"As the next medium, I nominate this girl ......, Cecilia Peter. Therefore, I would like you, Hercule, to be her guardian.
　If that's the case, I'd be happy to say .......

　Hercule questioned the medium.

　High Priestess Millennia, I consider you to be a very good ...... politician. That's why your choice is so puzzling to me. It's not good to say this in front of you, but ......

　Hercule glanced at Cecilia and Lemurian Patriarch Cronus, who were standing beside the medium, before returning his gaze to the medium.

　I'm not sure what to say. I'll be the guardian of this twelve year old girl. I'm sure you'll be able to understand that I'm not the only one who has a problem with this.　I find nothing but discomfort in your actions.

　Hercule took a sip of his tea before continuing.

　It is true that Cecilia is your direct descendant, but that does not mean that she must inherit the position of medium. There are many more candidates than Cecilia. There must be someone older and more skilled in political maneuvering in the Peter family. Cecilia is certainly good. That much is clear from just a few words. But she's too young, isn't she?　...... In my eyes, it looks as if you are trying to force her to take over the position of medium for the sake of your grandchild, and the world will see it that way.

　Hercule's question was not yet finished.

　I don't see the need for me to be his guardian in the first place. I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.　It is true that successive princesses (mediums) have received military and political patronage from the Emperor of Lemuria. However, there are not many cases where they have been the direct guardians of the emperor. Usually, the Patriarch of Lemuria is the backer.

　Hercule stares straight at the medium.

　"Let me ask you again. High Priestess Millenia. I would like you to tell me why you have chosen Cecilia to be your new medium and why you have asked me to be her guardian.

　The medium took a sip of her tea and smiled.

　"Yes, I understand. I will answer your questions one by one.

　The medium stuck out a finger.

　"First, a correction. I do not intend to die right now. I intend to live for another three or four years. Therefore, it is a misnomer to give the rank of medium to a twelve-year-old girl. To be more precise, she is a 15-16 year old girl.

　...... Still, she seems young, doesn't she?

　Oh, you say that, Your Majesty?　His Majesty Hercule, who ascended to the throne at the age of twelve.

　"I'm a genius.

　I'm a genius," Hercule said proudly.
　The medium smiles at Hercule's words.

　Your Majesty ...... and I share the same thoughts. Just as Hadrian believed in your potential, I believe in Cecilia's potential.
　"...... I see, I understand.

　Hercule had only exchanged a few words with Cecilia.
　So how good is Cecilia?　I'm not sure.
　He could only trust the words of the medium.

　Hercule glanced at Cecilia.
　Cecilia, who had been praised for her excellence, was red-faced and embarrassed,......, but she seemed pleased.
　She doesn't seem to be accustomed to being praised much.

　It's probably because she's usually scolded so harshly by the medium.

　(Is she that good?).

　Hercule tilted his head inwardly.

　In addition to that, there is a reason why you should choose young Cecilia: ...... "Because she is young. In addition to that, there is a reason why the young Cecilia was chosen: ...... One of the effects of the inherited magic of the medium is that it slows down the aging process. ...... I can't go into detail, but one of the effects of the inherited magic of the medium is that it slows down the aging process. When you are young ...... you can live as long as the elves if you get this inheritance magic before your early twenties. However, the lost youth will not return. If you pass the throne to a younger person, you can keep the position of medium stable for a longer period of time. ...... In the long run, this is beneficial.

　Lack of experience in the early years is a minor problem ......?

　Yes, the longer you live, the more experience you gain. But physical deterioration cannot be reversed.

　The older we get, the more our brains deteriorate.
　This is self-evident.

　Compared to the brain at its peak in the early twenties, the brain of a person in his forties or fifties is ......
　It must be said that memory, judgment, and persistence are deteriorating.

　However, in terms of work, people in their forties and fifties are better than people in their early twenties (with the notable exception of Hercule).

　The reason for this is that they have experience.

　People who have lived for a long time know how to deal with various situations.
　Experience is very important.


　Now, ......
　Let me give you an example.

　An experienced person in his fifties and an inexperienced person in his late teens.
　Who is better?

　The answer is the former.

　The answer is the former, unless the latter is outstandingly good or the former is ridiculously incompetent. ......


　Usually, the former is judged to be superior to the latter.

　So ......
　If you're in your fifties and have a lot of experience, and if you're in your late teens but have the same experience as a fifty-something, what do you do?

　Without any doubt, the latter is superior.



　Well, I mean ......
　This is the reason why the medium is trying to appoint Cecilia as the next princess miko.

　It is true that it would be a safer choice to have an experienced person in her forties or fifties as the next High Priestess (Medium).
　However, since she is already old, even if the inheritance magic of the medium slows down the aging process a little, it would be a drop in the bucket.
　She will die soon.

