. I look forward to working with you.”

As she spoke, she turned toward the side of the stage where Collete emerged. Kousuke, along with Kouhi and the others, watched from their position in the crowd. Despite the gravity of the moment, Collete appeared remarkably composed as she approached center stage.

In Sewri Village, as in other Elven settlements, the birth rate was low enough that most residents knew each other. Nearly everyone remembered Collete and the circumstances of her departure, which led to immediate murmurs of criticism from the crowd.

Collete faced these reactions with unwavering composure, but it was Shiomala who intervened with unexpected force.

“Silence!!!!” She shouted, her usually gentle demeanor replaced with stern authority. The crowd fell silent instantly.

“Collete’s participation is the World Tree’s decision.” Shiomala declared. “Any opposition to her presence is opposition to the World Tree itself.” She paused to survey the crowd before adding coldly, “I trust no one here is foolish enough to interrupt this ritual. Those who do will forfeit the Divine Blessing of the World Tree.”

Her words created a heavy silence among the villagers. Whatever their private thoughts, none dared to challenge what had been declared as ‘the World Tree’s decision’. While shrine maidens had limited influence in village politics, their authority in matters concerning the World Tree was absolute—a fact this incident clearly demonstrated.

As the villagers watched with bated breath, Collete remained calm, her attention fixed on Shiomala. Then, to everyone’s astonishment, Shiomala bowed her head to Collete.

“I apologize for the interruption,” she said. “Please begin the ritual.”

The crowd barely contained their shock at this unprecedented display of deference from a shrine maiden during a sacred ceremony.

Collete’s eyes widened briefly at Shiomala’s gesture, but she quickly composed herself, understanding the intention behind it. Shiomala was deliberately establishing Collete’s authority to ensure the smooth execution of the upcoming ritual, a strategic move made with the village’s best interests in mind.

And so, with all eyes fixed upon her, Collete began her ritual.