Chapter 21 A Universally Acclaimed Tenth Volume
The ten volumes of “History of the Azurevine Empire” were considered a monumental work in this era. Paper was quite expensive, and printing presses were intricate alchemical devices. However, with a multitude of mages in the empire and the Empress of Eternal Night intending to display the nation’s strength, the order was given to publish ten thousand sets of “History of the Azurevine Empire.” Apart from being collected in the grand libraries of the City of Mysteries, every provincial capital and important city in the former seventeen kingdoms was to house these books.
Naturally, the part that most concerned the citizens of the empire was the tenth volume, which chronicled the Empress of Eternal Night. It was a history many had personally experienced. People were curious to see how their real lives, as they once lived them, were depicted in the annals of history. Overnight, “History of the Azurevine Empire” became a sought-after read. While ten thousand sets seemed like a lot, it was a mere drop in the ocean for the entire empire. Even with the low literacy rate among commoners, there were still “bards” similar to storytellers in the East.
The empire’s bards now found that no one was listening to their other performances; the public was only interested in stories concerning the Empress. Indeed, “History of the Azurevine Empire” revealed many things previously unknown to the public. For instance, the specific details of the Maneu City Incident, how she transformed from a young princess into the kingdom’s first Empress, and how she achieved immortality to become a god… While the latter half of the book, detailing her conquest of the seventeen kingdoms, held little interest for Roger, the populace absolutely loved it. It was exhilarating—a tale of utter destruction!
However, to more discerning individuals, the Empress’s growth in the first half of the tenth volume was the true essence of the book. The nobility might not have felt it as profoundly, as they had, to varying degrees, heard accounts of those times from their elders. But the commoners were stunned. So, Her Majesty’s ascension to Empress was not a smooth journey! She had endured so many risks and hardships; any misstep could have led to the demise of the Azurevine Empire! Her Majesty wasn’t truly invincible; she too had experienced moments of confusion and wavering, unsure of the path forward…
Upon its release, “History of the Azurevine Empire” indeed caused many to feel a sense of disillusioned disillusionment. Their idol, the Empress of Eternal Night, had been brought down from her divine pedestal to the mortal realm. She had once been a delicate, adorable princess, not a born ruler? How outrageous! Yet, even more citizens of the empire now loved their Empress even more passionately! “Her Majesty sacrificed so much for the Azurevine Empire. In critical moments, extreme measures were necessary. If it were someone cowardly, we would all be gone!” “The Fourth Prince was never a good person. He’s the one who seized our family’s land; Her Majesty is the eternal god!” “Her Majesty had it so difficult, worked so hard, bearing the burden of a nation as a woman…” “We will always support our great Empress. She was originally just an ordinary royal princess, only becoming omnipotent to protect the empire!” “My father died in the famine of the Fourteenth Town, but I can’t hate the Empress. What else could she have done? She was merely cleaning up the mess left by preceding incompetent rulers and corrupt officials who emptied the granaries!” “Lord Brandu, who dared to write such a history, is a true beast!”
