Chapter 229

TL: TangSanFan

ED/PR: Tanthus

To the One Who Survived (4)

To you, who survived.

The end of your long journey, where every moment was a gamble on your life, might be quite different from what you have envisioned.

However, what remains unchanged is that you struggled through this arduous journey and managed to stand proudly among the survivors in the end.

Were you happy to survive, or does the prospect of continuing such a painful and laborious life fill you with dread?

Have you found the reason for your life?

Was it a life worth living?

What have you gained, and what have you lost?

What have you succeeded in, and what have you failed in?

How has the joy of victory and the despair of defeat shaped you?

Why do we cling so desperately to this life that seems so meaningless at the end, striving to continue it?

In a life where the end is certain, why do we futilely try to change our course?

Why do we struggle so pointlessly to survive?

This book is a record of the contemplation on those answers.

- "The Sage's Seal, introduction," authored by Sylvania Robespierre

* * *

"The closing ceremony for the festival will begin shortly."

The chief aide entered the audience chamber and reported with a bow.

Even though the audience room was temporarily set up in the imperial residence, its opulence was enough to rival the imperial palace.

The imperial lodge where Princess Phoenia was staying was already full of servants well-versed in the royal etiquette, so it did not take long to prepare a residence that met the standards.

The audience chamber was also prepared on a grand scale, befitting the authority of Emperor Clorel.

Seated in the audience chamber, Emperor Clorel, looking pensive, stroked his beard and then gazed at the academy's spire with those intelligent eyes.

"Sylvania's educational standards have also developed more than expected. Compared with my first inspection visit to Sylvania, it's almost unbelievable how much progress I see before me."

"I too am quite astounded, Your Majesty. The students' caliber has improved significantly, producing students who perform the Sword Saint Ceremony in the combat division, and even the highest-level magic users in the magic division... Indeed, it seems well worth the investment."

"It reassures me to see Phoenia's noteworthy growth, and despite the distance, I'm glad I made this inspection visit myself."

With a contented smile, Emperor Clorel's face, however, soon became shadowed.

Sella, Persica, Phoenia.

Emperor Clorel was well aware of the intensifying rivalry for the imperial succession among the three princesses since Prince Lindon renounced his claim.

In contrast to the past when Lindon was still present and the family was somewhat stable, the situation was completely different now.

Now, Emperor Clorel himself needed to make a clear decision on who would be the next heir to the throne for all this conflict to be resolved.

Even for the great Emperor Clorel, hailed as a sage monarch, it was too difficult a task to weigh his own children against one another.

As a father, he knew too well the strengths and weaknesses of each princess.

Princess Sella had the leadership and charisma suitable for a monarch. She made decisions without hesitation, pushed forward quickly in all matters, and had the certainty in her choices that kept her from faltering—an essential quality for a ruler.

However, her arrogance and her ironclad adherence to her own status and authority left her unable to admit when she was wrong, and she lacked respect for those beneath her, a dangerous trait that could lead her down the path of a tyrant.

Princess Persica had a deep love for knowledge, excelling in scholarship and research. With vast knowledge, adept in manipulation and strategy, she was a political realist who never chased fanciful dreams, but a practical businesswoman instead.

But her overly conciliatory stance could lead to corruption. Once in power, there's a significant chance she'd be more concerned with her own vested interests than with the well-being of the people; her comfort with intrigue posed a risk of darkening the court's atmosphere further.

Princess Phoenia was compassionate, always endeavored to care for her subjects, and could admit and learn from her mistakes. She was always open to the opinions of her people and did not let either authority or personal interest cloud her judgment—truly the ideal monarch.

However, her excessive empathy could render her unable to assert her own authority, and her idealistic obsession might prevent her from compromising with political reality. Caught between the strife of daily politics and her ideals, she might end up giving up her place, becoming a puppet monarch.

The firm conviction of a monarch, cunning yet discerning wisdom, earnest concern for the people, and an unshaken mind free from the sway of authority.

It was not easy to find a ruler that encompassed all these qualities.

"Lindon..."

Sighing his son's name, who was now absent from the political scene, Emperor Clorel shook his head. Obsessing over losses wouldn't improve the situation.

Regardless of the candidate, it was Emperor Clorel's duty to nurture them into the ideal monarch.

To ensure the peaceful era his ancestors struggled to establish would continue for future generations, this was a necessity.

──Ultimately, Emperor Clorel was leaning toward designating Princess Sella as the successor.

