The Emperor is dead.
It had been less than half a year since the death of the former Crown Prince and his wife and the Third Prince. The palace doctor who rushed over immediately said that he had died before he could even examine him.
“Your Majesty must be at a loss as well.”
The Empress did not shed a tear. It would be impossible for her to have a good heart toward the Emperor who had killed her son. However, her pale face hinted at her confusion.
“It is now time for you to step down, Empress Dowager.”
“Oh, I see.”
A lady wearing a black veil lowered her voice, observing the situation.
“How bewildered you must be...”
It was natural. The imperial hierarchy had changed. The Empress Dowager was no longer the one standing shoulder to shoulder with the most powerful person.
“It is said that upon hearing the news of His Majesty the Emperor’s death, she muttered in despair that she had lost not only her child but also her husband.”
An adult who has lost both her children and her husband, someone who has been pushed to the other side of power, or a toothless tiger. This was even more so when Eden was not the Empress Dowager's biological son.
“Besides, there are rumors like that anyway.”
The ladies kept their voices low as they glanced around the palace where the new Emperor had entered. This was because of the recent ominous rumors circulating within the empire.
'...After His Highness the Crown Prince shot the bear, His Majesty suddenly collapsed.'
The cruel Second Prince, who wanted to become the Emperor, ended up killing his brothers and father.
“Well, the results won’t change.”
It was a messy story, the kind that would often occur in the royal family.
Eden seemed unconcerned by such rumors, as if he had simply decided to accept his new role as Emperor and do his part.
In fact, his attitude was right. Even if the rumors were ignored, no one would argue that Eden should be threatened or removed from his position.
"Your Majesty."
Eden looked back quietly. He seemed to have lost weight, and his jawline was unusually prominent.
“Cecilia.”
And he smiled faintly at the sight of a familiar face. Now, Cecilia was the only fragment of love for Eden.
“I heard you skipped breakfast.”
At Cecilia's words, Eden's eyes rolled slowly.
“I’m not that hungry.”
The voice that answered was calm. If she hadn't known that he wasn't eating properly, it would have been difficult to guess what he was thinking.
“You didn’t just skip breakfast.”
Eden shut his mouth at Cecilia's remark. In fact, he didn't look particularly disappointed.
“I’m sorry for worrying you.”
He just worries about the responsibility and guilt Cecilia feels towards him.
“I’m a little nervous.”
“Is that really all?”
Eden nodded at Cecilia's question.
“Cecilia, I’m sure you are too... I’ve never thought of becoming Emperor so suddenly.”
Besides, he never thought he would lose his brother and father in such an instant. Considering that, it was understandable that Eden would skip meals.
“Then let’s have dinner together.”
However, once Cecilia realized her feelings for Eden again, it was hard to just let this situation go. The moment she realized that her feelings were uncontrollable, they would just pour out endlessly like water that had burst a dam.
"Is it so."
Eden answered obediently. It was a completely different attitude from the one he had been avoiding conversation with since the Emperor's death.
“Your Majesty, everything is ready.”
It was the day the Emperor's crown was placed on his head. It seemed that he had come to realize that he could no longer act weakly or crouch down and hide.
“Let’s go now.”
Eden answered as he held out his hand to Cecilia. Cecilia placed her hand on his palm. Her hand was cold with tension.
If it was a step that she felt like taking, it was a lie. The path she was going to take now was the path for Eden to become the Emperor. Leaving behind all the failures, she had chosen to stop him.
“I will open the door, Your Majesty.”
As they stood in front of the main hall, two attendants pulled the handles on either side of the door to open it. The high priest was waiting for them, standing on the steps of the central passage, between the rows of nobles.
“It is an honor to meet you.”
The High Priest smiled at Eden and Cecilia as if he had no knowledge or heard of the rumors floating around the streets.
“Today, I stand here as a guardian representing God and protecting the sacred crown.”
After briefly stating his qualifications, the High Priest presented the Emperor's coffin, which was resting on a soft cushion, to Eden.
“God, please grant the Emperor’s safekeeping to Eden Lobana Wyatt, a direct descendant of Wyatt.”
