Chapter 518
The name of the Empire is anything but light.
A country stronger than any on the continent, standing at its very center and leading all, a nation that receives divine favor and protects its destiny, a dignified nation that can’t coexist with another in one era.
All these names exist solely for the glory and praise of the Empire. No matter how strong a kingdom may be, it must bow its head, if only nominally, before the Empire, and during the time when the Kefellofen Empire was on the verge of collapse, every nation on the continent paid ‘some’ respect. Of course, “some” only goes so far.
However, as the situation changed, the Empire rose again, and today it parades its second golden age by uniting even the northern regions. The pride of the Empire and its people is through the roof.
Still, the imperial students didn’t care much about the class rivalry. Poor students from classes like Rutis and Lather turned into warriors for victory, but for the imperial students, the class rivalry was traditionally just a setup rigged in their favor. Just by playing along, the class with the most noble student would win, so there was really no reason to exert effort.
The critical factor was that Ainter, who could act as a central figure for the imperial students, remained silent. It smelled a bit impertinent for someone else to take that role in place of the royal family.
“Long live the Empire! Long live victory!”
“Empire! Above all else, the Empire! The Empire above all kingdoms!”
Thus, Ainter’s declaration of victory became the catalyst for the previously calm imperial students to erupt. A declaration of victory from the greatest empire, with the most noble royalty leading the charge? An imperial citizen who does not follow suit would surely be a traitorous conscript.
‘This is nuts.’
I let out a bitter chuckle as I watched the imperial students spiral into madness.
This can’t be stopped. If Ainter were more distantly related to the Emperor, like a sixth or seventh cousin, he might have hinted that a bit of restraint was in order, but Ainter is the Emperor’s only brother, reeking of authority. No matter how many titles I hold, I can’t directly stop the actions of a royal family member.
‘Damn that brat…’
I glared at Erich, who was chanting fervently beside Ainter.
It’s all his fault. The source of all evils that breathed life into Ainter, who was just minding his business—my younger brother who’s taken it upon himself to interfere in my already busy life.
I wanted to run over and grab him by the collar right then, but sensing that he might remember he’d get choked again if he messed with me, he stuck close to Ainter. If only half of that cleverness for saving his own skin were used for his brother!
“In the Empire’s land, there cannot be a defeat for the Empire! We welcome our guests but the victory is always ours!”
“Waah!”
“Long live Marquis Idrid! Long live the Livnoman Imperial Family! Long live the Kefellofen Empire!”
“Long live! Long live! Long live!”
With the cheers growing louder around me, I subtly closed my eyes.
I miss the 78th season’s club members…
I blankly sat in the stands, watching the horse racing event. Seeing the horses galloping majestically seemed to soothe my troubled heart a bit.
– Irina Yoris has secured first place again this year!
And witnessing Lynn cross the finish line as the clear winner made my heart even lighter.
That’s my girl, Lynn. So much better than my troublesome little brother who only knows how to give me a headache. What I needed was not Erich Krasius, but Irina Krasius.
“You’re amazing every time. You enjoy flower arranging and are good at horse riding too.”
If Rizie was also amazed at Lynn’s accomplishments, it was probably the third time she had secured first place.
In fact, I found it fascinating too. The young lady of the Lorin family, running a horticulture club, has a demure, intellectual image. Seeing her in equestrian gear galloping like that somehow gives off an uncanny vibe.
Of course, one could say she’s well-rounded, so it’s definitely not a bad thing. If your partner is doing great, you should be happy about it, right?
– Irina Yoris wins the opening race, putting the Empire ahead!
‘Oh, damn it.’
In the midst of that, the announcement made the egregious mistake of not mentioning Lynn’s class but rather her nationality.
The Empire is already going nuts trying to compete with the Ainter-Yuben rivalry, and emphasizing nationality is just pouring oil on the fire.
‘Is that brat an imperial citizen too?’
Yeah, the host of the announcement must also be a loyal imperial citizen bewitched by Ainter’s declaration of victory. It’s probably true.
Otherwise, it doesn’t make sense to say something like that. If that announcement came from someone from a foreign nation, then it’s undoubtedly a prank meant to stir trouble at the Imperial Academy.
“Oppa.”
“I’m fine.”
As Rizie cautiously took my hand, I reflexively blurted out.
“I haven’t said anything yet…”
But it was a gut reaction. Anyone could tell that I wasn’t fine at all.
“Rizie.”
“Yes, Oppa.”
“If I suddenly vanish, assume I’ve been put on probation.”
