Children of the Holy Emperor Chapter 7

007. Successful audience (2)

As I carefully stepped on the shaky steps and got off the carriage, I was greeted by a group of knights dressed in fancy livery.

“Meet Prince Mores!”

“Meet the Third Prince!”

The knights all lifted their swords and slammed them on the floor with their sheaths, then lowered their heads in a stern motion. It was a well-earned courtesy that could not even be compared to the resident knights of Jinju Palace.

Seongjin’s mouth opened without realizing it.

Oh, this looks kind of cool.

As I was looking at the knights with their heads bowed blankly, one of them, who seemed to be the leader, approached Seongjin and smiled softly.

“I congratulate you on your belated recovery. Your Majesty the Prince! From here on, our Imperial Guard will take care of you.”

He was a Honam man with impressive dark blonde hair.

His well-trained, sturdy physique was quite intimidating, but his slightly small, round eyes made his overall impression look strangely gentle.

“… … .”

As Seongjin stared blankly, not knowing how to react, the man’s smile faded.

However, he quickly adjusted his expression as if he had been told in advance, put his right arm to his chest and bowed his head politely.

“My name is Martha Klanos, commander of the 2nd Knights of the Imperial Guard, Your Majesty. “I’m really happy to see you healthy again.”

Ah, it seemed like this person was also acquainted with Mores.

Well, what can I do? When Seongjin smiled shyly, Martha smiled softly again, and then she turned around and started walking ahead.

It seems like they assumed that they might not know the geography of the main palace at all. Feeling fortunate that there was someone with quick judgment, Seongjin followed him.

However, as soon as I stepped into the high arched entrance, the demon lord let out a groaning sound.

[eww… stuffy. I feel like my soul is being crushed!]

‘why? ‘Could it be that those people are also paladins?’

[no. I think they are reviewers… That’s not it, I just feel like this area is unusually full of divine power. I feel like I’ll be crushed to death the moment I leave this body… Ugh… … .]

With those words, the Demon King completely closed his mouth. He called out several times, but the presence of the soul itself had become extremely faint, and it was now difficult to even feel his presence at all.

I made up my mind to pretend that I had entered a boss dungeon, but I never expected that the demon lord would be knocked out so quickly.

Trying to hide his anxious feelings, Seongjin slowly walked into the main palace lobby following the knights’ guidance.

The Emperor’s office was located at the end of the second floor of the main palace.

The wide hallway was relatively quiet, but occasionally fancy-dressed people who looked like high-ranking priests would pass by the group.

Seongjin felt nervous every time, but fortunately, they didn’t react much and just stepped aside and greeted him politely.

‘It seems like the priests can’t recognize that the soul has changed? ‘Aren’t we worried for no reason?’

Seongjin, feeling a little relieved, spoke up, but there was still no answer from the Demon King.

Did it disappear as expected, unable to withstand the energy of the priests?

The complete annihilation of the Demon King was originally what he desperately wanted. The culprit who led Seongjin’s world to destruction, and the enemy who drove him to death through the flames of Gehenna.

It’s just that there was no other way to do anything until now, and the existence itself was so insignificant that I just watched it quietly… … .

But when he thought that the Demon King had truly disappeared, Seongjin felt a strange sense of emptiness.

“Your Excellency Cardinal Benitus!”

The thoughts could not continue for long. This was because Masain, who was walking ahead of her, suddenly stopped walking and lowered his head.

I peeked my head over the shoulder of the knight commander, and saw a skinny old man standing in front of the group.

He was an old man with an eccentric appearance, with a long, hooked nose and a drooping mouth.

Despite his small and dwarf stature, his high priest’s cap and splendid robes embroidered with gold and silver gave him a rather dignified appearance compared to his size.

He’s a cardinal… … . He must be a noble person, right?

The old man stood upright and looked at Mores and the others for a moment, then slightly lowered his head towards the knight commander.

“You don’t have to be so polite to me. Masain.”

Contrary to his strict first impression, his tone was quite polite. Then he nods his head towards Seongjin.

“Your Majesty the Prince.”

“… … ?”

what? Something feels very wrong?

Say hello to the guard first and then pretend to know the prince later? And just nodding your head?

Even for someone who knew nothing about Delcross culture, the old man’s attitude was strange.

Seongjin’s eyes narrowed. Masain seemed to have noticed this too, as she fidgeted and watched Seongjin.

“So, what’s going on in the main palace?”

The question should not be directed to the commander of the knights who always guards the main palace, but the cardinal asks Masain without even paying attention to Seongjin.

The only thing that was truly polite was that the old man ate his ssam (ssam). As I was watching to see how far it would go, Masain could not stand it any longer and took a step forward, warning the cardinal in a low voice.

“Your Excellency the Cardinal. You are in front of His Majesty the Prince. Please be polite.”

“hmm!”

