Chapter: 403
It has been a week since the Crown Prince ascended the throne. In that time, all the noble titles in the Empire have come to swear loyalty to the new Emperor, and delegations from various countries have bowed their heads respectfully.
Of course, this was not always the case. There was a time when some nobles, using bizarre justifications, hesitated to come to the Imperial court. I had to beg and appease them while dealing with those kingdoms that refused to send ambassadors. It was a real struggle.
But now, the Emperor is no longer the old Eimanca XVI but the young Eimanca XVII. This is an era of a powerful Emperor with a strong alliance through the Duke’s family, not of a weak, collateral descendant without a support base. Moreover, the Emperor’s relatives are loyal ministers seeking to serve him with devotion and love, not treacherous schemers.
‘Order has been restored.’
Every time I close my eyes, memories of the abdication ceremony surface—the blessings of the Pope, the loyalty oaths of the dukes, and the Emperor standing tall. With his succession, he has made the Crown Prince a Crown Princess, further securing the stability of the royal family.
It truly feels like a dream. Just decades ago, counting what little we had was easier than counting our losses, and now it feels more challenging to find what’s missing.
‘Finally, it has come together.’
Yes, this is the Emperor. This is the Empire.
The Emperor, who upholds the will of the Great Eimanca, rightfully deserves reverence. The one and only Empire of this continent should indeed be honored.
The foundation of this honor is not only the majesty of the royal family and the Empire but also the peace of its citizens.
“Your Majesty, we’ve arrived.”
As I ponder the Emperor’s figure amidst cheers and applause, the voice of Baron Anthrac comes from the driver’s seat.
‘Surely he should be back in his territory.’
I thought while opening the carriage door. After resigning from his position as Minister of the Imperial Household, he should be enjoying a comfortable retirement, not serving in such a declining state. It’s ridiculous that he, himself aging, is volunteering to be a driver!
In a perfect world, I’d love to kick him out, but unfortunately, I know well enough that Baron Anthrac’s stubbornness makes that pointless, so he continues to tag along.
“I’m heading on with Baron Anthrac, so you all wait here.”
“Your Majesty, please reconsider. We can escort you!”
When I relayed this to the royal knights at the entrance of the National Cemetery, they were visibly shaken. It’s only natural when the person they’re supposed to protect insists on moving on his own.
“There is no place safer than here in this Empire, so fret not.”
I firmly shook my head and dismissed their loyalty. While this is the safest place in the Empire, I also wished to visit quietly.
If we come crowding in, we might end up upsetting someone, especially since I’ve never been one for crowds.
“As the Lord does understand the hearts of his subjects, let me assure you, his Majesty wishes to move freely. You shall follow.”
When Baron Anthrac coaxed them further to stay, the knights became even more flustered, unsure of what to do.
“Is it perhaps that you do not trust the peace of the court? The Guards Legion will be quite upset.”
“Ah, no, Your Majesty!”
“Just a joke. I’m being a bit mischievous.”
Baron Anthrac’s playful joke finally eased their tensions as they realized he was merely teasing. Even if he added the jest, it carried the message, “Stay put and stay out of trouble.”
Watching that scene, I made my way toward the National Cemetery. It’s uncomfortable to keep having an old minister beside me after retirement, but no one else understands my feelings better than Baron Anthrac. It’s undeniably a comfort to have him around.
“Old folks should be spending time spoiling their grandkids, but here I am, getting nothing but complaints from the youngsters.”
Baron Anthrac chimed in, following right behind me.
It’s a futile plea for sympathy. If he truly feared being blamed, he wouldn’t even be here.
“Brother should do that much for his younger sibling.”
Baron Anthrac flinched at this remark, then broke into a smile.
Once upon a time, though my memory is hazy now, I treated Baron Anthrac like an elder brother. His father and mine were close friends, and that relationship extended to us as children, enabling us to grow up like siblings.
That bond faded when I ascended to the throne, but now that I’ve shed the title of Emperor, I feel comfortable reviving those memories.
“Yes, indeed. A brother has every right to do so.”
Baron Anthrac fell silent after that. I couldn’t tell if he was recalling the past like me, or simply had no words left to say.
‘The past…’
There’s a saying that as you grow older, you tend to sweeten the memories of youth. I am no exception.
The early days of my reign don’t seem that rosy now that it’s all over, but the time before the throne was undoubtedly beautiful.
The times spent with Baron Anthrac and the late…
“Your Majesty.”
I was startled by an unexpected voice. No matter how lost in thought I was, I shouldn’t have let anyone approach without noticing.
Turning my gaze sideways, I saw the Cemetery Keeper, elegantly bowing with flowing blonde hair and golden eyes.
‘Have we already reached the royal precincts?’
The identity hidden beneath that guise was the former Dragon Lord, there to manage Emperor Eimanca’s tomb.
