The Tyrant Wants To Live Honestly

Ubera, which had been shadowed by the death of the emperor, soon lit up with the accession of a new emperor.

 

Music was played, parties were held, and alcohol and luxury goods were traded, which had been banned during the emperor’s funeral.

 

People sang songs and held festivals to celebrate the new emperor’s accession.

 

After the coronation ceremony, Dorothea went to the emperor’s chamber.

 

Portraits of successive emperors were hung one after another.

 

At the end, there was also a portrait of Carnan Milanaire.

 

She traces the portraits of successive emperors from Carnan.

 

And when she reached the portrait of the first Milanaire, she faced a display stand.

 

The crown and scepter used for the coronation ceremony were kept in the original storage case.

 

Dorothea looked at it blankly.

 

It was this room.

 

The place where she killed Raymond and became emperor, usurping the crown and scepter.

 

But now it was very peaceful.

 

Outside, instead of the cries of war, the music of a joyful festival was heard, and a soft sunset shone down on her.

 

“Your Majesty.”

 

A familiar voice woke her up.

 

‘Your Majesty’, she must have heard many times before her return, but for some reason, the name feels new to her.

 

Dorothea looked back awkwardly at the unfamiliar name.

 

Then Ethan greeted her with a smile.

 

“Ethan.”

 

A smile naturally spread across Dorothea’s lips.

 

She turned her back on the crown and the scepter and ran to Ethan and hugged him.

 

The long white emperor’s robes rustled pleasantly.

 

“Your clothes will be wrinkled.”

 

“It’s okay.”

 

Dorothea laughed bashfully, and Ethan finally gave her strength and hugged her tightly.

 

“It’s all thanks to you, Ethan.”

 

“It’s the result of your work.”

 

Ethan whispered sweetly, and Dorothea shook her head.

 

“If you hadn’t loved me, I would have died as a tyrant on the execution table.”

 

‘I didn’t even get a chance to reflect on my stupidity and wrongdoings at that time.’

 

‘I didn’t even know I could live like this.’

 

‘I didn’t even know there was such happiness. I didn’t even know I could dream.’

 

“I won’t let you down.”

 

‘I’ll try my best to make sure that the opportunity you gave me doesn’t go to waste.’

 

Ethan smiled at Dorothea’s determined eyes and kissed her forehead.

 

“I am so grateful.”

 

‘Thank you for not letting my love go wrong.’

 

‘Thank you for allowing me to be your strength.’

 

Ethan looked at her lovingly, and Dorothea couldn’t help but kiss his lips.

 

The warmth of her lips pressed against his, and Ethan willingly shared his warmth as well.

 

The two felt each other’s breath and thoughts.

 

‘I will live a good life for you.’

 

‘I want to become a slightly better person than yesterday…’

 

* * *

 

A carriage decorated with white flowers and ribbons was waiting in front of the main gate of the Imperial Palace.

 

That day, the sky was blue without a single cloud, and a fresh wind blew.

 

“It’s Ethan Bronte!”

 

“He’s even better than the rumors! I can’t believe he looks like that!”

 

The crowd gathered around the carriage and chatted about Ethan, who stood in front of it.

 

His neatly tied silver hair glistened softly in the sunlight and blew in the breeze.

 

His features remained in place without any disturbance, like a constellation in the sky.

 

Long legs, a slender but firm waist, straight shoulders, and a beautiful curved neckline.

 

From the collar to the hem of his white robe, which was perfect for his body, colorful lilies, and leaf patterns were embroidered with gold thread.

 

Ornate epaulets with ornate tassels, red silk scenes on the chest, and a delicately golden epaulet.

 

The robe went well with his impeccable beauty.

 

People lifted their heels and raised their heads high to catch one more glimpse of Ethan.

 

The escorting knights tried to stop the crowd.

 

But even in the chaos, Ethan was standing upright in front of the carriage and fixed his gaze on one place.

 

Normally, he would have cheered for himself and smiled at those who showed interest, but today he did not want to do so.

 

Ethan looked at the main gate of the Imperial Palace nervously.

 

And he checked his outfit over and over again to make sure he wasn’t weird.

 

“Are you nervous, Ethan?”

 

At that moment, a voice mixed with laughter called him.

 

Turning his head, Raymond was standing next to him.

 

Raymond was neatly brushing his free-spirited curly hair, and was wearing a stuffy robe he hated so much.

 

The only button undone was the one he debated whether or not to wear up to his neck.

 

“Do I look nervous?”

 

“No. But I feel like you will tremble.”

 

Raymond laughed, and Ethan didn’t deny it.

 

Today is the day he has been waiting for all his life.

 

It was the wedding of Ubera emperor Dorothea Milanaire, and his wedding day.

 

Then, a long trumpet sounded and the band started playing.

 

Ethan straightened his body in a more rigid position.

 

Gradually, the main gate of the Imperial Palace opened and the red carpet was spread out.