　But what about the young and talented Cecilia, even if she lacks experience?
　It is true that it will be uneasy at first, but in a few decades, a medium will be born with a 'young and talented brain' and a 'wealth of experience'.

　In the long run, it is better to appoint a young Cecilia.


　So, why Cecilia at ......?　It's not because I love my grandchild. It's because Cecilia was the only girl in the Peter family who was young, bright and had the same ideas as me.
　"What do you mean by ......?
　I'm talking about the pro-Lemurian and anti-Lemurian factions. In the churches of the former Western Lemurian Empire, the anti-Lemurians are becoming the mainstream. Until a while ago, I was more in that camp myself. ......

　The medium drinks a cup of tea and moistens her throat.

　I've changed my mind since you proposed the Council of Alexandria. You are a man who understands, and under your reign, the Lemurian Empire will be restored. Anti-Lemuria is contrary to the coming times. And ...... will be fine while I'm alive. But after my death, there is no anti-Lemurian leader who can stand against you. Rather than provoking you and having the Church of Lemuria dominated by secular powers, ...... a leader who is as good as Cecilia, and who can also keep pace with you to some extent, will help the Church of Lemuria maintain its independence in the long run.

　Hercule asked the medium if she thought it was okay to let the secular powers control the Lemurian Church.
　Erucul asked the medium.

　But the medium said, ......
　Cecilia was chosen to lead the Church of Lemuria so that it would not be ruled by a secular power, and so that the Lemurian Emperor, Hercule, would not be angered by her inappropriate defiance.
　I replied.

　For a simple explanation for the Japanese, see ......

　The question is, which is more likely to maintain independence and security, "fighting head-on" against the US, a country that can do anything if angered, or "compromising to some extent and obeying"?

　That's the question.

　If you are confident that you can win, you can choose the former. ......
　If you are not sure you can win, it is wiser to choose the latter.

　"So, you asked me to be your guardian, .......
　"Yes, I did. I'm sorry to say that I don't know how much power Kronos will be able to exercise in the Church of Lemuria after I'm gone.
I don't know how much power Kronos will be able to exercise in the Lemurian church after my death. That's how powerful the anti-Lemurians are. That's why I'm asking you as a last ditch effort.

　As the medium said this, Cronus, who was standing by her side, stepped forward and bowed to Hercule.

　It's all because of something beyond my control. ...... Your Majesty, I ask for your help. The political and military backing of the Lemurian Empire will continue to be essential to the survival of the Church of the Messiah. Please ......

　Hercule was a little surprised by this.
　The only image he had of Kronos was that he was arguing with Loukanos, the Patriarch of Nova Lemuria.

　He had thought he was anti-Lemurian.

　Surprising. I thought you hated me.
　"...... The only thing I don't like is that jadeite over there. I have no feelings for the Emperor.

　Kronos glared at Lukanos, who was standing by Hercule's side.
　Lukanos glared back.

　"Well, if that's the case, then I'll help you. I have no intention of taking control of the Church of Messiah, becoming emperor and pope, and ruling the secular and sacred worlds together ....... The secular and sacred worlds should be able to be separated to some extent. As for me, I have no intention of intervening in the ...... Messianic Church itself as long as I can establish the dominance of the secular world. But ......

　Hercule turned his gaze to Cecilia.

　"Cecilia. I have yet to hear your will. High Priestess Millennia said that Cecilia is pro-Lemurian. ...... What does that actually mean?　I can't simply nod my head yes without hearing your opinion.

　When Hercule asked, ......

　"Yes, Your Majesty. As Grandma ......, High Priestess Medium, said, I believe that we should be in step with the Emperor. The Church of the Messiah needs a strong protector. If His Majesty the Emperor can protect us, there will be no better guardian. .........

　Cecilia stared at Hercule with eyes full of strong will.

　I have no intention of losing to the Emperor, and I will say what I think is wrong. And ......, you said earlier that the world is superior.　I believe that the Medium and the Emperor of Lemuria should be equal. I am pro-Lemuria. I believe we should be in step with the Emperor. But I have no intention of obeying you or becoming your vassal. And I will never be a lapdog.

　Cecilia looked Hercule squarely in the eyes.



　"The Emperor of Lemuria is the protector of the Messianic Church. Nothing more, nothing less. The Church of Messiah is led by a medium. The sacred world is the sacred world. Secular is secular. They should be mutually inviolable. There is no such thing as ...... ordained ministry (・・・・・・・・・) in the five head temples, and there is no such thing as "simonia.

　The air became quiet.
　At the very least, this is not the attitude of a person who is about to seek refuge.

　Patriarch Nova Lemuria, Patriarch of Orontia, Patriarch of Alexandria, and Patriarch of Hiesolia.

