Chapter 175

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]

Chapter 175

I had met both Lav and Eloise’s parents. Only the mother in Eloise’s case, but still.

Now, the only one left was Lefia.

The problem, however, started right there.

[ Visiting Hyzens was manageable, Young Lord. Eloise Loengrand had some connections with the Hyzens leadership. ]

[ But Lefia Arkebel is different. Although she relinquished her title as princess, her lineage still belongs to the Lasker royal family. ]

[ She could have been a potential successor to the previous Lasker King. She’s different from Eloise. ]

The shackles placed on Lefia by those foolish Laskerans were still holding her back.

They always assumed the worst, even when they knew nothing would happen.

This is why power is scary. This is why I try to avoid politics.

And it wasn’t just Lefia who was the problem.

[ Additionally, your visit, Young Lord, could also be problematic. I believe you understand the reason without me having to explain. ]

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which had readily allowed me to go to Hyzens, had a 180-degree different reaction this time.

The only hopeful response was that it might be possible for me to enter as part of a diplomatic visit with a minimal justification.

“...For these reasons, it seems like a visit to Lasker won’t be possible this semester. I’m sorry, Lefia.”

“No! Absolutely not! I’m really okay with it! I’m actually more worried that you’re in a difficult situation because of me...”

“What do you mean I’m in a difficult situation? I’m the one who feels sorry.”

I can meet Selena’s parents whenever I want, so that’s a pass.

I’ve already personally met Eloise and Lav’s parents, so that’s another pass.

With Lefia being the only one left, she must be feeling anxious, even if she doesn’t show it.

Unfortunately, there’s nothing I can do about it at this point.

The only thing I could do was ask the other girls to look after Lefia.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said they’ll try to arrange an official state visit to Lasker before summer break, so let’s aim for that.”

“...Yes, Senior. I’ll be waiting. Thank you so much for your consideration.”

Seeing Lefia smile faintly, I suddenly understood the Laskerans’ concerns.

She has a certain charm. How should I describe it? A captivating aura?

She doesn’t have leadership or command skills. It’s... I don’t know how to explain it.

But one thing is for sure, the moment I see her, I find myself treating her well.

“Oh, and if you have time, visit my family estate. My father is looking for you.”

“The Count? Why me...?”

“Ask him when you get there. And oh, call him Father, not Count.”

“But, that’s!”

I’m embarrassed too, but it’s a special request from my father.

That’s all for now with Lefia. I’d like to chat more, but I have an important appointment today.

“Your Eminence.”

“Oh, you’ve arrived, Brother Karl.”

Today’s appointment was with none other than Cardinal Nicolaos of the Radiant Church.

“Your sudden visit raises some questions. Is there something going on?”

Finally getting to the main point, I revealed my purpose to the Pope.

“Actually, I have something I’d like to ask the radiant Light, the Goddess.”

“If you are the one asking, Brother, She will answer you anywhere.”

“Of course, but I thought it would be better to ask in this holy land.”

Gotta manage public sentiment at times like this.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs loves it when I show respect to the Holy See.

And it wouldn’t hurt to be in the Church’s good graces if I ever need their help in the future.

“I’m grateful for your words. Follow me. I’ll guide you to the ‘Temple of Radiance.'”

“The Temple of Radiance...”

It was a particularly important place in the Holy See. It was known as the location where the Light first shone upon the world.

This grand cathedral, and indeed the entire Holy See, were built around that very spot.

“If you ask there, Brother, She will surely answer you.”

I followed the Pope and, a few minutes later, entered through a white door into a small shrine within the cathedral.

“I shall leave you now. Return when you are finished.”

With those words, the Pope led the priests away, closing the door behind them.

After briefly looking around, I approached the statue of the Goddess in the center.

Yes, this would be the most reliable place to ask. And the fastest.

Swoosh—

I placed my hand on the statue.

With a calm heart and a peaceful mind, I drew upon something from within and focused on the question I wanted to ask.

‘O Light, your humble creation dares to ask. I remember my previous life. What kind of place it was, and what kind of people lived there. What kind of person I was, and what kind of life I led.’

It wasn’t a remarkable life. In fact, it was worse than my current life.

But if you ask if it was unhappy, the answer is no. It was quite enjoyable.

That’s why it’s even more puzzling. Why? How?

‘But I can’t remember the end very well. So I want to ask. If you happen to know, if you are aware, would you give me a hint?’

I waited quietly for an answer. But no sound or sign came.

I looked around, but there was no light shining in like before.

It was just the same calm and peaceful scene as before.

“...I guess I’m the unusual one.”

Well, maybe the past life is a special privilege just for me.

Goddess might not know either. In fact, that would make it truly unique.

I touched the statue again and apologized for asking such a strange question.

* * *

Some time after Karl left, a breeze blew through the Temple of Radiance.

And within that breeze, a voice that no one could hear was carried like a song.

『 Because of you, five lived. 』

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]