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HEL SCANS
[Translator – Angel Dust]
[Proofreader – Prototype]
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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…!”
Fortunately or unfortunately, Karl didn’t seem to notice the change yet. What might have started as a request had now become the most heartfelt prayer.
And right now, some being who could answer his prayers was responding.
“The will of the Goddess… the will of the Goddess…”
The Pope, the cardinals, the priests, Roem and Selena, and the Quartet facing them all desperately suppressed their voices, lest they disturb this sacred scene.
They all desperately restrained themselves, so as not to disturb Karl’s prayer or displease the great being who was answering him.
Of course, Karl wasn’t so dense as to not notice the change.
Seemingly realizing something was amiss, Karl opened his eyes and glanced back. And he realized.
The room, which had been brightly lit for the prayer meeting, now seemed strangely dim.
And he realized that this feeling was due to the unbelievable light pouring down on him.
At the same time, he noticed that everyone behind him, without exception, was staring at him.
“Wait, this is—”
Karl stood up, flustered, the lights scattered back to their original places as if nothing had happened.
What remained was a slightly warmer temperature than usual and gasps coming from all around.
“Brother Karl.”
Even the Pope couldn’t be indifferent to this situation.
He tried to steady his trembling voice and moved his legs towards Karl, which felt like they might give out at any moment.
“Your Holiness, about what just happened… it was really a coincidence… a coincidence… Ah, never mind, Your Holiness.”
Coincidence? How could it be a coincidence? Even if it were, how could such a light suddenly shine on him alone?
Karl was seriously worried that the priests here might all kneel and start talking about divine blessings, when—
“If you don’t mind me asking, what did you pray to the Goddess for just now?”
“Of course not, Your Holiness. It’s not a bother at all! I simply prayed for the peace and well-being of my family, my friends, and the entire Empire.”
It was a natural and formal response. Karl took a brief breath and moved on.
“And as you may already know, the Crown Princess of the Empire is expecting. I also asked for the Goddess to watch over the little life, who will be responsible for the future of the Empire and, personally, my niece or nephew.”
This was honestly a bit embarrassing. It felt like I was already proving myself to be a doting uncle.
Fortunately (or unfortunately), no one laughed at Karl’s words, though the Pope, cardinals, and priests might have been expected to.
“Is that all you asked for?”
The Pope’s voice held a hint of doubt.
It didn’t seem like that was the end. It felt like there was something he hadn’t said yet.
The Pope’s eyes and voice seemed to be asking.
Karl looked at the Pope for a moment, then carefully opened his mouth, showing a hint of hesitation.
“Actually… I made one more request.”
“A request?”
“Yes, Your Holiness. I asked for my comrades to be at peace. I believed that all the miracles that have happened to me were because they were watching over me. I told them that their youngest is doing well on his own now, so they can rest easy.”
[TL/N: Ah f*ck…]
[PR/N: I know man… I know🫂]
The Pope finally understood, all his questions answered, and he held Karl’s hands.
* * *
Today was the same as any other day. A relentless wave of work. An endless stream of documents.
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.”
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HEL SCANS
[Translator – Angel Dust]
[Proofreader – Prototype]
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