Liv stood under the scorching sun on the sandy beach.
[Lady Liv...]
Rania looked at Liv with tears in her eyes. The arrogant face she had when first meeting Liv was no longer visible. Seeing this, Liv thought Rania was more affectionate than she had expected.
[Lady Liv, you're truly amazing... You've already come to understand all of our language...]
[Human languages are relatively easy.]
[You're really incredible.]
At those words, Rania sniffled as if even more moved. Behind Rania, other princes and princesses also bid farewell.
[You'll surely become a wonderful ruler.]
[Any person would rightfully follow you, Lady Liv.]
[I hope you form a healthy family.]
Today, the ship heading to the Merna Empire departs. For Liv, it was an incredibly joyous day. Although all the royalty of the Kingdom of Ashur had sad faces. While the royalty were waving their hands with tear-filled eyes towards Liv, a sturdy figure strode through them.
[It's time to leave.]
The Ayr, the supreme leader of the Kingdom of Ashur, dressed in white clothes, smiled showing his teeth as he looked at Liv.
[It's regrettable that you're leaving, but you must have a place to return to.]
[Yes, that's right.]
[Still, it's a pity...]
The Ayr clicked his tongue.
[There are many gods here who love you, why do you want to leave for another land?]
[I can feel the power of the gods wherever I am. The gods are always with me.]
[...Yes, I suppose so.]
Fortunately, the Ayr easily accepted Liv's words.
[Still, I'd like to maintain a good relationship with the country you'll create.]
At those words, Liv pondered for a moment. Would there be any benefit in trading with the Kingdom of Ashur? The golden age of the Kingdom of Ashur had long passed. The current science, technology, and military power of this country are lacking compared to those of the Ein continent. However...
[Yes, if I regain my position, I'll send an envoy.]
The Kingdom of Ashur was the strongest country on the Night Continent. If the Holy Hilysid Empire needs to expand its influence to the Night Continent in the future, the Kingdom of Ashur could be of great help.
The ship Liv was to board had a magnificent appearance. Moreover, it was very large, seeming as if it wouldn't be affected by any wave that might hit it.
The path to the port was covered with yellow flowers. Yellow signified nobility in the Kingdom of Ashur. They had prepared quite a grand farewell ceremony for Liv.
As Liv was about to walk the path, a band standing at the edge of the road began to play lutes. Percussion instruments created a lively sound.
Liv glanced back. The royalty waved their hands towards her.
'Now I'm going back.'
If she returns, there will truly be no problem in Liv reclaiming the imperial throne. No foreign power will help August. If they unite around the Lartman ducal family, they can also firmly grasp domestic power. The temple will also help Liv.
Yes, Liv is now on her way to become Emperor...
'I wonder if it's okay to go a bit grandly.'
* * *
'How boring.'
That was the thought of a sailor on the ship heading to the Merna Empire.
He had been sailing for over a decade, and to him, voyages were always boring. Even the sea that once seemed beautiful and mysterious was now tedious. Of course, he knew that the sea harbors many dangers and one should never let their guard down, but he was an experienced sailor. It was about time for his vigilance to loosen.
In fact, today's ship was somewhat special. It carried a distinguished guest from the Kingdom of Ashur. Even the Ayr himself came out to see off this 'distinguished guest'. Just what kind of being would warrant the Ayr seeing them off? It must be someone far too high for him to even reach.
Indeed, the distinguished guest did look quite special. Although he had met many people traveling between the Ein continent and the Night continent, he had never met anyone who looked like this distinguished guest.
The distinguished guest's white hair was not just white, but transparent. But even more unusual were her pale pink eyes. When he caught a glimpse of those eyes, he somehow felt as if his insides were completely exposed. Although it was no different from the color of cosmetics used by women or the color of flowers, he realized for the first time that pink could feel so frightening.
The distinguished guest was standing on the deck looking at the sea instead of entering the cabin. Other merchants on the ship were also curious about this distinguished guest, glancing at her from around her.
'Is she from the Merna Empire? No, such bright hair color is rare there. The Kingdom of Reboer? If not there, then the Esit Empire?'
As he was racking his brain, a powerful wave hit the ship, causing it to sway momentarily. Some merchants staggered and grabbed the railing, but the sailor stood in his place with a calm face. He was used to this much by now.
The sailor unknowingly glanced at the distinguished guest. She was standing there with an equally calm face. She didn't seem affected by the waves at all.
'Has she been on ships quite a lot?'
As his curiosity grew, suddenly the sky began to brighten. It had been a sky with thick clouds and not a bit of sunlight shining through, but it seemed the clouds had cleared a bit. He raised his head, not thinking much of the change in weather. And then...
"Huh?"
He discovered that the sun revealed between the clouds was shining light on exactly one spot. Following that...
"Ah..."
The sunlight was shining precisely above the distinguished guest's head. The sight looked just like an angel from mythology.
'No, what is this...'
It couldn't be seen as simply a coincidence. How could the sunlight illuminate such a narrow area, and how could the distinguished guest happen to be standing alone in that spot? The moment he instinctively thought something was strange, two birds flew in from the sky.
"It's the celestial albatross!"
A sea bird with a body as large as a human that can move thousands of yards at once. The celestial albatross is known to be able to fly for days without rest, but it's extremely rare to see at sea. However, there's a rumor that once a celestial albatross is spotted, the voyage becomes safe, so sailors greatly welcome the appearance of this bird.
But the celestial albatross, which is said to be hard to see even once in a lifetime while sailing, appeared not just one but two at the same time.
As the sailor's face became blank at that sight, the two celestial albatrosses began to circle around the distinguished guest.
People started murmuring as they saw this. It was an extraordinary sight for anyone to see. Then, the final unbelievable thing that happened was...
"Oh? The wind!"
The ship's sailing speed increased. Surprisingly, the wind was pushing them in the direction they needed to go.
Amidst all this, the distinguished guest was smiling alone. As if she had expected this situation.
Just then, her hair fluttered in the wind. While other people's clothes and hair were still, only the distinguished guest's hair...
At that moment, the sailor recalled one of the many legends he had heard while sailing. Ah, so that woman is...
"-In the Holy Hilysid Empire, there's an imperial family called Gracia, and they are said to receive the love of the gods for generations.
-Well, it's probably a lie made up to win the hearts of the people.
-You fool, what do you know! I've seen them myself!
-What do you mean...
-They truly perform miracles through the love of the gods!
It was the revival of the Gracia family.
* * *
Emmett staggered to his feet. Although his appearance was still a mess, his eyes were shining brightly. Emmett, who went out to the entrance, could face the knights gathered with the Lartman crest. They had solemn faces befitting people going to war. Even though it was Emmett who decided to fight the Emperor, they showed no signs of discontent towards him.
Well, it might be natural. After all, August finally pointed to him as the culprit who assassinated Louisa. According to what the spy he had planted in the capital quickly rode on horseback to relay, soldiers sent from the capital were coming here to arrest him. Of course, they won't be able to catch Emmett anyway. Their heads will fall to the ground before that.
"I should have done this earlier."
Even if Liv returns, he cannot tell her of his love. That was the divine punishment he received.
However, there was something he could do.
Emmett will break August's neck and present it to Liv as a gift. He will prove his love to Liv with that.
"Your Grace, we're ready!"
"Yes, deploy the soldiers."
The flag of the Lartman ducal family announcing rebellion was raised high.