Ch.251Summer Break Again (3)

As I imagined Adelia in a maid outfit, I entered the territory and could see with my own eyes how much had changed.

Even before the semester started, our territory was already developing rapidly, but now it had grown so much that it could be called a “city.”

In particular, not only were there humans who had come from the Empire of Minerva for support, but demons were frequently seen as well. I heard they had been sent from Helium as a diplomatic gesture.

It makes sense that Helium would dispatch personnel, considering this is Xenon’s birthplace and where an exhibition will be held annually.

Since demons are as skilled with their hands as dwarves and use magic like tools, the speed at which buildings were being constructed was extraordinary.

To exaggerate slightly, it was like watching workers in a game I enjoyed in my previous life, building things in the blink of an eye.

“Excuse me. May I ask how this works?”

“Oh, this? Well, it’s like this…”

That’s not to say humans look up to demons. Humans have established civilization second only to elves.

Even without being able to use magic, their architectural techniques developed over centuries are just as excellent as anyone else’s.

You need look no further than the imperial palace of the Empire of Minerva and the sight of its capital. Humans may be inferior in magical and physical abilities, but they’ve built a valuable civilization.

As a result, humans are actually ahead in “technology” apart from magic. It feels strange to see demon supervisors learning know-how from humans.

‘But is putting a pen behind your ear universal across all times and places?’

Regardless of whether they’re human or demon, all the supervisors have pens tucked behind their ears. And they’re not even quill pens but the magic pens I use.

It seems the demons gifted them as replacements for quill pens. Though it seems simple, it serves well as evidence of harmony.

Just a few years ago, humans who despised demons are now building structures together in our territory. I can really feel how the Biography of Xenon has changed the world.

Moreover, until just a year ago, demons were merely guests at the exhibition. I remember meeting a demon who was dating a human woman, and Cecilly was impressed by that sight.

Back to the present, they’re now working together to build a cultural city. The very fact that demons are collaborating with other races shows how the world is changing.

“This wasn’t like this before the semester started. The exhibition’s influence must be tremendous.”

“Indeed.”

Adelia seemed to share my feelings as she looked around the territory with curious eyes.

A cultural city is closer to a tourist destination. In particular, secondary creations based on the Biography of Xenon were placed throughout the streets, providing various sights to see.

For artists who value honor, the more people who see their work, the better. Therefore, the Mayshall territory is like a blue ocean for artists.

The Mayshall territory also benefits from having more tourists and residents thanks to the artists, so they help each other.

“…So the temple is here.”

“It looks similar to the one in the capital.”

Finally, the temple. As reported in the newspaper, a massive temple stood majestically in the center of the territory.

It boasted an overwhelming presence like the Church of Luminus in the capital, and being prominently established in the center of the territory, it was impossible to miss.

Our territory was fortunate to have been just empty fields in the countryside; in any other city, there wouldn’t have been space to build a temple, so I’m not sure if it’s lucky or not.

‘Then across from it is…’

I shifted my gaze to the empty space across from the Church of Luminus. Temples, by their nature, have regulations that prohibit shops or ordinary buildings from being built nearby.

If Luminus were to descend upon the newly established temple, the holy power would spread to the surroundings, and other buildings would absorb that holy power.

Besides, who would dare to build next to a temple that exudes such grandeur and solemnity?

However, across from the Church of Luminus, the basic framework for construction was steadily accumulating. Of course…

“Is that where the temple of Mora will be built?”

“Probably?”

“Amazing. Twin deity temples in one territory. It really shows how the Empire of Minerva is deliberately supporting this.”

As Adelia said, a temple for Mora is planned to be built opposite the Church of Luminus. Naturally, it’s supported by Helium, and they seem to have temporarily halted construction with the exhibition approaching soon.

Even for demons, completing a temple within a week would be too much. They wouldn’t tolerate rushing the construction of a building dedicated to their deity.

So they’ll enjoy the exhibition now and resume construction after it’s over. It will probably be completed during the vacation period.

“So our little cutie will rule over a territory with temples to both Luminus and Mora?”

“That’s uncertain. My brother might inherit the family headship. He said he’d stick with the military, but you never know about these things. He might take over after he’s discharged.”

Traditionally, the family head can decide who inherits the position, but it’s implicitly understood that the eldest son succeeds.

