Ferdinand

Ferdinand (フェルディナンド) is a character that appears in the Ascendance of a Bookworm series. He is the head priest in the temple of Ehrenfest. The patron and educator of Main in the temple, who teach and guide her to be a 'proper' shrine maiden and noble lady.

History
Ferdinand joined the temple on the suggestion of his older brother to avoid noble politics. Despite (or due to) being the second in rank in the temple, most of the day to day administration is handled by him.

Personality
Ferdinand is described as a sharp-minded, calm and dignified individual. So he comes across as a lot older than he really is, leading many people to be surprised by his real age.

He has a bit of a fussy personality, leading him to take on all sorts of responsibilities including Main's education. Ferdinand is meritocratic in spite of his social status, despising incompetence and laziness the most. Earning him the reputation of a harsh disciplinarian who cut off anyone who couldn't meet his standard. The same trait leads him to favor Main even since their first interaction, calling her worthwhile to educate.

Due to his harsh past, Ferdinand tends to be secretive and distant even to his companion. He is also poor in showing emotion, interacting with Main helps him to be more expressive and human.

Story
Ferdinand is the priest who assists Main to register her citizenship during her baptism ceremony. They meet properly for the first time when Main visit the temple to discuss her apprenticeship, he is assigned by the High Bishop to read the scripture to her. Observing her high learning ability and dedication to read, he remarks teaching her would be worthwhile.

During the discussion, they find out that Main have the Devouring and brought up the sacred chalice to test her. Confirming her status as mana user, Ferdinand request her to bring her parents for a meeting. During the second meeting, Ferdinand decides to stay his hand thinking high handed approach of High Bishop while deplorable is more efficient. He regrets his inaction when Main let her mana crush the High Bishop and stop her before she kills him. He then accepts Main's condition to join the temple, accomodating her as much as he could.

When Main joins the temple Ferdinand assigns her assistants to help her and guides her in becoming a "proper" priestess.

Trivia

 * He serves as the narrator for the anime.
 * His principle is to only start a fight he can win.