Chapter 89

Chapter 89

[Translator – Angel Dust]

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Chapter 89

Upon returning from my journey south, I was immediately summoned by the Crown Prince.

It’s both sad and terrifying how the Imperial Palace is starting to feel familiar. This isn’t a good sign.

“Well, well, brother-in-law.”

Oh my. Look at how he’s changed his title for me. I guess the marriage is all but set in stone now.

In any case, I’m glad things worked out well. I’ve been dumped before, and it hurts a lot.

If the Crown Prince, of all people, had broken my sister’s heart? No matter how good a person he is, it would have been unpleasant.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“If I remember correctly, you said you didn’t want any more medals.”

“...That’s right.”

“Well then, would you mind explaining this situation?”

Fluttering before my eyes were several documents. And written within them, none other than the Radiant Church.

It was quite obvious how the church matters ended up in front of the Crown Prince.

“Would you believe me if I said I had no idea this would happen?”

“Of course, I would. It would be strange if you did. To be honest, I understand. But... even so, this is, well, a proposal that goes far beyond the line.”

“You’re saying I’ll be receiving another medal. You don’t have to beat around the bush.”

The Crown Prince then burst into laughter, saying, ‘Is that so? Then I’ll get straight to the point. You’ll be receiving a medal for improving relations between the Empire and the Church, and for recovering a lost sacred relic!’

“You seem to be the most excited about this, Your Highness.”

I grumbled a little, and the Crown Prince replied, ‘Isn’t that natural?’

Wondering if he was teasing me, I waited for his next words and soon learned the real reason.

“The more you excel, the bigger the smile on Rika’s face will be. That would be the best thing for me. The best thing indeed!”

“...”

I’m relieved that my sister seems to have found a husband who’s incredibly devoted to her.

Let’s think positively. Even I have to admit that I can’t refuse a medal for this.

Simply contributing to improving relations between the Empire and the Church is enough to deserve recognition, let alone the fact that it involved recovering a sacred relic lost decades ago.

It would be even more absurd to just say ‘good job’ or ‘thank you’ and leave it at that.

To further emphasize the importance of the relic and the villainy of the Luzernes who lost it, this matter cannot be quietly overlooked.

“This will be the best gift for my father-in-law.”

“Why my father...?”

“The newly appointed heir is a benefactor of the Church. What could be better? Ah, you haven’t heard yet. Two days ago, Cardinal Nicolao, the head of the 1st Diocese, visited Count Friedrich. He conveyed gratitude and blessings in the name of the Church.”

“Not at all. It’s our Church who should be thanking you.”

Cardinal Nicolaos then turned his attention to my greatsword.

Even though I said it’s nothing special, just an ordinary military sword you can find anywhere.

The look in Cardinal Nicolaos’s eyes is quite similar to what I saw in Cardinal Beolant of the 4th Diocese a while ago.

It’s like he wants to think of this greatsword as another sacred relic that helped recover the relic.

‘Your Eminence, this sword is really not that special. It’s just an ordinary military sword.’

“It’s the sword of the hero of the Empire who recovered the Sword of Saint Louis. This is too coincidental. I heard that Cardinal Beolant of the 4th Diocese blessed this greatsword.”

“Yes, he did it himself.”

“I see. If the head of the 4th Diocese personally blessed it, it must be something special. But... hmm. Perhaps because the 4th Diocese is still unstable due to the war, there are some shortcomings.”

Aha. So, you’re saying it’s a shame that someone with less seniority than you blessed it.

As expected, when you think in military terms, everything becomes straightforward and clear.

“It’s not much of a gesture of gratitude, but we, the 1st Diocese, would like to fill in those gaps. Sir Hero, would you give us the opportunity to bless this sword wielded by the hero of the Empire?”

“...What choice do I have? It would be my honor.”

What can I do when you say it with a look that suggests you’d be very disappointed if I refused?

I quickly drew my greatsword and handed it to the attendant priest next to the cardinal.

“Your words are most welcome. His Holiness will be pleased as well.”

“His Holiness...?”

“The news has already reached the Holy See. His Holiness said that the return of the lost sacred relic was guided by the light through the hands of a hero.”

[PR/N: ‘Holy See’ refers to the central government of the Radiant Church most probably.]

Cardinal Nicolaos said this and made the sign of the cross with great devotion. His demeanor was so sincere that I unconsciously followed suit.

“Brother Karl, please don’t hesitate to ask if there’s anything you desire from the Church.”

“No, Your Eminence. I truly didn’t do this with any expectations.”

“I understand. Of course. But, brother, if you give a favor, you should also know how to receive its due. That way, the recipient can also be freed from the guilt of simply receiving.”

No, please don’t say that. It makes me very uncomfortable. Besides, receiving its due, a reward...

What does he mean? What should I ask for? I didn’t do this with any intention, it just happened by chance, so no matter how much I think about it, I can’t come up with a good answer...

‘Ah. Aha.’

Come to think of it, there is one thing.

“Well then, Your Eminence, I have one request.”

“Oh. Anything, anything at all. What is it?”

“Actually... I’m a bit embarrassed to say, but there’s a pension foundation with my name on it—”

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