Chapter 236: Living Like This (1)
May 14th, Year 1 of the Herduke Imperial Calendar.
From today, even the era name changes.
My father, having conquered even the Empire’s territory and gained the surrendered Restart, the Gray Forest, and the land that will now be called by its proper name, Grenoian, decided to turn this vastly expanded nation into an Empire.
Today is the day of that glorious declaration.
An Empire needs an Emperor, and an Emperor exists because of the Empire. Today is the founding day of the Empire and the day the new Emperor reveals himself to the world.
The new history of the Empire began against the backdrop of the new Imperial Palace under construction, after clearing away the remnants of the collapsed old Imperial Palace, which I sometimes jokingly call “Artshever’s Tomb.”
Just as a country isn’t built overnight like a palace, the Empire will be built from now on, and so the palace under construction was chosen as the backdrop for the ceremony.
This decision of my father’s was so romantic that it made me wonder who he was. Thanks to this, I hear the artists are screaming with joy.
There, various dignitaries from neighboring countries and countless citizens of the new Empire came out to celebrate.
People’s attention was focused on the Emperor, but as the best is saved for last, before the Emperor’s declaration, various awards and promotions were given to meritorious subjects and soldiers.
Ironically, thanks to the collapse of the Imperial Palace, the seeds of the old Imperial family, who would have been the core of the opposition, have literally dried up.
Thanks to this, the group trying to secure legitimacy to revive the past Empire will have to find a very distant blood relative of the Imperial family.
There’s a rumor that the Herduke Kingdom collapsed the Imperial Palace with the Imperial family inside because they were afraid they’d be a nuisance later, but that’s just ridiculous slander.
Well, honestly, saying that Riperndi and I collapsed it while fighting would be even more absurd.
What will future history say?
I’m thinking of making detailed records about this incident to confuse them.
I couldn’t even yawn because I was standing with Levidian in a place where people could clearly see me.
Turning my gaze for a moment, I saw Lime-hyung smiling with his wife and children. I nodded slightly to him. Daisy and her husband were also next to him.
Generally, awards ceremonies are boring.
I was so bored watching people I didn’t even know receive titles as meritorious subjects. I heard there was some internal conflict during the war, and this awards ceremony is meant to resolve it, but it’s still boring.
There are a few people I recognize. For example, Baron Dakard, Aila’s father, became a Count this time, and Baron Hiltenpens, who defended a strategic point, became a Viscount.
Ah, I can’t forget Lea. During the war, he was tasked with protecting our family along with some of the Black New Moon assassins. Thanks to that, he received a knighthood.
He expressed regret for not being able to participate in the war, but it was Levidian’s will, so I couldn’t help it, priest.
The rest are all military personnel, and since it hasn’t been long since I resigned as Grand General, a new Grand General was also to be appointed.
Cispa, my aide, became a General, and the Cheonbyeongjang of the five Cheonbyeongdae who had been with me since the beginning of the war also became Generals. Many others were promoted, and the citizens applauded.
Duke Ecoshian remained the Duke ruling Restart.
Some people criticize his shrewd actions for preserving his life, position, and land, but since many others couldn’t even manage that, his actions are known to have been wise.
Narvilt also got a new ruler. My father entrusted Narvilt to my grandfather’s family, saying that it’s best to keep things within the family.
Some might point out the blood ties, but personally, I think he’s a very wise person. If anyone’s jealous, they can go wage war and establish their own Empire.
Lucy achieved his dream. I recommended him as the Imperial Mage, but I did it my own way.
“He’s a bit of a womanizer, you never know when his magic experiments will go haywire, and he’s got a fiery personality who’d rather leave than stay if he doesn’t like something, but if you’re okay with that, make him the Imperial Mage.”
Despite that, my father highly valued Lucy’s abilities and achievements and decided to appoint him as the Imperial Mage, but unfortunately, he couldn’t be present as he was chasing after Riperndi.
Al was also absent. Rumor has it that he’s currently training hard where Redbane is. I gave Al the rights equivalent to a Marquis as the Empire’s only free knight.
