NOVEL WEB [Translator – Angel Dust]
[Proofreader – Prototype]
Chapter 183
During the academy’s summer vacation, Karl and Lefia finally headed to Lasker, hand in hand.
The train they boarded was accompanied not only by escort troops but also by key figures from the Radiant Church, ostensibly for matters related to the Lasker diocese.
However, no one would be unaware that the real reason was to monitor whether Lasker would treat their guests with respect.
Karl had already visited Lasker once before. Even then, he was a war hero of the Empire.
He was also the brother-in-law of the Crown Prince, the younger brother of the Crown Princess, and the eldest son and heir of Count Friedrich, who was known as the nightmare of Lasker.
But things were different now. There was a clear difference.
At least back then, he wasn’t the uncle of the imperial heir, the future crown princess, nor was he an important figure in the church, to the point of being considered for sainthood while still alive.
And he wasn’t as widely praised in all aspects of society in the empire as he was now.
In other words, if Lasker made any mistakes in welcoming their guests this time, even if they claimed ignorance, and if Karl felt disappointed and made it public…
“From the empire’s perspective, for the sake of Karl Adelheit, the young lord who will become one of the political and social guardians of the newborn imperial heir, it’s highly likely that they will exert even stronger pressure than necessary.”
“There’s no need to even mention the imperial heir. Karl Adelheit’s name is already involved in all areas of the empire. If the imperial military rises up, and the veterans and discharged soldiers rise up, the imperial leadership will surely move as well.”
“There’s also the church. It’s not impossible that they would immediately discuss a holy war and make Lasker the enemy of all.”
The Lasker leadership was in chaos.
It would have been better if Karl had come alone. But Lefia was with him.
Even though she had failed, even though she had refused it herself, she was still someone who could have potentially challenged the current queen of Lasker for the throne.
Her return alone could create an atmosphere of ‘what if?’ among the people of the kingdom, but now Karl Adelheit was with her?
‘If rumors spread that they’re trying to take over the kingdom with the help of a foreign power, it’ll be the end.’
‘There could be talk that they’re trying to destroy Lasker by joining hands with Baba Yaga.’
The Lasker leadership, burdened with these worries, reported to their queen.
What decision would she make?
They had already accepted the request to enter Lasker, so they couldn’t cancel it now, but how would they react to it?
It was at this moment, as the officials and knights worried about the queen’s decision on the matter.
“What are you worried about? If they are heroes of the Empire and honored guests of the Church, they are heroes and honored guests of Lasker as well.”
We have already decided to cooperate with the Empire. We have already accepted the Church’s teachings.
So there is nothing to worry about. We will welcome them with smiles and send them off with smiles.
Therefore, Empire, do not try to pressure us too much. If you continue to push us despite our humble stance, we will have no choice but to raise our swords until the last one is broken.
“Welcome our guests with the utmost hospitality.”
Do not push us to the brink. That is all. At least, for now.
With the Queen of Lasker’s will made clear, the officials could proceed with a lighter heart.
* * *
“…That’s the current atmosphere within Lasker, Brother Karl.”
One of the priests accompanying us to Lasker delivered the news.
As expected of the Church. Very reliable. This is why it’s best to be connected to religion wherever you go.
They say there are two powers that will bring you information without you even asking.
Religion and Communism.
We can exclude the ‘red flavor’ since it doesn’t exist in this world yet. Honestly, with monarchism still firmly in place, even mentioning it could lead to severe consequences.
Then what’s left is religion.
Currently, I’m a respected figure in the Radiant Church, even being considered for sainthood.
Naturally, they kept an eye on my situation and delivered information that might be useful to me without me even asking.
“Thank you, priest. That’s a relief. I was worried that Lasker might be very uncomfortable with my visit.”
“How could they dare? You are a hero of the Empire and an honored individual of the Church. If Lasker reacts negatively and faces backlash, they will lose all justification for their actions.”
That’s true. But it’s precisely because it’s true that I’m more worried.
