Episode 102: Normalization
The day of Cassis’s public execution had arrived.
A vast crowd had gathered in the central square of the imperial capital.
On a large platform, Cassis stood with his head bowed, bound by shackles that suppressed mana.
Beside him were the second prince, Descartes, who would carry out the execution, and a group of elite inspectors standing watch.
“From this moment, we shall pass judgment on Cassis Lenokhonen, a traitor who threatened the security of the Rozino Empire!”
Shing!
Descartes Rozino drew his sword from his waist.
The blade shimmered with golden mana, rippling like waves.
This was the very sword used by the first Sword Master of Rozino, a historical artifact of judgment.
“Cassis Lenokhonen not only threatened the Empire but also targeted the life of Count Lahart, a man capable of saving the continent suffering from the demonic lairs.
On top of that, he attacked and killed officers on reconnaissance missions of the demonic lair!”
The blade touched Cassis’s neck. The golden mana flared even more brightly, amplified by the collective rage of the crowd and intensifying the ceremony of judgment.
“Raise your head, sinner.”
Cassis slowly lifted his head. His expression was emotionless, but his violet eyes radiated a chilling killing intent.
“That damned bastard! Look at him not flinching!”
“Do you know how much damage we’ve suffered because of the demonic lairs?!”
“And he still has the audacity to glare like that!”
“Die, you wretched bastard!”
The people watching the execution screamed in fury, their anger reaching the heavens. The demonic lair-related issues had left deep scars, taking countless lives and causing immense resource damage.
“Speak your final words.”
Descartes steadied his voice as he raised the sword. The judgment blade, imbued with golden mana, seemed eager to sever the traitor’s neck, its power resonating ominously.
A tense silence fell over the crowd. It was as if everyone had collectively decided to hear the final words of the high criminal.
“…”
All eyes turned to Cassis. Maintaining his expressionless façade, he lifted one corner of his mouth into a sneer. It was a mocking smile.
“Fools…”
Those were Cassis’s last words.
“That lunatic!”
“Does he think being handsome will save him?!”
“Kill him! Kill him!”
The people’s fury erupted once more, their cries piercing the sky as they unanimously demanded Cassis’s death.
Descartes narrowed his eyes.
“Have you finished speaking?”
“Yes, I’m done.”
“Very well.”
The golden blade rose high.
Its tip was aimed precisely at Cassis’s neck.
In a straight, unerring trajectory, the blade fell. The golden mana-infused sword cut through the air, dazzlingly bright, and for an instant, all sound ceased.
A fleeting silence.
Thunk.
Cassis’s head rolled to the ground. Blood spurted from his neck, forming a crimson river that spilled off the platform.
For a moment, the crowd held its breath-
“Wooooo!”
“Die, you damned bastard!”
“Burn in hell!”
An explosive cheer shook the square.
“…”
Watching the execution from afar, Yohan exhaled deeply. The tension that had gripped his chest began to ease.
“It’s really over.”
The two men who had tormented Francia and himself were now completely gone.
Although the Archbishop and the Tower Master still remained, they posed no significant threat.
“I’ve never met them anyway.”
With Fedelian and Cassis gone and his presence now certain, Francia no longer needed to go to the Tower. There was no need to flee to the Holy Kingdom either.
There would be no further entanglements with them.
Step.
Yohan turned away with a hardened expression.
His footsteps echoed down the corridor.
***
The soft moonlight began to rise in the night sky.
Inside a carriage, Francia tilted her head in curiosity.
“Why are they hosting a banquet now, of all times?”
The two were headed to the imperial palace to attend a banquet hosted by the Imperial family.
“Because a series of unfortunate events have occurred. Even so, the Imperial family likely wants to show that they remain strong by hosting this banquet.”
The death of the former crown prince, Fedelian, branded with the dishonor of treason, was far from a positive event.
Yet the Imperial family opened the treasury as if nothing had happened.
Typical behavior of those with Imperial blood.
“They’ll probably reward me for dealing with the traitors and rebels during this banquet, in front of as many people as possible.”
Francia blinked.
“To showcase the relationship between you and the Imperial family?”
“Exactly.”
It wasn’t difficult for Yohan to deduce the Imperial family’s intentions. After all, he currently wielded the greatest power within the Empire.
It was only natural for the Imperial family to act this way.
“Well… everything is going smoothly, so it’s not something to worry about.”
“Indeed. Let’s just enjoy ourselves today.”
Yohan gave a light smile and turned his gaze to the scenery outside the window.
The banquet was large enough to gather nearly all of the central nobility, though families who supported the crown prince had not been invited.
The Rudella family, who had severed ties with Bismarck, also wouldn’t attend.
‘That’s for the best.’
The atmosphere was already tense due to Fedelian, so lying low was the wisest course of action.
Of course, she wouldn’t be able to stay hidden forever since she was destined to become Yohan’s wife someday.
“We’ve arrived at the palace!”
Before long, the two reached the imperial palace. Yohan was the first to step out of the carriage and offered his hand to Francia.
“Thank you.”
She smiled sweetly as she accepted Yohan’s escort.
“There are so many people…?”
“Indeed, it seems so.”
As they approached the palace entrance, Yohan and Francia looked around. A long line of invited nobles stretched out like an endless wave.
“Do we have to line up as well?”
“Hmm…”
While Yohan was stroking his chin, a knight clad in golden armor approached them.
