As tensions rise over the increasingly important “Zent candidates,” Rozemyne finds herself entangled in the web of royal politics. Thankfully, this also secures her the chance to bargain with one of the princes...
I keep finding reasons to like Anastasius, what with how well he understands Rozemyne's wants and needs. Traurqual seems to have a proper level of respect for the true Zent, which makes me wonder why there is such a large divide between him and the temple. Also I really want him to talk to Rozemyne and see the extent of her book gremlin ways. It was interesting to see that Dietlinde's retainers were actually trying to restrain her from sending the ordonanz, I didn't think they had it in them. And then for the epilogue, dear lord I didn't think Magdalena was that out of touch with Ferdinand's situation. Also seeing Hildebrand's perspective makes me laugh at just how screwed he is if he keeps with his current trajectory. And seeing as nobody seems to be trying to guide him away from it, I can't imagine he'll change his goals.
I think her perspective on Ferdinand makes sense if all you know is what's public. The man doesn't really have a stellar track record in caring for others so assuming that he couldn't possibly have raised Rozemyne is understandable. (Admittedly, if it had been anyone but Rozemyne her statement probably would have been entirely true)
I also assume Magdalena isn't particularly inclined to have much sympathy for Ferdinand due to their history even though that was due to meddling by others from Dunkelfelger.
True but Ferdinand is now already somewhat experienced in tutoring, plus Rozemyne keeps nagging him to go appropriately easy on her. It wpuld still come as a shock to see Ferdinand actually manage to raise someone from the perspective of a person only knowing his old personality
I don't think it makes sense.
For starters she expects Ferdinand to do in "half a year" what the entire greater duchy of Ahrensbach failed to do in 16 full years. It's ludicrous to expect significant changes that quickly to begin with...
But in that "half a year", Detlinde spent about 3 of those 6 months at the Royal Academy, meaning that Ferdinand had a quarter of a year time to educate Detlinde at most.
On top of that Sylvester very openly and loudly complained about how Ahrensbach is sending Ferdinand all over their duchy for religious ceremonies and how they overwork him in their administration, which means that information should also have reached Magdalena.
And considering how Letizia is the future wife of her beloved son, I'm pretty sure Magdalena is also keeping eyes and ears on her, surely making her aware that Ferdinand is tutoring the little girl on top of all his other duties in Ahrensbach.
So even if we look only at the stuff we either know that Magdalena knows, or can reasonably assume she would know, it makes absolutely no sense to me, she would seriously expect Ferdinand to actually succeed here, in such a short time.
Great points, Magdalena really should be paying attention, and/or be deeply concerned that her son's future wife and duchy are being guided by this madman. :-) Interesting that she doesn't seem to have objected to his appointment there, or apparently felt the need to send another person in. Is Ferdinand really the only person in the whole country who could save Ahrensbach - like there's not a spare person in one of the other upper duchies to send instead or in addition?
But on the other hand, it's not unusual for humans to get stuck on their initial impressions of someone, especially when that impression is overlaid with strong emotion, so it's not a terrible surprise that she has such harsh thoughts about him.
I get the impression that at least a part of the biblical fundamentalists do not really care what the bible says. They care about using what it says to give themselves more power. Pointing out Trauerqual's faults and claiming that they can appoint a new zent gives them more power. They want to be seen and heard, Trauerqual not having the Grutrissheit is just a means to that goal.