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Recently, the Empire has been bustling non-stop with preparations for the long-vacant Heir Designation Ceremony. Since the position of the heir had been empty for a long time, the Imperial Family intended to hold a grand and splendid ceremony to mark the occasion.

A month ago, the Empire had already dispatched envoys to all neighboring and allied nations to extend invitations. In response, these nations hastily assembled their own envoys and sent them to the Empire, eager to maintain good relations with a power that held significant influence over the continent.

Most of these envoys were led by crown princes or princesses, the future rulers of their respective kingdoms, accompanied by key figures of their royal courts. This demonstrated the immense interest not only within the Empire but across the entire continent in the Empire’s next ruler.

As time passed, envoys from various nations began arriving in the capital of the Infractus Empire, one by one, a week before the ceremony.

“Good heavens, it seems even the Republic has sent an envoy.”

“Can a fool like you even recognize the Republic’s emblem?”

“Even if I’m illiterate, I know that much! Look, the Knights of the Free Wings’ commander has come to escort the envoy!”

“The Knights of the Free Wings?”

As Bill expressed his confusion amidst the welcoming crowd, his close friend Henry clicked his tongue in annoyance.

“You call me ignorant, but aren’t you even worse? Even a three-year-old knows that the Republic was founded thanks to the Knights of the Free Wings and their commander, Bento Man Libertas.”

“But the Republic’s predecessor was the Democratic Principality, right? How could a mere knight order achieve that?”

“Watch your tongue! Careless words like that could get you stabbed!”

Henry, alarmed by Bill’s reckless remarks, slapped Bill’s thick arm with his large hand while glancing around to ensure no one had overheard them.

Fortunately, the crowd gathered to see the Knights of the Free Wings seemed to drown out their conversation.

“Phew. Mark my words, your big mouth will get you in trouble someday.”

“Is it that serious?”

“Yes, the Knights of the Free Wings are famous across the continent for their influence. They’ve shaken the continent under the banner of equality—how could they not be?”

“But the Republic…”

“Just shut up already!”

Henry clenched his fist, cutting off Bill before he could make another dangerous statement that could land them in hot water.

The capital guards, dispatched to control the dense crowd, were already eyeing them suspiciously, ready to deal with any potential troublemakers. If Henry hadn’t noticed their gaze and stopped Bill, they might have been labeled as instigators and thrown into the capital’s prison.

After the Horizon Incident, the guards had become particularly sensitive, so caution was the best policy.

Thankfully, Henry’s quick thinking prevented the guards from taking any action.

“One more word, and it’s off to prison for you!”

“Sorry, I’ll be careful.”

“Anyway, their skills are undeniable. Especially the commander’s sword—it’s said to be among the top three on the continent. What more is there to say?”

“I’ve heard rumors, but I didn’t know it was that impressive. Is it okay to say this? How does he compare to the Swordmaster?”

“That’s a never-ending debate among enthusiasts. I’m curious about that too.”

The two moved on, having discussed the Republic’s envoy at length. However, their reason for coming to see the envoy procession wasn’t because of the Republic.

“Her Holiness has arrived!”

“Bill, she’s finally here!”

“Damn, I never thought I’d see her in my lifetime!”

Bill and Henry knelt along with the crowd, showing reverence.

The flower of the Divine Empire, known as the Daughter of God.

Saintess Veronica had officially arrived in the capital of the Infractus Empire.

***

Gilbert quietly watched Veronica, surrounded by the welcoming crowd.

Though she was an artificial saintess created by the Divine Empire out of necessity, to the common folk, she was no different from the legendary Daughter of God from history.

Veronica often went on pilgrimages, engaging in charitable activities for the common people, which only increased her popularity among them.

Given her lofty position as a saintess, her direct involvement in the welfare of the people made her seem like the benevolent saintess of legend.

Moreover, despite being an artificial saintess, her sacred power was said to rival that of the genuine saintesses of old.

Gilbert himself had witnessed her miracles more than once, so he had no doubt about her power.

But could it be related to the system?

Gilbert couldn’t help but wonder.

Veronica performed miracles with her profound sacred power, but it wasn’t omnipotent. Even with her extraordinary abilities, she could only achieve what was within the realm of comprehension.

However, the system Gilbert was tied to existed in a realm beyond reality.

A realm that defied all laws of the world, incomprehensible and inexplicable.

Though it was ironic for Gilbert, who benefited from the system, to say so, even he admitted it was an irrational power.

Yet, the system’s notification—or rather, the entity that spoke to him through it—had mentioned that meeting the saintess might reveal the answers he sought.

It had also cryptically added that he needed more “causality,” but regardless, meeting her might help him understand why he was in this world and how to return to his original one.

