Chapter I.

High Priest Berena, who commanded the Celestial Army to block Kahlert's onslaught, left this world. The people of the Celestial Realm have not had time to repair the damage caused by Kahlert, and they have to endure even greater grief.

More and more people are wearing mourning clothes, and the cries of loss can be heard everywhere. However, the Celestial Realm's Leaders cannot bask in grief and must fill the void of Belena as soon as possible. The High Priest of the Heavenly Realm has always inherited according to the last words of the previous priest, and there is also a magnificent succession ceremony, if it was in the past, it is already busy carrying out the ceremony. However, this time the situation is somewhat different.

Pedra Neumann: It's been ten days since Belena-sama died. It's almost time to prepare for the succession ceremony of Lady Elijie. Even if it is to repair the damage of the war as soon as possible, the position of the High Priest cannot be left empty for a long time.

Andy Wayne: You have a point...... However, wait a little longer.

Pedra Neumann: Vane, this is the case, is there any need to wait? Lady Belena explicitly named her successor. Do you want to ignore Lord Baireen's will?

Hearing Neumann's somewhat impatient question, Vane's eyes sharpened.

Andy Wayne: Who said to ignore it? I just want to say that now that everyone is busy cleaning up the mess of the war, it may be difficult for a small girl to take on a big responsibility at this time. Although she is smart, she still has a lot to learn at this age.

The not-so-small conference room was filled with a sigh. This position is too important to be vacant for a moment. But what can a child who was born and raised in an ordinary family do?

Pedra Neumann: ...... However, no one can replace this position.

Terasa Shuz: High Priest ...... Is such a character really needed in this period?

Andy Wayne: What do you mean?

Terassar Shuz: Nothing, I just remembered the time when the evil Kahlert invaded the Imperial Capital. What is needed in war is not the power of the priests.

At a time when more caution was needed than ever, Hutz's blatant expression of displeasure suddenly filled the room with tension.

Pedra Neumann: Isn't Mistress Belena useless in the fight against Kahlert? As soon as the war began, she personally led the vanguard to establish a great feat, and drove the enemy out of the lawless zone, didn't she!

Terasar Shuz: Yes, she's a good 'Commander'.

Young Jurgen: Alright, everyone, please calm down. Everyone has their own ideas, and these ideas are worth discussing, but the first thing to do now is to prepare for the funeral.

Seeing that the atmosphere was becoming more and more tense, the words of Navero Jurgen, the head of the Jurgen family, eased the atmosphere. While everyone in the room, with the exception of one person, was a representative of their respective families, none of them had a significant say in the matter. However, Jurgen didn't say what he meant, and just calmed the intense atmosphere in the conference room.

Young Jurgen: Alijie is still young, and we shouldn't be upsetting her by making noise here. We'll talk about that later.

Andy Vane: Your Excellency Jurgen is right, so I'll ...... first

Terassar Shuz: I'm also going to take my leave.

Young Jurgen: Whew, that's all that. Although I had expected this for a long time, I didn't expect it to be so tiring. Heck, I'm not qualified to be tired in front of the general. Are you alright, General? I don't think I have fully recovered from the fatigue on the battlefield.

Jack: I'm fine.

After the nobles left, only Jurgen and the Grand General Hawkeye Jack were left in the conference room. After Belena's death, Jack took the position of Supreme Commander of the Heavenly Realm, but there was no trace of pride or joy on his face. There is no one who can sit in such a high position as he can. When Belena brought him to the imperial capital, most people predicted that the hillbilly would soon fall on his head. However, the man, known as "Hawkeye", paid no heed to these denigrations, and he drove his way through the ranks to the pinnacle of his military career. How should you control this man...... Although Jurgen knew all about the sinister world of politics where a single word could make or break lives, he couldn't figure out what Jackt was thinking.

Young Jurgen: It's a shame to say, but Belena-sama would love to see the shogun's inauguration.

Jackett: No, I'm glad I didn't have any noisy fancy inauguration ceremonies or anything like that. Okay, it's time for me to go back too.

Jack replied stiffly in a soldier's tone, and then stood up. Jurgen followed good-naturedly.

Young Jurgen: Ah, you're going back to headquarters, aren't you? I'm going in the same direction as you, so let's go together. The weather is so good, and being able to enjoy the beautiful garden in such good weather is all thanks to Belena and the shogun.

