Chapter: 376
The cheers of “Long live!” echoed for quite a while. Having conquered the Northern Region, once a burden for the Empire, a glorious hero emerged—one who managed both the rule over the nomadic tribes and the honor of being blessed by the Emperor. In fact, six noble heroes, bearing the name of the imperial family, had been born that day.
Of course, most of the people shouting those cheers probably didn’t even know who these six heroes were. The Great Hunt War was seen as a foregone conclusion for the Empire, and they were just commoners, not nobles. They might know the name of the one who led the Great Hunt, but unless they studied the recently revised textbooks, they wouldn’t know the name of the “Six Blades.”
Thus, their cheers were more about the spectacle of new heroes rising rather than a celebration of the sacrifices of the actual heroes.
But that’s okay. From this day onward, the names of those heroes would be stamped into the minds of every citizen, every person in the Empire. The world might forget me, but they won’t forget you.
“Long live His Majesty!”
I shouted it again, so many times that I lost count. I wanted it to reach you in the sky, to the Emperor in the palace.
“Long live His Majesty! Long live the six heroes!”
Even Penelia and Mukgwangdae, who were nearby, joined in. They knew the names of the Six Blades and the relationship I had with them.
Seeing that made me laugh even more. My Inspection Division, the fourth, was paying respect to those who were essentially our juniors.
Today is a joyous day.
“Long live Livnoman!”
It was indeed a happy day.
After the ceremony, Penelia shyly wiped her eyes with a handkerchief. Apparently, I had shed a few tears without even realizing it. It felt oddly warm.
“Thanks.”
I pushed aside the embarrassment and hugged Penelia, who embraced me back with a smile. Looking at Mukgwangdae, who was watching us with a satisfied expression, made me feel a bit awkward, but I didn’t let go. I wasn’t doing anything strange, right?
That said, there was no need to clap. No matter how justified I felt, having everyone’s attention on us was a bit much.
“So, all I have to do now is report to the Ministry of Intelligence, right?”
“Yes. After you submit your return report, you’ll receive a standby order for a while. It’s practically like a vacation.”
I asked Penelia, still in our embrace, and got the answer I wanted.
Right, no matter how strict the Empire is with its civil servants, they wouldn’t push around someone just returned from the battlefield. Everyone in Mukgwangdae could take it easy for a while. After all, with Dorgon dead, there wouldn’t be any excessive strain on the Ministry’s forces.
“Once the report is done, I’ll head to the mansion with the kids.”
At that, Penelia nodded. The staff at the mansion had also been worrying since they heard about our deployment. Luckily, no one had died, so it would be good for all of us to have a meal and spend a night together.
“Then, what about you, my lord—”
“I have somewhere to go. I’ll be done before sunset, so don’t worry.”
“Oh, okay. Understood…”
Seeing Penelia’s sulky expression at the thought of us being apart for a bit tugged at my heart, but there was no helping it.
Just before entering the capital, a message from the Emperor had flown in through the communication hub. It was a command for me to come to the palace after the ceremony. Since it was a call from none other than the Emperor, there was no way I could ignore it.
Moreover, having received such a grand gift from the Emperor, I had to visit him to express my gratitude and bow deeply. No matter how much I disliked overbearing superiors, one should at least show some gratitude towards a benefactor, right?
“Then I’ll be going. If Father stops by while I’m not here, tell him I’ll return soon.”
I left behind some guidelines just in case, and Penelia nodded with a resolute expression.
Though she seemed like she would personally come to drag me back if Father didn’t show up, I pretended not to notice.
*
The cheers that had faintly reached the palace finally began to settle. It was clear that conferring titles of Count of Livnoman to six individuals had caused quite the buzz at the ceremony.
Not long after, the Head of the Inspection Division arrived.
“Long live His Majesty! I, Karl Krasius, humbly present myself before the magnificent sun of our esteemed Empire.”
Entering the office, the Head of the Inspection Division immediately prostrated, expressing his respect. His unusually polite demeanor could not just be a figment of my imagination.
Giving the titles of Count of Livnoman was definitely the right choice. It was likely much more effective than granting a title or land to the Head himself.
“Rise. It does not ease my heart to see a loyal subject, who has contributed so much, bow so low.”
“My apologies, Your Majesty.”
Carefully rising, the Head of the Inspection Division bowed his head again, refusing to meet my gaze—showing he wouldn’t dare look the Emperor in the eyes.
The effectiveness of this was almost surprising. I had told him to rise, so technically it would mean he could lift his head as well, yet he acted so conservatively.
‘Must be the blood of Earl Tailglehen flowing in him.’
The thought of the Earl made me almost smile. After all, as the Earl’s son, it’s only natural to behave like this. Blood truly can’t be hidden.
Thus, I had no choice but to treat the Head of the Inspection Division like Earl Tailglehen.
