Chapter 134

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]

Chapter 134

Karl stepped forward. He carefully made the sign of the cross and began to pray.

Selena, seated in the front thanks to the Pope’s consideration, and her grandfather, Roem, were both present. Selena had a good idea of what Karl was praying for.

“He’s probably praying for the peace and well-being of his family, his friends, and everyone in the Empire, right? Oh, and of course, for Selena and her family too.”

It was an incredible event. The Feast of All Saints, the Church’s grand festival, and the Pope had given up the center of the prayer.

How could she not be happy that he was offering prayers for everyone, including herself, in that place?

Then, Karl added that there was one more thing, a smile on his face as he continued.

“As it happens, my sister, the Crown Princess, is expecting. I’ll ask that my niece or nephew, the heir, our future emperor, come to us in good health. Oh, and as the Crown Prince requested, it would be even better if it’s a lovely girl.”

She had heard just before coming to the Holy See that the Crown Princess of the Empire was finally pregnant with an heir.

The Emperor was so overjoyed at the news that, in a gesture of goodwill, reduced sentences for non-violent offenders.

The fact that the Crown Prince had asked Karl for such a favor, even though he was the Crown Princess’s brother, was evidence of the high level of trust he had in Karl.

It was a prayer truly befitting Karl. The way he thought of others before himself.

It wasn’t hypocrisy, nor was it for fame or anything else. It wasn’t excessive self-sacrifice either.

It was just, truly, as Karl had said, the actions of an ordinary, yet heroic person.

An ordinary returning student. An ordinary person. And an ordinary hero. That’s why Selena loved Karl.

He didn’t seek the spotlight or strive for a higher position. But it was precisely that quality that made him the most radiant and noble.

She wanted to be like that too, by Karl’s side. She wanted to watch him, admire him, and cheer him on.

“Ahhh—!”

“Ahh...!”

Huh?

At the sudden sounds of exclamation from all around, Selena glanced around.

The reactions were strange.

The people of the Holy See, who had been quietly praying until now, were suddenly clasping their hands tightly, tears welling up in their eyes.

Surprised by the sudden change, Selena turned to her grandfather, Roem, who was beside her.

But she soon stopped.

“....”

Her grandfather was already shedding tears. With a sigh or a gasp escaping his lips, he held his hands tightly together, looking deeply moved.

What’s going on? Why is everyone acting like this?

As Selena wondered, she shifted her gaze forward. And immediately afterward, she too reacted similarly to her grandfather.

Despite being indoors, the dazzling light pouring through the windows—

It was as if all the light in the world, all the sunlight shining down throughout the day, was concentrated on this very spot, at this very moment.

It was so dazzling that it even created the illusion of a shimmering haze.

“It’s the will of the Goddess...”

“It’s the will of the Goddess...!”

“The Goddess is watching over this place...!”

But I can endure it. I can persevere. I want to finish everything quickly and go to the Crown Princess’s side.

“Your Highness!”

As I finally finished the day’s work and entered the Imperial Palace, Rika greeted me.

She looked the same as always, but now she wasn’t alone. Inside her was our child. The future emperor, who would one day inherit this Empire, was growing strong and wise.

“You’ve worked hard today, Your Highness.”

“It’s nothing. Just thinking of you and our child gives me strength.”

“The child hasn’t even grown properly yet.”

“What does that matter? They’ll soon grow big and strong and come to us.”

If the Emperor and Empress(His Father & Mother) saw this, they would probably scold me for not maintaining my dignity.

But what can I do? I’m so happy I could fly. The woman I’ve always loved is my wife, and next year, we’ll have the fruit of our love, the heir to the Empire!

How could I not be happy every day in this situation? If the Goddess were to punish me, I would accept it willingly.

No, I would beg for punishment, unable to bear the guilt on my conscience.

Knock Knock—

I was about to tell Rika about the day’s events when a slightly unpleasant voice interrupted.

“Your Highness, for a moment.”

It was the Chamberlain. I don’t dislike him, but every time he comes, it means more work. That’s the only thing that bothers me.

This isn’t good. I really wanted to spend this evening with Rika. What happened now?

“Enter.”

The door opened, and the Chamberlain bowed.

His expression was full of embarrassment, as if he knew he was intruding.

“So, what urgent matter is it this time?”

“Well, Your Highness... we just received an urgent message from the Holy See.”

“...The Holy See?”

Holy See... Holy See... Wait a minute.

The person who is there right now is Karl—

“Did something happen to Karl?!”

“Your Highness, please calm down.”

“But!”

I gestured to the Chamberlain to continue quickly. If he hesitated any longer, Rika might rush off to the Holy See.

“Yes, Your Highness. According to the news from the Holy See... Well, the Goddess Herself has answered the prayers of Friedrich County’s heir, Karl Adelheit.”

“...What?”

Wait a minute. What does that mean?

“News of the event has spread like wildfire throughout the Holy See, and the believers are overwhelmed with awe and reverence. It seems the Goddess has truly blessed this Feast of All Saints.”

The Chamberlain suddenly smiled.

What kind of news could make him smile like that?

“Well, until the heir is safely born, the Holy See will hold a weekly prayer meeting... They have conveyed that message.”

[Translator – Angel Dust]

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