053: The Day of Nero's Coronation Ceremony
The Pantheon—
It could no longer be called the Pantheon, for now only Christian symbols stood within, with nothing else remaining.
Because in the current Roman Empire, the only legal religion was Christianity; all others were considered pagan.
At this moment, Novia was to perform Christ's blessing here for Nero during her coronation ceremony. Though Nero had wanted to build a new one, there simply wasn't enough time, so they had to make do with this place for now.
Accordingly, it had been decorated early with flowers of all seasons and seasonal ornaments. The overall style was pure white, and through the windows, one could see the people of Rome participating in the ceremony outside. After all, this was the final venue, and Novia was waiting patiently for Nero's arrival.
"That human is really full of herself, acting all high and mighty."
Albion, transformed into a young girl, propped her chin on her hand as she gazed out the window, pouting with clear dissatisfaction. Nowadays, she only appeared when alone with Novia; if outsiders were present, she would retreat immediately.
"This is a major day for Nero. It's only normal for her to be happy."
"Hey, did I allow you to mention your disciple's name without my permission?"
The silver-haired girl turned her head toward Novia, then shifted her gaze back outside the window.
"... When did we ever establish such an agreement between us?"
"We didn't. I'm just thinking that I shouldn't have dismissed you as just a weak human magus back then. I should have killed and eaten you right away—"
Albion turned her head again, looking meaningfully at Novia from head to toe, a hint of bloodlust hidden deep in her eyes.
"Maybe you should change your appearance when talking to me like this? Otherwise, it always feels a bit...ambiguous."
Novia leaned closer to Albion, bending down to meet the dragon girl's eyes.
This human's face was too close. Albion didn't retreat at all, her bright golden eyes staring directly back.
Novia pointed a finger aggressively right between her golden eyes, at the center of her forehead.
"... What was that just now? Really, it's increasingly and inexplicably pissing me off."
Just from a finger poke, Albion felt an indescribable sense of embarrassment rise within her. And when she thought about the golden-haired human below climbing the steps alone, and how those two would soon be alone together while she could only watch from the sidelines, the silver-haired girl grew increasingly furious.
So before Novia could say anything, Albion jumped up, tilted her head slightly, buried her face in the young man's neck, and gave him several gentle nips with her sharp teeth—though they were only light bites this time. Then she tossed out, "That one is coming. I don't want to see her; she's disgustingly annoying," before vanishing.
Being nibbled on by Albion had become part of Novia's daily routine. Whenever she was in a bad mood, she would bite him. But unlike the initial tearing bites that drew blood, now it felt more like a caress.
Novia glanced outside the Pantheon. The red-clad girl Nero, dressed in imperial robes, was slowly ascending the steps. This was the final part of the coronation ceremony.
In the ancient Roman Empire, coronation ceremonies typically involved the new emperor leading a military parade to display their military strength and gain the army's support.
After receiving recognition from the Senate and the military, they would deliver a proclamation of ascension, outlining their governance philosophy and goals.
This was accompanied by large-scale celebratory activities, including banquets, games, and the distribution of bonuses. These events aimed to showcase the emperor's generosity and power while winning public support and loyalty.
Finally, they would proceed to a temple to make sacrifices and seek divine blessing. Now, with Christianity as the state religion, Emperor Nero naturally had to come here to receive God's blessing from Novia.
But Novia noticed that Nero wasn't carrying items like a crown, scepter, or cloak—symbols of power and rule typically displayed by new emperors. Instead, she only held the "Aestus Estus" (Original Flame) that Novia had once given her.
However, this wasn't really a problem, as it was merely an unwritten custom, and not following it was normal.
Novia then sat under the light of the Pantheon's "Oculus" (Eye of the Dome), quietly awaiting Nero's arrival. The midday sunlight shone precisely on the archway entrance.
When Nero stepped into the temple at that moment, the dazzling sunlight gathered perfectly upon her, making her the center of attention.
Novia hadn't initially thought much about this detail; it was Nero who insisted it would be better, more artistic, so Novia had simply gone along with it.
"Teacher, due to some circumstances, could you please close your eyes for a moment?"
"Mmm."
The golden-haired girl's voice came from behind the archway. Novia obliged, closing his eyes as she requested.
"Umu umu, Teacher, you may open your eyes now."
About ten seconds later, Nero's voice rang out again. During this time, Novia sensed magical energy—likely Nero using some magecraft.
What then unfolded before Novia's eyes was, within the archway bathed in brilliant sunlight—
Golden hair gently swayed beneath a white hat, above which rested a golden laurel wreath. On the girl's fair complexion, her emerald-green eyes sparkled like a shimmering, icy lake.
The girl's boots landed with a firm clack as she stepped closer to him, one pace at a time.
"How is it, how is it? I thought long and hard to design this outfit. I'm only showing it to you, Teacher. And because you like white, I only used white."
With each word the golden-haired girl spoke with a smile, the rose earrings on her ears swayed along.
"It's very good."
"Really?"
"Really."
"Really, really?"
"Yes, without a doubt. I like it very much."
"No way, just one compliment isn't enough. I want a reward, a reward—a very, very good reward. Otherwise, I'll be angry."
Having said that, Nero, now standing before Novia, puffed out her cheeks and pouted like a sulking child.
"Nero, you are the emperor now—"
"I don't care about being emperor. I want my reward."
Nero stood on her tiptoes, placing her hands on Novia's shoulders, her eyes blazing like fire as she stared directly at him.
Seeing the faint blush on the girl's face, Novia leaned in and kissed her.
"Is this acceptable now?"
"Umu, Teacher, you could have continued... but this is fine too, hehe..."
Nero's gaze burned like fire, and beneath that fire lay a look akin to black mud, as if ready to devour everything.
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
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