Episode 130. Today
Seven months later.
After a long labor, a baby was born.
It was a boy who looked just like Renisha.
Like Renisha, he was born with pink eyes and platinum blonde hair, but with a build like Kassius.
Yenica, upon hearing about the baby's appearance, remarked that he resembled Kassius's childhood. Kassius, too, had been one of the most gifted babies since infancy.
Renisha stroked the baby's cheek.
The soft, creamy cheeks were lovely.
Renisha kissed the baby's cheek.
"Did you sleep well, my baby?"
"Wow!"
The baby wiggled his hands. He twisted his head, apparently frustrated that his body couldn't move as he pleased.
Renisha burst out laughing.
A hand reached out from behind and lifted the baby into his arms.
"Baryton. Good morning, huh?"
He had named him after his deceased father.
Kassius and Renisha decided to name their newborn and soon-to-be-born children after those who had died unjustly.
Kassius brushed his lips against the child's round belly.
"Abububububububu!"
"Aww!"
The child burst into laughter, finding it quite amusing.
The child was growing up without a single problem.
The child is laughing, eating, crying, and sleeping.
Watching the child all day made it feel like all the worries in the world vanished.
She wishes she could spend another day like that, like a carefree person.
Renisha sat up.
Today was Renisha's coronation day.
Meteo of Shamdir had returned, and the youngest Princess had arrived.
Renisha had promised the King of Shamdir that if the youngest Princess graduated from the Academy safely and fulfilled her qualifications, she would be allowed to serve as the Emperor's aide.
Many other events had occurred over the past seven months.
Renisha had worked hard to fulfill her duties as Emperor until just before giving birth.
The continent refused to accept Hientri's new Emperor.
This was a dangerous move for the rulers of each nation.
How could someone not of royal blood become king?
To calm those who were hurling accusations at Renisha, Renisha mobilized the temple.
The High Priest announced to the continent that Renisha had been granted a new divinity, according to her will. She was protected by the black and red snakes, and a child inheriting the red snake would be born and become the next Emperor, so there was no problem.
It took a considerable amount of time for the protests to subside.
The relocation of the capital to Hiloshine was also progressing slowly.
It couldn't be accomplished in one go, so there was no choice.
The Marquis of Danvers was chosen to oversee the vacant empire.
Renisha rang the bell.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The maids who entered the bedroom bowed their heads.
Helena and Jane were among them. They, too, found their places.
The young maids giggled.
Renisha continued with a benevolent expression.
“We’ve been preparing for today for a long time, haven’t we?”
The baby burst onto the table, sucking on something in his mouth.
"Baryton!!"
Kassius grabbed the baby with a face that threatened to freak out, and Renisha's head snapped back.
"Oh my goodness, baby!"
The new clothes she'd just dressed him in were a mess.
Baryton smiled brightly and placed a food-stained palm on Renisha's cheek.
"Kyaa! Aww!"
Renisha burst out laughing, helpless.
Kassius touched his forehead, looking at the mess of food.
The attendant, still unable to ask what had happened to Laxus's body, lingered behind Renisha for a while.
But was it really necessary to tell her today?
The attendant stepped back.
Laxus's death hadn't even taken up 30 seconds of Renisha's time.
The death of the defeated, left behind by the happy laughter, would be forgotten like this.
With Kassius and Renisha kissing, the attendant left the banquet hall completely.
Those who would remain would remain, and those who would leave would have to leave.
Thump.
The banquet hall's doors closed, banishing the past glory.
Seven months later.
After a long labor, a baby was born.
It was a boy who looked just like Renisha.
Like Renisha, he was born with pink eyes and platinum blonde hair, but with a build like Kassius.
Yenica, upon hearing about the baby's appearance, remarked that he resembled Kassius's childhood. Kassius, too, had been one of the most gifted babies since infancy.
Renisha stroked the baby's cheek.
The soft, creamy cheeks were lovely.
Renisha kissed the baby's cheek.
"Did you sleep well, my baby?"
"Wow!"
The baby wiggled his hands. He twisted his head, apparently frustrated that his body couldn't move as he pleased.
Renisha burst out laughing.
A hand reached out from behind and lifted the baby into his arms.
"Baryton. Good morning, huh?"
He had named him after his deceased father.
Kassius and Renisha decided to name their newborn and soon-to-be-born children after those who had died unjustly.
Kassius brushed his lips against the child's round belly.
"Abububububububu!"
"Aww!"
The child burst into laughter, finding it quite amusing.
The child was growing up without a single problem.
The child is laughing, eating, crying, and sleeping.
Watching the child all day made it feel like all the worries in the world vanished.
She wishes she could spend another day like that, like a carefree person.
Renisha sat up.