“I have a command, so lift your head.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Finally lifting his head, the Head of the Inspection Division turned his gaze to the table as I pointed it out. His eyes widened, surprised at what he saw on it.
“Bestowing the name of Livnoman upon a subject is due to their accomplishments and dedication, which truly supports the Imperial family. Just as it is with the six heroes receiving the title today.”
“I’m sure they will rejoice at such a heavenly grace.”
As I opened my mouth, the Head of the Inspection Division quickly replied ahead of me.
“Your Majesty, it is not I who have shown them grace. It is they who have bestowed grace upon the Imperial family.”
“Y-Your Majesty…”
The Head of the Inspection Division stuttered in surprise, but I paid it no mind. Offering excessive honor to the living subjects can be dangerous, yet overlooking the noble sacrifices made for the Empire would be disgraceful. To maintain the integrity of the Empire, we must value dedication and sacrifice.
No dedication is to be taken for granted, and no sacrifice is to be considered light. That is the will of the great Emperor who guides us.
“The Emperor shall bestow drinks upon those who received the title of Count of Livnoman to celebrate their achievements. This is a beautiful tradition that has been passed down since the time of the great Emperor, and I shall follow it.”
Upon hearing that, the Head of the Inspection Division glanced back at the table, which held the seven leather pouches—alcohol meant for the six Counts of Livnoman.
“However, in the event that the deceased Count of Livnoman has passed, it is also a custom for their family to receive the drinks in their stead.”
After saying that, I walked over to the table. I picked up one of the pouches and offered it to the Head of the Inspection Division.
“I consider you the only person fit to represent them, so you should accept it on behalf of the heroes.”
For a moment, the Head of the Inspection Division was silent, then he bowed again.
“I will surely repay Your Majesty’s kindness.”
“I look forward to it.”
The Head would deliver it to its rightful owner.
*
For the second time that day, my eyes felt hot. I wasn’t normally the kind of person to shed tears.
‘How embarrassing.’
I wiped my eyes and sighed. If I had been even a bit later, I might have really cried.
And that wouldn’t do. If the one bringing good news ended up crying, I’d just be a laughingstock.
“I’m back again.”
I cleared my throat and opened my mouth. To the six heroes who had been waiting for me, the true stars of today’s ceremony.
“The whole capital has been noisy, so you must have heard: we won and returned. This time, it was a perfect victory.”
And it was a perfect victory indeed. Every force that had defied the Empire had vanished. The Northern Region had joined with the Empire, and the Emperor had gained the right to rule the nomads as Khan. The blood shed to secure this dazzling achievement was relatively little. There was some, but still, it was little.
“And Dorgon is dead. I killed him myself, so I feel no regret.”
Dorgon had symbolized the unstable peace. Although his death could be viewed as a suicide, by killing him in this war, we solidified peace.
The peace we all longed for, the peace we had dreamed of, had finally arrived.
“…I think I can finally stand tall in front of you now.”
A smile broke on my lips. Ever since you all died and Dorgon vanished, I had been living as a half of myself. An outsider claiming another’s body, still not having accomplished my goals, living as only a half.
But now, I felt like I could finally declare myself whole. I was no longer an outsider but a true resident of this world.
“So I brought something good to celebrate. Since it was gifted by the Emperor, please drink it without guilt.”
With that, I poured the wine contained in the leather pouch onto their graves.
“This is worth more than Boyar wine, so take your time with it, you little drunkard.”
First, to Gerard Bartna of Livnoman.
“I know you don’t drink much, but since this is a good one, cut me some slack.”
Next, to Oliver Krobiem of Livnoman.
“Enjoy the taste as much as you can. If you get drunk, you won’t even appreciate the flavor.”
Next, to Drake Schiller of Livnoman.
“There’s one for each of you, so don’t just sit there alone—let’s drink together.”
Next, to Walter Prenaz of Livnoman.
“If you’re struggling over there, have a drink and give yourself some strength.”
Next, to Idrid Reden of Livnoman.
“I love you. If we meet in the next life, I’ll confess first again.”
Finally, to Hecate Laride of Livnoman.
After pouring one for each of them, I sat in front of their graves. Since the Emperor had given me seven of them, I had to at least make a toast.
“Take care. From now on, I won’t come by to whine, so don’t worry.”
Thinking back, I had caused quite a bit of trouble for them. I’d shown up drunk in the middle of the night, sometimes falling asleep while being a nuisance.
The one who remained behind, especially the youngest among them, must have felt lost and worried. I’m truly sorry for that.
“…I’ll take care of myself too. I’ll be happy, without a doubt.”
So I said it with all sincerity.
Now, I would be happy enough that they wouldn’t need to worry about me anymore.
With that promise in my heart, I extended the pouch forward.
As if those heroes were right there with me.
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