In the case of Namia and Joey, it required some consideration. Joey had changed his nationality to become a Shrine Knight, so both of them were citizens of Azot.
However, honorary positions can be awarded to foreigners. Both of them were given the titles of “The Empire’s Reliable Ally” and “The Empire’s Shining Friend,” along with the honorary title of Marquis, which grants them the treatment of an actual Marquis.
Aila had already left. So, the title of “The Beautiful Gray Marquis” bestowed upon her will forever remain without an owner.
In fact, all the awards and promotions today were predetermined.
I had compiled a list of people who could be promoted beforehand, and I heard that my father and brother were reorganizing the governing structure when victory in the war became certain.
My uncle became a Duke this time and will rule Orknesia.
As a result of my father, brother, and I diligently discussing whether to promote Orknesia to a Duchy or leave it as a Dukedom, we decided to leave it as a Dukedom.
This was the result of my father and I agreeing with my brother’s statement that there was no need to differentiate it. And it would have been problematic if it became a Duchy. Grenoian, where the Emperor’s power needs to reach, would become isolated.
For now, I decided to have my grandmother rule Grenoian. This is because I’ll be busy governing the Empire for the time being.
I told the Guard that I would return within 10 years, so they will all follow Summeor’s decisions. More than anything, my grandmother is unofficially my father’s mother-in-law. My father will probably have to cater to my grandmother’s requests.
Now, what about my brother and me?
I’m set to become the Empire’s Chancellor. As a Duke without territory, I will have the authority to interfere in all of the Empire’s internal and foreign affairs for the time being.
This is all thanks to the intelligence agency I have.
I took over Sky Ears, which has a network throughout the Empire, from Aila, transformed AJOR into the Imperial Intelligence Bureau, merged it with Sky Ears, and even integrated the Black New Moon and Mangya.
For the time being, those who are plotting mischief by seeking out vulnerabilities in the newly established Empire will have a chilly evening. It’s not easy to build an Empire, so I won’t forgive those who try to play games.
Actually, I plan to hand over the authority to someone trustworthy after a few years as Chancellor and then enter Grenoian to rule only there. My position is the Duke of Grenoian, so it’s like returning to my territory.
The Empire will stabilize, my life will stabilize, and a bright future awaits everyone.
Come to think of it, I think I saw my father and brother having a serious conversation last night. What was it about? Were there some minor differences in the investiture ceremony today compared to my memory?
Originally, the investiture ceremony was structured so that people would return to their seats after each appointment, but when I came today, it had been changed to a kind of mini-parade where they would return through the crowd of citizens.
If it’s just this much, it’s something that can be done without me. As long as the crowd control and placement are done well.
Finally, the investiture ceremony ended, and only two appointments remained: mine and my brother’s. My father? My father said he’d spend his later years comfortably. Hahaha. I wonder who’s old.
My father shouted.
“Now, I will introduce the Chancellor who will dedicate himself to the Empire! The nobles, friends, and citizens of the Empire gathered here should treat this proud figure with respect and reverence, and be aware that they must follow his opinions. Come forth! The Chancellor of the Empire, the Prince of the Empire, Donthernon Herduke!”
For a moment, I took a step forward and widened my eyes. Wait, Father, did you make a mistake?
Murmurs spread among the Imperial nobles, citizens, and foreign dignitaries. However, my brother walked forward confidently and knelt on one knee before my father.
What, what’s going on! Why is my brother going out there!
I pondered whether this was part of the plan, and soon realized it wasn’t.
Then is my father the Emperor? Then I’m free! My expected position would be Assistant Chancellor?
Oh, Father. He’s still uneasy about leaving the affairs of state to his sons.
Well, it would be easier for my father to hand over the reins if my brother became the Chancellor and was in a position to avoid ultimate responsibility. There will be a lot of trial and error at first.
Then am I the head of the intelligence agency? That’s a relief. I just need to support my brother for the time being. In the meantime, I need to help him get used to handling the intelligence agency.
