Chapter 6

"Your Highness, are you all right?"

"……"

"Your Highness?"

Lowering his hand, Alvis stared at the shelf in front of him. More precisely, at one particular book on it.

The light that had been emitted when he entered the room had now subsided. It seemed the anomaly had been resolved. But what exactly had just happened? What was that space? And was that girl really from the Suvania Holy Kingdom?

"Is something the matter, Your Highness? The light seems to have subsided, but since it stopped when you touched it, it must have been the Lady of the Goddess—"

"Din. Did the light immediately stop when I touched it?"

"Yes, but—"

To Din, it seemed the light had stopped moving as soon as Alvis touched it. It was just for a moment, and he had only called out because he sensed something. There were no other abnormalities.

"Did something happen?"

"No, nothing. If it has subsided, there should be no problem in reopening the cathedral. Archbishop."

Alvis turned to the entrance and faced the Archbishop, who had been watching the situation. The Archbishop straightened up upon being called.

"The problem is resolved. However, I will take custody of the book that caused this. Is that acceptable?"

"That... No, you're right. It might be better that way. The Goddess seems to want you to have it. I will entrust it to you, Your Highness."

"I am grateful."

The Archbishop's hesitation likely stemmed from the last time Alvis had collapsed. His concern was understandable. Alvis could only be grateful that he trusted him despite knowing the risks. Taking the book, Alvis left the cathedral.

In the carriage on the way back, Alvis opened the book again, which was still blank. It had shown no reaction when he touched it, and the encounter with the girl seemed unlikely to happen again.

"She called it a tool."

He had suspected it wasn't just a book. According to the girl, similar items existed in the Empire and probably in the Suvania Holy Kingdom as well. Though he didn't understand how it worked, the girl had been trying to convey something to Alvis and Termia.

"Still, calling me a 'redeemer' was quite a choice of words..."

The Goddess had called him her child, but the girl had called him a redeemer. The meaning of those words was not favorable. In fact, it was a term that could easily evoke disgust. Alvis couldn't help but notice the significance.

"How should I explain this to Uncle? What a troublesome legacy he left behind."

Still, he had no choice but to explain everything as it was. Alvis returned to the castle in no time and headed straight for the King's office. The King was waiting for him, along with the Chancellor.

"Your Highness Alvis, welcome back. You returned early, but has the problem been resolved?"

"Yes."

"Then, Alvis, what happened?"

Alvis explained everything that had occurred in the cathedral's inner library. He showed the problematic book to the King, but the King seemed puzzled, tilting his head in confusion. It was a natural reaction, given that he hadn't seen the scene himself.

"I don't understand, but if you say so, it must be true. However, was it really wise to take it out?"

"I obtained the Archbishop's permission. Besides, if something similar happens again, it would be better to have it in my possession."

"The next queen of the Suvania Holy Kingdom, you say?"

"It's hard to believe. I'm not doubting your word, Your Highness, but—"

The Chancellor's skepticism was understandable. Even Alvis, who had encountered the girl, wasn't entirely convinced that she was the next queen of the Suvania Holy Kingdom. The girl had an aura similar to Cisthia's, but it was a different kind of presence, perhaps even stronger.

"We could verify with the Suvania Holy Kingdom, but what do you think?"

"Let's not. She might have been just observing. If something significant happens, we'll receive a message."

"True, as a nation, that makes sense—"

"If we meet again, I'll make a judgment then. For now, nothing is certain."

"I see. Yes, that's reasonable."

With that, the report was concluded. As Alvis turned to leave the office, the Chancellor called out to him.

"Wait, Your Highness."

"Chancellor?"

"The King says it's time to set a date."

"Date?"

For a moment, he was puzzled, but he quickly understood what was being referred to. The King nodded deeply.

"Your first child is due. It would be the best time to celebrate."

"Uncle."

"The people also wish for it. This will also be an opportunity to show the people your safe return from Marana and to introduce the new royal family member."

Alvis, along with the new wind for this country, would be revealed. The timing was set. Alvis looked straight at the King and placed his right hand over his heart.

"In three months, I will take the throne. Understood, Alvis."

"…Understood."