Chapter 203

    203. Coronation

    The capital city of the Arkheim Empire is crowded with countless people.

    A girl gazes at the cheering citizens below with a benevolent smile.

    The legitimate successor to the empire, with her luxurious golden eyes and golden hair.

    Penelope von Arkheim has finally revealed herself at the coronation.

    — Waaaaah!

    — Worship the rise of a new sun over the continent—!

    Thud!

    A knight standing beside Penelope, his face hidden behind an iron helmet, strikes downward with a thick iron mace that makes one wonder if a human could even wield it.

    Along with him, hundreds of lower—ranking knights lined up behind him began to perform the same action with their swords.

    This soon spreads and resonates through the crowd.

    Thud——! Thud——! Thud——!

    — Waaaaah!

    — Long live Emperor Penelope!

    — Long live!

    Although she has not yet officially received the crown, there is nothing to prevent her from becoming the emperor now. The first prince Louis has already fallen and lost his life. The legitimate successor has clearly disappeared.

    Of course, not everyone agrees with the current situation where Penelope has become the emperor.

    Some among the people whisper doubts, questioning whether it was not the princess who raised a sword against her own blood—relative

    But paying attention to such rumors one by one would make one unworthy of the heavy title of emperor.

    Those who wish to wear the crown must bear its weight.

    A famous playwright from a place I once believed to be reality comes to mind.

    Also, to add one more thing...

    In fact, this scene was familiar to me.

    I have seen countless times the ending where the princess ascends to the throne and the first Prince Louis falls.

    In the process, it was not difficult to arrange the situation to my future advantage through direct intervention.

    But Nox von Reinhaver. In my life as the protagonist, this is clearly the first time.

    My heart swells with emotion.

    The relief of having prevented the worst situation, my own admiration for my growth, and the deep satisfaction that none of those within my circle have died.

    It feels like my chest is warmly filled.

    ...That is, until just a moment ago, before hearing the unknown story of Emperor Penelope.

    Anyway.

    Reflecting anew on the current situation, I scan the crowd of people gathered below.

    Among them are characters who correspond to the good guys, but there are also villains.

    There may be those who have not yet committed evil deeds but will fall into corruption in the future.

    Well, I can’t just go and kill them right now, and it’s true that I have doubts about whether it’s right to preemptively eliminate those who haven’t committed any crimes yet, but I feel regretful inside.

    ‘Anyway, if they were villains in the game, it’s highly likely they will be the same here. There’s no reason to keep them alive.’

    Anyway, my biggest goal is to uncover the secrets while protecting my cherished comrades. For this, sacrifices are inevitably necessary.

    It’s not about justifying my actions, but the human world is originally structured that way, so I am merely being faithful to it.

    I have no regrets.

    From the beginning, such emotions are a luxury for someone with a limited time like me.

    For this, immense power is necessary, but the time when I had to use someone to become stronger is now passing.

    Now, then.

    At the edge of this splendid coronation, where the final villain boss who should not originally exist.

    Nox von Reinhaver, I think I need to properly check where he is.

    Where am I now?

    Asking myself, I lower my posture and carefully roll my pupils.

    If someone kindly asks about the whereabouts of an extra, I would kindly tell them that I am kneeling before the newly enthroned emperor, wearing a pure white outfit unsuitable for a scion of a dark family.

    I could tell them that I am going through a kind of knight’s oath process, and this is not just any ordinary knight’s oath but one related to the imperial family’s direct royal guard.

    ''Haa... what can I do? This is also my karma.’

    Although I don’t understand the current situation, I raise my head towards her. Proudly. Not because I am a scion of a dark, prestigious family, but purely out of Nox von Reinhaver’s personal will.

    “I appoint you to the emperor’s direct advisory institution, Ark, and as my first—class guard knight.”

    “I will obey your command.”

    Why is it?

    While answering, I feel as if a sharp gaze from behind keeps piercing me.

    **********

    After the coronation.

    For a light social gathering, we rented out an entire dining hall on the academy grounds.

    As expected, many colleagues came to me and each said a few words.

    For example, the first was Thalia, who hesitantly approached me, lightly grabbed my sleeve, and said

    “...Being part of the emperor’s direct institution. Congratulations, Nox.”

    “Uh... yeah. Thanks.”

    Perhaps my answer was unsatisfactory, as her expression wasn’t very good, but I think it went well.

    Next came Paracelsus. He had a somewhat sinister face.

    “Noble sir. I was the one who struggled to the brink of death, so why are you taking all the credit? Shouldn’t I get something too?”

    “Didn’t you say you didn’t want recognition from nobles?”

    “Of course, I meant to put some gold coins in my sleeve. I ran out of money recently. Ha, the beads fell right next to me. Damn it.”

    “... Gambling again?”

    Fortunately, Leon didn’t say much. He simply said this:

    “As expected, the magic stone of the grand duke—level demon is different. I would like to keep a few for my family as well. Do you have any intention of selling them?”

    He seemed to like the magic stones. The power that could be drawn from them and the combination with undead were beyond imagination, so perhaps it’s a natural reaction.

    I spoke firmly.

    “It’s expensive. Can you afford it?”

    “....”

    Leon fell silent.

    No matter what, I wouldn’t engage in a losing deal.

    I’m not in financial trouble, and there’s no reason to sell the magic stones. If Leon needs them, I can lend them to him whenever.

    Next, it was Eleanor who spoke.

    “Nox von Reinhaver! Why do you keep causing accidents so often?”

    It was a rare emotional tone. But there was no other reaction I could give. Except for proudly raising my head, the ruffian young master of the Reinhaver family has no other choice!

    ...It seems like they only use me when needed, but anyway.

    “I agree. Please think a little about your health, young master.”

    Zitri also said that. Well, a lot of blood was shed for this coronation.

    Rona would have probably said something if she were here. Fortunately (?), she had to go back to the family for a while, so we didn’t have a separate conversation.

    “I hate a husband who overworks himself...”

    “Erina?”

    The combination of Erina and May was still there.

    Anyway. Time is passing busily, and even now, I am steadily dying. No, actually, everyone is. Perhaps I, who can see my remaining life, am more blessed than them.

    Of course, the problem is that the time is ridiculously short. But being given time to laugh with my people like now is such a joyful thing.

    Holding a wine glass, we look into each other’s eyes and smile transparently.

    The darkness mixed with a handful of moonlight shining through the stained glass and the pure white tablecloth.

    Now, the end of Part 1 is truly approaching, and the future I know. Only a few episodes remain.

    Will I be left in the unknown after all this ends?

    Or will this world come to an end?

    That’s what I was thinking at that moment.

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