DSB 146

Becoming Emperor does not mean one can rule a nation easily. The people of that country must look up to him, the nobles must follow him as his hands and feet, and the tips of the knights’ swords must be aimed at the enemy, not the Emperor.

It would be a mistake to assume that enemy was still the North. Moreover, there were those remaining who were biding their time, unable to accept the one who was about to ascend the throne. Those who were not currently attacking the imperial city were the most dangerous.

The northern knights had to return to the North, if only because of demonic beasts. Then, shouldn’t they nurture those who remain in the Empire well so that they can protect the Emperor and defend this place?

And above all, Yutis has a power to draw people in. Lebel trusted his abilities more than anyone else.

“I heard the imperial knights follow you well? It would be troublesome if they continued to think of us as enemies. Yutis, you have fought well enough so far.”

So, you shouldn’t go to dangerous places just to fight needlessly. Send the other knights away and you should stay in a safe place.

“Although we are short on manpower because Biakin has been killing indiscriminately, there are many good points.”

There was no emotion in Lebel’s voice. He felt no pity for the death of humans, nor did he intend to mourn. On the contrary, he planned to use this chaos to build a platform for Yutis. If filled with his followers, the imperial palace would boast walls far more solid than before.

Walls built solely for Yutis.

He had no intention of allowing the environment that had driven him into battle without protecting him to continue. He needed to command many shields so that neither demonic beasts, humans, nor demons could threaten him any longer.

“Ascending to the throne is easy. But being recognized as Emperor is a completely different matter. Even though it is a hassle, if you intend to rule the Empire, you must win the hearts of everyone living in it.”

Yutis was doing a great at it.

“In that sense, Yutis, you are doing well enough. There are many northerners who follow you, but they can’t help you here. And they can’t all emigrate either.”

Yutis quietly nodded. Despite the war breaking out so suddenly and the fact that they had somehow managed to capture the Empire’s capital, the people of the North would not move their homes. Some might relocate, but not everyone could leave the North to come to the Empire.

“The North can breathe a sigh of relief. Come to think of it, it was Luceris’s fault that life there was so difficult. Since it is a naturally cold region, blizzards will cause trouble, but the demonic beasts will gradually weaken.”

After a moment of hesitation, Yutis spoke.

“… Do you wish for me to ascend the throne? It sounds as if you have already marked me as the Emperor.”

Lebel stopped walking and looked up at Yutis. He was deep in thought. His face showed he was asking himself if he could truly bear such a heavy burden.

“Then I would speak with your best interests in mind; do you think I would enthrone another human as Emperor?”

Yutis shook his head slowly. The thought of Lebel asking someone else if they had any intention of becoming Emperor made him feel annoyed. He’d rather grant his request himself than see him ask someone else for help.

Lebel shrugged his shoulders and said.

“Of course, that is just my opinion.”

The North was the victor of the war, and since Yutis protected the capital, it was only right that he should become Emperor. That was why Lebel told him to show his face often in positions related to leading the knights or rebuilding the capital. However, that did not mean he wanted to force him.

“Do what you want to do. Being just my husband is also fine.”

So he made sure to say that.

“That is actually the most important thing. The position of Emperor is secondary.”

Yutis was the most suitable candidate, but if he did not want to do it, Lebel had no intention of forcing him. He was a man for whom the burden of the North alone was heavy. Just imagine him adding the Empire. Even though they were once enemies, he would quickly forget and throw himself into the cause for the people living in the Empire.

He was treating them so well right now that it made Lebel laugh ironically. After all, this was the Empire that discriminated against the North and subjected him to all sorts of insults.

“You don’t have to do it. If you don’t want to, I will.”

Karon and Merick had encouraged him to try. He wasn’t exactly thrilled about it, but it was only a few decades. Besides, he had already arranged for people to command, so it shouldn’t be too difficult.

Just then, Yutis suddenly said,

“No. I would rather do it myself.”

“Hmm?”

“The position of Emperor is dangerous. I cannot place my wife in such a place.”

Yutis spoke with a determined expression. There would be many who would challenge for the throne, and many who would never tolerate a leader from the North ascending to it.

It didn’t matter if Lebel inherited the bloodline of the Emperor, he had lived his life being ignored and called the “Foolish Prince” of the Empire. As long as that perception remained ingrained, opposition regarding his legitimacy would never cease.

“I think I would be a better fit.”

But at least no one would look down on him. He would not let that happen.

