The Rebirth of the Empire

After receiving news of the victory, Farrant rushed nonstop from the Northern Frontier to the imperial capital. Some Edict Knights traveled with her—knights without fiefs, selected from among the second sons of nobles and the second sons of knights.

Traveling along the Northern Frontier's main road with the dignity of The Empress, she attracted many wealthy people who also headed for the imperial capital to witness the moment their liege formally took control of this vast nation.

The formal coronation ceremony had yet to begin. An emperor's coronation had to be conducted in the presence of all the noble vassals and religious figures throughout the country. Since Farrant was absent, Reiner had simply declared himself emperor and decided to wait for Farrant to arrive in the imperial capital so they could be crowned together.

The entire imperial capital had become a sea of celebration. Colorful flags fluttered throughout the city, while countless merchants used the upcoming coronation of His Majesty the Emperor as an excuse to slash their prices and sell goods at steep discounts.

The children carried honey bestowed by the imperial family, sang nursery rhymes praising His Majesty the Emperor, and ran barefoot through the streets.

"May the Holy Father bless you! Slow down, children! There'll be meat when you get back!"

"Thank His Majesty the Emperor! This feels just like a dream!"

The flour and grain distributed by His Majesty the Emperor had greatly eased the imperial capital's impoverished residents' hardships. The arrival of countless merchants and the imperial family's massive purchases of various goods had also provided the city with a great many jobs.

Once wealth and resources began circulating, the imperial capital—which had become as stagnant as a pool of dead water because of the wars—filled with vitality once again. The residents had endless work