Chapter 127
Chapter 127: Sacred Glory to the Valdeon Empire
To complete the final procedure of the coronation, the Archbishop bowed his head again in respect.
“Sacred glory to the Valdeon Empire. We behold His Imperial Majesty, Guardian of Valdeon and Master of the Majestic Crown.”
The nobles who had been watching the coronation in hushed silence also bowed their heads and formally greeted their new Sun.
“Sacred glory to the Valdeon Empire. We behold His Imperial Majesty, Guardian of Valdeon and Master of the Majestic Crown.”
Lupeon surveyed the packed banquet hall before nodding once. Then, striking the regalia twice against the floor, he spoke:
“I swear to rule the Empire with your loyalty and faith.”
As the new Emperor’s ascension concluded, thunderous applause filled the banquet hall.
‘Congratulations, Lupeon.’
Perhaps because it finally felt real that his wish had come true, Elena felt her eyes growing misty.
“Sniff—”
“Father, are you actually crying right now?”
At Lisette’s incredulous outcry, Elena turned to look at her father.
The Marquess seemed overcome with emotion, likely thinking of the Empire’s emergence from its dark period and all their efforts until now.
‘More than anything, he must miss His late Majesty.’
It was the moment when his friend’s son, to whom he had sworn loyalty, officially inherited the throne.
Elena wore a bittersweet smile as she silently handed her handkerchief to the Marquess.
Soon the nobles began forming a long line to greet the Emperor.
“Congratulations, Your Imperial Majesty.”
“We behold the Sacred Guardian.”
It was almost laughable how they now changed their tune, when not long ago they had looked down on him as the deposed crown prince.
Elena gave a slight snort before looking at Anasha, who sat beside Lupeon.
The child, to whom everything must feel new, was blinking like a rabbit, seemingly bewildered inside.
Still, seeing her sit there so properly made Elena feel proud.
‘When did she grow so much? She’s really admirable.’
Thinking Anasha didn’t need to keep staying in place now that the coronation was over, Elena glanced at her brother.
“Lisette, you said you don’t have a partner today, right?”
“Hey— Sister, don’t you know it’s rude to mention that?”
She had heard that Lisette was attending the coronation without a partner after a recent quarrel with his lover.
“Then would you keep Her Highness company?”
“What? You want me to keep Her Highness company?”
To her perplexed brother, Elena replied with a somewhat worried voice:
“Yes, I think she might be lonely by herself.”
Soon the orchestra would begin playing, and Elena would have to share the first dance with her fiancé Lupeon, as tradition dictated.
Even after that, Lupeon would be busy without a moment’s rest, having to converse with nobles seeking an audience.
Of course, Elena could stay by the child’s side after the first dance, but she would need to leave briefly to fetch someone.
Rather than letting it be remembered as just a boring ceremony, she had secretly prepared a small surprise to make it more special for Anasha.
‘I hope they arrive on time.’
When Elena explained her secret preparations to Lisette, he gave a cheerful laugh.
“Ah, I see. Then I should fulfill my role properly.”
Elena nodded slightly while giving her brother a faint smile.
“Thank you, Lisette.”
Through the gathering crowd, Elena quietly approached Anasha.
“Miss, aren’t you bored sitting here?”
The child nodded as if she’d been waiting for someone to ask, looking at Elena like a savior.
“Yes, it’s very dull.”
“How would you feel about having Lisette keep you company?”
“The young Marquess…?”
As Anasha tilted her head curiously, Elena gave her a bright smile.
“Yes, you remember my brother, don’t you?”
“Yes, I remember him.”
Anasha frowned slightly, seeming lost in thought.
Worried that the child might be struggling to refuse her suggestion, Elena carefully added:
“Of course, if you don’t want to—”
“No, big sister! I think I’d be comfortable with the young Marquess.”
Elena gently pulled up the corners of her mouth as she looked at Anasha’s starry eyes, which seemed full of anticipation.
* * *
Watching Elena and Lupeon dancing on the banquet hall floor, Anasha clapped her hands lightly, her eyes twinkling.
The two of them looked just like a prince and princess from a storybook.
‘Brother and big sister really do look perfect together!’
Other nobles seemed to feel the same way about how wonderful they looked.
The atmosphere surrounding the couple at the center of the dance floor had grown warmer and more tender.
“How do they shine so brightly?”
Lisette chuckled at the child’s innocent question, rubbing his nose before proudly answering:
“I’m not just saying this because she’s my sister, but my sister really is amazing.”
Like sharing a secret, Lisette bent his knee and whispered softly to Anasha:
“When she was at the academy, would you believe my sister graduated top of her class from the difficult magic department?”
“Really? Top of her class…?”
Looking at the child whose eyes had grown round at this new information, Lisette continued with growing enthusiasm:
“Moreover, there were so many people pursuing her that I had trouble figh— ahem, keeping them away.”
“I think you did a very good thing!”
Anasha clapped her tiny hands and responded brightly.
After all, she couldn’t even imagine her big sister becoming engaged to anyone other than her brother.
Seeming to appreciate how their interests aligned, Lisette gave a good-natured smile.
“Your Highness really knows what’s what.”
After quietly listening to stories about her big sister, Anasha soon asked in a shy voice:
“Do you think… I could become a wonderful adult like big sister?”
Looking slightly surprised at the child’s question, Lisette soon nodded and pulled up his lips.
“Your Highness will definitely become a wonderful adult.”
Just then, as the first dance’s music concluded, thunderous applause and cheers erupted from the nobles.
As the gentle melody grew brighter, a variation began to play.
When Elena, who had briefly stepped away, reappeared with someone, Anasha’s eyes grew round like a rabbit’s.
“Benya, why are you here?”
The boy, who approached shyly in neat attire, soon bent one knee slightly and formally bowed.
“Your Highness, would you grant me the honor of the first dance?”
“What…?”
As if trying to help them, Elena spoke to Anasha with a gentle smile:
“He practiced so hard—it would be a shame to send him back now.”
At her big sister’s words, Anasha’s face brightened as if her momentary hesitation had been resolved.
“Yes, I’d love to!”
Though she took Benya’s hand and headed to the dance floor, Anasha felt her heart tightening with nervousness.
Her movements were stiff, as this was her first time dancing in front of everyone.
‘I practiced so hard, but what if I make a mistake?’
If she made a mistake in front of all the nobles attending the banquet, it would surely bring shame to her brother.
Though she tried to move carefully, when things didn’t go as planned, Anasha’s expression grew gloomy.
As if trying to ease her worries, Benya playfully spoke up:
“Oh, I think I forgot to tell you something important.”
“Something important?”
Grinning with a triumphant look, the boy began answering Anasha’s question:
“I’ll have you know I’m quite renowned for my dancing skills in the Western Continent.”
“Ah…?”
As Anasha looked at her friend with disbelief, Benya let out a small laugh.
“So feel free to step on my feet. I’ll dodge them anyway.”
At Benya’s playful words, Anasha finally relaxed and showed a bright smile.
“Then I’ll make sure to step on them a lot!”
“No, that’s not what I— ouch.”
Before he could finish speaking, Benya’s eyes filled with dismay as Anasha stepped on his foot.
