"Wow"
“United in unity, under the protection of Temer, the holy and merciful Lord, the source of life and the caregiver of all things without abandoning them, let us humbly welcome this new day.”
As the last line of the eulogy was read, exclamations came from all over. It ended blandly, making my worries seem meaningless. None of the things I had been worried about happened.
In short, it's things like burping while reading the eulogy, trembling without hesitation, or fainting due to vision becoming dark.
I received a golden censer from the high priest and passed it three times over the piled grains and cups of wine. The old rituals all gave off a stale smell.
The high priest took fragrant holy water from a large jug and offered it to the Pope. I knelt down, holding the censer in both hands, and the Pope lifted the white cloth from my head.
Just then, the clouds cleared and soft sunlight poured down on the altar. The air became so quiet that you could hear people swallowing their saliva.
“Glory be to the descendants of Alexinata, the most beloved offspring of Temer.”
The Pope dipped an olive branch in holy water and placed it on my shoulders and head.
Finally, after the Pope's consecration, he took a large jug of wine and moistened his lips.
“Grand criterium repeteto. Temer la giebio.”
After announcing the end of the ceremony in an ancient language whose meaning I have no idea, my work as a priest is over.
Well, it's basically about the start of the New Year's celebration. I had to keep my back straight the whole time, so my body felt stiff. I had to try hard not to stretch.
As I put down the censer and came down from the altar, my eyes met with Irina's.
Because it was a sacred place, her face was a bit stiff and hardened, but judging from the way she kept encouraging me with the shape of her lips, it seemed like it was okay. She was the type of person who never said empty words.
I suddenly felt a new sense of emotion as I remembered Isabella pestering me to perfect my attitude and pronunciation.
With the first bell of the New Year, the Lord gave the order to withdraw. People began to leave the temple slowly, like a slow wave.
I felt everyone glancing at me with curious eyes, but no one spoke to me first.
According to his etiquette, it seemed that a person of higher status had to greet first before starting a conversation. To me, who was exhausted at the moment, this was very welcome news.
As I was craning my head to find Laskan among the nobles, someone called out to me.
“Your Highness Anastasia.”
At first, I was surprised that he greeted me first, and the second time, I was surprised by his voice.
It was the most impressive kind of voice I've ever heard in my life. Powerful, confident, and clear. A voice that intimidates the listener.
I turned around to where the voice was coming from. There stood a beautiful woman with red hair and blue eyes, who looked both gorgeous and cool.
“Who are you?”
The woman bowed, spreading out the hem of her dress.
“First of all, I apologize for the rudeness of asking your name. My name is Veronica of the Kairak family.”
I had half an inkling of it before I even heard the answer. Her aura was quite similar to Duke Kairak's.
Of course, if Duke Kairak had a face that seemed somehow sinister, this woman had a more refined feel. It was difficult to create such different feelings with similar facial features.
“I can’t stand being rude. Could you please step aside?”
Although I was curious about her, I had to leave this place first. If the conversation went on for a long time, eyes would inevitably gather. I could already feel some nobles glancing at us.
“I apologize. I had something urgent to tell you. I will not take up too much of your time.”
Veronica didn't seem to have any intention of backing down. Rather than wrangling her further and wasting time and attention, it seemed better to listen to her business.
As I nodded slightly, she moved closer to me. Veronica spoke softly, leaving just enough space for us to whisper in each other's ears.
“Let me give you a warning in advance.”
What are you talking about all of a sudden? While I was standing there dumbfounded, Veronica continued speaking calmly.
“Admit that you have deceived His Majesty the Emperor and the people and step down now.”
I was so shocked that I let out a laugh.
“Duke Kairak’s Young Lady. I didn’t know you were such a careless person.”
“I apologize again if I was rude, but I have no intention of taking back what I said.”
I raised the corners of my mouth.
“Why do you insist on raising my guard?”
Veronica smiled inexplicably.