Today was Renisha's coronation day.
Meteo of Shamdir had returned, and the youngest Princess had arrived.
Renisha had promised the King of Shamdir that if the youngest Princess graduated from the Academy safely and fulfilled her qualifications, she would be allowed to serve as the Emperor's aide.
Many other events had occurred over the past seven months.
Renisha had worked hard to fulfill her duties as Emperor until just before giving birth.
The continent refused to accept Hientri's new Emperor.
This was a dangerous move for the rulers of each nation.
How could someone not of royal blood become king?
To calm those who were hurling accusations at Renisha, Renisha mobilized the temple.
The High Priest announced to the continent that Renisha had been granted a new divinity, according to her will. She was protected by the black and red snakes, and a child inheriting the red snake would be born and become the next Emperor, so there was no problem.
It took a considerable amount of time for the protests to subside.
The relocation of the capital to Hiloshine was also progressing slowly.
It couldn't be accomplished in one go, so there was no choice.
The Marquis of Danvers was chosen to oversee the vacant empire.
Renisha rang the bell.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The maids who entered the bedroom bowed their heads.
Helena and Jane were among them. They, too, found their places.
"Prepare for the coronation. The Prince will be personally attended to by the Duke, so today you need only look after me. I'm already worried about this day."
Renisha continued with a benevolent expression.
“We’ve been preparing for today for a long time, haven’t we?”
Lindy shed tears without realizing it.
Turning her head, she dabbed them away and cleared her throat.
“Greetings, Your Majesty, the Emperor.”
The maids and servants bowed their heads following Lindy.
“Greetings!”
“Your Majesty, the Emperor!”
Renisha beamed.
Beside her were Baryton, who burst into tears, and Kassius, who was always as solid as a pillar.
Renisha reached out and wrapped her hand around Kassius’s waist.
Kassius would be by Renisha’s side today as well.
“Am I really the representative of Hiloshine today?”
Isabella asked cheerfully.
Isabella had entered the academy.
Although she entered school late, she was making rapid progress and was soon scheduled to advance to the third year.
Isabella's nanny nodded.
"Yes, that's right. Mother, Father said they wouldn't be able to attend. So, you're the representative."
"Oh my!"
Isabella's eyes widened.
"Do you think I can do well?"
“I’ve never seen a child as dignified and intelligent as Lady Isabella. I’m sure she’ll do well.”
At today’s coronation, the Emperor was scheduled to officially announce her intention to move the capital.
Everyone knew, but what had been kept quiet had now surfaced.
Isabella would be the center of attention today.
The nanny knelt before Isabella. She held Isabella’s arm and spoke affectionately.
“My lady, you will one day become the successor to the Duke of Lottera.”
“...Me?”
“Yes. Since Her Majesty the Emperor spoke, it will come true, right?”
“Yes...”
Isabella nodded.
“You can think of today as the beginning. Since it’s the first time, everyone will overlook any mistakes.”
“What if people point fingers at me?”
“Then hide behind Her Majesty the Emperor.”
“Behind my aunt?”
“Yes. Would Her Majesty the Emperor really expel you?”
Isabella laughed heartily.
Come to think of it, the most powerful person in the world was behind Isabella.
Isabella’s fears faded.
The nanny smiled at Isabella, smiling.
“...Aren’t you upset?”
“Yes?”
“It’s been a long time since you last saw your father and mother.”
They hadn’t returned since leaving Hiloshine.
And they had never come to the capital either. They continued to exchange letters, but... Isabella thought deeply.
“No. I’m not upset. My father and mother are trying to come to me.”
“Yes?”
“My father said he would definitely come get me.”
“...”
Brixton still couldn’t ride in a carriage for long.
He was getting better, but he had difficulty walking without assistance.
Haylin was busy taking care of both Hiloshine and Brixton.
Isabella continued.
“If my father and mother can’t come, I can go see them. I’m not upset at all.”
“Miss...”
The nanny hugged Isabella, who had become an adult at a young age.
Isabella's nanny stroked her long hair, which had already reached her back.
Renisha was paying great attention to Isabella's hair.
She had procured everything that was said to promote hair growth and even selected Isabella's own perfume.
Sometimes, when she wasn't busy, she would personally comb Isabella's hair.
"This is the adult's fault. Isabella, it's not your fault."
Renisha would mutter to herself when looking at Isabella's short hair.
Perhaps thanks to this, Isabella had regained her former self.
"Tie your hair up in a ponytail today."
Isabella said confidently.
"Yes, my lady!"
"I have to make it as adult-like as possible." "
I'll do my best."
Bam-bam-!
The sound of trumpets filled the square.
The imperial couple appeared on the balcony.
Those who heard the news of the coronation all abandoned their jobs and poured into the streets.