Jackett: The soldiers worked harder than I did.

Young Jurgen: Haha, you don't have to be too modest. It is true that our soldiers are valiant against the enemy, but it is also because they have excellent command......

Jack, who had been striding forward, suddenly stopped.

Jackter: Your Excellency Jurgen, speak up if you have something to say, forgive me for being stupid, I am not familiar with the elegant way of speaking of nobles.

Jürgen Jrgen: Nothing, I just want to say that the clouds have cleared and the sun is shining, and the weather is beautiful.

Jack: When the time comes, the clouds will naturally disperse, so there's no need to rush, and there's no need to make any waves.

Although the two were talking about the weather, it was not just the weather. It is impossible for a person with a keen sense of smell and a person who wants to survive this battle of the Shura field not to know the implicit meaning of Jurgen's words. However, Jack, who has spent his entire life on the battlefield, has not changed in the slightest trace of his face, making it impossible to read his emotions. He replied simply in a tone that implied impatience but was not rude. Jurgen nodded.

Jürgen Jrgen: I see. General, I have to go this way, so I'll see you next time. I hope to ask you a few tips next time.

Jack: Goodbye.

Finally able to get out of trouble, there was a subtle sense of liberation in Jackett's voice. Jurgen, on the other hand, became more and more incomprehensible to Jack.

Chapter II

Fifteen days after Belena's death. Jack told all the entourage to retreat, walked to the girl's room, and knocked solemnly on the door.

Jack: Alijie, I'm Jack. Can I come in?

Young Elijie: Okay, please wait.

The deep bronze door opened silently. The little girl who was almost up to the general's waist leaned her neck, and the expression on her face was completely the best model of "nervous expression" in acting class.

Young Eliza: Hello, General. Don't you need to train today?

Jack: I've shot too many times before, and my fingers are a little cramping. Sometimes you need to give your fingers a break, too.

Young Elizat: Huh? Remuneration? Do you still need a gratuity for gun training?

Jack: Haha, it's not a gratuity. I mean cramps, which are when the muscles suddenly contract and you can't move, and the muscles become stiff and painful.

Young Elijie: Alas, it's not interesting.

Jack: After Belena died, you'd be upset, so I'm going to have a look. Are you okay?

Elle Jie as a child: ...... I want to go home.

Ellie's voice was low, as children do when they are homesick. However, perhaps because this sentence could not solve the knot in her heart, Ai Lijie hesitated and added another sentence.

Young Elijie: It's scary here.

Jackett: yes, I'm homesick a lot, too.

Elle Jie when she was a child: Uncle...... Ah, General, where is your home?

Jackett: My home is in Mospis. I haven't been back in a long time.

Young Eliza: Why?

Jack was troubled for a moment, not knowing whether he should say this to a child, but he still said it honestly from his own temperament.

Jack: When I came to the imperial capital, I wanted my wife and daughter to come with me, but they didn't want to leave their hometown, so I left them at home and came alone. Actually, I regret it.

Young Eliza: Hmm...... General, aren't you the highest-ranking general, and don't you just order the soldiers to bring them over?

Jack: It would be nice to be like that. However, the war has just ended, so I can't bother the soldiers for my family. The soldiers were also tired and should go home to rest.

Young Ellie: It's so good, I really want to go home.

Jack: Ellie, how long have you been here? More than half a year, right? You must miss your family.

Young Elijie: Yes...... But you're not going to send me back, are you? Mom said I had to stay here.

Jack: yes.

Jackett didn't deliberately accentuate his tone. In fact, he didn't need to say anything, this fact was already very heavy for the girl.

Young Ellie: I already knew. I would come to this place...... I don't know why, but I just know. I'll sit alone in a big room......

Jack: You're not alone, I'm going to do my best to keep everyone there for you.

Alyselle replied in frustration. She was probably tired of hearing this kind of painless comfort. However, Jackett's words were not finished.

Jack: But tough things don't get easy because of that. Sadness and loneliness are natural things. But, at least you can still cry when you're sad and laugh when you're happy.

Young Elijie: Now?

Jackett: In the future, you will have to cry when you are happy and you have to laugh when you are sad. The position of leader is always lonely, and if you don't wear a mask, you will be crushed.

