I'm an Ordinary Returning Student at the Academy-Chapter 158

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]

Chapter 158

The Empire and the Holy See have a very close relationship.

While the Radiant Church maintains amicable relations with all other nations, it’s widely known that none are as close as the Empire.

The Empire ceded a portion of its territory to the Church, establishing the Holy See.

In return, the Church consistently provided the Empire with religious and moral justification for its actions.

It was a conclusion reached after careful consideration of mutual gains and losses. For the prosperity of the Empire, and for the firm establishment of the Church.

Therefore, a meeting between the two would not be unusual, but this time it was different.

“It is an honor to meet you, Your Eminences.”

The Empire’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Internal Affairs rose from their seats to greet the Cardinals of the Church.

It was natural for the highest-ranking officials to attend on behalf of the state, but the Holy See could have easily sent a bishop-level representative without any issues.

Yet, they sent Cardinals, holders of the esteemed rank of Eminence, which could only mean one thing.

“The Church, the current Pope, is showing great interest in this matter.”

The two ministers exchanged a subtle nod.

“Thank you for your hospitality, brothers. May Goddess’ grace be upon you all.”

Meanwhile, the two Cardinals, as soon as they were seated, immediately got to the heart of the matter.

“We have come to inquire about the progress of the commemorative coin for the Blessed One. We wish to confirm if a more detailed plan has been established.”

“Furthermore, as we need to report to His Holiness the Pope, we would like to request an official document summarizing the current situation. Would that be alright?”

“Of course. Our Empire always prioritizes the convenience of the Church.”

The two Cardinals responded with hearty laughter, expressing their gratitude.

The reason for their meeting with the Imperial ministers was to check on the progress of the commemorative coin being made for Karl Adelheit and to finalize some discussions.

“First of all, the initial design of the commemorative coin is like this.”

The Minister of Internal Affairs handed over the documents, and the two Cardinals examined the draft design within.

At first, they nodded in agreement, but soon they whispered to each other and returned the documents.

“Is something not to your liking?”

“That’s not it. First of all, please convey our gratitude to the artist who worked hard to depict the scene of the Blessed One receiving the miracle in the most sacred way possible.”

“I will do so. But why…?”

“This commemorative coin is not just for the Church, but for the Blessed One of both our Holy See and this Empire, is it not?”

While showing the miracle was good, it would also be depicted in holy paintings, so it wasn’t entirely necessary.

More importantly, wouldn’t it be better to include an act of kindness worthy of praise even from the Goddess, rather than the miracle itself, on this kind of commemorative coin?

That was the opinion of the two Cardinals.

“Hmm.”

The Minister of Internal Affairs was the first to stroke his chin in contemplation.

Come to think of it, they were right.

Especially the Ministry of War, which, uncharacteristically, had insisted that the scene must be included since it was Karl’s commemorative coin.

The scene in question was the heroic image of Karl single-handedly rescuing his comrades.

“Actually, we have a few other options. Would you mind taking a look at this one?”

The minister presented another document, and the Cardinals quickly accepted it, examining the new design.

It depicted Karl running with an Imperial Army soldier, who appeared to be injured, slung over his shoulder.

“…This is it.”

“Your Eminence?”

“This is the true image of the Blessed One. This is why we praise him, and why the Goddess loves him so much. The great spirit of sacrifice, seeking no reward. Yes, this is what should be on the commemorative coin, and we should forever honor that spirit.”

Once the two Cardinals reached a conclusion, the rest of the process proceeded smoothly.

[ The Empire shall bear the cost of producing the commemorative coins, but the Holy See shall contribute at least half of the pure silver required for the materials. ]

[ This commemorative coin shall not be given to just anyone—in the Empire, only those of the rank of Count or higher, and in the Holy See, only those of the rank of Bishop or higher, shall be eligible to possess it. ]

[ This is an object that honors a noble spirit. If, by any chance, the bearer of this coin commits an act that tarnishes their honor, it shall be confiscated immediately. ]

[ As an exception, the Empire may award this commemorative coin to individuals who have not reached the rank of Count but have performed deeds comparable to those of a Count or have elevated the Empire’s honor. ]

[ The Holy See may also award this coin to those who are not of the rank of Bishop but are deemed worthy of honoring the noble spirit. ]

The intention of the Empire and the Holy See was clear.

The Karl Adelheit commemorative coin.

They intended to establish it as a kind of second Medal of Honor.

