Chapter: 401
In the history of the Krasius Empire, there has never been a case of abdication that doesn’t involve a new emperor stepping up.
Thanks to this, the Imperial Household is reportedly rifling through records of past abductions, stressing over the ceremony. The head of the royal household must surely be cursing the former Minister of the Imperial Household for his mishaps.
However, I, the designated Executive Manager, have nothing to do with the Household’s struggles. If I were part of the military, I’d be sweating bullets maintaining perfect order during the abdication ceremony. And if I were strictly from the Ministry of Finance, I’d be bleeding to secure the budget for the ceremony—but there’s no room for the Information Department in such a holy event.
So, I thought I could just chill at the Academy and then casually make my way to the Capitol on the day of the abdication.
“Carl, how does this outfit look on me?”
In my hubris, I temporarily forgot how frequently my happy circuits malfunction.
I stared blankly at the ceremonial robe Marghetta was showing me. This time, not only was it the Crown Prince’s ascension, but there was also the coronation of the Crown Prince’s bride. As the Crown Prince’s seasoned guardian, it was inevitable that I would be in the spotlight.
That’s why Marghetta had been selecting my outfit for several days now. It had transformed the President’s Office into something resembling a dressing room.
Yeah, it had been like this for days—all for just one outfit.
“I think it’s the most fantastic one I’ve seen so far.”
Finally breaking the mental fatigue, I managed to speak. Honestly, to my eyes, they all looked the same, but I thought this might hasten the process—
“This is the outfit I showed you earlier.”
“Apologies.”
My head dropped quickly. I had stupidly fallen for a bluff.
But even with my head down, I could still feel Marghetta’s piercing gaze on me. The tingling sensation on the crown of my head made me fear just what emotion she was hiding behind that look.
‘Was I too spaced out?’
It was definitely a thoughtless reaction on my part. From Marghetta’s perspective, she wanted to dress her husband looking great in front of the elite and delegates from across the continent—this was a natural instinct to make someone you love look fabulous.
Knowing this, I still reacted carelessly, which was clearly a blunder, but I had some excuse! After all, it’s hard to retain sanity while I’ve been poring over dresses for several days when I usually wear the Information Department’s uniform. I could last a day, but anything beyond that was a stretch.
“Perhaps a short break while you choose would be best.”
Saying this, Marghetta sat down on the couch and lightly tapped her knee.
I cautiously approached and laid my head on her lap, as if understanding her unspoken invitation.
‘Nice.’
No pillow could be softer than this.
“I’m sorry. This must have been quite bothersome for you.”
“Not at all. Choosing with you has been enjoyable.”
I hastily replied, keeping myself alert. It was true that I was mentally exhausted, but it didn’t feel bothersome at all. After all, how could I feel that way knowing Marghetta was dedicating her time for me?
At my response, Marghetta chuckled softly as she began to stroke my hair affectionately.
“Father and your older brother tend to be bothered by such things too. So, feel free to be honest with me.”
“…It’s not bothersome, but I am a little tired.”
At my genuine admission, Marghetta’s smile widened with satisfaction.
That being said, I realized my father-in-law and brother-in-law are also weak to such situations. I’m glad I’m not just overreacting.
“Honestly, I found it a bit frustrating to see Father and your brother wearing what they normally do. If they just put a little more effort into their appearance, they could look really good, but they go with whatever’s comfortable.”
I barely suppressed my head from bobbing in agreement. I also found the clothes I was accustomed to quite comfortable.
“Thus, I wanted to make you look special. Though you seem the same about your situation.”
Not knowing how to respond, I merely glanced around, and Marghetta leaned down to press her lips gently against my forehead.
“I’m sorry for being so greedy. You look incredibly charming no matter what you wear; I must have forgotten that.”
“Marghetta, you are the most beautiful of all.”
I shyly returned the compliment, which seemed to delight her quite a bit.
“Is that a solo compliment? Or a shared one?”
“…I suppose it’s shared…”
At that, Marghetta’s laughter grew louder.
What a bizarre situation—having to preface compliments about your lover’s appearance with “shared.” What a day to laud the Gold Duke.
*
After all the fuss, I decided to simply wear my Information Department uniform to the abdication ceremony. Even though I’d be the esteemed relative to the Crown Princess-to-Be, I was still just a civil servant.
Besides, at a national event, especially one where the royal family is the center of attention, it felt a bit off for a mere civil servant to be dressed in extravagant clothes instead of formal attire.
— Shoot, I should have had a set of the Executive Manager’s uniform made in advance. I was too careless.
“How could a mere designate wear the clothing of an Executive Manager? I would be grateful to receive merely your thoughts.”
