Chapter 100: The Crown Prince’s Edict

The Day the Elphirians Departed.

North Hall Garden.

There, William was overseeing the servants as they loaded luggage onto the carriage.

"Careful, stack them properly. Make sure nothing shakes or falls."

The wagon was packed full with crates of fruit.

"I can't believe you're even sending us off with gifts for the journey...!"

"Lady Lunabelin said so herself, that fruit called mandarin is supposed to be delicious!"

Scholars Bayan and Oyen were circling the wagon with eyes shining.

Luna, too, was sneaking glances at the fruit crates, and William chuckled softly at the sight.

"Thank you for looking after our children. They had so many new experiences outside, and they all truly enjoyed themselves."

"I'm glad everyone had a good time."

Rohan and Nas were exchanging farewells separately.

"Please have a safe journey. Thank you for visiting Schubert. His Majesty asked me to convey his apologies for being unable to see you off due to state affairs."

At Rohan's words, Nas replied in kind.

"It's no trouble. Ah, by the way, do visit Silvaren again sometime. Things were a bit difficult last time, so we couldn't host you properly. I regret that."

"Of course."

The two shook hands.

"The power of the Dark World Tree hasn't vanished completely yet, so we'll keep a close watch on our side."

"If you ever need assistance, we'll lend our aid as well."

The power of the Dark World Tree.

And Cajin Fabian.

Silvaren and Schubert each bore their own responsibilities, making this partnership a matter of utmost importance.

"Then, safe travels to all of you."

The Elphirians had come on horseback, but for their return, Schubert provided carriages.

"I'll escort you all the way to the north."

For the journey northward, Retina volunteered to be their guide, as the Elphirians were unfamiliar with the human world.

"Alright, have a good trip."

Rohan waved his hand, and the carriages soon set off.

"It was a short but impactful visit."

Watching the departing carriages, William muttered as if talking to himself.

"I'm relieved everyone is returning satisfied."

As Crown Prince, one of his duties was to pay close attention even to the small matters the Emperor might overlook.

Like hosting distinguished guests, as they had this time.

Just then, a rider approached the front of the hall.

"A courier? What brings one here?"

From the color of the flag, it was clear: an imperial courier, directly under the Emperor.

Neigh!

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, I greet you."

The courier offered a formal greeting and then spoke.

"His Majesty commands you to attend the Imperial Council this afternoon."

"The Imperial Council, I understand."

"And His Majesty asked me to deliver this to you as well."

The courier took a letter from his breast.

The letter bore the imperial seal.

"This is..."

Rohan’s eyes widened as he read the contents of the letter.

---

The Hall of Sunlit Corridors, where the Imperial Council convened.

There, the nobles and ministers were whispering amongst themselves, all eyes fixed on a single point.

"It seems His Majesty intends to finally assign proper duties to the Crown Prince."

"Well, he's shown himself here and there... But governing the realm is another matter entirely. I wonder if the young Crown Prince can handle it."

These were men of considerable power within the Empire.

To have a voice in governing the nation—

In other words, when they wished to pursue their own interests, they had the means to do so.

By using none other than the Empire’s vast resources.

"Hasn't he grown so much? To see him stand so dignified... Sometimes it's still hard to believe he’s changed so quickly, ha ha."

Count Needro, sitting among the nobles, twirled his mustache as his eyes shone.

"Indeed. Still, even though the Crown Prince played a pivotal role in ousting Cajin Fabian, should he ever change his mind, we conservatives would turn our backs on him."

At Count Lorans’s words, Count Needro shook his head slightly.

"Let’s not be so stubborn, eh? Jenen is His Highness's close aide, after all. Knowing his upright character, he wouldn't be swayed by mere sweet talk."

"Hmm."

Count Lorans crossed his arms with an uncomfortable noise.

The Crown Prince was, in fact, the one who drove out the radical nobles—sworn enemies to these men.

But that was a separate issue from succession.

For now, Rohan, as Crown Prince, was indeed the most legitimate heir to the throne.

However...

'He's not properly educated. Maybe he’s managed thus far by sheer luck, but...'

From here on, things would be different.

No matter how treasonous the radicals had been, they were still the lords who sustained their domains.

Now that they were gone, their territories were left masterless and were beginning to falter.

And it was the common people who suffered most from this upheaval.

To govern in such circumstances demanded great wisdom, experience, and knowledge.

"These are troubled times. Outwardly, all seems peaceful, but surely everyone knows the Empire is teetering."

When the silent Count Lorans finally spoke, Count Needro shrugged, looking over at where Rohan stood.

"Well, it’s true he shoulders a heavy burden. But how wisely he carries it depends on his own ability, doesn’t it?"

Rohan was speaking quietly with William, who stood behind him.

Count Needro gave a soft chuckle.

"The future, after all, belongs not to the old, but to the young."

.

.

.

"The Imperial Council will now commence."

