Spring in My Grasp - Chapter 58

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

(58) The High Priest’s Visit

“How can something be so precious?”
Then I looked toward Alexis.
“They look just like you.”
Alexis pressed his lips firmly together. In truth, he had harbored a secret wish that the child would resemble my wife instead. Alexis himself had never been particularly fond of his own appearance. Yet seeing my wife love this child—born after narrowly escaping death itself—with such devotion, I found no complaints rising to my lips.
“You’re that pleased?”
I simply asked again. Rowan nodded with a radiant smile.
“This child carries the blood of both you and me. Our true family.”
Even before the child’s birth, I had considered Rowan closer than my own blood relatives, but I kept that thought carefully hidden. I simply smiled back at her.
“Oh, and this.”
Lea, who had been watching the three of us with a satisfied expression, withdrew a letter from her embrace. Alexis accepted it and broke the seal.
“It’s from the Grand Cathedral.”
Rowan spoke upon seeing the emblem on the envelope. Alexis nodded and slowly read through the letter. Then he let out a dismissive sound and set it down.
“What does it say?”
“An old man with far too much energy.”
In this kingdom, only Alexis would speak of the High Priest in such a manner. As Rowan regarded him quietly, Alexis explained with evident annoyance.
“He intends to visit here in two days.”
“The High Priest himself… personally?”
Everyone in the room was startled by those words. The High Priest, who lived in near seclusion at the Grand Cathedral and devoted himself to praying for the kingdom’s future, was coming in person. It was certainly special treatment beyond what other Holy Knights received. Yet Alexis himself looked thoroughly vexed.
“I’ve never formally received a guest at the castle before…”
Rowan, holding the baby, murmured with concern.
“I worry we won’t receive him properly.”
At those words, Eloze spoke with a smile.
“What is there to worry about?”
She approached Rowan with graceful poise.
“The Butler has served Count Glister’s Estate for many years, and I myself have spent my life instructing those of royal blood. Set such concerns aside and focus only on your recovery until the High Priest arrives.”
Alexis’s violet-blue eyes gleamed with joy as he regarded her. Madame Eloze truly understood her master’s heart well.
“Yes, for now just focus on regaining your strength.”
Why must they be so overprotective? I thought inwardly, gently caressing the baby’s cheek. But there was something I didn’t know. When I nearly died giving birth in the Birthing Chamber, everyone present had experienced profound sorrow.
They longed to see my bright and vibrant self for as long as possible. Moreover, Alexis had nearly developed trauma from the fear of losing me. Thus, with a sense of mission to restore my health quickly, they gazed upon me holding the baby and finding happiness.
***
And so the peaceful days passed until the promised day arrived. A carriage bearing the Temple’s emblem pulled up before the Castle Gate. Alexis greeted the High Priest with evident reluctance. Even Rowan, who had been keeping vigil in the Bedroom until now, dressed herself in proper attire and paid her respects as the High Priest entered the Castle.
“Welcome to Valerian Castle. We are honored by your personal visit, High Priest.”
The High Priest nodded at Rowan’s unpretentious greeting. Clad in pristine white robes with a golden sash, his bearing radiated an unmistakable grandeur that proved he was no ordinary man. Among the Castle’s servants who came to receive him, those of deep faith had already fallen to their knees.
“So you are the Countess of Valerion.”
The High Priest showed no surprise at Rowan’s unexpected appearance, unlike mere gossips. He regarded her quietly, then extended his hand and placed it upon her head.
“Your body has grown quite weak.”
Rowan felt a different quality of holy power—distinct from Alexis’s—spreading through her body. As the High Priest extended his hand, Alexis had moved to intervene, but stopped upon witnessing the High Priest infusing his power into her.
“The Marquis of Valerian would have continued supplying you with holy power regardless, but this is my greeting. Consider it a gift for my visit.”
The High Priest withdrew his hand after completing the infusion. Rowan simply expressed her gratitude while regarding him with wonder in her eyes.
“Let us dispense with unnecessary formalities and ceremonies. Alexis, I have come to examine your child.”
The High Priest turned to Alexis and spoke without preamble.
“The bloodline of a Holy Knight carries a different aura than ordinary people. It may be holy power, or it may be something else entirely.”
Rowan gasped in surprise, covering her mouth with both hands. She had never considered that her child might possess such an unusual aura. Alexis, who had already sensed this, replied matter-of-factly.
“Indeed.”
He then proceeded with the High Priest toward the Child’s Room.
“But do not expect too much. Even I only manifested it by chance when my wife was injured, and I do not believe it will be inherited.”
The High Priest nodded at Alexis’s words.
“The will of God often manifests in unexpected places.”
Having guided the High Priest thus, they left their attendants in the Corridor and proceeded to the Child’s Room.
“You have not yet chosen a name?”
The High Priest asked as they approached the room.
“No, since it is a name for life, my wife is giving it considerable thought.”
Alexis replied. When the High Priest reached the door and knocked, Madame Elrose emerged. Leaving her to her courtesies, the High Priest stepped inside.
The room was filled with gentle light. Delicate lace curtains hung at the window, and softly filtered sunlight illuminated the space with a subtle glow.
In the center of the room stood a cradle bestowed by the Royal Court. Crafted from pure white wood, it bore intricate engravings of blessing patterns embroidered in gold thread.
Within the cradle lay soft bedding arranged with care. Upon fabric woven from the finest threads, blessing patterns from the Temple were subtly embroidered. Tasteful decorations were placed throughout—most of them gifts from the Royal Court. Small silver ornaments, silver utensils for the baby, and a neat box containing sacred relics. All of it spoke to how carefully this room had been prepared.
Alexis was deeply pleased with the Child’s Room. Particularly, he cherished the places touched by Rowan’s hand. Near the window sat several small pots. Herbs and pale green plants that Rowan had personally planted, brought from the Glass Garden, breathed quietly. The scent of earth and grass drifted softly, adding living breath to the room.
Beside them lay small garments that Rowan had made with her own hands, stacked neatly. Though not elaborate, each stitch bore the mark of her care. They were simple but warm traces of her devotion.
When Alexis’s gaze fell upon them, his eyes softened gently. Yet the High Priest paid no mind to such things, fixing his attention solely upon the silver-haired baby sleeping peacefully in the cradle, breathing softly and evenly.
….
Just as he had done with Rowan, the High Priest placed his hand lightly upon the baby’s head. Then he closed his eyes. Rowan’s breath caught in her throat as she watched. Seized by inexplicable tension, she clasped her hands together anxiously. Alexis, sensing her worry, placed a reassuring hand upon her shoulder.
How much time had passed? Suddenly, the baby in the cradle stirred slightly. Then, opening its eyes faintly, it gazed toward the High Priest. The baby suddenly smiled. The High Priest drew in a sharp breath. Light burst forth from the baby’s body. Though small, it clearly resonated with the High Priest’s holy power. Rowan staggered. Had Alexis not caught her, she might have collapsed.
This aura. The strange energy she had felt several times since marrying Alexis. To feel it again… Soon the light faded and the baby closed its eyes once more. Only then did the High Priest withdraw his hand and turn to face Alexis and Rowan.
“As I suspected….”
The High Priest murmured. Though he had encountered countless individuals bearing holy power throughout his lifetime, his face could not conceal his undisguised excitement.
“Alexis.”
The High Priest spoke.
“And Countess.”
He looked between Alexis and Rowan before turning his gaze toward the child.
“This child is….”
He paused, and that brief silence made the air itself seem to suffocate.
“I was born with Holy Power.”

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