Chapter 631

Chapter 631: Postscript Part Two

Crimson Imperial Capital, Titania.

The once beautiful city adorned with delicate decorations and elven-style carvings was now engulfed in red. The former banners of crimson and green roses had all been replaced with banners of blood-red roses, symbolizing the change in the nation’s power structure.

In the Rose Palace, countless officials and representatives from various factions gathered solemnly in the hall, standing quietly as they watched the supreme ruler ascend the steps slowly.

Emkan, dressed in a gold and crimson cloak, wore well-fitted and exquisite golden leaf armor. With each step on the deep red velvet carpet, the knights on both sides saluted him, parting their crossed halberds to clear his path.

At the top of the stairs stood a gilded crown studded with gems, shimmering with light. Beside it, a young man who bore a striking resemblance to Emkan had already been standing there.

The young man’s ceremonial robe was elegant and luxurious, making him the highest-ranking person present, aside from Emkan. When Emkan saw him, he nodded slightly and smiled, a rare expression.

They were twin brothers, the most trusted figures in the world, able to sense each other’s emotions, like two halves of a whole. If not for that accident, they should have both worn crowns and sat on the throne together.

However, circumstances changed unpredictably. In the current situation, they could no longer follow the old ways. Therefore, this time, he would ascend the throne alone, changing the thousand-year-old system of the Crimson Empire.

“Greetings, Emperor Emkan,” the attendants announced formally. All the soldiers and officials present bowed and pledged their loyalty.

“We swear to follow Emperor Emkan until our last breath, forever loyal to the Crimson Empire!”

The chorus echoed through the hall, like a tidal wave, lingering long after it subsided.

After the power transition, Emkan decisively abandoned the balance needed for the minority elves and instead took up the banner of past revival, reaffirming the human race’s exalted status within the empire. Policies and laws that favored the elves were abolished.

Now, the empire was immensely powerful and no longer relied on the elves’ strength. Without these constraints, the emperor’s policies and directives flowed more smoothly and were enforced forcefully. To Emkan, this was not necessarily a bad thing.

“This is our land, our people, our power. Why share it with outsiders?” Emkan was stronger and more resolute than four years ago.

Edren shook his head slightly at the sight of Emkan seated on the throne.

“Although we no longer rely on the elves’ power, we shouldn’t completely alienate them. After all, they are our subjects too, and there’s no need to push them to opposition.”

“Haha, I don’t particularly care about that. But since you suggest it, I will consider it. From now on, matters concerning the elves will be under your jurisdiction, my half, the Imperial Chancellor.”

After Emkan ascended the throne and reformed, there was only one emperor. After he sat down, the position of the first minister was given to Edren, his twin brother. Together, they managed domestic affairs.

Three days later, a grand parade was held in Titania.

Armored warriors marched in formation, their spears and blades reflecting sunlight like scales. Their synchronized steps echoed through the city, causing tremors.

Accompanying the marching troops were banners of fresh blood red, with entwined thorns and a blood-red moon, adorned with blooming crimson roses. These symbols were derived from the former Moonlit Kingdom’s emblem.

The parade stretched endlessly, even the large city of Titania couldn’t contain it all. They entered the city in the morning and left in the afternoon, returning to the main camp outside. Another batch of troops continued to enter the city for inspection.

Warriors clad in black armor moved continuously like a river, their footsteps steady, their voices high, and the clash of metal unceasing from dawn to dusk.

The formidable military force and the awe-inspiring warriors intimidated the former great noble families, forcing them to cower in their homes, no longer daring to challenge the emperor’s authority.

Compared to the days when the great nobles dominated, the empire has now cleared away the filth, establishing a new system of military merit promotion. As long as one achieved enough military merit on the battlefield, they could earn titles and enjoy higher privileges. Even past nobles must risk their lives to achieve merit on the battlefield to inherit their titles.

The empire did not need incapable wastrels; everything depended on ability and merit.

This policy naturally received strong support from the military, and with the loyalty of millions of soldiers, the emperor gained the power to change everything. Former aristocratic families and factions were dismantled, opening upward channels for the lower classes. Long-suppressed grievances were finally released, and society began to flourish anew.

After the war between Clancia and the Frost Rose ended, despite the failure of the Frost Alliance, its displayed technologies such as golems, muskets, airships, and warships still attracted the ambitious emperor.

Under his orders, the southern border legions began to recruit and accept the defeated mages.

“If Clancia does not accept you, deems you historical criminals, making it hard for you to survive, you can come to us.”

“Become the emperor’s blade and arrow, wash away past disgrace, continue to pass on the teachings of the past—this is your future mission.”

Under such temptation and persuasion, some mages abandoned their hatred for the Crimson Empire and joined their former enemies, starting to forge sharp claws for this awakening lion.

But not all mages from the Frost Alliance followed this path. Some, after witnessing the disaster, finally woke up and regretted why things had reached such a lamentable state.

They were also recruited by Clancia, becoming tattooed ‘redeemers,’ contributing their knowledge and skills to this newborn nation, hoping to atone for past mistakes.

Clancia did not directly employ these mages but brought them to the capital Soland, where they received the teachings of Lolan Hill, a sage. After relearning and being transformed, they entered practical production and work.

Ultimately, they would integrate into the nation like water, becoming ordinary parts of it, rather than representatives and leaders as in the past.

Technology exists to serve people, to make life happier and more convenient. If this purpose is lost and priorities are reversed, it cannot be considered good technology but rather a tool for torment and exploitation.

Now, with the world reshuffled, a new round of competition has begun. What stories and legends will emerge on this new stage?

(End of Chapter)