Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 540

The Coronation

One step, a day.

Another step, a year.

Then, one more step, ten years.

With each step towards the coronation hall, Jin recalled the past. It wasn’t so much remembering with his mind, but more like revisiting the memories etched into his heart.

The devil’s whispers that had burrowed into his ear.

The touch of his mother, who had abandoned him.

The blood and tears that had flowed down his chin.

And the vow he had whispered, that he would cut down anything for Bariel.

Creak.

Thud!

As the doors of the coronation hall opened, a majestic melody burst forth along with the bright light. The nobles, who had been waiting anxiously, all turned their heads to find their new emperor, gasping at the long, flowing cloak.

“It’s so beautiful, oh my.”

“It contains all of Bariel’s history; it’s too dazzling to look at.”

The golden thread embroidered on the red fabric was so splendid and delicate that it seemed impossible for human hands to have created it. From the founding of Bariel to the era of the previous emperor, everything encompassing history was densely embroidered without a single gap. At first glance, one couldn’t tell if it was gold thread on red fabric or red thread on gold fabric.

“The Prime Minister is following right behind.”

“Next is Maxim Tweller, the Minister of the Imperial Defense Department. I thought it would be the Magic Department, which is a bit unexpected.”

“Didn’t they say there would be a departure ceremony right after the coronation? With war on the horizon, it’s the right decision to give more prominence to the Imperial Defense Department than the Magic Department. The Magic Department can move with its mere existence, but the Imperial Defense Department ultimately moves with the hearts of the people of the empire.”

“How wonderful it would have been if the Empress were here too?”

“I was just thinking the same thing.”

“Oh, please don’t say that. There are many Davion people around.”

Following Jin, the imperial officials entered. The Prime Minister held a small golden dagger, and the other ministers held lit golden candlesticks.

“Roel, there’s my brother!”

“…Yeah. I see him.”

Bibi shook Roel, seemingly moved by the sight of Ian, and then whispered softly.

“You know what? The meaning of the dagger the Prime Minister is holding.”

“…No.”

“It means he will closely assist and serve His Majesty and work together in state affairs. Furthermore, it’s also a vow to stake his life on speaking the truth about right and wrong.”

“What about the candlesticks?”

Roel looked down at Ian and asked. It was unclear whether he was looking straight ahead or watching Jin’s back as he walked ahead.

“The candlesticks mean they will dedicate their lives to illuminate the path His Majesty will take. And it’s also the light that connects the Imperial Palace and the people of the empire. It shows that His Majesty is there, and I am here.”

Hmm. I see.

Bibi and Roel’s whispers were gradually drowned out by the Imperial Palace orchestra’s performance.

Meanwhile, Jin arrived at the platform below. Before reaching the throne, he first had to pass a statue in the form of an angel. It was said to be the messenger who connected Bariel and God at the time of its founding.

“It is holy water.”

At that moment, the high priest came with holy water and bowed. Jin took some of the water with his fingertips and, with a reverent gesture, drew it across his forehead, under his eyes, and below his chin. Before ascending to the throne, he wanted to show God his human form one last time.

He knelt before the statue.

Swoosh.

“My name is Jin Berosian. I am a descendant of Bariel, blessed by God, and a member of the imperial family. I offer my prayers to God, and I ask that the messenger please ensure that my voice reaches the heavens fully.”

The melody stopped, and the surroundings were filled with silence. The only thing that could be heard was Jin’s calm voice. It was a sound close to a murmur, yet his whispers echoed so loudly that everyone present could hear them clearly.

As Jin bowed deeply, a drop of holy water trickled down his chin.

“From this place, I will become the father of all things in Bariel. Not only the warm sunlight and fresh leaves, but also the cold that pierces the heart, someone’s laughter and tears, everything that exists will be with my name.”

Thud!

The nobles also raised one hand to their chests and looked at the statue.

“Therefore, I beseech you. I hope that the blessings of the great empire that have continued for 1,111 years will continue in the future, and please allow me to create the empire that God desires. I swear. If Bariel wills it, I will give my every breath, blood, and destiny. If you do not want me-”

Jin raised his head and met the statue’s gaze. It looked as if he was crying because of the holy water.

“Then kill me in this place. If that is God’s will, then I will gladly die for Bariel.”

The coronation prayer was a long-standing tradition. Unless one died in that place, one would gain the justification of having received God’s permission.

Most people knew that it was a show, but even so, they couldn’t help but feel tense when ‘death’ was mentioned before God. Because-

“They say that in a thousand years, only two people have died during the coronation prayer.”

Bibi whispered very quietly between her teeth. She thought Roel probably wouldn’t know since he grew up in the desert.

“I don’t remember their names exactly. Because they didn’t become emperor. Anyway, one was crushed to death by a chandelier that fell due to a political enemy’s scheme, and the other died from poison disguised as holy water.”

It was death caused by humans, not God, but the repercussions were clear. They were recorded as those who died because they were not chosen by God, and it gave the opposition a justification to rise rapidly.

It was unlikely, but with that in mind, all the nobles were watching Jin with tension.

Whoosh!

