Chapter 84 : Overseas Travel (5)

As I entered the empire, I noticed that the surroundings became increasingly luxurious the closer we got to the emperor’s palace.

“…Wow…”

“It’s big, right?”

“Yes, it’s really big.”

My mother grinned and lifted me onto her lap so I could see better, pressing me closer to the window.

“Oh, thank you. Does it hurt?”

“No, Minho, you’re so light that it doesn’t hurt at all.”

“Hehe.”

Giggling, I looked outside and saw buildings with an architectural style that resembled Europe, but with subtle differences.

It felt as though multiple European countries had blended together into one design.

‘…Is this because multiple nations came together?’

Even though the empire had recently enforced policies to suppress foreign cultures in an attempt to strengthen unity, it seemed they couldn’t completely erase history.

All around, there were buildings that combined elements from different cultures, constructed long ago.

It wasn’t purely imperial but rather a harmonious mix of various influences.

‘Why did they start trampling on these once-autonomous regions so ruthlessly?’

I wondered about it, but since I knew nothing about politics yet, I decided to leave it as mere curiosity.

If I asked the adults, I’d probably get an earful of explanations I didn’t want to hear.

I continued observing my surroundings.

Everywhere, imperial citizens greeted us with warm smiles.

The beastfolk who still remained in the imperial capital, in particular, welcomed us enthusiastically.

Aside from them, there were elves—people who had fiercely resisted the empire’s rule and had managed to retain their autonomy despite losing their sovereignty.

As for the dwarves, they didn’t seem able to leave their homes, so I didn’t see many of them.

“The dwarves are waving from behind the windows!”

“Oh, you’re right.”

“They really are.”

“…Dragons sure have good eyesight.”

Judging by the way they waved from behind their windows, it seemed they, too, were welcoming us.

Meanwhile, many noble families watched us with displeased expressions.

Of course, they didn’t have the courage to express it openly, so instead, they resorted to petty acts—stomping on our shadows as we passed, in a ridiculous display.

Only three noble houses, each bearing a distinct emblem, bowed their heads respectfully to us.

They were probably those who had sided against the emperor.

They were also considered the empire’s last hope.

The carriage continued its slow journey until we finally arrived at the coronation site.

In the distance, I spotted the VIP seating area.

“Oh, it’s Destiny!”

Destiny sat in her seat, looking bored as she blew at her bangs.

“Sis~!!!”

I excitedly waved my hands, jumping up and down.

Destiny looked in my direction.

“Oh, Princess!”

Looking equally delighted, Destiny started waving enthusiastically as well.

While we enjoyed our touching reunion, my father grabbed a nearby soldier and ordered him to prepare an additional seat in the VIP section.

The soldier, looking a little troubled, nodded repeatedly and then began shouting at his subordinates to figure something out.

It seemed a bit excessive, but then I thought—

‘…How many dragons have we lost because of their invasions?’

Like cockroaches, they swarmed us with sheer numbers, and each time, at least one or two dragons ended up dead.

The last time they brought in a massive number of magic cannons, about fifteen dragons were lost.

‘They should at least suffer this much.’

I found myself nodding in agreement with my own thoughts.

Seeing this, Destiny poked my cheek.

“Have you been well?”

I glanced at her, wondering which country’s etiquette involved greeting someone by poking their cheek.

But when I saw the pure joy on her face, I couldn’t help but smile, too.

“Have you been well? What about you, Destiny?”

“I’ve been… too busy…”

“Have you grown much stronger?”

Tap. Tap.

When I asked, Destiny nodded confidently.

It seemed fate had guided her well.

“What happened to Celeste?”

As soon as I asked Destiny the question, the apostle sister behind her flinched and trembled.

“…W-why are you reacting like that?”

“Uh, uhh, it’s nothing! T-there was just a bug, haha…”

The apostle sister let out a sigh as she sat down in the seat that had been prepared at some point.

It seemed standing for so long while carrying a baby was exhausting for her.

“It’s still under investigation… There haven’t been any clues so far.”

“Ah, if you see anything like starlight or a similar kind of magic, please contact me.”

At my words, Destiny gave me a mischievous look.

“…Isn’t your outfit today just way too cute?”

“Oh, right?! It is cute, isn’t it?”

She seemed to be carefully observing my fashion.

I had to admit, my outfit was indeed adorable today.

“Ugh… I can’t take it anymore!”

“Eh?!”

Suddenly, Destiny pulled me into a tight hug and wouldn’t let go.

…Unlike Void-sis, she hadn’t been charmed or anything—she was just like this normally.

“Haa… This is so nice. You smell like a baby.”

Was Destiny perhaps a slightly dangerous Demon Lord?

Just as that thought passed through my head—

“The coronation ceremony will begin shortly!! Please show your respect to the imperial family!!”

Respect to the imperial family?