 

And a splendid procession coming from afar.

 

At the head of the procession, flower girls scattered flowers and perfumed the carpet.

 

Thump-thump, their step closer made Ethan’s heart pound.

 

Soon, his bride appeared through the fluttering petals.

 

Ethan stared at Dorothea walking towards him.

 

With every step she took, a piece of crystal on her white dress shimmered.

 

The white veil on her head descended.

 

No lie, she was dazzlingly beautiful. Even though she didn’t summon the spirit.

 

Ordinary people will not know.

 

Dorothea cut her budget for dresses and accessories in half, saying she doesn’t want to be extravagant.

 

That’s why she replaced it with crystals instead of diamonds.

 

But now, Ethan thought it was a good thing she cut the budget.

 

Even the current Dorothea is beautiful, but if she had worn a more elaborate dress, her legs might have loosened and collapsed during the wedding.

 

It would have made a ridiculous spectacle at the Emperor’s wedding.

 

Dorothea made eye contact with him and smiled softly.

 

With that smile, blood circulated all over his body, his stiff cheeks loosened, and he smiled.

 

Ethan struggled to steady his shaky feet as he wanted to run towards her.

 

She approached him, carefully stepping on the petals in front of her.

 

She was holding a scepter in her hand.

 

At the end of the scepter was a spirit stone that had been lost a long time ago.

 

“Things that require spirits will gradually disappear. Because I’ll make it happen.”

 

After ascending the throne, Dorothea returned the spirit stone to the scepter and said so.

 

“Now that I’ve managed to get the power of the spirit, and I said I’ll turn away from it.”

 

“I don’t want there to be people like me again in the future.”

 

One day, when a child was born whose blood became cloudy again and was unable to use the powers of spirits like her, Dorothea hoped that the child would also qualify as emperor.

 

Ethan nodded his head.

 

“But I’ll keep wearing this brooch.”

 

Dorothea looked at the brooch without the Spirit Stone.

 

The inside was empty.

 

“Then, you have to fill it with something else.”

 

“Yeah, there’s actually one thing I want to fill in.”

 

Dorothea pulled out a handkerchief Ethan had given her a long time ago from the depths of her drawer.

 

The tip of the handkerchief was embroidered with a sword shape.

 

A long time ago, it was a gift Ethan gave her while recuperating in a separate palace.

 

“You still have this…?”

 

“I thought I shouldn’t throw it away.”

 

‘At that time, I didn’t even know that Ethan had returned, nor did I know his sincerity.’

 

But for some reason, she couldn’t throw that old handkerchief carelessly.

 

Ethan saw the little handkerchief that had not been thrown away.

 

His heart just warmed up.

 

How much thought did he put into preparing the gift?

 

A gift given to her after he was rejected for a brooch studded with colorful jewels, and spent all night contemplating what to give her and what she liked.

 

An object that contains both his jealousy towards Theon Fried, his sincerity, and Dorothea’s taste.

 

Does she know how nervous he was the day he gave it to her?

 

“Looking at it now, I like it. You knew my taste all too well.”

 

He smiled at Dorothea’s words.

 

Dorothea rolled up a small handkerchief and tucked it inside the brooch.

 

It was a handkerchief she used when she was young, so it fits snugly inside thanks to its small size.

 

That’s why she didn’t take it off at the wedding. 

 

the closest thing to Dorothea’s Heart, the brooch he had presented, shone.

 

“Ethan.”

 

She suddenly stopped in front of him and smiled broadly.

 

Ethan’s heart raced at the soft red lips that opened.

 

“Your Majesty.”

 

Ethan kissed the back of her hand softly.

 

And Dorothea took his hand and got into the carriage.

 

As the two sat down, a carriage set off, followed by Stefan and other escort knights and a flower carriage.

 

People looked at the two with longing eyes.

 

Congratulatory words, flowers, and laughter abounded wherever they passed.

 

“Joy Greenwall’s advice was wrong.”

 

Ethan whispered in her ear secretly.

 

Dorothea asked what he meant, and Ethan smiled.

 

“She said I was going to get cramps in my face because I have to smile throughout the procession.”

 

Ethan shrugged.

 

As they circled Lampas, it was mandatory for them to respond to the crowds with bright smiles.

 

Joy was very concerned about it and told him to pull the corners of his mouth with glue on his cheeks.

 

It was really useless advice.

 

Even if he doesn’t try, the corners of his lips don’t go down.

 

Dorothea nodded as if agreeing with Ethan’s words.

 

The white carriage carrying the two of them stopped in front of the Temple of Light.

 

The pure white exterior wall of the temple, which contrasts with the blue sky, is engraved with the figure of a spirit, and the stained glass is engraved with the creation myths of the ancient Milanaires and Fried.

 

Pink flowers were blooming on both sides of the white carpet leading up to the temple.

 

Ethan got out of the carriage and took Dorothea’s hand.

