Chapter 86 – Date
When Ares was about to head back to the Schwarzer territory, Princess Cornelia sent him a message .
There was not much detail other than she wanted to meet him . So after giving instructions to the servants, Ares headed to the appointed place .
And that place was… the church in the southern district .
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[This is… surprising . I didn’t think that you’d want to meet up here of all places…]
Ares talked to a hooded woman next to him in a somewhat amazed tone as they walked together along the main street south .
The street was filled with people walking to and fro, as well as stalls .
[Fufufu, my elder sister often reprimanded me because of this… but I would sneak out like this once every week . Staying at the Imperial Palace can be suffocating sometimes . ]
The hooded woman, Cornelia chuckled after saying so .
Ares was confused at first when he received Cornelia’s letter last night .
The letter said:
〈Please come meet me in the morning on your own . Don’t bring anyone else . 〉
In addition to that, the meeting place was at the southern district where most commoners are gathered . Therefore, a lot of churches were built in this district .
What does she want? Ares couldn’t help but think about that along the way .
The day was still early, so the traffic was a bit lighter than normal . The church stood there with dignified air .
As Ares observed the church…
[Good morning, Ares-sama . Thank you for coming]
Someone greeted him .
Following the voice, Ares saw a hooded woman nearby stood up .
[Could it be…]
In response to Ares’ muttering, the woman lowered her hood a bit .
[Y…Your Highness!? Here all by yourself…?]
[Shuーーsh!]
Cornelia’s eyes gleamed with mischief as she silenced Ares .
[By the way, Ares-sama, have you had breakfast yet?]
[No, I haven’t… I headed out very early in the morning after all . ]
[It is good that I came prepared then]
Saying so, Cornelia opened a small packet she’s been carrying .
[I have made this for breakfast . Would you like to sit on that bench as we eat it?]
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Ares and Cornelia sat on one of the benches by the streetside as they began eating the sandwiches Cornelia had made .
Also spending time by having some casual talk .
Ares was already amazed earlier .
He never expected that the princess would go to such a place alone .
Let alone the same princess to prepare a meal by herself .
When Ares expressed all that, Cornelia merely chuckled .
[My mother was originally a priestess working for the church . That was until she met Esteemed Father . They both loved each other . But my mother didn’t let His Majesty knew that she had given birth to me, so I spent the first 10 years of my life by living in the church . ]
Ares was surprised by this revelation . But Cornelia wasn’t finished yet .
[When I was about to be 10 years old… my mother died from an epidemic . Before she died, she told me and the others of my real identity . The people from the church soon brought me to His Majesty…and He… immediately recognized me and even declared me as the fourth princess . ]
Cornelia had a slightly saddened face .
[That is why instead of eating fine cuisine inside a luxurious mansion, I prefer eating outside like this . ]
Then she looked at Ares with a worried look .
[…do you think it is weird… for me to act like that as a princess?]
[No . ]
Ares replied after he finished one sandwich that he was chewing with his mouth . .
[Not at all . I honestly like you even better this way . ]
Hearing that answer, Cornelia laughed .
[Really just as the report says . ]
[Report?]
[En . After my elder sister introduced us, I took the initiative to do some investigation . ]
After Silvia introduced Cornelia to Ares, Cornelia quickly investigated just what kind of man Ares is . The result… was beyond her expectations .
[I was surprised when I heard that you were involved with the many changes in the western district . Even living alongside the people there as a bouncer for a time . ]
Ares was surprised that the Empire’s information network could glean that much .
[In the Schwarzer territory, you spent time together with the soldiers and enjoyed buying and eating snacks sold in the street food stalls… there are certainly many interesting stories about you . ]
[…nothing less from the Empire’s information network . ]
[Pardon me if that makes you feel uncomfortable . But… we would be walking alongside each other from now on, so I would like to know more about you . ]
Having said so, Cornelia stared at Ares with a serious look .
[Everytime I found out things about you, I would only feel that I want to know even more . At the same time, I hope that you also come to know more about me . Everyone else who are engaged to Ares-sama have shared somehistory with you… but that is not the case with me . ]
[… . hnn? No, but…]
[Fufufu, did I sound a bit pushy just now?]
Cornelia resumed after a short chuckle .
[But that is my real intention . I wish to close the gap even a little before our marriage arrives . So today… I want to spend time with you as my true self]
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After finishing the meal, the two changed locations according to Cornelia’s direction . And their next destination was…
(eh? Isn’t this the church where Cecil works?)
[Bishop Griffith, good morning . ]
[Cornelisama, you arrive earlier than usual today . And this man with you is… eh? Ares-sama?]
[……… . . Cecil, do you two know each other?]
[Yes, since a long time ago actually . ]
Cecil showed a refreshing smile .
[I was raised by Cornelisama’s mother . She’s pretty much my benefactor . But well, when I heard that Cornelisama is engaged to Ares-sama, I was… pleasantly surprised] .
[When my mother passed away, it was Bishop Griffith who helped me]
Cornelia quietly smiled .
[I was there when Cornelisama’s mother revealed that she was of the Imperial bloodline… I feared that she would be used for bad things if the news were to spread further, but thankfully it worked out somehow . ]
[…how come you never told me about this before?]