Cardinal Benitus made a sound that could not be determined whether he was clearing his throat or snorting, and only then did he turn towards Seongjin and make eye contact with him. It was an arrogant posture, with one’s back turned and one’s stomach outstretched.

“Yes, I heard you’ve been through quite a bit of trouble recently, but I’m glad you’re still in good shape… huh?”

While the old man is speaking, he narrows his eyes and looks Seongjin up and down.

Masain’s face hardened at the obvious violation of etiquette, but the Cardinal’s eyes suddenly widened.

“Huh? But, wait a minute… “No, prince?”

Then suddenly he started to approach me with a straight face.

Seongjin realized that something was going wrong.

“how… What is this… … .”

With a slightly dazed look on his face, as if he had discovered something strange, the old man suddenly stretched out his arm towards Seongjin.

Soon, a hand surrounded by strong white light approaches my eyes like a rake. Even to Seongjin, who did not know much about it, it was not an auspicious light.

‘Perhaps this is divine power… … .’

The divine power that I truly see for the first time since coming to this world. My heart was beating fast, and in that brief moment, all kinds of thoughts passed through my head.

Have you recognized Seongjin’s soul? Or did you notice the Demon Lord who was with you? What happens if I come into contact with that divine power like this? Will I be kicked out of the body as expected?

If you want to live as a prince of the Holy Empire, things like this will happen regularly in the future. At this point, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to try out divine power.

Yes, that is true.

‘I said, ‘Let’s see,’ so you’re just going to get it and put your hand in it?’

Seongjin’s eyebrows furrowed involuntarily. I had no intention of questioning the trivial manners of an elderly man, but wouldn’t it be a bit too much to try to mess with him when he was a prince in name and appearance?

Seongjin, who almost threw his hand away reflexively in anger, tried to steady himself. It seemed like the cardinal’s skinny hands would break with the slightest touch, so fortunately Masain quickly blocked Seongjin’s path before he could commit elder abuse.

“Stop, Benitus!”

Stop. The old man stopped moving for a moment and looked at the knight commander with a puzzled expression.

“Do you know what Lord Masaine is doing now?”

The attitude was clearly blaming him, but the knight commander was adamant.

“None of the high-ranking clergy can approach the prince. “It is no exception for the Cardinal.”

“Don’t you think that name is strange at all?”

“This is the order of His Majesty the Holy Emperor. “It is to protect the prince.”

A cold air flowed between the two for a moment. The cardinal stared at Masain for a while with his stern eyes, but when the knight commander showed no signs of backing down, he immediately opened his mouth as if lamenting.

“Who on earth are you going to protect from a priest who serves God?” … .”

The cardinal shook his head and took a step back.

“You’ve always been like that, Masain. Why are you so blind to His words?”

“… … .”

“I’ll see you again then. Masain.”

Then he glared at Seongjin and shook his head to the side. It felt more like a snort than a greeting.

“… “Your Majesty the Prince.”

And then, without even looking at Seongjin’s reaction, he passed by the group.

Masain was just looking at the cardinal’s back without saying anything, and the corner of his mouth was strangely twisted, giving him an expression that made it difficult to tell whether he was smiling or crying.

But even for a moment. The knight commander immediately regained his gentle smile and bowed his head towards Seongjin.

“There was a bit of a delay, prince. “Please hurry.”

Although the two people’s behavior felt a little strange, Seongjin soon turned off his attention and obediently followed Masain’s footsteps.

No problem. What does it all matter when we have a big event ahead of us: a successful meeting.

* * *

“Oh, Your Majesty Mores! How wonderful you are! His Majesty the Holy Emperor will be greatly pleased!”

As I arrived in front of the office, Chief Chamberlain Louis, who had been waiting outside the door, approached me with open arms.

I was shocked by the reaction that seemed excessive, but Lewis immediately flinched and quickly showed courtesy.

“Oh, I’m sorry, sir. “He was so obedient and dedicated that God forgot his courtesy for a moment.”

A man who appeared to be a decent man had a secret side that was unscrupulous. Seongjin smiled bitterly and asked.

“hmm… Louis? As you know, I can’t remember… Isn’t it? Is there anything I need to be careful about when I meet my father? “I’m sorry for causing you any more worry.”

Then Lewis’s face lit up brightly. If the devil had read his thoughts, he would have said this.

‘You must have become so dignified, Mr. Mores, to ask such a thoughtful question!’

Thanks to Mores, who steadily laid the foundation for his character, he was a strong character no matter what he did.

“I was guessing that the prince was confused about etiquette. Fortunately, His Majesty the Holy Emperor does not care much about outward manners. You can just say “Happy Majesty,” and I think just showing a respectful attitude will suffice.”

It seems that Seonghwang is not as strict as one might think.

As I was feeling relieved, the chamberlain turned around and spoke in a loud voice towards the door.

“Your Majesty, this is Prince Mores.”

Now, we are in the boss room.

Sigh.

