After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 21
Chapter 21: Evaluation of the Children
The baptism ceremony for the children, which was supposed to take place at the local church, was changed to the central church in the capital. Surprisingly, instead of the priest, the ceremony would be blessed directly by His Eminence, the Cardinal. It seems the pressure from Her Majesty the Queen is at play.
As expected by my father, envoys from the royal palace were dispatched to the baptism venue. Alongside them were eight babies, their mothers who were elder sisters, and apparent heads of each household. Representing our Earl’s family were my mother, father, and older brother, Sieg, and sister-in-law, Liese. Additionally, three appraisers from the “Bloodline Association,” and around twenty individuals dressed as clergy, though it was uncertain if they were priests or priestesses, surrounded the area with a solemn presence.
I used to think that the child’s magical power didn’t matter as long as they were healthy. However, with the extravagant preparations one after another, I started feeling uneasy about having ordinary results. While I don’t really care about my own stud evaluation, if a child without magical power were to be born, it would not only affect my mother, the “Hero,” but also tarnish her reputation. I can only hope for results that would preserve my mother’s honor.
“Now, the servant of God, Magdeburg, presents the first child, Daniela. Bring forth the child whom you entrust with the future.”
Leading the baptism was Daniela-san with the light attribute. Despite being the heir to a viscount household, her social status was low, but it seemed her mother was a clergy member. It’s probably because those affiliated with the church take precedence.
“Goddess who governs the eight attributes, reveal the power of this infant and bless her future.”
With that, His Eminence slowly immersed the baby in the sacred font. When the child’s body was halfway submerged in the water, it happened.
“Oh, this light!”
One of the surrounding clergy exclaimed in surprise. However, most others were left speechless, merely gaping with open mouths at the mysterious spectacle.
Light emanated from the baby held by His Eminence. It was a bright, platinum-colored beam so dazzling that it made me squint my eyes.
“Unmistakably, the light attribute… and without a doubt, it’s an A-class magical power!”
“That’s ridiculous… unless the mother is B-class or higher, and all the mothers gathered this time are either C or D-class… to suddenly produce an A-class child, it’s unbelievable!”
The appraisers from the Bloodline Association seemed excessively excited. I don’t quite understand, so I’ll ask my older brother Sieg.
“I don’t know about this, but is this a rare case?”
“Of course. It’s difficult even for the top stud in the Stud Book, with mothers from families applying for baptism being at C or D-class. When I went through this, there was a commotion with just three B-class births… and the stud fee rose to a staggering hundred gold coins. I can’t even imagine how much your evaluation will be, Lutz.”
Uh-oh. While it might be better to have a higher evaluation than a lower one, I don’t want to stand out in this world. Since my business knowledge from my previous world seems applicable here, my new goal was to obtain a position as a magistrate or assistant in some remote region and live a quiet life. If my stud evaluation rises unexpectedly, I won’t be able to leave the capital.
Well, maybe the first one is just a stroke of luck, like beginner’s luck. Let’s believe that the next one will be a normal child.
The excitement of the clergy over the A-class light attribute hadn’t subsided, but next was Baroness Helmine-san from the baron’s family. She passed a baby with flaxen hair, carefully cradled, to His Eminence. When she turned around and smiled meaningfully at me, my cheeks inexplicably warmed. Right, she was the one who kindly received my “first” in this world.
“Reveal the power of this infant and bless her future!”
Whether the previous excitement lingered or not, His Eminence’s voice seemed more spirited. And from the font…
“Ohhhh!”
“This, this is unmistakably another A-class! Unbelievable!”
Seriously? Indeed, a vividly bright light, almost golden, radiated from the baby’s body.
“Incredible, amazing… my child is like this…”
Helmine-san, still kneeling with her hands clasped, remained in that posture, shedding tears incessantly. As I approached, she suddenly embraced me tightly, squeezing me tightly.
“Lutz-kun, I offer a lifetime of gratitude to you for such a splendid gift! You are the best man!”
Before I knew it, my chest was damp with tears. The soft and tender sensation of Helmine-san’s body felt pleasant, but she showed no sign of letting go. A bit troubled, I sought help from my mother, but she responded with a gesture that seemed to convey a sense of disbelief. Well, I don’t think the current situation is entirely my fault.