Though it wouldn’t be easy to meet such an important guest of the Divine Empire, Gilbert’s social standing in the Empire wasn’t low, so it wasn’t impossible.

After confirming the saintess’s presence, Gilbert prepared to return and make arrangements to meet her.

Wait, did our eyes just meet?

As he hid in the crowd, watching Veronica, he thought he saw her glance his way as he turned to leave.

No, it wasn’t his imagination.

As he tilted his head slightly, Veronica smiled faintly and mouthed a single word.

Though he couldn’t read lips, it wasn’t hard to interpret her message.

“I’ll come to you?”

Gilbert furrowed his brow, trying to make sense of it.

But what could he interpret from such a direct statement?

If her goal was to meet him, then meeting her would clarify everything.

Gilbert nodded lightly and decided to wait for the next opportunity.

***

Seraphina was steadying her mind before the Heir Designation Ceremony. From the moment she realized her position as a member of the Imperial Family, her first step had been to become the Crown Princess.

Her goal, shaped by her studies in imperial governance, was to make the Infractus Empire a better place for its people. To achieve that, she needed to ascend to the highest position in the Empire, and the first step was becoming the heir.

Fortunately, her natural talent and keen eye for talent had brought her close to the heir’s position, but she still lacked the final push to secure it.

Her father, the Emperor, had carefully tested the candidates for succession over a long period, and those tests had continued until recently.

Thankfully, Seraphina’s significant contributions during the Horizon Incident had finally secured her position as Crown Princess.

Of course, she wasn’t satisfied. Though the position of Crown Princess wasn’t easily changed, precedents existed.

Especially with an Emperor who had tested the candidates for so long, he might replace her if she didn’t meet his expectations.

Seraphina didn’t see the Crown Princess position as the end.

Rather, it was just the starting point.

She had only just reached the starting line and was already preparing for the next steps.

However, a recent concern had arisen for Seraphina—one that had never been a consideration before but had suddenly come to her attention.

Gilbert Lion Heart.

Even as she steadied her mind, thoughts of her priest, Gilbert, filled her head.

During the preparations for the ceremony, she had summoned Gilbert and, driven by some inexplicable impulse, demanded that he take the position of Consort.

Looking back, it was strange. It wasn’t something she would normally consider, nor was it a matter to be taken lightly.

Given the Empire’s current political climate, the position of Consort was far from trivial. The position she had forced on Gilbert could be seen as a national matter unless something extraordinary happened.

For those of noble blood, even marriage was an extension of politics—a powerful tool for forming alliances and a valuable card to play.

The position of Consort to the soon-to-be Crown Princess was a political statement, not something to be offered lightly.

Of course, as she became Crown Princess, she needed someone by her side. Her initial proposal to Gilbert had been motivated by the need for an heir.

But at the time, Seraphina had been driven more by a desire to possess Gilbert than by rational thought.

Fortunately, the rational Gilbert had convinced her to postpone any official announcement until after the Heir Designation Ceremony, and she had agreed.

In hindsight, it was a stroke of luck. Her decision had been impulsive, not rational or well-considered.

But having him as a Consort wouldn’t be so bad.

Though it was an irrational and impulsive thought, it gave her a glimpse of Gilbert’s true nature.

Even she, as a person, could make wrong judgments and decisions, so having someone who could temper her impulses was psychologically reassuring.

Moreover, his family, the Lion Heart Count Family, had been loyal to the Imperial Family throughout the Empire’s long history, never once betraying them.

For Seraphina, who aimed to strengthen the Imperial authority as Emperor, Gilbert would make an excellent partner.

Above all, his exceptional talent in piloting the Colossal Mechs would be a great asset, both politically and militarily.

And personally, he wasn’t bad either…

Seraphina coughed awkwardly.

From the moment she aimed for the Emperor’s throne, she had set aside her personal preferences, but after meeting Gilbert, she found a man who not only aided her political goals but also matched her personal tastes.

The rumors and reputation from the past had long faded, and what remained was a hero of the Empire with an innate talent for piloting Colossal Mechs.

His proactive nature and decisiveness made it hard not to like him. Even she, in a moment of irrationality, had proposed the Consort position, but upon reflection, it wasn’t a bad choice.

Seraphina shook her head lightly, brushing aside her thoughts. Regardless of his suitability, she needed to retract her proposal.

First, she needed to solidify her position as Crown Princess and consider if there were better options. So, she set aside her personal regrets and decided to retract her statement.

Seraphina finished her preparations, ready to transition from Imperial Princess to Crown Princess.

***

“That might be difficult.”

“Isn’t that up to Lord Gilbert’s judgment?”

Seraphina had to suppress her rising anger as she looked at the smug smile of the Divine Empire’s saintess.

Her earlier resolve during the ceremony now seemed meaningless.

 

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