Young Elijie: I don't want that.

Jack: I don't want to. However, I don't have the power to change this reality.

Jack was silent for a moment. Are these words appropriate to children...... No one in their right mind would say that. However, Jackett decides to believe in Elle's cleverness and Belena, who chose the girl as her heir.

Jackett: The position of the High Priest is precarious. He was the center of the kingdom, but he was not an emperor and had no actual power. However, the High Priest was always suspected of having to perform his duties as a responsible person whenever others needed him. However, there is nothing we can do about it, and this is a heavy responsibility that you have to bear.

Elle Jie as a child: ......

Jackett: There are probably a lot of people who will say that you are a puppet, a puppet who has been manipulated. But, Ellie, don't pay attention to their words. I hope that you will not become the supreme priest who is easily at the mercy of them, but the emperor of this country.

Young Elijie: Emperor?

Hearing this word in the heavenly realm, even the smart and clever Ai Lijie blinked in confusion. Jack nodded vigorously.

Jackett: The country is like a castle made of sand, it can easily crumble. The power of the aristocracy was too strong, and the power was scattered. Because of this, once a strong enemy like Bakar appears, the country will quickly fall apart. If that were the case, your dear family and friends would all die. Until that happens, please unite this country as one. If you are willing to do so, then I will help you.

Young Eliza: Oh...... I do not know. Uncle, can't you do it?

A frightened Ellie pleaded pleadingly, but Jack shook her head.

Jack: I can't. My way of thinking has been solidified by combat, and it seems natural to me to distinguish between enemies and allies in a dichotomy. Moreover, I am a military man. If I sit in the position of the Dominator...... It may be easy to upend the country, but it will definitely end up being a bad precedent. Everyone will think that anyone can overthrow the country by force. There is one more important reason.

Elle Jie when she was a child: What is it?

Jack: I hate trouble the most. Once you're done, it's time to go to the sea, drink, and chat with friends. The Emperor can't do that.

Jack's tone seemed to say that playing was obviously more important than the reasons listed above. Listening to his words, Ellie chuckled.

Young Ellie Jie (new): Hee hee...... I also like to play.

Jack: Of course, Elijah, you can grab a suitable person and put him in this position, and then you can escape on your own. Do you want to do that?

Alijie tilted her head and thought seriously for a while, then stuck out her tongue with a smile.

Young Eliza: If I leave, then there will be another person who will have to stay in this big room, and I will be scared and shivering, right? I don't want that. And...... Uncle, ah no, general, you are the strongest person in this country, right?

Jack: In a way, yes.

Young Elijie: Since you said you would help me, General, then I'll give it a try. If the country is in danger, then the people I like will be hurt...... I'm going to make it impossible for bad people to bully good people. But what is an emperor? A friend of the High Priest?

Jackett: It is said that our country has had emperors in the past. If the High Priest is the one who communicates between God and humanity, then the one who unites the people and leads the people is the Emperor. Our country has the word 'empire' in its name, also because there have been emperors in the past.

Ellen as a child: But it's kind of scary...... Isn't there anything else but the emperor? Somewhat lower than the emperor's status.

Listening to Ellie's sincere words, Jack was speechless. "A little lower than the Emperor? What is that? "The concept of the Emperor is still too foreign to the people of the Celestial Realm.

Jack: Hmm...... If the emperor is below, she is probably the imperial daughter.

Young Elijie: Then I'll be the princess.

Jackett: However, the princess should be the emperor's daughter...... Forget it, it's okay to be an emperor when you grow up. Anyway, this country is obviously called an empire but there is no emperor, since this is the case, it is not wrong to say that the imperial daughter is the process before the emperor becomes an adult.

"If Belena were still alive, she would definitely laugh and say what kind of mess this is," a flash of thought suddenly ran through Jack's mind, but he quickly put it behind him and got up from his seat.

Jack: Then I'll take you as a promise, and I'll go.

Young Elijie: Where are you going to be lazy?

Jackett: I want to be lazy too, but unfortunately no one can take the work off my shoulders. Please introduce me to a few of these people in the future.

