It's been a month since Cecilia became Pope, and at the same time announced her engagement to Hercule.
　Cecilia was visiting Nova Lemuria.

　Lemuria was the headquarters of the Messianic religion, and the home of the Princess Priestess.
　But whether it could be Cecilia's home is another story.

　In fact, Cecilia's base of support is in the east, centered on Nova Lemuria.

　Cecilia's support base cannot be neglected, and the reason for the Great Schism was the conflict between the Lemurian Patriarchate and the Nova Lemurian Patriarchate.

　Now that Cecilia has become the Pope, the unification has been completed peacefully, but it does not mean that the tension between East and West has disappeared.
　Therefore, Cecilia had to travel back and forth between the two cities of Lemuria and Nova Lemuria in order to maintain this state of unity.

　Fortunately, the Lemurian Empire had control of the Album Sea, and the routes between the two cities were stable.
　Cecilia plans to spend half a year at a time in both cities, as it is much safer than going overland.

　The ...... is a front.
　The real reason is that she has a loved one in Nova Lemuria.



　When Cecilia arrived in Nova Lemuria, she met with Hercule in the palace office.

　Sitting down on the sofa, Hercule sipped his tea with a calm expression.
　Cecilia, on the other hand, was reading the catalog with a good mood.

　She points to an illustration in the catalog and speaks to Hercule.

"Mr. Hercule, I think I like this one, what do you think?
"I don't care what you think, Your Holiness. I don't care what you like, Your Holiness.

　Nicely, Hercule smiled and said.
　Cecilia's expression stiffened for a moment at his impolite attitude.

　But Cecilia, undeterred, stood up and sat down next to Hercule this time.

I'm sure you'll be able to find something that suits you.
I'm sure His Holiness would look great in any of your outfits.
......

　Cecilia stood up silently.
　And ......

Ei!
"Ouch!

　She kicked Hercule in the shin as hard as she could.
　Cecilia hugged Hercule, who was screaming in agony, holding his shins.

　Cecilia hugged him and punched him with both hands.

Why are you acting like that?　How long are you going to keep your navel bent?　You're so mean!
"......

　Hercule sniffed unhappily.

It's natural to be annoyed when someone snatches your blood and sweat, isn't it?

　Hercule said that the Lemurian Empire had finally regained its territory, including the city of Lemuria, after spending an enormous amount of blood and gold coins.
　But Cecilia had used it as a springboard to gain more than the Lemurian Empire, without making any sacrifices.

　Of course, there is no such thing as cowardice in the world of diplomacy and intrigue.
　But whether it is emotionally acceptable or not is another story.

"With all due respect, Mr. Hercule. We too have shed blood and sweat.

　Cecilia said to Hercule with her hands on her hips.

　In fact, many priests lost their lives during the political upheaval.
　In fact, many priests lost their lives during the political upheaval, and many more died in the missionary work to revive the momentum of the Hime-Priestess faction.

Until now, we have been indulging in your drudgery. This is our just compensation.

　Even though our interests were aligned, we were being used for good. 　
　The Lemurian Empire was taking the fruits of the Messianic Church's efforts.

　The Lemurian Empire had been plundering the fruits of the Messianic Church's efforts, and we were simply returning the favor.

Yes, of course, I'm saying that ...... is indeed His Holiness.
"So please stop calling me Your Holiness!

　Cecilia appealed to Hercule in a sorrowful voice.
　Her eyes were filled with tears.

"Isn't this between you and me, Hercule?
"I'm not on good terms with the Pope, am I?
I'm just Cecilia Peter now!

　Cecilia shouted, "Gusuri ......" and became somewhat half-crying. 　
　I'm not going to do it.

"That's how you're trying to trick me, isn't it, with all your crying and lies?
"No, sir!　No, I'm not!
No, I'm not! - Then you'll surrender all your powers, including ordination, to me, won't you?
Yes!　Waka ......, you can't allow that!
"...... His Holiness the Pope.
God!　Please don't be mean to me!

　Cecilia, who begins to cry languidly.
　Cecilia starts crying and crying. Hercule feels a little bit sorry for himself, as if he has abused her too much.

It's a good thing that you're still cooperating with us as you always have.
"...... I haven't forgotten what you've done for me. I'll help you as much as I can. And ...... we are husband and wife,.......

　Cecilia looks up at Hercule with a blush on her face.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

(You've changed a lot without knowing it.)

　Donating the city of Lemuria to Cecilia was like giving wings to a tiger.
　Nowadays, it would be impossible to keep Cecilia in a cage.


　But fortunately for ......, this tiger, winged or not, has a soft spot for Hercule.

　Just as Cecilia's tricks work on Hercule, Hercule's tricks work on Cecilia.

I think this design will suit Cecilia.
"Really?　I think so, too.

　Hercule put his hand on Cecilia's shoulder as she smiled.
　I think it would look great on you.

"Speaking of which, Mr. Hercule. What will be my position?

　In other words, will I be a side wife or a full wife?
　Cecilia is a member of the human race, so it is customary for her to be a concubine. ......

...... Well, she can't be a side-chamber, as expected. It's a legitimate wife.

　You can't have a princess miko as a side wife.
　Fortunately, unlike Sonia's case, there are few people who would object to Cecilia becoming a legitimate wife.
　Whether or not that child will have the right to inherit the throne is a different story. ......

　Everyone knows that the status of the Hime-Miko is almost equal to that of the Emperor of Lemuria.

　And the subjects of the Lemurian Empire are not only subjects of Hercule, but also followers of the Messianic religion and supporters of Cecilia.

So. Doesn't a child ...... have inheritance rights, indeed?
"That would be difficult by convention. What?　Do you want your child to be emperor?

　Hercule asked, caressing Cecilia's long legs.
　Cecilia's cheeks flushed, she shook her head from side to side, shaking slightly.

No, not at the moment. I'm sure it will be different when I have my ...... baby.

　He smiled mischievously.
　Hercule slightly extended the fingertips of the hand that had been around his shoulder.
　The fingertips touch the soft breast.
　Cecilia jolts back.

"How will you care for the child?
I'll take care of it, of course. I'd say ......, but I don't think they'd be so easy to get on board with, would they?

　In general, the right to care for a child is attributed to the father.
　In a patriarchal family system, the father, the husband, has the greater authority, and the mother and wife follow suit.

　In Cecilia's case, as a princess maiden, she could not only disobey Hercule, but even confront him. ......
　Even so, in the patriarchal system, Cecilia's child should be raised by Hercule.

I'll take the boy.
I'll take the boy." "...... You have no choice. Then I'll take the girl.

　Hercule would rather have a girl than a boy.
　Hercule wants girls more than boys, because girls can be used as a tool for political marriage.
　In the case of a boy, he would have to be fed as a corrupt member of the royal family, and if he couldn't make a living, he would literally be wasted.

　But it's still a waste of money compared to having a boy in Cecilia's hands.
　This is because it would be unbearable if Cecilia insinuated something strange and claimed the right to the throne.

　On the other hand, Cecilia wants to keep the girl for herself.
　It is natural for her to want to keep the future princess miko, or the child who could be the parent of the princess miko, in her possession.

Of course, you'll let me see her, right?
It's a good idea. ...... Make sure you bring the girl with you.

　In any case, Cecilia will spend the next six months in Nova Lemuria.
　And Hercule will be visiting Lemuria periodically.

　As a parent, it's enough for me to be able to watch her grow up.

　Once that fact is confirmed, all that is left is ......

"Oh, oh ...... Master Hercule. Well, it's still light outside. ......
If you don't like it, resist.

　The two of them intertwined on the couch.