He was just taking time to finalize the decision. Although the decision wasn't complete, it was substantial enough to consider it tentatively made.

Sella's arrogance would likely be self-correcting after she faced the repercussions of a few poor choices.

Her tendency to diminish those below her or to be overly reliant on authority was something Emperor Clorel was prepared to roll up his sleeves and rectify personally.

In the end, the most important thing was a monarch's ability to assert control over the masses.

Morality and empathy could be tought through education, but the noble presence of the empire could not be taught—it was an innate trait.

The dignified grace of Princess Sella, which could captivate and intimidate those from lower stations, was something that neither Persica nor Phoenia seemed to possess. She had a presence that demanded attention, instilling a feeling that she was unapproachable due to her esteemed heritage.

The path was still long, but Sella seemed the most suitable candidate for the throne.

The problem was that Sella was not yet perfectly groomed for rulership.

As a father, he questioned whether this was right, but it was necessary to curb Sella's excessive pride.

Her imperious nature could one day lead to great disaster for the empire. To prevent such an eventuality, someone needed to educate Sella properly.

But, within the empire, who could control someone like Sella?

Sella Einyr Clorel was the Clorel Imperial Family's First Princess, from a young age quickly perceived the art of ruling over people with authority.

She may humble herself before Emperor Clorel to some extent, but only because he holds the authority to determine the next heir to the throne.

Emperor Clorel wasn't ignorant of her ambition and desire for power. To shape her into a good monarch, it was necessary to suppress her towering pride and cause her to submit at least once.

Emperor Clorel acting himself would be pointless. It was expected for anyone to submit to the empire's emperor.

The question was whether there such a person existed who Sella would cling to.

Emperor Clorel was troubled with such thoughts.

"And besides, although I have no intelligence to report specifically... there are some recent movements of Princess Sella that I feel I must mention to Your Majesty."

"Movements of Sella?"

"Yes. Recently, she has been attending the inspections with Your Majesty and communicates with someone outside regularly at night through correspondence."

"You mean to say she is in contact with someone within Sylvania without informing me?"

"Yes. It seems to be related to the competition for the throne... We can investigate further if you wish. How shall we proceed, Your Majesty?"

Emperor Clorel thought for a moment, stroking his chin.

He knew about the rivalry among his daughters, but Sella's delicate actions during their visit to Acken Island needed careful observation.

A healthy competition for succession is something Emperor Clorel did not view negatively.

However, his concern was that based on Sella's character, she might overstep boundaries.

Not necessarily to the extreme of plotting assassinations or causing serious injury, but rather moves that could lead to slander or lasting harm to each other.

None of these were welcome thoughts for Emperor Clorel, who loved all three daughters.

"Investigate this matter."

And the letter contents that the steward Dest investigated on Sella... were shocking even to Emperor Clorel.

* * *

"Oh, brother. You have finally arrived..."

As they reached the entrance of the royal lodge, Tanya, who had also been summoned by the emperor, was trembling.

"Tanya, what's wrong? Were you called as well?"

"Yes, yes... I was suddenly summoned by the royal lodge, and I was just rolling around on the sofa, reveling in the sensation of completing my duties... But why now..."

"...Why are you shaking so much?"

"Haven't you heard? Emperor Clorel personally requested my presence. Considering even you, brother, have been summoned, it seems to be a matter related to the Rothtaylor family... Facing the legendary sage emperor Clorel himself is more than a little nerve-wracking..."

Despite being used to delivering speeches in front of countless people due to her position, there was still this needless anxiety within her.

There were times when she was confidently indomitable amidst difficult and challenging situations, yet at others, she trembled with fear... Watching Tanya made it unclear whether she was courageous or simply fearful.

"Ed senpai. You came alone. I thought you would bring someone with you."

Alongside Tanya stood Zix and a few student council aides. As the student council president of Sylvania Academy, it would have seemed improper to approach the emperor unaccompanied, so she brought along a bare minimum company to maintain appearances.

"This, this is strange, brother. The Elte Commerce Guild is friendly, the Telos Order is friendly, Princess Phoenia is friendly... I mean, all that is understandable, but out of nowhere even the legendary sage emperor Clorel himself is summoning me... this... it's highly unusual, right..."

"...This is out of my hands, Tanya."

"Lies! Don't lie to me! What's another tactic you're employing to keep me bound to this student council president position? I... don't want... I don't want to become any more powerful than this...!"

To anyone else, Tanya's complaints might seem ungrateful, but knowing her situation, I could only look on her with a poignant gaze.