At those words, Rizie fell silent.
She must’ve been lost in the nightmare from two years ago.
*
I went over the report the Minister submitted multiple times.
“Ha.”
Finally, a short laugh escaped. I never imagined something like this would occur.
‘Ainter stepping up to the forefront?’
What a surprising situation. When Dorgos was alive—he who was worth more than the title of Second Prince—Ainter stayed in his shadow, and ever since I became the Crown Prince, he has treaded silently, watching my every move. For him to step up before the noble class now?
‘Looks like he’s no longer holding back.’
It’s quite delightful. The Ainter who was once anxious about losing his life has finally stood up with his own will. No longer am I perceived as a monster targeting his neck, but just the Emperor.
Of course, the name of the Emperor carries weight, so he will still watch his step around me, but it’s a far more comfortable place to be rather than keeping one eye open for potential murderers.
‘Little by little, we’re making progress.’
If Ainter becomes a more normal royal, then even if we can’t be close-knit brothers, we can at least be an ordinary family. I could be a decent uncle to the Crown Princess too.
Even the troubles the situation left behind can lighten up just a bit.
…
‘Hmm.’
Ending my brief reflection, I skimmed through the report again. Besides my personal joy, given that this was an urgent report from the Minister, I needed to read it seriously and give directions.
‘Doesn’t seem like a big deal.’
Yet, no matter how I look at it, it doesn’t seem like there’s any need for my involvement.
Imperial students rising for victory? If they were starting a riot to expel foreign students, that’s when I would need to intervene, but they are just ordinary students passionately participating in an official academy event.
What’s wrong with having enthusiasm for academy activities as a student? In fact, their aim to elevate the name of the Empire should be praised.
However, as the Minister worried, there’s always a chance that excessive passion may lead to conflict, but it’s something I can risk.
‘As long as the royals are unharmed.’
The Minister’s aim at the academy is “to maintain order for the safety of important figures from foreign nations,” not “to maintain the safety of the academy” itself. Even if minor fights break out among students, as long as the royals aren’t involved, it’s not my issue.
And it’s a bit heavy-handed, but there’s also that saying: kids grow up learning through fights.
*
As always, the Emperor provoked rather than aided me.
– The juniors want to graduate with beautiful memories, and as seniors, it’s unbecoming to hinder them.
“Your Majesty, I’m not a senior.”
– Oh, right. I mistakenly thought that for a moment.
You annoying little brat.
Bitter curses swirled around in my mouth, clearly he was doing this on purpose.
– And the class rivalry is a tradition held annually at the academy, and the students participating are all ones who’ve been here for a while, right?
Yet, with what the Emperor said next, the curse on the tip of my tongue was almost swallowed.
That’s true. The class rivalry isn’t something that popped up out of nowhere; the participants are usually students who’ve always been at the academy.
It means it’s an element that’s thoroughly managed by the academy and the Empire.
But for those elements to not be controlled properly, leading to imperial involvement? That’s a mark against the prestige of the academy and the Empire.
– Of course, it would be unfortunate for dignitaries from overseas to get caught up in events and get hurt. I trust the Minister will handle that well.
“Yes, Your Majesty. Please don’t worry.”
Just before I bowed my head towards the communication device, I met the Emperor’s gaze, which seemed to say, “The incident where you slapped Prince Armein is bigger than any accident in the class rivalry.”
‘Damn it.’
This is why you can’t mess around in life. Just by looking, I can feel the guilt.
*
The second day of the class rivalry arrived.
“Empire! The Empire that stands above all! The most powerful Empire there is!”
“You, Armein! Show the courage of a lion!”
“Changing the world is not done through power, but wisdom! The sages of Yuben march towards the future!”
Cheer chants began to appear that had not been seen before.
‘Wow.’
I felt dizzy. The chants caused even the simple audiences who weren’t participating in the match to be swept up in the class rivalry’s frenzy.
Moreover, there were even cheerleaders at the forefront, resembling leaders of cheering squads. Whatever you imagine, they were beyond that.
“Minister…”
I let out a small sigh while watching the frenzied cheering scene, only to see a purple labrador clumsily approach me.
“Um… if I quit now, you’ll still give me a recommendation, right?”
A rather heartbreaking question.
“…If you can just hold on until graduation, I’ll take care of it.”
“Ugh…”
Eventually, faint moisture appeared in the purple labrador’s eyes. I didn’t feel great, almost like I had made Titi cry.
But honestly, I’ll support you wherever you go once you graduate. I have that much influence.
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