Originally, there was a popular belief that if someone who was not the Emperor's pet touched the treasure, lightning would strike, but no one believed it. This was because there had never been a case like that since the founding of the country.
Eden fearlessly turned around, carrying the Emperor's crown. Then, facing the gazes of many, he placed it on his head. There was a brief murmur. But after a moment, the heavy silence settled.
“Your Majesty grants the title of Empress to Lady Cecilia Lane Wyatt.”
Eden walked forward, carrying Cecilia's crown. Then, he placed the Empress's crown on Cecilia's head, who was holding her hands together and closing her eyes, two or three steps down.
“Cecilia.”
In the end, Eden became the Emperor again, and Cecilia herself became the Empress. Her feelings were indescribably complicated.
“...”
But Cecilia pretended to have an indifferent expression and sat down in the seat prepared for the Emperor and his wife.
“In the name of the Lord, bless Your Majesty the new Emperor and Empress.”
The High Priest offered a short prayer of blessing towards them. Cecilia thanked the High Priest.
“Congratulations on your accession to the throne, Your Majesty.”
Then, members of each noble family came to visit them one by one and bowed low to pay their respects to the newly-born Emperor and Empress.
“Thank you.”
Eden gave a brief expression of gratitude to those who came to visit him and offered their congratulations. Cecilia, too, forced a smile toward those who kissed her so much that the back of her hand was worn away.
But the Empress Dowager, dressed in a black dress as if in protest, remained silent. There was not a single word of congratulation or applause.
“Is it okay to do that?”
By that time, the nobles had also begun to speak up one by one.
“I wonder if you found any evidence...”
“Even so, what can we do now?”
Eden was a direct descendant of the imperial family. Even if Eden had actually swept away the previous Emperor and his brothers to become the Emperor, the greatest thing in the imperial palace was survival. Therefore, the Emperor's seat was the rightful right of the survivor.
“I know there’s been some strange rumors going around lately.”
It was then that Eden's soft voice settled into the hall. All eyes were drawn to the handsome face of the man wearing the shining crown.
“It’s only natural since the royal family members are suddenly dead, and the culprit who assassinated His Majesty the Emperor has not been caught yet.”
The nobles, who had expected an evasive answer by keeping their mouths shut, pricked up their ears.
“I admit that you and the Empress Dowager have reason to doubt me.”
But Cecilia didn't know that he would mention the situation where he was being suspected so directly. Everyone, including Cecilia, was silently shocked.
“So, I would like to make a suggestion here.”
Of course, some people were calm among them. The person who said those words was Eden. The Empress Dowager, who was observing him with narrowed eyes, was the same.
“Starting today, we plan to form an investigation team to find those involved in the murder of the late Emperor and the culprits behind Brother Aster’s death.”
Someone was about to ask if that still exists.
“And they are not going to be under my authority.”
Eden cut off his question with a premature answer.
“You will have the authority to investigate everyone who was there, including me.”
How should we react? Should we applaud? Should we praise him for doing the right thing? Everyone was silent in confusion.
“How can a mere investigation team investigate the Emperor and uncover the truth?”
It was the Empress Dowager's voice that broke through the eerie silence.
“Even if we knew the truth, wouldn’t it be possible for the secret to be hidden?”
The Empress Dowager, who was sitting in the first row facing the Emperor and Empress, met Eden's gaze.
“Since the High Priest is present, I swear it.”
Eden didn't avoid those blue eyes.
“I will not tell lies or conceal the truth.”
“...”
“I’ll hang this up.”
And then he lightly pulled down the Emperor's crown that was placed on his head with one hand. His hair was naturally slightly disheveled as it swept to one side.
“Even if the Emperor made a mistake?”
“Even if that’s the case.”
Eden lifted the crown with both hands in front of his chest and answered in a firm voice.
As if he had no intention of stepping on the blood of his father and brothers. As if he had accepted this position because the stability of the empire that had lost its Emperor was his top priority.
“And when any matter concerning me is concluded, I will step down from the Emperor’s crown.”
“...”
“Whether he is recorded as having a very short reign or as having never ascended to the throne at all.”
And then he struck the spot with lightning. The Empress Dowager smiled quietly.
