1629 Winter(December)

“Err...”

I’ve really fallen ill, due to pneumonia, which was developed from a common cold that I had for a long time. Death was looming.

Realizing that I can’t do any work no longer, I’ve appointed Basilissa – my current wife, Hildegard – as the regent Queen of the New East Roman Empire(*Empire for short from now), while letting the Small Council - Council of regents that will run the Empire after my death before Arthur comes of age – to do the major work, though they needed Hildegard’s final permission to carry out matters.

Also, I wrote a will stating that I will abdicate the title, Basileus of the Empire, with its’ heir as my late-born son Arthur, while the giving the title, Kaiser of the Holy Roman Empire(Germany) to Ferdinand II, King of Bohemia, the current head of the Austrian Habsburg.

Witnessing this, all Europeans, commoners and nobles alike, were lamenting that one era is passing away, but solemnly received the reality.

‘Well, it wasn’t a secret that my health was getting weaker day by day. I’ve officially let the people be aware of it several times!’

‘Wail’

“E, Edward! Don’t leave me and Arthur! How can I do all the things without you?”

“Y, you’ll do just fine, my dear Hildegard. Remember what you’ve learned from me so far.”

“W, would you please call Arthur? I, I wish to see him for the last time.”

“Y, yes. O, of course, Edward!”

After soothing the wailing Hildegard, I’ve summoned my late-born son Arthur and spoke to him

“I, I wished to be with you, at least till you become adult and get married. B, but the Holy Father is calling me to heaven now.”

“F, father...”

“From now, Holy Father, Jesus Christ, and Virgin Mary will protect you. I shall pray for you in heaven.”

‘Sob’

And the young boy replied

“P, please don’t leave me, father! I’m only 12 years old

(*Arthur was born in 1617 Winter), how can you leave me?”

‘Ever get that feeling of deja vu?’

When my mother - Queen Mary – was just about to pass away, while I was 7 years old in 1563, she told me the same words I had just told Arthur, while Arthur replied the same answer to me just like I did to her then.

‘Smirk’

A smile came out. Though it was an unlikely situation, I had no choice but to laugh.

“Hahaha!”

“F, father?”

Arthur looked perplexed, wiping his tears.

And I asked him, with a smile

“W, which country do you rule, young king?”

After a short silence, he replied

“O, on behalf of the Holy Father, I'm the ruler of the Kingdom of God, father!”

Yes, that’s what I replied to Felipe II at my coronation ceremony. To claim that I’m also a member of the Habsburg family, the ‘Protector of Faith’ and to claim I’m the rightful heir to the throne of Spain, I’ve said so.

But Arthur replied it, as a Basileus of the Empire.

While I coined the term ‘Kingdom of God’ to usurp Felipe II’s realm, Arthur spoke it, only as of the truth – which became reality for all my life’s work.

‘Cough’

“I, Indeed. Now, you are the legitimate Basileus of this Empire. Don’t worry, my son. I’ve taken care of everything.”

“F, father...”

“D, don’t play dirty tricks like me, but just be a true king, who only thinks of his people.”

I wished to pat his head, by raising my hand, but my hand failed me. Instead, Arthur bent his head, rubbing his head on the palm of my hand.

‘H..huh. G, Good boy.’

I wished to smile at his thoughtfulness, but only my lips twitched a bit, not making a smile.

I was just tired.

Realizing I couldn’t wake up again, I closed my eyes.

The End

p.s.

Thank you for reading this work till now.

Epilogue in Wikipedia style might come out, but not soon due to personal reasons.

Thank you again for following me for the last 3 years.