by Hyougetsu
“When I think about how hard you have it, I feel like I need to do at least this much to ease your burdens.”
Eleora gave me a reproachful glare but then decided against admonishing me. Her expression turned serious and she said, “By the way, Ashley’s finally going to be crowned emperor. The date for his coronation has been announced. And we’ve both been invited to attend.”
“Gotcha.”
Once Ashley was crowned emperor, Lord Bolshevik would start moving in earnest. All of his schemes thus far had been silent, swift, and effective. If I’m not careful, he might get the better of me.
Ashley’s coronation ceremony was held within Schwerin’s imperial palace, as was customary. The palace had a special hall that was used only for such an occasion, and it had been decorated magnificently for the ceremony. But while the proceedings themselves were quite majestic, a foreigner like me couldn’t really appreciate the history behind the whole ceremony. Besides, we’re gonna have another one of these pretty soon when Eleora’s crowned empress.
While most of the nobles and clergymen had been relegated to the spectator stands, as Meraldia’s representative I’d been given a seat of honor for the ceremony. In fact, I was in the very front row, next to Eleora. Originally I’d been hoping to sit behind Eleora, as was befitting of her vice-commander, but I’d been told to go here. Eleora, who was bedecked in a resplendent military coat meant for ceremonial occasions, turned to me with a wry smile.
“With how many of my relatives have died recently, I’m second in line for the throne now. That’s why we’re sitting here.”
“Oh yeah, now that you mention it, you’re right.”
The late emperor’s younger brother had been Lord Doneiks, and with his family gone, the only members of the royal family left were Ashley, his sister Princess Dillier, and Eleora. Since Ashley was about to be crowned emperor, his sister Dillier was first in line for the throne, with Eleora second. Furthermore, Ashley was still single. Though once he had kids, Eleora’s ordering in the line of succession would go down. But for now, though, Eleora was in a very strong position. Especially since she’d distinguished herself on the battlefield.
However, while all this explained why Eleora had been given such a distinguished seat for the coronation ceremony, it didn’t explain why I was getting the same treatment.
“Are you sure I can’t just move back a few rows, Eleora?”
Eleora furrowed her brows and gave me an exasperated look.
“Not only are you Meraldia’s representative, but you were one of the key figures responsible for putting an end to the rebellion. Ashley can’t afford to give you anything less than the highest seat of honor.”
So what you’re saying is that he needs to show the other nobles that he has strong ties to Meraldia and its supposedly excellent military. Man, if I’d known this was going to happen I’d have brought another one of the councilors along with me. Of course, I knew they were all too busy managing their cities to come here. Sighing inwardly, I resigned myself to watching everything from the front row. Fortunately, all I had to do was sit there, so it wasn’t all that taxing.
Sonnenlicht clergymen presided over the ceremony itself. Zanawah was of course also in attendance. Before the ceremony had started, he’d told me, “Strictly speaking, the emperor is only supposed to have power over the material world. But he also has to be recognized by the powers of the spiritual world—the Sonnenlicht Order—for the empire to continue running smoothly. It’s for that reason that every newly crowned emperor is also ordained a Sonnenlicht saint.”
Right now, Ashley was in the middle of the ritual that would make him a saint—the ceremony of the bitter draught. After placing the crown on his head, one of the bishops offered Ashley a small golden goblet. According to Zanawah, it was supposed to be filled with a very bitter liquid.
“The juice is made from a species of very bitter berry that’s normally used in dyes. Each new emperor has to drink it to signify that they’re resolved to accept all the hardships that come with ruling. That they can accept all of the empire, both good and evil. Though of course the juice used for the ceremony is quite diluted compared to the real thing,” was what he’d said.
Sonnenlicht bishops had to go through the same ceremony, so as far as the order was concerned, the emperor was like a bishop who held absolute power over secular matters. However, when bishops drank the juice, they had to drink its undiluted form. Most bishops were sick for days after drinking it all, but it was a necessary step to show their asceticism.