It had been less than half a year since the death of the former Crown Prince and his wife and the Third Prince. The palace doctor who rushed over immediately said that he had died before he could even examine him.
“Your Majesty must be at a loss as well.”
The Empress did not shed a tear. It would be impossible for her to have a good heart toward the Emperor who had killed her son. However, her pale face hinted at her confusion.
“It is now time for you to step down, Empress Dowager.”
“Oh, I see.”
A lady wearing a black veil lowered her voice, observing the situation.
“How bewildered you must be...”
It was natural. The imperial hierarchy had changed. The Empress Dowager was no longer the one standing shoulder to shoulder with the most powerful person.
“It is said that upon hearing the news of His Majesty the Emperor’s death, she muttered in despair that she had lost not only her child but also her husband.”
An adult who has lost both her children and her husband, someone who has been pushed to the other side of power, or a toothless tiger. This was even more so when Eden was not the Empress Dowager's biological son.
“Besides, there are rumors like that anyway.”
The ladies kept their voices low as they glanced around the palace where the new Emperor had entered. This was because of the recent ominous rumors circulating within the empire.
'...After His Highness the Crown Prince shot the bear, His Majesty suddenly collapsed.'
The cruel Second Prince, who wanted to become the Emperor, ended up killing his brothers and father.
“Well, the results won’t change.”
It was a messy story, the kind that would often occur in the royal family.
***
Eden seemed unconcerned by such rumors, as if he had simply decided to accept his new role as Emperor and do his part.
In fact, his attitude was right. Even if the rumors were ignored, no one would argue that Eden should be threatened or removed from his position.
"Your Majesty."
Eden looked back quietly. He seemed to have lost weight, and his jawline was unusually prominent.
“Cecilia.”
And he smiled faintly at the sight of a familiar face. Now, Cecilia was the only fragment of love for Eden.
“I heard you skipped breakfast.”
At Cecilia's words, Eden's eyes rolled slowly.
“I’m not that hungry.”
The voice that answered was calm. If she hadn't known that he wasn't eating properly, it would have been difficult to guess what he was thinking.
“You didn’t just skip breakfast.”
Eden shut his mouth at Cecilia's remark. In fact, he didn't look particularly disappointed.
“I’m sorry for worrying you.”
He just worries about the responsibility and guilt Cecilia feels towards him.
“I’m a little nervous.”
“Is that really all?”
Eden nodded at Cecilia's question.
“Cecilia, I’m sure you are too... I’ve never thought of becoming Emperor so suddenly.”
Besides, he never thought he would lose his brother and father in such an instant. Considering that, it was understandable that Eden would skip meals.
“Then let’s have dinner together.”
However, once Cecilia realized her feelings for Eden again, it was hard to just let this situation go. The moment she realized that her feelings were uncontrollable, they would just pour out endlessly like water that had burst a dam.
"Is it so."
Eden answered obediently. It was a completely different attitude from the one he had been avoiding conversation with since the Emperor's death.
“Your Majesty, everything is ready.”
It was the day the Emperor's crown was placed on his head. It seemed that he had come to realize that he could no longer act weakly or crouch down and hide.
“Let’s go now.”
Eden answered as he held out his hand to Cecilia. Cecilia placed her hand on his palm. Her hand was cold with tension.
If it was a step that she felt like taking, it was a lie. The path she was going to take now was the path for Eden to become the Emperor. Leaving behind all the failures, she had chosen to stop him.
“I will open the door, Your Majesty.”
As they stood in front of the main hall, two attendants pulled the handles on either side of the door to open it. The high priest was waiting for them, standing on the steps of the central passage, between the rows of nobles.
“It is an honor to meet you.”
The High Priest smiled at Eden and Cecilia as if he had no knowledge or heard of the rumors floating around the streets.
“Today, I stand here as a guardian representing God and protecting the sacred crown.”
After briefly stating his qualifications, the High Priest presented the Emperor's coffin, which was resting on a soft cushion, to Eden.
“God, please grant the Emperor’s safekeeping to Eden Lobana Wyatt, a direct descendant of Wyatt.”
