Chapter: 388
Corbus Aimancha Livnoman of Kefellofen, known simply as Aimancha the 16th. He’s the current Emperor of the Kefellofen Empire and the legendary ruler who pulled the empire back from the brink of collapse into a new era of prosperity.
Some nobles have even suggested bestowing the title of Great Emperor, which was only granted to Aimancha the 1st, on the current Emperor, and have debated changing the middle names of future emperors from “Aimancha” to “Corbus.” His status is beyond unspeakable.
However, even such an Emperor had a critical weakness: he was the first cadet Emperor in the history of Kefellofen.
‘A bit far from the main line, I suppose.’
Honestly, the current Emperor was too far removed from the throne. He probably identified more as a noble than as a member of the royal family.
The direct descendants of Livnoman faced a dazzling demise due to power struggles among the direct heirs, a low birthrate in the royal family, and high infant mortality rates—a mix of factors that were compounded by the Emperor being just a mere Count at one point.
With such legitimacy issues hanging over his head for decades on the throne, the Emperor desperately wanted to have at least his rightful heir named as the firstborn, but unfortunately, his firstborn looked more like a foundling picked up off the street instead of coming from royal stock.
It’s still absurd thinking about it. How did such a child arise under an Emperor?
‘The Crown Prince should’ve been the firstborn!’
Thanks to this situation, the royal family faced a staggering double whammy of legitimacy issues, and although the Emperor tried to suppress the second Prince faction with gritted teeth, as of today, the royal family was finally casting off its chronic weakness and finding rays of light.
[ By the grace of Enen and the blessing of the Great Emperor, a noble Prince has been born; all ministers serving Livnoman should rejoice in the arrival of the rightful heir! ]
I took a moment to absorb the group text that flew in through my communication device.
A child has been born to the Crown Prince and Crown Princess during the Emperor’s lifetime. Since there’s already precedent for a female Emperor in Kefellofen, the gender doesn’t really matter. The fact that it’s the firstborn is what counts.
The Emperor will likely declare this Prince as the Crown Heir, solidifying his legitimacy. If the Crown Prince renounces his throne, the Crown Heir will be promoted to Crown Prince or Crown Princess. A succession structure will be established that no one can contest.
‘Such a day has finally come.’
I felt tears stirring up. The child who didn’t resemble a human in demeanor has now had a child of their own! Just a few years ago, the royal family was embroiled in fierce succession disputes, and now the pinnacle of legitimacy had been born. For a civil servant who had endured all those succession troubles, the feelings are unshakeable.
‘…Life will be easier now.’
All I could hope for was that no major incidents would break out during my service period as a civil servant.
This desire is universal, whether in the previous world or this one.
The following day around dawn, the Academy declared a three-day school holiday. With the noble Prince’s birth, it was deemed fitting to pause studies for a celebration.
Moreover, perhaps the Emperor was overjoyed with the birth of the noble heir as even civil servants got three days off. Truly, the Emperor is a wise and merciful person!
Yes, he really is wise and merciful…
“What gift should we give the noble Prince?”
“Let’s give them silk. They’ll grow rapidly, so they’ll need new clothes all the time.”
“That’s true.”
Though civil servant Carl was on holiday, Count Carl was still hard at work.
‘What the hell.’
Tears were about to fall for a different reason this time. I should have a romantic date with my partner since schools are closed, but as a noble and an heir to the Empire, I couldn’t ignore the birth of the noble Prince.
So, bright and early, I rushed over to the Ministry to brainstorm with the Minister on what gift to get the newborn noble.
“Oh, those officials said she resembles the Crown Princess, so blue silk should work. The Nuren Duke’s family also loves blue attire.”
“Thank goodness we’ve settled on a color.”
With the broader category of silk and the narrower category of blue chosen, I felt a bit relieved. The real headache was figuring out what to give, but once that’s settled, it’s all smooth sailing.
‘She takes after the Crown Princess, huh.’
The Minister’s words reminded me of the Imperial Military Headquarters that I’d passed on my way to the Treasury. They seemed to be celebrating with fireworks right from the morning. The Vice Captain seemed to be in high spirits over the birth of his granddaughter who looks like the new princess.
It’s definitely cause for excitement. Officially, it strengthens the stability of the royal family, and personally, a lovely granddaughter has been born!
“She’s going to be the fourth female Emperor.”
“Looks like it.”
The laughter was immediate. Since Aimancha the Great, there have been three female Emperors in Kefellofen. There’s far too much precedent for anyone to contest the notion of a woman on the throne.
In fact, out of the current five Dukes, two are women. Opposing female succession in such a scenario would be like committing social suicide in the aristocratic circles.