Many had come from far away to witness the coronation today.
"My goodness...! Don't you two look so good together?"
“Well then! They are people blessed by the heavens. Duke Kassius inherited the power of the red serpent, huh?”
“Emperor Renisha is said to have been born in the land of the black serpent! It’s fate, it’s fate!”
The people cheered with each movement of Renisha and Kassius.
Then the cheers grew louder.
“It’s the baby! Your Highness! Look here too, Your Highness!”
People reached out and waved.
Kassius raised his son turn high.
The baby flailed, his feet flailing.
As if dissatisfied with something, he burst into tears.
People tore off their hoods and hats and threw them into the air.
“Whew!”
“Your Highness!!!”
The commotion in the square startled the baby, who eventually retreated into the arms of his nanny.
And between them stood Laxus.
Wearing a worn hood, Laxus raised his head and stared at Renisha.
Renisha had found her place, shining brightly as if she were wearing her own clothes.
She wasn’t the one who had died blackly beside Laxus.
Laxus pursed his lips.
“Renisha...”
He no longer desired that seat.
The nail Renisha had driven into him still gnawed at him.
He had never loved, never seen.
What did Laxus mean to Renisha's life?
Laxus laughed hollowly.
He had come here today to make a final decision.
After watching Renisha for a while, Laxus turned. He staggered forward, staring blankly at the river.
The river, once stained with blood during Renisha's reign, now rippled with sunlight.
Everything had changed.
The world was dyed in Renisha's colors.
'Is this why the Emperor chosen by heaven is different?'
Laxus chuckled.
He fiddled with what he held in his hand.
He threw away every last lingering regret.
Renisha looked happy, just as she had said.
It seemed as if she had completely forgotten him.
If Renisha had forgotten him, if there was nothing he could do to remain with her...
What lingering regret could there be?
Laxus downed the poison from the bottle.
His throat burned.
He twisted and fell to the floor with a gasp.
The knights who had been watching him approached.
“...It’s finally over.”
“He’ll live a long life.”
No one lamented Laxus’s death.
The knights slung him over their shoulders like a burden.
Laxus died without closing his eyes.
“Renisha...”
He couldn’t let go of his attachment until the very end.
It was nearing the end of the coronation that she heard of Laxus’s death.
Renisha listened to the story calmly.
As if waking up in the morning and drinking tea while reading the newspaper, nothing came to mind.
Renisha smiled.
“I see.”
That was all.
Before Renisha could think any further, Kassius and Baryton turned her attention.
“Woo-ka! Eung-ka!”
Turning her head, she dabbed them away and cleared her throat.
“Greetings, Your Majesty, the Emperor.”
The maids and servants bowed their heads following Lindy.
“Greetings!”
“Your Majesty, the Emperor!”
Renisha beamed.
Beside her were Baryton, who burst into tears, and Kassius, who was always as solid as a pillar.
Renisha reached out and wrapped her hand around Kassius’s waist.
Kassius would be by Renisha’s side today as well.
***
“Am I really the representative of Hiloshine today?”
Isabella asked cheerfully.
Isabella had entered the academy.
Although she entered school late, she was making rapid progress and was soon scheduled to advance to the third year.
Isabella's nanny nodded.
"Yes, that's right. Mother, Father said they wouldn't be able to attend. So, you're the representative."
"Oh my!"
Isabella's eyes widened.
"Do you think I can do well?"
“I’ve never seen a child as dignified and intelligent as Lady Isabella. I’m sure she’ll do well.”
At today’s coronation, the Emperor was scheduled to officially announce her intention to move the capital.
Everyone knew, but what had been kept quiet had now surfaced.
Isabella would be the center of attention today.
The nanny knelt before Isabella. She held Isabella’s arm and spoke affectionately.
“My lady, you will one day become the successor to the Duke of Lottera.”
“...Me?”
“Yes. Since Her Majesty the Emperor spoke, it will come true, right?”
“Yes...”
Isabella nodded.
“You can think of today as the beginning. Since it’s the first time, everyone will overlook any mistakes.”
“What if people point fingers at me?”
“Then hide behind Her Majesty the Emperor.”
“Behind my aunt?”
“Yes. Would Her Majesty the Emperor really expel you?”
Isabella laughed heartily.
Come to think of it, the most powerful person in the world was behind Isabella.
Isabella’s fears faded.
The nanny smiled at Isabella, smiling.
“...Aren’t you upset?”
“Yes?”
“It’s been a long time since you last saw your father and mother.”
They hadn’t returned since leaving Hiloshine.
And they had never come to the capital either. They continued to exchange letters, but... Isabella thought deeply.
“No. I’m not upset. My father and mother are trying to come to me.”
“Yes?”
