Chapter 153
Alter visited the banquet hall of the imperial palace with Brillie.
In truth, since the Emperor had extended a personal invitation, it was impossible to refuse as a noble.
Above all, given that it was a matter of great importance, they each had to act with utmost caution.
'Did the Emperor gather all the consort candidates in one place?'
Alter could faintly sense the Emperor's intent.
On the surface, it was to treat the consort candidates with respect, but in reality, it was closer to a method of verifying their qualifications.
Even now, the Emperor, the imperial attendants, and officials were likely observing them in secret.
'Since he has to choose a spouse, he can't help but be very cautious.'
Essentially, the one chosen as the Emperor's companion would have to match the ruler's authority.
Loyalty to the Emperor, patriotism for the Empire, and the ability to assist the Emperor were absolute requirements.
Furthermore, if they wanted to ensure a perfect succession to the throne, they would naturally look for excellent ability and character.
'At this level, I imagine people from all over must have gathered.'
The title of Emperor's husband, or consort, was the most prestigious honor granted only to select families.
Any family that became related to the imperial household enjoyed preferential treatment in various fields, and even imperial nobles and officials had to show due respect.
Of course, such power could become overly concentrated, so the imperial household would periodically issue warnings and sanctions.
'There will be glory, but... it's very dangerous. If you let your guard down, you could be cast out in an instant.'
Being so close to the Emperor meant that one would inevitably face checks from many sides.
While maintaining the pride of a consort among the officials and nobles, you would have to sacrifice yourself for the Emperor.
All the while, you'd be under various pressures to behave blamelessly and avoid any source of controversy.
'It's a relationship where responsibility is forced more than affection. After all, this is a political marriage...'
"Should I do as Father says, after all?"
"If possible, that would be best. It will be advantageous to increase our side's numbers, even by just one."
"Won't it be found out soon enough? The Emperor must already understand the power dynamics."
"That's why it's best to say things carefully. If you mention other candidates while slipping in our people, won't that work?"
"He'll probably try to ask me, right? Since I'm also a woman."
"Since the consort is being chosen, that's possible."
"Haa... I'm not good at this sort of thing..."
Brillie revealed her awkwardness but reluctantly accepted her position.
As the heir apparent of Duke Illenat's house, she had to devote herself fully to the prosperity of her family.
If their faction got the consort spot, it could prove useful later on.
"There's no need to worry too much. We always have alternative plans, don't we?"
"You mean, letting a noble from neither faction be chosen? Hmm... The Emperor might consider that."
"The Emperor can't help but check both factions. Or... perhaps he would strengthen the Eiliche duke's house."
"You mean because of us?"
"Yes. Our position has become too solid. It stands to reason that the standing of Duke Illenat's house has also risen."
This was something the Duke of Illenat had pointed out personally.
Duke Illenat's house had achieved remarkable accomplishments rebuilding the imperial household, and both the next head and her husband had slain dragons one after another.
Thus, from the Emperor's perspective, the rising power of Duke Illenat's house must seem increasingly burdensome.
"It will almost certainly be impossible to make someone from our side the consort. Taking the alternative route will be easier."
"Even doing too well creates problems. Should we have shown more shortcomings?"
"From now on, it's best to choose to step back. We must always remain loyal to the Emperor."
"But even a loyal subject... might be discarded one day. Isn't that what they call a 'purge'?"
"......"
Even Alter couldn't deny those words.
For now, they could be used as the powerful allies, but eventually, they might come to be seen as implicit threats.
From the Emperor's standpoint, there is no reason to tolerate those possessing power and authority approaching the level of the imperial throne.
"How much should we trust the Emperor? Will he leave us alone as long as we don't die? Even so, would he leave my family untouched?"
"... That's a very heir-like question."
"I'm just saying what I've learned."
"You must always be wary and prepared. Otherwise, you won't survive."
"So you don't trust the Emperor completely either, Alter?"
"When it comes to power, whom could you ever trust?"
"Hm... Well, that's true."
Brillie reflected on the rebellions that had taken place in the capital and inadvertently accepted the reality.
No matter how legitimate the cause, one could never fully erase their desire for power.
Perhaps she and Alter had merely been used as tools for the current Emperor's rise.
"Still, all we can do now is what's before us, right?"
"Worrying about things that haven't happened changes nothing. How do you plan to handle this?"
"The alternative is best. We shouldn't be greedy."
Alter quietly accepted this and began to walk alongside Brillie.
Brillie, for her part, was just as wary of outside influences as he was.
Perhaps, as the next head of her house, she felt a deep sense of responsibility.
'It's best to go along with the Emperor. There's nothing to gain from fighting the imperial household...'
* * *
Yuria sat at the seat of honor, overlooking the consort candidates.
Through numerous methods of evaluation, they had been endlessly screened, and in the end, only a handful of nobles remained.
No matter whom she married from among them, it seemed clear she would achieve an above-average result.
'Now I have to make yet another selection...'
Yuria glanced impassively around the banquet hall, then withdrew her gaze.
Because it was merely a political marriage, she couldn't allow her personal emotions to influence her choice.
She judged only whether the person was suitable as the Emperor's spouse.
'What a bother. I can't even have only one child...'
Yuria, though displeased, was conscious of her imperial destiny.