“Pardon me, but are you Count Lahart and Lady Francia of House Fervache?”
“Yes, we are.”
“This way, please. There is a special entrance for you.”
“Very well.”
The knight led the way, and Francia glanced at Yohan with a puzzled expression.
Yohan merely shrugged, equally clueless.
The mystery didn’t last long, however, as the knight soon explained.
“His Majesty has been keeping a close eye on the both of you and instructed us to escort you in ahead of the others.”
A special privilege, then.
It made sense, as they were practically the stars of the banquet. Yohan nodded in understanding.
The two followed the knight to the entrance of the banquet hall.
“Count Lahart and Lady Francia of House Fervache are entering!”
Clunk!
At the knight’s announcement, the arched doors of the palace’s banquet hall slowly swung open.
“Count Lahart and Lady Francia…!”
“They look wonderful together.”
“They’re destined to be the center of the noble society…”
“Oh my, he’s so handsome…”
“And Lady Francia is stunning as well.”
As the two entered, the nobles in the hall fell silent, ceasing their conversations. The very air seemed to shift, enveloping the room in a brief, curious hush.
All eyes were drawn to Yohan and Francia. The men gazed at them with respect and envy, while the women looked on with curiosity and admiration.
The dazzling chandelier lights illuminated the pair, their presence dominating the entire hall.
Hand in hand, Yohan and Francia slowly walked forward, drawing every gaze upon them.
“It got quiet the moment we arrived.” Francia whispered, her red eyes sweeping across the many staring faces.
“It’s only natural. We are the stars of this banquet, after all.” Yohan replied with a smile, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.
“Hmm, though it feels more like you are the main star.” Francia teased, her lips curving into a playful smile.
“In that case, shall we make some introductions?”
“Shall I join you?”
“Of course. We’re about to be family, after all.”
With their arms linked, the two began to make their way around the hall.
“I’m relieved to see you in good health, Count Lahart.”
“Thank you for your concern. May I know your name…?”
“I am Viscount Harens.”
As expected, many nobles came forward to greet them.
“It is an honor to meet you, Count Lahart!”
“I am Musina Maybelle!”
“M-my name is Lante Brans!”
Most of the people they encountered were merely desperate to make their names known and form connections.
“Yes… thank you all.” Yohan said with a faint smile, brushing off their greetings without much thought. There was no need to remember their names—they were drawn to him only because of Lahart’s influence.
Eventually, the whirlwind of greetings subsided, and Yohan and Francia found a moment to rest in a corner of the banquet hall.
“No one seems interested in me.” Francia remarked.
“That’s hardly the case. They simply wouldn’t dare.” Yohan replied.
His gaze swept across the banquet hall, noticing impure stares directed at Francia.
“See? I’m not the only one receiving attention.”
“Hmm, I see that now.”
Francia chuckled softly.
“I was too focused on you to notice those kinds of stares.”
Even as she exchanged pleasantries with others, her eyes remained fixed on Yohan. Whenever another noblewoman appeared to approach him, she subtly prepared to intercept them.
Yohan stroked his chin.
“Have you had a change of heart?”
“A change of heart?”
“Yes.”
“…I don’t think so.”
Francia adjusted her hair and smoothed her dress, checking her appearance.
“I don’t mean outwardly.” Yohan clarified.
“Then…?”
“You said some rather bold things earlier.”
Yohan smiled lightly, while Francia blinked, trying to recall what she had said. When she finally realized it, her cheeks flushed slightly.
“Ahem. I’m past the age of being embarrassed by such things.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes.”
“That’s a shame.”
Yohan grinned, gently brushing a stray strand of her hair.
“I rather enjoyed seeing you blush.”
“You’re being inappropriate. So mischievous.”
“How can I help it when you’re so adorable?”
“Hmph…”
Francia carefully averted her gaze and covered her mouth with her hand. Her ears burned bright red.
“Haha.”
Yohan chuckled quietly—
“The Sun of the Empire, His Majesty the Emperor, is entering!”
It was time for the banquet to officially begin.
***
In the center of the banquet hall, surrounded by nobles, the Emperor raised his head with dignity.
“Yohan Lahart, step forward.”
Yohan, who had been waiting, approached and knelt on one knee.
“The Count not only executed a traitor but also captured a high criminal, ensuring they received rightful judgment. Thus, I commend your contributions and bestow upon you a reward befitting your deeds.”
As the Emperor extended his hand, the chancellor handed him a decree.
The decree, adorned with the Imperial seal, was unrolled as the Emperor continued.
“I grant you the title of Duke. From this day forward, Count Lahart shall be Duke Lahart and you shall also assume the position of Director of the demonic lairs’ Purification Bureau, an institution above the Imperial Bureau.”
A Duke.
It was a declaration that Yohan was to be recognized as a ruler in his own right.
And establishing a superior institution and appointing him as its head signified the immense trust and respect the Emperor had for him.
“A dukedom…”
“So he’ll be the second Duke of Rozino?”
“This will only consolidate his already formidable power.”
The nobles murmured among themselves, their gazes filled with awe and respect. After all, they were witnessing the historic moment of a new Duke’s ascension.
“I deeply thank His Majesty for his grace.” Yohan said, bowing respectfully.
The Emperor stepped forward, placing a firm hand on Yohan’s shoulder and meeting his gaze with unwavering resolve.
“Take care of us well, Duke Lahart.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Thus, Yohan became a symbol of the Empire and its second Duke.