——The origin of the great empire, passed down through the ages.
It was recorded in histories and sung in ballads, handed down from generation to generation.
There was once a great nation.
Prolonged rule had led to political corruption and aristocratic arrogance. In truth, numerous records from that era reveal a ruling class that seemed entirely unconcerned with the welfare of the common people. Forced conscription was rampant, as was the requisitioning of food supplies.
Those lords who dared challenge the empire's authority were ruthlessly suppressed. Within just a few years, records indicate that millions perished across the continent. Some historians estimate that when accounting for secondary effects, the death toll may have reached tens of millions.
The one who rose against this empire was the heir of House Walt, one of the most powerful noble families at the time. Cast out by his own family, he drifted to Baim, where he gathered strength before rallying neighboring nations into a coalition to bring the empire to its knees.
That man was the First Generation Emperor — the Divine Emperor, Lyle.
Legend holds that he was beloved by the goddess and that he also defeated her. Judging from contemporary records, scholars believe he must have possessed a truly outrageous temperament.
He was the very embodiment of a womanizing hero — by the time he ascended to the throne, he already had twenty-five concubines.
From a young age, he had traveled the continent, and the many surviving songs suggest he encountered women wherever he went. Many also speculate that it was precisely this outrageous conduct that led to his expulsion from the family.
Many of these tales about the First Generation Emperor were retold under different names, becoming staples of the heroic ballad tradition.
A crybaby noble heir who rose to rescue the woman he loved.
A holy knight who saved the saint.
An adventurer who faced down an army of Monsters.
All of these are stories born from the legends of the First Generation Emperor.
The reason these tales spread under so many different names is likely because the heroic ballad tradition had already become synonymous with the songs of the First Generation Emperor.
Furthermore, since the First Generation Emperor had taken a popular elf Bard of the time as one of his concubines, some scholars believe this was also a calculated policy to enhance his own prestige.
The reason the First Generation Emperor's name appears so frequently is that, unusually for the era, an enormous volume of records has survived. These documents are of great historical value and relatively easy to study — and they also serve as source material for the Warring States period, the age of warlords that began with the great empire's collapse, which remains one of the most popular topics among historians.
It was not uncommon for heroes of the Warring States period to claim descent from the First Generation Emperor or to be actual relatives of his. Some even went so far as to forge genealogies linking themselves to Lyle's bloodline, all in the name of legitimacy.
It is said that the First Generation Emperor's name was simply that influential in his era.
This was because the First Generation Emperor—despite his audacious personality—had been thinking about future governance. Or perhaps he had advisors who helped him establish systems and structures that even the emperor himself was subject to.
Numerous surviving documents show evidence that he was preparing to entrust matters to the next generation, revealing a remarkable talent for statesmanship.
However, it is also true that this made it difficult for subsequent emperors to leave their names in history the way the First Generation had.
The reason Lyle's name continues to appear frequently even in the later Warring States period is likely because the emperors of the great empire who followed were comparatively unremarkable.
An era so distant that it is often called mythological, with many unrealistic records despite the abundance of surviving documents—yet the fact that the great empire once dominated the continent is beyond dispute.
"We're not going to make it in time!!"
While everything around me bustled with frantic activity, I held blueprints and checked with those nearby. The development of the new capital, originally scheduled to begin in spring—no, before summer—no, it was already autumn!—had fallen behind in an ever-escalating spiral of delays.
The reason was that extensive foundational work had been carried out for the new capital's construction. Naturally, the new capital would include a castle for me, the emperor.
The plans had been progressing toward something never seen before. In truth, the castle's foundation work was already finished. Well, the foundation work itself was done.
But the streets and districts—that was another matter entirely.
Considering future development plans and the current situation, opinions were split at every turn.
Monica stood at my side wearing a helmet, observing. She was in her maid outfit, almost flaunting it in a place bound to get dirty, yet no one said a word about it.
They had apparently all given up on complaining—it was Monica, after all.
Novem let out a sigh.
"The castle design is unlike anything before, so having the streets remain the same as always would be quite dull. At the very least, you should ask that they bring the streets more in line with the castle's aesthetic."
