A Powerful Martial Artist Reincarnates as a Nun Knight

‘I, Vittorio Amedeo di Rotaringhia, the legitimate ruler of the devout and stalwart kingdom of Rotaringhia; commander-in-chief overseeing the realm’s armies; supreme adjudicator sanctioning legislation; most authoritative chief justice presiding over national jurisprudence; paramount administrative executive directing state affairs; sovereign lord of Ravenna, the world’s noblest capital city; Duke of Liguria and Calabria; Count of Raspechia, Catanzaro and Arezzo; and above all, the rightful sovereign of the glorious and exalted Iron Throne established in Ravenna, hereby decree… (abbreviated)’

The moment this grandiose proclamation issued from the royal palace in such lofty first-person rhetorical flourishes reached Ravenna’s assembled nobles, distinguished clans and influential factions, the capital’s political circles plunged into utter shock.

As a servant read the proclamation aloud, Regent Eduardo Luigi di Napoli remained expressionlessly stoic. Once the reading concluded, one of his gathered supporters clicked his tongue derisively:

“Tsk, I presumed he would simply perish…Yet he stubbornly clings to life, causing such inconvenience.”

Even within this private circle, addressing the still-living monarch in such an overtly disrespectful manner seemed scarcely believable. Yet none present reprimanded his unrestrained tongue – they shared similar sentiments regardless of scale.

The ambiguous rivalry between the Crown Prince and Seventh Prince presented an ideal opportunity to enthrone a feeble, illegitimate puppet king lacking true authority or legitimacy, enabling them to wield power from the shadows.
That scheme now indefinitely postponed by the king’s reawakening warranted such resentment.

“Watch your tongue, Count of Salerno. Distorting our devoted regent’s gracious temperament so crudely will only invite further public disdain.”

An unexpected voice intervened – Alfonso d’Este, the Count of Cento as well as the Marquis of Mantua’s younger brother and Ferrara’s heir presumptive, subtly reprimanding Salerno’s blatant candor before whispering:

“Are you unaware that reckless speech paves the road to ruinous disgrace? Don’t you comprehend why our regent refrains from revealing his feelings?”

Realizing his blunder as Alfonso rebuked him, a chill sweat beaded the Count of Salerno’s spine before he instantly fell silent. Nodding approvingly, the Count of Cento immediately addressed the regent:

“Your Highness. This represents a joyous national occasion, so we cannot ignore the royal summons. We ought to arrange a suitable sequence for pledging our devoted allegiance before His Majesty.”

In essence: ‘The legitimacy now lies there. Instead of dallying, seize an opportune moment to profess loyalty and secure political advantages while covertly monitoring palace developments.’

Only after Alfonso’s counsel did Regent Eduardo slowly nod acquiescence – his actual stance aligning completely, yet preferring to act upon a subordinate’s suggestion to avoid seeming too eager.

“Very well. If my elder brother has regained his health, it undoubtedly represents a great blessing for our kingdom – a personally joyful occasion as his younger sibling. I wish to make thorough preparations by the date specified in the summons, so all present must ensure no oversight occurs.”

Where the regent previously appeared sluggish and indolent, asserting this policy imbued him with leonine majesty. To those gathered here, Eduardo Luigi di Napoli had already become their de facto sovereign.

Exuding regal vigor while issuing commands effortlessly, the regent’s presence inspired awe and admiration among his supporters and vassals.

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While Regent Eduardo Luigi di Napoli and southern Rotaringian nobles swiftly consolidated political positioning under pretenses of celebrating the king’s revival, Crown Prince Eduardo Lamperto di Rotaringhia exhibited conflicted emotions.

“As a son, I cannot help but rejoice at my father’s recovery. Yet I find it equally difficult to allay deeper unease.”

The crown prince’s melancholic musings prompted the Count of Monferrato’s sympathetic agreement as he watched with regretful eyes.

“Before losing consciousness, His Majesty prepared to accept Lady Agnes, the Seventh Prince’s mother, as his official queen. Now that he has awoken, I worry he may resume those prior intentions.”

“Whatever path my father chooses is ultimately his decision which I, as his son, must merely accept. However, it pains me to potentially imperil those who have loyally followed my unworthy self until now.”