"..."

"Zix senpai, what if I completely embarrass myself before Emperor Clorel? Will he look down on me with scorn? Glance at me coldly as though seeing a pitiful creature?"

"Perhaps he'll laugh lightheartedly, thinking even a strong student council president shows such a human side?"

"Why are you only nice to me like this...!"

"I've mentioned it before, a position can make a person. When you're in high standing, minor mistakes tend to be repackaged as human touches."

As Tanya wiped her face thoroughly, a sigh escaped her as if she hoped the ground would swallow her whole. Her neatly arranged blonde hair waved around the shoulders.

"Anyway, seeing that you've been summoned as well, Ed senpai, it seems to be related to the Rothtaylor family. We came along thinking we might need to intervene from the student council side... But it seems that may not have been necessary."

"You're always hard at work, Zix. Has Tanya been a burden?"

"Not at all. I simply go about my duties as usual. In truth, Anis senpai, who you referred to us, does more difficult work. I should express my gratitude to her next time I see her."

Zix handled my greetings with elegant manners, then signaled to the student council aides he had brought along that it was time for them to leave.

Immediately, Tanya snapped her head up and questioned Zix on why he was sending them away.

"Why, why are you sending everyone back?"

"Eh?"

"You said, said they would accompany us to the audience chamber! Everyone from the student council said they would join!"

"... Well, if it were strictly student council business, they would definitely cooperate... But this matter pertains to the Rothtaylor family, doesn't it?"

"That, that's..."

Zix looked at Tanya with a complex gaze for a moment.

He glanced quickly at me, sighed deeply, and then spoke.

"Well, given Ed senpai is here, there shouldn't be much worry... Still, to be on the safe side, I suppose I'll accompany you alone on behalf of the council."

"You don't need to go that far, Zix..."

"No... I'll just consider this an extension of our council work. If I can finish up before I have to pick up Elka from class, it's fine."

Zix stood there with his arms folded, looking steadfast.

Perhaps hoping for as many allies as possible, Tanya breathed a sigh of relief.

"With brother to my left and Zix senpai to my right... I feel secure enough with this."

Finally, Tanya seemed reassured and boldly declared.

Before, she had been so apprehensive; trembling in her own skin.

At the audience chamber, after simple greetings, the words that spilled from Emperor Clorel's mouth left Tanya gaping unattractively, her mouth agape in shock. Zix, standing beside her as an aide, shared a similar expression of disbelief.

Princess Sella had once attacked the Rothtaylor duchy to a degree that was almost concerning. Individuals who had gone as far as she had to undermine the Rothtaylor line were few and far between. As a result, the standing of House Rothtaylor within the imperial court had significantly weakened. Though they still retained their ducal title, it seemed evident that at this rate, within a decade they might face extinction.

Emperor Clorel's decision to join Sella with the son of the House of Rothtaylor was well-calculated, considering numerous aspects. For starters, by solidifying the major source of conflict between Princess Sella and the House of Rothtaylor through marital ties, it could forcibly mend the internal rifts within the imperial family.

In addition, by binding the Rothtaylor house with the bloodline of the imperial family, any rebellious thoughts could be repressed. It would also justify prominently employing figures from the Rothtaylor faction, who were opposed within royal circles, due to their long-standing proximity to the throne. After all, those from House Rothtaylor had proven to be quite valuable.

Furthermore, the notion even crossed Clorel's mind to consider Ed Rothtaylor as a candidate capable of influencing Sella. Renowned as a wise ruler, Clorel possessed an incredible insight into people's character.

The position of an emperor was one to make judgments about people—constantly evaluating individuals day-in and day-out. In front of the emperor, after the duel, Ed Rothtaylor, who bowed his head gravely, seemed calm and deep at a glance.

Besides, he had achieved academic excellence as the head of the Magic Department and had a political stature worthy of the son of the House of Rothtaylor. Above all else, he was a man who remained unswayed no matter how many times Sella tried to woo him.

While most were easily subdued by her power and authority, or promised massive rewards and a bright future, Sella was unable to budge Ed. If there existed a man who remained unaffected by her relentless persuasion, then perhaps, he could be the one to press down on the colossal ticking bomb that was Sella.

The man she needed was just that. With a little support from Emperor Clorel, he could become a man even Sella would be helpless against. A man necessary for Sella to become a good ruler.

"Princess Sella might not be too pleased with it, though," Ed tentatively remarked.