Ashley solemnly accepted the golden cup and gulped down its contents. Though his juice was diluted, it must still have been quite bitter. His lips twitched a little as he drank, and his dignified expression slipped. However, he quickly regained his composure and returned the empty cup to the bishop. The cardinal overseeing the ceremony, Cardinal Kushmer, approached the new emperor. She gave him a calm smile and said, “Never forget what you tasted today. But never grow too accustomed to that taste either. Do you understand?”
“Yes.”
It was important to accept both the good and the evil of the empire, but it wouldn’t do to get too used to its evils. That path led to corruption and stagnation. At least, I think that’s what she’s trying to say. Come to think of it, Traja must have gone through this ceremony too. Though I get the feeling he gulped his cup down no problem.
The thought brought a smile to my lips. Of course, while Traja might act like a scoundrel, I knew he didn’t have a selfish bone in his body. He’d accepted the evils of the empire, but he was tirelessly working to improve it.
With that, the coronation itself was over and Ashley was recognized as emperor by both the masses and the church. It was important that the newly crowned emperor had the support of the Sonnenlicht Order as well. If he didn’t, the nobles and common folk wouldn’t follow him. Which was why Lord Bolshevik and his Sternenfeuer adherents had no chance of uniting this country.
Once all the bishops had backed away, Ashley stepped forward to give a speech. It was a very safe speech, one he’d clearly rehearsed beforehand. It seemed he was planning on having a very uneventful and stable reign, like his father before him, who’d been known as “the most boring emperor in history.” Unfortunately, Ashley had inherited the throne at a time when the political climate was much more turbulent.
Ashley wrapped up his safe, boring speech with a very boring conclusion, and got a bored round of applause for it. Thus ended the coronation ceremony. There was supposed to be a banquet after this, though, and I was planning on eating and drinking enough to empty the empire’s coffers. But before Ashley could officially declare the party started, Lord Bolshevik and Princess Dillier walked up. The imperial princess bowed respectfully to her younger brother.
“Congratulations on your coronation, Your Majesty.”
“Thank you, Sister.”
Judging by the surprise on Ashley’s face, he hadn’t been expecting this. The surrounding bishops and servants seemed confused as well. Since it was the emperor’s own sister speaking to him, the imperial guards weren’t sure whether or not they should remove her either. Dillier rose up from her bow and turned to face the gathered crowd.
“My apologies for interrupting the ceremony, everyone, but I have an announcement to make. I, Dillier Voltof Schwerin Rolmund, hereby announce my engagement to Lord Shallier Bolshevik. I believe this union will bring peace and prosperity to Rolmund.”
Dillier had just dropped a political bombshell. Couldn’t you have at least waited until the party for this? The guests were so shocked by Dillier’s proclamation that no one said a word. Even if they hadn’t been shocked, they probably would have hesitated to say something since the sacred coronation ceremony had just ended. Taking advantage of the sudden silence, Lord Bolshevik decided to say his piece as well.
“My fellow nobles, now that I have become kin to the imperial family, know that I will do my utmost to support the new emperor in all his endeavors. I hope yo
u will all do the same.”
Lord Bolshevik grinned at the audience. At this point, the shock wore off and one of the nobles in Ashley’s faction stood up to protest. Before he could say anything, however, Dillier and Lord Bolshevik stepped off the ceremonial platform and vanished down a corridor. The new emperor watched them go, a stunned look on his face. Not even he knew what to say.
To no one’s surprise, the celebration party following the coronation was not a joyous affair.
“That damn vixen! How dare she!”
“What is Princess Dillier thinking!? How could she even consider marrying that traitor!?”
“Lord Bolshevik should have been executed for his crimes, but now he’s marrying the princess!?”