“Come to think of it, I think it would be better for you to live in the Empire. It is warmer here than in the North, so you won’t catch a cold.”

A warm breeze ruffled Yutis’s hair. Unlike the North, the air in the Empire was gentle, and even the sunlight was warm. Consequently, Lebel’s attire was much lighter. Since he didn’t have to wear a heavy fur cloak, the burden weighing down his shoulders was also lessened.

“Will you be alright? If you become Emperor, you cannot return to the North.”

While he could travel back and forth as much as he wanted using magic, leaving the imperial palace unattended for a long time was no easy feat once he ascended the throne. The position of Emperor was that heavy.

“Where you belong is where I belong.”

Yutis spoke without the slightest hesitation.

“If you were to become emperor, I would be in the Empire. Therefore… I will become emperor.”

Lebel blinked at the affectionate yet firm declaration. Although it was sudden, Yutis smiled gently. At that moment, he reached out, cupped Lebel’s cheek, and carefully lifted his head.

“And if I become Emperor, no one would be able to covet you anymore.”

“Ha, who would covet me?”

“There are many who covet you.”

His voice was firm. It seemed that the trauma of Lebel being kidnapped by Biakin still remained deep within his heart. It wasn’t the first time he had heard such words, either.

“I will try harder. So that I can protect you, so that you can only look at me.”

“If you become Emperor, shouldn’t I be the one trying harder?”

“I will only look at you, so it is fine.”

Lebel chuckled.

“Are you saying I wouldn’t do that?”

“Ah, no, that’s not it…”

Lebel grabbed Yutis’s hand and pulled him closer as he trailed off, flustered.

“Where are you going?”

“Since you boasted about me, I’m going to boast about you.”

“Huh…?”

“Let’s go look around the capital. I’ve never really seen the capital properly before.”

Yutis was surprised; he hadn’t thought of that. Although Lebel was from the Empire, he was sold to the North as a bride the moment he possessed a human body. So, the Empire was just as unfamiliar to him.

“It’s still chaotic. Is that alright?”

“What does it matter when you’re right here.”

Yutis smiled as he looked down at Lebel’s hand, which was clasped in his.

***

The capital was bustling with the voices of people, yet it was far from peaceful. Traces of the great battle that had taken place in the city center still remained, and everyone was busy rebuilding the buildings. The sounds of hammers and shouts mingled, making the place noisy all day long.

“Hey, over there, watch out!”

“If you build it like that, it will collapse again!”

That was where Lebel and Yutis appeared.

It was Yutis who caught the eye before Lebel. His large frame and white hair, a rarity in the Empire, naturally drew everyone’s attention. Some bowed their heads, while others paused their work to offer a brief greeting.

The knights of hestro, who were working on construction amidst the citizens of the Empire, welcomed him warmly.

Although the war had been won, a portion of the army remained in the capital because there were matters to attend to there and a shortage of manpower. Edmund and Damian had returned to the North to explain the situation to their retainers and gather their opinions.

Since many of the Empire’s nobles were exploiting their territories, the problematic ones had to be replaced and new lords installed. Aside from that, thanks to Biakin killing most of the central nobility, there were many territories and assets left in limbo.

“Lord Yutis? Didn’t you come this morning? Is there something you need to convey…? Is it because of the troops that entered the palace earlier? I thought we should go….”

“No, it’s not that. My wife is safe.”

The knights was delighted upon spotting Lebel standing beside Yutis.

“Ah! You’ve come all the way here? The air is quite unpleasant!”

The air was indeed stall. A wind mixed with sawdust blew in suddenly. However, it wasn’t enough to cause health problems.

“You are here too.”

“Are we and the young madam the same?”

As the Hestro knights looked after Lebel, Yutis glanced at the imperial citizens who were peeking and looking around cautiously. Even at a glance, there was a clear difference between ordinary imperial citizens and the knights of the North.

“Is there anything bothering you? If anyone has heard threatening words or been subjected to unfair treatment, speak up. I will punish them.”

Just as the Empire was wary of the North, the North did not look kindly upon the Empire either. Since the matter was over, the knights would not act threateningly, but it could be perceived differently by the imperial citizens. Yutis knew this well.

“We are fine!”

They replied in unison.

“That’s right. What exactly are we supposed to do!”

“You know how grueling the labor we do here is.”

The knights spoke gruffly as well. The sense of distance Yutis felt was a misconception. The knights and the citizens of the Empire had reached a point where they could converse naturally, like next-door neighbors.