In the central part of the empire, the army of the Griffin family swept in, capturing six provinces in a row and gradually approaching the imperial capital of Titiania.
During this crisis, a massive mobilization and call-up order was launched within the empire. Countless noble vassals loyal to the royal family summoned the troops in their territories and began to gather towards the agreed-upon location.
In the imperial capital, in the square in front of Titiania, the coats of arms and flags of various families were flying. The current emperor, wearing a golden and red military uniform, stood on a high platform and gave a final speech before departure.
His voice is not deep, but his words are clear and every sentence is concise, clear, and powerful.
"People of the empire, now we have reached the most critical moment. As the emperor of the empire, I summon you and order you to defeat the griffons in the west."
"This is not only because of glory, but also because we must never hand over the power of the empire to the hands of barbarians. Now our world is in the process of change, and many new things are beginning to change everything. This is an unprecedented era. , our existence will profoundly change the world."
"And you, your victory not only defends the dignity of the empire, but also defends your homes, relatives, wealth, and even the future."
"I am proud and proud of your bravery."
"Go forward, people of the empire, the Rose Moon of victory will shine forever!"
After the words fell, there was a burst of applause in the square, and then the army began to march westward and gradually fought with the griffon army.
After the hundreds of thousands of troops gradually left the imperial capital, Elio stood on the high star observation tower of the Rose Palace, overlooking the figures winding forward in the wilderness in the distance.
"Why, are you still worried?" A silver-purple maid walked up to the top of the tower and came behind Elio.
"Yes, how can you be relieved?" Elio rubbed his temples and then turned around.
"It seems that you are still a little depressed. You must also blame yourself and regret for the passing of Auronne."
"After all, she is a rare beautiful girl, and she is so talented. Maybe you have been moved." Kenos put the fruits and snacks on the table, and then sat across from Elio.
After hearing this, Elio shook his head slightly, but said nothing.
"The position of the emperor is very different from what I imagined in the past."
"Did you ever think that once you become the emperor, you can do whatever you want?" Kenos chuckled lightly, then stopped and peeled the fruit for Elio.
"It's like this. In fact, when you are an emperor, there are some things that you cannot completely follow your heart. If you forcefully change it, even the emperor will suffer backlash. This may be rebellion, hatred, notoriety, or being misunderstood. ." Cornos said simply, then fed the peeled orange segments to Elio.
"I used to think that I wanted to be a wise king, just like those great monarchs in historical legends, so that the people could live and work in peace and contentment and live happily."
"However, I found that I couldn't do it. Even the simplest thing of feeding the people couldn't be done." Elio shook his head.
"Is there really not enough food? Maybe not, but the scarcity of food will definitely sell for a good price, which will make a small number of people like it, and they can easily make profits from it."
"I once thought about letting the imperial army collect grain and then distribute it roughly according to demand, but I soon gave up on this unrealistic idea."
"It is easy for people with power to find loopholes, and the military expropriation process may not be fair and clean."
"Then I thought, at least make everyone richer, so that life can be improved, but those wealthy businessmen will only become more skillful in suppressing the common people."
"This is like shaking a rope. The civilians are always at the end of the rope. No matter how large the amplitude, benefits, etc. are in front, they will become smaller there, and they will always be the smallest."
Elio looked at the gradually dimming sky, and there was disappointment and ending on the young face.
"I'm sorry, I'm just a kid who grew up in the countryside. If I were asked to be the emperor of the empire, I'm afraid I'd disappoint everyone."
"The Griffin family rebelled, and the loyal Northern Territory no longer obeyed. Internal conflicts continued. Even a small number of simple and beautiful people died under my stupid orders."
"The empire is like a wooden box with the nails removed. It is now on the verge of falling apart. Although I know that I will probably die in this war, I sometimes wonder what the empire will look like in the future."
"Is it going to continue in the past, just change the emperor, and continue to exist?"
"In other words, it is divided into several countries, and then they conflict with each other, become isolated, and are no longer one."
"Or, it may weaken due to disintegration, and finally be unified by Crancia and become part of a big country."
"Thinking about it this way, it doesn't seem to matter whether I, the emperor, exist or not."
When Elio was talking, Kenos came up behind him lightly, hugged him, and touched Elio's head comfortingly.
Although the two appear to be similar in age, Elio is still just a very young child to Cornos.
"You have been too tired during this period. In fact, when other emperors came to the throne, they were far from the complicated difficulties you encountered today."
"You've done a great job, Elio." Cornos said softly.
"In order to improve the environment among the people of the empire, you sent ceremonial officers to inspect various noble fiefs and solve the backlog of problems."
"You disregarded the emperor's majesty and allowed the palace scholars to go to the south to study, just so that there would be more food in the empire so that everyone could eat more."
"In order to let the wealthy commoners have dignity, you established the Imperial Council so that they can have an equal opportunity to speak with the nobles."
"You want those children to no longer be deceived and see the beauty and vastness of the world. You have tried every means to build many schools. Although they have not yet reached the standards you expected, at least you have given many children hope."
"Although the nobles are suspicious and opposed to your actions, and the common people do not understand the hardships behind these policies, I can see them all."
"You are a good boy, Elio."
"If the former crown prince brothers were still alive, they would definitely be proud of you."
"Don't give up easily. I'm still here. I will always stand by your side and support you."
"Even if glory misses you, even if the world is against you."
"Even if the light has nothing to do with you anymore."
"You still bloom in my heart, you are still my sweet dream, and you are still my unique hero."
"Until the end of the world, the end of the eternal dark winter."