Emperor Kelves

The coronation parade would slowly circle through the imperial capital before finally entering the Imperial Castle, where the emperor's crown would be placed on Crown Prince Kelves's head on the balcony.

That would complete the coronation.

The whole affair would take nearly an entire day.

Many street vendors had set up to cater to the gathered crowds, and people were enjoying street food.

Honestly, I thought being over there would be more fun than being part of the parade spectacle, but I kept that to myself.

So this is what it means to have status, I thought wistfully.

Incidentally, tradition held that the Empire's highest-ranking priest would bestow the crown.

Until recently, that role had been filled by a priest of the Church of the Sun God, but they'd been stripped of their position due to the commotion in the Kingdom.

The first emperor had gained power with the aid of a nameless god and built this great empire.

Thus, the imperial throne was considered a gift from this god.

Scholars called this the divine mandate of emperorship, or something like that.

However, the influence of the nameless god had faded with time, leaving only an empty shell.

All that remained was the ceremony of a priest bestowing the crown.

It took the form of the church recognizing the emperor, but the church had no veto power.

It was probably partly about lending authority.

Security for the parade was tight, and I could feel the strong determination to prevent any incidents.

It would be catastrophic if Crown Prince Kelves were assassinated while moving through the capital.

"All the spots where someone could snipe with magic have been thoroughly secured."

"You can tell that easily?"

"It's simple if I think about where I would aim from. Look, over there."

Finn's finger subtly pointed toward a tall building.

When I looked that way, I could see a figure in black attire on the rooftop.

Probably one of Gloria's subordinates.

"Well, Kelves has the Anti-Magic Orb with him, so no idiot would try to target him. Attempting assassination by sword through this heavy security would be even more ridiculous."

"Just this once, I really hope things end without any trouble."

"Ahaha, same here. We're just garnish, so let's relax."

Finn sat down in her chair, removed her silk gloves, and snacked on some sweets.

She showed no signs of tension. She had guts.

I tried waving toward the outside, and the crowd responded with cheers.

They probably had no idea who I was, but they were caught up in the atmosphere. Not that it felt bad.

Or perhaps it was because Azu and the others with me were beautiful.

From the outside, we might well look like a noble entourage.

"Still, being unarmed feels unsettling."

"It would look strange to have weapons while wearing gowns."

"Um… Master, are you really the one to say that?"

"Given the venue, it's only natural that weapons are prohibited."

As I said that to deflect, Alexia fixed me with a flat stare.

"Look, your tie is crooked. You're being watched, so get it together."

Alexia came close and fixed it for me.

Up close, the scent of her perfume mixed with her natural fragrance smelled wonderful.

The parade proceeded without incident, and they began entering the Imperial Castle from the head of the procession.

The crowds gathered in the courtyard where the balcony was visible.

The density of people was incredible, to the point you couldn't even see the ground.

What did it feel like to carry the expectations of this many people?

I used to think nobles and royalty lived carefree lives from birth, wanting for nothing.

But through interacting with them, I was beginning to understand that wasn't the case at all.

Of course, there were some garbage nobles, but high social status came with corresponding obligations.

"Yohane, you should watch too. The moment I become emperor."

Crown Prince Kelves approached as I waited in the passage leading to the balcony, having finished his preparations.

An aura of incredible confidence seemed to radiate from him.

Perhaps the fact that he was about to become emperor set him apart from who he'd been until yesterday.

When Crown Prince Kelves appeared on the balcony, cheers erupted again.

After the cheering subsided, Crown Prince Kelves gently raised his right hand.

The people understood his intent and fell silent.

"People of the Empire. Thank you for gathering on this momentous day. We are pleased."

His voice was magically amplified to carry far and wide.

It probably reached everyone within sight.

"Since our father, the late emperor, fell ill, the Empire has faced continued hardships. It was also during this time that subjects who should have supported us began acting as they pleased. We were still young, and it vexed us. But those days forged us."

The people of the Empire all listened in silence.

"After the late emperor's passing, our brothers and relatives moved to seize the Empire for themselves. Shameful subjects who had been exploiting the Empire backed them. Thus, we have eliminated them all and stand here today. We swear this: we will rebuild the Empire and make it a more prosperous nation."

Crown Prince Kelves thrust his ceremonial sword toward the heavens as he declared this.

At the same moment, the crowd's cheers shook the air once more.

Far louder than before.

I could even hear shouts of "Long live the Empire! Long live Emperor Kelves!"

"Now then, Your Majesty. Please receive the crown upon your head."

"Indeed."

Crown Prince Kelves bent his left knee to the ground and bowed his head.

An elderly priest held the crown in both hands and paused momentarily.

"With the blessings of gods and spirits, we crown you the new emperor. Kelves Ambishul."

He gently placed the crown upon the prince's head.

From Crown Prince Kelves to Emperor Kelves.

Here and now, a new emperor was born.

Surely the Empire would grow even larger and stronger from here.

I hoped to ride that wave of growth well.

Thunderous applause enveloped the new emperor.

And so the coronation ceremony came to its grand conclusion.

After that came the festivities.

Emperor Kelves provided food and wine as a celebration, and the crowds cheered wildly.

"This will improve his image, won't it?"

"Orleans… Even if you think that, it's more modest not to say it."

"I'll take that lesson to heart."