chapter_0126

125 – Coronation

125 – Coronation

Underground of the textile factory.

Allied Nations Palentia Branch.

“In the end, rather than striking a blow to Daniel Steiner, it seems we have only elevated his status,” said Theobalt, the branch chief, with a displeased expression while sitting in his office chair.

Platt, the informant, lowered his head in response.

“Ultimately, that appears to be the case.”

Theobalt sighed softly at Platt’s answer. They had hoped to politically isolate Daniel Steiner by lending their support, but the outcome had been disastrous.

‘It’s beyond disastrous…’

A favorable public opinion had formed around Daniel Steiner, making things quite troublesome.

‘At this rate, as Count Caledra has feared, Daniel Steiner might seize control of the Empire.’

With the most formidable opponent, Emperor Bertham, unable to withstand age and stepping down from governance, the greatest variable for the Allied Nations was not the next emperor Selvia, but Daniel Steiner.

Daniel Steiner had been obstructing the Allied Nations’ plans at every turn, starting with matters concerning the Eldresia Kingdom.

‘…He must be eliminated before he gains even more power.’

At that moment, it was impossible to gauge what kind of damage Daniel Steiner could inflict on the Allied Nations.

Just looking at how he had turned the nobles’ attacks against them, Daniel Steiner was a far more cunning and unpredictable figure than they had anticipated.

Now, it was understandable why Count Caledra had gone so far as to abandon connections with the neutral nation of Bellanos to eliminate Daniel Steiner.

“There’s no helping it.”

Given the nature of the Palentia branch located in the heart of the Empire, which aimed to operate as discreetly as possible, it was now time to take action.

“Platt. You are to assassinate Daniel Steiner.”

At the mention of assassination, Platt slowly raised his head.

Although Platt obeyed orders from above, assassination was not a term that could be taken lightly.

Especially when the name Daniel Steiner was attached to the word assassination.

“Someone like Daniel Steiner would not easily fall to assassination. If we approach him intentionally, he will surely be on guard. Moreover, Daniel Steiner is accompanied by…”

Platt trailed off, pondering whether it was appropriate to mention the name of the traitor Lucy Emilia in front of Theobalt.

Understanding what Platt was hinting at, Theobalt chuckled softly.

“Indeed. The legendary spy known by the codename Hongsa has defected and is now guarding Daniel Steiner. As long as she is by his side, assassinating Daniel Steiner will be nearly impossible.”

No matter how skilled Platt was at assassination, he could not compare to Lucy Emilia, known as the Red Reaper, who had taken countless lives.

Attempting an assassination in front of someone like Lucy, who was well-versed in all assassination techniques, would surely lead to failure.

However, Theobalt did not issue the order for Daniel Steiner’s assassination without understanding this.

“Conversely, this means that if Daniel Steiner is separated from Lucy’s protection, he can be assassinated.”

“That may be true, but I understand that Daniel Steiner is a particularly cautious individual, even without Lucy Emilia’s protection. I wonder if I can lower his guard…”

“You can. A place will soon be arranged where you can approach him naturally.”

A location where Platt could approach Daniel Steiner without Lucy nearby? As he pondered, Platt soon had a small realization.

“…Are you referring to the coronation ceremony?”

Theobalt nodded.

“Correct. It is a place that can only be attended with an invitation from the royal family, so Lucy will not be present. Additionally, it is customary for a banquet to be held after the coronation. Attending the banquet is a show of respect for the Emperor, so Daniel Steiner will also be present.”

The banquet was a social gathering where political and business figures mingled, entangled in complex interests while wearing masks.

Thus, it was not unusual for these figures to present various gifts to Daniel Steiner, who was rising as a power in the Empire, in hopes of winning his favor.

Theobalt was targeting precisely that point.

“Platt, disguise yourself as a low-ranking official from the royal family who wants to make a good impression on Daniel Steiner. If he shows interest, just giving him a single gift will suffice.”

“What kind of gift are you referring to?”

“A top-quality whiskey laced with Ricin. Given his fondness for whiskey, he will likely drink it without suspecting it contains poison.”

There was certainly a possibility.

Even if it failed, it was a mission that posed little risk to Platt.

