The definition of "recognition."
"Place the table here."
Cherry blossoms floated across the world, carried along by the wind. Everyone bustled about preparing the banquet, and the heads of the families, to commemorate the centenary of the founding, all returned to the capital.
The head of the Snow family had brought gifts of products from his homeland for the Hwajaga family, and the head of the Moon family had distributed invitations to the banquet among the people. It was a day filled with happiness.
"It's bothering me."
This would surely be written this way in the history books. Kim Taehyung bit his lip. Seeing the people busy, he crossed his arms and kicked a stone lying on the ground.
His half-brother had overthrown the heads of other families and the tyrant of the empire, and as a result, he had been rewarded by becoming the new emperor of this territory.
The scene, where the golden winds of the fallen emperor dispersed, and the emperor gazed at the empire with longing eyes, with the blood of his enemy on his sword, was a moment that remained unforgettable to this day.
Of course, the consequences were not insignificant. We had strived to balance relations with other nations instead of engaging in a civil war. Despite this, we survived. We lived with honor.
However, this could only be enjoyed under my brother's influence. Since I wasn't the legitimate son, I was always treated as a second-rate son. The smiles he gave me, claiming to be sincere, ultimately turned to poison.
And today was the day that would finally end that long and twisted fate.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty."
The one who deserved the most praise, as always, was simply dressed. He wore pink clothes that matched the cherry blossoms, and a flower crown instead of a real one. He was my brother, the emperor of this empire.
Her eyes, full of kindness and seemingly knowing everything, and her lips slightly lifted. At first glance, she seemed like someone who was always happy.
How could such a good person kill others and ascend the throne? People wondered. How could someone who seemed incapable of killing even an insect have killed so many people?
They didn't know. They didn't know how cruel and ruthless he truly was. They didn't see the day he killed all the rioters as he traveled, hunted down their leader, and left no trace of revenge.
"There's no need for 'Your Majesty'. Call me 'brother'."
"The law requires this. It cannot be avoided."
I stood behind him, observing his slightly nervous posture. I watched him straighten his clothes, steady his voice, and look straight ahead. The feelings in my heart couldn't be expressed in words.
The people cheered, and the knights swore allegiance to this country. But now, this scene would change. Cherry blossoms would fall, and plum blossoms would carpet the ground, creating a dazzling display.
I took a deep breath and straightened my stance. Was there anything I had trained for longer than this sword technique? For me, it was a piece of cake. I focused all my will, my brother's will, and the will of the plum trees into the sword.
"Blossom, oh plum tree."
Finally, the revolution began.