055: It would be sad if I couldn't see Teacher for a long time
"Your Majesty, from now on, regarding the commander of the Praetorian Guard, may we appoint the current Governor of Britannia, Lucius Longinus?"
Somewhere in the Roman palace, various species of flowers were planted. When the weather warmed and the flowers bloomed, the place was enveloped in an intoxicating floral fragrance.
"Absolutely!"
The golden-haired girl with dazzling hair nodded, a smile on her face, not saying much more.
Regarding this suggestion, Nero believed that someone as capable as her teacher, who was sincerely devoted to Rome and the well-being of everyone, could not possibly treat her, the most important one, poorly.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
The Praetorian Prefect Bruce, appointed by Claudius, had requested retirement shortly after Nero successfully ascended the throne. Novia knew he wanted to protect himself, but considering his pragmatism and lack of troublemaking, he let him go.
As for control of the Praetorian Guard, Novia didn't just want nominal control. Having Lucius serve as Prefect was also to use the 'Christian' faith to prevent these 'elite' soldiers, rigorously selected from across the Roman Empire, from falling back into a life of decadence. They were to hold faith in both Christianity and Rome.
The Praetorian Guard hadn't yet developed to the lawless extent it would later. With Lucius spending time reforming it, it was entirely possible.
Take the Britannia Legion under Lucius's command, for example. Under his training, it had become one of the top combat forces in the Roman Empire. Last time Novia pacified the province of Judea, the Britannia Legion was the unit that contributed the most.
"Listen, Teacher, when it's just the two of us alone, there's no need to address me as 'Your Majesty' or anything like that. Even though my status has changed, the essence is still the same, right? I'm not even using the imperial 'we' when I speak."
She rested her chin in her hand, speaking with apparent displeasure.
Nero had always believed that after helping her teacher with his work, seeing Novia smile at her and call her by name would give her a certain thrill. But now, being called only 'Your Majesty' held no such feeling.
"Your Majesty, it is a necessary courtesy."
"Alright, if Teacher prefers it that way, then so be it." Nero nodded, not insisting further, and continued with a smile, "Teacher, why did you take a day off yesterday? Were you feeling unwell because of me? That... actually, I also think starting mouth-to-mouth was too fast. But besides the mouth, we could also... No, that's not it! Actually, I was very happy, very happy with that skin-to-skin contact. But... well... I don't mean that Teacher should do it again... How should I put it... Hehe..."
Nero's initially confident smile grew increasingly unsure as she spoke, suddenly turning into a flustered blush.
This was not only because the flustered expression she expected from Novia didn't appear but also because it led her thoughts to more intimate matters.
As for Novia, yesterday he got to experience what a real dragon's tongue tasted like. It was lizard-like, too long. However, perhaps because Albion had only seen Novia kissing Nero before and hadn't witnessed anything else, she just kept on kissing.
From the results, Novia's deliberate provocation of Albion worked very well. At the very least, from now on, Albion's attitude toward him would undergo a significant change.
But Albion was nowhere to be seen even now, as if she had run away. Novia tried telepathic communication but received no response. He was also puzzled because Albion was currently a soul entity, right? A sort of weapon spirit. Why did she have a physical tongue? It was strange. Could she be in the process of acquiring a physical body? But what was the reason...
"Oh, Teacher, can you accompany me to the Greek peninsula in a while? Because the ministers suggested digging a canal through the Isthmus of Corinth, I want to participate in the groundbreaking."
Since Novia showed little reaction to her words, Nero almost wondered if she had upset her teacher. That wouldn't do at all, so she quickly brought up something she believed would definitely make her teacher happy if she did it.
Moreover, opening a canal at the Isthmus of Corinth could improve the Roman Empire's commercial control over Greece and benefit the nation and its people.
The newly crowned Nero distributed various gifts randomly to the populace every day—not just food, clothing, and livestock, but even gold, silver, jewels, and property. For veterans with significant influence, she ordered monthly distributions of free bread. She also provided annual stipends to impoverished senators in recognition of their past contributions and funded the construction of large ports for old colonies...
In short, she presented herself entirely as an enlightened ruler.
"I'm afraid that won't be possible. Your Majesty, as you know, the heads of all churches across the nation will be gathering in Rome in a few days. I really cannot leave."
On the day of Nero's coronation, Novia had persuaded her to announce that all heads of Christian churches across the nation would come to Rome to discuss matters with him, their leader. He planned to distribute the already compiled New Testament, unify doctrine, and rename Christianity to the Holy Church.
Although, given Novia's current prestige, he hardly needed to consult with other believers, going through the necessary formalities was still appropriate. And it was unlikely anyone would object anyway.
"Your Majesty, you can go alone, can't you? Haven't you always loved the people of Rome?"
When asked, Nero pondered.
If forced to choose between liking or not liking, of course she loved them immensely. It's just—
"In that case, I won't be able to see you, Teacher, for a long time."
"...Then you should attend as well. The subsequent Christian conference."
"Eh, really?! Teacher, I'm the Emperor! Although I've been a Christian for a long time..."
She sprang up from her chair with a rustle, leaning forward as if slamming on the brakes.
"But there would be implications. If I attended and caused trouble for you, Teacher, that wouldn't be good..."
"I don't think so, and I don't mind at all." Watching the hesitant golden-haired girl, Novia made his words even clearer. "Moreover, Rome's Titus is written in the book as a saint. No matter what, she is a very important figure, right?"
"A saint... That's right... I am a saint..."
So that's it, the golden-haired girl thought.
The fact that she was an important person to her teacher filled her with joy.
When their eyes met, Novia offered a smile, and Nero naturally smiled back.
This is really, truly wonderful.
Note: I'm new to translating so please be kind and tell me any mistakes you all find, I will try to release a chapter a day but don't expect much
Please support the original author: 式模式
Raw: 型月,小开也算开?