The window curtains behind the statue were drawn back. Then, a bright light came in, and the statue’s shadow stretched out long, creating the illusion that its arm was caressing Jin.

The Prime Minister bowed, and the ministers lowered their postures in succession.

‘…God’s permission.’

Ian saw himself through the prostrated Jin. Had he been like that on the day he ascended to the throne? Had God allowed it and caressed him with a shadow?

Suddenly, he remembered the god who had embraced him in the abyss, and a smile appeared on his lips.

“Prime Minister.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I will serve you with all my heart.”

Before ascending to the throne, Jin greeted the officials who had followed him by touching cheeks. The Prime Minister and Minister Maxim Tweller carefully paid their respects, and then it was Ian’s turn.

“Your Majesty. Thank you.”

“I should be the one saying that. Sir Ian.”

No. Truly, thank you with all my heart.

Because you have become emperor, my history has finally begun. Bariel will prosper beautifully along the predetermined path, and I will be at the end of it.

Your Majesty. There was a time when I realized and envied you. Unlike me, you are the one who will leave a mark on history. Unlike my fate, which will fade away, your fate seemed so complete that nothing could shake it.

But now I realize again. Because you are strong, I can start anew in the future. And being able to witness that beginning is the luck given to me.

Clasp.

Jin and Ian embraced each other silently, sharing that meaning.

Then, slowly, Jin finished greeting the other officials and ascended the stairs. With his movements, the golden cloak rippled and swayed.

Swoosh-

“I, Jin Berosian, declare my ascension as the 15th Emperor of the Great Empire of Bariel.”

Jin sat on the throne and grasped the imperial sword beside him. Then, all the officials and nobles who had been lowering their postures prostrated themselves on the floor, marveling at the emperor’s ascension.

Ding- Ding-

The sound of bells rang from somewhere.

The people of the empire who had gathered at the Imperial Palace cheered and clasped their hands. Then, thousands of people simultaneously prostrated themselves, celebrating the birth of the emperor.

“Jin Berosian, our Emperor!”

“Wow, congratulations everyone! It’s a new era!”

“Bariel! Bariel! Bariel!”

“Ah, may God’s blessings be with you!”

Ba-ri-el!

The beginning of the glory that God holds-

The heart of Gaia that turns golden when it rains-

Raise your heads high, and you will see-

The light in that high place, the lamp of Bariel-

A hymn that no one knew where it started from gradually swelled. Jin came out of the coronation hall and waved his hand to the people of the empire, and everyone cheered and threw flowers.

Boo-oo-oo-

Boo-

Soon, the sound of water buffalo horns rang in succession. People who were looking around, wondering what was going on, began to point to the sky one by one.

“Oh! Look at that!”

“It’s a dragon!”

“Wowww!”

-Kyuuuu!

As the red dragon soared powerfully into the sky and cried out, people waved their hands and rejoiced. At first, they thought it was a monster that had crossed over through the black moon, but since it was said to be a gift from Ruswena, they were happy. They didn’t know the detailed circumstances behind it.

“A new era of the Great Empire of Bariel has begun.”

Zzzing. Zzzing.

The mages connected magical tools to amplify Jin’s voice. The emperor’s message was like a whisper in their ears. The people looked straight up at Jin, their eyes sparkling.

“As emperor, I will promote the development of the empire and the well-being of you all, and furthermore, I will eternally protect the glory of Bariel. Anyone who tries to stop this, no matter what it is, will not be forgiven. I will make them atone with blood and spread the majesty of Bariel far and wide.”

“Waaaaa!”

The crowd cheered with clenched fists, and then the march of soldiers began in the distance. There was a sense of determination in their unwavering steps.

Thud! Thud!

“Burgos. It is a neighboring country that has shared a border with Bariel for a long time, but now they have lost their national pride and are killing each other, and furthermore, they have killed our Bariel envoys. I, Jin Berosian, cannot overlook this. The brave warriors of Bariel, go to Burgos and show them what justice is.”

The vanguard of the Imperial Army left the Imperial Palace. Dozens of white horses led the way, carrying the Bariel flag, and the people who had not been able to enter the Imperial Palace cheered, blessing the soldiers’ departure.

“Come back safely!”

“Go and bring victory! Bring victory!”

“Proud soldiers of Bariel! You are the heroes of the empire! Thank you!”

“Eileen! Eileen!”

At that moment, a man in the crowd recognized a familiar face among the soldiers and called out repeatedly. Eileen, who had been looking straight ahead with tension, slightly turned her eyes to look at the man. It was the owner of the tavern she had been indebted to.

“Eileen! Come back safe and sound!”

“……”

“Don’t die! Don’t get hurt!”

“……”

“Come to the tavern when you get back! I’ll give you all the drinks!”

She was no longer a clerk working at the tavern, but a soldier belonging to the vanguard. She couldn’t even turn her head easily, so she just winked one eye and smiled.

At that smile, the owner, who had been following Eileen through the crowd, nodded in relief. He couldn’t follow the march due to the growing crowd, but he shouted at the top of his lungs one last time.

“Eileen! You are a warrior of the empire! You’re awesome!”