Bezewanst

**Bezewanst** (ベーゼヴァンス, *Beezevansu*) is the former High Bishop (High Priest in the anime) of the temple of Ehrenfest. He bears a strong grudge against the commoner Myne.

Although he is not a noble, he is the younger brother of Veronica and a relative of the archducal family of Ehrenfest.

# Appearance

Bezewanst is a large old man with long white hair and beard, and usually wears the white robes of the High Bishop. Unlike most Blue Priests, he does have a noble's ring.

# Personality

The High Bishop leaves most of the work of actually running the temple to Ferdinand and spends most of his time simply enjoying the perks of his position. Due to his older sister Veronica (mother of the current Aub Ehrenfest) covering for the numerous crimes he commits as High Bishop and their unusually close relationship, he takes a dark sense of joy using the connection to elevate his position in noble society.

His true personality is scarred by a deep inferiority complex over not being recognized as a true noble despite his archduke's blood. He is well aware that most true nobles disrespect him as a person and only put up a show of respect due to his connection to his older sister, which is a great source of frustration and anger to him. This constant barrage of negative emotions have made him into a very vengeful and cruel person, who seeks to release his pent up anger on those of lesser status than him, whenever he thinks he can get away with it. Due to his sister's protection, he could get away with a shocking amount of crimes and abuse, which made him arrogant on top of his other vices.
He is also very vengeful and will go to great length to avenge himself upon those he deems to have wronged him, prioritizing his revenge over the good of the temple and duchy.

He is able to quite competently hide his character flaws and project an air of benevolence and kindness much in contrast to his true self, if he deems it beneficial to himself.

# History

Bezewanst, born with pure-blood of the archduke's family as the youngest son of the fifth Aub Ehrenfest (Sylvester's grandfather), possessed relatively low mana in comparison with his kin, and was therefore raised, since his baby years, in the temple as a priest and continues his life there. His mother died when she gave birth to him, so nobody could protect him from his fate. With his mother's death, the position of his father's first wife fell onto the second wife, who belonged to the Leisegang faction. Giebe Leisegang demanded that Bezewanst was to be put into the temple. As his daughter became Bezewanst's father's first wife, Bezewanst's fate was sealed. Bezewanst was Veronica's last living blood relative, which made her protect her little brother as much as possible. He was granted the position of the High Bishop in the temple, and his embezzlement and further small crimes were covered up by Veronica.

Since he was never officially recognized as a noble, he was never sent to the Royal Academy, and thus neither acquired a Schtappe nor learned to properly use his mana. He also never learned how to form a highbeast, and thus had to rely on coaches, much to his displeasure. His sister Veronica gifted him with a noble's ring, but due to his lack of training, he was unable to make proper use of it.

# Etymology

* Wanst (DE)
* Paunch

# Trivia

* He received a name for the light novel adaption. In the Web Novel he was always referred to only by his title of "High Bishop" (神殿長 Shindenchou).
* After Myne knocked him out with the Crushing in the Anime, he can be seen in the background when Ferdinard and Myne were discussing what to do next. Several grey priests are trying to move him unsuccessfully.
* Bezewanst's and Ferdinand's role were reversed in one of Miya Kazuki's early story drafts. In that version of story, the High Bishop is a kind old man, who tries to protect Myne from the High Priest, who views her as a threat and wants to eliminate her.

# References

1. ↑ Ascendance of a Bookworm. Part 5 Volume 8. As You Wish
2. ↑ Ascendance of a Bookworm. Fanbook 1. Q&A with Miya Kazuki