Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
54. The Struggle
The crown prince Alexis went to the audience chamber upon being urgently summoned by a messenger from the royal guard.
After a short time, he left the room, his face betraying an anger he couldn’t contain.
His chamberlain watched him with a concerned look.
The king’s urgent matters involved breaking off his engagement with his current fiancé, Amanda Aime Beresford, and marrying a princess from another country, who wanted a relationship with the majesty of the holy sword.*
Clenching his fists until they turned white, he quickly left the chamber.
—It’s likely that the Duke of Ziemeld has whispered something in his ear. The Beresford family must have gotten in the way…
Amanda’s family, the Beresfords, led the largest faction in the kingdom’s defense, protecting the borders of the central and southern parts of the country. Even during the subjugation of the undead, a monstrous threat from the north, they had also been unsung heroes working to deter invasions from other countries and bandits.
—I relied too much on Amanda… But even so, for now.
The timing of this issue being raised now surely has some connection to the matter of Flora Cadira. Conversely, it suggests there’s something inconvenient that they wish to avoid. The face of the one girl he trusted the most, whom he has deemed irreplaceable, flickered before his eyes.
“Send a message to the Beresford family. Tell the Marquis I wish to speak with him. Also, summon a lower-ranking knight named Kevin. There’s something I’d like to ask of him.”
For Alexis, who found himself in a weak position due to a stupid scandal, there were not many cards left to play. Yet, he couldn’t just ignore the uneasy feeling of impending doom he felt.
“The Ziemeld family is definitely up to something…. For them, father must be so easy to manipulate.”
Once back in his chamber, he muttered to himself.
His father, the current king, had hidden a long-held inferiority complex about his mediocrity as a ruler. Ironically, even his own son believed that he was not capable of handling anything significant.
Even though he may have been called mediocre in the past, he had a gentle personality that made one think that he would never have become a foolish king in times of peace.
—The holy sword, and unexpected power, are troublesome. To those with weak hearts, excessive power can become poison.*unprecedented*A holy sword is a tricky thing, an unwanted power. To the weak-minded, too much power can be poison.
Crown Prince Alexis gazed out the window and let out a long sigh.
There were many things he wanted to protect. Regardless of how trivial they were, he couldn’t bring himself to give up, and all he could think about was struggling to hold on.
◆◆◆
Emily sneaks out of her room and runs to the cathedral.
She was already aware that her purpose was no longer solely to pray.
She had been staying holed up in her room, claiming to be unwell, but the thought of receiving visits from Elliot and the other senior knights was terrifying.
What had they thought of her actions at the subjugation site? She had always been selfless, but that was the first time they had seen her retreat, and she could only imagine how disconcerting it must have seemed to them.
She wasn’t so foolish as to not be able to comprehend this. Yet, because of it, her fear only continued to build within her.
–Even if they notice and ask, I won’t be able to answer. I also don’t know why…
If only she could blame someone else for her losing her powers. Such thoughts crossed her mind.
–It’s not my fault. I’ve never said that I was a saint. It was the people around me who raised me up. …Why do I have to suffer like this now?
As these thoughts swirled in her head, she clasped her trembling hands and took a prayerful posture. If she did that, at the very least, no one would disturb Emily. No one would utter any doubts.
The heavy doors of the chapel slid open, and she felt someone enter. She closed her eyes and held her breath.
“Saint, you’re praying again today. As expected, you are so devoted.”
Upon hearing that calm, familiar voice, she opened her eyes and lifted her gaze.
“Oh… Lord Dylan…”
Looking up, she saw a young and handsome man, still looking youthful and beautiful at the age of thirty. Dylan Agreas Ziemeld’s expression was warm and devoid of any shadows. Emily relaxed her shoulders, feeling somewhat relieved.
Agreas then moved his gaze to the goddess statue and muttered something as if to himself.
“The power of the magic used by priests and what the saint’s prayers bring forth are two different things. Otherwise, it would be strange if all the renowned priests weren’t called saints or saintesses. That is why your prayers are special.”
His words sounded like both comfort and encouragement directed at Emily in her current state of distress. She felt her cheeks flush slightly as she looked up at Agreas.
“So… that means my prayers won’t be in vain… right?”
Although there was no way he could’ve possibly known about Emily’s situation, his words still felt like a solace to her. The beautiful man turned back to her offered a smile, and she gazed at him, her eyes seeking refuge.
—That’s right. Everyone said I was the one who bestowed the holy sword…
Grasping at her last hope, Emily once again took on a praying position.