In this world, the Adventurer Guild held a vital role, maintaining a significant degree of social standing.
While the state-run Orders of Knights were superior in terms of sheer military power, the Adventurer Guild possessed an agility that the Knights lacked. Unlike the Knights, who moved in large, cumbersome units, most adventurers operated in pairs or trios. This made them indispensable for missions requiring a swift, nimble response.
Inside a branch of the Adventurer Guild in the capital of the Arclesia Empire—a building housed within a lively tavern—many adventurers had gathered again today, busying themselves with gossip and contract hunting.
At one of the many tables sat a man and a woman.
"Hey... Nicole."
"Hmm? What is it?"
The girl called Nicole, a youth of about 150 centimeters clad in a mage’s robe, stopped eating and looked toward the red-haired young man.
"What if... well, suppose I told you I was actually a prince? What would you do?"
"I’d probably sue you for damages."
"Why!?"
"I mean, Leo being a prince is basically a scam. I think it’s only fair that you be held liable for the emotional fraud."
Nicole laughed as she teased the swordsman-like youth. Her smile made it perfectly clear that she didn’t believe a single word he had said.
"Yeah... well, I guess so. Honestly, I wish that were all it was..."
"Wait. Don’t tell me... you're serious?"
"As your long-time partner, would you mind giving me some advice?"
"That’ll be one copper coin."
"Pricey. You’re on."
"Much obliged!"
The two had operated as a duo for years and were as close as could be. Yet, despite their long history, Nicole evidently had no idea that Leo was a member of the imperial family.
"So, is this prince thing for real?"
"Yeah. Leonhardt Dia von Arclesia... that’s my real name."
"You don't look like you’re just talking nonsense because of the drink. Fine, I'll believe you. But why are you telling me this now? I assume it’s related to your problem?"
"To put it bluntly, my older sister—the current Emperor, whom I haven't seen in years—suddenly showed up and told me to succeed the throne."
"Huh? W-What are you talking about?"
Hearing Leo’s words, Nicole’s face went blank as she struggled to process the information.
"I’m the one who wants to know! Look, I'm technically a prince, but I’m only the 14th Successor to the Throne. I’m at the very bottom of the pile, which is exactly why I was able to run off and become an adventurer!"
"Okay, okay, calm down. But wait, is Emperor Chris actually abdicating? Why? She’s incredibly popular with the people. She solved the food crisis in the Northern Region, she reformed the employment system..."
"Yeah. To be honest, I have no idea why she wants to step down. And I have even less of an idea why she chose me as her successor."
"Hmm. Can’t you just say no?"
Nicole, still reeling from the secret of Chris's abdication, moved on to the core issue: Leo's potential coronation.
Leo began to tremble, his face turning an even deeper shade of pale as he whispered.
"Impossible. Defying Sister Chris... I don’t even want to imagine the horrors she’d visit upon me..."
"Wait, is she really that bad?"
"She was originally the 8th Successor to the Throne. Usually, that’s a rank where you’d never dream of inheriting the empire. Yet, somehow, every single brother above her lost their position or renounced their rights at the exact same time—as if they’d all agreed to it—and she became the Emperor."
"That... is starting to paint a very scary picture."
"I'm certain she did something. My sister is the type of person who doesn't care what means she uses to achieve her goals."
"How terrifying. I feel like I've glimpsed the darkness of the imperial court. So, basically, you're becoming the Emperor because your scary sister told you to and you have no choice?"
Leo fell silent, his expression turning pensive. Seeing this, Nicole allowed a small smile to cross her lips.
"Actually, you want to do it, don't you?"
"I’m wavering, to be honest. I didn't care about it in the past, but after working as an adventurer, I think I’ve come to understand what makes this country great. I like the Arclesia Empire more than I used to. I’ve come to love the people here... So, if there’s something I can do for them, I want to try my best."
"I see. That’s good. It sounds just like you, Leo. I think you’d make a fine Emperor."
"Nicole..."
He nodded once, as if the words of his partner had finally solidified his resolve. Then, staring straight into her eyes, he spoke.
"Which brings me to the main point..."
"The main point?"
