Chapter: 399
The Emperor’s abdication declaration was a solid reason for all high-ranking government officials to gather at the palace. Passing the throne isn’t something that can just be brushed off with a simple “No worries, you’ve done well.” If it could, that would be a traitorous act unworthy of loyalty.
‘Was I reincarnated in a Confucian state?’
As I hurried along with the Principal, a wave of bitterness washed over me. This bizarre world is a terrible hybrid of Eastern and Western cultures. It’s definitely based on Western culture, yet time and again, I catch whiffs of Confucian aromas.
It’s maddening. The Emperor declaring his abdication while officials gather sobbing? It feels just like a Confucian nation after all. Aren’t we supposed to be in the West?
Thinking about it, my role as a civil servant might also be thanks to this Confucian influence. This insane central bureaucratic system is only explainable through Confucianism—
“Minister of Surveillance.”
At that sudden call, I turned around to see the Vice Captain almost sprinting toward me.
In an instant, I felt a chill run down my spine. The Vice Captain joining a meeting for high-ranking officials? That wasn’t the issue. After all, he’s the father-in-law to the Crown Prince and should be voicing his opinions before anyone else. If he were absent, he’d be seen as a traitor wishing for the Emperor’s downfall.
‘Did the Vice Captain not know, either?’
The real problem was that it seemed he had rushed over upon learning of this with little context.
I had guessed from the typo in the group message from the Ministry of Imperial Household that the Emperor took this action unilaterally. If the Vice Captain had been informed, he wouldn’t have come running so eagerly.
“It’s an honor to see you, Vice Captain.”
“It’s been a while. How have you been?”
“Regrettably, I can’t say I’m doing well.”
The Vice Captain subtly shook his head at our greetings.
“An Empire no longer led by His Majesty? How utterly shocking.”
I found myself nodding along with that sentiment. The Emperor’s abdication had been a foregone conclusion for everyone. Regardless of the timing—within three years at the latest, and perhaps as soon as this year—it was understood. But never did I expect it to actually happen this year.
This past year, the Emperor conquered the North, received the title of Khan, and reached the peak of his authority. With a legitimate Crown Prince to bear witness to the situation, all misfortunes seemed to vanish. So, I thought the Emperor would enjoy his glory and pass the reins next year, but the Emperor declared his abdication without hesitation.
‘He’s not a machine or anything.’
It’s impressive, to say the least. The Emperor has grappled with many struggles over decades to achieve everything. Now, it’s like he’s at the pinnacle of enjoying the fruits of his labor, but he chooses to give it all up? Even if he were to retire, his authority would persist. But there’s a significant difference between being seen and sitting on the throne.
Of course, it’s not like I had plans to resign. I have plenty of work to do and superiors to answer to. In contrast, the Emperor has no one to answer to, as the Crown Prince is basically his subordinate.
‘Is he even human?’
It’s so bewildering. Here’s a ruler that has no reason to remain emperor, swiftly deciding to step down—a ruler who operates purely on logic, devoid of emotions. He clearly seems destined to be a monarch.
“Truly, His Majesty could have spared himself this predicament.”
The Vice Captain murmured and I sensed he shared the same feelings. Even I, a mere government worker for only five years, understand this urgency from the Emperor’s point of view, but for the Vice Captain, who has served the Emperor longer and even shares family ties, it must weigh heavily on him. He probably genuinely wishes to halt the Emperor’s abdication.
The problem is that this abdication is not merely a political stunt.
Outside the palace gate, high-ranking officials of executive-level positions were already buzzing about. Anyone late even slightly would be suspected as a traitor—rightfully so.
As soon as we arrived at the main gate, the Vice Captain headed toward the head of the Imperial Household Ministry to gather details while the Principal moved towards the Ministry of Education.
“Did you arrive?”
“Yes, I did my best to get here promptly.”
Sure enough, I joined the Ministry of Finance’s end. Since the Ministry of Surveillance hadn’t officially been established yet, I was still officially part of the Ministry of Finance.
“By the way, have you heard anything?”
Carefully, I asked after scanning my surroundings. Given the circumstances, it seemed like the Emperor had unilaterally decided to abdicate, but with the Minister of Imperial Household vacant, the Minister of Finance is technically the top official of the administration. So, surely the Minister might have picked up something.
“Do you think there would be anything? The head of the Imperial Household Ministry is in a frenzy with no information.”
However, the reply I got was frankly disheartening. Even the first-ranked minister knew nothing.
‘This is madness.’
A sigh spilled from my lips. The abdication wave is one of the few major events in the Empire’s history. It’s unfortunate that I now had to experience this unique event with hardly any reliable information.
I mean, I’ve heard of previous Emperors who held week-long shows causing the administration to be paralyzed. Surely, we wouldn’t be in for something similar, right?
