Chapter 47: The Sword of the Empire
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 47: The Sword of the Empire
Two days later.
The Aodu Empire announced the end of the wartime mobilization order.
Simultaneously, the newly ascended Emperor, Orion, announced the passing of the late Emperor Atoris. A grand memorial service was held in his honor.
During the service, Orion established an official day of remembrance to commemorate Atoris’s glorious achievements in protecting the Empire for three hundred years.
Along with this, another major announcement was made.
A new "Sword of the Empire" was to be appointed to take over the duties once held by Atoris in safeguarding the realm.
This so-called "Sword of the Empire" was, in fact, the current Atoris.
To conceal her true identity, Orion publicly declared her to be the "Sword Spirit" born from the late Emperor’s weapon, the "Sword of Dawn." Furthermore, Orion announced that this "Sword Spirit" would inherit the name "Atoris" to honor the late Emperor and emphasize the status of the Sword of the Empire.
It was a very effective excuse.
After all, in this world, sword spirits were a reality. However, they were incredibly rare, usually manifesting only alongside legendary, heroic figures.
Atoris’s image as the protector of the Empire for three hundred years was deeply ingrained in the hearts of the people; almost every citizen had grown up listening to stories of the Emperor. Given this, the cult of personality surrounding Atoris was immense.
The public accepted the existence of Atoris’s sword spirit quite naturally, as if it were only right and proper. Moreover, some sword spirits were known to be powerful enough to manifest independently of their masters, even wielding their original physical forms in battle. This only added further legitimacy to Atoris’s new identity.
As for whether anyone would question the timing—why a sword spirit would conveniently manifest exactly when Atoris sacrificed himself—Orion simply called it a "miracle born of despair."
If anyone continued to press the issue, Orion would simply state that "the Emperor reserves the right of final interpretation," and then have those disturbing the peace invited to "have tea" with the Imperial Guard.
Shortly after, Orion’s formal coronation ceremony began.
As an indispensable presence in the current Empire, Atoris was naturally invited to attend.
"Lady Atoris, the battle armor you commissioned us to build is ready."
"Oh? That was fast."
"Of course. As the Sword of the Empire, your armor is of the utmost priority. To that end, we gathered the finest alchemists and tailors in the entire Empire to craft this suit. Even Master Roland himself participated in the process."
"I see. Roland really put some heart into it..."
Suddenly, Atoris seemed to realize something and looked at the alchemist.
"Wait, what did you just say? Tailors?"
In Atoris’s memory, battle armor didn't usually require the services of a tailor.
"Ahem, please have a look for yourself, My Lady."
With that, the alchemist pulled back a curtain, revealing a suit of... armor? It was incredibly ornate.
"Isn't this just a dress...?"
Atoris’s lip twitched.
While her current appearance was indeed different from before, and her clothing would naturally need to change to match, this was...
And the thought that Roland had a hand in this made her feel particularly conflicted.
Seeing Atoris’s hesitation, the alchemist assumed she was unimpressed by the garment's defensive capabilities and quickly began to explain.
"Please rest assured, My Lady. Though this armor is primarily made of fabric, its defensive properties are in no way inferior to full plate mail. You must understand, this piece is the culmination of our collective efforts. It is inscribed with countless protective arrays. It can deflect standard slashes and ward off various magical curses. Furthermore, it has undergone 'Super-tier Refining' by Master Roland himself, granting it several powerful traits. It provides not only immense protection but also a significant boost to combat power. It is truly extraordinary. And let me tell you, this piece..."
Listening to the alchemist’s non-stop explanation, Atoris decided to swallow her pride a little.
"Uh... fine."
Atoris took the clothing and examined it.
Overall, the outfit only used a few decorative armored plates to maintain a sense of visual balance. The rest was almost entirely fabric. The color scheme was white with gold trim, exuding an air of nobility.
As Atoris was about to finish putting it on, she noticed one more item.
"Wait, why is there a pair of white over-the-knee socks here?"
Faced with Atoris’s question, the alchemist coughed awkwardly.
"Ahem... My Lady, that is the most critical part of the entire set. Once worn, it ensures the smooth flow of the armor's overall performance. We really had no other choice but to design it that way."
"..."
Atoris hesitated once more at the thought of the full ensemble.
*
Two hours later.
Orion’s coronation ceremony began in the Imperial Palace.
First, Roland announced several matters and placed the crown upon Orion’s head. Then, escorted by the Imperial Guard, they walked from the palace to the outdoor speaking platform.
Looking out at the massive crowd below, Orion began his solemn proclamation.
"Citizens of the Empire, since the arrival of the Insect Race, the Empire has been plunged into an unprecedented crisis. The scale of this catastrophe is no less than any war of national survival we have faced before."
"Carlos Lilanka served as our first line of defense, a crucial point for the Empire's survival. That we have won this war is not only due to our powerful alchemy machines, but even more so due to the dedicated support of everyone present here today."
"You alone are the fundamental foundation of the Empire. You are the ones who helped the Empire win this war, and you are the true reason the late Emperor was willing to sacrifice himself. On behalf of myself, I thank you."
Listening to Orion’s heartfelt speech on stage, Atoris nodded with satisfaction.
"It looks like the kid put a lot of work into preparing for this day. That’s good. It saves me from having to worry about the Empire anymore."
As she spoke, Atoris couldn't help but look down at the crowd.
At this moment, Atoris looked entirely like a petite young girl. If not for the Crimson Greatsword she held in her hand, few would have realized her true importance. However, due to her extremely cute appearance, many people were staring at her even without the sword.
"Hey, did you hear? They say the newly appointed Sword of the Empire is actually a top-tier sword spirit left behind by the late Emperor. She's incredibly strong."
"Brother, that news has already reached the dogs kept by the city gate guards. You're just hearing it now?"
"Oh, whatever. What do you think this sword spirit looks like? I figure since the late Emperor was a super war god who could take on an army by himself, his sword spirit would be some kind of buff guy."
"Not necessarily. Maybe it’s a blonde loli who looks a bit like the late Emperor."
"Huh? What kind of nonsense is that? A legendary figure like the late Emperor... how could his sword spirit be such a delicate little thing?"
"If you don't believe me, look over there. See? There’s a blonde loli holding a greatsword."
"Holy crap, there really is. But wait, why does it feel like the sword she’s holding is the late Emperor’s Sword of Dawn?"
"Uh, brother, is it possible that is the Sword of Dawn, and that little girl who can easily shoulder that heavy sword is the newly appointed Sword of the Empire?"
"Hiss... I don't feel right about this. How could such a fierce man like the late Emperor have a sword spirit that is so... uh... cute?"
"Feel however you want. But let me tell you a secret—I’ve got tickets to that Sword of the Empire’s concert. It’s being held at the Royal Opera House. You want in?"