“My coming of age ceremony is next month, and Your Highness’s coming of age ceremony is two months after that. That’s when it will begin.”
“...What on earth is it?”
“I am talking about the competition between Your Highness and me for the position of successor to the throne.”
I thought I had misheard for a moment. Or at least that Lady Veronica had misunderstood something.
“Wh, what are you doing? A, a competition?”
“It is a natural course of action. The nobles who were previously cautious because they did not know Your Highness’s qualities will, from today on, unite to make Your Highness the successor.”
“...”
“Of course, the families that support me will not just sit back and watch. Traditionally, there has been only one way to resolve this situation.”
“Is that what you call a competition for succession?”
Veronica nodded briefly.
“I don’t know what you think, but I am truly worried about Your Highness. How long do you think His Majesty’s favor will last? Once the blood test is done, what will you do after that?”
“...Young Lady’s very suspicion is rude and unpleasant.”
“Aren’t we in a position where we can be polite to each other?”
She smiled briefly and continued.
“I don’t know if you’ll believe it, but I don’t hate you, Your Highness.”
“...”
“Those who work hard deserve to be rewarded. Especially seeing you today, I can see how much effort you have put in.”
“...”
“But the Emperor’s position is not something that can be obtained with such moderate efforts. When the competition begins, I will do my best to crush Your Highness. Without the slightest consideration, I will win all results by an overwhelming margin.”
I vaguely realized something. Veronica wasn't saying this to show off. She really came to warn me.
If you don't want to suffer a humiliating defeat in front of everyone, run away. Or at least give up the race for succession.
But Veronica didn't know me. My world was a place where I would repay my right fist with my left.
I didn't know how to quietly retreat and hide when someone provoked me. Olga never taught me that. Instead, she always told me to act confidently.
Besides, I had promised Laskan that no matter what happened, I would not run away and would do my best.
I shrugged and replied.
“It’s the same for me, too.”
Veronica let out a short laugh at my answer. It wasn't a mocking laugh, but a refreshing laugh that made even the listener feel cheerful.
“Then let’s look forward to it.”
I would have had a blast if there weren't people cheering me on from behind.
Laskan seemed to have no idea what was new, perhaps because he had experienced it every year. He asked softly.
“What’s so strange?”
“No, how can holy water be warm? They say it’s the blood of God. Is that really why it’s like that?”
“It is said that the soil on which the temple was built is a relic from the Bartivesa period. Thanks to this, the temperature is warm, and all kinds of trees and flowers do not wither in all seasons. There are still traces of it here and there in the imperial palace and the capital.”
“Really?”
“Yes. For example, the same soil was used for the tree-lined avenue that His Majesty saw when he first entered the capital and for the gardens of the palace.”
I held my breath in surprise. Bartivesa. It was a term referring to a now-lost era of magic.
I knew this well. It was a taboo topic for the nobles, but for commoners like me, it was a dreamlike era.
A legendary era where anyone with ability was treated fairly regardless of status.
“Bartivesa? That really happened back then?”
I lowered my voice and whispered. It is said that Bartivesa eventually challenged the realm of God, incurred Temer’s wrath, and was destroyed overnight. It was a somewhat profane topic to discuss in the cradle of God.
“It is not a simple legend, even if it is somewhat exaggerated. Some relics from that era are still used today. The blood test stone used to determine Your Highness’s bloodline is also from that era.”
It was amazing. The era of legends is connected to today's life. For me, who lived far from the capital, it felt like listening to a fairy tale.
Before I climbed the stairs, I secretly splashed the water with my feet once more. Whether it was the legendary soil or something, it would be great if I could make a bathroom out of this.
As we reached the top of the stairs, the old priest who had been waiting politely opened the door.
A white cloth was laid out on the stage, and I could see many people lined up on both sides of it. They were nobles from thirteen families, excluding me and Laskan.
Curiosity, jealousy, suspicion, contempt... I felt all kinds of gazes pouring down on me.
I took a deep breath and walked towards the altar where the sunlight was pouring down.