Before stepping back, Jack saluted, and Elle returned the salute unskillfully. Before Jackett opened the door, Elijah seemed to suddenly remember something, and hurriedly ran over and grabbed Jack's military uniform. Then, she whispered in Jack's ear, who was crouching.

Young Elijie: Well, if I become a princess, I can get your daughter as a general, right? Can you get her to be my friend?

Jack: My daughter is older than Ellie. It's nothing for children to play together, I'm afraid that she always wants to put on her sister's shelf.

Ellen when she was a child: Wow, I want my sister. Can she be my sister?

Listening to Ellie's innocent words, Jack snorted.

Jack: If my daughter is the sister of the Queen, what have I become? Please don't keep digging traps for me in this way. There were enough people out there who wanted my life.

Ellen when she was a child: Alas...... I'm sorry.

Jack: That's how it is. Also, don't be childish all the time, run around when you're bored, please be quiet and stay well. Whether it's an emperor or a princess, I don't want to serve a lord who cries his nose during the enthronement ceremony.

Chapter III

Jack: ...... Therefore, I think it is necessary to make Elle Jie the princess. I will actively promote this, above.

The meeting that decided that Elijah would succeed to the position of High Priest. Anyway, there is no other plan, and the House of Lords is considered to be formally recognized. If it had gone as planned, it would have been a serious, quiet meeting. However, the unexpected speech of the Supreme Commander of the Celestial Realm, Jack, has thrown what should have been a peaceful conference room into chaos.

Pedra Neumann: The Imperial Daughter? How dare you call the princess......

Because the speech was so absurd, the nobles were so angry that they couldn't even speak, but Jack was calm. No, I should say that he is thick-skinned.

The fury of the nobles finally broke out, and Xiuz bravely attacked first: "Are you crazy? ”

However, Jackt didn't react, just looked at her coldly. Shuz once again saw why Jackett was called "Hawkeye", and her face flushed like a recruit who had made a mistake.

Terassa Shuz: ...... Well, I know you have your considerations...... However, this is unprecedented.

Jackett: If you want to talk about precedent, Kahlert's large-scale offensive is also unprecedented. Isn't it? At least this is the first time this has happened after countless history books have been burned under Bakar's oppression.

Pedra Neumann: But since she is called an imperial daughter, her status is equivalent to that of an emperor. General Jackett, don't you know why our country will abolish the emperor?

Jackett: As far as I know, it's because I'm fed up with Bakar's arbitrariness as queen.

Andy Wayne: That's right, that's right. For a long time, we have suffered under the dictatorship of that monster, so we have unanimously maintained and developed a system that respects the opinions of all parties. However, if the emperor is elected now, won't all our efforts turn into a bubble? Moreover, can the young Elejie take on such a heavy responsibility?

Jack: She's young, she's smart, kind, and as long as someone assists him properly, there's no big problem. Moreover, you say that you don't know if she can take on the heavy responsibility, what does this mean? Even if she is not the emperor, she is still the one who will become the highest priest. She has taken on the heaviest responsibilities in this empire. Your words may sound disrespectful to some people.

Andy Wayne: No, that's not what I meant. But the High Priest and the Emperor are obviously different things, right? Why pick up what we think is a bad habit and get rid of it?

Although he was a little panicked, the aristocratic chiefs in the conference room did not sit in this position casually. They sharply and tightly dismantled Jack's claims. In fact, they are also very clever in misrepresenting Jack's intentions. No matter how much preparation you make, you can't become an orator in a day.

However, before Jack took out all the materials he had prepared, Jurgen, who had been silent, spoke quietly.

Jürgen Jrgen: I understand very well what General Jack meant, and I understand that the general has no intention of changing his mind. However, this proposal also needs to be discussed in depth in our House of Lords. We need some more time.

Jack: I see.

Jürgen Jürgen: So that's all for today's meeting. I'll talk about the convening of the House of Lords separately.

Pedra Neumann: Got it.

After the nobles had all left, Jurgen sighed and shrugged his shoulders.

Young Jurgen: Phew, you're more reckless than I thought. I thought you would put it more tactfully.

Jackett: It's true that I lack the skill to speak, but I do think there's no need to go around in circles.

Young Jurgen: General, haven't you considered how much of an impact your statement will have on the House of Lords?

