Chapter 38
Chapter 38
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 38
Chapter Title: The Iron-Blooded Princess
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* * *
Igugwoden Imperial Palace, in front of Yuria's room.
"Princess Linea, what brings you here...?"
"I'm here to see my sister."
At Linea's words, the imperial maid bowed her head, looking unsure of what to do.
"W-Well... Princess Yuria has an extremely important guest today, and she said not to let anyone in—"
"Is that so...?"
Just as she thought she'd have to postpone the talk,
"It's fine. Let her in."
At the voice from beyond the door, the maid immediately opened it and bowed to Linea.
Upon entering the room, the first thing that came into view was her sister Yuria, sitting in a chair, quill in hand, scribbling something down.
Yuria von Ainsberg, the iron-blooded princess who had been marked as the next emperor since childhood and had mastered imperial studies at the tender age of eleven.
She shared the same golden hair and blue eyes symbolizing the imperial bloodline. However, their eye shapes differed.
In stark contrast to Linea's slightly softer gaze, Yuria's was cold and sharp. Compared to her younger sister or stepmother, whose certain parts were overly developed, her slender figure had a well-balanced overall proportion.
Her hairstyle was a simple bob that required little effort to set. The only distinctive feature was the long strand of hair falling down from the right side.
It gave off an impression of extreme practicality.
Yet, thanks to her stunning beauty, whether she put effort into her hair or not wasn't a significant issue for her image.
The comment that she resembled a cold aunt rather than a kind mother was a point of pride for Yuria.
It was only natural that a strong person suited the throne, which led all people, rather than a weak one.
That belief hadn't changed once since her aunt became her stepmother.
"Long time no see, Linea. For you to come all the way to your big sister? Well, I have some guesses."
"You know already, don't you, sister? About Mother right now..."
"The talk of changing the state religion?"
"...You heard everything?"
"If my ears are open, I can't pretend not to know."
Scribble, scribble.
Unlike Linea, who showed clear signs of unease, Yuria appeared utterly calm.
It felt like she was saying this was no big deal.
"Is it really okay to just leave it like this? It's true that the Igugwoden Church isn't that antisocial, and with the Saintess appearing, public sentiment has improved... But you know well what happens when the religious order holds overwhelming power."
"Of course it's not okay."
"Then shouldn't we step in and do something—"
"Linea."
At that moment.
Yuria set down her quill and finally turned her head, looking straight into Linea's eyes.
"Have you ever wondered why the Divine Power Pouch... why women's breasts are revered by the faithful?"
"Huh? W-Well, because it's in the Holy Scripture..."
"White magic."
Cutting off Linea, Yuria launched into a one-sided explanation.
"My hypothesis is that women with larger breasts show significantly superior talent in white magic, even among priests."
"Suddenly...?"
"Think about it. Religious folks spout things like 'The scripture forbids it, so we can't' or 'The scripture recommends it, so we must.' But scriptures are ultimately written by humans. They had to be penned by people at first. Linea, you don't actually think 'God's words' are written in the scripture, do you?"
"O-Of course not!"
"In the arid, hot southern continent, pork isn't eaten much due to the harsh climate. Scholars' research shows that's the main reason why local religions there, before the unified empire, had doctrines avoiding pork as an unlucky animal. Was that because pigs are truly unlucky? Or is it more rational to see it as a forced rule to bind people, since raising pigs there offered few benefits due to climate and environment?"
"..."
Linea slowly nodded without replying.
"It's an example proving that any group has valid reasons behind taboos or recommendations. Even if they slap on vague excuses like 'God forbids it' or 'God recommends it,' there must be sound reasons."
Yuria's eyes gleamed as she spoke.
The kind of gaze only an absolute believer in their convictions could have.
"The Divine Power Pouch is the same. Until now, white magic has been exclusively the domain of Igugwoden Church priests, right? Unlike other elemental magic researched in the Magic Towers, it's been passed down mainly within the religious order. So, the bigger the breasts, the greater the talent for white magic—and those with it excel as nuns or saintesses. That's my theory."
With that, Yuria twirled the one protruding golden lock of hair with her finger.
It was her habit when deep in thought.
"Of course, my hypothesis has holes. If it were correct, our mother would have been the ultimate nun... no, saintess. But just as using magic requires different talents, there might be missing links I don't know yet. Still, it's reasonable to conclude that breast size affects white magic efficiency."
—That's why the original scripture writer shoved in that phrase.
Something about God liking it, or moaning sounds—ugh, but that's the truth.
"So, the bigger the breasts, the higher the aptitude as a nun... as a white mage?"
"Yes. The newly appeared Saintess Erin was selected because she has talent beyond the norm."
Maintaining her cool expression, she let out a 'pffft' chuckle for the first time—
"God sending down a saintess... what nonsense. Saintesses are chosen by human popes."
"..."
"Our mother's state is probably some kind of white magic too. Mind manipulation spells aren't new, and given the Saintess's Divine Power Pouch size... it's no exaggeration to say her mana is overwhelmingly superior to other priests."
Linea had no choice but to nod.
Erin was surely around her age. But considering those violently large breasts...
"So, big sister plans to shatter that illusion from now on."
"Illusion?"
"Yeah. Mother's change was just a slight mutation from white magic, not a miracle from God. I'll prove it right in front of the Saintess. That'll end this bizarre commotion. And if it's confirmed as magic, we can find a way to restore Mother."
"But how...?"
"By doing the exact same thing Mother did. She said she faced the light from the scripture and changed, right? No such miracle from God exists, so it's probably white magic. It might work on Mother with low magic resistance, but—"
—I won't fall for it.