Adele was grumbling at Novem. She had been brought over from North Baim, and once entrusted with work on the new capital's development, she had thrown herself into it with enthusiasm.
Well, she had no choice but to be enthusiastic.
"I told you to consolidate opinions! So why am I getting things like 'the familiar, subdued streets are better after all' or 'if we're building a temple, we should make it the same as in Zayin'?! What exactly am I supposed to do?! Tell me, what should I do?!"
Novem smiled at Adele.
"Ignore their opinions. This is the beginning of a new country. Don't you want to change the atmosphere a little? Besides, there are no major changes to the basic construction methods. I'd appreciate it if you could move forward with the plans without delay."
Maxim, looking far too natural in a tank top with work tools hanging off him, arrived with Aria and Marina.
Maxim made his suggestion to me.
"Lord Laiel. No, Your Majesty… we don't have enough materials. The castle — or rather, the palace — honestly, it might be better to give up on that part for now."
Miranda shot down that opinion.
"Absolutely not. You think we should welcome the representatives from every nation with a compromised castle? Even if we have to push ourselves, we need to show composure — to make it clear that the war is already over."
I understood Miranda's reasoning, but we simply didn't have enough materials. The foundation was complete, and a red building was being erected on top of the stone base. The plans had been a bit problematic from the start, and now opinions were starting to split.
I turned to Maxim and the others.
"Understood. For now, please move forward with the other districts. Oh, and take a break before you do."
Marina looked unhappy about it, but complied in silence.
As for Aria…
"Hey, isn't my treatment here seriously sloppy? Like, day by day, everyone around me is treating me less like your concubine and more like a site foreman. But!"
It couldn't be helped — she was just too suited for it. Besides, she'd gained all kinds of experience during her days as an adventurer, which made her the right person to entrust with this kind of work.
I gave her a smile and said:
"Do your best."
The moment those words left my mouth, she grabbed both my shoulders and shook me back and forth. How nostalgic. The very first time we'd met, she'd shaken me just like this until I passed out.
Just then, Baldoa and Alette arrived together.
Baldoa was usually in charge of perimeter security, so he didn't come to the work site. I wondered if something had happened, and I could see from his expression that it was serious.
"What's wrong?"
"Lord Laiel, this is a letter from Rolfis. That makes five times now."
When I took the letter from the visibly irritated Baldoa, Alette had her fingertips pressed together and was shrinking into herself as though trying to take up less space.
"Even I'm caught in the middle here. I've been told from above to have my husband arrange it — push her in as a concubine if that's what it takes."
The letter contained a formal request regarding the marriage — or rather, the bringing in as a concubine — of Her Royal Highness Princess Annerine of Rolfis into my household.
I answered with a smile.
"Denied! Absolutely denied! Impossible. Completely impossible!"
Upon hearing that, Novem took the letter from me, scanned its contents, and said:
"They never learn, do they? You already have over twenty concubines. I worry about Lord Laiel's health."
Miranda looked at Novem with a pleasant smile.
"You wouldn't mind if you disappeared, would you?"
Novem smiled right back.
"No thank you."
Baldoa, still seething, turned to Alette and said:
"House Walt has a family precept that has been observed for generations! Welcoming someone who does not meet its criteria is simply not permitted!"
...It was probably thanks to folks like Baldoa that the successive heads had such a hard time. Well, it did serve as a convenient excuse for turning away the ever-growing number of brides, so I wasn't about to deny its usefulness.
First Generation, thank you. You've been a lifesaver. I used to think you were an idiot for leaving behind such a bizarre family precept, but now I can say my thanks honestly.
Alette then turned to Baldoa, practically begging.
"Please, think of it as a wife's plea! Annerine's looks aren't bad at all! Her bloodline is solid, so her magic should be fine too! Her skin is beautiful and she's never been sick! She did go on about some illness of the heart, though..."
Baldoa narrowed his eyes.
"Then what about her mind? From the impression I got when we met, I didn't think she passed muster."
You lot are way too strict about bride selection. Well, not her mind exactly, but her personality was a bit of a problem. After all, I had just witnessed love go cold right in front of my eyes, and honestly, that was a little...
