As a duke of the Empire of Fars and one of its most powerful figures, Duke Charlotte Mecklen's return to Strasbourg was no longer as unnoticed as before. The entire city was stirred.
Some even came out to catch a glimpse of this rising star of the political world, who had shot up like a meteor over the past few years.
Charlotte could not go see Anne immediately. He first had to visit the Old Emperor at the palace.
Charlotte and Antonio rode side by side through the streets of Strasbourg. Though it was an utterly ordinary matter to the two of them, it was an exceedingly subtle signal to the entire empire.
It represented Duke Charlotte Mecklen, who held military power and possessed the empire's largest territory, openly supporting His Highness the Crown Prince.
It was a symbol of the empire's stable rule.
Having endured far too much warfare in recent years, the people of Fars no longer wanted any more war. They only wished to live peaceful, stable lives. The empire's government was secure, and the Old Emperor and Crown Prince had gained the support of the empire's strongest minister. To every resident of Strasbourg, this was excellent news.
When Charlotte and Antonio passed First Avenue, some of the gathered commoners even began cheering spontaneously, triggering countless others to join in: Glory to the empire! Long live the Crown Prince! Long live Duke Mecklen!
Charlotte was startled. Fortunately, the Old Continent had never originally possessed the phrase "long live." It had been "invented" in his own novels—well, not truly invented by him, of course—so there was no danger of overstepping his station. Even so, it still sent a faint chill through him.
Charlotte said quietly, "Why are they shouting 'long live'? Did someone put them up to it?"