ALL NOVEL Chapter 81
Chapter 81: Revelation-4
The next day, after the commotion at the temple had roughly settled, Leo and Ain rose early to visit the Holy Emperor.
The paladins and priests continued to debate over Ain, but since even Leonardo had been defeated in a duel with her and the final decision rested with the Holy Emperor, they tacitly decided to let the matter rest for the moment.
“Good morning.”
“Yes, good morning… is it?”
It was currently 4 a.m., a somewhat ambiguous time to call it morning.
“Perhaps it would be more accurate to say good dawn.”
Without blinking an eye, Ain corrected herself. Her eyes, which lacked any vitality, seemed not to need sleep, let alone feel drowsy.
“Before we go…”
After lightly tidying himself, Leo helped straighten Ain’s appearance. He brushed her hair and dusted off her gray robe, arranging it neatly around her.
“Are you alright?”
“In what sense do you mean?”
“…Just overall.”
“There is nothing wrong.”
Leo couldn’t help but smile faintly at her words, uncertain if they were a mechanical response or an attempt to ease his worries.
“…Sometimes, it wouldn’t hurt to express dissatisfaction…”
“Then, about marriage…”
“That’s on hold.”
Leo had tried to explain emotions like love or affection to her, and emphasize relationships like family or children, but things hadn’t gone as he intended.
At this rate, if a marriage ever did happen, he’d probably even provide a dowry and house. He felt like he was becoming a terrible parent the moment his child even mentioned such things.
[Are you putting up a wall even with your kid?]
After getting a good night’s rest, the Sage, seemingly restored, floated nearby in his spirit form. It was endearing to see Ain clenching her fists at the sight of the malevolent spirit.
[Hey, hey, hey, hey!! Stop her! Hold her back…!!]
“Ain, I know that spirit is unpleasant to look at, but for now, let it go.”
“Yes, understood.”
As Ain unclenched her fists, the spirit, whose lifespan had been slightly extended, sighed in relief.
[How did you raise her?!]
Just like the guardian they encountered when they first went to the Sage’s cave, the Sage’s intelligence design for familiars was atrocious.
[They have to be dumb to follow orders properly.]
It was an even worse reason than expected.
“Ain, hit him hard once.”
Unable to bear the Sage’s shameless self-defense any longer, Leonardo gave Ain permission to deliver a blow of justice.
“Yes, Father.”
Thwack!
In all his life, the only other time Leo had ever heard a punch sound like a thwack was from Aria. It seemed you couldn’t deny genetics.
[…You… unfilial… brat…]
“Sir Leo! Lady Ain!”
Leaving behind the tattered spirit from the powerful strike, two angels with beautiful wings approached them. The Saint candidate, Lumine, especially, greeted them with a radiant smile, appearing to have had a refreshing rest. Meanwhile, the angel Angela recoiled the moment she caught sight of Ain’s gaze.
{Lu…! Lumine…!! Destroy that blasphemous and evil being!!}
For a former saint and now an angel, her ability to spew such ugly words after taking just a few hits was a remarkable talent.
“I’m afraid I cannot destroy Lady Ain, as it would go against the decision of both the Magic Tower and the temple, Your Holiness.”
{I don’t think your cheerful smile is very convincing, Brother Lumine.}
“It’s unfortunate that my sincerity isn’t coming through.”
Seeing Lumine like this, one might think he had some human traits after all. At least, he wasn’t malicious enough to ask Ain to hit the Sage a few more times.
“Brother Lumine, if you wish for the temporary annihilation of the angel, feel free to ask.”
Ain’s sweet suggestion caused Lumine’s smile to momentarily freeze. After pondering for only five seconds, Lumine replied.
“…No, it’s fine.”
{Why did you hesitate for a full five seconds?!}
[Why do you think?]
The Sage, partially restored, couldn’t even tell friend from foe and was babbling nonsense.
{You are the root of all evil! Why did you create such a thing…!!}
[Hey…! Don’t hit me where it hurts!! Don’t—ugh…!!]