Naturally, I looked down at the imperial citizens below.

They all stood up and placed their hands over their chests or held their hats.

I instinctively took off my hat to follow their example.

“…Minho!”

Mom quickly put my hat back on.

Confused, I tilted my head.

“Dragons must not do that. Even more so for royal ones.”

Dad added a firm remark.

‘…Oh, right. I’m a dragon.’

Pressing my hat firmly onto my head again, I quickly sat back down.

Beside me, Destiny chuckled.

“…So cute…”

“I want to kidnap you.”

Do all Demon Lords have a hobby of kidnapping people? I stared at Destiny blankly.

“…Ah, Demon Lords don’t really show respect to others unless they’re dragons or someone of similar status, hehe.”

Destiny grinned sheepishly.

That wasn’t exactly what I was curious about, but oh well.

And so, the coronation ceremony began.

Ariel gazed down at the crowd of imperial citizens gathered below.

Due to the former emperor’s reckless rule, distrust toward the imperial family was at an all-time high.

Yet, Ariel remained composed.

In fact, she was slightly excited.

‘…It’s time to abandon the past and transform anew.’

With her own hands, she would establish a new imperial dynasty.

She would change the name of the nation, cleanse the sins born from arrogance, and take the first steps toward a fresh beginning.

At the end of it all, the empire’s brilliant future awaited.

“…Let’s go.”

Ariel smiled faintly as she spoke.

Upon hearing the cue, the military band began to play.

The imperial citizens rose from their seats, ready to pay their respects.

Regardless of their status, everyone stood rigidly with their hands over their chests, waiting for Princess Ariel to appear.

The military band played a song dedicated to a single person.

Dignitaries from various nations looked up slightly toward the entrance where the princess would emerge.

The emperor—ruler of a land covering one-third of the continent.

The grandeur of the coronation ceremony befitted that name, and the military band announced its commencement to the world through music.

Strings resonated magnificently, percussion thundered, and soldiers twirled their spears and swords.

Instead of using offensive magic, they cast celebratory spells, decorating the ceremony as extravagantly as possible.

Some critics might call it excessive, but for most—

‘…Beautiful…’

They, like Minho, could only be awed by the breathtaking display.

The ruler of the most prosperous nation on the continent finally appeared.

As if by magic, the military band fell silent.

The brilliantly soaring spells reached their climax, bursting in the sky.

Daylight darkened as if it were night, and golden stars emerged in the heavens—each one representing a past emperor.

The once-festive tune transitioned into a solemn and poignant melody.

A single star slowly ascended from below.

It represented Ariel.

That star settled gently upon Ariel’s outstretched palms.

She lifted it high toward the sky.

The golden star rose slowly, taking its place among the others.

Ariel, like the emperors before her, now stood among them as a rightful ruler.

“…Displeasing.”

“Albi, hold it in.”

“…Hmph.”

Dad, his tone increasingly kingly, voiced his displeasure.

Beside him, Destiny clapped gleefully, finding the situation amusing.

Minho looked at her in confusion.

‘…Aren’t we technically enemies?’

As the parade concluded, the darkness that had enveloped the surroundings faded, and daylight returned.

The stars, however, remained in the sky.

Ariel stepped forward onto the artifact that amplified her voice.

“…Loyal citizens of the Empire.”

“I, Princess Ariel Cria, hereby proclaim before the heavens that I ascend the throne today!”

“In the name of the eight great primordial gods, I declare that I shall reign over my people!”

With those words, Ariel drew the golden sword, the symbol of the imperial authority.

—WAAAAAHHH!!!

The empire’s citizens erupted into cheers, shaking the continent with their voices.

“…And furthermore.”

Yet, Ariel wasn’t finished speaking.

At her words, the crowd fell silent in an instant.

“As Emperor Ariel Cria, I declare the downfall of the Empire, which has disgraced the name of its first ruler, Darkant Zahart!”

“From this day forward, the Empire shall be reborn as the New Cria Empire! I shall reign over its skies!”

“In the name of the first emperor, Darkant Zahart, and the honorable Laskaris dynasty, I proclaim the Empire’s demise! And I bless the birth of the New Cria Empire!”

A shocking declaration.

Some nobles fell into a state of panic.

Others, bewildered, could do nothing but gape.

Then—

“…Long live Emperor Ariel! Long live the New Cria Empire!”

A noble from Silvadeer shouted.

—Death to the Empire! Blessings upon the Cria Empire!

—Long live the Emperor!

The voices of all, except for the corrupt aristocrats, regained their vigor.

“Imperial Guard! Arrest the treacherous lackeys of the former emperor at once!”

The final act was a grand performance—the punishment of corrupt nobles.

Thus, what began as the coronation of the Empire’s ruler…

Became, instead, the founding ceremony of the New Cria Empire, marked by shock and awe.