I Picked up the Demon King - Chapter 125
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 125
In the history of the Empire, there had never been a single funeral for an Emperor.
The Past Emperors who inherited the Hero’s blood could instinctively sense their own death. Therefore, before dying, it was customary to abdicate by passing the Imperial Crown and Dragon Throne to the Prince.
Just as the First Emperor had done.
Taking only one most precious possession, the Emperor would meet death in a place unknown to anyone.
The final moments of an Emperor who had held the entire Continent in his grasp would be buried and forgotten beneath the inauguration of the New Emperor. Perhaps it could be seen as pitiful.
“I don’t like that.”
The Crown Prince said with a slight frown.
“The moment I ascend to the throne, that position is mine until the day I die. The future imperial succession and such—let whoever remains figure it out themselves.”
“….”
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
He asked Ruin, who was standing beside the Crown Prince with an expressionless face.
“It’s been truly difficult to understand your thoughts all this time, but today I think I know. ‘I didn’t know you were such a greedy person.’ Right?”
The Crown Prince’s stiffly set lips relaxed loosely.
“It’s bothersome, I’m saying.”
He buried his rigid body into the Chair. He loosened his neatly arranged hair and twisted it with his hand. A small sigh escaped from the mouth of the person who had been arranging the Crown Prince’s hair.
“The position above all people. Even that arrogant Old Man of the Magic Tower and the Foreign Monarchs will all bow their heads to me.”
The Crown Prince recited the faces that naturally came to mind.
“It’s no different from now. Rather, it only increases the work I have to do.”
Such was the position of Crown Prince of the thousand-year Empire. With just the single reason of being the Emperor’s legitimate heir, he already held power that no one could covet.
If there was a difference, it would be that now he shared that power, even if just a little, with his Half-brothers. It was a story that would end in just a few hours. The moment the Emperor placed the Crown on the Prince’s head, they would all become Imperial Family in name only.
“If I’m to take on work I never even thought about until death, shouldn’t I be allowed to do as I please at least at the end? Well, whatever.”
Effort had no value whatsoever. Talent was the same. Only the Blood one was born with was everything. The Crown Prince always felt boredom.
“Think of some interesting entertainment.”
“Your Highness. Until the succession ceremony is over, you must maintain proper composure. If your attire becomes disheveled, His Majesty will…”
“This is sufficient. How is it? Don’t I overflow with dignity?”
“Yes…”
The woman who had been arranging his ceremonial robes bowed her head at the Prince’s stubborn attitude. The Emperor might be furious at the Crown Prince’s disheveled appearance, but after the succession ceremony ended, this man would be Emperor anyway. It was clear whose words she should heed.
The Crown Prince, not even glancing at the woman as she withdrew, asked Ruin again.
“So, is there nothing that comes to mind?”
“…”
“I’ve already understood quite well that Heroes are a boring lot.”
He yawned without restraint and ran his hand through his hair. One of the women who had spent hours arranging his hair was nearly on the verge of fainting.
Ruin, who had been watching this scene for a moment, answered.
“There is something called… Corpse Play.”
“…Corpse Play?”
The Crown Prince showed interest. Still buried in his chair, he only turned his head to look at Ruin.
“The name alone doesn’t quite appeal to me. So, what kind of game is it?”
“It’s a game where you don’t move like a corpse, hiding even your breathing while waiting. The first one to move or make a sound loses the competition… or so I’m told.”
“Well now, what a boring game.”
Contrary to his words, the Crown Prince giggled as if he couldn’t contain his laughter.
“Still… it would be quite useful for cultivating patience. You’re saying I lack perseverance? Is that what you want to say? Very well. I’ll wait obediently. Resume the grooming. And.”
Then he straightened his body that had been buried in the chair.
The servants who had been making death-like expressions didn’t miss the opportunity and rushed over. They didn’t forget to convey their gratitude to Ruin with subtle glances either.
The Crown Prince smiled while watching all of this.
“Tell them to come in.”
At the Crown Prince’s gesture, a waiting servant opened the door and disappeared.
“From today, you will take charge of the newly established Imperial Guard Knights.”
The Hero, Ruin Epeldor, was incorporated into the Imperial Family. Naturally, he enjoyed many conveniences as a member of the Imperial Family. Like the Crown Prince, though for different reasons than the Crown Prince, he spent his time doing absolutely nothing.
That too was now coming to an end.
A month ago, the moment he accepted the knight appointment, this had been predetermined.
“Nothing much will change. There’s no madman who would target the Imperial Emperor. You just need to stand by and maintain the atmosphere, so it’s no different from what you’re doing now.”
The moment the Crown Prince spoke jokingly, the door opened and the servant who had left earlier returned. Behind him were about five men and women.
“The Imperial Family’s secret weapons.”
Their appearance was too alien to be called secret weapons. They still hadn’t completely shed their youthful appearance. But the reason Ruin couldn’t take his eyes off them was different.
Pure white bleached hair. That was…
“Failed products of the Artificial Hero Project. Since the Imperial Family had a significant stake in the experiments, we were able to secure them.”
It was the mark of Test Subjects, the same as Hero Ruin.
Test Subjects who produced satisfactory results were given names and received various support according to their uses. Ruin’s golden hair that shone brilliantly like gold was also one of those.
“They have excellent talent, but they’re all taciturn like you. I was certain the moment I saw them.”
Ruin let out a small sigh. The Crown Prince must have been preparing for this moment from the instant he learned about the Artificial Hero Project.
