Dietrich rose from his throne and slowly advanced to the front of the hall.
Although his features were still pale and emaciated, his usual dignity had not wavered.
'Yes, I always have been.'
Even if his body was sick and his insides were corroding from the inside, he showed no trace of it. He was able to hide everything behind a solid mask.
Preseppe was thinking as she stared at Dietrich.
“999 years.”
Dietrich moved his dry lips slowly.
“As all citizens of the Empire know, it has been 999 years since the founding of the Holy Empire of Ataluya.”
The Foundation Festival was a constant event in the game, like the Celebration Party or the Ice Prison, and had been experienced hundreds of times.
But each time, Presippi was completely busy pursuing characters and never listened to what Dietrich had to say.
“Since its founding, Ataluya has maintained its position not through peace and tranquility, but through fierce battles, both against humans and against monsters.”
…Maybe there was an important thread hidden in his words.
For the first time since she found herself in the game, Presibe began to listen intently to Dietrich's speech.
"And this year was no exception. We fought bravely, sacrificed our lives, and in the end succeeded in preserving Imperial legitimacy and Ataloya's pride."
So, he was speaking for himself in the end.
Although he was the first Crown Prince, Dietrich was not the heir the previous Emperor wanted. He would have preferred another prince.
But whatever method he took, Dietrich was able to eliminate his rival and seize the throne, and he seemed to be referring to this in his speech.
“Well, it's not bad for him to state this clearly...”
“But there are still those who prey on Ataloya’s wealth, and these are not just humans.”
...Has he ever said something like that before?
Prisippi raised her eyebrows curiously.
“However, we have brave and loyal knights, we have the Holy Church that will not hesitate to protect us, and we also have the Mage Tower that will stand on the front lines when any crisis strikes.”
...Wizards' Tower?
Fenrick's facial expression changed slightly as he stared at Dietrich.
Normally, the Emperors of Ataloya were dependent on the Church, and thus were not friendly with the Tower of Wizards or High Wizards.
Dietrich seemed to have no interest in either the church or the wizard's tower.
So, it made sense for him to praise the knights and the church, but suddenly mentioning the Mage Tower seemed suspicious.
"The same applies to all citizens of Ataluya. Every person living on this land, regardless of rank or position, must obey the Emperor's orders and fight bravely. If he does not, he will be considered a traitor and will not be worthy of bearing the title of Imperial Citizen, and will receive appropriate punishment for it."
Prisippi's eyes widened in astonishment as she listened to his words.
Dietrich…
What exactly is he trying to say?
Was he trying to threaten someone?
It is as if he is saying: “You must obey me unconditionally.”
“I swear on my life before all of you, that Ataluya will prosper even more than it is now, and will remain an immortal empire. I sincerely believe that you will follow my will and will not hesitate to sacrifice your lives to protect the empire. Therefore, I will always be with you, and just as I will be with you, you must be with me as well.”
After a moment's pause, Dietrich's gaze suddenly turned to Preseppe, who was standing behind Fenrik and watching him from behind shyly.
“Even if the road is difficult and arduous, it is necessary.”
Precipi felt a shiver run through her body when she met Dietrich's eyes.
'Even if I hadn't listened to him carefully before… I don't think he'd ever said such words before.'
For some reason, I felt strangely uncomfortable. It seemed that this long speech was not only directed at the citizens of the empire.
'No way... No, I must be imagining it.'
While she was thinking, Dietrich finished his speech and returned to his seat.
Now, after the Emperor's speech is over, the ceremony will begin. The nobles will gather according to their alliances to demonstrate their influence.
But that didn't matter to Precipe at all.
There was only one thing on her mind—whether or not the true hero of the game would attend the Foundation Festival.
“…”.
Presibe scanned the place with her eyes anxiously.
Even characters that have been hit by a glitch in the game still have a relationship window, it's been that way since it came out. So, it was possible that the real hero, even if he didn't reveal his identity, still had that window.
But since the game was collapsing in a chaotic manner, she couldn't be completely sure of that. So, she began to carefully look at the people around her, trying to determine which handsome and prominent person might be the hero.