Laskan seemed to have no idea what was new, perhaps because he had experienced it every year. He asked softly.
“What’s so strange?”
“No, how can holy water be warm? They say it’s the blood of God. Is that really why it’s like that?”
“It is said that the soil on which the temple was built is a relic from the Bartivesa period. Thanks to this, the temperature is warm, and all kinds of trees and flowers do not wither in all seasons. There are still traces of it here and there in the imperial palace and the capital.”
“Really?”
“Yes. For example, the same soil was used for the tree-lined avenue that His Majesty saw when he first entered the capital and for the gardens of the palace.”
I held my breath in surprise. Bartivesa. It was a term referring to a now-lost era of magic.
I knew this well. It was a taboo topic for the nobles, but for commoners like me, it was a dreamlike era.
A legendary era where anyone with ability was treated fairly regardless of status.
“Bartivesa? That really happened back then?”
I lowered my voice and whispered. It is said that Bartivesa eventually challenged the realm of God, incurred Temer’s wrath, and was destroyed overnight. It was a somewhat profane topic to discuss in the cradle of God.
“It is not a simple legend, even if it is somewhat exaggerated. Some relics from that era are still used today. The blood test stone used to determine Your Highness’s bloodline is also from that era.”
It was amazing. The era of legends is connected to today's life. For me, who lived far from the capital, it felt like listening to a fairy tale.
Before I climbed the stairs, I secretly splashed the water with my feet once more. Whether it was the legendary soil or something, it would be great if I could make a bathroom out of this.
As we reached the top of the stairs, the old priest who had been waiting politely opened the door.
A white cloth was laid out on the stage, and I could see many people lined up on both sides of it. They were nobles from thirteen families, excluding me and Laskan.
Curiosity, jealousy, suspicion, contempt... I felt all kinds of gazes pouring down on me.
I took a deep breath and walked towards the altar where the sunlight was pouring down.
***
“United in unity, under the protection of Temer, the holy and merciful Lord, the source of life and the caregiver of all things without abandoning them, let us humbly welcome this new day.”
As the last line of the eulogy was read, exclamations came from all over. It ended blandly, making my worries seem meaningless. None of the things I had been worried about happened.
In short, it's things like burping while reading the eulogy, trembling without hesitation, or fainting due to vision becoming dark.
I received a golden censer from the high priest and passed it three times over the piled grains and cups of wine. The old rituals all gave off a stale smell.
The high priest took fragrant holy water from a large jug and offered it to the Pope. I knelt down, holding the censer in both hands, and the Pope lifted the white cloth from my head.
Just then, the clouds cleared and soft sunlight poured down on the altar. The air became so quiet that you could hear people swallowing their saliva.
“Glory be to the descendants of Alexinata, the most beloved offspring of Temer.”
The Pope dipped an olive branch in holy water and placed it on my shoulders and head.
Finally, after the Pope's consecration, he took a large jug of wine and moistened his lips.
“Grand criterium repeteto. Temer la giebio.”
After announcing the end of the ceremony in an ancient language whose meaning I have no idea, my work as a priest is over.
Well, it's basically about the start of the New Year's celebration. I had to keep my back straight the whole time, so my body felt stiff. I had to try hard not to stretch.
As I put down the censer and came down from the altar, my eyes met with Irina's.
Because it was a sacred place, her face was a bit stiff and hardened, but judging from the way she kept encouraging me with the shape of her lips, it seemed like it was okay. She was the type of person who never said empty words.
I suddenly felt a new sense of emotion as I remembered Isabella pestering me to perfect my attitude and pronunciation.
With the first bell of the New Year, the Lord gave the order to withdraw. People began to leave the temple slowly, like a slow wave.
I felt everyone glancing at me with curious eyes, but no one spoke to me first.
According to his etiquette, it seemed that a person of higher status had to greet first before starting a conversation. To me, who was exhausted at the moment, this was very welcome news.
