The Eve of the Coronation

An emperor's funeral was a complicated affair. Over the next several days, the nobles of the Imperial Capital took turns visiting the emperor's tombstone to pay their respects.

At first, the nobles went of their own accord. Later, the great nobles led the lesser nobles there in groups. Throughout the process, every political faction and clique within the Empire could be seen.

Thousands of Light Cultists dressed in golden robes prayed without rest before the emperor's tomb, praying for a soul that no longer existed. The spectacle was immense, and for several nights, the sky above the Imperial Capital remained bright.

Ryan belonged to one of the later groups. When he went alone to the emperor's tomb, all he could see were countless flowers surrounding Columbus III's grave. When he followed Count Clayton, he listened to the nobles mourn loudly.

Then, at night, the nobles gathered together because of banquets.

The emperor's funeral lasted a total of seven days, not counting the preparation time.

Ryan felt nothing about any of it. Fortunately, it was finally over.

On the eighth day, the nobles pretended to gather and discuss the war in the Northlands. After all, with the nobles all in the Imperial Capital, matters both great and small from the Northlands were being urgently sent over.

But that was merely an excuse.

Within the Hall of Elders, the nobles chatted idly about the war in the Northlands, but their eyes kept drifting toward the entrance.

Ryan and the Northlands nobles were seated together, commenting on the food and customs of the Imperial Capital. Ryan looked toward the entrance and sensed a terrifying power approaching. As his gaze shifted, knights in platinum-white armor entered the Council of Elders, carrying lances and knightly swords.

"Emperor's Imperial Guard."

The Imperial Guard, composed of nobles,