Normally, they’d be evenly matched, but with his spirit form damaged by Ain’s punch, the Sage had no chance of winning the fight. Now reduced to the Saint’s punching bag, the Sage suffered as Ain looked on and asked:
“Shall I help?”
“There’s no need. Do you want to?”
“No.”
“Then let’s leave it be.”
Lumine nodded as if silently agreeing. The fresh morning scene and the sounds of the early dawn were calming, soothing their minds.
“Well then, let’s go meet the Holy Emperor.”
“Huh? What about Lady Ariasphil?”
“…Considering the temple’s doctrines and regulations, it might be best not to bring her along right now.”
Reflecting on Aria’s reactions so far, the conditions set by the Magic Tower, and the temple’s own doctrines, it was wise to reduce potential variables.
Choosing this early hour was part of that strategy.
And considering the arguments they were about to present, it might be better if Ariasphil didn’t hear them.
“…So says your sister, Aria.”
Suddenly, a chilling sensation swept over him. It wasn’t just because Ain’s words were eerily fitting, but because of the crushing grip on his shoulder, sending waves of pain through his trapezius muscle.
“Good mor…ning…”
When he slowly turned around, there stood the young woman who clearly wanted to be a smiling mother.
“Is it a good morning?”
“…No… a good dawn…”
“What’s so good about it? You’re happy to go without me?”
Crack!
“Aaaargh!!”
A loud cracking sound came from his shoulder. He was sure his bone had fractured. It felt like his muscles were torn as well.
At that moment, Leo was certain. Those two were definitely mother and daughter.
* * *
“Are you alright, Sir Leo?”
“…Yes…”
As Lumine healed his dislocated shoulder with divine magic, Leo finally regained his strength.
“Sister Aria, please calm down. Father didn’t leave you behind because he dislikes you.”
“…”
Aria glanced at Ain, who was nestled in her arm. Even though the expression on the girl’s face was indifferent, perhaps even more so than most humans, it only made her look even more like Leo did in his childhood photos. That resemblance made her all the more adorable and lovable.
“Oh, who could she take after to be so sweet~! It’s alright! It’s alright!! Mommy’s not angry anymore!!”
Unable to resist Ain’s cold, subtle charm, Aria embraced her tightly, rubbing her face and body against her daughter.
“She takes after you, Sister. And also after Father, who will marry you.”
Ain said something astounding with a completely expressionless face, seemingly unaware of the weight of her words.
“Our daughter is so filial! Such a good girl!! I guess I need to become a mother soon!!”
I wish they would consider how embarrassed I feel watching all this. Really, just a little.
“For now… please calm down. I’ll explain everything.”
Even as Leo tried to gently separate Ain from Aria, her soft yet strong grip on Ain’s arms and legs wouldn’t budge.
“Go ahead, explain. Our child is listening.”
[Oh, she’s fully hooked.]
You stay quiet. Even without saying anything, you’re the source of all this trouble.
“It’s perfectly fine for you to feel maternal affection toward Ain, Lady Aria. I feel the same way.”
“…But you’re rejecting the marriage?”
“…But you’re rejecting the marriage, aren’t you?”
Mother and daughter were unbelievably alike, so much so that it was almost endearing, yet also infuriating. Meanwhile, I was the one suffering.
“The problem lies in the fact that the temple’s doctrine denies the acknowledgment of ‘artificially created beings with human-equivalent intelligence.’”
The essence of religion is rooted in ‘human morality.’ At times, the concept of morality is held in higher regard than laws or status, which is why the standing of religion is so high.
And Ain’s existence challenged not just morality, but the very definition of ‘humanity’ itself.
“…However…”
Even Ariasphil could probably grasp the dilemma Ain faced.
If Ain were to be acknowledged as an intelligent lifeform, the Magic Tower would no longer be able to dissect her, but she would instead be hunted down by the Inquisition for heresy at the temple.
On the other hand, if she wasn’t recognized, that would also be a problem. All the defenses they had made so far would become meaningless, and the opposition forces against Ain would gain more power.
“…That’s why it was difficult to ask you, Lady Aria, to come with us while emphasizing your maternal feelings.”