In the worst-case scenario, Daniel Steiner might simply refuse the gift.

After hearing the entire plan, Platt bowed his head.

“I will carry out the mission.”

–

On the day of the coronation.

In the grand cathedral prepared within the Imperial Palace.

‘It certainly seems to be a matter of national importance…’

Upon arriving in a vehicle sent by the royal family, Daniel found a large crowd already gathered in front of the cathedral.

A wide red carpet stretched endlessly among the throngs of people, flanked by numerous guards who appeared to be part of the imperial guard.

All of them were dressed in uniforms, carrying ceremonial swords, which seemed to symbolize the authority of the royal family.

As Daniel gazed at the grand spectacle through the vehicle’s window, the door to the back seat opened.

“We have arrived. You may disembark now.”

Nodding, Daniel stepped out of the vehicle, and a person who appeared to be a royal attendant approached him.

“Colonel Daniel Steiner, we have been waiting for you.”

Since the main entrance of the cathedral was not accessible to anyone except Selvia, who was to become the Emperor, the attendant guided Daniel through the back entrance.

Upon entering through the back door of the cathedral, the dome-shaped interior adorned with stained glass came into view.

Under the stained glass, which colored the brilliant sunlight in various hues, numerous dignitaries were present, quietly engaging in conversation amidst a dignified atmosphere.

While a few individuals cast glances at Daniel, he did not react.

He was aware that their gazes were not entirely kind.

“This way.”

Thus, Daniel followed the attendant’s guidance and moved forward.

After walking for a while, he found himself among a group of soldiers in military uniforms, likely the invited military personnel from the royal family.

“Oh! Isn’t that our hero, Daniel Steiner!”

Ernst, the chief of the operations staff among them, spoke first, drawing the attention of those around.

Most were high-ranking officers who carried themselves with a certain pride.

Feeling somewhat burdened, Daniel quietly responded while glancing around.

“…It seems you have also received an invitation, Chief.”

“Of course. It seems the royal family has a favorable view of me thanks to you. Your achievements are also my achievements, after all.”

As Ernst jokingly mentioned that he might soon be promoted, he began sharing stories about the world when suddenly…

“Everyone, please be silent! Her Highness the Princess is entering!”

The shout from Colonel Hartmann, who was in charge of the imperial guard, echoed throughout the space.

As a result, all the dignitaries inside the cathedral, as well as the political and business figures, stood up in unison.

A peculiar tension filled the air as the doors of the cathedral began to open.

Beyond the opened doors, Selvia appeared, adorned in ceremonial robes decorated with gold thread and jewels.

Unlike usual, Selvia wore an exceptionally long cloak, held up by six maidens dressed in white, ensuring it did not touch the ground.

“…”

As Selvia began to walk inside, believing the time had come, the choir on the second floor of the cathedral began to perform and sing.

Ahhh—

As the sacred music resonated, Selvia walked across the red carpet in the cathedral.

Watching Selvia from his seat, Bertham, who sat on the throne, stood up and removed the golden crown from his head.

As the Pope received the crown, Bertham stepped aside, and Selvia approached the elderly Pope, kneeling and bowing her head.

The Pope proclaimed Selvia as the new Emperor of the Empire and bestowed blessings on her on behalf of God.

Then, pouring holy oil over Selvia’s head, he placed the crown symbolizing her status as Emperor upon her.

With the crown on her head, Selvia rose from her position and sat on the throne.

Those who witnessed the birth of the new Emperor of the Empire all knelt and bowed their heads in unison.

From the high-ranking officials, who were symbols of authority, to the commoners with nothing to their name, everyone performed the same act.

This was one of the ceremonies symbolizing that the Emperor of the Empire was the ruler of all.

As the choir’s singing came to an end, everyone gathered in the cathedral shouted as if on cue.

“Long live the reign of His Majesty the Emperor!”

Amidst the resounding voices, Emperor Selvia quietly fixed her gaze on one spot.

In her eyes, which bore the laziness and authoritative demeanor typical of someone who had reached the pinnacle of power, there was a hint of warmth.

The gaze was directed toward the Empire’s hero and Colonel of the operations staff.

Daniel Steiner stood there.