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Chapter 12: I have become the Child Emperor
🕑 Added 2023-06-13 23:29:02 +0000 UTCAs the deafening explosions gradually subsided within the inner parts of the Capital, a cacophony of military voices rose throughout the Empire. The soldiers were urging the populace to gather at the Capital's plaza.
The reason behind this urgent call to action was none other than the Child Emperor wanting to talk to his subjects—an event that caught people off guard. The populace had come to regard the young ruler as an elusive figure, shrouded in mystery. Despite his public coronation a few years ago, the Child Emperor had retreated from the public eye, refusing to make any appearances, even during the most celebrated state holidays.
Speculation about the Emperor's conspicuous absence abounded, with most attributing it to the Prime Minister's firm control over the young monarch. It was an open secret among the capital's residents that the true wielder of power was not the Child Emperor but the Prime Minister.
Consequently, the majority of their resentment for the poor economic situation of the Empire was directed towards the Prime Minister, rather than the seemingly puppet Emperor. However, despite his tender age, some still held disappointment towards the Emperor himself, perceiving him as a damn fool for being easily manipulated.
Despite this, the crowd was still extremely curious as they went towards the plaza. The prospect of finally witnessing the Child Emperor's emergence from the shadows stirred a sense of intrigue and apprehension within them. The people wondered if the emperor was going to address all those large explosions happening earlier in the day or was the Empire going to shrug it off and think nothing of it.
As the dawn broke, painting the horizon with a warm golden hue, the sun cast its gentle rays upon the sprawling plaza. Military soldiers and capital guards took their positions with precision, ensuring order and security amidst the growing gathering.
Suddenly, the tension heightened as a convoy of carriages emerged, their wheels rolling along the cobblestone streets. Among them, one carriage stood out, exuding an air of opulence and regality that could only mean it belonged to the Emperor himself.
Escorted by a formidable contingent of eight mounted guards, the Emperor's grand carriage gilded forward with unwavering composure. Four guards took the lead, their steely gazes scanning the surroundings, while another four followed closely behind, ready to defend their young ruler at any cost. Adorned with the resplendent Royal Banner of the Empire, gallantly held aloft by two guards at the front, the golden emblem fluttered in the breeze, exuding an undeniable sense of authority.
As the carriages came to a graceful halt at the forefront of the expectant crowd, precisely where the plaza stage was situated, an air of anticipation enveloped the crowd. The door of the Emperor's carriage swung open revealing the child monarch. Seeing the Emperor scanning the crowd, the people reluctantly bowed their heads in respect, not to him specifically but to his title as Emperor.
In the minds of the crowd the child Emperor was not worth bowing to due to the current state of the Empire, the crown had their loyalty but not their respect.
On the stage, the Emperor motioned for the crowd to quiet down, his hand held high. A microphone was promptly placed in his grasp, amplifying his voice for all to hear.
"My subjects. I'm sure that you are all worried about the various explosions heard earlier in the day. I am here to tell you that those explosions were done on my orders. Orders that will lead for the Empire to heal", the Emperor's voice resonated through the air, his words hanging in the silence as the crowd processed the weight of his proclamation.
"My reign as Emperor has not yet reached a decade, and yet the achievements of my ancestors have already been ruined. In the depths of my sorrow over the loss of my father and mother, your former Emperor and Empress, I have allowed individuals to destroy our once flourishing nation. For this, I extend my deepest and most heartfelt apologies," declared the Child Emperor. His voice resonated with a resolute yet humble tone, as he gracefully inclined his head towards the assembled crowd.
The plaza was filled with a collective gasp of astonishment that rippled through the air, in response to the unprecedented sight of a monarch bowing before their subjects.
This humble act stirred a profound mix of shock and surprise, as it had never been witnessed throughout the storied annals of the Empire's history. The significance of this moment was instantly recognized, instantly etching this moment as one to be remembered in the chronicles of time.
Every single individual present in the plaza, whether they were soldiers, guards, and common folk, could scarcely fathom the sight before them. The Emperor, in an act of humility, stood before them and acknowledged his own shortcomings.
For a brief moment, the crowd exchanged murmurs and whispers amongst themselves, attempting to comprehend the unprecedented display of their sovereign. However, their conversations were abruptly halted by a commanding voice that reverberated through the surroundings, capturing the attention of all.
All eyes turned towards the stage, where an unexpected sight awaited them, leaving them once again stunned. The speaker was none other than the esteemed Great General of the Empire, General Budo.
However, it wasn't just his presence that shocked the crowd. Lying at Budo's feet was the Prime Minister, visibly battered and bloodied. The Prime Minister's body was bound tightly with thick chains, his mouth gagged to prevent any utterance.
Witnessing the Prime Minister in such a pitiable state rendered the spectators utterly speechless. In their eyes, the Prime Minister had always been untouchable, the one wielding absolute power within the Empire. To see him so thoroughly defeated left the people struggling to comprehend the unfolding events before them.
"Silence! His Imperial Majesty has not finished speaking!" Budo's voice thundered through the air, commanding the attention of the crowd. It was at this moment that the onlookers finally noticed the wounds adorning Budo's body. Bloodstains marred his form, revealing the toll of a fierce battle. Yet, in comparison to the Prime Minister's grievous condition, Budo's injuries seemed relatively minor. The Prime Minister, on the other hand, bore the unmistakable marks of multiple bullet wounds.
People were even surprised that such a person was still alive and breathing.
As the crowd's attention returned to the stage, Makoto's voice resonated with determination, "Individuals like the Prime Minister have abused the authority bestowed upon them, draining the life out of our beloved Empire. They have selfishly exploited their power for personal gain, and I declare that this shall be tolerated no longer!"
Upon hearing the Emperor's resolute words, a wave of hope began to swell within the hearts of the onlookers. For far too long, the Empire had turned a blind eye to their struggles, squeezing them dry of them dry of everything they had. The needs and aspirations of the common folk had been ignored for too long, leaving them to endure in silence. However, the Child Emperor's words breathed new life into their weary hearts, igniting a glimmer of hope for a brighter future.
The atmosphere in the plaza transformed as the crowd embraced the Emperor's proclamation. The weight of years of oppression and neglect started to lift, replaced by a renewed belief in the possibility of change. The people dared to envision a society where their voices would be heard, where their well-being would be prioritized.