The eldest son is the oldest and has experienced various matters by his father’s side, so he’s thought to have more wisdom.

Occasionally, the eldest daughter or second son inherits the position, but it’s not common. Noble women usually get married, and second sons typically have their own paths.

Of course, this would change if I revealed my identity. Without a doubt, Father would appoint me as the family head, and Dave would agree.

Perhaps influenced by Father, everyone in our family except Mother dislikes politics. They’d probably all be happy to pass it on.

“Besides, my dream is to be a historian, so I’d prefer to take over as late as possible. I want to travel the world first.”

“Hmm… if that’s how you feel, there’s nothing to be done. The Baron would be a bit sad to hear that.”

“It’s better for Father to handle things now, isn’t it? He was a Knight Commander, so he must have plenty of political acumen.”

Though the Navy Knights are said to focus on combat like a special forces unit, Father rose to the position of Commander.

To compare it to my previous life, he’s not just a captain but a colonel, and one who fights on the front lines.

You know, like those crazy colonels who refuse promotions because they prefer being field commanders. That’s roughly his position.

It’s nonsensical to say such a person lacks political skills. Supply lines could be cut off from above at any moment, so political acumen isn’t optional but essential.

This is probably why Father dislikes politics. Especially in his generation, with barbaric beastmen running rampant, supplies were essential and manpower was scarce.

“So for now, Father will continue to handle it. What would I do? I don’t know about economics, and Father would be much better at meeting with superiors.”

“That’s true.”

Chatting about various things, we passed through the bustling territory and headed toward the mansion. Along the way, some residents recognized me and greeted me warmly.

I also smiled and greeted them kindly. Occasionally, mischievous children would run up, but their parents would firmly stop them.

As more people gathered, Adelia briefly stopped talking and went on alert. She was even prepared to draw her sword if necessary.

There was no need to be on guard since the people in our territory were all kind-hearted, but I appreciated her dedication to her duty and let her be.

Eventually, we passed through the busy town and arrived at the mansion’s main gate. The guards at the gate briefly greeted me when they saw my face and opened the gate.

As I always feel, there’s nothing as refreshing and pleasant as coming home. Every time I return, my family welcomes me with bright smiles.

The true identity of “home” is something only those who have been separated from their families can feel. There’s a reason people who live away from their families get homesick.

‘I can’t wait to see them.’

Additionally, a new family member had been born, which filled me with anticipation. Mother’s letter described a small, lovely little sister with red hair and golden eyes like Father.

Moreover, though it’s far in the future, Lilly is destined to grow into a very beautiful and charming woman. When Mora playfully reversed my gender last time, she said it was very similar to that.

Honestly, by this world’s standards, she’s more like a daughter than a little sister. If I were to take Lilly outside, people would think we were father and daughter.

But as long as she’s cute, that’s all that matters. With anticipation, I passed through the wide-open main gate. I didn’t forget to leave words of encouragement to the guards as I passed.

After opening the mansion door and entering, a face I had been longing to see came into view.

“Welcome home, Issac.”

My mother, Annah, who radiated beauty no less than a maiden despite being over forty, welcomed me with a gentle smile.

Seeing her welcome me as soon as I opened the door, she must have heard about my arrival in advance.

I was happy to see her, but my attention was quickly drawn to the bundle she was holding in her arms.

Something was wriggling inside, and Mother was holding it comfortably in a familiar posture.

“Hello, Mother. Is that perhaps…”

“Hehe.”

When I asked cautiously, Mother smiled softly and slowly approached me. I also approached with anticipation.

Adelia, who was beside me, followed with a curious expression. Then Mother carefully extended the bundle she had been holding.

And inside was…

“Woo-woo.”

My newly born family member and little sister, Lilly, with her golden eyes wide open.

Though only two months old, she was already exuding an indescribable charm with her abundant red hair and large eyes.

Cuteness. Adorableness. And lastly, a lovableness that made my heart melt.

Just looking at her made me smile brightly.

*Suck* *Suck*

Lilly looked back and forth between me and Adelia, then started sucking on her fingers. They say babies at two months suck their fingers like that, and it seems to be true.

How can she be so cute? They say a promising tree shows from its sprout, and Lilly’s beauty is just like that.

