CHAPTER 489: SIDE STORY - CORONATION CEREMONY (3)

0% The World’s Most Powerful Nation.

The Land Where the Sun Rises.

The holy ground for believers around the globe and the center of all continents.

Even without embellishments, these long-standing titles were enough to convey the might of the Sunrise Empire across all continents.

Of course, over the years, the Empire had gradually weakened, leading many to believe that it was only a matter of time before it lost both its role as a hegemonic state and its reputation.

However, now bearing the title of “the Light That Vanquished Evil Twice,” the Empire had once again risen as the world’s foremost hegemonic power, casting its light across all continents.

This resurgence was due entirely to the feats of Frey and his party, rather than the Empire’s intrinsic abilities.

Thus, while the Empire had maintained its place as an unchallenged power, it could not prevent whispers of dissent from emerging here and there across the world.

“So, the point of what I’m saying is this.”

Though the Empire might have dismissed such talk as mere noise, it became more than just that when it reached the ears of those gathered for the Empress’s coronation.

“Isn’t it fair to say that the Empire isn’t all that impressive after all? That’s what I’m getting at.”

“Quite an amusing thing to say.”

In the waiting room filled with rulers and dignitaries awaiting the coronation, such words would not be taken lightly by the Empire.

“All nations suffered greatly during the Frozen Sea War, but none took more catastrophic damage than the Empire.”

“Hmm.”

“Not to mention, intelligence reports suggest that 90 percent of the imperial leadership has been replaced. It’s practically as if the entire governing body has been overturned. The government is bound to falter due to inexperience in the coming years.”

The one speaking these bold words was none other than the king of the Ashfield Kingdom, located on the western frontier.

“So, if there was ever a time to overturn the balance of power, it would be now.”

At his sharp proclamation, several rulers and representatives exchanged intrigued glances.

“For young nations like ours, or those forced to play second to the Empire’s dominance, this is an unparalleled opportunity.”

The Ashfield Kingdom, despite being less than a century old, had suffered minimal losses during the great winter of the Frozen Sea War due to its location in a warm region.

This made it one of the most prominent rising powers among new states, and the king’s words were laced with barely concealed ambition.

“But, still... What about the Hero Party?”

“You needn’t worry about them. Based on their track record, it’s almost certain they’ll announce their retirement at this coronation.”

“...!”

“Their retirement marks the beginning. The sun will set, and a time of hardship will come.”

As his words became increasingly overt, more and more rulers turned their attention to him.

“Hmm.”

Some of those gazes carried admiration and shared intent, a detail the king noticed as he stood up with a subtle smile.

“I’m looking forward to engaging in fair competition amidst the upcoming chaos.”

“Your Majesty, please refrain from such statements in public.”

“And, as I’ve heard, the soon-to-be-empress currently has no fiancé... The nation that claims that position will have a head start in this competition.”

Ignoring the attendant’s anxious warning, the king muttered quietly as he walked out.

“Perhaps one of our princes could seize the chance. Rumor has it that the list of candidates is already narrowing...”

“””...”””

For a moment, an icy silence settled over the waiting room.

“...Does he want his entire country wiped off the map?”

“What was he thinking, making such a statement...”

After the silence broke, a chillingly emotionless voice echoed in the room.

“We’ve seen it before, haven’t we? Young men brimming with ambition like that.”

“He probably thinks he’s figured out who’s on his side and who’s not.”

As the senior figures of the Elven Kingdom and the Dragon representatives continued their expressionless remarks, the atmosphere grew colder and tenser.

“Come on now. Unless they have a collective death wish, no one would follow such foolishness.”

The Elven Queen muttered nonchalantly, glancing around, and prompting several others to bow their heads in haste.

“It seems many of the newer nations aren’t aware of the ‘Vow.’”

“Indeed. Even without the Hero Party, raising a hand against the Empire would mean turning the entire world into an enemy.”

“Precisely. Just look at the burden borne by those nations that broke the Vow last time.”

The elders exchanged knowing glances and continued the conversation quietly.

“Well, I doubt we’ll see him in these meetings for much longer.”

“If he knew how many eyes and ears were around, he wouldn’t have been so reckless.”

The Dragon Elder spoke with a hint of pity, and a subtle tension encircled the rulers, unspoken yet unmistakable.

“But what could the major announcement today be?”

“Who knows, maybe a marriage?”

“Oh, how scandalous. If you keep that up, you might disappear as well.”

“Hahaha...”

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- Step, step...

