Reader’S Regeneration Life [EN]: Chapter 435

435―――――

Sion Claussen, reporting in again.

―Hispania shall now cast off the name of kingdom and soar as an empire!

―

From the royal palace, now to be called the ‘imperial palace,’ this news spread far and wide throughout the country, beyond its borders to other races and nations.

Having escaped the chaos of war and just entering a period of recovery, the people of Hispania began to gather in the imperial city. All the nobles of each region also hurriedly drove their carriages to the imperial city to celebrate the rise to empire and the birth of the first emperor.

Beastmen and fairies immediately decided to send congratulatory delegations and moved quickly, and Nudia exceptionally decided to dispatch envoys to express their congratulations as well.

And so, finally, the day of the emperor’s enthronement ceremony arrived.

Amidst the countless crowds and soldiers and knights standing guard without a gap, the protagonist of the day, the woman whose name would shine forever as the first emperor of the Hispania Empire, appeared.

“···.”

And, as always, Kim Yu-hyun was by her side.

If the fanatics were thinking of causing trouble again, they wouldn’t miss such a golden opportunity. Sion kept the strongest force next to the most important person in preparation for any major incidents.

In addition, all information networks were mobilized to monitor all movements within the imperial city.

If any suspicious movements were reported, the plan was to contact the Redenen margrave family immediately and wipe them out completely.

“Nyang, Sion.

Our warriors say there are no suspicious signs or smells?”

“My father and I scanned for magical traces, and there was nothing suspicious.”

Lia and Lucia returned first and gave their investigation report.

Immediately after, Trisha and Lilith also arrived and gave the same answer as the two women who had come earlier.

“I thought they would definitely move, but are those guys scared?”

“I don’t know.

However, the celestials and fairies have all run away, so they might think they’ve been abandoned and are trying to find their own way to survive.”

“The kids have no persistence.

No grit.

Look at our demons!

They’ve been through so much, and nothing has changed!”

“That doesn’t sound like a good thing, Lilith,” Sion muttered and looked at Vanessa, who was slowly ascending the huge platform.

On top of it, a woman was holding a splendid scepter and waiting for the emperor. Her identity was none other than Shaiella.

Originally, Vanessa had considered bringing Charles, but the distance was too far. Above all, she had the title of a celestial who had formally ‘defected’ to Hispania, so there was nothing as good as Shaiella as a way to highlight the power of the Hispania Empire, so the matter was decided.

Of course, the daily wage to be paid today was, as expected, Kim Yu-hyun’s torment.

Kim Yu-hyun was like, “Eughhh!” and begged for mercy, but Sion made a plea, not quite a plea, asking her to do it just this once because Shaiella’s presence would amplify the atmosphere of the enthronement ceremony several times over.

At Sion’s appearance, Zann persuaded Eos, and Kim Yu-hyun, who was persuaded again by Eos, eventually nodded and made a deal with Shaiella.

‘What did she say?

She asked to be bitten all night?

Anyway, what a unique celestial taste,’ Sion thought.

She looks like a celestial emitting a sacred aura when you just look at her like this, but anyway, Kim Yu-hyun was destined to meet only strange women.

Ekaterina, for example, had already received several battles as a down payment and was going around the imperial city looking for suspicious guys.

“Your Majesty the Emperor of Hispania, please come this way.”

Sion was worried that Shaiella might not be very good at this, but fortunately, it was just a baseless fear.

Her voice seemed gentle but somehow made your heart feel good.

In addition, her appearance in the sunlight and the pure white wings fluttering lightly behind her seemed like an angel who had descended to bestow blessings on Hispania.

“I ask you.

Even if any trials and tribulations come, can you swear to devote yourself to your country and your people?”

“I swear.”

“With light and justice in your heart, can you swear not to compromise with or succumb to the dark and evil, but to stand up to them with dignity?”

“I swear.”

“Can you swear that even though you are in the highest place, you will not ignore or despise those in the lowest place, but will care for them and feel sorry for them?”

“I swear.”

“You have now sworn three times before the light.

I sincerely hope that the lights reflected in the Emperor’s heart will shine brightly on this empire forever.”

With those words, Shaiella gently lifted the scepter and slowly placed it on Vanessa’s head.