[Doesn’t Ares-sama also have many things that he never told me? I’m just returning the favor . ]
After saying so, Cecil turned to Cornelia .
[Well then, Cornelisama . What brings you here today…?]
[The usual thing . ]
[Of course . Ares-sama doesn’t know about it yet though…]
Thus Cecil turned to Ares and said .
[From here on out, Ares-sama will surely be surprised . Seeing the real Cornelisama… ]
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Cecil took Ares to a balcony where they could oversee the church hall from above .
[Ares-sama will just be a hindrance if you are down there . So please watch from here instead . ]
[… . you really have to be so frank, huh…]
Ares chuckled .
Downstairs, many people had lined up to receive help from the priests .
Some of them were suffering from disease, while others were gravely injured… some were the poor folks who couldn’t afford regular medication, while the remaining were demihumans . ]
[Ooh, the Saintess is visiting today!]
[Saintess-sama!]
[Saintess-sama is here!]
Ares was both perplexed… and fascinated by the scene happening below .
[Cornelisama?]
Cornelia, who was wearing a pure white robe was standing there .
Many people gathered around Cornelia . After speaking to each one of them… Cornelia raised her hand over them .
[By the Goddess’ will… may your pain be relieved…]
Then… a brilliant spark enveloped the hall .
(This is… a holy art?)
Ares wondered while narrowing his eyes .
(Oioi… a holy art this powerful, how come I’ve never seen it before!?)
Following that, those present… slowly had color return to their previously pale faces .
[Wow, my body feels lighter!]
[Me too… I feel like my condition is recovering!]
[Saintess-sama! Thank you very much!]
Hearing those grateful cheers made Cornelia smile . She then started speaking once more .
Her voice was not loud . But everyone ceased their shouting, seemingly desperate to listen to her .
[My holy art merely brought your inner strength out . If you are seriously ill, please follow the instructions of the doctor over there . As for the lighter one, my『Healing』and『Detoxify』should be enough to alleviate it to a certain extent . Please return home and have some rest . ]
After the voice ceased, the crowd started to disperse . But before leaving, they didn’t forget to bow deeply toward Cornelia . Some were in tears, and some others muttered silent “thank you” repeatedly… their reactions were varied .
Ares was too surprised… that he was loss for words up until now .
[To possess such a powerful holy art… she’s truly a member of the Royal Clan… ]
[Not many possess such an art in the church as well . ]
Cecil was in agreement with Ares .
Holy arts consist of three separate arts .
『Healing』,『Detoxify』, and『Dispel』 .
『Healing』stimulates the natural regeneration of one’s body . It could heal wounds and increase resistance to disease .
『Detoxify』removes poison and bacteria from one’s body .
While『Dispel』neutralizes the effect of magic power .
Of course, it’s not an answer to everything . It could not remedy serious and complicated illnesses and may even worsen it instead . Therefore, several doctors also work in the church .
But it’s still very effective for wounds and common physical injuries . Usually the art is used alongside regular medication .
[Cornelisama is also well versed in medicinal knowledge . So she could treat people more efficiently . ]
Cecil chuckled afterward .
[Only me, His Majesty, and the higher ups at the central church know about this . Even the people downstairs and those working in this church does not know her true identity . ]
[But… this kind of power . If the central church make a move against her…]
[No, they couldn’t . Because she’s a genuine member of the Royal clan, the church won’t make any direct move against her . But they could still do something secretly . Therefore, having her sent to Grants… seems like the best course of action]
After saying that, Cecil bowed to Ares .
[Cornelisama’s mother is my benefactor… to see her finds happiness is my greatest wish… and for that, I leave Cornelisama in your care, Ares-sama . ]
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Ares and Cornelia left the church sometime after, walking side by side in leisure .
[Back at the Imperial Academy days, there was a place I regularly visit… I’ll take you there later in the afternoon . ]
Ares took Cornelia to the food stalls and restaurant he often visited during his days as a student .
As they shared stories, both good and bad… the distance between the two slowly but surely shrunk .
And finally at dusk, it’s time for them to part .
Ares had brought Cornelia to one of his favorite places to spend time on . A hill with an overlooking view of the Royal Capital .
[So there is actually such a place in the Royal Capital . ]
Cornelia said as her hair fluttered in the wind .
[I like this place . Especially during this time of day… because I can see the lights in the houses below…]
Ares gazed into the distance as he said so .
Cornelia also silently followed Ares’ gaze .
[Cornelisama, thank you very much for today . ]
Cornelia seemed a bit annoyed by Ares’ words just now . Ares tilted his head, wondering why she made such a face .
[Eh? Did I say something wrong just now?]
[Ares-sama, I will soon be your wife, correct?]
[Yes, that’s correct…]
[Then please drop the honorific . Just call me Cornelia . ]
She puffed her cheeks as she said so .
Ares could only smile, and corrected himself .
[Thank you… Cornelia . ]
Those words brought a smile to Cornelia .
[Can we… have an outing again sometime?]
At Ares’s proposal, Cornelia let out a smile that would remind anyone of a beautiful flower .
And following that proposal… . did their silhouettes overlap with each other .