Hearing that, Linea finally realized Yuria's scheme.
Magic resistance usually scaled with abundant mana and understanding of it.
And Yuria, the one saying it now—if not for being the First Princess and heir—possessed talent that every Magic Tower would scramble to scout.
Unlike herself, who walked the knight's path due to lacking magic talent despite wanting it, Yuria truly had the qualities of an archmage.
Naturally, her magic resistance was high, so if it really was magic—she could overcome it!
"Sorry to the Saintess, but hastily making the Igugwoden Church the state religion at the imperial family level is problematic. 'The miracle of God didn't work' will be the biggest weapon proving we don't need to accept it as state religion."
At that moment.
Knock, knock.
Someone knocked on the door.
Linea immediately recalled the maid's words about an important guest today.
"Princess Yuria. The Saintess has arrived."
"No way, the important guest today is...!"
"Yes. Saintess Yuria. I called her myself. So leave this to your big sister and go back worry-free. Linea, you have your own tasks, right? Figure out how to bring the Igugwoden Church under the Ainsberg family's influence by entering the religious order. Got it?"
With Yuria's "Open it," the door swung open—
And what appeared, at least in Linea's eyes, was Erin, dressed in an outrageously immodest saintess outfit, clutching the Holy Scripture tightly.
"Welcome, Saintess."
"Hello, Princess Yuria...! Is it true that you wish to receive God's Plain Fact into your body as soon as possible?"
Yuria, who had worn a cold expression while talking to Linea, now donned a warm smile mask sufficient for public eyes.
"Of course. The 'God's Plain Fact' that even my mother experienced— as the heir to the throne, I'm terribly curious."
"To think the imperial family would propose to feel Lord Igugwoden's Plain Fact directly...! I'm so happy the imperial family is interested in His will. Plus, you're very lucky, Princess Yuria. It just arrived recently...!"
"Arrived?"
Blushing, Erin gently scratched the Holy Scripture with her pale fingers, then stroked her abdomen.
"God's Plain Fact... is packed in my belly...! Enough to share with you and still have leftovers...!!"
"..."
Yuria found the sight utterly ridiculous but didn't show her true feelings.
What followed might humiliate the Saintess. But she couldn't openly antagonize her.
Her goal wasn't placing the imperial family under the religious order's influence—it was the opposite. Observing etiquette was the basic step.
Whatever nonsense about Plain Facts, she'd play along here.
"How wonderful. Then, I'll be in your hands. Will you share the 'will of God' you showed my mother with me too?"
"Sure...!"
'No gods exist. I'll end this foolish farce and dispel the magic clouding Mother's eyes with my own power.'
Yuria signaled Linea with her eyes to leave.
She herself was fine due to high resistance, but Linea staying was a risk.
Linea caught her silent intent and quietly exited the room.
* * *
Thus, Yuria's door closed.
Linea clutched her pounding chest and sighed.
'Will it work...?'
Of course, since no gods actually exist, her clever sister's words should be right...
'No. It'll be decided in a few minutes anyway. As sister said, I need to do what I can.'
Her role was bridging the religious order.
Even if sister didn't experience the miracle, her stance should be— she thought up to there.
Light leaked from beyond the door.
"...!"
Linea closed her eyes, suspecting it might be magic...
But oddly, it didn't feel like magic, so she opened them again.
Having walked the mage's path once, she knew. Even mental magic left detectable aftereffects, regardless of whether it worked.
But this was just light. It didn't feel like magic at all...?
After a few minutes.
Yuria's firmly shut door opened— and Erin's eyes met hers as she walked out gracefully, Holy Scripture in arms.
"Oh my. Lady Linea of the 'Dish of Holy Knights.' Greetings are late. I hope you've been well?"
"No, Saintess."
Erin smiled at Linea with saintly benevolence.
—At least, the total lack of panic on her face chilled Linea to the bone.
"You're one chosen by Lord Igugwoden. You'll join the cathedral soon, right? No need for this artificial process; you'll naturally face God's Plain Fact. Until then, I look forward to you fulfilling your duty as part of the Dish of Holy Knights by my side."
"...I'll heed the Saintess's words."
Thump, thump.
Her tense heartbeat drowned out even Erin's receding footsteps.
After she vanished from sight—
Linea grasped the handle of Yuria's closed door.
* * *
Leaving the Imperial Palace, Erin caressed her belly again.
I feel it, Lord Igugwoden.
The Plain Fact you bestowed. This 'fact' overflowing with love...!
—God has commanded.
Just tell Erin to write whatever she wants.
—Wield everything you hold freely!
Enlighten the unbelievers and dye the whole world in Igugwoden's color.
Please watch, Lord Igugwoden...!
* * *
Facing an indescribable eerie unease, Linea barely opened the door—and the sight that met her eyes was—
"---!!!"
Yuria von Ainsberg.
The emperor's direct heir, called the 'Iron-Blooded Princess' for her cold demeanor.
The imperial family's prodigy, whom all Magic Towers regretted not claiming...
"Lord Igugwoden...!"
On her knees, tears streaming down.
"I'm sorry! Lord Igugwoden! I was foolish! To strut before you when I couldn't even grasp magic's basics...!
"Yet, to share such Plain Fact even with a faithless wretch like me...!
"Your generosity embracing even my inadequate Divine Power Pouch... Ahh! I, Yuria von Ainsberg, have realized it! That you exist. That you, creator of this world, always watch over us...!"
Igugwoden! Igugwoden!
Daringly uttering that holy, fervent name—
—She bent her body, devoutly prostrating her forehead on the floor.