Chapter 68

### The Royal Palace, Audience Chamber.

Sitting on the throne, I had the two princes before me.

The Fourth Prince, Henry Alaric.

The Eighth Prince, Oscar Alaric.

The moment they entered the audience chamber and took their designated positions, they gracefully knelt before me on one knee.

"Your servant, Oscar."

"And Henry. We have come in response to your summons."

"Both of you, rise."

"Yes."

"As you command."

They nodded and stood up as instructed.

"Henry, and Oscar."

As I called their names, Henry remained calm, while Oscar furrowed his brow for just a moment.

"Understood."

They responded in unison.

"I have called you here today for a specific reason. There is something I want to give you now, before it's too late."

"Now, you say?"

Henry tilted his head slightly in confusion.

"Yes, now. My reign will soon see the implementation of various policies. I want to give this to you before any of that begins."

I first explained the context to them. Both Henry and Oscar looked somewhat puzzled.

"Lord Raidouk."

"Yes."

When I gestured, Jean-Brad Raidouk, who had just been promoted to First Chancellor, signaled to a young eunuch who then appeared. The eunuch was carrying trays, each holding a long object covered with a red cloth, making it impossible to see what was underneath.

The two eunuchs stood before Henry and Oscar, each holding a tray.

I nodded to Jean, who then signaled the eunuchs. The red cloths were removed.

Two long swords made of glass were revealed.

"Th-this is!"

"Crystal Swords..."

Henry and Oscar were so surprised their faces turned red.

"Yes, Crystal Swords. Also known as the 'Swords of Immunity.'"

The Emperor, when he so desires, can completely ignore the imperial laws. This stems from the idea that the Emperor is the supreme ruler of the empire, and the empire is, in essence, his private property.

Granting a portion of the Emperor's privileges to his subjects is what these Crystal Swords represent.

"As you know, the person who possesses this can invalidate any crime, except treason, once. Even capital punishment can be nullified."

"Give this to us...?"

Oscar was shocked, his brow furrowed, looking at me in disbelief. It was understandable, as this was one of the greatest gifts that could be bestowed upon a subject.

"Yes, to both of you."

"Such an honor, but why us?"

Henry asked, his face serious.

"Among the nearly twenty sons of the former Emperor, Henry and Oscar, you two are the most capable. I intend to rely heavily on your abilities during my reign."

"That is our duty as subjects—"

"There will be times when we may clash over state affairs."

I interrupted Henry.

"These 'Swords of Immunity' are a statement of my desire for you to act without fear of disrespect, even when we clash."

"..."

"Will you accept them?"

After exchanging glances, they knelt again.

"We will accept them, even at the cost of our lives."

They accepted the Crystal Swords and then left the audience chamber.

"Truly impressive, Your Majesty."

Jean, who remained, said with a look of admiration.

"Prince Oscar was moved, and though Prince Henry remained calm, his hand trembled slightly when he took the Crystal Sword."

"You observe well."

"Starting with the highest reward. This will ensure that both princes will work tirelessly for Your Majesty."

"Indeed."

Henry and Oscar. If anyone were to challenge the throne in the future, it would be these two.

Before that happens, I need to make them fully accept their roles as my subjects.

☆

That night, in the study of the detached palace, the former residence of the Thirteenth Prince, near the royal palace.

After the former Emperor abdicated and until the new palace is completed, I have been staying at the modified Thirteenth Prince's residence.

While reviewing documents related to state affairs in the study,

"Your Majesty."

The eunuch Gran entered.

"What is it—does that suit you well?"

"Huh? Ah, thank you."

Gran smiled, a bit embarrassed.

The two personnel changes I made when I became Emperor were appointing Jean as First Chancellor and Gran as the head eunuch.

Just as my father had Cruise, I needed a trusted confidant. Gran is quick to learn and can think from my perspective, so I promoted him.

Gran was now wearing the attire of the head eunuch.

"I never thought I would reach such a high position."

"If you serve me well, I will promote you further."

"Yes!"

"Anyway, what is it?"

"Oh, right. This."

Gran presented a tray he had been holding carefully since entering the study.

On the tray were two intricately crafted dolls, lying face down. On their backs were the names Audrey and Anya.

Empress Audrey and Concubine Anya.

"Please choose who you would like to spend the night with."

"Hmm."

One of the changes that came with becoming Emperor was this.

Every night, a eunuch would come to ask who I wanted to spend the night with. They would present the dolls of the consorts available that night, and I would turn over the one I chose to face up.

Then, the eunuchs would strip the chosen consort naked, wrap her in an extremely expensive cloth, and bring her to my chambers. The system is designed to emphasize the Emperor's most important duty: producing an heir.

Incidentally, every choice is meticulously recorded by the Ministry of the Interior. I was surprised to learn that my father still does this every night, even at his age.

That's why there are nearly twenty brothers and nearly a hundred siblings in total.

Incidentally, it's common for there to be fewer males. Male heirs with succession rights often die young, for some reason.

Anyway, after glancing at the dolls,

"I'm fine tonight. Let the two of them rest."

"Really!?"

Gran was surprised.

"Are you being bribed by one of them to recommend them?"

"I would never do that!"

Gran denied it firmly, though he was flustered.

Well, it does happen. Eunuchs sometimes take bribes from consorts to place their dolls in more noticeable positions or even remove their rivals' dolls.

Women have their monthly cycles, so it's not always possible every day, making such manipulations easier.

"Ha, just a joke."

"But, are you sure you don't want to?"

"Yes, this is more important right now."

I pointed to the documents I had been reviewing before Gran entered.

"Is that...?"

"The selection of new knights. It's a tradition to hold a grand selection when a new Emperor ascends the throne."

This tradition dates back to when the empire was a warrior nation.

The Emperor of a warrior nation often led his troops into battle and sometimes even died on the battlefield. When the Emperor died, many of his subordinates would also perish.

Thus, it was necessary to select a large number of new knights for the new Emperor—a tradition that has been passed down.

Regardless of that,

People are treasures and possibilities.

I cannot take the largest-scale knight selection lightly.

"Prioritizing work over pleasure... truly, Your Majesty."

"That's right. I'm fine tonight. Instead, bring me a strong cup of tea."

"Understood!"

Incidentally, if I wished, I could have a wrapped consort brought to this room, return her after, and then resume my work. My father often did this.

☆

A few days later, in the grand hall of the royal palace, which is almost identical to the audience chamber, except the throne is about two stories high.

This hall is used not just for official duties but to emphasize the Emperor's authority.

I slowly ascended the steps to the throne, reached the top, and turned around.

Simultaneously, over a thousand people, including Henry and Oscar, knelt in unison.

Starting from the two in the front, the kneeling spread out like ripples on water, beautifully and orderly.

Over a thousand people kneeling to one person.

An indescribable sense of elation welled up in my chest.

This is a privilege reserved for the nobility—no, for the Emperor alone.