Chapter 5: The Emperor’s Dignity (4)

The imperial palace is divided into the Outer Palace and the Inner Palace. The “Legion” (the administrative palace), where the selection ceremony is being held, sits right at the center of the Outer Palace.

Beside it stands “Lumine” a detached palace reserved for royal guests. But since the reckless emperor had long neglected his duties, it had naturally fallen into disuse.

And yet, for some reason, a lavish banquet was being held there today. Among the distinguished guests raising their glasses, a nobleman asked with a grin:

“Who do you gentlemen think will become the empress?”

“Well, surely it will be Lady Irene, the Grand Duke’s youngest daughter.”

“And what makes you so certain?”

“Because there is no other woman more suited for the position of empress than the Grand Duke’s daughter.”

“And if His Grace becomes a senior member of the imperial family and governs the nation in place of that incompetent emperor who failed to inherit proper imperial qualities, wouldn’t that benefit us all?”

Most of those occupying the banquet hall were nobles of the so-called “Grand Duke faction”. Many held high-ranking government posts or were influential regional magnates.

In short, they were the core power behind the Grand Duke’s dominance—and they paid no mind to the young Emperor Ranciel Christer.

The noble who had posed the first question smiled slyly.

“By the way, didn’t your own precious daughters enter the palace today as candidates? Are you sure you feel no temptation?”

It was clearly a probing question. The nobles hesitated, unable to answer—until one replied smoothly:

“How could my foolish daughter possibly outshine the Grand Duke’s youngest, who possesses both beauty and talent? I gave up any foolish hopes long ago. I’m simply grateful to be here.”

“Haha! Indeed!”

The nobles burst into laughter, easing the previously tense atmosphere.

In truth, this banquet was meant to console the fathers or representatives of the families whose daughters had become candidates. The selection ceremony could last anywhere from a day to several days.

Though none openly expressed their ambition, most likely thought it wouldn’t be so bad if their own daughters became empress. Becoming in-laws to the imperial family was, after all, a golden opportunity for greater power.

But none dared to oppose the Grand Duke. So they resigned themselves to playing supporting roles instead, trading jokes and quietly keeping one another in check.

‘Tch. What a farce.’

In one corner of the vast hall sat a small group of nobles who belonged to neither the emperor nor the Grand Duke—the so-called “neutral faction”.

Duke Roche, their leader, sat in a corner, trying to settle his uneasy stomach.

He had no choice but to come to the capital since his beloved daughter had become a candidate. But upon arriving, he found that the imperial city was even more thoroughly the Grand Duke’s domain than he had imagined.

‘Frankly, even if the Grand Duke staged a rebellion, no one could stop him.’

Like everyone else, Duke Roche easily predicted that the Grand Duke’s daughter would become empress. And if the Grand Duke became the emperor’s father-in-law, the Christer Empire would effectively fall into the hands of House Cruel.

‘With the imperial family in decline, only we neutrals and the Mage Tower could oppose the Grand Duke faction. The western and southern nobles are too busy scheming for independence… We lack strength, and the stubborn mages are too busy undermining each other. Uniting against the Grand Duke would be harder than replacing the emperor himself.’

Duke Roche gave a bitter smile, imagining the worst. The biggest problem was that their own position would shrink even further.

“Your Grace, judging by the mood, the ceremony will likely end before sunset. Shall we prepare to depart?” his retainer asked cautiously.

After all, if everything proceeded according to the Grand Duke’s script, there was no need to drag things out.

“Is His Majesty still there?”

“…According to the latest report, yes, regrettably.”

Duke Roche let out a deep sigh.

‘Going to a club on the day of the selection ceremony. Even the Red and White Mage Towers, who still favor the imperial family, may abandon it now. The empire’s fall can’t be far off.’

Just as he shook his head, about twenty maids entered the banquet hall in perfect formation.

The sudden commotion made the nobles pause. The maids approached certain nobles and respectfully presented letters they carried. Duke Roche received one as well.

“His Majesty has sent this personally.”

The nobles were dumbfounded.

“What? His Majesty?”

One noble unfolded his letter and gasped.

“Th-this is…”

“What is it?”

The letter contained what looked like a thick shape, as if drawn by a child.

“Hm? Looks like a tongue.”

“It is a tongue. Can’t you see? It’s ‘nyah-nyah’.”

“What? ‘Nyah-nyah’?”

“Heh, it seems the young emperor wants to stick his tongue out at you.”

The nobles were stunned.

Another noble cried out:

“W-what is this?”

This time, the letter showed three crooked vertical lines, the middle one longer.

“Isn’t that… a middle finger?”

“A middle finger?”

One noble imitated the drawing with his hand.

“Hahaha! Seems His Majesty is telling you to screw off.”

Only then did they realize the emperor had sent prank letters to mock them.

“Has that damned emperor finally lost his mind?”

