[Translator – Angel Dust]
[Proofreader – Prototype]
Chapter 153
It’s rare for the Emperor to leave his residence. It’s similar to how the heart should remain in its safe place within the chest.
The sight of the Emperor, holding a dal in one hand and patting a subject’s shoulder with the other, was an act typically reserved for heroes returning triumphantly from war.
To add to that, even those events were usually held in the widest part of the city, after taking all asures to ensure that everyone in the world, everywhere, could witness the scene.
“I will not speak at length.”
In that sense, this scene taking place here, in the Imperial Academy’s plaza, was incredibly new and shocking to both the people of the empire and those from other nations.
The Emperor’s voice wasn’t particularly majestic or grand. However, it was precisely that calmness that made all the citizens of the empire gulp.
“Because the whole world already knows. Everyone is a witness.”
More than half of those gathered today were Academy students.
Normally, high-ranking nobles and officials of the empire would be seated, but this ti was different.
This was possible because the Emperor himself had expressed his wish that ‘the masters of this place are them, so don’t needlessly take their seats away.’
And precisely because they were ‘students,’ new reactions erged, different from before.
The previous reactions were more of vigilance and calculation than respect or reverence. That’s how nobles and imperial officials would typically react.
The Emperor had no intention of belittling or criticizing that.
However, this ti, the people were different.
They were less tainted by the world and could be a little more pure.
The Emperor was more pleased to see them cheering and their eyes sparkling with the desire to beco like him.
“I am rely bestowing the glory befitting a noble who has brought honor to the empire.”
As the Emperor finished speaking, the Chamberlain stood respectfully behind him. He held a large chest in his hands.
Everyone gathered here knew what was inside, thanks to the widespread rumors.
“Your sacrifices would be honored even by the First Emperor.”
The chest opened, revealing four distinct dals gleaming within.
Four honors for today, but only one person to bear their glory.
“Your honor will be rembered even at the end of the empire.”
As those standing beside him nodded, Karl, who had been waiting, carefully knelt before him.
He felt embarrassed to the point of madness, but as the Emperor had said, ‘Beco an object of admiration for those students,’ he couldn’t deny that either.
The young souls who looked up to heroes and dread of becoming heroes themselves might one day beco another hero.
“Karl Adelheit. Young Lord of the Friedrich County. Sharp sword of the empire, and loyal subject of the Imperial Family. Co forth and stand proudly before the glory that is rightfully yours.”
With the Emperor’s permission, Karl, who had been kneeling, slowly rose.
“In recognition of your contributions to the internal affairs of the empire, I bestow upon you this dal.”
First, the Highest Order of rit, bearing the na of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, was placed on Karl’s chest.
Another glorious light revealed itself beside the dal of Honor, which was already shining brightly.
“Furthermore, in recognition of your positive influence on the future of the empire, I bestow upon you this dal.”
The Golden Crown Cultural dal was placed next to it.
It was usually awarded to outstanding scholars or artists, but this ti it was awarded for having an influence comparable to theirs.
“Next, the Imperial Parliant unanimously decided to award the Parliantary Honorary Golden dal.”
Normally, only 2/3 approval was needed, but this ti, the entire Imperial Parliant made the sa decision.
To a small extent, he was a war hero of the empire.
To a larger extent, he was a warrior of light who spread his benevolent influence throughout the continent.
The mont they said, ‘It’s a bit inappropriate to award a dal to such a person,’ their political careers would be over.
“Finally, as the head of the Imperial Family and the ruler of the empire, I personally express my ‘respect’ and bestow upon you the Imperial Freedom dal.”
The Imperial Freedom dal was under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Household Ministry. In other words, only the will of the Imperial Family mattered.
How many people in the history of the empire had received the honor of the Emperor’s respect?
The students, gathered to enjoy the festival, stared blankly at the recipient of that honor.
“It looks good on you.”
The Emperor smiled brightly as he looked at the dals on Karl’s chest.
To think that he, who was extrely reserved in his emotional expressions, could smile like that.
The Chamberlain, and even the Minister of the Imperial Household Ministry, were all secretly quite flustered.
“Behold.”
The Emperor reached out and grabbed Karl’s shoulders, turning him towards the crowd.
“He is the one who protected you.”