“Now, what are you trying to do...?”
Right at that moment, Fenric turned to her and his eyes narrowed slightly.
“Who are you looking for?”
"What?"
“Tell me, whatever, and I'll take care of it.”
But…
Was there really someone Precipe was looking for?
Fenric raised an eyebrow as if uncomfortable with the idea.
“…”
Presibe was confused and could not find a suitable answer.
...How can I tell him something I don't know myself?
But in the midst of this confusing situation, her savior came from someone she never expected.
“It's been a long time since we last met, Mrs. Presby.”
He was one of Dietrich's bodyguard knights.
The person with whom Dietrich was never separated, so Precipe knew him well.
“How were you during this period?”
Presibe didn't answer, just stared at him.
At that moment, Fenric moved briskly, and carefully stood in front of her, partially shielding her.
“Good evening, Duke Fenric. I wasn't expecting to see you at such an event, so it's good to see you here...”
“Purpose.”
Fenric seemed to have no intention of listening to what the accompanying knight said.
“What's the matter?”
As if this was nothing new to him, the accompanying knight maintained his calm expression, then lowered his voice slightly and opened his lips to say:
“His Majesty has requested your presence, Madam Presibe.”
Precipi's gaze automatically turned forward, where Dietrich was sitting. But he wasn't there.
"He said he'd like to talk to you for a bit. It seemed like he was worried about you. Plus, his health wasn't good."
Well, actually, he looked a bit tired...
“He is already waiting for you. I will guide you to him.”
Hmm, is this necessary?
“I apologize to His Majesty, but Madam Presibe is also not in good condition.”
I? suddenly?
“So you will go straight back to the palace.”
“But, but if that’s the case, wouldn’t it be better to have the palace doctor examine you?”
“I'm not sure.”
Fenric muttered in a very cold voice.
“There are many skilled doctors outside the palace as well, you know.”
Prisippi was not unaware of Fenric's actions. It was clear that he knew very well how Dietrich was treating her…he was trying to protect her in some way. However, Fenric himself was one of Dietrich's men, just like the accompanying knight who now stood before him.
“……”
Confusion appeared on the accompanying knight's features, then he took a quick look around before lowering his voice further as he continued his words:
“His Majesty… has been bedridden for days on end. Since you left the palace, not a single day has passed without him being on his bed.”
Precipe made no reply. I just fell into deep thought for a moment.
"His condition was worse than reported. Doctors said he went into severe shock, but there was no real solution to it."
If you think about it… Actually, isn't Dietrich the only person who can provide me with information?
From the beginning, from the time he showed up at the training stage, Dietrich was the only person I met.
Now, unlike in the past, I can talk to him freely.
Of course, the problem remains how he interacts with me...
[“You're not alone anymore, Sir Presby.”]
What suddenly came to my mind were the words Fenric had said to me during the festival.
He was clearly keeping his promise.
He made up an excuse to refuse the Emperor's request to meet me.
“It has been a long time since he has seen you, sir. He must be happy to see you.”
It was really strange.
Even without knowing what Dietrich was planning, just having Fenrick in the palace was enough to put me at ease.
“So, Madam Prisippi...”
“Okay.”
At that moment, Fenric's body stiffened.
“I will meet His Majesty.”
But it wasn't just Precipe's decision alone.
Rather, it was because of the small hand that carefully held his fingers.
It's like she's telling him I'm fine.
“I will guide you to him right now.”
The accompanying knight seemed to be afraid that Precipe would change his mind, so he spoke in a voice of urgency as he led her.
Prisippi nodded then turned to Fenric.
“I'll be back soon. Maybe.”
Then he murmured in a low voice, as if whispering to him:
“If you don’t come quickly, I will go get you myself.”
"I know that."
Prisippi smiled gently as she answered.
“I know the Duke will do it, so I can go at ease.”
So, I'll go now.
Leaving those short words behind her, she walked away with the accompanying knight, while Fenric watched her back silently.
“Did you know?”
Then…
“Because of you, I have suffered greatly, Duke.”
Those were the words of Ivan, who suddenly appeared in front of him, looking at him with a look that almost killed him.