It was a twisted hobby.
“Now then, the name is White Knights. How about it?”
“…I understand.”
“Good. The uniforms and armaments are already prepared. Right after the succession ceremony, we can announce it along with the knight appointment.”
“Your Highness. It’s time. His Majesty the Emperor is waiting.”
The Crown Prince briefly looked at the attendant who had spoken to him. The smile that had been on his face disappeared as if it had never been there.
“Right.”
He rose from his seat and headed outside.
The sounds of countless nobles chattering at the succession ceremony, musicians playing, footsteps… The noise that had been blocked by a single thin door poured in from all directions.
The Crown Prince walked through the noise.
One more sound was added. It was the sound of admiration for the Crown Prince’s appearance, which had been shrouded in mystery until now.
The Crown Prince knelt before the Imperial Throne.
“My son. Abel Epeldor.”
The old Emperor opened his mouth. The murmuring Nobles closed their mouths, and the hands playing instruments also stopped.
In the silence, only the Emperor’s voice spread softly.
“There are so many things I want to tell you… But such things would be of no use.”
A playful smile appeared on the Emperor’s face, but no one smiled along.
Immediately after, the Emperor hardened his expression, rose from his seat, and stood before the Crown Prince.
“Raise your head.”
He carefully lifted the Imperial Crown from his head and placed it on the Crown Prince’s head. The Emperor’s hands helped the Crown Prince rise from his position.
Even the Crown Prince’s face, which was always languidly relaxed, was coldly hardened at this moment.
As the Emperor led the Crown Prince toward the Dragon Throne, he suddenly whispered to Ruin who was guarding behind them.
“Please take good care of my son.”
“….”
There was no long and complicated ceremony. After a few steps, just a few steps. The Emperor seated the Crown Prince on the Dragon Throne.
“Now, the entire Continent is yours.”
Everyone present knelt down.
Finally, after the Emperor briefly knelt, he withdrew from his position. Until he left the Imperial Palace with slow steps, no one raised their head.
After a long while had passed.
“…A ring?”
The New Emperor’s mouth opened.
“Just one ring. Isn’t it rather shabby for the Former Emperor’s final act?”
At the incomprehensible muttering, everyone was cautiously watching the situation.
“That is the Empire’s tradition. It is the heart that chose to become shabby oneself in order to make the New Emperor’s future shine brighter.”
Someone stepped forward and spoke.
“You are a merchant.”
“Yes. I am Dahan. I operate a small Trading Company called Golden Star.”
The Emperor looked at his face for a moment before speaking.
“Golden Star Trading Company. I’ve heard of it. In just a few years, it’s counted among the continent’s largest trading companies.”
Though his voice revealed no emotion, everyone felt as if they were walking on a blade’s edge.
“So. What business do you have?”
Did this mean he would impose severe punishment if the reason was trivial? Even the continent’s greatest Trading Company would vanish without a trace with a single gesture from the Emperor.
However, the Trading Company Owner smiled and spoke.
“To commemorate His Majesty the Emperor’s succession ceremony, our Trading Company wishes to hold a small festival.”
“A festival?”
At that bold attitude, the Emperor finally began to show interest. The Trading Company Owner spread his arms and spoke.
“We’ve also prepared Fireworks that will be visible throughout the entire Capital. I believe it will not be unpleasant to watch. Will you grant permission?”
“A festival… Very well. I grant permission.”
The Emperor sank back into the Dragon Throne. He had hoped for something more, but it was a trivial reason. Still, he spared the Trading Company Owner’s life because his willingness to voluntarily hold a festival was commendable.
The Trading Company Owner smiled and bowed to the Emperor.
“Thank you. Then…”
Suddenly, tremendous vibrations shook the entire Imperial Palace.
The roof of the Imperial Palace disappeared completely from the shock of the massive Magic Circle covering the Capital being shattered.
The Nobles fled to avoid the falling Fragments and Wreckage. The Emperor sat still and raised his head.
A massive Fire Giant was roaring. From the Sky, Fireballs were falling as if to cover the Surface.
A hollow laugh escaped from the Emperor’s mouth.
“In just a few years, such things have invaded twice. Is this location cursed? I should consider relocating the Capital.”
No one laughed at the joke.
Because all those who had filled the surroundings had already fled. What remained were only Ruin standing with an expressionless face, and Knights in pure white uniforms.
“First command. Bring that thing that dared to look up at the Emperor before me….”
The Emperor’s movement stopped as he was speaking. Soon after, his head along with the Dragon Throne he was leaning against was cut away.
Ruin, who had been quietly watching him, opened his mouth.
“Oh my.”
The Black Shadow that had appeared behind the Dragon Throne shook the Elder held in its hand.
“The Former Emperor has secluded himself, and His Majesty the Emperor has perished from that Monster’s attack. It cannot be helped.”
He slowly walked forward to the Emperor. He paid no heed to the roaring Monster and the burning Capital.
“I, Ruin Epeldor, the only Imperial Family member bearing the Epeldor name, shall inherit the imperial throne.”
Ruin picked up the Crown that had been on the Emperor’s head and placed it on his own. When he touched the dead Emperor’s body, the lifeless corpse collapsed weakly. Without caring about the Blood staining him, he sat down on the half-collapsed Dragon Throne.
“Inheriting the Former Emperor’s will, I shall subjugate that Monster.”
The New Emperor smiled awkwardly.
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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