Clana walked down the imperial palace corridor, trailed by numerous maids and servants.

“Excuse me, Your Highness, may I have a word...?”

“Hm?”

A maid at the front of the procession approached Clana, who was steadily heading to the coronation venue.

“...Hmm.”

Clana paused momentarily, listening to the maid’s whisper, and then spoke with a cold look.

“It seems we’ll need to reconsider our relations with the Ashfield Kingdom soon.”

“I’ll notify the strategic office.”

“No need. I’ll handle it myself.”

With that, Clana swiftly resolved another pressing matter.

“By the way, who is officiating the ceremony today? And it seems the Archmage isn’t here either...”

As she glanced towards the corridor’s end, puzzled, she saw familiar faces standing there.

“...Clana.”

“Hello~!”

“Why are you two here...?”

It was none other than Ferloche and Irina.

“The Archbishop or the Pope usually performs the blessing, but since both are away, we came instead!”

“I’ll handle the magical rituals. That old hag should’ve done it, but who knows where she’s gone.”

With their cheerful waves and explanations, Clana’s expression brightened.

“I was honestly a bit nervous, but if it’s with you two, there won’t be any problems.”

“You’ve been through worse. Nervous about this, really?”

“Well, actually...”

Clana’s face darkened slightly as she began to respond to Irina’s half-joking comment.

“Um, well...”

“Clana?”

But the words wouldn’t come easily.

“...Even if an emergency arises, I know you two can handle it.”

“That’s anticlimactic.”

Unable to mention the story of the parallel world where she and Serena switched roles, Clana deflected, prompting Irina to smirk and start walking again.

“Security is so tight that nothing should happen, but don’t worry. I’ll tear apart any suspicious intruder.”

“Please don’t tear anyone apart.”

“Then I’ll subdue them gently!”

“Ferloche, your definition of the word ‘gentle’ is not gentle at all!”

They exchanged light-hearted banter as they continued walking.

“””...”””

They halted before a massive door leading outside the imperial palace.

“Clana.”

“...!?”

Clana, who had been tensing up again, couldn’t take another step.

“Once you go out there, it all begins for real.”

“F-Frey.”

From the shadowed side, Frey emerged.

“Why are you here...?”

“To be with you during the coronation.”

“B-but... only those involved in the ceremony...”

“The one giving the blessing, the one performing the magical rites, and... the consort of the one becoming Empress.”

“Ah.”

“Besides, we’re going to announce it soon anyway... So why not?”

With a playful smile, Frey extended his hand to Clana.

“Clana.”

“Y-yes?”

“After the rites, the blessing, and all the tests of worthiness, you will become the Empress of this empire.”

As Frey held her hand, they began walking in unison.

“Still, we can speak casually when it’s just the two of us, right?”

“Pfft.”

Clana couldn’t help but laugh at his lighthearted joke.

“Remember, no oppressing others with your power as Empress, okay? Some of them will really go wild...”

“Don’t worry.”

“No, seriously...”

“I’ll just lock you up in the private chambers of the palace.”

As Clana’s playful joke accompanied them, the grand doors began to open slowly.

“...That was a joke, right?”

“...”

“...Clana? That was a joke right?! Clana?!”

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“Whoa, whoaaaaa!!!”

“Long live the Crown Princess! Long live the Empress!!!”

As Clana and Frey stepped out, holding hands, a thunderous cheer erupted from all directions.

“Hm? Why is the Hero there?”

“Isn’t it obvious? For show.”

“Then why are they holding hands?”

“Huh, you’re right.”

Amidst the roar of the crowd, a few sharp-eyed individuals started murmuring as they noticed the unusual scene between Frey and Clana.

“Does this mean... her consort has already been decided?”

“I bet someone’s going to be disappointed when they hear this.”

The elders nearby smiled as they whispered amongst themselves.

“....Grr.”

At the back of the crowd stood the Ashfield king, who gritted his teeth, sweating nervously at this unexpected development.

“...”

In the center of the crowd, someone cloaked in a robe silently observed the proceedings.

“...It’s finally beginning.”

Beneath their sleeve, a black tendril-like object quietly writhed

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“...?”

Roswyn, the only one who noticed this strange sight as she sat demurely nearby, couldn’t tell if it was a stroke of fortune or bad luck.

“...An octopus?”

“And now, let the coronation ceremony begin.”

“Whoa!!!”

“Waaaaaa!!!”

“Did I just imagine that?”

With Roswyn’s quiet murmur, the world turned its attention to the grand start of the coronation ceremony.