Chapter 251: Vacation Again(3)
Chapter 251: Vacation Again(3)
As I entered the territory, imagining Adelia in a maid uniform, I could see with my own eyes that quite a lot had changed.
Even before the semester started, our territory had been developing rapidly, but now it had grown enough to truly be called a 'city.'
In particular, I saw not only humans who had come as support from the Minerva Empire but also many demons. I heard that Helium had sent them as a form of diplomatic aid.
Since this was the birthplace of Xenon and the site of the annual exhibition, it was only natural for Helium to dispatch personnel.
Demons, whose dexterity was as outstanding as any dwarf's and who used magic like a tool, built at an extraordinary speed.
To exaggerate a bit, it looked like workers in a game I used to play in my past life, hammering away and making things appear instantly.
"Hey there. Let me ask you one thing. What’s the principle behind how this works?"
"Ah, this? Well, it's like this..."
That didn't mean humans looked up to demons, though. Humans were the ones who had built a civilization second only to the elves.
Even without the ability to use magic, the architectural techniques they had developed over centuries were so advanced they didn't lag behind anyone else.
One only had to look at the Imperial Palace of the Minerva Empire and the sights of its capital. Humans might fall behind in physical abilities or magic, but they had built a precious civilization.
Because of that, humans tended to be a step ahead in 'technology' itself, excluding magic. It felt strange to see a demon, who appeared to be a supervisor, receiving know-how from a human.
Wait, is tucking a pen behind your ear a universal thing across all times and worlds?
Whether human or demon, every supervisor somehow had a pen tucked behind their ear. And it wasn't even a quill; it was the magic pen I used.
It seemed the demons had gifted them to be used instead of quills. It might seem like a simple thing, but it served well as a symbol of harmony.
To think that humans, who despised demons only a few years ago, were now building structures alongside them in our territory. I could truly feel how The Xenon Biography had changed the world.
Furthermore, only a year ago, demons were merely guests at the exhibition. I remembered meeting a demon who was dating a human woman back then, a sight that had deeply moved Cecile.
Returning to the present, they were now working together to build a cultural city. The mere fact that demons were collaborating with other races showed just how much the world was changing.
"It wasn't like this before the semester. The influence of the exhibition really is incredible."
"I'll say."
Adelia seemed to share my sentiment, looking around the territory with eyes full of wonder.
A cultural city is essentially a city for tourism. In particular, secondary works based on The Xenon Biography were placed throughout the streets, providing a variety of sights to see.
For artists who value honor, the more people who see their work, the better. Thus, the Maishal territory was nothing short of a blue ocean for artists.
The Maishal territory also benefited from the influx of tourists and residents thanks to the artists, so it was a mutually beneficial relationship.
"...The temple is here."
"It looks similar to the one in the capital."
Finally, the temple. Just as I had read in the newspapers, a massive temple stood with majestic dignity in the center of the territory.
It boasted an overwhelming presence, much like the Temple of Luminous in the capital, and since it was situated right in the middle of the territory, it was impossible to miss.
It was lucky that our territory had been a rural area with nothing but open fields; in any other city, there wouldn't have even been a place to build such a temple.
Then, the other side is...
I shifted my gaze to the empty space across from the Temple of Luminous. By regulation, no commercial or general buildings could be built near a temple.
If Luminous were to descend upon a newly established temple, his divine power would spread to the surroundings, and other buildings would supposedly absorb that power.
In the first place, who would dare build a mundane structure next to a temple that radiated both grandeur and solemnity?
However, across from the Temple of Luminous, the foundation for construction was currently being laid. Naturally...
"Is Lady Mora's temple being built there?"
"Probably?"
"Incredible. Temples for the twin sibling gods in a single territory. It really hits home that the Minerva Empire is going all out to support this."
Just as Adelia said, a Temple of Mora was scheduled to be built opposite the Temple of Luminous. Naturally, it was being supported by Helium, and it seemed they had briefly paused construction since the exhibition was approaching.
No matter how skilled the demons were, completing a temple within a week was a bit much. Since it was a building for the god they worshipped, they wouldn't tolerate a rushed job.
So, they would enjoy the exhibition for now and resume construction once it was over. It would likely be completed within the vacation period.
"Then our cutie will be ruling a territory where the temples of Lord Luminous and Lady Mora are both established?"
"I don't know about that. My brother might take over the headship in the middle. He said he'd stay in the military for good, but you never know how things turn out. He might take it after he's discharged."
