[Translator – Angel Dust]
[Proofreader – Prototype]
Chapter 153
It’s rare for the Emperor to leave his residence. It’s similar to how the heart should remain in its safe place within the chest.
The sight of the Emperor, holding a medal in one hand and patting a subject’s shoulder with the other, was an act typically reserved for heroes returning triumphantly from war.
To add to that, even those events were usually held in the widest part of the city, after taking all measures to ensure that everyone in the world, everywhere, could witness the scene.
“I will not speak at length.”
In that sense, this scene taking place here, in the Imperial Academy’s plaza, was incredibly new and shocking to both the people of the empire and those from other nations.
The Emperor’s voice wasn’t particularly majestic or grand. However, it was precisely that calmness that made all the citizens of the empire gulp.
“Because the whole world already knows. Everyone is a witness.”
More than half of those gathered today were Academy students.
Normally, high-ranking nobles and officials of the empire would be seated, but this time was different.
This was possible because the Emperor himself had expressed his wish that ‘the masters of this place are them, so don’t needlessly take their seats away.’
And precisely because they were ‘students,’ new reactions emerged, different from before.
The previous reactions were more of vigilance and calculation than respect or reverence. That’s how nobles and imperial officials would typically react.
The Emperor had no intention of belittling or criticizing that.
However, this time, the people were different.
They were less tainted by the world and could be a little more pure.
The Emperor was more pleased to see them cheering and their eyes sparkling with the desire to become like him.
“I am merely bestowing the glory befitting a noble who has brought honor to the empire.”
As the Emperor finished speaking, the Chamberlain stood respectfully behind him. He held a large chest in his hands.
Everyone gathered here knew what was inside, thanks to the widespread rumors.
“Your sacrifices would be honored even by the First Emperor.”
The chest opened, revealing four distinct medals gleaming within.
Four honors for today, but only one person to bear their glory.
“Your honor will be remembered even at the end of the empire.”
As those standing beside him nodded, Karl, who had been waiting, carefully knelt before him.
He felt embarrassed to the point of madness, but as the Emperor had said, ‘Become an object of admiration for those students,’ he couldn’t deny that either.
The young souls who looked up to heroes and dreamed of becoming heroes themselves might one day become another hero.
“Karl Adelheit. Young Lord of the Friedrich County. Sharp sword of the empire, and loyal subject of the Imperial Family. Come forth and stand proudly before the glory that is rightfully yours.”
With the Emperor’s permission, Karl, who had been kneeling, slowly rose.
“In recognition of your contributions to the internal affairs of the empire, I bestow upon you this medal.”
First, the Highest Order of Merit, bearing the name of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, was placed on Karl’s chest.
Another glorious light revealed itself beside the Medal of Honor, which was already shining brightly.
“Furthermore, in recognition of your positive influence on the future of the empire, I bestow upon you this medal.”
The Golden Crown Cultural Medal was placed next to it.
It was usually awarded to outstanding scholars or artists, but this time it was awarded for having an influence comparable to theirs.
“Next, the Imperial Parliament unanimously decided to award the Parliamentary Honorary Golden Medal.”
Normally, only 2/3 approval was needed, but this time, the entire Imperial Parliament made the same decision.
To a small extent, he was a war hero of the empire.
To a larger extent, he was a warrior of light who spread his benevolent influence throughout the continent.
The moment they said, ‘It’s a bit inappropriate to award a medal to such a person,’ their political careers would be over.
“Finally, as the head of the Imperial Family and the ruler of the empire, I personally express my ‘respect’ and bestow upon you the Imperial Freedom Medal.”
The Imperial Freedom Medal was under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Household Ministry. In other words, only the will of the Imperial Family mattered.
How many people in the history of the empire had received the honor of the Emperor’s respect?
The students, gathered to enjoy the festival, stared blankly at the recipient of that honor.
“It looks good on you.”
The Emperor smiled brightly as he looked at the medals on Karl’s chest.
To think that he, who was extremely reserved in his emotional expressions, could smile like that.
The Chamberlain, and even the Minister of the Imperial Household Ministry, were all secretly quite flustered.
“Behold.”
The Emperor reached out and grabbed Karl’s shoulders, turning him towards the crowd.
“He is the one who protected you.”