"On the contrary, I believe Sella will welcome it," Clorel asserted, seemingly aware of the contents of Sella's letter.

Ed recalled what Dest, the steward, had mentioned. Even Dest couldn't fully escape the emperor's intelligence network.

Emperor Clorel was making a critical mistake. The reason Sella had kept secrets from him and sent that letter to Ed was that she did not want to show him the filth and plottings behind the scenes. The contents of the letter were all lies; it was inconceivable that Princess Sella would harbor such feelings for Ed Rothtaylor.

From Clorel's perspective, Sella's secretive actions could only be interpreted as the result of a girlish sense of shame.

"I thought I knew everything about my daughter, but I never expected Sella to have such a side to her... Even as a father, it seems I have much to learn..." he muttered to himself.

"Pardon?"

"Nevermind. It was a slip of the tongue. Do not mind me too much."

After a brief smile while seated on the grand throne of the audience chamber, Clorel cleared his throat and resumed speaking. Before him were Ed, Tanya, and Zix, all giving the respect due to a subject.

"Our relationship with the House of Rothtaylor has been a long one. Despite the great trials we face now, I was thinking we could use this engagement announcement as an opportunity to refine our political stature—a mutual benefit, so to speak," Clorel said.

"Is that so..."

Ed replied, lost in thought.

"Yes. And if I'm correct, I don't think Sella will attack the House of Rothtaylor any longer. So consider the engagement positively."

It was a decoy strategy. If Emperor Clorel suggested considering an engagement, there was no way to refuse—there was no right of veto. Even the eldest son of the Rothtaylor ducal family could not dismiss such an imperial suggestion. Zix felt his face drain of blood.

An engagement between Princess Sella and Ed Rothtaylor was an uproar. If this news went public, the academy would turn upside down, especially when he thought of the expressions on the faces of a few individuals centered around Ed—there was no laughing it off, even as a joke.

"Ed Rothtaylor. Judging from your conduct and reputation, you seem like a fine man," commented the emperor.

"Your Majesty's favor is much appreciated, but I am hardly worthy of such high esteem," Ed responded with humility.

"Modesty is good, but knowing when to shine is also a virtue," Clorel said, brushing his beard as if to say there would be no further debate on the matter.

"Engage yourself to Sella."

To become the fiancé of a princess—especially the first princess Sella, who stood closest to the imperial throne.

It was practically a highway to success, an opportunity to ascend to the ranks of the most powerful individuals of the empire. Normally, one would shed tears of joy or offer deep bows of gratitude. It was a seat that everyone dreamed of, basically a ticket to the highest power echelons of the royal household.

Certainly, most bureaucrats would be drooling for such a position.

Moreover, it was a chance to restore the fortunes of the rapidly declining House Rothtaylor. Tanya could also pause her plotting to dethrone Sella and rally noble forces to her side. This would alleviate the burden of house affairs and provide an escape from the hellish morass of work.

It was an offer that couldn't be declined in all aspects. Its explosive potential could overturn all mutual interests in the world.

- Bang!

At the moment, Princess Sella entered the audience chamber with force.

"Father! How could you arrange such a matter without a hint of notice to me?"

She had just got the news and rushed out of her room. With her dress hem lifted decently, her entrance seemed rushed, as if she had sprinted straight from her chamber to here, breathlessly.

"Father, how could you proceed with such a matter without any discussion with me!" she exclaimed upon entering and immediately locked eyes with Ed Rothtaylor.

His presence indicated that he had heard everything. Seeing him, Princess Sella clenched her mouth tight and then turned to address Clorel emphatically.

"Father! If you grant the blood of the royal family to such a man—"

"I appreciate the suggestion, but I am perfectly fine," Ed interjected respectfully before Sella could continue.

The refusal left the audience chamber cold. Ed Rothtaylor—a man from a mere ducal family—had declined a royal decree close to a command.

If someone like him dared to step into the sacred bloodlines of the royal house, it would bring great harm.

His humility was a defense, merely seeking plausible reasons for his refusal. Though House Rothtaylor was one of the greatest ducal families, even calling them lowly.

"Moreover, to engage with Princess Sella now would be a betrayal to Princess Phoenia, to whom I have sworn my loyalty," he added.

"..."

"A sincere loyalty is the fundamental quality a vassal must have. If I were to betray her whom I currently serve and run to Princess Sella's side, how could that be seen as honorable? I would be but a mere bat, swaying with the tides of power."

Ed continued calmly.

