He Became The Most Insane Emperor Of All Time [EN]: Chapter 115

I Became the Greatest Crazy Emperor – Episode 115

I Became the Greatest Crazy Emperor 115

Isborg, after 3,000 years, should rightly be called ruins, but the condition of the ruins wasn’t as dire as one might expect.

Many areas were damaged, but a surprising number remained intact, and most importantly, the Ice Palace was in remarkably good condition.

Not only was its magnificent facade preserved, but even the throne itself was untouched, though it had grown cold with age.

“The civil war is over. Now, all that remains is the reconstruction of the Empire.”

And there I sat on that throne, discussing the future of the Empire.

The ruined throne of Isborg felt like a tangible symbol of the Empire’s near collapse, giving me a strange, poignant feeling.

“Grand Duke.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“The North will henceforth be established as a Grand Duchy.”

Grand Duchy.

As the name implies, it’s a territory ruled by a Grand Duke. [A Grand Duchy is a sovereign territory, smaller than a kingdom, ruled by a Grand Duke or Grand Duchess.]

It might seem contradictory to create a Grand Duchy now, considering there’s already a Grand Duke of the North, but in reality, the title has been more of an honorary designation than a position of true authority.

Strictly speaking, under the Empire’s governing structure, he isn’t the ruler of an independent Grand Duchy but rather an Elector of the Empire [An Elector is a noble with the right to participate in the election of the Emperor].

“I am humbled, Your Majesty, but could you elaborate on the reasoning behind this decision?”

“Of course. It’s to guarantee the autonomy of the North.”

The desire for autonomy in the North was a major catalyst for Hatsgar’s uprising.

Until recently, the Empire had consistently neglected and ignored the North, even exploiting its resources instead of providing support.

Such instances had decreased during my reign, but the core demand of the rebels was the Empire’s dissolution.

Even some loyalists, those who didn’t support the rebellion, desired guaranteed autonomy for the region.

“The Empire will no longer discriminate against the North.”

It’s somewhat unconventional to maintain direct control over the Eastern and Southern Territories after suppressing their rebellions, while simultaneously granting the Northern Territory independence as a Grand Duchy.

The Western Territory was granted autonomy centered around the Knights, but it doesn’t amount to full independence, making the contrast even more stark.

Even members of the former rebel faction should find this arrangement satisfactory.

However, the Grand Duke of the North didn’t seem particularly pleased.

“If you prefer, I could elevate it to a kingdom instead of a Grand Duchy… but I suspect that wouldn’t be to your liking, Grand Duke.”

“…I apologize, Your Majesty. I am hesitant even about the Grand Duchy.”

“Why is that?”

I had a suspicion as to his reasons, but I wanted to hear it directly from him.

The Grand Duke spoke in a low, measured tone.

“Your Majesty’s decree to end discrimination against the North is commendable. Even those who participated in the rebellion will likely accept it. However…”

The independence of the North presents both opportunities and challenges.

Why had the Grand Duke of the North been so reserved in advocating for greater autonomy?

“…It seems likely that we will no longer receive support from the Empire. Without that support, the North will struggle not only to develop but even to survive.”

That’s because the harsh environment of the North makes isolated independence incredibly difficult.

Warriors driven by emotion might clamor for independence or autonomy, fueled by resentment of past discrimination, but pragmatic intellectuals like the Grand Duke understood the larger implications.

“As you pointed out, Grand Duke, it will be difficult to receive support from the Empire in the future. Ah, of course, I’m not deliberately cutting off support. It’s simply that the Empire’s current situation is precarious.”

Conversely, the reason I’m promoting the North to a Grand Duchy is that the Empire, fractured by civil war, can’t effectively manage its vast territory.

Holding onto a region like the North, which currently consumes more resources than it generates, would only impede the Empire’s recovery.

“Does that mean… you are abandoning the North?”

“Of course, that’s not the case either.”

“But the North…”

“Life is difficult there because of the extreme cold, correct? That implies that we only need to solve that problem, doesn’t it?”

My question seemed to puzzle the Grand Duke and the others.

“That’s… true, but…”

The Grand Duke trailed off. My logic was sound, but how could anyone possibly solve the problem of the North’s unrelenting cold?

That was the crux of the matter.

I surveyed the expressions of those gathered before the throne and a smile tugged at the corners of my mouth.

“For that, we have the legacy of Isborg.”

“Isborg’s… legacy?”

I nodded at their questioning gazes.

It was a legacy left behind by a man who endured for 3,000 years.

* * *

The top floor of the Ice Palace.

Exposed to the elements, stood a crystal fireplace that had long since gone cold.

It was directly connected to the Crystal Garden, where frost flames once burned.

But now, it was dormant and inactive.

“Long ago, Isborg created a thriving civilization even in this frozen wasteland.”

Creating spring and summer in a place where cold reigned supreme, protecting its people from the harsh environment, and becoming the most beautiful jewel of the North.

However, the frost flame that made it all possible eventually faded and disappeared.

And now, 3,000 years later, it was about to be rekindled.

“I will revive that legend.”

[Empire Soul Stage 1]

[The Empire Soul begins to synchronize with the ‘Legacy of Isborg’.]

Zzzzzz-

Kugugugu-

As the Empire Soul synchronized with the frost flame deep beneath the palace, it released intense energy, causing tremors that felt like an earthquake.

The assembled onlookers wore tense expressions, but their faces soon changed as blue flames erupted in the crystal fireplace.

“It’s warm…”

“The entire city is becoming warmer.”

Warmth returned to the city for the first time in 3,000 years.

The landscape of Isborg, where snow began to melt as warmth spread, was no longer just a collection of ruins.

It was being transformed into a foundation for reconstruction, brimming with endless possibilities.

But the effects weren’t limited to the city.