Originally, the succession of the family head could be decided by the current head, but it was tacitly understood that the eldest son would inherit.
This was based on the idea that the eldest son, being the oldest and having experienced various things by his father's side, would possess more wisdom.
While there were occasional cases where the eldest daughter or the second son inherited the headship, it wasn't common. Most noblewomen simply married, and second sons usually went off to do their own thing.
Of course, this would change if I revealed my identity. My father would undoubtedly appoint me as the head, and Dave would likely feel the same.
Perhaps because of my father's influence, everyone in our family except my mother hated politics. They'd probably all try to dump the responsibility on someone else.
"And since my dream is to be a historian, I want to take it as late as possible. At the very least, I want to travel the world."
"Hmm... if that's what you think, I suppose it can't be helped. The Baron might be a little sad to hear that, though."
"For now, it's better for Father to keep working. Since he was a knight commander, his political skills must be quite sharp."
The Navy Knights were closer to a special forces unit and focused on combat, but my father was a man who had risen to the rank of commander.
To use a past-life analogy, he wasn't just a Captain; he was a Colonel, and a combat officer who personally led from the front at that.
You know, those crazy Colonels who refuse to become Generals because they love being field commanders? He was basically in that position.
It made no sense for such a person to lack political skill. If things went south, the higher-ups would cut off supplies and everything else, so political savvy wasn't an option—it was a necessity.
This was likely why my father hated politics. Especially in his generation, when the barbarian beastkin were rampant, supplies were essential and manpower was scarce.
"So, Father will continue to handle things for the time being. It's not like I know anything about economics, so what would I even do? Father is much better at meeting high-ranking people anyway."
"That's true."
Engaged in such conversation, we passed through the bustling territory and made our way toward the mansion. Along the way, several residents recognized me and greeted me warmly.
I smiled and greeted them back kindly. Occasionally, a thoughtless child would come running toward us, but their parents would strictly stop them.
As the crowd grew, Adelia stopped talking and went into a state of high alert. She looked ready to draw her sword at any moment.
The people of our territory were all good-natured, so there was no real need for such vigilance, but I liked her dedication to her duty, so I let her be.
Eventually, we passed through the busy town and arrived at the front gate of the mansion. The guards at the gate greeted me briefly as soon as they saw my face and opened the doors.
I always felt that nothing was as refreshing and pleasant as coming home. Every time I returned, the family I missed would greet me with bright smiles.
It was the true identity of 'Home' that only someone who had been away from their family for a long time could feel. There was a reason people living in foreign lands felt homesick.
I want to see them soon.
Moreover, my expectations were high because a new family member had been born. My mother's letter described her as a small, lovely younger sister with red hair and golden eyes, just like my father.
Furthermore, though it was a matter for the distant future, Lily was destined to grow into a very beautiful and charming woman. When Mora had jokingly flipped my gender before, she said it was very similar to that.
Honestly, by this world's standards, she wasn't just a younger sister; she was more like a daughter. If I took Lily outside right now, people would think we were father and daughter.
But as long as she was cute, that was all that mattered. I passed through the wide-open gate with anticipation. I didn't forget to leave a word of encouragement for the guards as I passed.
When I finally opened the door to the mansion and stepped inside, the face I had missed came into view.
"Welcome home, Isaac."
A woman who radiated beauty rivaling any young maiden despite being over forty—my mother, Anna—greeted me with a gentle smile.
Seeing her greet me the moment I opened the door, she must have heard the news of my arrival in advance.
My face lit up at her greeting, but then I noticed the swaddle held in her arms.
Something was squirming inside, and my mother was holding it comfortably in a familiar posture.
"Hello, Mother. By the way, is that what you're holding..."
"Hehe."
When I asked in a cautious voice, my mother gave a soft laugh and slowly approached me. I also stepped forward, filled with anticipation.
Adelia, who was by my side, followed with a look of curiosity. Then, my mother gently held out the swaddle she was cradling.
And inside...
"Ooh-ooh."
The newly born family member and my younger sister, Lily, was looking up with clear, golden eyes.
Though she was only two months old, her thick red hair and large eyes were already radiating an indescribable charm.
Cuteness. Adorableness. And finally, a loveliness that felt like it would melt my heart.
Just looking at her made a bright smile spread across my face automatically.
Slurp, smack—
Lily looked back and forth between me and Adelia, then began to suck on her own finger. I had heard that babies suck their fingers like that around two months old, and it seemed to be true.