“Well, let’s pair the blue silk with a little tiara—and—”
Just as I was about to wrap up the discussion, my communication device vibrated in my pocket.
An unsettling feeling washed over me. It could be a simple work report or a personal message, but receiving it at this moment made me instinctively nervous.
“Excuse me for a moment.”
I quickly asked for permission and checked the message, nearly closing my eyes in disbelief.
[ I have matters to discuss with the head of the Imperial Household, please come to the Crown Prince’s Palace. ]
Damn it. If a new daughter was born, there should be tears of joy shed, not summoning an unfortunate subordinate like me.
*
If paradise exists, I think it might feel something like this.
“Bee, do you see? Even the little one has all her fingers!”
At that, Bee smiled softly, gazing at our daughter lying on the bed. We watched our little angel who was sleeping soundly and occasionally wriggling.
She’s an angel. An angel has shed wings and nestled in our arms. There’s no other explanation for her adorable and graceful demeanor.
“Don’t make a fuss.”
As I indulged in the utmost happiness while admiring my daughter, the voice of my father King made me flinch. I had momentarily forgotten his presence, lost in my daughter’s charms.
“If you keep that up, the noble Prince will wake up.”
But then I noticed my father’s gaze didn’t leave our daughter. Despite his usual cold expression, he wasn’t scolding me but was genuinely concerned about the Prince’s sleep.
“My apologies, Your Majesty.”
In response to the customary apology, my father just nodded as his eyes remained fixated on one spot.
At that sight, Bee smiled even wider. Had it just been the two of us, we probably would have laughed as well. Even the Minister who had come with my father was sporting a grin; truly, this child’s birth is a great blessing for both the royal family and the Empire.
– Knock knock
Just then, I heard a soft rap on the door.
My heart sank. It was a tiny sound, but wouldn’t a noise like that wake my angel from her sleep? If she woke up crying, it would shatter my heart.
“Your Majesty, Crown Prince. It’s the head of the Imperial Household.”
I instinctively turned to my father upon hearing the report from the head of the imperial knights.
Sure, I had called for the head of the Imperial Household, but I expected it would be after my father left. Never did I think I’d be facing my father and the head of the imperial household simultaneously.
“Let them in.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Even my father seemed surprised by the visit from the head of the imperial household. He briefly glanced at the door, then nodded to allow entrance.
“Prince. Did you summon me?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I called you because I have something to discuss.”
“Is that so?”
After a brief silence, my father opened his mouth again.
“It would really be reassuring if the head of the imperial household were to become the noble Prince’s guardian.”
It sounded like he could see right through me, and I instinctively bowed my head in humility.
It’s impossible to reach my father’s standards, even in his absence.
*
The moment I entered the room, I almost moonwalked out in shock.
‘What the hell.’
Of course, I expected the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess to be present, but I never imagined the Emperor and the Minister would be here too. The ruler of the Empire and the pinnacle of civil service were greeting each other—it was quite the odd duo!
“Your Majesty—”
“That’s enough. Since the noble Prince is sleeping, let’s skip the formalities.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
I was eager to quickly greet the Emperor, but he shook his head and refused.
Skipping pleasantries aimed at the Emperor makes sense when the Prince is sleeping. It would make sense to prioritize the precious sleep over the boring formality he’d grown weary of throughout his life.
“Did you come because of the Crown Prince’s invitation?”
“Indeed, Your Majesty.”
“Then don’t worry about me. The royal family has something they wish to discuss with you.”
“…Yes, Your Majesty.”
His words made my blood run cold, but I managed to reply.
It’s strange to tell me not to worry with the Emperor right in front of me. The implication of the royal family discussing something with me felt heavy too, signifying it’s not simply a personal matter.
‘What could this be?’
I racked my brain quickly. Given the timing and place, it’s clearly related to the noble Prince, but would they seriously need to summon me to discuss anything?
If they showcased me to the Prince and said, “This is your servant,” I would absolutely break down in tears. Yet that seems like a distinct possibility—what’s actually happening here?
“Welcome, head of the Imperial Household. Seeing you on such a joyous day brings me more happiness.”
“That’s too kind, Your Highness.”
With nothing more productive coming to mind, I chose to bow my head once again.
“Haha, it’s not flattery. Considering the accomplishments you’ve achieved for the royal family, no praise can be too much.”
I lowered my head even further. What kind of ridiculous build-up is this?
“In the future, you will be a loyal guardian to the noble Prince, so this makes it all the more exciting.”
“…Huh?”
The sudden statement left me dumbfounded.
Wait, what now?
‘Guardian?’
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