Alette was in tears.
"Oh, her mind... her mind... Even so, there are other unsuitable consorts too! Shannon is cute! But she's the cute-yet-inadequate type, right!"
Then, Baldoa shook his head.
"Shannon was there for His Majesty Rhael even during his difficult days as an adventurer. Even if she has some problems, we, the retainers, all welcome and approve of her becoming a consort."
What on earth are your standards? Seriously, is the House Walt retinue secretly... not fond of House Walt?
Baldoa embraced the tearful Alette.
"I'm sorry. But as a former knight of House Walt, and now as Captain of the Royal Guard, I cannot allow it. You understand, don't you, Alette?"
"Y-yes."
They do this a lot, even in the middle of busy work. Well, if Alette backs down, there's no problem. ...Gracia's younger brother, Leord, still didn't have a partner yet, did he? But both were heirs. Tricky.
Just then, Rauno arrived, panting heavily.
"H-hey. I've looked into it."
"How did it go?"
I immediately rushed to Rauno, who was accepting the water canteen Monica held out and drinking.
He gulped it down, wiped his mouth with his sleeve, and reported.
"Nowhere can move yet. It seems it's actually tough even after autumn passes to take immediate action. However, given the current delicate situation, they're pushing themselves to not show any gaps. Even if we call them quickly, few can mobilize. R-right? Can I go back now? I haven't had a proper conversation with Innis lately..."
"I'm sorry. Your next assignment is this."
Hearing that, I felt relieved. I handed Rauno the next instruction sheet and entrusted him with the work. Since most intelligence-related tasks gathered around Rauno, he seemed quite busy.
"...Maybe enlisting was a hasty decision."
Rauno looked dejected. But the information he gathered was useful. We learned the current state of neighboring countries.
"Still, no one can move. The envoy made it sound like it could happen at any time, though."
That was because he intended to summon the surrounding nations and carry out a grand imperial coronation. It was a message that said, "Come at me if you object." It would have been a problem if they had actually been preparing for that.
Rauno wiped the sweat from his brow.
"Truth is, the countries that joined the alliance suffered heavy losses too. More than anything, they're afraid of His Majesty after he fought his way through all that. But they can't very well show that attitude openly. That's why they're being bold about it. Plenty of them have complaints, but it seems they can't say it to his face. Even if they do make a move, it'll be the next generation, or the one after that—"
The next generation.
Whenever the topic of an heir came up, Monica would get all fidgety.
"W-what! An emergency involving the little Chick! Understood! I, Monica, will protect the Chicken's dear little Chick from any hardship whatsoever! Therefore, grant me the rights to the little Chick's education and care. To me, Monica!"
The one who kicked Monica from behind was Valkyrie Number Seventy-One. She wore a pink ribbon in her hair, which made her easy to remember.
"You heathen! Lianne's little Chick is ours to raise! Anyone who breaks a promise doesn't deserve to hold the little Chick! ...That's what you said, wasn't it?"
"But... but the little Chick is my dream!"
Monica made a frustrated face. The usual little skit had begun, so I decided to get back to work.
"Then we negotiate and change the coronation date. We'll make the other side accept it with some excuse like an inauspicious day. They'll go along with it even if they don't want to! Adele!"
Adele, eyes brimming with tears, ran away.
"Lianne can handle the negotiations, can't she! I don't want any more work~!"
"No, Lianne isn't here for that... wait, she's already out of earshot."
Maxim watched Adele run off into the distance, his cheeks flushed.
"Lady Adele is so cute today too..."
Tch! Is there not a single normal person around me? I'm the normal one here, so I need to hold things together properly.
"More importantly, Laiel."
Miranda was looking at me. Her expression was fairly serious.
"What is it?"
"So, whose room are you staying in tonight? You've made up your mind, right? So how come you haven't shown up at anyone's room even once?"
The surroundings instantly fell silent. I broke into a cold sweat and glanced at Novem, who was making a bashful gesture. And then—
"W-Well, I'm waiting too. However Lord Laiel sees fit."
Hearing those words, Miranda raised an eyebrow. Then May came floating over toward me.