Originally, there was a popular belief that if someone who was not the Emperor's pet touched the treasure, lightning would strike, but no one believed it. This was because there had never been a case like that since the founding of the country.
Eden fearlessly turned around, carrying the Emperor's crown. Then, facing the gazes of many, he placed it on his head. There was a brief murmur. But after a moment, the heavy silence settled.
“Your Majesty grants the title of Empress to Lady Cecilia Lane Wyatt.”
Eden walked forward, carrying Cecilia's crown. Then, he placed the Empress's crown on Cecilia's head, who was holding her hands together and closing her eyes, two or three steps down.
“Cecilia.”
In the end, Eden became the Emperor again, and Cecilia herself became the Empress. Her feelings were indescribably complicated.
“...”
But Cecilia pretended to have an indifferent expression and sat down in the seat prepared for the Emperor and his wife.
“In the name of the Lord, bless Your Majesty the new Emperor and Empress.”
The High Priest offered a short prayer of blessing towards them. Cecilia thanked the High Priest.
“Congratulations on your accession to the throne, Your Majesty.”
Then, members of each noble family came to visit them one by one and bowed low to pay their respects to the newly-born Emperor and Empress.
“Thank you.”
Eden gave a brief expression of gratitude to those who came to visit him and offered their congratulations. Cecilia, too, forced a smile toward those who kissed her so much that the back of her hand was worn away.
But the Empress Dowager, dressed in a black dress as if in protest, remained silent. There was not a single word of congratulation or applause.
“Is it okay to do that?”
By that time, the nobles had also begun to speak up one by one.
“I wonder if you found any evidence...”
“Even so, what can we do now?”
Eden was a direct descendant of the imperial family. Even if Eden had actually swept away the previous Emperor and his brothers to become the Emperor, the greatest thing in the imperial palace was survival. Therefore, the Emperor's seat was the rightful right of the survivor.
“I know there’s been some strange rumors going around lately.”
It was then that Eden's soft voice settled into the hall. All eyes were drawn to the handsome face of the man wearing the shining crown.
“It’s only natural since the royal family members are suddenly dead, and the culprit who assassinated His Majesty the Emperor has not been caught yet.”
The nobles, who had expected an evasive answer by keeping their mouths shut, pricked up their ears.
“I admit that you and the Empress Dowager have reason to doubt me.”
But Cecilia didn't know that he would mention the situation where he was being suspected so directly. Everyone, including Cecilia, was silently shocked.
“So, I would like to make a suggestion here.”
Of course, some people were calm among them. The person who said those words was Eden. The Empress Dowager, who was observing him with narrowed eyes, was the same.
“Starting today, we plan to form an investigation team to find those involved in the murder of the late Emperor and the culprits behind Brother Aster’s death.”
Someone was about to ask if that still exists.
“And they are not going to be under my authority.”
Eden cut off his question with a premature answer.
“You will have the authority to investigate everyone who was there, including me.”
How should we react? Should we applaud? Should we praise him for doing the right thing? Everyone was silent in confusion.
“How can a mere investigation team investigate the Emperor and uncover the truth?”
It was the Empress Dowager's voice that broke through the eerie silence.
“Even if we knew the truth, wouldn’t it be possible for the secret to be hidden?”
The Empress Dowager, who was sitting in the first row facing the Emperor and Empress, met Eden's gaze.
“Since the High Priest is present, I swear it.”
Eden didn't avoid those blue eyes.
“I will not tell lies or conceal the truth.”
“...”
“I’ll hang this up.”
And then he lightly pulled down the Emperor's crown that was placed on his head with one hand. His hair was naturally slightly disheveled as it swept to one side.
“Even if the Emperor made a mistake?”
“Even if that’s the case.”
Eden lifted the crown with both hands in front of his chest and answered in a firm voice.
As if he had no intention of stepping on the blood of his father and brothers. As if he had accepted this position because the stability of the empire that had lost its Emperor was his top priority.
“And when any matter concerning me is concluded, I will step down from the Emperor’s crown.”
“...”
“Whether he is recorded as having a very short reign or as having never ascended to the throne at all.”
And then he struck the spot with lightning. The Empress Dowager smiled quietly.
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