To fully preserve the Empire and the imperial household, she had to pass on her bloodline.
That was why she pursued marriage—to continue the family line.
'If only I'd married that person back then...'
Yuria, unconsciously, faced the lingering regret she had long kept buried.
He was the first person to come to her mind when she thought of marriage, and she had pursued him rather boldly.
But, because of the opposition from the 8th Emperor, it had come to nothing, and more recently, that person had married a fiancé in a proper wedding ceremony.
'Is it because unfulfilled relationships lead to greater obsession?'
Yuria tried to shake off her attachment with a wry smile.
A deposed sibling had tried to take away that fiancé and ended up dying as a result.
She herself had used that incident as justification for suppressing the rebellion—how could she still harbor such embarrassing thoughts?
'No, no. Getting involved with that person would make things even more troublesome now.'
So, Yuria regarded even her lingering affection as an empty fragment.
From the start, the bureaucrats would strongly object to a political marriage with the grand duke's house.
Even if she forced the union, the noble factions would harbor deep-seated hostility.
In truth, a single marriage could shake the very survival of the throne and the imperial house.
'I'm not suited for that sort of fate. If you call that destiny...'
Yuria revealed her distaste for superstitious notions of fate.
Had she yielded to fate, she would never have ascended the throne.
To her, fate was nothing but an idea used to rationalize weak wills.
'So... what should I do about those two...'
From this point on, she would have to treat them as the foremost heroes in the restoration of the imperial household and the Empire's most powerful.
There were not many such talents, and up to this point, they had achieved remarkable accomplishments.
Yet, their reputation continued to grow, and Yuria couldn't help being concerned by that.
'They're necessary to me, but they come with dangerous conditions.'
For Yuria, they were both tools and weapons, possessing determination for the Empire's defense.
For now they crush her enemies, but at any moment, they might reveal their hostility toward her.
If she made the wrong decision, even the foundation of the Empire could be shaken.
'I can't cast them aside now.'
Their names and fame had reached not only the nobles, but even the commoners.
In fact, thanks to her own rebellion, their justification had become even more pronounced, and followers had flocked to their side.
Their standing was already established—who could tell what would happen if she carelessly tried to encroach upon it?
'Because of them, the people are kept in line.'
The recent rebellions and monster invasions had inevitably caused the subjects of the Empire to feel uneasy.
That's why it was crucial to provide confidence that nothing could threaten their safety, and establish the conditions for prosperity.
Just their existence calmed the majority, and through that, Yuria could secure the justification for her own rule.
'Even if all the monsters disappear... a symbol of peace must remain.'
People easily forget practical matters, but believe immediately what they see and hear for themselves.
So they are swept up by rumors and atmosphere, and take unverified things as truth.
In other words, if suitable conditions and results were given, that belief would solidify and unite them.
'They know they must obey the Emperor. That's why they've obeyed my commands until now.'
Yuria was aware that their loyalty was not blind.
Other nobles and officials were likely the same, and the common people feared the Emperor's authority.
In the end, they acted out of rationality, on the basis of their own survival and happiness.
'If I try to discard them, then they...'
At last, Yuria spotted the two and slowly rose from her seat.
She needed to ask their opinion regarding the marriage.
If she could hear their answers, perhaps she'd get a hint of their desires.
"We pay our respects to Your Majesty the Emperor."
"We pay our respects to Your Majesty the Emperor."
"Thank you for coming. Shall we take a walk for a moment?"
After receiving their formal greetings, Yuria naturally led them toward a secluded spot.
Moon Shadow of the covert mobile unit followed Yuria, refusing to lower his guard toward the two.
Even if they were favored nobles, he couldn't neglect his duty.
"How have you been lately?"
"Thanks to Your Majesty's gracious favor, we have lived without incident."
"I still regret not being able to attend your wedding. I kept sending you off to war right up until the ceremony. You must have resented me."
"Not at all. How could we defy a strict imperial command?"
"Just hearing you say that takes a little of the guilt away."
Yuria answered in an old-fashioned manner and smiled.
To her, these two were not only the powerful, but nobles and loyal supporters as well.
Even as Emperor, it would be wrong to treat such close allies carelessly.
"So, having observed the candidates... what do you think?"
"All the candidates have such outstanding qualifications that it's difficult to recommend any one of them."
"That's all right. I just want to hear your thoughts. Sword Flower—you might best understand how I feel, correct?"
Yuria slowly turned her head and addressed Brillie.
She wasn't ignoring Alter's opinion, but she couldn't help but focus more on Brillie—since they were the same gender and Brillie would soon inherit the duke's title.
"... If I may speak frankly, I think the second son of the Count Evner's family and the eldest son of the Baron Elderit's family are outstanding. Neither family's history is brief, and both have made significant achievements for the Agnes Empire."
Brillie replied without hesitation, meeting Yuria's gaze directly.
Yuria mulled over the names mentioned, and quickly formed a suspicion.
'Neither of those two belongs to the Illenat faction.'
Yuria kept observing Brillie, belatedly discerning her intent.
As the next head of Duke Illenat's house, Brillie was essentially stating that she had renounced her ambition for power.
At the same moment, she seemed determined to prove her loyalty to the imperial household.
'She gave the answer I wanted. Can I trust her a bit more now?'