At the Emperor’s words, at least a few understood clearly.
Some students who had almost suffered greatly at the hands of the Luzernes elves last year.
Students who had relatives or friends on the train.
And others, though not very close, who had been able to sleep peacefully a few years ago because Karl was on the front lines.
“Behold once more.”
The Emperor concluded with a declarative final word.
“He is the one you will admire.”
* * *
I suddenly became curious.
What would the imperial historians write about this day?
The Emperor personally coming to the Academy and bestowing four medals, and then having a mere noble give a congratulatory speech at the Academy festival, despite the Emperor’s presence.
Whatever it was, I’m sure it would be a delicious event for historians.
“Uh… I’ll keep it short.”
To be honest, I think I blacked out for a moment.
When the Emperor said to me, ‘It seems appropriate for Young Lord Karl to give the congratulatory speech,’ I’m pretty sure I responded with some gibberish as proof.
That’s why I said such nonsensical things. I can assure you, those words in no way reflected my true feelings.
“Having fun is also a skill. I hope this autumn festival will be even more enjoyable than the last one.”
After saying it, I thought it might sound like, ‘I still remember what your kin did last year, you elves,’ to the elves.
But it was too late.
The face of the Hyzens elves sitting in front seemed to turn a little pale… I don’t know. Let’s just assume it was my imagination.
And to be honest, your people did do something wrong. Think of it as compensation for that, and bow deeply to the Imperial Academy every year at this time.
Meanwhile, a high-ranking imperial official approached me and whispered—
“We plan to attach all the medals to Young Lord Karl Adelheit’s new military uniform and present it to you. A new uniform, even more impressive than the previous one, will be delivered soon, so you can look forward to it.”
“Ah, that…”
“Hahaha! I’ll receive your thanks later. It’s not comparable to the medals, but we did our best to prepare the uniform.”
I’m not exactly thrilled about it! You’re going to give me a new uniform weighed down with medals and then expect me to wear it to every official function, aren’t you?!
Just because it’s supposedly more comfortable than wearing the medals themselves!
I wanted to protest, saying they didn’t need to bother with the medals, that I could simply pin them on myself. But I couldn’t say that in front of the people who were working hard for me.
In the end, the best I could do was, ‘Thank you. Hahaha.’
“Young Lord Karl Adelheit.”
Just when I thought it was finally over, the Chamberlain approached me.
“His Majesty wishes to see you briefly before returning to the palace.”
“I’ll be right there. Lead the way.”
I thought he had said everything he wanted to me, but it seems he had more to convey personally.
Instinctively, I felt that this had something to do with the foreign dignitaries who had flocked to the Academy.
Just a while ago, he had put me at the forefront, showering me with all sorts of compliments, as if telling the Academy students and everyone else to look at me.
“You must also be aware.”
As I reached the Emperor, he got straight to the point, making me realize that an Emperor is indeed an Emperor.
“The Holy See, Hyzens, Lasker, and even Avileshti. They all came to the Academy with their own reasons.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Enjoy the festival.”
“…”
“Youth is a good thing, isn’t it?”
Listening up to this point, I could roughly grasp what the Emperor wanted.
– Foreign dignitaries are here, but the Holy See aside, the other three are a bit… troublesome, aren’t they?
– I’ve already boosted your reputation, and it’s the Academy festival, after all. Moreover, you’re still young, so acting boldly won’t be a big issue.
– Therefore, I permit you to act out to a degree that you deem appropriate.
That’s quite a difficult request, Your Majesty.
Something that can be tolerated under the name of a festival, yet simultaneously put pressure on the three places excluding the Holy See. That is too difficult.
I scratched my head for a moment before coming to a conclusion.
There’s only one thing I’m good at, after all.
“Hmm.”
I checked the greatsword at my waist.
[TL/N: Oh no…! ????]
I received the blessings of two cardinals and the Pope, so it should have some magic resistance, right?
As for my clothes… well, it doesn’t matter if they get a little burnt. I’ve rolled around on the battlefield with my body on fire many times before.
[Flame Magic Demonstration! – Maximize the Splendor of the Festival!]
I’ll apologize to my magic research juniors in advance. Don’t blame me. The Emperor made me do this.
[Translator – Angel Dust]
[Proofreader – Prototype]
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