The emperor’s execution was unlike anything else.
First of all, the location was completely different. The moment the emperor revealed himself, the entire execution ground transformed.
Kughugh!
Originally, it resembled a circular arena, but that was not the case now. The spectator stands rose in a staircase fashion, allowing everyone to clearly see below.
Of course, the emperor was not positioned down there.
He sat at the highest vantage point in the most scenic spot. The terrain twisted and turned with an intangible energy, sculpting a magnificent throne.
The emperor, wrapped in heavy armor, sat there. Thanks to that, most people could only guess that the emperor’s body was transparent.
That alone symbolized his authority.
Today, the thousands gathered here replayed in their minds how executions usually proceeded. Did not countless imperial officials sit side by side, passionately delivering speeches?
Not at all.
Only one person. The emperor.
With just his presence alone, he could decide everything, and at the same time, that defined justice. Who could argue against that?
Even though he was quietly seated, everyone found it hard to look in the direction of the emperor. The intangible energy was that overwhelming.
Meanwhile…
At the lowest circular floor…
A girl with pink hair was tied to a pillar.
Her entire body was securely bound to the large column, and her exposed face showed no signs of life in her eyes.
The way she silently stared down at her feet made it believable that she was already a corpse. The emperor merely gazed at his daughter.
“Your Highness… It truly is you…”
“Your beauty is still unmistakable.”
“But your complexion… No, is it true that the execution will happen today?”
The murmuring of the crowd seemed never-ending.
The princess and the emperor. Both beings regarded as gods in the empire.
To have one of them die today was an almost unimaginable reality for the citizens.
The emperor remained silent.
He merely raised a hand.
─…
Even without a sound, it had a hundred times more impact than any command. The murmuring of the people ceased as if they had made a pact.
At last, someone appeared beside the emperor. It was Ilaref, a man wearing spectacles who had taken on the role of speaking for the emperor.
His voice, imbued with mana, resonated far and wide.
“The empire, loyal to the Sun God! From now on, we will proceed with the execution ceremony in accordance with His Majesty’s wishes!”
No one responded. Yet the overwhelming effect of the collective silence echoed as fiercely as if everyone had shouted.
All bowed their heads.
Silence settled over the situation.
The fifth princess suddenly thought.
The emperor’s intent, the execution, the proceeding.
No, there was no need to recall all three of those.
Just the emperor’s intent.
That alone was enough. It could no longer be stopped.
When the emperor decides to kill someone in the empire, who could resist? Even as the fifth princess, resisting it was impossible, as if it were fate itself.
“I understand that the citizens are very confused. Fortunately, His Majesty has shown grace, and I will now recite the reasons for the execution of the fifth princess. Please listen attentively!”
Ilaref unfurled a scroll he held in his hand.
“The fifth princess attempted to use the Jeolmajjang to brainwash the citizens, causing chaos. Given the dangerous content, it appears to have been done intentionally to instigate resentment against His Majesty. This obviously constitutes treason.”
As Ilaref continued speaking, the expressions of the people varied greatly.
Some found it hard to believe that the fifth princess could do such a thing, while others were confused, wondering if the scenery they witnessed near the Jeolmajjang was truly a lie.
Amidst the many thoughts crossing their minds, not a single person dared to question it. Such things were not permitted in this atmosphere.
‘…I wonder when this will end?’
Surprisingly, the fifth princess didn’t have many thoughts. That was the end of it.
“The citizens need not worry. Fortunately, the imperial family emphasizes their fairness. A criminal will not be defended just because she is a princess. His Majesty treats all criminals equally!”
‘Honestly, I wish I could just die quickly.’
The fifth princess found this pretentious formality incredibly boring.
Once her plan at the Jeolmajjang failed, her life lost all value. If only they would stop this meaningless ceremony and she could find rest sooner.
Ilaref shouted.
“Of course, His Majesty is so benevolent that he can listen to the voices of the citizens. From now on, feel free to give your opinions.”
Having said all that, now they were told to speak. The intent was too transparent.
‘But what fault do innocent citizens have?’
The fifth princess thought it was only the emperor and Ilaref who were at fault. Even when all sorts of misunderstandings and accusations were directed at her.
“The Jeolmajjang is a precious barrier that has protected the empire from the mage realm, isn’t it? But to use it for incitement…!”
“Absolutely wicked!”
“How could someone of noble birth like a princess do such a thing!”
Right, no matter how much she listened, she didn’t feel particularly angry.
It was truly a strange feeling.
When striving to succeed in her plan, every second felt like an eternity, each element draining her blood. But now, it was different. Having given up everything, she now felt calm.
Just end it quickly.
I want to die soon.
There’s no reason to keep living, nor the will to survive, and no way to escape.
“Now then.”
Ilaref spread his arms wide.
“From this point, we shall listen to the words of the criminal.”
The execution was essentially already confirmed. That was His Majesty’s intent.
Being a criminal was confirmed, and death was assured.
No more concerns about the princess dying in the citizens’ eyes. Instead, they looked on with curiosity about what words a soon-to-die criminal would utter.
“Once the fifth princess was a princess, let her confess what she has reflected on.”
“…”
The anticipation on the faces of the people grew thick.
Fall.
In fact, little else sparks primal amusement like a fall.
The fifth princess, once appearing higher than any being in the sky, was now in a position lower than the simple citizens of the empire. How could they not eagerly expect what she would say?
Expectations became clear.
She would either ask for her corpse to be respected or plead for her life… But unfortunately for the citizens, the fifth princess had no lingering regrets.
“Just kill me.”
“Your life is no longer in your hands, but in the hands of the citizens and His Majesty! Do refrain from such arrogance!”
Ilaref scolded harshly.
“Death is the empire’s duty; thus, we ask you to speak of your reflections.”
This was, in essence, an order for the fifth princess to admit to plotting treason.
The intent was unmistakable.
─You’ll die anyway. Contribute to the empire as you go.
It was as if the emperor’s low muttering was ringing in her ears. In reality, he likely held such a sentiment. The fifth princess had only ever thought about the empire’s safety since she was very young.
What should I do?
The fifth princess pondered for a moment.
She expected to be killed without any opportunity to speak, but surprisingly, she had been given the floor.
Perhaps…
Was there still something left for her to do?
“…”
As she thought about it, a hint of interest began to rise in her. The fifth princess, bound to the great pillar, slowly lifted her head.
“…Alright. I changed my mind.”
“What do you mean by changing your mind?”
“I will detail everything I reflect upon.”
The corners of Ilaref’s mouth raised.
The expressions of the citizens grew even more expectant at the same time. Wasn’t the fifth princess essentially admitting to her guilt while also agreeing to confess?
All eyes locked onto the fifth princess’s small frame.
“…”
The fifth princess took a deep breath. It seemed she was gathering her thoughts to utter something truly important.
Not just that.
A flicker of life returned to her previously lifeless face.
And the next moment.
Receiving everyone’s expectations upon her,
The fifth princess said:
“I regret not killing the emperor.”
My site has received a lot of DMCA notices, lol. From now on, I will update the MTL on https://darkmtl.com/.
The site is fast and lightweight because there are no ads yet. However, the theme is different from Cybor-TL, so take some time to familiarize yourself.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.