As she appeared like the wind once we entered the royal area, it was breathtaking. Typically elusive to find, here’s someone who promptly appears when in the royal precincts. I guess it’s different being a Dragon.
“I’ll now move together with the Keeper. Baron, please wait here.”
Of course, it’s a secret known only to me that the Keeper is a former Dragon Lord, so I instructed Baron Anthrac to wait before walking alongside the exalted dragon. The conversation I’m about to have with the Dragon Lord must remain confidential.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Baron Anthrac readily complied, as always.
The Dragon Lord walked ahead silently, and I too refrained from initiating conversation with the Emperor’s companion.
“Thank you for your hard work all this time.”
It was the Dragon Lord who broke the silence. Instead of her usual polite tone from when Baron Anthrac was present, her voice now carried weight and warmth.
“I worried that the legacy of that man wouldn’t perish, but that he would become just a historical figure without honor.”
“I apologize for my worthless descendants causing such concern.”
“You owe me no apology.”
Stopping in her tracks, the former Dragon Lord turned to me with a faint smile.
“I also have no right to hear your apologies. You’re a commendable child who has regained Eimanca’s will; it’s only fitting that I express my thanks.”
She then gently bowed her head. This was a greeting from the Keeper, not just to me but a gesture from the former Dragon Lord and the companion of Eimanca.
It was overwhelming. To receive such respect from a hidden senior feels as if I’ve become a wretched child. Yet I couldn’t bring myself to urge her to stop, frozen by the unexpected development.
“The magic I cast ensures that no one will hear us there. So feel free to return once you’re settled.”
Lifting her head again, the Dragon Lord smiled one last time before clapping her hands.
‘Huh.’
Suddenly, I found myself standing in an area that normally takes quite a while to reach.
It was on the outskirts of the royal precinct—a rather unremarkable grave for one of the royal personages.
“…I’m here now, Empress.”
In front of the grave of the Empress, whom I failed to protect.
“I hoped to prepare myself for this visit on the way, but it seems we got here sooner than expected.”
I spoke defensively, as if to excuse my surprise. It might be a courtesy from her, but for me, it felt like being thrust into a knife.
“Still, it feels good to see you quickly.”
I paused for a moment before speaking again. I wasn’t sure if I had the right to say such things to the Empress.
But what can I do? Having spilled those words, whether I have the right or not, I want to share everything on my mind now.
“Gilbert, that child has become an Emperor. Unlike my time, when the cheers were faint, there’s a great uproar in the air. You may have heard it, too.”
I cautiously reached out to caress the Empress’s grave.
“As of now, I’m not the Emperor anymore. This is a first in the history of the Empire.”
A smile unconsciously crept to my face. The thought alone that I could take on that title solely speaks volumes.
“Not being an Emperor means there’s no need for effort now.”
Saying that made me chuckle. There’s no obligation, no duty. I can just live a regular life.
But what does it mean? After forsaking everything to live like this, what value will it have if I can finally lead an ordinary life now?
“…It’s a damn shame.”
I couldn’t help but curse. In front of the Empress, I’d promised restraint, yet here I was, unable to hold back.
“It’s unfair. What does it matter if I have the blood of royalty flowing within me, and how much can I truly resemble the late Emperor? As you know, my father was little more than a mere Count.”
It has been eons since I lost my noble identity and the rights and duties that came with it. I am no longer the royal Korbus, but a noble Korbus. That’s what I believed was my fate.
“Yet here I am, suddenly thrust into the role of Emperor, just like this young fellow who recently became a Count; the Marquise family is now striving to see the Empress crowned. It’s all absurd.”
Yet my fate, like it or not, was far grander and steeper than I initially thought. I once believed myself to be so remotely collateral that I didn’t realize how ‘relatively’ close I was.
I didn’t particularly want to know.
“I could be driven mad. Here I am, a Count struggling to manage his estate, and now I’m expected to be the Emperor, marrying someone I’ve never met before whom I promised you I’d marry. I’ve never felt such resentment towards Enen.”
Especially considering that I was forcefully inherited the Empire, which was on the brink of ruin, and my bride-to-be was nothing but a manifestation of greed and pride, devoid of love or duty. I was fuming with anger, wondering what crime I had committed to deserve this punishment.
Why was I caught in this situation? It was my damnable direct lineage and late Emperor who ruined this Empire, so why should I bear the burden of their misdeeds?
Still, I had no choice. I could only accept with a heavy heart, pushing aside my grievances and anger.
‘I am Livnoman.’
Having led a noble life merely because I was a descendant of the Great Emperor, should I not also shoulder some responsibility merely because I am collateral?
‘I am no victim.’
No matter how unfair my plight seems, it couldn’t surpass the misfortunes of the citizens who suffered under horrid tyrants. Those who could not stand up to the Emperor’s will, who faltered and wept under duty while I failed to uphold the mission to maintain peace in this world—those were the true victims.
