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*** After a long journey, they finally arrived at the magnificent gates of the Imperial Palace. In the radiant sunlight, Kazuki saw a group of people awaiting their arrival. There was Helena, Livy's mother, who appeared hopeful and worried, as reflected in her eyes. Beside her stood Sir Michael, a loyal knight always ready to protect the Imperial family, standing tall with a resolute stance. They were not alone; there were also several knights and palace members present, demonstrating their respect for Kazuki and Livy's presence. At that moment, Kazuki whispered into Livy's ear, who was leaning against his chest. "Hey Livy, that's your mother. Quickly greet her first. She's the one who worries about you the most out of everyone here and still believes in you more than anyone that you are the real Livy," Kazuki whispered into Livy's ear as she leaned against his chest. He reminded Livy of her mother's unparalleled concern and the trust she had in Livy being the genuine one. Kazuki
***At that moment, Sir Michael stepped forward, saluting Kazuki with respect."Yo, Kazuki! As a loyal knight, I want to express my gratitude for your efforts in protecting Princess Olivia. Emperor Elric also acknowledges your bravery and loyalty. You have proven yourself as someone trustworthy," said Sir Michael with utmost respect.Kazuki felt waves of happiness and honor coursing through every fiber of his being as he received recognition from Sir Michael, a loyal and respected knight in the Empire."Of course, Sir Michael. I am glad to hear that," Kazuki replied, bowing his head.Despite their previous battle and near attempt to kill each other, Sir Michael's demeanor suddenly changed, and Kazuki had to adapt to the flow of the conversation.If you're wondering why, the true reason lies in the trust others placed in him.He understood the immense value of that trust and, with strong determination, promised to continue striving to be deserving of it. Trust is not something easily ob
Silence~ The moments of tension felt heavy in the air as the question hung, allowing Kazuki time to contemplate his answer. Kazuki's heart fluttered as he pondered his feelings for Livy. He had long held a growing love within his heart, and now the opportune moment had arrived to reveal it. '...This is the moment of reckoning...' Kazuki chose to remain silent momentarily, allowing his sincerity to permeate the words he would utter. Finally, with a resolute voice, he responded, "Yes, Emperor Elric. I love Livy with all my soul and being. Every second we have spent together has strengthened the bond of our love. I am willing to shoulder the full responsibility of safeguarding and honoring our relationship." He took a deep breath... Upon hearing Kazuki's answer, Elric exhaled deeply, as if liberating himself from a burden he had carried. Relief appeared on his face, yet he continued to emanate the wisdom and caution inherent in a leader. Then, with seriousness, Elric conveyed his de
*** The four of them entered the meeting room, filled with silence. The attending nobles sat with a submissive posture, avoiding eye contact. However, as Kazuki, Elric, Livy, and Helena took their seats, the tension in the room grew even stronger. Their eyes were filled with unspoken curiosity. Kazuki, standing in the center of the room, took a deep breath for a moment. Then, in a calm yet audible voice, he urged the nobles to lift their heads and look towards him. "Hey, all of you, don't just bow your heads, lift them up-!!" Lifting their heads... "...!!!" As if listening to a magical voice, the nobles were surprised. However, the surprise was not caused by Kazuki's presence, but by Elric standing tall behind him. Nevertheless, they did not express their reactions directly. Before starting this important discussion, Kazuki felt the need to get to know the attending nobles better. With a polite and respectful demeanor, he asked each of them, one by one, to introduce themselves,
Elric, who had been observing the conversation, was surprised to hear the question directed at him. His mind briefly wandered to find the right answer. "Honestly, Kazuki, I wasn't heavily involved in political affairs before. I used to have more fun and entrusted political matters to the ministers under me. However, I now realize that such an attitude is not enough. This Empire is sinking further, and I feel responsible for this state of affairs." He realized that he rarely engaged in political affairs. As a leader, he had often prioritized having fun and left political matters to the ministers under him. However, he now felt responsible for the worsening state of the Empire. Kazuki looked at him seriously. "So, you feel a responsibility to directly involve yourself in fixing the Empire?" Elric nodded. "Yes, Kazuki. I realize that as a leader, I cannot rely solely on others to solve problems. I have to take responsibility and be directly involved in our efforts to improve governance
At that moment, the atmosphere suddenly turned quiet, and all eyes turned towards Princess Olivia. Kazuki, also taken aback by her statement, asked Livy, "Why do you refuse? Isn't this what you wanted?" She provided her reason, "I refuse to become the successor to the throne. I have experienced deep heartache and trauma due to the betrayal that occurred within my surroundings. Living under immense pressure and responsibility, being a shield for those who play in the realm of politics, has made me sickened." Livy articulated her reasons for refusal with courage and determination. She had felt profound heartache and trauma due to the betrayal committed by some of her followers. The weight of life's burdens, coupled with the feeling of being a tool for those who dabble in politics, had made her weary and unwilling to continue on as the heir to the throne. As she voiced her words, her gaze was filled with cynicism, indicating immense disappointment and displeasure. The attendees in the
"Ughhh..." The betrayers listened to Kazuki's words with bowed heads, losing their confidence to argue with this relentless man. They realized that Kazuki had found a loophole in their actions, and they were trapped in agonizing confusion. Instantly, the room's atmosphere grew even tenser. Every noble present felt fear and awe at the power of Kazuki's arguments. Those who once dismissed the betrayal committed by their fellow nobles now fell into a silent submission. Their eyes traversed the room, searching for support and justification for their actions. However, all they encountered were Kazuki's unwavering, cold, and sharp gaze. His gaze indicated that Kazuki would not relent and was prepared to face the consequences of their betrayal. In the increasingly heavy silence, each traitor contemplated in deep confusion. They realized that the reasons they provided for their betrayal might only be flimsy fabric covering their dishonesty. Each betrayer felt an unbearable moral burden on
Then, Leon added, "One of the Generals from the Military Faction was previously killed by you in the middle of the square, Lord. There were indeed several representatives from the Military Faction, but only one was with us, while the rest were guarding Princess Olivia, Lord." "I understand..." After Kazuki seemed to 'ponder' on it for a while, stroking his chin, he then looked at them all and decided, "Very well, I have made my decision. Since you were not the ones intending to kill Princess Olivia, I will spare your lives, but I will still impose upon you other punishments that you deserve." When the nobles heard that they had been spared from death, they breathed a sigh of relief, but they still couldn't fully breathe easy when they heard the word 'punishment' directed at them. Then, Kazuki stated that Livy would be the one to administer the punishment, but Livy gave him full authority to judge them. Kazuki then looked at Elric, who simply gave his approval. However, Kazuki firm