　It has been the custom for hundreds of years that the Lemurian emperor holds the ordaining authority for four of the five temples.
　To condemn it outright: ......
　It was no wonder that Hercule was so angry.


　Kronos's face tightened, and he inwardly clutched his head, "I've done it,.......

　The medium smiled gently and said, "I'll whip your back later," deciding to carry out the corporal punishment.

　Lukanos twitched his cheeks and said, "What?　He couldn't hide his inner annoyance.

　Todoris looked worried and said, "Your Majesty, please don't get mad and refuse me. Todoris looked at Hercule with a worried look on his face, "Your Majesty, please don't get angry and say no." As if asking him to control himself.

　And Hercule, ......

　"Kkkkkkk ...... hahahahaha!!!!

　He began to laugh merrily.
　The sound of Hercule's laughter echoed in the quiet room.

　After a round of laughter, Hercule reached out his hand to Cecilia.

　Cecilia took a moment to brace herself, but ......
　It was an unfounded fear.

　Her hand only gently stroked Cecilia's hair.

　As he stroked her head, Hercule smiled and said.

　You're the only one who dared me to ...... go that far. You're a fearless girl. Well, that's okay. You're not even a medium yet. I'll forgive you this time.

　Well, it's certainly unreasonable for the Emperor of Lemuria to have the right to ordain people to the priesthood. ......
　Hercule muttered inwardly.

　. "Just try not to lose, okay?　I'm sure you're not the only one.
　"...... Even if you don't tell me, I won't lose to you, Your Majesty.

　Cecilia grabbed Hercule's hand, puffed out her cheeks and said back.

　　




　I'm not going to lose.
　I'll be back.
　I'll be back.

　I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
　I'm sorry, that's all you have to say!　You're the only one who blames others when you ask for something!

　Bang!

　The Medium's whip struck Cecilia's buttocks.
　Each time, Cecilia's body shuddered and a cry escaped from her mouth.

　"Oh, ......, not at all. Well, that's fine. The king didn't mind, either.
　I'm sorry ......, but I didn't say anything wrong!

　Cecilia rubbed her buttocks and protested to the medium with tears in her eyes.
　The medium sighs.

　"...... Do you really know what I'm angry about?
　"...... I'm just saying that no matter how much you really think something, there are times when it's okay to say it and times when it's not okay to say it, ...... and, you know, it was certainly inappropriate to accuse me of ordained ministry in a place where I'm asking for your backing. I regret that it was ...... inappropriate to criticize her for her ordination in a place where she was asking for ...... her backing.

　The medium smiled as she confirmed that Cecilia had understood her scolding.

　It's a good thing, then. ...... I'm not saying that your idea is wrong. I also believe that the current situation where the Emperor of Lemuria holds the power of ordination is wrong. It is wrong for a secular power to interfere in the sacred world in the first place. But there is an order to things. First, use that man to solidify your position. Then gain experience and challenge him squarely.

　"Yes ......, but why didn't His Majesty get angry?

　Cecilia questioned the medium.
　At that moment, Cecilia was ready to be beaten.
　But Hercule only laughed and patted Cecilia on the head.

　"Did you make that statement knowing that ...... His Majesty would be angry?
　I'm not sure.　I'm not sure what to say.

　In the event that you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find a lot more information on the web. 　
　The medium let out a small sigh and then replied.

　It's because you're a child. He thinks you're a fool, that you can't do much anyway. He thinks you're a fool, that you can't do much anyway. ...... No, he's not only making fun of you, he's making fun of me, ...... and the Messianic Church itself. In the West, we mediums and the Church of Messiah have a lot of power. But in the East, where the Lemurian emperor rules, all the churches are under the control of the Lemurian emperor.

　Before the Council of Alexandria.
　Hercule arrested the Patriarch of Alexandria, put him on trial, pulled out his tongue and exiled him to an island.

　He also sentenced the Patriarch of Orontia, who had excommunicated Hercule, to exile from the Empire and brought him to his knees.

　In the East, the clergy could not defy the Emperor of Lemuria at all.



　"No matter how wrong you claim to be, his ordination is unassailable. If you or I were to excommunicate him, he would have nothing to fear. He can use his military power to capture us and force us to withdraw it. Unlike the kings of the west, he is a ...... Lemurian emperor with a strong bureaucracy and a powerful standing army.

　When the kings of the west are excommunicated, the ......
　When the kings of the west are excommunicated, the lords who serve them will give up on them, and in some cases, will try to replace them themselves.
　The king depends on the loyalty and military power of the nobles.

　However, this is not the case for the Emperor of Lemuria.
　Even if Hercule is excommunicated, his bureaucracy and standing army will not betray him.