"Hey, Laiel. It's about time you gave me a seed. I want a family of my own soon too. My parents have been pressuring me about it, you know. Anyway, I've already picked a name—shorten Fredrix to Fres, and that's what I'm going with."
May said this with a bright demeanor. I looked at Aria. But Aria sighed and shook her head.
"Decide for yourself. I can't interfere in that."
Aria wouldn't meddle. She wouldn't come and actively entangle herself in things like this. I was grateful for that. Grateful, but...
"...I, uh, had something to do."
...I bolted and tried to run. Then a thread tangled around my foot, and I tripped.
"L-Let go!"
Miranda pulled the thread, and I was dragged back toward everyone. I resisted, but Maxim and Baldoa also joined in and hauled me back.
"You can't do that, Lord Laiel. If you don't go through with it properly, the bet will never end."
"Lord Maxim, please don't make wagers involving Lord Laiel. That said, wanting an heir soon is also a fact. Lord Laiel, this is for the house. No—for the country."
Being dragged along by the two of them, I was brought before Novem, Miranda, Aria, and May.
Give me a break. There's no mood here at all! Does she think confessions happen in front of hundreds of thousands of people? Have a little consideration for my delicate feelings!
—Watching the noisy scene from a short distance away were Shannon and Clara.
Shannon was keeping an illustrated diary, which was becoming a daily habit. Clara looked at the pictures and was amazed.
"You're remarkably good at this. Can you actually see?"
Shannon showed Clara a special brush.
"With this I can draw, and I can see too. I'll write properly in it as well. Well, I am sharing someone's vision, but still."
Where Shannon's brush pointed, Valkyrie could be seen gazing at the same scenery Shannon was sketching.
Clara looked at the illustrated diary, marveling at Shannon's unexpected talent.
"This might turn into a valuable historical record."
Shannon smiled.
"It's just an illustrated diary. Besides, I'm only writing about what happened that day."
Just then, Eva came up to the two of them. She had stepped away from the construction site because she didn't want to wreck her throat from all the dust.
"What are you two up to? — Wait, that's remarkably good. You could paint the signboard for my theater with that. Want to give it a try?"
Clara was growing slightly irritated with Eva's manner of speaking.
"I think you're getting something confused. What's being built first is the library the new capital needs, not your theater."
Eva stuck out her tongue.
"Too bad. I already got a promise out of Layel. When the time comes to confess, it'll be in the completed theater, in front of a full audience — that's what was promised!"
Clara let out a dry laugh.
"That's obviously a joke. You really are a gullible elf. It's honestly exhausting."
Valkyrie watched the two of them arguing. Shannon added the scene to her illustrated diary — because she thought it looked interesting.
— Among the records from the early days of the Great Empire's founding, the most valuable is known to be "Shannon's Illustrated Diary."
It used pigments that were rare for the time, and because it had not deteriorated badly and was preserved in excellent condition, it survived as a record.
She is believed to have been one of the imperial consorts, but based on the contents of her diary, she appears to have been quite close to the First Emperor, Layel. Records from before the empire's founding also survive, many containing crude drawings and writing. However, once the empire was born, the illustrations gained artistic value as well, and parts of Shannon's illustrated diary are still on display in a museum to this day.
Among the figures depicted: Clara Blumer.
Eva Nihil.
The illustrated diary depicting the two of them arguing is highly valuable, serving as precious documentation proving that Clara, who left behind an enormous body of records, and Eva, who bequeathed countless stories and songs, did not get along.
Shannon Sakurai.
Her sister was also a consort of the First Emperor, making them a rare case of two sisters both serving as imperial consorts. This vividly illustrates the First Emperor's well-known fondness for women.
However, what is regrettable is that only a portion of her illustrated diary has been disclosed. Considered the closest thing to the truth, Shannon's illustrated diary is both a historically invaluable resource and a work of art.
In later years, dramatizations and film adaptations featuring Shannon as the protagonist were produced, and rumors persist that her illustrated diary contains momentous facts capable of overturning the established historical narrative.
Many historians fervently wish for the complete disclosure of Shannon's illustrated diary—.