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HEL SCANS
[Translator – Angel Dust]
[Proofreader – Prototype]
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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.
He is the head of the 1st Diocese, located near the capital.
He’s also the one who blessed this greatsword that I’m now sick of.
“I heard you requested a meeting, so I rushed over, putting everything else aside.”
“Oh, there was no need for that.”
“Hahaha! If a brother who has reached the threshold of sainthood in life requests a meeting, anyone would do the same. So, what is it that you wanted to discuss with this old man?”
Well, Your Eminence. Have you heard of past lives? You see, it’s like this—
“Due to some circumstances, I’d like to visit the Holy See this weekend. Would that be possible?”
—Of course, I didn’t say that. I’d be labeled a madman if I started talking about past lives.
Instead, I decided to visit someone who might have the answers.
“I understand this is a very sudden request. The Holy See isn’t just any territory, and it’s rude to ask for entry so abruptly, just five days in advance. However…”
“I won’t ask why you’re doing this. I’ll simply answer this way, Brother Karl.”
Cardinal Nicolaos, with a smile on his face, gently tapped the back of my hand.
“Whenever, wherever. Our Church will always welcome you. This is not just my personal opinion, but the will of the entire Church.”
I received an answer five days in advance for something that others might not even get after a month of requests.
At times like this, I realize how convenient it is to have the saintly free pass.
* * *
The weekend arrived, and I immediately boarded a train to the Holy See.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked if something had happened, but once again, it was a personal matter.
I couldn’t even say, ‘I’m going to meet my future parents-in-law,’ like I did last time.
What I’m about to do, even they would find hard to believe.
I left all my companions behind, as it could take a while. It’s just me now.
I have a lot to think about, and I want to organize my thoughts.
Clank Clank!—
The train, which had been speeding along for hours, slowed down.
I glanced out the window and saw a group of people in white priestly robes and paladins in white armor waiting at the station.
A sigh escaped my lips, but what could I do? I wasn’t just anyone.
I was called a hero and a saint, and I even had a new holy relic in my possession.
If the Church didn’t react to the arrival of such a person, it would be a sign of their decline.
“Brother Karl Adelheit! It’s an honor to see you again, Your Grace!”
“Yes, it’s good to see you too.”
“We’ll escort you immediately. His Holiness is waiting for you.”
I worried that I might become the legendary weirdo who had breakfast with the Crown Prince, lunch with the Hyzens leaders, and dinner with the Pope.
The problem was that I couldn’t help but think it was entirely possible.
“Welcome, Brother Karl. It’s good to see you again.”
“Your Holiness.”
I immediately bowed to the Pope and expressed my gratitude.
“Thanks to Your Holiness’s benevolent heart, the prayers of everyone in the Holy See, and all the believers, my niece, the princess of our Empire, was born healthy.”
“Hahaha. How could that be my doing? It was the fervent prayers of the other brothers and sisters that the Goddess heard and answered.”
The Pope deflected the credit and started a conversation on various topics.
I answered sincerely, and the Pope continued the conversation for a few minutes.
“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. 』
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HEL SCANS
[Translator – Angel Dust]
[Proofreader – Prototype]
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