That’s why I accepted everything. And so, I also let go of everything.
“…I believed that to be my mission.”
The fact the Crown has reached collateral lines is nothing less than a final chance given to Livnoman by Enen and the Great Emperor. If I let go of this opportunity, the royal family’s demise and the Empire’s collapse are all but certain.
For that reason, I thought it a luxury to be swayed by personal feelings. Pursuing happiness felt like a sin. To be complacent in this moment was incompetence. If I followed my emotions, the people would suffer. If I sought my own happiness, the Empire would be torn apart. Complacency would mean neglecting the mission.
I am nothing but a stepping stone bearing the weight of Livnoman’s legacy. In the grand tapestry of the Great Emperor’s splendid glory, I must ensure the continuity for the generations to come.
As I have been, I must run forward. Although I have not completely rid myself of emotion, I did ally with you as the Empress; when I consider the Crown Prince’s ascension, I can only view it as the right choice.
I staunchly convinced myself of that. If indeed it is not the right choice, then I became the cause of your death.
“Oh, do you know what that child said? He said he wouldn’t cast anything aside.”
A chuckle escaped me. It was such a denial from my son, the future Emperor, of all the sacrifices I made—a statement that I willingly welcomed.
“That child can surely do it. I made it happen.”
Isn’t that proof I have walked the right path? That the current Emperor doesn’t need to cast everything aside and can embrace it all instead?
“Indeed, I truly made it happen. I devoted my life to this… sacrificing my place in front of you and that child, and made the Empire what it is.”
I can reassure myself of this. Fortunately, from a single life of mine, the Empire gained a hopeful fate.
“So…”
But even with that confidence, there were things I couldn’t voice. Despite my determination to unload all I wished to say, my lips remained glued shut.
Thanks to that, I found myself silent for quite a while before finally managing to utter a word. Had it not been today, it might have remained locked away forever.
“So, if Enen grants us a next life— I won’t be born into royalty or nobility but as a commoner, perhaps?”
Yes, I don’t need the royal purple vestments or noble blue blood. If there’s a next life, I want to live as an ordinary man.
When a commoner like me meets you, a commoner too, we could marry without political entanglements. We could celebrate our union with pure joy.
Then we could live in a small house on the outskirts of the village, and in the morning, I’d tend to the fields nearby. It wouldn’t have to be vast fields stretching for miles, just enough for my family to eat and survive.
Raising chickens or pigs could be pleasant, too. I could raise them well enough to have eggs for breakfast and when our kids craved some meat, we could catch them occasionally for a nice feast!
Of course, life as commoners wouldn’t be free from turmoil. No, with people living together, there’d be quarrels from time to time.
But like how the earth becomes hard after the rain, after a bit of bickering, we’d soon reconcile and continue living as if nothing ever happened, laughing together.
Yes, I could live like that. Like an ordinary person, neither particularly extraordinary nor mundane.
…If only I could live like that, I’d say it every day.
“I love you, Celedene.”
That was something Emperor Eimanca XVI had dared not say.
“It’s been thirty years since I last spoke those words.”
Now that I’ve shed the title of Emperor, to you, who has long since departed, I utter this message that may never reach you.
As I finished speaking, a single droplet fell onto the back of my hand.
‘Is it rain?’
I raised my head, hoping the Empress above might have answered, yet the sky remained clear without a cloud.
Looking down again, the drop fell onto my hand once more.
How strange.
*
The once-mighty Sovereign, who departed with the Keeper, only returned after quite some time had passed.
Of course, as the Sovereign stepped down, his workload was lifted completely, so lingering in one place posed no issue. In fact, the longer he was away, the more comfortable I felt, considering whose grave he’d most likely seen.
“I’m tired. Let’s head back to the palace.”
As he stepped into the carriage, I couldn’t help but smile at his words.
After decades of suppressing emotion, hearing the Sovereign admit fatigue relaxed my spirit. It felt as if he had shed the facade he wore as Emperor.
Thus, I hurried our departure. Although managing the carriage for the Sovereign was laborious, it was a burden I could willingly bear.
“Your Majesty. We’ve arrived.”
Fortunately, the Sovereign seemed satisfied with the way I operated the carriage, and we arrived at the palace without any complaints.
“Your Majesty?”
But something felt off. The Sovereign had yet to show any response, and after calling out several more times, it remained the same.
…
“Your Majesty, pardon me.”
With a hint of concern, I opened the carriage door to check on him.
He was there, wearing a faint smile, eyes gently closed.
“…Korbus.”
I unintentionally called out his name. Perhaps it was the talk of brothers earlier that made me say it without thought.
But I had no choice; the sight before me evoked memories of our past.
It was the first time since he became Emperor that I saw such a liberated expression on his face.
‘You’ve made it through.’
In that moment, I too felt nostalgia wash over me.
I recalled a time when I would bolster my brother.
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