Jack: It's actually just a different name, isn't it? Anyway, the major affairs of the state are decided by the highest priest, so what difference does it make if the name is changed to the emperor?

Jurgen Jrgen: Of course it's different. Politicians are inherently concerned about such small things. What's more, this incident that you threw out, General, will turn the situation here upside down. And it's not just a change of name. Please don't test me in this way.

Jackt looked at Jurgen silently. Navero Jurgen, a man who held real power in the House of Lords at a young age. In addition to the fact that the name is not the supreme ruler, it is not an exaggeration to say that he is the most influential person in the country. What is the purpose of this man?

Jackt couldn't find out what Jurgen was in. From anyone's point of view, Jack's intentions are obvious, and he is mentally prepared for a serious conflict.

However, Jurgen's position, which should have been the most opposed, was ambiguous, and he just watched everything, which Jackt really couldn't understand. Can the head of the great aristocracy accept a power structure centered on the emperor? Are you sure?

Jack didn't want to join this political fight, but now was the only chance, and if it weren't for Belina's last words, and if it weren't for the fact that everyone has now suffered from the lawlessness that they once overlooked, I am afraid that there will be no chance to change the country. That's why Jackett started this fight. So, which side will Jurgen be on?

Young Jurgen: Anyway, if that's what you mean, I'd like you to tell me first. Now things are much more complicated.

Jack: You agree with me?

Young Jurgen: That's what the general said, right?

Jack: ...... These are her last words, how would you know.

Young Jurgen: I noticed it when Belena added the word 'Bella' to Elijie's name. Bella is the name of the emperor, and although he failed to create a peaceful and prosperous world, he is the most powerful emperor in imperial power. However, not many people know about him anymore. In short, although I don't know when it will be, I think that sooner or later the general will come forward. It's just that I didn't expect you to push this thing with such a strong approach.

There was a clear implication in Jurgen's words, and Jack frankly admitted his mistake.

Young Jurgen: Can you leave this to me? I will do my best to help make Belayan's wish come true.

Jack: (Navelo Jurgen...... Does he have any conspiracy? It was impossible for him not to see that Berion wanted to place the celestial realm, which had developed according to the wishes of the House of Lords, under the strong rule of the Emperor. However, I don't know anything about politics...... If she is an enemy of this man, Ai Lijie is too young after all, and she has no power to support her behind her...... Tsk, yes, the war-torn battlefield is more reassuring to me. Since Your Excellency Jürgen has offered to help, we have the strongest of our allies. However, this matter is expected to be done carefully.

Young Jurgen: Of course. By the way, have you been available lately? I mentioned last time that I wanted to invite you to drink...... If you have time, I'll go back and get ready, and when it's convenient for you, be sure to come to the Humble House.

Jack really didn't want to go to the house of the big noble, but there was no way.

Jack: Since you've been so enthusiastic, I can't say no. It just so happens that I have good wine here, so I'll take it with me.

Chapter IV

People: Long live Your Majesty! Long live Her Majesty! May there be eternal peace in the heavenly realm!

Ellen when she was a child: Ah......

Young Jurgen: Please keep smiling and waving again. The presentation will take place somewhere else.

Young Elijie: Okay...... Oh no, I see......

As the enthronement ceremony gradually reached its climax, little Ai Lijie's expression became more and more solemn. However, she calmly followed the pre-practiced action, and although it was the first time that the enthronement ceremony of the High Priest and Empress had been held, the ceremony went smoothly and without error.

Melly Faionille: The atmosphere is really good. I thought there would be a lot of people saying why this little girl could inherit Bethena's position, have you found a lot of nurseries?

Jackett: Not like that.

Melly Faionil: I don't know if you have one, but Jurgen must have found it. On this occasion, the atmosphere is very important. High priest, plus the royal daughter. Who can be without insecurity and discontent? However, if public opinion is used to build momentum before these complaints are concretized, people will follow public opinion.

Jackett: No matter what someone says, people end up acting on their own judgment.

Merry Faionir: So, do you mean that the masses are thinking with their own minds and really welcoming her to the throne? Forget it. Your statement is too optimistic, too stupid. And you're not an optimist. You're a fool! Actually at the mercy of the aristocracy, was your head smashed by the butt of a gun stupid?