“She still can’t hold her head up by herself?”

“Not yet. But she’s trying hard, so she probably won’t need support soon.”

“Kyaa~”

While Mother and I were talking, Lilly babbled and smiled broadly. Not just me, but Adelia also smiled in response.

Ah, so this is what it feels like to be healed. I almost touched Lilly’s face without washing my hands but stopped myself just in time.

I should wash my hands first. And while I’m at it, I should also greet Father, who’s probably in his study.

“I’ll go wash my hands first.”

“Alright. I’ll wait for you in the room. Lady Cross, please change your clothes as well.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“Awoo.”

Before leaving, I didn’t forget to look at Lilly, who was babbling. No, I looked two, three times before I could finally step away.

I want to stroke those chubby cheeks as soon as possible, touch those tiny hands. Of course, I want to hold that small body.

Above all, what I want to do most is extend my index finger. Specifically, I want Lilly to grab my index finger.

How wonderful would it be if Lilly grabbed my finger with her tiny hand? I can imagine what my face would look like without looking in a mirror. It would definitely melt.

Actually, it was a wish I had always wanted to fulfill if I ever had a niece or nephew. In my previous life, I was an only child with no relatives, so I couldn’t fulfill it, but now I can after being reborn.

After parting ways with Adelia, I was heading to my bedroom to wash my hands with a big smile when…

“Oh?”

“Ah.”

I encountered an unexpected person. The cause of the Church of Luminus being built in our territory, Cardinal Kate.

She was wearing her distinctive tight white nun’s habit instead of armor. Her figure was already outstanding, making it hard to know where to look, and now she was emitting a strange aura unlike before.

Additionally, there was the scent of lilac that hit my nose. I had become accustomed to the lilac scent from my own body, but not from Kate.

Originally, she didn’t have a lilac scent. But after being apart for just a few months, she was now emitting a strong fragrance.

What on earth happened during that time? Along with this, she was also emitting a holy aura, which made me feel slightly dazed just by encountering her.

“Hello, Lord Issac. It’s been a while.”

In the meantime, Kate made the sign of the cross, bowed her head, and greeted me warmly. In response to her greeting, I hurriedly collected myself and awkwardly greeted her back.

“Ah, yes. Hello, Kate. It’s been a while. Have you been well?”

“I’ve been well thanks to Luminus’s blessing and your existence.”

“…”

Her fanatical aspect was always there, but I don’t understand what she means by the latter part. What does my existence have to do with anything?

I blinked my eyes with that meaning, and Kate opened her mouth with a benevolent smile.

“Thanks to the advice you gave me, I was able to eradicate all the parasites that had settled in Sabre. Thank you very much.”

“No, well…”

Is she talking about the spoiler incident? I turned my gaze and scratched the back of my neck. I don’t have much to say about that.

I had already received confirmation through Luminus, and if the book had been published, they would have definitely infiltrated.

So I didn’t tell her directly but used a proverb from my previous life to give her a hint. Kate figured out the meaning of the proverb on her own and solved it herself.

Anyway, let’s move on from this. Kate’s gaze is a bit burdensome, but resolving my curiosity takes priority.

“By the way, why are you in our mansion, Kate?”

“Baron Mayshall showed his sincerity. He said I could stay in the mansion for the time being.”

“I see.”

Well, after erecting a temple, showing this much sincerity is basic.

“So, are you also participating in the exhibition?”

“Yes. So that this holy land is not defiled by devil worshippers who deserve to be chewed up and spat out, I will pray to Luminus to bless this entire land. Then the holy festival will proceed more safely.”

“…”

A response that contains both Kate’s extremism and fanaticism. I barely managed to collect myself after almost becoming dizzy from hearing that.

Anyway, if a blessing is bestowed as she says, the exhibition will proceed much more safely. I don’t know what misconception she has, but I don’t know what that misconception is, so I’ll just let it pass.

I’d like to talk more with Kate, but Lilly is my priority right now. So I ended the conversation and bowed to her.

“Then I hope it will be an enjoyable exhibition. I have some urgent business, so I’ll go ahead.”

“Understood. I am ready whenever you need me, so please visit me whenever you have time.”

She made the sign of the cross once more and spoke to me with reverence.

“O light that will save the world.”

“…”

What kind of misconception does she have?