I calmly answered the Crown Prince’s casual provocation. Normally, I’d feel a surge of anger deep within, but since it’s someone about to become emperor joking with me, it wouldn’t change anything.
No, how is someone even meant to become an emperor? They ultimately hold responsibility for all the duties of the empire!
‘Ugh.’
Just imagining it gives me goosebumps. I could never do that.
— He really is humble. Being an Executive Manager is enough to serve as a role model for the ministers.
“You flatter me, Your Highness.”
As that thought slipped into my eyes, the Crown Prince hurriedly ended the conversation.
He must have realized continuing this topic would only put him at a disadvantage. Quick on the draw, as always.
— If I receive the imperial seal from Father, the Crown Prince will be elevated to Duke of Cavashulaits while also being named Crown Princess. During the coronation, I shall hold the Crown Prince.
“It’s truly an honor, Your Highness.”
With that, the Crown Prince shifted the topic away to discuss the young prince’s schedule. Since it’d be unusual for a soon-to-be emperor to reach out to me, it must’ve been about the young prince. I expected it.
Anyhow, the Duke of Cavashulaits. Although devoid of territory, that title has great prestige like that of a duke, simply because it belongs to a royal heir.
Thus, I was flooded with a mix of emotions. While I’m in my early twenties with the title of Imperial Count, the soon-to-be Crown Prince is on the verge of becoming emperor. Even for those of us who have been through the wringer, the weight of that title is daunting. Now, an infant, who hasn’t even turned one, will carry the burden of being the heir.
‘That’s too heavy of a load to bear.’
It’s a pity. Of course, being born a noble means the process of becoming an heir and an emperor is inevitable—but the speed at which it happens is too brisk. Delaying the Crown Princess’s appointment wouldn’t be any better.
— …I believe the Executive Manager will protect the young prince.
After a brief silence, the Crown Prince spoke in a low voice. He wanted me to ensure the young prince would be safe on this important day.
However, the Crown Prince was not just asking me to stay watch during the ceremony. Concern for the burden the young prince will carry, who is still just a boy, about how that weight may trouble him—that’s what he meant.
“Yes, I shall do just that.”
I nodded firmly without hesitation to the Crown Prince. I may pray ten times a day for the Crown Prince, but I harbor no ill will for the young prince. Rather, as an honorary guardian, I feel a sense of affection and responsibility.
Truth be told, I’ve only met the young prince a few times, but there will be countless days ahead to care for him.
*
The preparations for the abdication proceeded rapidly. Thanks to the previous Minister of the Imperial Household having done some groundwork and the Ministry of Finance also being proactive, securing the budget was smooth sailing.
Indeed, it was wise to get a heads up on the abdication. Had we started now, it might have dragged on until next year before we saw it through.
‘Is this finally over?’
As I laid down the report the head of the royal household submitted, I stood up from my seat.
The end was approaching. What had merely been a vague notion—that my assignment was complete—was now becoming reality.
‘I’ve done it.’
Approaching the window, I gazed down at the Imperial Palace. The grand vistas of the palace, coupled with the distant view of the Capital, filled my sight.
When I first stood in this spot, both the palace and the Capital were dreary, a void of hope quietly withering away.
But not anymore. Now the empire can move forward with hope—
“Ugh.”
A soft groan escaped my lips as yet another headache coursed through me. I seemed to be getting more headaches as I aged, showing no signs of relenting.
‘Hold on.’
I repeated that mantra in my mind as I closed my eyes. It was really, really the last stretch. There wouldn’t be anything to bear alone, nor would I have to push myself past my limits—just a little more endurance.
Just a little longer, and I’ll be able to cast everything off and step down. Then this headache should leave me too.
‘…Leave me.’
As I cautiously opened my eyes, I shifted my gaze slightly. Ever focused outward, I turned my eyes toward the direction of the National Cemetery instead of straight ahead—the place where someone had departed from me far too quickly.
After staring at that direction for a while, I closed my eyes again. As an emperor, I was not deserving of yearning for that place. Emperor Eimancha XVI does not have the right to yearn in such a way.
Or perhaps a mere human like me doesn’t deserve that either.
‘I’ll come see you soon.’
Even so, I held onto that thought. If I could shed my title and be just Corbus, perhaps I could visit.
I was audacious enough to harbor such ideas.
“Your Majesty.”
Suddenly, I heard the voice of the deputy commander of the royal knights from outside the door.
…Right, it’s not completely over yet. I can’t afford to weaken now.
“Come in.”
Though still an emperor, I am a mere human. There’s no room for private feelings.
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