As the Minister of Palace Affairs announced this, the doorkeeper’s shout rang out.

"Hm? His Majesty has not yet arrived, Minister."

"Will His Majesty not be attending today?"

As those gathered raised questions, the Minister simply looked toward one side.

Seated on the middle dais below the Emperor's throne, Rohan rose to his feet.

"Today, I, the Crown Prince, will preside over the Imperial Council in His Majesty's stead."

"......?!"

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince?"

A stir swept through the council hall.

"Well, what’s this!"

The unexpected turn left Count Lorans greatly agitated.

"This is the imperial edict His Majesty entrusted me with to preside over today's Council."

Rohan displayed the letter he had received that morning.

"Your Highness has not appeared in person for almost four months now, has he?"

At a noble's remark, the others silently expressed agreement with their eyes.

Back during the chaos after the rebellion, he had been absent, and now he suddenly intended to lead the Council?

This Council, held only once a week, was the forum for discussing the Empire's major policies.

"No need to worry. Even while in the North, I consistently received reports on state affairs."

"Huh..."

"Still..."

The nobles shook their heads in disbelief.

Just then—

"So, what agenda do you intend to put forward?"

A voice rose above the rest.

"Surely His Majesty entrusted you with this because you have something prepared for the Council?"

It was Count Needro, of course.

The old fox was smiling.

With Rohan having so few allies, he wanted at least to lend his own support.

Understanding his intent, Rohan smiled back before turning serious.

"There are three matters on today's agenda."

Rohan spoke with confidence.

"First, the immediate nationalization of all masterless territories."

Murmurs swept the hall!

Since the rebellion, this had been the hottest topic among the nobles.

"Nationalization? That's outrageous!"

Even as the nobles protested, Rohan continued.

"Second, the standardization of education and the guarantee of learning rights for the commoners."

"What on earth is that supposed to mean...?"

"Ha! What is His Highness even talking about?"

Bang!

"...!"

As the nobles whispered, Rohan slammed his fist hard on the table.

"Hiccup."

Someone let out a startled little hiccup.

"Finally, the third agenda item is a 'comprehensive review of all noble privileges.'"

Rohan looked around at the now-silent chamber and grinned.

---

There’s a saying: only those who are prepared seize opportunity.

'I have prepared, and prepared again, for this very day.'

Revenge against Cajin Fabian.

What would come after achieving it?

Rohan agonized over this, over and over.

At first, he thought that after his revenge, he would retire to the countryside with his mother and live amidst beautiful scenery.

In his previous life, he had endured everything—even becoming the Puppet Emperor—because Cajin Fabian had promised him that future.

Of course, that promise was never kept. In the end, it led only to his death.

He believed there had to be a reason he had returned to the past.

The World Tree had called him to fight against the Dark World Tree, and had shown him the future.

A future where the Dark World Tree ran rampant, spreading cruelty.

Knowing what lay ahead, Rohan felt a responsibility—a conviction—to change it.

And to carry out that conviction, he needed nothing less than...

"Power. We must gain power."

At Rohan's words, the chamber fell silent.

"If only certain people are strong and intelligent, then when disaster strikes, the weak and ignorant are swept away."

So these words he now spoke were ones he had polished and honed for a very long time.

"If those blinded by self-interest are the only ones strong and clever, the nation will head straight toward ruin."

A few nobles could not hide their expressions.

Anyone sharp would realize exactly whom Rohan was targeting with his words.

"Therefore, the Imperial Household will nationalize the masterless territories and designate them as special military zones."

Rohan raised one finger.

"That is the first method by which the Empire can secure military strength."

At this, several nobles’ eyes lit up.

They were from houses known for their prowess in swordsmanship and military arts.

Rohan raised a second finger.

"Second, the standardization of education will provide learning opportunities to the still illiterate masses. When talented minds are forced by circumstance to till fields their entire lives, is that not a loss of national strength? This will secure for the Empire the strength of knowledge."

With a gentle smile, Rohan raised his final finger.

"Lastly, the comprehensive review of noble privileges is to ensure that the nation's wealth, which is leaking away in unseen places, is safeguarded. This is how the Empire’s financial strength will be built."

Rohan knew all too well how many nobles had grown fat exploiting their privileges.

He knew just how many thieves there were in this Empire.

If things continued this way, even those who’d gorged themselves would die with bursting bellies, while the plundered would starve to death—a lesson he had learned bitterly in his previous life, always hoping a day would come when he could turn the tables.

"These items have already been approved by His Majesty. Achieving these three tasks will require the full cooperation of both the Imperial Household and the nobility."

Military strength, intellectual strength, and financial strength.

Only when all three were fostered equally could they withstand any crisis.

"As you all know, the Empire faces a most precarious moment. If there are any objections, bring them forth at any time. I’ll be happy to explain—personally."

A slow smile spread across Rohan's lips.