Chapter 591
A few days after the day I cast the permanent preservation magic on the chocolate the Crown Princess gave me, the Emperor’s summons came down.
At first, I flinched. Memories of the Emperor’s piercing gaze from when I received that chocolate from the Crown Princess flashed through my mind.
But soon, I shook off my uneasy thoughts. While it couldn’t be said that the Emperor had never tried to mess with me emotionally, he had never once thrown pointless tasks my way to torment me. The real trouble was when he tossed some absurd job my way that I never saw coming.
So, I could rest easy. There was nothing the Emperor could throw at me. Over the past few days, while I signed various overdue documents and got a grip on the domestic situation, there hadn’t been anything I’d need to step in for.
‘There hasn’t been much commotion outside either.’
The only notable thing would be Tannian’s pilgrimage, but I already signed off on support for escorting and crowd control.
So, I should keep my fears at bay. Thanks to my pleas to the Crown Princess, I probably just received a chocolate as a gift. Surely, that was the purpose of this summoning—she wanted to show off.
“I think the Judicial Minister should join the pilgrimage party.”
It had to be exactly that.
‘Is this a dream?’
In an instant, I found myself rejecting reality.
Why would I have to join? I had already sent support personnel to the pilgrimage as the highest decision-maker of the Information Department.
“Your Majesty, I understand your concern for the esteemed guests, and I have already sent brave and capable individuals to join the pilgrimage. So please don’t worry—”
“Regardless, the Minister must go.”
With the Emperor’s firm interruption of my words, my hand nearly went to my waist.
Hold on. The little guy in front of me isn’t an enemy; he’s just a jerk. He’s not a nemesis I need to half-slice and kill; he’s just a dumb jerk.
If I had my sword on me, I wouldn’t be able to do anything even if my hand reached my waist.
“Minister, calm down and let me explain first.”
Before I even realized it, my gaze had turned rebellious, and the Emperor hurriedly continued.
In this moment, he referred to me not as a burden but as a responsibility. Such a piece of shit.
‘Trying to tug at my heartstrings again.’
I felt irritation creeping in again, recalling the method I fell for when dispatched to the Leon Kingdom. You think I’m someone who’s going to fall for that trick twice?
“Honestly, I never intended to send you, Minister. No, to be precise, I didn’t think it was necessary.”
The Emperor, having stated this, handed over some documents.
At that moment, I wanted to tear them apart but held back. If I lost my temper here, I’d just give the Emperor a reason to dismiss me.
“They say the next Holy Christ is conducting a year-end worship service. If a high-ranking official from the Holy Kingdom holds a service within the Empire, it is customary for the Empire to send a corresponding high-ranking official in response.”
I gave a calm nod; that wasn’t unfamiliar to me.
The ties between the Empire and the sect had been strong since the foundation era. That’s why they spare no support for the pilgrimage’s activities and why they want to send a high-ranking official for the worship service led by the next Holy Christ. Every little action like that showcases the friendship between the Empire and the sect.
“Since it’s a service attended by the next Holy Christ and the Holy See’s growth, it’s only fitting to send Cardinal Risiuco, the highest priest in the Empire, but…”
Upon mentioning Cardinal Risiuco, the Emperor sighed and rubbed his forehead.
“Minister.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Between the Cardinal and the Blessed, who ranks higher?”
“Well, that would be…”
My mouth was ready to say the Cardinal was higher, but it froze.
‘Who’s actually higher?’
Suddenly, my mind went blank. The Cardinal, the one right below the Pope, and the Blessed, who performs miracles by divine blessing—who among the two was higher?
Considering the actual authority in the sect, the Cardinal would indeed rank higher. The Blessed is respected by believers but doesn’t hold a role in sect administration.
But in terms of prestige, the Blessed, who can number in the hundreds in a single era, might have the upper hand. Unlike the Cardinals, who are appointed by the Pope, the Blessed is a servant chosen by God. If that Blessed is still living, even the Cardinal would need to tread carefully.
‘Who the heck is it, though?’
I was confused. Honestly, I felt like the Blessed ought to be treated as higher, but there’s a hierarchy within the Dawn Sect too, so I couldn’t place the Cardinal below.
However, shouldn’t someone blessed by God be above a human position? Even the hierarchy of the sect and its posts are ultimately human-made concepts.
No, considering it logically, the Blessed is also a concept created by humans.
“I’ve truly had my doubts like you, Minister. No matter how I think about it, I couldn’t arrive at a clear conclusion.”
The Emperor’s voice pulled me out of my loop of confusion.
“That’s why I formally inquired with the pilgrimage group about who ranks higher—Cardinal or Blessed.”
Instead of two non-experts debating, let’s ask an expert.
An undeniably standard and neat approach. What’s the point of us fretting over it for days? If the sect gives an opposite conclusion, that’s basically the end of it.
“Yet still, there hasn’t been a response. They must be divided on the issue even within the pilgrimage group.”
‘Damn it.’
If even the experts can’t come to a conclusion, we’re in a different ballpark now.
If I send the Cardinal, those supporting the Blessed will express regret; if I send the Blessed, the side that supports the Cardinal will be disappointed. This creates a situation worse than just not asking at all.
“Minister.”
“Yes, Your Majesty…”
“I’m sorry, but I think not only Cardinal Risiuco but you and your wife should go as well.”
“…….”
“Don’t look at it that way. I truly am sorry, you see?”
Though the Emperor’s apology echoed in my ears, it felt distant.