Now I understand why they had such a long conversation last night. Hmm, it’s truly an appropriate personnel arrangement.
My brother’s investiture ended with thunderous applause.
My brother walked through the crowd of citizens, circled back, and stood next to me again. When I heard the orchestra playing from somewhere, I said to my brother.
“Brother, is this what you talked about with Father yesterday?”
“Huh? Ah, yes. Of course, the next part is already planned.”
“I guess so. Ah, right. I look forward to working with you.”
“Yes, I look forward to working with you too. Hehe.”
I should have noticed what that last laugh meant.
As I tilted my head in puzzlement at the unknown laughter, the music stopped, and my father silenced the crowd before declaring.
“Now, I will announce the master of the Empire, the sole absolute ruler above the law, the ruler who must receive the loyalty and love of all the people of the Empire, and who must serve them wholeheartedly, the Herduke Emperor of the Empire!”
Huh? Am I not there? What, did they just skip my turn? Oh, this is disappointing. Then, as the head of the intelligence agency, I become a prince of the Empire who enjoys a life of leisure without being known to the public.
I was a little disappointed, but when I thought about it, it wasn’t bad, so I accepted it.
The hidden side of the prince who spends time with his beautiful wife, veiled in secrecy, was the head of the intelligence agency who oversees all information of the Empire.
Isn’t that a pretty good setting? Surely, someone who deals with secrets should have their existence be a secret as well.
Then my father will crown himself Emperor. Come to think of it, the previous Emperor of the Empire also crowned himself. History repeats itself.
People held their breath at my father’s declaration. It was a perfect silence, where even the whimpers of children couldn’t be heard.
Anyone would be like that. It’s the moment when the absolute ruler of an Empire that occupies a vast territory is born.
Even though I knew who it was, I had to hold my breath.
My father opened his mouth.
“Come forth!”
Huh? Who? Father, you’re already there.
“The Prince of the Empire, the one who brought about the end and the beginning of the Empire with his own hands! The one who chastised the continent with his bravery and corrected injustice with his righteousness! The great adventurer who pioneered unknown lands and the apostle of peace who brought peace to the eternally war-torn land! The name that will be remembered in history, Arisein Herduke!”
Who is that? It’s definitely my name, but is there another Herduke besides me? Don’t tell me, Artshever, you’re still alive, are you? Why are people looking at me? Huh?
“Go.”
“Have a good time.”
Levidian and my brother pushed me simultaneously, and I stumbled three steps forward. At the same time, thunderous cheers and applause that could silence even a storm overflowed into all the world I could see.
Waaaaaaaaaah―!
As if pushed by the cheers, I slowly walked forward, and seeing my father smiling at me from ahead, I realized.
I’ve, been, had!
“I cannot accept this sudden enthronement! This is unfair! Why am I the Emperor! Of all the positions! My father is going to start taking it easy, leaving all the busy work to his son, what kind of injustice is this! Kaaagh―!”
“Is that how you’re writing it?”
“Of course not!”
Levidian was looking at me with a dumbfounded expression as I vented my frustration while scribbling a letter.
Right now, I’m in the middle of writing a long letter titled “A Letter to My Father.” I didn’t even know how the sudden enthronement ceremony and the following party went.
Lime-hyung came up to me and said let’s work together for the bright future of both countries, High Priest Damachi Ir and Namia also came to me and said that the religious circles of both countries are as bright as the sun and the light, and various nobles and soldiers came up to me and pledged their loyalty.
Question: Why!
Answer: Because I’m the Emperor.
Oh, my goodness! This is unfair! This can’t be happening! The first Emperor of the Herduke Empire, his name is great, Arisein ‘Pireum’ Herduke!
My father and brother said they knew I would never become Emperor even if I died, so they set up the scenario this way.
They changed the positions of the citizens and the ending process of the investiture ceremony to eliminate any chance for me to escape.
Oh my god! They were so meticulous!
I never thought of it! Me, the Emperor!
Leave a Reply