Ultimately, the tenth volume of the imperial history, which was expected to be controversial, received universal acclaim. Many expressed that the tenth volume could perhaps be expanded into a specialized treatise in the future, allowing everyone to gain a deeper understanding of the Empress of Eternal Night’s past and present… The bards gave their approval. Roger pretended not to see this sentiment. *If they go around making things up, won’t I lose face?* This reaction far exceeded the Empress of Eternal Night’s expectations. She had anticipated protests against her rule once these matters were declassified. The reality proved her concerns were unfounded. The empire’s citizens were more broad-minded and understanding than she had imagined. Of course, it was also possible that anyone with a shred of common sense understood the power level beyond legendary, and no one was foolish enough to incite the populace to overthrow an empress’s tyranny… “Perhaps, as Roger said, victory is justice. As long as I lead the empire to continue growing stronger, my subjects will continue to love me…”
The Empress of Eternal Night stood on the terrace of the Maple Spirit Moon Shadow Palace, listening to her ministers report the feedback from various sources, and drank the ruby-like liquid in her goblet. For that sixteen-year-old princess, certain events were nightmares that lingered in her heart, causing her to break out in a cold sweat whenever she dreamt of them. She was terrified of the world knowing what the Empress, whom they regarded as their hope, was truly like. But now, her dark side, which she never wanted the world to know, was made public, as were her innocent youthful years that no one cared about. History books are impartial; they do not take sides. But when the truth is laid bare and the past is restored with the most solid chain of evidence, there emerges an unshakable and powerful force…
Instead of the widespread condemnation she anticipated, the Empress, in a recent random street survey, saw her approval rating surge by over 20%. Everyone felt that the Empress was more human, more real, and more approachable, rather than the false idol she had been perceived as before. By later standards, this was akin to an idol-making success! People found joy in watching the young princess grow up! The Empress, after all, was the daughter of the imperial people (a gross exaggeration), not needing to be perfect, but rather more flesh and blood? In short, “History of the Azurevine Empire” was published to great fanfare. Many of the concerns that had plagued the Empress did not materialize. Consequently, she felt much relieved and at ease. During her meditation, she broke through another barrier. She even had the illusion of being the chosen one, with Roger being the golden finger bestowed upon her by heaven. “But why would anyone be scolded by a golden finger? That’s ridiculous!” The Empress banished this improbable thought from her mind.
…
…
The next day, the main assembly hall convened for a full cabinet meeting. Minister of Historical Advisory, Dio Brandu, attended such a formal meeting for the first time. In the preceding days, he had been busy with the final touches of “History of the Azurevine Empire” and overseeing its printing, leaving him no time for meetings. Now that this historical work had achieved unprecedented success, he was free to fulfill his duties as the Minister of Historical Advisory.
The Empress had not yet arrived, but the twelve cabinet ministers were gradually entering the hall. Including Roger, the cabinet now comprised thirteen members. Left Chancellor Margaret exchanged seats with the Minister of Finance next to Roger, moving to his side. She leaned her charming face closer and whispered in a voice only audible to both of them, “Did you discuss the matter of the Restoration Army with Her Majesty?” Roger was completely taken aback that she would bring this up on their first meeting. *What has the Empress told Little Fan? Has my role as a confidant been exposed? Will I become a public tree hole from now on (excited)?* Margaret, being exceptionally intelligent, confirmed from Roger’s reaction that he understood. “It was you, the young commoner mage.” Margaret’s gaze was filled with satisfaction. This was the strategist who advised Her Majesty with cunning plan. He had still succumbed to the Empress’s royal charm and joined the cabinet to work for her. However, she also felt a tinge of disappointment. She had initially intended to support Her Majesty by bringing him over to her side. But it seemed Her Majesty had beaten her to it.
Roger, unsure of how much Margaret knew, dared not speak rashly. However, offending a Left Chancellor would have severe consequences. Thus, he adopted a strategy of responding to change with constancy. He offered a smile, polite yet somewhat awkward. *Guess?* Margaret took his smile as tacit consent and said with eager anticipation, “Lord Brandu, if you can help me teach that blue-haired saint a lesson, I will offer you a reward that will absolutely satisfy you.” Roger’s eyebrows slightly rose, and he continued to smile. *Help you, my future sister-in-law, against my own sister? It would take ten years of cerebral thrombosis to make such a decision.*
Just then, Right Chancellor Angelina also arrived. Seeing that everyone was present, she smiled faintly at Roger and said gently, “The compilation of the Imperial History has been delayed for years, with six Grand Historians changing shifts, and it is finally complete and highly acclaimed. Let us thank Minister Dio Brandu for his efforts!” She led the applause, and everyone joined in. Even the most rigid Minister of War, setting aside his disdain for commoners, cast an approving glance at Roger. Roger felt no emotion, only a bitter ache in his heart, with an urge to cry.
The guards outside the hall announced loudly, “Her Majesty the Empress has arrived!”