As everyone watched with bated breath, the woman who had finally ascended to the throne of emperor slowly rose from her seat.

“Long live the Emperor of Hispania.”

As planned in advance, Shaiella knelt down and handed her the scepter she was holding.

Vanesa, holding the scepter, turned her body with a slight smile and announced the appearance of the emperor to all the people of the empire who were watching only her.

And at that very moment, someone’s exclamation soon became a huge shout that made the entire imperial city seethe.

“Long live the Emperor!”

“Long live Hispania!”

The nobles of the empire, and the countless citizens of the empire.

And the northern warriors, beastmen, fairies, and even the envoys from Nudia, who had been at each other’s throats until a few years ago, all shouted and shouted again.

It wasn’t just that Hispania had risen to become an empire, but that everyone had united to overthrow those they thought they could never touch, so they were now the center of the world, and that was the happiest and most enjoyable thing.

“Long live the Hispania Empire!”

“May Your Majesty live long!”

In particular, the soldiers and knights who had fought fiercely in this war filled their eyes with the sight of Hispania moving forward as an empire, with more emotion than ever before, even shedding tears.

What they had achieved with their blood and the deaths of their comrades, the darkness had finally lifted and the light had come, so they couldn’t help but be moved.

Although not everyone has returned, they were standing in their place and watching this scene.

The departed are remembered, and the empty seats next to them keep blurring their vision.

They shouted even louder, as if to let the whole world know that the blood they shed and the sacrifices of those who had left were not in vain.

That day, when the most brilliant light in the world shone.

The first country to call itself an empire in a continent full of chaos finally rose.

It wasn’t just that they themselves called themselves an empire, but Hispania took its first step as an empire in that glorious moment, which other countries and other races even congratulated and recognized.

―

“Sion Claussen, come forward.”

After ascending to the throne, the first thing Vanessa did was, of course, reward those who had contributed.

In particular, with the Lichten margrave completely relinquishing his position as head of the family, Sion naturally inherited the position of head of the Claussen count family.

And just one day after Sion became the margrave, Vanessa gave her a new title.

“From today, the Claussen Margrave Territory will be promoted to the Claussen Duchy.

Also, Sion Claussen, you will relinquish your title as count from today and fulfill your duty as the first duke of the empire.

In addition to the Claussen territory that was originally yours, I, Vanessa Ringle Gnaeus de Hispania, Empress of the Hispania Empire, declare the duchy to include the land beyond the east and part of the land to the south.”

A declaration made in the name of the imperial family and the emperor.

Thus, the head of the Claussen Duchy, who would become the first duke of the empire and rule a vast duchy, was established.

“I will be loyal, Your Majesty.”

“As you have been until now, and as you will continue to be, I will trust you.”

Afterwards, Empress Vanessa gave appropriate rewards to many people who had made contributions.

In particular, when the title of nobility, which was only allowed to nobles, and even the enormous title of count, was given to Kim Yu-hyun, everyone applauded and welcomed the first nobleman from outside the country.

He was no ordinary person, but an unparalleled hero and a sword that had saved this country from crisis, so they couldn’t help but welcome him.

The Hispania Empire, which announced its most brilliant appearance in the world, held a national event to comfort everyone who had suffered.

The imperial family’s funds were released, and the nobles also put out money as they could afford to forget the hardships of the past, holding a joyful feast to congratulate those who had returned and offer comfort to those who had left.

Sion smiled at the festival where not only the people of Hispania enjoyed themselves, but also the northern warriors, beastmen, fairies, and even the people of Nudia laughed, talked, and frolicked.

“Ehehehe!

Drink, drink!

Kyahaha!”

Ekaterina, who said it was a bit ambiguous to join the human festival, was already in the middle of the drinking party, downing nearly 100 glasses of beer.

At first glance, it seemed like she was a little out of her mind from the alcohol, but on the other hand, she seemed perfectly fine, so Kim Yu-hyun was wondering whether to stop her or not.

Zann and Eos were already having a drinking contest between sisters, and Lia was so fascinated by the food that she was running around here and there, picking up this and that.

Lucia coaxed and took Trisha, who was still reluctant to mingle with people, and Rishikida was having a conversation with the knights of Hispania who had rolled around the battlefield with her.