　An excommunication notice is just a piece of paper to Hercule.

　"Listen, Cecilia. He's dangerous. There is no one you can rely on more than him as a friend, but there is no one more fearsome than him as an enemy. Be careful.
　"...... So dangerous, huh?　I don't think he's that bad. I think he's someone you can talk to.

　Cecilia tilts her head.
　Cecilia did not understand why the medium was so wary.

　It's called longstanding intuition. That kind of type is dangerous.
　"That kind of ...... type?

　Cecilia asked back, and the medium nodded.

　When you live for a hundred or two hundred years, you sometimes see them. There are children like him who are born with their fears, empathy, and other important human traits forgotten in their mother's womb. It's a kind of disease, a disorder. It looks like a normal human being, but in the sense that it is born without something important, it is the same as a human being born without a limb. However, ...... I don't know why, but people like that commit unimaginably crazy crimes, but also become great heroes and merchants. And for some reason, people like them. That's why they're so scary.





　Unimportant omake, explanation



　Scheherazade: "Question!　What is ordination?　And what about ordination trading (simonia)?

　Hercule: "Hmm, good question . To explain briefly, as you read, the former is the right to appoint clergy, and the latter is the act of buying clergy positions for money.

　Scheherazade: "I see. ...... His Majesty the Emperor holds that right of ordination ......?　And for what?

　Hercule "Hmm, let me break it down for you. ...... Churches, especially at the Patriarchal level, exert a great deal of influence in the region. They have great economic power due to the large number of donations and endowments they receive, and above all, their power to speak is troublesome. If an anti-imperialist were to ascend to the throne, that would be a problem, right?　That's why I directly appoint pro-imperialists. And clergymen are basically intellectuals, so they can be used as bureaucrats. That's why they're useful for ruling the empire.

　Scheherazade: "So, what is a clergy trade?

　Hercule said, "Even with ordination, I can't appoint the head of every church. One village, one church. There are countless churches. So I can only choose high priests. And the high clergy selects the low clergy and I approve them. Buying and selling is a part of that process. For example, if a child of a powerful merchant or nobleman cannot find a job, they will send a generous donation to the high cleric and ask for advice. The high priest would then introduce them to a church in the village of "00" that had an opening. How about it? The noble merchant will find a job for his child, the high priest will get a donation, and I will be able to increase my control with ease. Three birds with one stone that will make everyone happy. ......

　Cecilia: "What are you lying about!

　Hercule: "Well, well, little medium. Cecilia: "What are you lying about?　You shouldn't lick adults too much.

　Cecilia: "Please don't pet me!　Also, I'm not a little princess miko, I have a name, Cecilia!

　Hercule: "Hai hai, chibi Cecilia.

　Cecilia: "Nuh-uh-uh...

　Scheherazade: "Um, where's the mistake?

　Cecilia: "The part about everyone being happy. The most important ...... believers are unhappy because of the corrupt clergy!

　Hercule: "Corruption, I beg your pardon. I don't know where the corrupt element is.

　Cecilia: "Secular power chooses the priesthood, and money buys the priesthood!　It's a secular invasion of the sacred world!　If you don't call this corruption, what is corruption?

　Hercule: "Then who do you think should be appointed?

　Cecilia: "None other than the medium.

　Hercule: "But little Cecilia. How can you be sure that the person chosen by the High Priestess is absolutely correct?　I'm sure you're not the only one.　Does the Bible say anything about that?　It is true that the Hime-Miko is the leader of the Church of Messiah. 　But the Hime-Miko was originally just one of the apostles. She's supposed to be just one believer. For her to dominate the other patriarchs is an act of contempt for the other believers.



　Cecilia: "Yes, it is at ......, but the Princess Priestess (Medium) is also the agent of the Messiah .......

　Hercule: "The Patriarch should be chosen by the believers of the region themselves. Isn't that right?

　Cecilia: "Yes, that may be true, but ......

　Hercule: "In other words, it is only logical that I, who the people of the region swear allegiance to, adore, and support, should appoint.

　Cecilia: "Surely ......, how can that be!

　Hercule "I've won again ......

　Cecilia: "I didn't win!　And it's an unchanging fact that clergy trading is bad!

　Hercule "What's important is whether or not my orders reach the details of the church, and the quality of the clergy is not important . Rather, it's better if the church is corrupt and the people are disappointed. That way, I'll have more support.

　Cecilia: "You've shown your true colors!　You outcast!　When I become a medium, I won't let you do whatever you want!

　Hercule: "Hahahahahaha!　Good luck, little Cecilia.

　Cecilia: "Gnnnnn, mock me for being a child like that!

　Scheherazade (Messianism is a good doctrine, but why is there so much internal conflict like this? ......)