If that happened, Ariasphil’s position as a hero would become unstable, and the conclusions about Ain would be seen as biased and unobjective.
“…”
After a brief moment of thought, Ariasphil finally spoke.
“Dad really loves Ain, huh?”
“…Why do you interpret it that way?”
With a warm smile, Aria looked at Ain and Leo. It wasn’t a cunning or seductive smile, but one of gentle warmth radiating from her.
“Leo always tries to shoulder all the important matters by himself. And he’s always too harsh on himself.”
“That is correct. As expected of Sister Aria.”
When those two said it, it felt different. Maybe that’s how I appeared to them.
“Thank you for that thought. But let’s worry about it together.”
“…I just don’t want to burden you…”
“Let’s worry about it together. Not just for you, but for me as well. Being unable to do anything while knowing there’s something we could do… that’s a bit disheartening.”
…I never expected to be scolded like this by Aria. I, of all people, understood that sentiment best, yet here she was, wanting to share that burden with me.
“…I should reflect on that. You’re absolutely right, Lady Aria.”
“Really? Then if you reflect, we can get married…”
“That’s still on hold.”
At those words, Aria’s expression instantly darkened. So that was her aim from the start.
“…Father, are you impotent or something?”
That pierced deep. It really did. Otherwise, how could it hurt this much?
“No, Ain. Your father is in very good health, in many ways.”
With a meaningful expression and tone, Ariasphil spoke those words with a kind smile.
Though the defense was appreciated, was he the only one who found it hard to respond to such an argument?
“…We’re running late for our appointment. We should probably get going. Considering the Holy Emperor’s character, I don’t think he’ll be too harsh.”
Perhaps finding the mixture of family affection and carnal desires odd, Lumine tried to redirect the situation toward something more sensible.
“You’re right. Let’s go quickly.”
“Yes, Father.”
“Yes, Ain’s daddy.”
Leo could practically hear the sound of all his previous explanations popping like fragile bubbles. It was a shame, but it had been a beautiful moment, so he didn’t say anything.
“What kind of person is the Holy Emperor?”
It seemed Ain was trying to gather some information in preparation, indicating she was thinking ahead.
“Hm… The Holy Emperor is considered quite radical among past Emperors.”
Indeed, the current Holy Emperor, even in his eighties, was part of the progressive faction pushing for religious reform.
He was the one who made proselytizing less compulsory and facilitated religious freedom and conversion.
[Surprising. I thought all clergy were stubborn fools.]
{Are you one to talk?}
Ignoring the sound of another blow being delivered, Leo’s group headed toward the heart of the temple.
“You’ve arrived. Good morning.”
Holy Emperor Pietas Indulgentia greeted them with a gentle smile. Despite his advanced age, he had come out to personally welcome them at the door, showcasing his kindness and thoughtfulness.
“Greetings, Your Holiness.”
“I’ve heard much about you. This must be Lady Ain.”
“Greetings, Your Holiness.”
Ain echoed Leo’s greeting, mimicking his tone, expression, and even the wording perfectly.
“If it’s not too much trouble, may I speak with Lady Ain alone for a moment?”
“…What? But—”
Leo, glancing at the others briefly, turned back to the Holy Emperor and nodded.
“Yes, that’s fine. Is that alright with you, Ain?”
“I have no issue with it.”
Though Ariasphil seemed a bit worried, she knew of the Holy Emperor’s virtuous character. She chose to trust her daughter.
“Then, I’ll be back shortly.”
Ain followed the Holy Emperor into a room where life-and-death matters were to be discussed.
* * *
About 20 minutes later, the door opened.
“The conversation is over.”
“…So soon?”
Leo had expected it to take at least an hour…
“So, what happened…?”
“In my judgment, the conclusion was a positive one.”
It wasn’t just a formal response. For the first time, a hint of emotion appeared on Ain’s usually rigid lips and in her voice.
“The Holy Emperor said he would officiate the wedding. Or, if necessary, he mentioned seeking permission from Brother Lumine, the Saint candidate. There is no need to worry.”
No, seriously.
Why did the whole world seem so determined to get me married?