The Imperial Second Legion left the Imperial Capital, bound for Carlos Province in the south.
Whatever else might happen, the army's return had firmly established Emperor Columbus IV's standing within the faith of light. He had devoutly carried out the will of the deities, and this exalted sovereign, like his father, was fully qualified to serve as the Grand Pope of Light.
The day after the army departed, the Empire settled the arrangements for the coronation in the imperial palace.
The day of the Divine Grace Festival would be Emperor Columbus IV's day of glory.
This had been decided long ago.
But once that decision formally became part of imperial affairs, the emperor's authority entered a protected period that would last until the Divine Grace Festival. Before the coronation, the Empire's nobles would not challenge his will in matters of power.
In exchange, the emperor also had to begin preparing for his coronation from that day onward.
This was not because Columbus IV had already restored the authority Columbus III had possessed while alive.
Rather, with the emperor about to be crowned, the nobles ought not to displease him at such a time. They ought to smile and congratulate His Majesty the Emperor on what lay ahead.
In turn, the emperor could hardly strike those who greeted him with smiles. Everyone would remain cordial and welcome the Divine Grace Festival together.
In essence, it was much like how Ryan could use the birth of his child as a reason to avoid a great deal of trouble.
Ryan's first child was about to be born. The emperor, too, had to share his joy and offer congratulations, rather than angrily question and reprimand a baron who was about to become a father.
In short, at such a momentous juncture, everyone ought to