Sister-in-law of the Heroine in a Childcare Novel - Chapter 192

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 192

“You’ve been hunting down Magic Beasts en masse every day lately, they say—for tomorrow’s sake. Couldn’t this be a temporary phenomenon?”
I asked the emoji-faced sword just to be sure. The answer came back immediately.
-I’m not sensing anything peculiar, really. Not even a speck of presence, which is odd. (･_-｡)…. It’s like when you spray poison in an ant colony and all the ants flee the nest? Or perhaps someone deliberately blocked them off?
“My subordinates reached the same conclusion.”
Yet Raymond’s expression remained troubled.
“……I simply have a bad feeling about it.”
Raymond spoke to me with some hesitation.
“……Should we push the date back?”
“But it’s tomorrow.”
“Given the uncertainty……. Even a day or two would help.”
‘……How likely is it that those mad enemies who attacked us in the Southern Region have secretly infiltrated Castrain Territory and will sabotage the Dedication Ceremony?’
-Hmm……. (◞‸◟)
After a long deliberation, the emoji-faced sword reached a conclusion.
-The fact that Magic Beasts aren’t visible along the territorial boundaries is probably true. The Northern Barrier, unlike the southern one, is still intact and functioning properly, and the Castrain Family hasn’t been negligent about sweeping out Magic Beasts……. If someone deliberately hid them, they might manage it, but bringing in such a large pack of Magic Beasts without drawing attention would seem impossible.
So the crux of it is this: not a large-scale attack, but they could strike through some gap if they tried. That much.
“If we postpone it now, when would we hold it? Even if His Majesty the Emperor is lenient about allowing me to visit my betrothed’s family, I doubt he’d let me stay here indefinitely without a fixed date…….”
Unlike the Southern Region, the core location where the Dedication Ceremony takes place is off-limits to the general public in the North. The Castrain Family has guarded it with their lives.
But for me—more precisely, for the Imperial House to conduct the ceremony, we must temporarily strip away the layers of security usually in place.
In preparation for Magic Beasts attacking during that window, even the greatest Duke of Castrain himself remains at the family seat.
“To be frank, the Castrain Family can’t be any more cautious than this. Honestly, if something goes wrong even after all we’ve done, then that’s simply something that was meant to happen…….”
Raymond already knew I would refuse. Given that this isn’t a simple affair, postponing it even by half a day—not just a day or two—would obviously create enormous disruptions. After all, the Castrain Family has been continuously clearing the area, maintaining watch, and positioning troops specifically for today…….
“I’m grateful for your concern. Thank you for going to the trouble of telling me.”
“Your Highness. Wouldn’t it be acceptable to observe the situation for a day or two more?”
Flux asked carefully. I shook my head.
“……If we clumsily alter the plans now, we might actually create unforeseen variables or vulnerabilities, and what if the enemy has been counting on precisely that? Besides, even if we postpone it, nothing changes about what needs to be done or where it needs to be done.”
We’re at the Castrain Family’s main seat, doing everything within our power to maintain the highest guard. And if an attack still comes? If we’ve exhausted all our strength and still fall?
Well then……. That’s……. That’s where my power and ability reach their limit. From the start, my current strength felt insufficient, so I’m throwing dice just trying to conduct the Lord’s Ceremony.
“Sigh.”

While we talked, Jemina—who had been half-sprawled asleep on the table—lifted her head and gave me a look of utter exasperation. She looked like a seasoned workplace superior regarding a dawdling newcomer. No, this isn’t lack of boldness; this is just facing reality.
“And I hear the Duke of Castrain himself will be present as well.”
Raymond nodded quietly.
“Then it should be fine. They say his epithet is the strongest man in this empire.”
But Raymond’s expression remained unsettled.
“……Could you give me your word?”
“Of what sort?”
“That you would prioritize the safety of Her Highness Princess Titania above all else, no matter what happens.”
“Come now, no need to make such a formal promise.”
“Please, give me your word.”
“……Very well.”
Did he know something, or was he just being cautious? I simply smiled, thinking of the Lord’s Ceremony ahead.
Yes, I could lose consciousness while conducting it……. I might not wake up, and there’s no set deadline…….
But rather than divulging such details, I simply smiled.
“Of course—my own safety is my highest priority.”
Naturally hiding the sincere thought that everyone’s safety mattered more than mine alone.

