-4-
The fruit of our labor_
Written by: Lemon
The next day, the former emperor died, and immediately following, a new emperor's coronation ceremony was held. The fact that the coronation was held so casually, even though it had barely been a day, likely reflects the empire's precarious financial situation.
The coronation ceremony, held with such splendid pomp that it made the previous day's death pale in comparison, slowly began to unfold before her eyes.
"...and..."
"What are you so surprised about, Belly?"
"...it's too flashy"
"I'm so surprised by the new emperor's coronation."
The Duke smiled faintly, seemingly trying to ease her tension, and for a moment, she was able to stop her trembling hands and legs. But the trumpet call announcing the opening soon brought her hands back to trembling.
She gently held the Duke's hand, and her cautious steps should have shown confidence rather than anxiety and fear. She left her trembling hands to the Duke for a moment so that everyone present could see that, and then she raised her head, straightened her back, and walked forward with her legs stretched out powerfully.
Probably so much so that no one would dare say anything to her.
And immediately before her eyes stood the Grand Duke of the Duke's House and the Grand Count of the Count's House, side by side, and between them stood a priest holding the Emperor's crown. She stopped before them.
"Princess of the Kilobers Empire, Freyad Berlisi
"Bow your head and listen."
The resolute trumpet call ceased, and the spring breeze blew gently. A few leaves flew in and gently swayed against her white dress, only making the sight more beautiful.
She slowly lowered her gaze to the red carpet below, dusted with pollen, along which she had walked, and took a deep breath. The Duke carefully released her hand, took a few steps back, and waited, both of them bowing their heads.
Following her, the Duke, everyone present—the Duke, the Count, the Ministers, the Lords, the Nobles, and even a few commoners—all lowered their heads slightly to the floor and waited.
As everyone prayed silently, the imperial national anthem was heard.
The singers sang along to a beautiful piano melody. Halfway through the national anthem, as it reached the chorus, the suffering of the past five years and the face of the Duke who had brought her to this position flashed through her mind like a kaleidoscope.
Even though she hadn't even put on a tiara yet, she was already shedding tears. She didn't hold them back, nor did she let them flow any further. She was faithful to letting the tears flow only to the extent of her emotions.
"......"
At that moment, when the glorious and magnificent nation of the empire had come to an end and everyone was in silence, the priest opened his mouth and spoke to her in a loud voice.
"Princess Pleyard Berlis,
The Empire of Bone KilobersEmpressTo reign supreme.
"The people of the empire should welcome her with open arms!"
As the priest finished speaking, a wave of applause and cheers suddenly surged through her, making her heart swell beyond control. The sound of a large bell announcing the inauguration of a new emperor of a vast empire...
Doo-woong-
The sound reverberated rapidly, blaring loudly enough to fill every corner of the empire. Only then did a smile of joy and emotion slowly creep onto her face. The Duke smiled, his heart at ease.
"Berlish, lower your knees for a moment and bring your head here."
Her gorgeous, beautiful white dress was slowly lifted into her hands, and at the same time, she knelt slightly on the floor. Seeing this, the bride brought the emperor's crown she had been holding to her head.
It was a splendid crown of dazzling light. It was dazzling. The dreamy, beautiful feeling it radiated, gently illuminated by the spring sunlight, was something no precious jewel could possibly match.
Finally, the crown rose above her head after a moment of silence.
It was settled.
"Please grant glory to this Kilobers Empire."
When the crown was placed on her head, it looked so out of place. It suited the white dress and her hair so perfectly. Everyone there must have felt it.
That an empress worthy of the empire had finally taken her place.
That night,
Just before her changing of clothes began, a small, cautious knock sounded in her quarters. Her maid, Shuro, tilted her head and turned toward the door. As the door creaked open, a welcoming face appeared in the crack.
"...Are you Belly?"
"Your Majesty!!"
The Duke approached her with a big smile, and she greeted him brightly as if she was happy to see him.
"You had a hard day today, Belly."
"No, the Emperor's throne is just beginning, so what..."
"But you stood there for hours and greeted people.
"It must be hard..."
"are you okay,
By the way, why did you come to my residence?"
"Ah... that's..."
"By any chance, Belly...
Will you marry me...?
-Open ending-
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The End
((Thank you so much for reading this long post!!♡))