As the door to the office slowly opened, Seongjin walked into the room, trying to calm his pounding heart.

‘In the worst case, I’ll just be kicked out of this body.’

After having this fact in mind once again through my encounter with Cardinal Benitus, my initial anxiety was greatly reduced.

Then the empty space is filled with curiosity, and soon thoughts begin to bounce around.

What kind of being is Seonghwang, who is called the representative of God? When I try to imagine it, the image of the Pope with a bread hat that I saw on TV before the world of Seongjin was destroyed comes to mind.

That person was a grandfather, but since Seonghwang has a son who is only in puberty, he must be younger than him, right? Does he look a lot like Mores?

Is he a strong person? Or is it the image of a typical weak priest?

At least it didn’t seem like he would be pushed back in terms of age. Although he is now becoming childish by bickering with the devil, Seongjin was over sixty when he died on Earth.

When I entered the room, swallowing my saliva half nervously and half in anticipation, the first thing that caught my eye was the gorgeous tea set set up in the middle of the room.

I thought it was probably something that took into account Mores’s tastes. This is because I have seen similar desserts often served at Jinju Palace.

Beyond that, you can see a large desk with colorful embossing on it.

Looking at the documents piled high and the books scattered here and there, I get the feeling that this is definitely a space for public affairs.

and.

A great figure was standing in front of the large window that opened onto the terrace.

“… … !”

Seongjin’s eyes widened without realizing it.

‘Prosperous? ‘That person?’

He was a neat-looking young man.

No matter how you look at his soft features and youthful face, he doesn’t look like the father of an adolescent son.

His short-trimmed black hair, simple-looking casual clothes, and slim-looking physique made him look like a well-trained swordsman rather than a priest.

A man called a priest even wears a long sword on his belt!

There is no cardinal’s tall hat, nor is there a bread hat like the one the Pope wears. Only the white, ornate robes draped roughly over his shoulders like a cloak allowed us to guess that he was no ordinary high-ranking priest.

If I were to find a similarity with Mores, it would be the gray eyes that glow a strange silver color when exposed to light.

Those warm eyes were quietly staring at Seongjin.

That person is this fat guy’s father?

“ah… father?”

Oops! I told you to call me Your Majesty!

I was so embarrassed that I just blurted out the title I had in mind.

Seonghwang slightly tilted his head to the side. I thought he was puzzled, but there was no expression on his cold face, so I couldn’t guess what he was thinking.

“… “Good luck, Your Majesty.”

After quickly correcting himself and lowering his head, Seonghwang opened his mouth. It is a clear low-pitched voice.

“Your father is fine, but he clearly doesn’t seem to have any memories from before.”

“yes. that is… That’s how it happened.”

Seongjin trailed off. In fact, his soul has changed, but since it is in front of Seonghwang, it feels strangely awkward to lie.

Fortunately, Seonghwang did not seem to notice anything unusual about him and gave a short answer.

“okay.”

Then, he approaches Seongjin with great strides. The long robes swayed accordingly and gave off a soft glow depending on the angle.

As I was unconsciously watching the movement, Seonghwang, who had already reached one step away, stopped walking.

When I saw him up close, he was taller than I thought.

Blink blink. I didn’t know how to react, so I looked up at him with my eyes wide open, but Seonghwang, who had been looking down at Seongjin with an unknown expression, suddenly raised his arm and stretched it towards his head.

It happened so close to me that I couldn’t react.

Kuuk. My clenched fist becomes damp with cold sweat.

Did you get caught after all? Am I going to die like this? Seongjin narrowed her eyes, having a premonition of the end. I said so.

Tuk. I thought a hand might lightly come up to the top of my head.

‘… what?’

Nothing happened.

[ok?]

No, it’s not that nothing happened… … .

[Huh?]

That familiar, quiet voice echoed in my head.

‘… Devil?’

The Demon King’s presence, which had been so faint that it was impossible to detect, suddenly grew rapidly, and suddenly a sharp vibration was transmitted. It felt as if my soul was stretching.

[what? Wait a minute, huh?]

‘Are you alive? What happened?’

The Demon King did not respond to Seongjin’s words. He probably didn’t know English either. Because the surprise and confusion he felt were conveyed without filtering.

[huh? What is this… uh? Heeeeeee!]

The Demon King’s soul suddenly made a strange sound as if it was surprised by something, and soon fell into silence again.

However, this time, Seongjin internally breathed a sigh of relief because his presence was clearly felt.

At the same time, one side of my head gets cold.

‘What did Seonghwang just do? ‘Have you noticed the existence of the Demon King?’

If they noticed, why didn’t they get rid of him? Rather… … .

But I didn’t have time to continue thinking any longer. Before he knew it, Seonghwang had lowered his hand from the top of his head and commanded in a calm tone.

“Sit down.”

And the two father and son, who did not look alike, sat across from each other at the tea table in front of them.

fantasy,