* * *

Meanwhile, the Crown Prince was discussing an important matter with the Ministers of Justice and War.

“While there are civilian medals, most medals will ultimately be military decorations. Therefore, the Ministry of War’s opinion will be quite important.”

“We understand, Your Highness. We have already had sufficient discussions with the working-level officials and prepared the medals in a way that does not tarnish the honor of the decorated individuals.”

Medals are a simplification of decorations. However, oversimplification can diminish the glory of the original decoration.

If that were to happen, there would be no point.

If people thought it was better to wear the full decoration on their chest, wouldn’t this discussion and the taxes spent be a waste?

“The Ministry of Justice will need to draft new legislation regarding medals. How is that progressing?”

“There were no difficulties, Your Highness. Since there are already many laws regarding decorations, we only needed to make minor additions or revisions.”

“Excellent. If we proceed like this, we should be able to present my brother-in-law with a splendid uniform for his winter vacation.”

Hahaha, the Crown Prince burst into laughter, and the other two ministers smiled and nodded in agreement.

“Ah, Your Highness. There is actually one thing I’d like to mention regarding that.”

“What is it, Minister of War?”

“We intend to make the uniform for Sir Karl Adelheit slightly different from the existing ones…”

At the Minister of War’s words, the Crown Prince’s smile faded slightly, and he stroked his chin in thought.

I understand their intentions, but if not handled carefully, it could easily give the impression that Karl is receiving special treatment.

There are other Medal of Honor recipients in the Empire. It could be seen as unfair if they suddenly create a new benefit that wasn’t available to them.

Fortunately, those concerns were quickly put to rest.

“This proposal is based on the opinions conveyed to the Ministry of War by the existing Medal of Honor recipients.”

“The past heroes?”

“Yes, Your Highness. They said they have no issue with their esteemed junior receiving a finer uniform, and they urge us to bestow a unique honor upon the one who has brought glory to the Empire and saved countless young lives.”

If the matter has already been settled, that’s good news.

While the other details could be handled by the relevant departments within the Empire, seeking the opinions of the existing Medal of Honor recipients would have been a bit tricky.

Soon after, the Minister of War laid out several sample designs before the Crown Prince, all of which were moderately modified from the existing Imperial non-commissioned officer uniform.

Which of these would make Karl’s appearance even more distinguished?

“Hmm.”

For something like this, it would be better to ask the Crown Princess than the person himself. After all, a sister would know her brother best.

The Crown Prince was seriously considering seeking Rikata’s help right away.

“…Your Highness?”

“Hmm?”

A stray beam of late afternoon sunlight pierced through the window.

The warm light continued to move, finally settling on one of the uniforms. As if to announce that it had come all the way here just to illuminate this one.

“…”

“…”

“…”

The three men remained silent. Instead, they all reached the same conclusion in their minds.

It was divine providence.

* * *

“…?”

What’s this? Why do I suddenly have this ominous feeling? It’s like something absurd is about to happen, something beyond my control—

“Karl! Come on, let’s move! We have to go to the next booth!”

“Whoa.”

Eloise, who had sidled up to me, had her hands full of all sorts of things. Snacks, candy… And on the other side, what’s that? Is that a gun?

“Wouldn’t it be better to leave Master alone for a bit, Eloise?”

Unlike Eloise, who had grabbed plenty for herself, Lav had only taken things for me.

Thankfully, I had told her to enjoy herself too, otherwise, she might have ended up as a pack mule the whole time.

“You two never get tired of bickering, do you…?”

Lefia, who had initially been at a loss, now seemed to have adapted and was even offering her opinions.

Good progress. I thought she’d always be a timid foreign princess, but now she’s showing a bit of a confident side.

“Is Selena not here yet?”

“The line seems a bit long. Ah, there she comes.”

At Eloise’s words, I turned my head and saw Selena running towards us with a smile.

“Did you wait long? Sorry! The line was a bit long!”

“Not at all. So, did you buy it?”

Selena responded with a ‘Yeah!’ and held something up for me to see.

“What do you think?!”

“Oh, it turned out really well.”

Small dolls, not very detailed, but each capturing their unique characteristics.

Selena, Eloise, Lav, and Lefia were standing around me.

“I didn’t know you could make something like this.”

“Neither did I. It’s not super detailed because I made it quickly, but I’m still very satisfied!”

We laughed and chatted as we walked through the heart of the festival.

It was definitely a more enjoyable autumn than last year.

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]