‘A clichéd happy ending.

But it’s not bad.

Originally, this is the most common thing,’ Sion thought.

Sion was quietly watching the scene when a glass of alcohol was suddenly pushed in front of him.

“Why are you suddenly acting like a loser?

Like you’re about to die!”

“It’s not acting like a loser, it’s sentimental.

This is what I’ve achieved after all the hardships I’ve been through.”

Then Lilith muttered, “Is that so?” and sat next to Sion.

After sipping her glass for a while, she opened her mouth in a casual tone.

“Lucia and Rishi told me that being a duke is a big deal?

It’s not just the title, but you have a huge amount of land directly under your control, so they don’t usually do it.”

“That’s true.”

“That’s proof that you’re that good?

You’ve done such a great job that they have to do that to acknowledge your contribution.”

Of course, that’s true.

However, Sion thought that Vanessa seemed to have other intentions and used her power to suppress the nobles’ opposition and immediately made the decision to grant the title of duke.

‘I may be loyal to the imperial family now, but there’s no guarantee that future generations will be.

The duchy can be a strong shield, but it can also suddenly become the most terrifying enemy, pointing a spear at the country,’ Sion mused.

Perhaps that’s why some true nobles opposed the title of duke.

If a duchy is established, a tremendous power that transcends the Hispania Empire may emerge from that vast territory, and in the end, according to the limitations of human nature, they may want to sit at the top.

Even if it doesn’t happen now, it could happen sometime in the future, and Vanessa couldn’t have failed to think about or deliberately ignored that part.

‘There’s a way to avoid that.

Give me the title of duke now and let me rule that vast duchy, but after me, the imperial family will take back the land.

In other words, it’s possible if the owner of the imperial family and the heir to the Claussen Duchy become the same person,’ he realized.

In the past, Vanessa said she would give up on Sion, and then asked if she didn’t have to give up if she didn’t need to anymore.

At that time, Sion unknowingly nodded.

She regretted it immediately, but it quickly disappeared when she saw Vanessa’s smiling face.

And right now, having become the emperor and wielding powerful power, she was now able to confidently take steps towards what she wanted.

‘Our Majesty the Emperor will probably send someone secretly soon…’ Sion thought.

The lyrics of the song, “Why does a sad premonition never go wrong?” came to mind.

It was already hard enough because of the women around her, but if the emperor joined in, it was certain that it would be a national emergency.

‘Damn it, I don’t know.

I really don’t have an answer for this, no matter what.

Let’s just deal with it when it happens.

It’s too terrible to even imagine now,’ he despaired.

“Please, future me!

Hate today’s me!”

Sion muttered and leaned slightly against Lilith, who was sitting next to him.

“Wh-what are you doing?”

“I think I’m drunk.

Just stay still.

If you react, you’ll attract more attention.”

“No, you idiot…”

Lilith sighed, but she didn’t seem to dislike it.

She looked at Sion, who had leaned his head on her shoulder as if he was going to sleep and closed his eyes, and slowly stroked her man’s hair with a beautiful smile.

The week-long festival ended, and it was time for everyone to return.

They had eaten, drank, and rested very hard during the festival, so now they had to return to their places and do the things they hadn’t been able to do.

“Are you going back?”

“Yes.

I have to meet the families of those who fought honorably and died, and above all, it’s my duty to take care of the tribes.

The war has been long, so I have to go back.”

Zann tries to hide her disappointment and pretends to be nonchalant.

Even her younger sister, Eos, has to return to the north this time to reorganize the tribes, so she can’t show her sadness as an older sister and representative of the same tribe.

“It won’t take long.

If possible, I’ll give up my position as tribal representative and go to you.

So don’t get too attached to other women when I’m gone.”

“Don’t worry and come back.

I’ll give you a very intense time as soon as you come back.”

Originally, Zann would have blushed and told him not to say such embarrassing things when Sion said these words, but this time was different.

Perhaps she was a little sad about the brief separation, she looked at Sion and eventually ran over and hugged him tightly.

“I’ll be back.

It’s just a temporary farewell.”

“It’s just a temporary farewell.

So come back safe.

And bring back lots of gifts.”

Sion patted Zann on the back and reassured her.