“My father said he would definitely come get me.”
“...”
Brixton still couldn’t ride in a carriage for long.
He was getting better, but he had difficulty walking without assistance.
Haylin was busy taking care of both Hiloshine and Brixton.
Isabella continued.
“If my father and mother can’t come, I can go see them. I’m not upset at all.”
“Miss...”
The nanny hugged Isabella, who had become an adult at a young age.
Isabella's nanny stroked her long hair, which had already reached her back.
Renisha was paying great attention to Isabella's hair.
She had procured everything that was said to promote hair growth and even selected Isabella's own perfume.
Sometimes, when she wasn't busy, she would personally comb Isabella's hair.
"This is the adult's fault. Isabella, it's not your fault."
Renisha would mutter to herself when looking at Isabella's short hair.
Perhaps thanks to this, Isabella had regained her former self.
"Tie your hair up in a ponytail today."
Isabella said confidently.
"Yes, my lady!"
"I have to make it as adult-like as possible." "
I'll do my best."
***
Bam-bam-!
The sound of trumpets filled the square.
The imperial couple appeared on the balcony.
Those who heard the news of the coronation all abandoned their jobs and poured into the streets.
Many had come from far away to witness the coronation today.
"My goodness...! Don't you two look so good together?"
“Well then! They are people blessed by the heavens. Duke Kassius inherited the power of the red serpent, huh?”
“Emperor Renisha is said to have been born in the land of the black serpent! It’s fate, it’s fate!”
The people cheered with each movement of Renisha and Kassius.
Then the cheers grew louder.
“It’s the baby! Your Highness! Look here too, Your Highness!”
People reached out and waved.
Kassius raised his son turn high.
The baby flailed, his feet flailing.
As if dissatisfied with something, he burst into tears.
People tore off their hoods and hats and threw them into the air.
“Whew!”
“Your Highness!!!”
The commotion in the square startled the baby, who eventually retreated into the arms of his nanny.
And between them stood Laxus.
Wearing a worn hood, Laxus raised his head and stared at Renisha.
Renisha had found her place, shining brightly as if she were wearing her own clothes.
She wasn’t the one who had died blackly beside Laxus.
Laxus pursed his lips.
“Renisha...”
He no longer desired that seat.
The nail Renisha had driven into him still gnawed at him.
He had never loved, never seen.
What did Laxus mean to Renisha's life?
Laxus laughed hollowly.
He had come here today to make a final decision.
After watching Renisha for a while, Laxus turned. He staggered forward, staring blankly at the river.
The river, once stained with blood during Renisha's reign, now rippled with sunlight.
Everything had changed.
The world was dyed in Renisha's colors.
'Is this why the Emperor chosen by heaven is different?'
Laxus chuckled.
He fiddled with what he held in his hand.
He threw away every last lingering regret.
Renisha looked happy, just as she had said.
It seemed as if she had completely forgotten him.
If Renisha had forgotten him, if there was nothing he could do to remain with her...
What lingering regret could there be?
Laxus downed the poison from the bottle.
His throat burned.
He twisted and fell to the floor with a gasp.
The knights who had been watching him approached.
“...It’s finally over.”
“He’ll live a long life.”
No one lamented Laxus’s death.
The knights slung him over their shoulders like a burden.
Laxus died without closing his eyes.
“Renisha...”
He couldn’t let go of his attachment until the very end.
***
It was nearing the end of the coronation that she heard of Laxus’s death.
Renisha listened to the story calmly.
As if waking up in the morning and drinking tea while reading the newspaper, nothing came to mind.
Renisha smiled.
“I see.”
That was all.
Before Renisha could think any further, Kassius and Baryton turned her attention.
“Woo-ka! Eung-ka!”
The baby burst onto the table, sucking on something in his mouth.
"Baryton!!"
Kassius grabbed the baby with a face that threatened to freak out, and Renisha's head snapped back.
"Oh my goodness, baby!"
The new clothes she'd just dressed him in were a mess.
Baryton smiled brightly and placed a food-stained palm on Renisha's cheek.
"Kyaa! Aww!"
Renisha burst out laughing, helpless.
Kassius touched his forehead, looking at the mess of food.
The attendant, still unable to ask what had happened to Laxus's body, lingered behind Renisha for a while.
But was it really necessary to tell her today?
The attendant stepped back.
Laxus's death hadn't even taken up 30 seconds of Renisha's time.
The death of the defeated, left behind by the happy laughter, would be forgotten like this.
With Kassius and Renisha kissing, the attendant left the banquet hall completely.
Those who would remain would remain, and those who would leave would have to leave.
Thump.
The banquet hall's doors closed, banishing the past glory.
- End of the main story-
Comments
Post a Comment