Chapter 54

The second semester's final event, the martial arts tournament, has ended, and winter break is about to begin.

There's talk about which Christmas party to attend: the one hosted by the king at the palace or the one hosted by the school.

"We're definitely going to this one, right?"

"Of course!"

We put on red clothes and hats with fluffy white wool pom-poms, and fake beards, and get on a carriage. I have no idea why we're dressed like this. According to Serala, who is also wearing similar red clothes, this is what Christmas is all about. Since she went to the trouble of preparing them, the key to a happy marriage is to wear them without complaint.

The streets are lively with statues and decorations honoring the goddess Ranates.

"Ho ho ho ho! Have the children been good this year!?"

We arrive at the orphanage in a carriage loaded with presents!

"You've been good all year, haven't you, Shin-niichan..."

"I understand why Shin-niichan is dressed like this, but why are you, Serala-nee?"

If I understand, what does that mean? Do the children at the orphanage really think of me like that? Besides, this was Serala's idea, right?

We start distributing presents to the children. Everyone is so happy!

We give stuffed animals, picture books, and coloring supplies to the girls. For the older ones, we also provide sewing and cooking tools. For the boys, we give game boards, footballs, and for the older ones, more challenging books and carpentry tools. We also provide a large amount of stationery for everyone to use, which we donate to the orphanage as supplies.

A big cake, and meat!

We grill and eat together, making a lot of noise. After eating, everyone starts playing with the new game boards right away.

"Brother, you're amazing!"

"Don't take it so seriously with kids..."

"No, no, no, kids need to know what heights to aim for, or they won't be able to imagine what kind of adults they want to become. Do you want to be an adult who loses to kids?"

"Shin-sama, that's not very mature..."

Uh-oh. Serala is angry at me.

Before bedtime, everyone takes a bath together.

In the large bath, there are big partitions set up, separating the boys and girls. The age range of the children at the orphanage has increased, and many have already found places to work. Some will be apprenticed to craftsmen or will leave the orphanage next year.

"Niichan, have you already... done it with Serala-nee... gurgle gurgle gurgle!"

I grab him by the neck and dunk him under the water.

I don't care about child abuse.

We leave the children to the older ones to put them to bed and hurry back to the palace.

I quickly change in the dressing room and head to the party venue.

As a prince, I can't not show my face. It's busy.

I manage to arrive in time for the dance, so I dance with Serala and the other adults. There are many people I only see here once a year. I greet many people, listen to their flattery, and respond with a smile. I have to be careful with my words to avoid giving them any ammunition. It's quite a task.

"Your Highness!"

Spalutz and Jane are here too!

Spalutz is wearing a suit that doesn't fit him, and Jane is in an old-fashioned, gaudy dress. They're such a beautiful couple, but that's scholars for you... I love their quirks, though.

"Hello! I'm glad you could make it."

"...I was surprised when the invitation arrived."

"You two are the greatest contributors to our country this year. I couldn't not invite you. From now on, it will be every year. Be prepared."

"Ah... we're not really comfortable in such glamorous settings..."

"Get used to it. You'll be spreading your medical knowledge around the world."

"That's too much..."

"It's not too much. Your work is worth spreading. Hold your heads high."

"Spalutz Lewis and Jane of Gloucester Village, step forward!"

Suddenly called by name, the two are surprised.

The hall falls silent, and a path opens up to the king.

The two are frozen in place. I can't help it...

I take Jane's hand, and Serala takes Spalutz's, escorting them to the king.

We bow deeply before the king, and the two hurriedly bow as well.

We release their hands and step back to join the others.

"Raise your faces."

The Minister of Health reads from a document by the king's side.

"Presenting the 'Order of Merit' to the two who have achieved the great feat of establishing serum immunotherapy and the smallpox vaccine."

A thunderous applause erupts!

The two are stunned.

The king steps down from the podium and approaches them.

"You both have done well. I am grateful for your service to the nation, despite the risks. I look forward to your future contributions."

The king pins the medals to their chests, presented by the minister.

There is a great applause.

"I want the nobles and lords here to hear this."

The king looks around the hall.

"There are many here who still doubt and refuse to accept the smallpox vaccine. I am determined to eradicate smallpox as a national policy. I reiterate this here. I will make the smallpox vaccine mandatory for all your subjects. There will be no exceptions. Return to your lands and implement this policy immediately. We have set up vaccination stations outside this hall. All who have not yet been vaccinated will receive the vaccine here tonight."

Many noblewomen stagger at this.

"You will not leave until then. Just accept it."

He laughs.

The king is being forceful. But it's true that it won't spread unless he does this.

"Well, you two are going to be busy, aren't you?"

"Eh..."

Spalutz and Jane blink in surprise.

"You're the ones who will do it. Vaccinate everyone in this hall!"

"Uwaaaaa..."

As the party nears its end, the nobles line up before the two. Staff from the academy are also there, and the guards are checking for vaccination marks, vaccinating those who haven't been vaccinated.

Spalutz is such a handsome man that a line of ladies forms. They are all wearing the latest off-the-shoulder dresses, so it's quick.

They wipe the shoulder with an alcohol-soaked cotton ball, prick it with a bifurcated needle, and cover it with a bandage.

To prevent infection, multiple needles are prepared, and they are thoroughly cleaned and dried after each use.

After the party, I asked my father, the king.

"Have you been vaccinated, Your Majesty?"

"No, I haven't. I don't intend to be vaccinated in the future."

...I received an unexpected answer.

"Why not?"

"Anything can happen. It's necessary to have at least one member of the royal family who has not been vaccinated."

"Even if you get smallpox?"

The king laughs at this.

"There have been foolish kings who died of smallpox because they didn't get vaccinated. That history can be useful, depending on how it's used."

...My father is truly remarkable. He may be the one who is most dedicated to the people, more than anyone else. I still have a long way to go.

The next day, it snowed.

For the first time in twelve years in the history of the Laster Kingdom. I thought it was just cold, but I didn't expect it to snow.

The city is a winter wonderland. It's beautiful.

When Serala didn't appear for breakfast, I went to look for her and found her making a snowman in the palace garden! She was fully dressed in a coat, hat, and gloves, and she looked so happy!

"What are you doing, Serala?"

"Good morning, Shin-sama. When it snows, you make a snowman. It's a rule!"

Hmm, I see...

She was rolling snowballs and having so much fun. Maybe in her previous life, as a noble lady and a sickly girl who was often hospitalized and couldn't go out, she wasn't allowed to play like this.

"What are you making?"

"Your Majesty!"

"Whoa, high risk!!"

There's no helping it. I'll help her. If something happens, I'll get scolded with her.

"Make the hair fluffier..."

"Shin-sama, that's not good. It would be disrespectful. Let's do it properly."

"Should we put in some eyes?"

"Foreign objects will cause it to melt from that spot. It's best to make it with pure snow."

While we were arguing and forgetting about breakfast, we managed to create a rather impressive bust.

"Is it done?"

Wow, Your Majesty, aahhh!

The king, wearing a coat, stood in the snow.

"...Ha ha ha ha! Well done! As expected, Serala!"

The king comes to see and laughs heartily. What kind of doting father-in-law is he?

"Thank you. I am deeply grateful for your indulgence in this childish prank."

Serala tucks her skirt and bows gracefully.

"Come, let's go inside and warm up. You'll catch a cold."

"Yes, I'm sorry."

I quickly take Serala's hand and head back to the palace.

"Kukuku, ha ha ha!"

Father, how long do you plan to laugh?

Next time: "54. The Dress Tears"