"Yeah. I’m going to try and be the Emperor, but I don't know if I can do it well. I've been away from high society for so long, and as you know, I’m an idiot."
"True."
"So... if you’re willing... I want you to come with me. I need your help."
"Sure! That’ll be one gold coin!"
"That's so light! Wait, I know I was the one who asked, but isn't that a bit too easy!?"
Nicole had agreed without a second's hesitation to what was, for all intents and purposes, a marriage proposal. Of course, she hadn't forgotten to demand a fee.
"How many years do you think I've been your partner? I'm probably the only person who can handle a dummy like you. Without me, you'd have been dead long ago."
"Ugh... I can't even argue with that."
"Ahaha! Well, I don't really feel like pairing up with anyone else at this point anyway. I'll stick with you."
"Nicole... thank you."
"I'm glad to see you’ve reached an understanding. I was starting to get worried."
"What?"
The two of them were sharing a warm, soft moment when the sound of light applause and a familiar voice cut through the air. They spun around simultaneously, and the blood instantly drained from Leo’s face.
"S-Si-Sister Chris... w-w-why are you here?"
"Oh, I just happened to be out on an inspection. I spotted my dear little brother and thought I’d say hello, but I didn't want to interrupt such a lovely conversation."
"Liar... that’s definitely a lie... there’s no way the Emperor is doing 'inspections' herself..."
Leo and Nicole both shuddered under Chris's deep, knowing smile. It felt as though she were reading their very souls. They also noticed that the guild, which had been packed moments ago, was now eerily silent and empty. They had been cleared out without anyone noticing.
"Regardless, I knew my choice of successor was correct. You’ve already found yourself an Imperial Consort. It’s quite wonderful, Leonhardt."
"Wait, wait! Your Majesty? I-I don't intend to be the Imperial Consort! A position like Concubine would be plenty... I mean, I’m just a commoner! It’s impossible, right?"
"Oh, don’t you worry about that. I’ve already spoken with your parents. On paper, you were adopted by a minor noble family and entered into the aristocracy... as of yesterday."
"IS THAT SO."
Nicole trembled violently before leaning in to whisper to Leo.
"Leo, Leo... she’s scary. She’s terrifying. Why have I been a noble since yesterday? Why is the escape route already blocked? Is it too late to run?"
"It’s no use. Once Sister Chris has her eyes on you, there is no escape."
"Nooooooo..."
Realizing they had been dancing in the palm of Chris’s hand the entire time, the two of them slumped their shoulders in defeat. The prospect of being taught the ways of royalty by this terrifying woman was enough to freeze their blood.
"We shall discuss the details later," Chris said, turning on her heel to leave the guild.
As she walked away, Leo stood up. "Wait, Sister Chris! Just tell me one thing."
"What is it?"
"Why are you quitting? Why abdicate?"
Leo had accepted his fate, but he still didn't believe he could ever surpass Chris. He knew how competent she was, and he knew how much she loved this country. He had worried she might be ill, or that some dark secret was forcing her hand.
Chris fell silent for a moment. Then, she turned back and wore a smile so radiant and genuinely happy that Leo had never seen anything like it.
"I’ve kept a precious person waiting for far too long. He isn't the sort of man who can be bound by a single nation... and for me to stay by his side, the title of Emperor is a bit of a hindrance."
"Huh?"
"And so, I’ve decided to hand the burden over to a successor I can trust."
"Wait, what does that—"
"I’ll leave you to figure that out for yourself."
With that, Chris walked out of the guild. She didn't use the words she had once spoken to Laguna—that she had found someone more important than the country.
She believed an Emperor should put the country first, and only step down when something truly surpassed it in their heart. That was her path, and she had no intention of forcing that philosophy on Leo. She wanted him to find his own way to rule, his own path to follow.
With a smile on her lips, Chris began her walk back to the palace.
Roughly three years later, a coronation ceremony was held for the new Emperor of the Arclesia Empire. A few days after that, the new Emperor celebrated his wedding.
Witnesses say that at the wedding, the former Emperor was seen leaning close to a man with light brown hair, looking happier than she had ever been...