When Jiang Li woke up, there was still many hours left before the ceremony. He stood up from his bed and took a bath. He then dressed without the help of his servants. The complicated clothing, of course, took a lot of his time, but no words of complaint escaped out of his lips.The man silently sat in his wheelchair. He moved it forward by himself, surprising the valet who was about to enter his room and wake him up.
"Milord, please let me!" The other man hurriedly went behind Jiang Li and pushed his wheelchair. "Are we going to the dining room? The master and the mistress are still not there, but if you would like, I can ask their personal servants."
"There"s no need. It"s still very early. I don"t think the sun has even risen yet. Why don"t I take this opportunity to see it?" Jiang Li said with a smile.
Like everyone in the mansion, the valet was worried about the prophet"s body condition. However, there was no way he could go against his wishes, especially when faced with such a gentle and hopeful expression.
He could only say, "It"s a good idea, milord. The view should be spectacular on the balcony on the third floor. It"s also roofed so the morning drizzle should not be able to get to you."
"Yeah. Perfect then. Arrange my breakfast there. Until it"s set up, I"ll be in the library."
"Understood.""
Jiang Li spent some time surrounded by books and shelves, just as he said. He looked into the notes that he piled up on his desk. The duke joined him there and chatted with him a bit, checking on his mental and physical condition. He had to spend some time rea.s.suring his worrywart father that he was okay. After that, they talked about politics and management.
Allen Wade was all smiles as his son had no trouble following up with his remarks.
One time though, the Duke was surprised when the young man just suddenly asked, "Father, when are you planning to create another child with mom?"
The white-haired young man even grinned as he added, "It"s been so many years. But even though I"m now twenty, the two of you are still fairly young."
Even though the way Jiang Li asked it was full of teasing, the duke felt uncomfortable. It was hard not to smack the mischievous young man"s head. Of course, when he did, he made sure the cover of the book he used was not a hardbound one. "When did you learn to talk so irresponsibility, you rascal? Don"t speak nonsense, Luke."
"I definitely didn"t, father. You and mother are still young. What"s the matter with giving birth to another son? You need an inheritor if ever I plan to enter the church for real.""
The father shook his head and refused to say anything.
Jiang Li saw it and shook his head too. He lowered his eyes to the history book in his hand. It was something brought back from one of the monasteries. The awkwardness which reigned for a full minute was getting on his nerves so he finally let go of the book and shrugged.
"Alright, father. I"m just kidding. Don"t take it to heart."
"I"m glad you still know."
All of a sudden, Jiang Li smiled at the man before looking down again.
"I know that Mother is already pregnant."
Allen, who was sitting across him at the long table placed east of the room, widened his eyes at him. And then his expression slowly changed. The way he looked away made Jiang Li laughed.
Why was this duke feeling guilty over a matter like that?
"Don"t make a face like that, father. A child is a blessing. To be honest, I couldn"t be happier. The territory needs a true heir, not one who would die soon or go somewhere else even if he survives."
"... Is there really no other way."
The young man knew he was referring to his curse, which was not truly a big issue if he would be asked. However he still bluntly replied, "No." Shaking his head, he added, "What should happen will happen. I"m just following the G.o.ddess" will. If I die, I will just be returning to her embrace. Which is not that bad."
One or another, he was telling this time too. If he died, while carrying the mission in the next world, he could still return to that girl"s side. It was just that he would have to do another search again.
The Duke sighed. The conversation then concluded. Jiang Li bid his farewell and allowed another servant to push him toward the lift specially built for him.
When he reached the balcony on the third floor, the beautiful rays were starting to break through the dark night clouds. The corner of his lips went up, creating an arc that mesmerized the girl from the other realm peeking at him.
He finished his breakfast in a light mood. After that, he let the servants put on a more complicated getup on him. The rings and other accessories made his body heavier. But thankfully he was in a wheelchair so he would not feel that burdened later.
Time pa.s.sed. Before the sun reached 45 degrees on the east, the church"s people arrived at the mansion and escorted him towards the city center.
His father"s delegation set out too, following after their small convoy. However, when he got out of the carriage, a high-ranking priest hurriedly intercepted him. He had to be separated from House Wade"s people since they were to only become part of the huge gathering below the stage. On the other hand, he was to be brought to a raised platform at the center of the amphitheater.
Along the way, he noticed that the route they used was heavily guarded by holy knights and royal knights. It must be because there were too many people present already. The authorities and planners must have worried that he would not reach the venue even in an hour.
What they didn"t know was that if Jiang Li was determined, he could cross the 100-meter distance by jumping from his wheelchair.
"I"m glad you make it here safely," the Pope greeted him the moment he arrived at the large hall at the back of the stage.
The old man was wearing a gentle smile on his aged and wrinkled face. The clothes and decorations on the Pope"s body was especially grand today. Maybe the church"s highest leader purposely wore that many white gems on his person since he was planning to blind everybody later.
Jiang Li laughingly nodded and greeted back. "May the G.o.ddess always be with you, Your Holiness. Where are His Highness and the two ladies?"
"Prince Rome is downstairs, entertaining the n.o.bles. The Saintess is praying in the nearby chappel while the Lady Royal is with her family. The doctors are on standby not only for you, but for her too."
"Can the appointed Royal Concubine even stand?"
The old man laughed merrily. "Please don"t worry about it. Duke Bolden will personally escort and support Miss Bolden up."
"I see."
"... Poor duke. And poor female lead."
...