As I was craning my head to find Laskan among the nobles, someone called out to me.
“Your Highness Anastasia.”
At first, I was surprised that he greeted me first, and the second time, I was surprised by his voice.
It was the most impressive kind of voice I've ever heard in my life. Powerful, confident, and clear. A voice that intimidates the listener.
I turned around to where the voice was coming from. There stood a beautiful woman with red hair and blue eyes, who looked both gorgeous and cool.
“Who are you?”
The woman bowed, spreading out the hem of her dress.
“First of all, I apologize for the rudeness of asking your name. My name is Veronica of the Kairak family.”
I had half an inkling of it before I even heard the answer. Her aura was quite similar to Duke Kairak's.
Of course, if Duke Kairak had a face that seemed somehow sinister, this woman had a more refined feel. It was difficult to create such different feelings with similar facial features.
“I can’t stand being rude. Could you please step aside?”
Although I was curious about her, I had to leave this place first. If the conversation went on for a long time, eyes would inevitably gather. I could already feel some nobles glancing at us.
“I apologize. I had something urgent to tell you. I will not take up too much of your time.”
Veronica didn't seem to have any intention of backing down. Rather than wrangling her further and wasting time and attention, it seemed better to listen to her business.
As I nodded slightly, she moved closer to me. Veronica spoke softly, leaving just enough space for us to whisper in each other's ears.
“Let me give you a warning in advance.”
What are you talking about all of a sudden? While I was standing there dumbfounded, Veronica continued speaking calmly.
“Admit that you have deceived His Majesty the Emperor and the people and step down now.”
I was so shocked that I let out a laugh.
“Duke Kairak’s Young Lady. I didn’t know you were such a careless person.”
“I apologize again if I was rude, but I have no intention of taking back what I said.”
I raised the corners of my mouth.
“Why do you insist on raising my guard?”
Veronica smiled inexplicably.
“My coming of age ceremony is next month, and Your Highness’s coming of age ceremony is two months after that. That’s when it will begin.”
“...What on earth is it?”
“I am talking about the competition between Your Highness and me for the position of successor to the throne.”
I thought I had misheard for a moment. Or at least that Lady Veronica had misunderstood something.
“Wh, what are you doing? A, a competition?”
“It is a natural course of action. The nobles who were previously cautious because they did not know Your Highness’s qualities will, from today on, unite to make Your Highness the successor.”
“...”
“Of course, the families that support me will not just sit back and watch. Traditionally, there has been only one way to resolve this situation.”
“Is that what you call a competition for succession?”
Veronica nodded briefly.
“I don’t know what you think, but I am truly worried about Your Highness. How long do you think His Majesty’s favor will last? Once the blood test is done, what will you do after that?”
“...Young Lady’s very suspicion is rude and unpleasant.”
“Aren’t we in a position where we can be polite to each other?”
She smiled briefly and continued.
“I don’t know if you’ll believe it, but I don’t hate you, Your Highness.”
“...”
“Those who work hard deserve to be rewarded. Especially seeing you today, I can see how much effort you have put in.”
“...”
“But the Emperor’s position is not something that can be obtained with such moderate efforts. When the competition begins, I will do my best to crush Your Highness. Without the slightest consideration, I will win all results by an overwhelming margin.”
I vaguely realized something. Veronica wasn't saying this to show off. She really came to warn me.
If you don't want to suffer a humiliating defeat in front of everyone, run away. Or at least give up the race for succession.
But Veronica didn't know me. My world was a place where I would repay my right fist with my left.
I didn't know how to quietly retreat and hide when someone provoked me. Olga never taught me that. Instead, she always told me to act confidently.
Besides, I had promised Laskan that no matter what happened, I would not run away and would do my best.
I shrugged and replied.
“It’s the same for me, too.”
Veronica let out a short laugh at my answer. It wasn't a mocking laugh, but a refreshing laugh that made even the listener feel cheerful.
“Then let’s look forward to it.”
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