“Impossible!?”
When I explained that by obtaining the Divine Light Stone and placing it in the temple under construction in the Bard domain, a miracle would occur for the followers of Deuro, Lord Dardale’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Th-That Divine Light Stone…?”
“I am the one who is keeping it. Since it cannot be taken out except in the temple, I will personally place it in the temple under construction.”
I heard a loud gulp as he swallowed nervously.
“So, you mean you can’t show us the Divine Light Stone that Deuro-sama bestowed upon Toma here?”
“Yes. It is a sacred item. It can only be revealed in Deuro-sama’s temple.”
“Mm. Then, it seems we must place it in the temple as soon as possible.”
“Yes.”
At that, my grandfather and I stared at Lord Dardale. He hasn’t revived yet. Is he still breathing? He’s not dead, right? He’s quite elderly… He isn’t having a shock-induced death, is he?
“I-I’m terribly sorry. It was such a great matter that I got a little confused.”
“While you’re at it, may I ask one thing?”
“W-What is it?”
“The temple under construction, when placing the Divine Light Stone, there is something that must absolutely be protected.”
“…I will listen.”
“The Divine Light Stone was formed by Deuro-sama’s divine power. I believe it would be wrong to enshrine it alongside other gods.”
“…So you are saying that the temple in the Bard domain should be dedicated solely to Deuro-sama, is that right?”
“Yes. Otherwise, I will have to build a temple myself to enshrine the Divine Light Stone.”
If the temple is going to enshrine gods other than Deuro-sama, I’ll build one myself. If it comes to that, I’ll have to sever ties with the Nirgniido faith, but that’s fine.
No matter how thorny the path may be, I will make the religion that worships Deuro-sama the state religion of this country!
“If it is a temple to Deuro-sama, our house will also work diligently on its construction.”
“Thank you, Grandpa.”
The very fact that those traitorous divine messengers are enshrined alongside Deuro-sama is unbearable. If possible, I’d like to destroy all their statues.
“I understand. I will submit this to His Holiness the Pope immediately.”
I had faith that Lord Dardale would say that.
“Thank you.”
In October, the academy’s year-end exams were held.
Students who were taking elective courses had exams over three days, but since I only took the basic subjects—language, arithmetic, and kingdom history—the exam for me was completed in one day.
I left the academy early and spent time playing with Siegward and Elze at home.
Siegward has gotten quite good at running. He still trips sometimes, but he’s growing into a boy who holds back tears even when he falls.
Elze has entered her fifth month and is growing quickly, drinking lots of milk.
Yes, both of them are so cute!
“Nee-nee, pick me up.”
“Okay. Wait a moment.”
I handed Elze back to her mother after holding her, then picked up Siegward.
“You’ve gotten heavy!”
When I give him a “high-high,” Siegward is so happy.
“Toma, when the holidays start, we will return to Ashwood.”
“Yes. I’m sure Father will be lonely, so please be sure to spend time with him.”
“Oh, Toma, you’re so sweet.”
Once the exam results are out, I’ll be on break. The break lasts until January 12th of the next year.
During this break, I plan to return to Ashwood and then head to Bard.
The temple under construction in Bard will now only enshrine Deuro-sama.
Since we need to choose the head priest for the temple, I will have to visit the headquarters before returning to Ashwood.
The results of the year-end exams were released. I had perfect scores in all three basic subjects.
Although the top 100 students’ results were published, I wasn’t among them. After all, I only took three subjects.
Only students who took five or more subjects have their results announced, and their rank is determined by the average score. Some students take five subjects, while others take seven. So, the rank is decided by the average, not the total score.
And the top student was Reinhardt-kun. The shining prince was also excellent in his grades. His looks and his grades were both top-notch, it’s so enviable.
“Lady Rena came in second.”
I met Lady Rena at the board where the rankings were posted. My name wasn’t there, but I decided to stop and look at the names for first and second place. A few seconds later, Lady Rena appeared and stood next to me.
“Both Reinhardt-sama and I believe that Toma-sama should have been first.”
I stared at her a little, unsure of what she was saying. She had flawless, beautiful skin. Lady Rena will definitely grow into a stunning woman.
“Our swords must seem like child’s play to you, Toma-sama.”
“That’s not true.”
“Toma-sama and we have an unbridgeable gap.”
“I think it’s just a difference in level.”
If we were on the same level, Reinhardt-kun and Lady Rena might actually be stronger because their abilities are more focused on combat.
Reinhardt-kun is a Rank S Thunder Hero, and Lady Rena is a Rank A Gale Swordswoman.
I don’t specialize in combat. My abilities are more supportive, so I’m naturally a bit weaker compared to pure combat roles.
However, my rank is five levels higher than theirs, so I do have an advantage in terms of raw power.
Still, strength isn’t determined solely by abilities. I was reminded of that not long ago.
Compared to Bishunou, my stats were higher, but I couldn’t land a hit on him. Abilities are important, but a well-suited skill set for battle is far more important. I’ve come to realize that.
“I will do my best to catch up to Toma-sama’s level.”
“What will you do during the long holiday, Lady Rena?”
“I plan to return to my domain.”
“The Noibert Marquis’ domain is quite far from the royal capital, right?”
“Yes, we will sail down the River Leiber, then head out to the sea and head for the Balken Peninsula. If everything goes smoothly, it will take about ten days from the royal capital.”
From the royal capital to Axel domain, it takes four days; to Ashwood, five days; and to Bard, another five days. Ten days seems quite far.
I have to go out to sea and head further north too.
Wait, if it’s north, it’s the northern country, right? I wonder if it snows.
“Um, does snow fall in Lady Rena’s domain?”
“Yes, it piles up to about my height.”
Skiing is possible!
I’ve always dreamed of skiing or snowboarding in my previous life. I’d love to visit a northern country once in winter.
“I’d like to go someday.”
“Really? You must come for sure when you can!”
Why is she so eager?
“When the time comes, I’ll be sure to visit.”
“I look forward to it. Ufufufu.”
Yes, I suppose so…