I wanted to spend a quiet family time at the mansion during the year-end. My simple ambition was crumbling in an instant. How was I supposed to deal with this despair—
“On the other hand, while it’s awkward to say, I plan to participate in the year-end worship as well. You only need to hold your place.”
With that statement, my despair and anger eased. It’s not just me doing the work, the Emperor would be joining in too?
Moreover, if the Emperor participates in the worship, countless high-ranking officials would join him, so I wouldn’t necessarily have to run the show on-site. Surely there would be plenty of people with higher ranks than me.
“And since both husband and wife are participating in this worship, wouldn’t it be fine for the whole family to go together? The friendship between the Minister and the next Holy Christ would surely make the pilgrimage group happy.”
…
“I’m grateful for Your Majesty’s consideration.”
“I’m eternally thankful for your dedication, Minister.”
After a brief moment of contemplation, I bowed my head.
If it was just me rolling in it, I was going to try and coax the Crown Princess into saying “I hate Dad!” but if we were rolling together, I could bear it. I’m not low enough to misunderstanding that much.
‘A family worship doesn’t sound too bad.’
Plus, as the Emperor said, if the whole family went together, I could somehow protect my precious family time.
Even though it was a shame that it wouldn’t be a cheerful banquet, a peaceful worship would do. We could have at least a meal together afterward.
*
Watching the Judicial Minister leave with an understandable expression, I let out a sigh of relief.
‘Got through that safely.’
I was glad. When the Minister mentioned that he felt he had to join the pilgrimage, his expression was something so fearsome that anyone might think someone had put on a devil mask. I could tell he was holding it back as best he could, but after years of working with the Minister, I could read him like a book.
I understand. I didn’t intend to send the Minister either. It’s as questionable a matter as to whether it should happen. If I, who give the orders, feel that way, how must the Minister feel?
That’s why I posed a legendary question, and then brought up the unfortunate circumstance that the sect couldn’t make a decision either. In the end, I calmed the Minister’s grievances by saying that not only would he be participating in the worship but I as well.
‘Looks like it’s going to be busy for a while.’
Massaging the stiff back of my neck, I sighed again.
Attending the year-end worship wasn’t an expected task. And worships don’t just wrap up in an hour or two. It’s best to assume the whole day will be consumed by worship itself.
So I needed to push ahead with my work a bit faster to prepare for that day. I might have to skip lunch for a while or at least make do with some bread in my office.
‘Karma really comes around, doesn’t it?’
Honestly, it’s embarrassing to see the Emperor trying to read the room, but unfortunately, I couldn’t voice my complaints. I had already overstepped my bounds due to the Leon Kingdom incident.
But encouraging the Minister repeatedly while already overstepping? I couldn’t even imagine what the Minister might do if he lost all restraint.
‘Those foolish Asturian folks.’
My mixed feelings slowly transformed into resentment towards the former royal family of the Leon Kingdom, the Asturians.
If only those idiots hadn’t invaded the Empire, if the royal family hadn’t drastically decreased in number, if their lineage hadn’t been severed…I wouldn’t have to send the Minister to the Leon Kingdom. I wouldn’t have to be this cautious.
Thinking of it as the legacy of those little country’s royal family, I boiled over with anger.
‘Can’t even punish what’s already lose.’
I sighed for the umpteenth time as I sat down.
I’d better send the list of worship participants to the pilgrimage group first.
*
With still several weeks left until the year-end worship, I didn’t need to join the pilgrimage group just yet, allowing me to enjoy a relaxed daily life for now.
“Doggie! Let’s go!”
– Woof!
And today, too, the Crown Princess, who rode atop a fluffy pet, was roaming around the imperial palace, drawing smiles from the knights and attendants as they looked on, unable to help themselves. The sight of a pure-hearted puppy and a silver-haired little lady in the palace was one that anyone would find adorable.
“Faster!”
“That’s not allowed.”
Of course, as the Grandfather, I couldn’t let my guard down for a second when it came to the princess’s safety. I had to constantly keep an eye on her a to prevent her tugging the poor pup into a faster run.
“Eek…”
“You shouldn’t do that either.”
Despite my brief conflict at the Crown Princess’s sulky expression, my resolution didn’t waver.
If the Crown Princess were to tumble, I could only imagine how many would weep with bloodshot eyes. As a Grandfather, I absolutely couldn’t allow that to happen.
“Dae-bu, Dae-bu.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“I want a different puppy!”
With the Crown Princess’s swift change of topic, I gently patted the head of the pet she was riding.
It was as if they could recognize the smell of Titi on me, and Titi also caught the scent of these little ones I had just met. Thanks to that, Titi ferociously clung to me, and the next day, those little pups glued themselves to my side too.
“Doggie, why do you like Dae-bu?”
That strange phenomenon was enough to captivate the Crown Princess’s attention, and she asked,
“I’m raising siblings for these pups.”
“What—sibling?”
“Yes, Your Highness, they are this pup’s family.”
“Doggie? New puppy?”
Her eyes sparkled with curiosity towards Titi.
“Look! Dae-bu’s doggy! Look!”
Thanks to this, things flowed toward this point. For the Crown Princess, an animal-loving little lady, the idea of having new animal friends must have been simply fascinating.
“I’ll bring them when the time comes!”
“No! I want to see them now!”
Watching the Crown Princess throwing a fit made me chuckle softly.
Unfortunately, Titi isn’t the type of dog I can just bring over because I want to.
‘Titi is already tied to Pedi’s ownership.’
If I were to put Titi away from Pedi, he would cry his heart out like a baby.
Making my little lady upset by making my own child cry wouldn’t seem right…
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