“Not yet.”

“Your Majesty?”

[Empire Soul Power Release]

[Deploying Bi’s ‘Salvation of the North’ with the ‘Legacy of Isborg’.]

[A significant amount of divinity increases with the release of Bi’s.]

Hwaaaaa!

As the Empire Soul intensified, the frost flame burned even brighter.

Its power spread warmth not only to Isborg but throughout the entire North.

“This is what Kalibal endured for all those years.”

“Th-there! The blizzard is disappearing!”

“No… it’s not just the blizzard. The snow is melting. Even the perpetual snow that never melts…”

Those on the top floor of the palace could see it clearly.

The snow in the snowfield was melting, revealing the moist ground beneath.

They even witnessed the perpetual snow on the mountain ranges melting away, creating new rivers.

Black soil and flowing water.

A blessing that had been absent for countless generations was returning to the barren lands of the North.

A blessing bestowed by a man who had become a god in their eyes.

“Grand Duke, now the North can stand on its own.”

“Your Majesty…”

“Lead the North well, with the help of everyone here.”

With that, the civil war in the North came to an end. Furthermore, all the civil wars within the Empire were finally over.

Now it was time to return to the Imperial Palace.

* * *

“Hildegard, your help is essential to rebuild the North.”

“Your Grace, command me as you will.”

After the Emperor’s departure, the Grand Duke sat on the throne of the Ice Palace.

He had effectively become a king, but he couldn’t shake his thoughts of the Emperor.

However, his priority was the reconstruction of the North, not his personal loyalty.

Therefore, he sought the cooperation of Hildegard, his concubine.

“In the future, there will be no discrimination between civilized people and tribesmen in the Grand Duchy of the North. But to achieve that, we need the cooperation of the tribesmen.”

“Now that we have gained autonomy in the North, the tribesmen will be more inclined to cooperate. However, there will inevitably be those who wish to preserve their traditions.”

“I have no intention of disregarding traditions entirely. But we must abolish customs that are harmful, and we can no longer confine ourselves to a nomadic or hunting-based existence.”

There’s no reason for the tribesmen to live in poverty.

Unless they are deeply entrenched in tribal traditions, many are likely to be influenced by the civilization of the cities.

But resistance is inevitable.

“I will persuade them. Those who refuse to listen will be compelled to participate in a fair manner.”

“Hmm… I understand.”

‘Fair manner’ undoubtedly meant a duel.

Eventually, the practice of settling disputes through duels would have to be re-evaluated as a tribal tradition, but for the time being, it could be a useful tool for implementing reforms.

…The Grand Duke couldn’t help but feel a slight chill at Hildegard’s eagerness to crush anyone who stood in her way.

“I will also ensure that tribesmen have equal opportunities in all public offices and receive equal support.”

“All the people of the North will rejoice.”

“I hope so.”

The Grand Duke of the North said, glancing at the vassals surrounding the throne.

The knights and warriors of the North all wore bright expressions, seemingly content with the current situation.

Then, he made eye contact with Ygritte.

Ygritte seemed to harbor a hint of regret.

“Ygritte.”

“Yes, Father.”

“…What are your aspirations for the future?”

“Are you asking me as your potential successor?”

Successor.

Now that Cress, the legitimate son, had relinquished his claim to the throne, Ygritte was the heir apparent.

Ygritte was a formidable warrior, and while she lacked some formal education, she was intelligent enough to learn what she needed.

But the Grand Duke wasn’t necessarily asking about her succession.

“Answer freely, without considering such matters.”

“Then… I want to train warriors again. To prepare for stronger enemies.”

“Stronger enemies?”

“The demons.”

“Hmm.”

The Grand Duke nodded in response.

The reconstruction of the North was paramount, but so was its security.

Now that the civil war in the Empire was over, their primary threat came from the demons of the North.

Of course, depending on the circumstances, they might also have to contend with other races or enemies from other empires.

“Someone must maintain and train the army, preparing us for future conflicts.”

“It won’t be easy. The snow has melted, but the situation in the North will still be challenging.”

“So… I’m considering taking on mercenary work. Earning money by traveling to other regions.”

“You are the heir apparent. Would it be appropriate for you to travel so freely to other regions?”

“The Emperor of the Empire doesn’t spend much time in the Imperial Palace either.”

“…”

There was little he could say to counter that argument.

“If that’s the case, you could always pass the succession back to Cress. Now that the North has warmed up, there’s no reason for me to insist on being the successor, is there?”

“…Let’s consider that matter carefully. Now, everyone except Hildegard, please leave the room. I need to speak with her privately for a moment.”

At the Grand Duke’s command, everyone bowed and departed.

As soon as he was alone with Hildegard, the Grand Duke turned to her.

“Ygritte isn’t being entirely honest.”

“She’s always been like that. She should just admit that she’s sad about parting ways with the Emperor.”

Tsk, Hildegard clicked her tongue.

“A warrior of the North shouldn’t be so passive. She should pursue someone she desires, even if she has to take them by force.”

“…”

The Grand Duke of the North felt a bead of sweat trickle down his temple at Hildegard’s aggressive words.

“But it’s a matter that requires further consideration, Hilde. It would be a politically advantageous move for Ygritte to marry the Emperor, but if she does, it will be difficult for her to become the ruler of the North.”

“Then we can always make Prince Cress the successor again, can’t we?”

“That’s true, but…”

“Let’s not worry about it prematurely. It’s a good problem to have.”

“Hmm, I understand.”

The Grand Duke of the North decided to agree with Hildegard’s surprisingly moderate opinion.

“More importantly… shouldn’t we celebrate our reunion after so long?”

“…”

…Even so, the Grand Duke of the North knew he would have to defend himself against Hildegard’s possessive advances.