* * *

As dawn broke, the movement began.
It seemed the entire city had become one, preparing for the Dedication Ceremony. The security posture was at its height. Honestly, even if a pack of Magic Beasts suddenly attacked, no one would panic—they’d repel it with practiced ease. I dressed in simple clothes, gathered my preparations, and followed where I was led.
The space affected by the Northern Barrier was vast. I came to better understand why outsiders could never quite guess where the core of the Barrier lay at its center.
“……There’s a passage like this?”
“If snow accumulates wrongly, entry becomes difficult. Normally we conduct the ceremony in deep winter……. If blizzards come or snow piles higher than a man’s height, passage becomes impossible.”
So there was an Underground Passage leading to the very heart of the Barrier.
Was the ceremony itself conducted underground?
The Priest Guide who was showing me the way added an explanation. He’d said he was a disciple of High Priest Illian—the moment he saw my face, he started acting with an easy familiarity that was truly “like master, like disciple.”
“Of course, the other members of the Imperial House who’ve come before simply melted through the snow by whatever means and forced their way through. This is kept confidential, so we can’t divulge it to outsiders.”
“Strictly speaking, I’m an outsider too.”
“Prince Rasper has always had quite the interest in theology.”
I regarded the person looking at me with such a benevolent expression.
Short ash-brown hair. Gentle eyes. For some reason, when we descended here, he reminded me of the Priest Guide that Raymond had taken me to for treatment on the day I was injured.
“You’re truly admirable, young lord. Since High Priest Illian holds you dear as well, there have been times when the other priests have quietly made things convenient for you—letting you read books normally only accessible to the clergy. One might say you’re like a nephew to us……. That’s how I came to notice something. Your Highness’s sword as well.”
“…….”
His clear gaze swept across me. And he smiled.
“Life here is so terribly hard. And since people can’t flee, they become rather coarse at times. It happens because we’re all so burdened just managing our own flock……. So no matter what attitude Your Highness displays, I understand. And I don’t doubt you.”
“You’re meeting me for the first time today, yet? You’ve only heard rumors from others.”
“Most who come down to the North act the way Your Highness does. We have many such priests in our Temple. I’m not blind—I’m not a fool either. Not here to serve, here to make money. Spend a few years in the warzone with your eyes shut, and a commoner priest can earn quite a sum, they say—I remember Priest Marlon grumbling things like that.”
“…….”
Something jagged rolled in my chest with a dull thud.
“Not a fool—who would willingly come to such a barren, frozen land? No matter how valuable Mana Stones are, who’d set foot in a place where Magic Beasts emerge without cease?”
The dull thudding became measured taps, then stopped.
“That Priest Marlon…….”
“Priest Marlon saved two children and departed. Even as he left, he said—why do I go spreading word of this foolish blunder I made, bragging about my dead parents? Don’t make a memorial out of an old woman’s death. So no tomb remains. The two children are now in soldier training, determined to become knights who slay Magic Beasts.”
“…….”
“That’s why I think how others insist Your Highness is exposing such things to an outsider, treating you too indulgently, and that you should be more cautious and suspicious……. It’s all so obvious what they’re thinking. Priest Marlon comes to mind.”
A final door, it seemed, opened with a heavy sound.
“That’s why I want to hold your hand and tell you to stay strong.”
“…….”
When did he see me? How could he speak as though he knew me? Even if he’d heard of me through High Priest Illian, he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes. I’d lost the energy to protest.
And I didn’t want to.
Thinking about it, it was nearly pure encouragement. He sensed who I was, what I was doing. Stay strong—wasn’t that the simple meaning? Before I stepped through the door, I spoke to him with a gentle smile, affecting cool composure.
“If things go well, I’d like to give you a bonus.”
“My, how generous.”
“And if things don’t go well, I’d like to give you one if I can.”
“I hope things go well so I can receive it with a grateful heart. I’ll be praying.”
“……Thank you.”
I walked without hesitation toward the space prepared for me. What needed to be done was clear. A warm, embracing presence welcomed me, wrapping around my entire being.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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