The nobles of Ashley’s faction were outraged. I pretended I knew nothing about the engagement and drifted from table to table, eavesdropping on other people’s conversations while grabbing as much food as I could. Since today’s party was a buffet, I knew none of the nobles would eat anything. They’d be too afraid of poison, so I might as well eat everything.
Back in Japan, I’d been able to buy roast beef easily enough at the grocery store, but here they only served meat like that at important parties. Though now, I was craving wagyu beef or sukiyaki. I glanced over to where Eleora was sitting. Surprisingly, she was surrounded by a bunch of nobles from Ashley’s faction.
“Princess Eleora, please caution His Majesty against this marriage.”
“You want me to warn him?”
“Yes. His Majesty is rather soft when it comes to his older sister. If we’re not careful, Lord Bolshevik might start controlling the empire from the shadows.”
Wow, these guys really are shameless. Coming to Eleora for help after all they did to get in her way. Eleora elegantly lifted her wine glass and put on her best business smile.
“But, Marquess Knullad, I’m nothing more than a ‘barbaric princess who only knows how to fight.’”
“Wh-Where did you hear that?”
“Who knows... Oh yes, Count Magedoff. Weren’t you the one who said ‘She should just marry herself off to some noble lord and stop sticking her nose in politics.’ Or am I mistaken?”
“I-I would never...say such a...”
The nobles awkwardly averted their gazes. Looks like Eleora’s having fun. If I butted in, people would start saying things like “Oh look, Meraldia’s mad dog is at it again,” so I decided to just watch from a distance.
Once she’d finished having her fun with the nobles, Eleora grinned and said, “I have a good memory, but I also know how to forgive and forget. If you want me to forget about your past transgressions, you know what to do, right?”
There was something satisfying about watching the nobles crumple before Eleora. Ashley was a skilled leader and a virtuous man. Unfortunately, he had no talent for war and had to rely on others for military affairs. On top of that, Dillier, who was first in line for the throne, had become a pawn of Lord Bolshevik. That meant Eleora, who was still second in line, was getting the short end of the stick.
“Princess Dillier’s marriage is arranged for next month. Events are moving too quickly. Please, at least convince His Majesty to postpone the wedding date, Princess Eleora.”
“Very well. But of course, you realize I will want something in return, right?”
“Y-Yes. We’re greatly indebted to you, Your Highness. We’ll swear fealty to your cause, so please do something about the marriage!”
Eleora looked coldly down at the nobles.
“And if you’re going to spread rumors about me anyway, you could at least say that I’m sharper than a blade of ice and as radiant as the first bloom of spring.”
“Of course, Your Highness. Please, just show us mercy!”
Since when did you become a sadist? Eleora chuckled to herself, then noticed me watching her. She raised her glass toward me in an informal toast. She sure has changed.
Eleora and I slipped out of the party just as it was getting into full swing, and walked briskly down the palace corridors. Eleora’s young supporters and Lord Kastoniev were still at the party. They could take care of whatever schmoozing was left to do.
“This has gotten pretty troublesome,” Eleora muttered darkly. I nodded in agreement.
“I didn’t think they’d announce their engagement right after the coronation ceremony. I assumed they’d want to keep things quiet for a while longer.”
“The coronation ceremony is the most important public event in the empire. If they annulled their engagement now, it’d hurt the prestige of the imperial family. Meaning there’s no way that’s happening.”
So they’re determined to see this through, huh. Neither Ashley nor Dillier had attended the party. I’d figured Lord Bolshevik at least would have briefly shown his face, but even he hadn’t appeared. As a result, all of the nobles had turned to Eleora to voice their concerns. Dillier’s engagement announcement was a crisis that superseded faction politics. Naturally, Eleora was making use of this opportunity to rope in as many undecided former Doneiks nobles and Ashley nobles to her side as possible.
“Are you going to do anything about the wedding date?”
“I should be able to postpone it at least,” Eleora said with a tiny smile. “Rolmund gets buried in snow during winter. And people from all over the empire attend important events like royal weddings, so they’re usually held in either spring or fall when it’s easier to travel.”
