After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 38
Chapter 38: His Eminence the Cardinal
Although there was a slight hiccup due to unnecessary trouble, Queen Elizabeth, as planned, announced the commencement.
“I appreciate you all gathering amidst your busy schedules. Tonight, we celebrate the sixteenth birthday of my second daughter, Beatrice. I hope everyone enjoys food, drink, and dancing to the fullest.”
A sigh, as if to express relief, escaped from the audience. It seems that Queen Elizabeth usually only gives short greetings and then proceeds with unrestrained revelry. It’s a generous and good thing, but today, contrary to the expectations of the nobles, the queen’s speech continues a bit longer.
“Just now, it seems there was someone quite unsightly. It appears they had some dissatisfaction regarding Beatrice’s engagement. It seems necessary to explain this to everyone here.”
The murmurs that had started among the nobles fell silent. For the high-ranking nobles who are absorbed in power struggles, this is probably their greatest concern.
“First, let me make a declaration. I, Queen Elizabeth, designate my successor as my second daughter, Beatrice, and grant her the title of Crown Princess.”
A surprised voice rises from the nobles. While the Belsenbrück royal family does not follow primogeniture, it is still surprising that Beatrice is chosen as the successor, bypassing her elder sister Clara.
“Don’t worry. Beatrice possesses the qualities to be a queen. Additionally, I declare that, as Beatrice’s spouse, we have decided to welcome Count Freudenshtat’s fourth son, Ludwig, into our family and have entered into an engagement.”
This time, a clear murmur of discontent spreads. Understandable. While I’m not interested, when it comes to Beat’s future husband, he is the next king consort. Despite numerous duke and marquis families openly aiming for that position, a lower-ranking, and even an unknown fourth son, casually snatched the seat.
“I understand your reactions, but I have no intention of changing this thought. It’s because this young man, who is to become the royal spouse, possesses a power akin to that of a god.”
“Your Majesty! With due respect, I cannot believe such a story. There’s no way that a man has an ability that contributes to the kingdom’s development. Are you not trying to deceive us by welcoming the man chosen by the princess to deceive us? If you insist it’s not a lie, I demand an explanation of this ‘god-like power’!”
This time, a clear disagreement is voiced by the nobles. Moreover, it’s quite a disrespectful expression directed at the king. Ah, I know that lady’s face. It’s the Duchess of Oldenburg… the mother of the girl who confronted me at my sister’s graduation party, Constance. Since that time, she probably views me as her enemy. She likely intends to use this seemingly strange engagement to once again tarnish the Freudenshtat family.
“There’s no need for such a shrill voice. However, at this rate, even if I explain, it seems unlikely that you all will be convinced. Well then, summon His Eminence the Cardinal.”
Maintaining a solemn expression, the queen briefly lifts the corner of her mouth towards me. Ah, please stop escalating things like this.
—
The entrance of His Eminence the Cardinal was surprisingly prompt. Queen Elizabeth must have anticipated this situation and prepared thoroughly.
Even the Duchess of Oldenburg, in secular terms, bows deeply. Although not involved in secular power, the authority of the church is greater than that of the royal family.
“Cough. What is the reason for this summons, Your Eminence?”
“We are doubting the power of this boy, Lutz, Your Eminence. We request an explanation.”
“Oh, this young man… He is truly a man loved by God.”
“What do you mean! What has this child done!”
The Duchess of Oldenburg shouts desperately, but His Eminence the Cardinal responds with a warm smile.
“Well, this boy possesses the ‘Seed of God’.”
“The Seed of God?””I’ve never heard of such a thing.””What on earth is that?”
Nobles voice their questions one after another, but His Eminence raises his right hand to silence them.
“All the children born through his ‘baptism’ are girls, and they all inherit the same magic attribute as their mothers. Furthermore, their magical power is all Class A. Has there ever been such a miraculous seeding incident in the history of the kingdom?”
Chapter 38: His Eminence the Cardinal
The unprecedented revelation about the seeding achievement left the venue in an eerie silence. However, there is always someone in the crowd who doesn’t read the atmosphere. In this case, it was the Duchess of Oldenburg.
“W-What… The baptism partner should be at most Class C or D… To grant Class A girls to them… Impossible!”
“I see, you doubt this young man who serves God.”
“No, it’s not like that…”
“It can’t be helped. You are from Oldenburg. Therefore, your family is allowed to stay away from the church for a while. After all, if you cannot believe in me, the representative of the clergy…”
Despite the ongoing warm smile from His Eminence the Cardinal, the face of the Oldenburg lady froze instantly.
“N-No, t-that’s… Could it be…”
“No ‘could it be’ about it. In the world, this is called excommunication.”
“W-What… What have I done!”
Well, she’s done quite a lot. It’s just that she didn’t realize it, and that’s why things turned out like this.
In this world, being excommunicated by the church is akin to being told to die. Weddings, funerals, baptisms for children—all the essential ceremonies in life are orchestrated by the church. Losing the ability to conduct any of these means losing the trust and dependence of the common people, who believe in and rely on the church more than the noble lords. It’s only natural for the excommunicated lord to be abandoned by the people.
Despite the Oldenburg lady’s fuss, she was eventually escorted away by the guards. Well, strong survive.