At the Emperor’s words, at least a few understood clearly.
So students who had almost suffered greatly at the hands of the Luzernes elves last year.
Students who had relatives or friends on the train.
And others, though not very close, who had been able to sleep peacefully a few years ago because Karl was on the front lines.
“Behold once more.”
The Emperor concluded with a declarative final word.
“He is the one you will admire.”
* * *
I suddenly beca curious.
What would the imperial historians write about this day?
The Emperor personally coming to the Academy and bestowing four dals, and then having a re noble give a congratulatory speech at the Academy festival, despite the Emperor’s presence.
Whatever it was, I’m sure it would be a delicious event for historians.
“Uh… I’ll keep it short.”
To be honest, I think I blacked out for a mont.
When the Emperor said to , ‘It seems appropriate for Young Lord Karl to give the congratulatory speech,’ I’m pretty sure I responded with so gibberish as proof.
That’s why I said such nonsensical things. I can assure you, those words in no way reflected my true feelings.
“Having fun is also a skill. I hope this autumn festival will be even more enjoyable than the last one.”
After saying it, I thought it might sound like, ‘I still rember what your kin did last year, you elves,’ to the elves.
But it was too late.
The face of the Hyzens elves sitting in front seed to turn a little pale… I don’t know. Let’s just assu it was my imagination.
And to be honest, your people did do sothing wrong. Think of it as compensation for that, and bow deeply to the Imperial Academy every year at this ti.
anwhile, a high-ranking imperial official approached and whispered—
“We plan to attach all the dals to Young Lord Karl Adelheit’s new military uniform and present it to you. A new uniform, even more impressive than the previous one, will be delivered soon, so you can look forward to it.”
“Ah, that…”
“Hahaha! I’ll receive your thanks later. It’s not comparable to the dals, but we did our best to prepare the uniform.”
I’m not exactly thrilled about it! You’re going to give a new uniform weighed down with dals and then expect to wear it to every official function, aren’t you?!
Just because it’s supposedly more comfortable than wearing the dals themselves!
I wanted to protest, saying they didn’t need to bother with the dals, that I could simply pin them on myself. But I couldn’t say that in front of the people who were working hard for .
In the end, the best I could do was, ‘Thank you. Hahaha.’
“Young Lord Karl Adelheit.”
Just when I thought it was finally over, the Chamberlain approached .
“His Majesty wishes to see you briefly before returning to the palace.”
“I’ll be right there. Lead the way.”
I thought he had said everything he wanted to , but it seems he had more to convey personally.
Instinctively, I felt that this had sothing to do with the foreign dignitaries who had flocked to the Academy.
Just a while ago, he had put at the forefront, showering with all sorts of complints, as if telling the Academy students and everyone else to look at .
“You must also be aware.”
As I reached the Emperor, he got straight to the point, making realize that an Emperor is indeed an Emperor.
“The Holy See, Hyzens, Lasker, and even Avileshti. They all ca to the Academy with their own reasons.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Enjoy the festival.”
“…”
“Youth is a good thing, isn’t it?”
Listening up to this point, I could roughly grasp what the Emperor wanted.
– Foreign dignitaries are here, but the Holy See aside, the other three are a bit… troubleso, aren’t they?
– I’ve already boosted your reputation, and it’s the Academy festival, after all. Moreover, you’re still young, so acting boldly won’t be a big issue.
– Therefore, I permit you to act out to a degree that you deem appropriate.
That’s quite a difficult request, Your Majesty.
Sothing that can be tolerated under the na of a festival, yet simultaneously put pressure on the three places excluding the Holy See. That is too difficult.
I scratched my head for a mont before coming to a conclusion.
There’s only one thing I’m good at, after all.
“Hmm.”
I checked the greatsword at my waist.
[TL/N: Oh no…! 💀💀]
I received the blessings of two cardinals and the Pope, so it should have so magic resistance, right?
As for my clothes… well, it doesn’t matter if they get a little burnt. I’ve rolled around on the battlefield with my body on fire many tis before.
[Fla Magic Demonstration! – Maximize the Splendor of the Festival!]
I’ll apologize to my magic research juniors in advance. Don’t bla . The Emperor made do this.
[Translator – Angel Dust]
[Proofreader – Prototype]
Reviews
All reviews (0)