By the way, how could she be this cute? They say you can tell a great tree from its first leaves, and Lily's beauty was exactly like that.
"Can she not support her own neck yet?"
"Not yet. But she's working hard at it, so she probably won't need support soon."
"Kyau~"
While my mother and I were talking, Lily babbled and gave a beaming smile. Not only I, but Adelia also smiled along with her.
Ah, so this is what it feels like to be truly healed. I almost touched Lily's face without washing my hands, but I barely managed to stop myself.
I should wash my hands first. And while I'm at it, I should greet my father, who's probably in his office.
"I'll go wash my hands first."
"Go ahead. I'll be waiting in the room. Sir Cross, you should go change as well."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Awoo."
I didn't forget to take one last look at Lily, who babbled before I left. No, I looked two, three times before finally walking away.
I wanted to stroke those chubby cheeks and touch those tiny hands as soon as possible. And of course, I had to hold that small body.
Most of all, what I wanted to do was hold out my index finger. Specifically, I wanted Lily to grab it.
How ecstatic would it be if Lily gripped my finger tight with her tiny hand? I could imagine what my face would look like without even looking in a mirror. I'd definitely be a puddle.
Actually, it was a wish I'd wanted to fulfill if I ever had a niece or nephew. In my past life, I was an only child with no relatives, so I couldn't achieve it, but I finally could after being reincarnated.
It was around the time I had parted ways with Adelia and was heading to my bedroom to wash my hands with a grin on my face.
"Huh?"
"Ah."
I encountered a completely unexpected person. The reason the Temple of Luminous was built in our territory: Cardinal Kate.
She wasn't in armor but was wearing her characteristic tight white habit. Her figure was already so exceptional it was hard to know where to look, but unlike before, she was emitting a strange aura.
Along with that, the scent of lilacs pierced my nose. I had grown used to the lilac scent coming from my own body, but not from Kate.
Originally, she didn't smell like lilacs. But in the few months since we'd last met, she was giving off a thick fragrance.
What on earth had happened during that time? Combined with the holy aura she was projecting, just running into her made my mind go a bit blank.
"Hello, Lord Isaac. It's been a long time."
In the meantime, Kate made the sign of the cross and bowed her head, offering a friendly greeting. I quickly snapped out of it and offered a hesitant greeting in return.
"Ah, yes. Hello, Ms. Kate. It's been a while. Have you been well?"
"I have been doing well, thanks to the protection of Lord Luminous and your existence."
"..."
Her fanatical side was there from the beginning, so I could let that slide, but I had no idea what the latter part meant. What about my existence?
As I blinked in confusion, Kate spoke with a benevolent smile.
"Thanks to the advice you gave me, I was able to exterminate all the parasites that had taken root in Savior. Thank you so much."
"No, well..."
Was she talking about the spoiler incident? I looked away and scratched the back of my neck. I didn't really have much to say about that.
I had already received confirmation through Luminous, and if I had published the book, they would have undoubtedly gone into hiding.
So, I hadn't told her directly but had merely given a hint using a proverb from my past life. Kate had simply deciphered the meaning of that proverb on her own and solved it herself.
Anyway, let's move past that. Kate's gaze was a bit burdensome, but resolving my curiosity was the priority.
"By the way, why are you here at our mansion, Ms. Kate?"
"Baron Maishal was kind enough to extend his hospitality. He said I could stay at the mansion for the time being."
"I see."
I suppose it was only natural to show such hospitality since she had brought a whole temple to the territory.
"Then will you also be participating in the exhibition, Ms. Kate?"
"Yes. To ensure this holy land is not defiled by those wretched demon worshippers, I will offer prayers to Lord Luminous to bestow a blessing upon this entire land. Then the sacred festival will proceed more safely."
"..."
An answer that contained both Kate's aggressiveness and her fanatical side. I barely managed to pull myself together after nearly losing my mind hearing that.
Regardless, if a blessing was bestowed as she said, the exhibition would proceed much more safely. I didn't know what kind of misunderstanding she was under, but since I didn't even know what it was, I decided to let it go for now.
As much as I wanted to talk more with Kate, Lily was the priority right now. So, I ended the conversation and bid her farewell.
"Then I hope it's an enjoyable exhibition. I have some urgent business, so I'll be going now."
"I understand. I am always ready, so please come find me whenever you have time."
She made the sign of the cross once more and spoke to me with deep reverence.
"O Light who shall save the world."
"..."
Just what kind of misunderstanding is she under?