"Loyalty once etched in one's heart must be carried to the grave. That, I believe, is the duty of a vassal. Therefore, engagement with Princess Sella... I cannot accept."

The most shocked by these words was Sella herself.

She who was expected to abide by the emperor's commands, even Sella could not resist if Clorel set his mind to it. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Ed to step into the royal house.

Yet, despite being in a situation where even Sella felt powerless...

Ed Rothtaylor challenged the royal decree, rejecting Sella. Such an act was impossible unless it came from sincerity.

"You..."

Sella looked at him incredulously.

"You're rejecting me?"

All her life, she had been looked up to with respect and admiration. She had always been the one doing the rejecting. She never imagined being on the receiving end of rejection.

"It's not that, Princess Sella," Ed insisted.

"My humble status is far too inadequate to join the ranks of the royal family."

It was a dignified extraction for Ed, but it was really just an excuse.

Ed Rothtaylor would not engage with Sella. He had made sacrifices to ensure that this resolution would stand.

"How dare you... reject me? You should be nothing but the future leader of a falling ducal house, yet you dare to... In front of me, Sella Einir Clorel...! You should be grasping at my ankles and begging for attention, not rejecting me...!"

Sella stormed toward Ed, grabbed his shirt, and peered into his face. Regardless of her aggressive demeanor, Ed remained impassive.

"Why are your eyes so peaceful? Why do they always seem as if nothing in the world can phase you...?! Why aren't you panicking and prostrating yourself on the ground! You... lowly creature! Without authority or dignity...!"

"... Princess Sella."

"Writting letters with gritted teeth and still not batting an eyelid. Always "Phoenia this, Phoenia that"...! I offer you a much more promising future that you'll ever need, yet why do you keep looking at me with such an unmoving gaze...!"

Unable to contain her anger, Sella burst with emotion.

"I thought... you'd see my way at least once...!"

Though it may just seem like a display of pride and self-respect...

"The Emperor is watching," was a quiet reminder.

To Emperor Clorel, who had been observing the entire scene, these did not go unnoticed.

It was rare to see the proud and self-respecting Sella lose her composure to such a degree that she would forget the presence of her father, the emperor. But now, having finally caught her breath, she bowed her head deeply in shame.

"My apologies for my indecorous behavior, Father."

The mood in the hall was frigid.

A man of ducal origins had rejected a royal command, and the first princess acted senseless before the emperor. It must have felt like a challenge to Clorel's authority.

Sella braced herself for the emperor's scolding, closing her eyes tightly.

"Heh."

However, Clorel's response was entirely unexpected.

Instead, his face broke into pleased amusement.

This bewildering behavior left everyone puzzled. It was a scene that, to any observer, would have warranted rage from the emperor for affronting his sovereign authority.

Yet, Clorel gazed at Ed with a satisfied smile.

Ed Rothtaylor.

The man who obsessively intrigued Sella, caused Persica to be strangely wary, and won Phoenia's favor—a man who managed to influence all three princesses.

Here was a person deeply entrenched in the current struggle for imperial power. Clorel had met them, assessed each one, and now the emperor saw a new possibility revealing itself through Sella's display of upset.

"Ed Rothtaylor. For now, I won't make any hard demands of you. However, another proposition has come to mind. Would you care to hear it?"

The sage Emperor Clorel understood how to employ a man like Ed. To maneuver Sella, only a little power needed to be bestowed upon him.

"I am still deeply contemplating who of my daughters should be considered for the imperial succession."

"A heavy matter determining the future of the nation, Your Majesty. It is understandable that you would be concerned."

"Therefore, I wish to hear your perspective since you've met all my daughters. I'm told you are a wise man, and you've defended Sella while your loyalty lies with Phoenia, and you seem to clash with Persica. I think you would share an unfiltered opinion."

Clorel was inviting Ed to a position where he could counsel the emperor on the next heir to the throne.

Considering Clorel's nature as a ruler who preferred to make his own judgments, there were very few in the court who could claim such influence.

"After today's festivities, would you come to my chambers for a game of chess?"

"The future of our nation is no trifling matter. I'm not sure I should be present."

"Don't worry. I simply wish to have a conversation."

And with that, Clorel ended the discussion, clearly satisfied.

Princess Sella, still bowing her head, dripped with nervous sweat.

A man able to whisper into the emperor's ear. Effectively, standing in a position with sway over the essential decision of imperial succession...

Thus, the man at her side, Ed Rothtaylor, found his own circumstances profoundly altered.