Despite the crown prince’s composed demeanor, the Count of Monferrato lamented gravely:

“If the Seventh Prince becomes formally recognized as crown prince, he will undoubtedly seek retribution against you, Your Highness! Why so readily resign yourself?”

“But if I alone make that sacrifice, could it at least preserve your well-being? I could never bear seeing you all imperiled on my account.”

Watching Crown Prince Eduardo Lamperto di Rotaringhia’s wistful smile, the nobles who had rallied to support him felt profound sorrow. Meanwhile, the Count of Monferrato, Salvatore di Paci, regarded the crown prince and his followers with a gleam in his eye.

This – this was precisely why Salvatore supported the crown prince’s cause. Although Eduardo described himself as unworthy, the northern Rotaringian nobles pledging allegiance were truly inspired by his virtuous character, bound by principles.

Even if the king persecuted the crown prince again, his loyalists would never fracture their unity. Suddenly, an epiphany struck Salvatore’s mind.

“Your Highness. You surely rejoice wholeheartedly at His Majesty’s recovery, do you not?”
“Hmm? Of course, but what of it?”
“Then it would be best to be the first to heed His Majesty’s summons. Go and publicly display your filial piety and allegiance before His Majesty and all others present. Those with discernment will surely recognize your sincerity.”

Since matters had progressed this way, publicly demonstrating the crown prince’s noble character before the court represented the better option – an opportunity Monferrato’s counsel prompted Eduardo to readily accept. As someone innately benevolent, he had no reason to refuse advice promoting filial piety to his father.

In truth, Salvatore disliked relying on amorphous public sentiments to secure factional prospects – an overly passive stratagem for his tastes.

‘But we lack recourse under these circumstances. Above all, we desperately lack information. For now, publicly showcasing the crown prince’s kingly qualities while seizing opportunities to gather intelligence will have to suffice.’

Still inwardly troubled, the Count of Monferrato nonetheless began preparations to heed the king’s summons.

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In contrast to Regent Eduardo and Crown Prince Eduardo’s factions, the Seventh Prince Bernardo Berengario di Veneto’s camp exuded a festive atmosphere.

“Now that His Majesty has awoken, surely he will soon formally install Lady Agnes as his queen per his previous plans? Once that occurs, Your Highness will become the realm’s legitimate heir!”

“Hahaha, let’s not get ahead of ourselves celebrating prematurely. Our father has only just regained consciousness – it would be disloyal and unfilial for us to gossip so brazenly.”
“Ah, you’re absolutely right…I spoke too presumptuously, overwhelmed by the joyous news of His Majesty’s awakening!”

The Seventh Prince Bernardo alongside retainers from his maternal Venetian lineage and influential figures from Ravenna’s allied cities could scarcely contain their excitement and elation. If Bernardo indeed succeeded to the throne, it would herald an unprecedented new power dynamic displacing traditional nobility.

The scholarly elite’s erudition and connections combined with the mercantile capital and markets commanded by guild-affiliated merchants – appropriately synthesized upon achieving dynastic rule could manifest the most potent, progressive secular authority in history.

Yet amidst this euphoric atmosphere, one figure remained unswayed: the newly-appointed master of the Bakers’ Guild, Giuseppe Gallo.
He felt an inexplicable sense of foreboding upon learning the palace visitor who had treated the comatose king happened to be the Paladin nun-knight Sophia de Chazelle. Although uncertain why, an ominous premonition clung to his mind like viscous tar – that events would unlikely unfold smoothly according to their intentions.

At least the Sophia de Chazelle he had encountered seemed the sort of formidable wild card capable of upending circumstances.

‘But why should we presume His Majesty would simply resume his pre-illness plans upon recovering? Is it not common for people’s thoughts and mindsets to evolve after a major illness?’

Rather, he wondered what basis the Seventh Prince’s supporters so confidently believed the king’s revival favored their side without any substantiation.

Moreover, this entire affair likely involved the Church to a significant degree. It was common knowledge that the Church rarely engaged without demonic entanglements. So if this summons directly related to demons, how might the situation potentially unfold?

Abruptly, the word ‘defection’ began flashing ominously through his mind.