At those words, Zann nodded and took a breath, then turned around and got on her horse as if nothing had happened.

Then, as she had always done, she led Eos and the warriors back to their hometown.

“Nyang.

She’s leaving.”

“Yeah, she’s leaving.”

Lia, who had been watching quietly, scratched her cheek and subtly approached Sion.

“I have to go back to our land for a while.

The Hispania Emperor gave us an autonomous region, and there was a small dispute between the Myoeun tribe and the Wolrang tribe while dividing the territory.”

“Is it a big deal?”

“No.

It’s just a small dispute, but if we keep it quiet, it could get bigger, so I’m going to go quickly and tell them not to cause unnecessary trouble and to get along well.

We’re the only ones who lose if we fight, right?”

After saying that, Lia approached Sion and started rubbing her body against him, making a ‘grrr’ sound.

When Sion asked what she was doing, Lia muttered ‘marking territory’ and left her scent all over Sion’s body, then nodded as if she was relieved.

“It won’t take long.

So don’t erase my scent when I’m gone!”

With those words, Lia hurriedly returned to her hometown with the beastmen.

Following her, Sirien said goodbye to Kim Yu-hyun and also led her fellow tribesmen back to the forest.

However, according to Kim Yu-hyun, she said that she would come back to see him again soon.

As Claussen was promoted to a duchy, many people became interested in the commercial district there, and the partner Sion chose was, of course, Helen’s Heiness Merchant Guild.

Therefore, she decided to move the guild’s headquarters from the imperial city to the Claussen Duchy, but the schedule took longer than expected, so she couldn’t leave with Sion after all.

As a result, Helen, who was in tears, drooped her shoulders, and Lucia, perhaps feeling sorry for her, said that she would stay and help her and go to Claussen together.

“That’s good.

One or two competitors are leaving.”

“Trisha.

Help out and come with us.”

“Yes?

S-Sion?”

“I’ll feel relieved if there’s at least one ‘trustworthy person’ who can protect Helen and Lucia.

Will you grant my request?”

If he looks at her with a deep gaze, it’s game over.

Trisha, who was screaming, “Eughhh!” finally shouted, “I surrender!”

She decided to return to the Claussen Duchy with Lucia and Helen as soon as the guild’s preparations were completed.

In addition, the former Lichten margrave said that he would stay in the imperial city for a while because he had something to talk about with the emperor, so the only people who would be returning to the Claussen Duchy immediately were Sion, Lilith, Rishikida, Kim Yu-hyun, and his party.

“It reminds me of the old days.”

On the way from the imperial city to the Claussen Duchy.

Lilith, who was riding in the carriage, looked out the window for a moment and opened her mouth.

When Rishikida looked at her as if asking what she meant, Lilith shrugged her shoulders and continued.

“In the beginning, it was me, Sion, Rishi, and Kim Yu-hyun.

That’s how we came and went.

Lucia joined later.

Then the group gradually grew and now it’s a huge family?

I wonder how many wives our Sion is going to live with?”

“Cough.”

It was Lilith who reminded him of a problem he had forgotten for a while.

Thanks to her, Sion turned his head to look out the window as if he had nothing to say.

“···.”

As Lilith said, it feels like going back to the beginning.

The group, which was always noisy, is taking a break for a while, and the only ones by his side are Lilith, Rishikida, and Kim Yu-hyun, just like in the early days.

‘Of course, there’s a celestial [angel-like being] or dragonkin [a humanoid dragon] sitting in the coachman’s seat and talking nonsense, but let’s skip that,’ Sion thought.

It feels like going back to the beginning, but when you think about it, everything has changed.

The kingdom has become an empire, and the one who was supposed to die as a princess lives on as an emperor.

Everyone, though the process is different, is alive, all of whom were destined to meet a miserable death.

And they laugh, talk, and joke next to him.

Above all, the protagonist, who was bleeding and suffering in both body and mind, is no longer there.

Now, only a man who knows what leisure is remains, smiling and laughing.

‘Finally, the weakest and most vicious villain has disguised himself as a hero and is living well,’ he mused.

“If it’s this much.

Yeah, haven’t I saved it pretty well with this much?

Mr. Writer.

Both the characters and the novel.

I think the artificial respiration was successful.”