Merry Fai'O'Neill of the Elytra of the Seven and Jack met when they were at Mospis. Merry often asked Jack for help with research, regardless of Jack's identity, and even though Jack was now the Supreme Commander, their relationship remained the same. It is precisely because the two have had such a long fate that Jackett has become accustomed to Merry's style, so no matter what she says, Jackett listens silently without a trace of displeasure.

Jack: I don't want to listen to you as a guy who causes trouble under the guise of adventure teach me a lesson. Since you want to participate so much, why don't you try it seriously? I'm in need of people right now.

Melly Faioniel: Are you crazy? As soon as the scientist enters the army, it's over! Soldiers are all eager to help, only pay attention to the results and are verbose. In order to achieve results, it is necessary to go through countless trial and error, and this kind of thing is simply incomprehensible to the military.

Jack: I heard you took in disciples.

Merry Faioniel: Me? She is now able to stand on her own. Anyway, it's almost like this, and I can't take care of her all the time.

Merry puts the shredded tobacco into the pouch. The palace maid frowned explicitly, and Mei Li hid outside and took a puff of cigarette.

Merry Faionier: Ah, yes. I've heard that Herman's disciple is active on the Coast Guard's side, and he's a crazy vindictive obsession. How long are you going to let him wear a military uniform? The guy who is honest on the surface but is actually bloodthirsty is the most headache.

Jack: He's done a lot of work, and there's no talent to replace him at the moment, and we don't have any proof. I'll keep an eye on him.

Melly Faioniel: I don't like him anyway. How could Herman not see the signs...... Tsk tsk, fortunately it's not me who is going to break my nerves. That's all for the small talk with the medalled guys. It's almost time, and it's time for me to go.

Jack: The enthronement ceremony is now the climax.

Melly Faioniel: I'm not interested. I don't like to be in a place where there are so many people, it's noisy. I also don't like to see a stinky child dressed in such heavy clothes. I'm probably going to be out for a couple of years this time. I don't know when I'll be back, but don't burp while I'm away.

Jack: If you want to go, you should go first, Grandma.

Hearing Jack's unceremonious answer, Merry laughed heartily.

Merry Faionir: Hahaha! In this world, who dies first and who dies later is ranked by age! Don't make the mistake of thinking that you can live because you're young.

Merry took a long puff of her cigarette and staggered away. Although Mei Li is a bit eccentric, she is well-connected and has profound wisdom, and it would be much easier to have her by her side with Alijie, which is a pity. No matter how many times Jackett proposed and each time she refused, Jack kindly blessed her with athlete's foot on the road.

As soon as Merry left, Jurgen came over.

Jürgen Jrgen: The response was much better than I thought. If this continues, Her Royal Highness will definitely be able to ascend to the throne smoothly.

Jack: You've done a great job.

Young Jurgen: Where, where. I didn't expect that the general just actively expressed his support, and things became so easy. It seems that you are really respected by the people.

Jack: I'm ashamed, I'm ashamed. I really don't know how to answer that, so please don't say it again.

Although Jackt humbly interrupted Jurgen's words, he was incomparably more complicated inside. He waved his hand at Ellie, who was looking at him sideways, and measured it in his heart.

Jack: (We have to do what Belena said, and give the House of Lords a blood.) The new era should blow in a fresh wind...... The Callert invasion was also the result of a long class gap and a concentration of power. It was the aristocracy that caused all this...... The ceilings that oppress people's lives must be broken...... Create a world where everyone is equal under the princess and there is no distinction between high and low...... I'm really getting in trouble, Belina...... ）

Young Jurgen: (The people have lost trust in the aristocracy...... The concentration of power centered on the High Priest is an irreversible trend of the times. Since it cannot be disobeyed, it is necessary to lead the trend. Kahlert has not yet been completely swept away, and there will be clashes large and small in the future...... For the time being, the army is under my control, but sooner or later all the responsibilities must be shouldered by the princess alone. 'High Priest' and 'Imperial Daughter', with this identity, it is much easier to be accountable. I want to sweep away the dross of priestly politics with the princess and forge a new leader whose legitimacy is unquestionable...... This is the right way to develop the country...... The weather is really nice today. A new king will be born, and it's a good day.

Jackett: yes, it's a good day.

Jurgen and Jackt looked at the same sky and said to each other.