 

Raymond, Theon, and Joy, who had parted in front of the Imperial Palace, also arrived first and were waiting for the two of them.

 

The two of them walked side by side along the white road with the orchestra playing.

 

“Ray.”

 

Watching Dorothea climb the stairs of the temple, Raymond hurriedly wiped his eyes with his sleeve.

 

Theon gently handed him a handkerchief.

 

“Thank you, Theon.”

 

Raymond patted the corners of his eyes and wiped the tears away.

 

“It’s a good day, but why are you crying?”

 

“Because I’m so happy.”

 

‘It’s nice to see Dorothea so happy…I thought it was good that I didn’t become an emperor.’

 

“I am sorry. I’m a crybaby.”

 

Raymond’s comment caused Theon and Julia to burst out laughing at the same time.

 

Ethan and Dorothea climbed the stairs of the temple while holding hands.

 

The stairs leading to the tower gradually darkened with no light.

 

Until they climbed high, they depended on only a single point of light to guide them.

 

And at the end of the stairs, a wide window with light greeted the two of them.

 

There was silence everywhere in front of the tightly closed window.

 

A priest with a lantern-led the way and placed a candle in each of their hands.

 

Ethan looked at Dorothea. 

 

Dorothea was looking at him too.

 

They smiled at each other.

 

“In any darkness, I promise to be your light.”

 

The two lit the candle they were holding together.

 

A single candle was lit between the two of them.

 

You are my light And I am your light.

 

A warmth spread from the light to the depths of their heart.

 

With the covenant, the priest opened a wide window.

 

At the same time, a bright light poured into the tower of the temple.

 

Dorothea and Ethan marched side by side to the terrace.

 

“Wow!”

 

At the same time, shouts came rushing in like waves.

 

People gathered in a large square.

 

The two placed candles on the hands of a marble sculpture that resembled a spirit figure in the middle of the terrace.

 

And the two made eye contact.

 

They knew what they were waiting for.

 

Spirit light. The legendary authority of the imperial family.

 

A spirit-summoning ceremony is held in every royal marriage.

 

But Dorothea intended to disappoint the people for the first time today.

 

“Don’t worry.”

 

Ethan grabbed her trembling hand.

 

He looked at Dorothea with warm eyes.

 

His eyes full of confidence calm Dorothea.

 

Encouraged by that, Dorothea faced the people gathered in the square and licked her lips.

 

“Today, there is no spirit summoning ceremony.”

 

Dorothea thanked the congratulations and finally spoke up.

 

In her words, the people shook.

 

“And in the future, there will be no spirit summoning ceremonies at all imperial ceremonies.”

 

Dorothea’s remarks sparked a bit of dissatisfaction in the square.

 

Before the complaint grew any further, Dorothea spoke up.

 

“I want to show the imperial family not as a spirit, but as something the world needs more.”

 

The reaction of the people was not very good.

 

Undoubtedly, the spirit summoning ceremony was a very special ceremony that only the imperial family could show.

 

Some came from afar to see the supernatural scenery.

 

In front of the negative atmosphere, Dorothea was a little afraid, but Ethan was by her side.

 

Dorothea nodded her head.

 

“For three days of the wedding, the imperial family will provide free food to everyone in Lampas.”

 

At Dorothea’s words, the noisy square became quiet.

 

So many people created silence in an instant.

 

However, soon some people realized the meaning, one by one.

 

Free food distribution centers will be set up in the five plazas of Lampas, and any identifiable imperial citizen can pick up food there.

 

If they have not registered their identity, they can register and receive their identity through due process.

 

This was not just a distribution of food, but also a plan to check the population and number of households within Lampas.

 

Furthermore, it may be possible to catch dangerous criminals hiding in Lampas.

 

“Wow!”

 

Those who understood the situation cheered once again.

 

“Long live Your Majesty!”

 

“Hurray!”

 

Amidst the cheers, Raymond looked at the two and smiled.

 

“I don’t know if they will use their  wedding like that.”

 

Theon smiled at Raymond’s words and nodded.

 

Dorothea and Ethan looked around and smiled.

 

And they looked into each other’s eyes.

 

“Thank you, Ethan.”

 

Dorothea whispered to him softly.

 

It was hard enough to organize a wedding, but Ethan also had a hard time preparing for such a thing.

 

From arranging for security and any number of things that could go wrong, and to cooperating with restaurants and bakeries in Lampas.

 

“You don’t have to thank me.”

 

‘Your will is my will, and what you want to do is what I want to do…’

 

Ethan kissed Dorothea’s lips.

 

The cheers of the people were far away, and the sensation on the tip of his tongue took over her whole body.

 

A sweet, fragrant sense of life.

 

And that sensation permeated Dorothea again, encroaching on her fingertips and toes.

 

The light, is so clear, even when she closes her eyes.

 

You exist completely without spirits.

 

Dorothea took a deep breath with him.

 

* * *