“How long do you think this’ll take?”
“Worst-case scenario, it’ll be over in a day. Since His Majesty is serious about this abdication, there shouldn’t be any delays. It could even wrap up in an hour.”
That elicited a different kind of sigh from me. One day would be bearable.
No, honestly, even a day would be troubling. Today isn’t a holiday, and when the club activities kick in, the members will gather. I dread what might happen in my absence.
Please, please let it wrap up within an hour.
*
– The officials have crossed the main gate. All officials at the level of head of department or higher are gathered, and the Vice Captain has also joined.
“No one else shall enter; close the main gate and ensure tight security.”
– Yes, Your Majesty.
After hearing the report from the head of the royal knights, I set the communication device down. It feels unsettling to have all these busy officials summoned, but it’s a tradition for subjects to dissuade a monarch from abdicating, regardless of the nation or era. That’s not something I could erase with a single personal sentiment.
Hence, wrapping up the abdication as quickly as possible is the only courtesy. Spending a decent hour or two should suffice.
‘…That should be enough.’
Among the past Emperors of the Krasius Empire, none have ever abdicated. While there may have been abdication declarations, they were all political maneuvers aimed at reinforcing their own position. But as for someone like me, genuinely wishing to abdicate? Never happened.
Therefore, I question whether an hour or two is appropriate, but what can I do? Right now, I find myself in a position where I shouldn’t be following precedents; rather, I have to make new history.
‘Looks like I’m taking everything for the first time.’
Suddenly, I had that thought. The first semi-imperial Emperor, the first situation. All the notable names that will mark history are about to be taken by me.
Yet, I have no shame. It’s a shabby beginning, and the road I traveled is stained with blood, but the end shall be marked with glory. Even though history might describe my steps as bloody and ugly, it can’t deny the outcome.
Yes, it shall be so.
“Your Majesty.”
As I briefly closed my eyes to gather my thoughts, the Crown Prince spoke up.
Following that voice, I turned to see the Crown Prince on the floor, bowed low.
“Please, reconsider. This Empire is still not ready to operate without your guidance.”
The Crown Prince, who rushed in immediately after the abdication declaration, was pleading for me to reconsider, much like the successors of history.
This is, of course, a formal procedure. The abdication had already been determined during my lifetime, and the Crown Prince had been gradually taking on my duties and title in preparation. But still, asking me to take it back is how history has always played out. An excessively tedious process for sure.
But surprisingly, there seemed to be a hint of sincerity in the Crown Prince’s kneeling figure.
‘He says he’s not ready.’
I mulled over the Crown Prince’s words. Perhaps that’s the honest feeling underlying his statement.
I felt the same way. As a mere Count, with blood I’d be ashamed to call Imperial, I ascended to the throne. The sense of disgrace and confusion from that moment is beyond articulation.
Is the Crown Prince feeling something similar now? Is he—like I was back then—trying to push his inevitable fate away, even if only for a bit?
“Crown Prince.”
Of course, I have no intention of backing down now. The fate of being an Emperor is not something you can just wish for; it’s not easy to evade. The more one tries to forcefully delay this fate, the more trouble will come for both him and me.
Rather, now is the perfect time as the royal authority and stability of the Empire have reached great heights. It’s the moment when a living Emperor transfers his authority and power completely to the successor. This is the only courtesy a leader can extend to the one who will follow them.
“This Empire no longer needs its burdens.”
I stepped closer to the Crown Prince and placed my hand on his shoulder.
“There’s nothing eternal in this world. Even a glorious empire, in time, will crumble; how could mere humans hope to last forever?”
“Y-Your Majesty!”
Interpreted one way, my statement means one day the Krasius Empire would also collapse like the preceding empires; treating our noble and great Emperor as just another human. Such words could never be spoken by an Emperor, causing the Crown Prince to hastily lift his head.
But what else could I do? My successor cannot be entranced by the word ‘eternal.’ This Empire is not eternal, and he must not forget that only a few decades prior, we were staring down the barrel of oblivion.
The once-mighty Munno Empire, the wise Trika Empire, the affluent Apels Empire—all empires eventually fell. This Empire will too. Sooner or later, it will lose its divine mandate and collapse, and the royal family must continuiosly strive to delay that ‘someday.’
As a mercenary born from humble beginnings, the first to establish an empire, Munno; the saint who led the Dawn Sect to victory, Eimancha; every hero has turned towards Enen. I too will return to him. I have fulfilled my duty, and as a mere mortal, it’s time for me to step back.
“So, Crown Prince, heed my will. Take up my mantle and become the new ruler of this Empire.”
That shall be the mission for the Crown Prince moving forward.
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