You think you're worthy of saving the world?

“Ah…is that so?” Cecilia asked hesitantly.

"We're friends, right?" Ruby countered.

Cecilia paused for two seconds: "…………Of course."

"Why are you hesitating?!" Ruby cried out, on the verge of tears.

“Just kidding, sorry,” Cecilia said with a smile.

Safia stroked her chin and muttered to herself, "But even if Cecilia says we should continue to support little Yuri, he doesn't need our protection anymore."

"..."

The blue-haired girl's words instantly froze Cecilia's smile.

The thought that with Yuri's rapid growth, she could no longer be his protector made "Sword Princess" feel as if a large chunk of her chest had been ripped out.

"—"

The air became unusually heavy.

Seeing this, Ruby quickly kicked Safia, and Amelod followed with a smile.

"Although Lord Yuri is very outstanding, he still can't do without Lady Cecilia."

"That's right! That's right! From now on, it's the era of the Child of Prophecy and Her Highness the Princess!" Ruby exclaimed dramatically.

“Little Yuri is still a long way off,” Safia said smugly, arms crossed.

"...Thank you for being willing to say that."

Cecilia stopped and bowed to the three of them in apology: "I was so immature, I'm sorry."

"That's not true! We understand how you feel!" The three deputy commanders quickly waved their hands.

Just then, Cecilia caught a glimpse of a luxurious black and gold carriage speeding past the four of them.

My mother's car?

The blonde knight looked over curiously.

She initially thought she was seeing things, since similar carriages were not uncommon in the Vatican, but then she saw a young girl sitting in the driver's seat—

It was Rosalia's personal bodyguard, Miss Betty.

Has Mother returned to the Holy See?

When did you come back?

Why didn't you tell me?

Cecilia frowned slightly, confused and uneasy.

……

……

……

After hastily saying goodbye to Ruby and the others, Cecilia went straight home.

As soon as I stepped into the living room, I saw Rosalia sitting in front of the sofa.

She had already taken off the purple dress she wore during her secret carriage rendezvous with Yuri and instructed Patty to put it in her collection wardrobe.

At this moment, she was not enjoying pre-dinner tea served by a maid, but instead facing a mountain of documents awaiting her processing.

Rosalia told Yuri a little lie:

She did not complete all the work; instead, she brought the work with her to the Vatican.

Even a few days earlier, she longed to see her beloved boy as soon as possible... Such words would be too embarrassing for even the passionate and unrestrained Grand Duchess to utter.

Just as she was about to sign the document, a stern female voice rang out from behind her.

"Mother!"

Rosalia sighed.

He adjusted his facial expression and then slowly turned his head.

"Cecilia, you're back."

Cecilia bowed and said, "Yes, Mother, you seem to be in a good mood."

She was naturally in a great mood, as her long-cherished wish was finally about to come true—this weekend, she would be able to spend the night with Yuri.

Cecilia: "I saw your carriage on the road just now, so I was wondering if you were coming to the Holy See. Why didn't you let me know in advance?"

"Because I came in a hurry, I didn't have time to inform you."

Rosalia signed the document and changed the subject very naturally: "You don't seem very energetic, Cecilia. What happened?"

"It's like this... Mother, I have a request today."

The Grand Duchess stopped signing.

How long has it been since I last heard my daughter "make a request"?

Although their directions are different, Cecilia is no less talented than herself.

She was very sensible from a very young age and never whine or make demands on her busy mother.

As a mother, Rosalia felt both gratified and somewhat lonely.

Now that her daughter is taking the initiative to act coquettishly towards her, the Grand Duchess is naturally very happy.

Although she decided to grant her any request, she still made a small sarcastic remark.

"It's rare to see Cecilia bowing down to me."

"I'm sorry, Mother... I've caused you trouble."

Cecilia bent down even lower.

"Tell me, what's the matter?"

"Several years ago, you mentioned that you were considering arranging a marriage between me and Yuri..."

The "Sword Maiden" raised her face and met the "Empress's" gaze without fear.

"Does this matter still stand?"

129 Thank you for your generosity, Master...?

"Several years ago, you mentioned considering arranging a marriage between me and Yuri... Does that still count now?"

Upon hearing her mention the past, Rosalia remained silent for a moment, then calmly spoke with a nostalgic expression.

"I did consider arranging a marriage between you and Yuri in the past, but that's all in the past, and even if I brought it up now..."

"Why? Are you just saying that casually? Or do you think Yuri and I aren't a good match?"

Cecilia pressed on excitedly, her voice tinged with resentment.

Rosalia answered calmly.

"No, it's just a practical matter. The Papal Court simply rejected my marriage proposal."

Rosalia had indeed considered arranging a marriage between Cecilia and Yuri in the past.

That was definitely not about wanting her to be happy, it wasn't even a political marriage—

At the time, Euryphus Falción was still a rather weak boy, and Rosalia intended to control the prophesied child through a marriage agreement.

She was well aware that her thoughts would not go unnoticed by the Papal Court.

This is actually a political game surrounding the prophesied son.

Rosalia's asset is Cecilia.

Among young women of marriageable age, there was no one more suitable to be Euryphus's fiancée than her.

Cecilia is exceptionally talented, has a strong personality, and has had a close relationship with the Child of Prophecy since childhood.

The Papal Court must also be worried that Euryphus will break free from their control once he grows up...

Therefore, having Valentine and her daughter join the group is a good choice.

However, Rosalia's marriage application was ultimately rejected.

The "Twelve Thrones" indicate that the prophesied child is still young and not yet at the age where marriage is urgently needed, and...

"Even if it were a choice of a fiancée for the savior, Cecilia would never be considered. Forget about it."

The other party's attitude was quite tough.

The heads of the Papal Court viewed Grand Duchess Valentine as a dangerous and ambitious woman who must be closely watched.

Moreover, the prophesied child is their exclusive political asset, so why should outsiders get a share?

"That's it."

Rosalia explained the whole situation to Cecilia without reservation, and then took a sip of black tea.

"The whole incident was a power struggle between me and the Papal Court from beginning to end."

Cecilia, why don't you take this opportunity to learn about politics? Or are you still not interested?

"..."

The blonde knight lowered her head slightly and remained silent for a long time.

A barely concealed anger emanated from her slender figure.

"So... in your and the Papal Court's eyes, Yuri is nothing more than a tool that can be manipulated at will?"

"So... that was an idea I had a few years ago."

Rosalia smiled and said, "Back then, I did think about making Yuri my puppeteer."

But... in my opinion, this is also a way to protect little Yuri.

"...I simply cannot accept what you have done."

Cecilia bit her lip, clearly very dissatisfied.

Although she vaguely sensed that Rosalia was trying to get close to the Child of Prophecy to achieve her own goals, it was still very painful to hear the person in question say it out loud.