“Just like how this coronation ceremony was delayed until early spring?”
“Yeah. But holding multiple large-scale events back-to-back usually isn’t recommended, in case something comes up. I could probably use that argument to delay the wedding until early summer, at least.”
I nodded along, but then something occurred to me.
“Just making sure, but won’t the line of succession change once Dillier marries Lord Bolshevik?”
“Once she marries into his family she’ll lose her right to succeed the throne, making me first in line.”
So there was no possibility that Lord Bolshevik could end up as the husband of an empress. Which was probably why the nobles weren’t up in arms about the announcement, even if it was worrying. Wait, hang on. What if something happens to Ashley before Dillier gets married? Wouldn’t Lord Bolshevik then be married to an empress? Just as I was thinking that, Lord Bolshevik appeared at the far end of the corridor.
“What a surprise meeting you two here. Good day, Princess Eleora, Lord Veight.”
He bowed cordially to the two of us. Why is it that you’re always smiling no matter what the situation is? Maybe I should just ask what you’re up to.
“Lord Bolshevik, what do you plan to do by marrying Princess Dillier?”
Lord Bolshevik rose from his bow, a carefully crafted grin on his face.
“Are you worried about the line of succession?”
“I am.”
Bolshevik’s grin grew wider.
“If Dillier marries into my family, then Princess Eleora will be first in line for the throne. I am simply trying to prove my loyalty by being of service to you, Your Highness.”
That smelled like a lie. Eleora smiled back at Lord Bolshevik and bowed.
“I appreciate your assistance. I pray your loyalty remains unwavering, so that it may be rewarded.”
Oh, it looks like Eleora’s lying too. I was the only honest man left at this gathering, but even that was about to change.
“It would be much appreciated if you would be willing to advise His Majesty on our behalf through Princess Dillier,” I said. “We shall be counting on you.”
“I would be glad to.”
The three of us grinned at each other. Now we were all liars. Lord Bolshevik bowed to us again.
“Now then, I must be taking my leave. I promised Dillier that I would gift her some flowers from the greenhouse.”
The greenhouse, huh? You mean the same greenhouse Ashley loves? I decided to give Lord Bolshevik a fair warning.
&n
bsp; “The greenhouse is filled with poisonous plants. Do be careful which flowers you pick.”
“Fear not, I shall exercise caution.”
Still smiling, Lord Bolshevik walked off. It was only after he was completely out of sight that Eleora turned to me and whispered, “Veight, what do you make of how openly he flaunted his ambitions?”
“He was being so obvious about it I’m starting to think he’s not actually after what he says he’s after.”
Of course, it was possible Lord Bolshevik was just getting carried away since things were going well, but from what I knew of him he was an exceedingly cautious man. I got the feeling he was hiding something. Lord Bolshevik’s behavior aside, there was one other thing about this engagement that was bothering me.
We returned to Eleora’s manor, and Natalia brewed both of us some tea. As I sipped from my cup, I continued the conversation we’d started in the palace.
“There’s no doubt Lord Bolshevik’s up to something big. The only question is what... If you were in his shoes, what would you do?”
Eleora pondered my question for a few seconds, then replied, “Once they’re married, Dillier will lose her right to the throne. But if something happens to Ashley before the marriage, then she’ll ascend the throne.”
“So you thought of that too?”
“Yeah. Once she’s empress, he can marry her and become part of the imperial family.”
Just then, Natalia walked back into the room. “Excuse me.”
“What is it, Natalia?”
She gave Eleora a worried look, and Eleora gently urged her to continue. Still a little apprehensive, Natalia replied, “Umm, Emperor Ashley is here to see you.”
What’s this, all of a sudden? Eleora looked surprised as well, but she nodded.
“Alright. What did he say he wanted?”
“He wants to consult you two about Princess Dillier’s engagement.”