Honestly, if I were the Lasker officials and someone like me came to visit, I would probably scream ‘Ah, please don’t come! Just go away! Go away!’ dozens of times.
Of course, it’s too late to turn back now.
“Young Lord. We’ll be arriving in the royal capital soon.”
The Lasker officials were worried about only one thing. Lefia’s accommodation.
Whether she relinquished her status as a princess or holds no political power in the country, to those currently in power, she remains a troublesome and unsettling figure.
Even now, according to the news the Church keeps delivering, there’s talk of surveillance and whatnot.
I can confidently say that if they actually try to do that, Lasker will face my Greatsword that very day.
How dare they say that to a woman who gave up her status and everything to live her own life? Damn it.
And we anticipated that, so we simplified the schedule as much as possible.
We reduced the travel routes and avoided unnecessary meetings that could lead to misunderstandings.
‘First, a meeting with the former king who abdicated. And then the Queen of Lasker.’
That’s the end of the official meetings. We won’t meet anyone else.
The next stop would simply be the place where Lefia was born and her maternal family’s home.
Even with just this, those guys would grumble about inconvenience, but they couldn’t openly express it.
It was the former king who wanted to see Lefia, so who could say no to that?
If someone did, they could be rightfully punished by the current queen for defying the former king.
And by the way, I’d also be showing my face to my future father-in-law.
“Welcome. Lasker is pleased to have you both visit.”
Look at this. The official envoy from the royal family didn’t show any special treatment towards Lefia.
Normally, it would be appropriate to treat her as royalty, being the daughter of the former king and the sister of the current queen. But the fact that they didn’t do so means they’ve made their decision clear.
I glanced at Lefia.
I was worried she might be offended, but fortunately, that wasn’t the case.
Instead, she seemed to be worried about being treated like royalty.
“We will escort you to the former king’s residence.”
Since we weren’t 100% welcomed guests, our schedule proceeded quickly.
The first stop was a meeting with the former king of Lasker.
In front of him, Lefia announced her arrival with a slightly trembling voice.
“Your Majesty.”
“…Welcome.”
Unfortunately, neither Lefia nor the former king could embrace and enjoy a reunion.
They both knew too well that such actions would only cause unnecessary rumors and turmoil within the kingdom.
“Come here, Young Lord Karl Adelheit.”
Instead, the former king spoke to me, his son-in-law, to convey his message to Lefia.
“She is an upright child, but also a delicate one. She has given up everything, yet gained everything. Please take good care of her. I will not ask you to love her the most, but please embrace her with love.”
Just saying ‘Of course’ wouldn’t be enough to easily appease a father’s heart.
So, I decided to reassure my foreign father-in-law in a very Laskerian way.
“Although I am not from Lasker, I have been recognized as a knight by the knights of Lasker. And as a knight, I have learned that it is my duty to cherish my lady.”
“…Thank you.”
That was the end of our conversation.
He might want to spend some time talking to his daughter so I quietly stepped back, and Lefia began to chat with the former king, or rather, her father, after a long time.
* * *
The meeting with the former king was brief.
Next was the Queen of Lasker, Lefia’s half-sister.
In truth, the time with the queen was even shorter.
Unlike the relatively free former king, the queen had a mountain of work to do, so it was understandable that she couldn’t devote more time to us even if she wished to.
“Lefia.”
Even so, the queen made sure to do what she had to.
“Congratulations on your upcoming marriage.”
“Yo-Your Majesty.”
“My circumstances prevent me from attending your wedding in person. But I will pray for you from afar.”
Be happy.
At her words, Lefia bit her lip.
It was heartbreaking to see her trying to hold back tears in such a happy moment.
“I leave her in your care, Young Lord Karl.”
“…I will.”
Given the circumstances, I couldn’t ask for a sword for my niece.
It seems it would be better to do that the day before we leave.
[Translator – Angel Dust]
[Proofreader – Prototype]