Book 7: Chapter 1

Book 7: Chapter 1

Grantsrale. The Imperial Capital of the Earthworld Empire.

Located right next to Veijyu Lake, the largest body of water on the continent, was the city that served as the capital, symbol of Earthworld, which was known for uniting the Eastern continent.

The Empire had conquered other countries, making it a melting pot of people and cultures. The capital was a perfect example of this: diverse in race and languages, mismatched in architecture. It was a busy city; nothing was polished about it.

Those from the West might wince at this graceless cityscape, seeing how deeply rooted they were in tradition. However, those with even a little bit of perspective wouldnt be able to stop themselves from shivering in fear.

The Empire had been on a path to expanding its territory for only a few decades. And they were far from being done, though theyd already united the Eastern continent. In other words, the Empire could one day strike again.

Earthworld, the Eastern ruler, was an insatiable dragon, going through a growth spurt

In a corner of the capital was a small restaurant called Quintet. Off the main road, the hole in the wall enjoyed decent business from the locals.

The capital was the heart of the Empire. It drew in citizens from all its lands. Running a business there was no small task. If the owner of Quintet was keeping the restaurant afloat in this dog-eat-dog world, it spoke volumes of his skills in the kitchen.

Quintet was busy as alwaysbut not exactly in its usual way. The second floor had been closed off to the public, reserved for the day.

Someone important here, owner? asked one of the customers.

Basically. So be on your best behavior, he replied, not trying to be needlessly polite.

Cmon. You couldnt find politer patrons if you tried.

Maybe when youre sober.

The customers burst into laughter and moved on to the next topic. They couldnt care less if someone had reserved the floor above them, and anyone who knew the owners skill wouldnt be surprised to hear a person of status was dropping by Quintet.

Well, if they had a chance to actually see who was above them, they would instantly be rendered slack-jawedfor there was Lowellmina Earthworld, the Second Imperial Princess of the Earthworld Empire, with a listless look on her face.

Phew.

Lowellmina was a beautiful girl, to say the least.

Glowing golden locks. Clear blue eyes. Everything down to her fingertips was polished. Even if you didnt know who she was, a single glance would tell you she was born into status.

As her face clouded over and she slumped in her chair, it didnt take away from her beauty. In fact, it gave her an ethereal, mysterious air. However

Im stuffed

If anyone found out that overeating was the cause of her listlessness, that illusion would come tumbling down like wooden blocks.

Urgh Whats wrong with me?

Your brain, I believe, Princess Lowellmina, pointed out Lowellminas attendant, Fyshe Blundell. She looked at the princess with utter exasperation as Lowellmina cradled her face in her hands, a plate full of food in front of her. You should have known you wouldnt be able to finish all of this.

Oh, here it comes. Wisecrackers just love to say, I told you sojudging and criticizing everyone else in hindsight, getting up on their high horses. You should have stopped me if youre going to chew me out now!

I tried. But I seem to remember someone insisting, Excuse you?! My stomach has never been better! This is nothing!

Lowellmina looked away.

Your Highness.

Okay! This conversation is over! I dont remember saying that, so we can drop the subject! Lets focus on something moreconstructive. How about a bite to eat, Fyshe?

Im afraid I dont remember offering to be your backup stomach when I vowed loyalty to you, Your Highness.

Ouch So this is what it feels like to be betrayed by your vassal! My heart feels like its torn into two!

That would be your stomach.

Stomach, heart, theyre both in my chest! Same difference!

Sure. Fyshe sighed, sitting down. This will be the first and last time, Princess. Im not a big eater, you know.

I knew youd come around, Fyshe! A loyal retainer is a blessing! Oh, if youre going to eat, I suppose I can order some cake for dessert. How many do you want?

Hm? Is something the matter? You look like youre staring at a pig that refuses to learn from past mistakes. Its like your eyes tell me everything: Oh, shes hopeless. I guess theres no harm in being kind to her until shes ready for slaughter.

Dont worry. Youre not imagining things.

Lowellmina cocked her head. Whats that supposed to mean?



Ignoring her master, Fyshe tucked into her meal. Several minutes later, the two had polished off the plates.

AhI cant. Ive eaten enough for three days. I cant eat another bite. Im going to become a cow. Lowellmina slouched in her chair.

But we managed. I imagine you dont have room for cake? Fyshe asked.

Oh. I do.

Finally. We can all take a break from this madness.

But I think the other princes will fight back.

Do you think there will be a civil war?

I dunno I honestly dont care who the Emperor is by this point. I just want someone on the throne.

That last comment was heartbreaking. Lowellmina drew her attention away from their conversation and sighed.

I knew it. Rumors of a coronation are spreading.

It was announced high and low, after all.

The coronation ceremony. The formal event to crown the new Emperor was carried out by someone with a claim to the throne. Once it was done, the new ruler would be recognized as Emperor both domestically and abroad.

Just the other day, Prince Demetrio had announced this ceremony was in the works.

The citizens must feel like its been a long time coming, Fyshe mused.

Two full years had passed since the Emperors death. They were in the middle of their third year without a leader. Lowellmina could tell people were starting to get impatient.

The Empire was still going strong, but there were hints of rebellion in its territory. Nations in the West were waiting for their moment to strike.

No one knew how long this period of peace could last with an empty throne, and every citizen hoped political stability would come as soon as possible.

But his ascension will pose problems for me.

If Prince Demetrio became Emperor, Lowellmina would have to give up her dream. However, there was no way she would just accept defeat lying down.

And so she would take action. Nothing had happened so far, because that was the way shed wanted it. But things were going to be different from now on. For her own sake, she was going to have to go against the peoples wishes.

The irony, Lowellmina repeated before looking at her attendant. Well, Fyshe? How are the plans for Weins visit coming along?

The crown prince of Natra, Wein Salema Arbalest.

They had history. Known throughout the continent, the prince was planning to visit the capital to aid her with the coronation ceremony.

About that. We just received a message. It said

Lowellmina looked up at the ceiling as she listened to Fyshes report.

Hrm groaned Demetrio, the eldest prince of the Earthworld Empire.

He was in a room in the city of Bellida. Of course, the perimeter of the building was stationed with guards, as was the rest of Bellida. In fact, the whole city had become his personal garrison.

Your Highness, I have reports from our spies on the middle prince.

Our potential ally, Lord Enshio, will be arriving tomorrow.

The other factions are moving faster than anticipated. We should act without delay

But the soldiers are getting tired. Right now, we should

In front of Demetrio, vassals were exchanging reports and opinions at lightning speed. They had one goal: to put Demetrio on the throne.

That was why they were currently leading the troops toward their destination.

However

Mmgh Demetrio was having a hard time focusing, even though they were in the middle of something crucial.

He wasnt alone. The vassals seemed to steal glances at the corner of the room, even as they engaged in heated debate.

So what was there in the corner?

Hm? Whats the matter?

There was someone flashing a blinding smile.

Dont mind me. Go on. Continue.

Wein Salema Arbalest.

The prince of Natra was in the room, for whatever reason.

Demetrio and his vassals were united in their thoughts: Why is he here?

Wein thought the same thing. Why am I here?

The curtain was rising for the newest chapter of our tale, tangled up in a web of conflicting goals and drawn by unintended scenarios. Sparked by Prince Demetrios coronation announcement, this incident would be known in history books to come, labeled as the following:

A New Era for the Earthworld Empire