“He grows more childish by the day!”

“If he weren’t the legitimate heir, he would’ve been replaced long ago. No wonder he’s gone mad!”

Meanwhile, Duke Roche unfolded his own letter without much expectation—and found a mysterious triangle drawn on it.

“What insult could a triangle mean?” his retainer asked, amused.

“Wait.”

Duke Roche noticed tiny drawings at each corner of the triangle and quickly put on his reading glasses.

“A crown… a staff… scales…?”

“Yes?”

“They’re drawn at each vertex.”

“Oh, you’re right. But what does it mean?”

After pondering, Duke Roche suddenly slapped his knee.

“I see! So that’s what it means.”

“Pardon?”

“We must hurry. Prepare to leave discreetly.”

“…Y-Yes, Your Grace.”

Though the retainer had no idea why.

—–––

In front of Lumine Palace, I asked:

“Were the letters delivered?”

Klings wiped his forehead.

“As ordered, they were just delivered through the maids. But… why send letters all of a sudden…?”

Ding—!

‣ Clings grumbles that all sorts of annoying things are happening because you didn’t drink the liquor.

I chuckled and boarded the carriage.

The dice have been cast. The result now depends on fate.

“No need to know. Let’s go.”

We rode towards the venue. After passing several gates, we finally arrived at the Legion.

But as soon as I stepped down, I heard shouting. The silver-armored Palace Guards and the black-armored Imperial Guards were arguing at the main gate.

“This is where His Majesty’s selection ceremony is held! As the Imperial Guard, it is our duty to protect it! Why are you controlling it?!”

The blond shouting was Captain Karls of the Palace Guards.

A foolishly sincere man. And yet, on the day the Demon King invaded, he had held the front line alone until his last breath.

Seeing him again stirred something in me.

“By order of His Grace the Grand Duke. The Palace Guards are not needed today. Stand down.”

It seemed the Grand Duke’s forces had seized the venue and were blocking my guards.

With my authority at rock bottom, the Palace Guard’s status was equally miserable.

“Step aside! If His Majesty learns of this—”

“Hah, and how will that nonexistent Majesty do anything?”

“If you want to see him, Captain, try the club!”

The guards snickered. Karls’ face turned bright red.

“I won’t forgive this!”

Feeling both apologetic and incredulous, I raised my voice.

Ding—!

“Do you really need to go to the club to see me?”

“Y-Your Majesty?!”

The soldiers all reacted differently.

I nodded lightly at the blinking Karls.

Ding—!

“Well done, Karls.”

“…Pardon?”

His jaw dropped.

Ding—!

‣ Karls is left stunned by your greeting.

Yeah, I know. This is awkward.

Smiling bitterly, I stepped before the guards blocking the entrance.

Ding—!

“Imperial Guards. Shouldn’t you be defending the outer city at this hour?”

One of them replied nervously.

“His Grace ordered us to ensure the palace’s safety today.”

“How amusing. For my safety, you bar my guard and me from entering?”

Silence.

Technically, the Imperial Guard is part of my army. And yet they dare to block me.

Ding—!

“You know something is wrong. If you understand, step aside.”

“B-but…”

“Palace Guards!”

At my command, swords were drawn.

Clang—!

Ding—!

“The moment you draw your swords, you become traitors.”

They froze.

“Your Majesty! If any of them move even a finger, I’ll take their heads!” Karls declared proudly.

I smiled coldly.

Ding—!

‣ The guards begin to feel an inexplicable fear before your imposing presence.

Seizing the momentum, I drove it home.

Ding—!

“Last warning. Step aside, unless you wish to be arrested for treason.”

“…!”

Finally, they parted.

Thus, I succeeded in returning to the palace.

Ding—!

[Main Quest: First Step Complete]

‣ The first step to becoming a high-class emperor.

‣ You overcame all obstacles and returned to the palace.

‣ Dignity +10 (10 → 20)

Ding—!

[Emperor’s Dignity: Halo Unlocked]

‣ Upon appearance, there is a certain chance to activate “Halo.”

‣ Those exposed to “Halo” have a high chance of increased favorability.

A halo? Seriously!?

No time to dwell on it.

I hurried through the lobby, rode the spiral mana elevator to the upper level, and arrived at the vast “Hall of Glory.”

The ceremony was already underway—an empress selection without the emperor. What a farce.

The doorkeeper stared.

“Y-Your Majesty! What brings you here?”

“…This is my palace.”

I really wish I could curse.

“Forgive me! It’s been so long that I…”

“I’ve arrived. Announce it.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

—The Exalted Sun, His Imperial Majesty, arrives!

The golden doors swung open.

All eyes turned to me.

Time to raise some hell.

Ding—!

[Main Quest: Selection Ceremony]

‣ The first gateway to correcting past mistakes.

‣ Select the empress who will provide you with the greatest support.

Chapter 5 End