“All Hail Emperor Wilthelm VI!”

“Huzzah! Huzzah!”

“Long live the new Emperor!”

Shouts rang out throughout the Imperial Capital Olympia.

Today was a special day throughout the Atlantasia Empire. It was the Coronation Day of the new Emperor.

The Empire had a new sovereign to rule over it once more. Ten years ago, the county had been shaken by a palace revolution led by the eldest Prince Wolthalm.

The whole incident came as a shock to the masses.

Prince Woltham was the eldest Imperial Prince born between the then reigning Emperor Francys V and one of his concubines from the Ten Imperial Cadet Houses. It had been known that Prince Wotlhalm’s character was that of a wise, compassionate, righteous prince. A great many were looking forward to his reign in the future.

However, what changed all that was the birth of the 13th Imperial Prince, Wilthelm.

Unlike Wotlham, the Wilthelm was the long-awaited child born between Emperor Francys and Empress Alixandra. By law, the young boy had superseded his older brother, becoming the legitimate heir to the throne.

They say it was out of hidden greed for the throne and anger at being spurned from his destiny to rule that had awakened dark ambitions that led him to cause a revolution.

However, his revolution failed and was ultimately suppressed due to the timely intervention of Prime Minister Adolv von Stahlin-Bohrbon. Unfortunately, the incident had led to the murder of Emperor Francys V, his half-siblings, and five of the Ten Imperial Cadet Houses.

This massacre became infamously known as the Bloody Night Incident.

Wolthalm was captured and swiftly executed for his crimes. His supporters, who were from several prominent houses had also suffered the same fate. Not even their children were spared.

A civil war for the succession had followed amongst the surviving Imperial Children and the remaining Imperial Cadet Houses. They saw an opportunity to seize the throne. Murders and assassinations happened among the aristocrats and influential people lasting a whole year which earned the moniker "Year of Blood". A lot of innocents and commoners were caught in the crossfire.

Eventually, in a rather ironic twist of fate, only the 13th Prince Wilthelm had survived this crisis. This was due to the Prime Minister, taking him under his protection. The Dowager Empress had also survived as she had been in her home territory at Wyndsyr before the crisis started.

After the Imperial Guard and Army had quelled the unrest, the Empire should have been ruled under a co-regency by the Dowager Empress and the Prime Minister in place of the then minor Crown Prince but Dowager Empress Alixandra instead secluded herself and left most of the affairs of the state in Stahlin's hands.

But following his eighteenth birthday and Coming-of-Age Ceremony and several months of preparation, as well as, some unexpected delays, the Emperor was officially crowned.

The festivities started at St. Arthyr’s Cathedral, where the young Emperor is crowned.

After signing the book and swearing the oath, the new Emperor formally assumes full power and office as the Supreme Monarch of Atlantasia. He then rides the gold-covered Imperial Carriage through the streets of the capital in a massive procession leading from the Cathedral to the Imperial Palace.

Located at the very center of the capital city of Olympia, the Imperial Palace is a massive complex with the central Grand Palace towering over all the structures. Its size is comparable to that of a towering mountain. It was the very symbol of the Emperor’s might and power.

It is here where the events culminate in the evening’s Coronation Banquet.

The banquet itself was filled with glamour and splendor befitting high society. High ranking and wealthy Nobles from across the Empire were gathered here today for the celebration. It was also a chance to gain favor with the newly crowned Emperor.

Suddenly loud trumpets could be heard blaring. A herald stepped forward and announced.

“Entering the Hall…His Imperial Majesty, Wilthelm VII of Atlantasia!”

The giant doors to the hall were opened by the guards. They then saluted as...a boy about the age of twelve entered the hall.

This was the newly crowned Emperor of Atlantasia, Wilthelm-Nikolas Altair von Atlantasia.

Now known regally as Wilthelm VII.

Outsiders would wonder why a child is the Emperor. But it was only his outward appearance that was child-like. Everyone in the hall knew he had come of age and is legally an adult.

The reason for his child-like appearance is attributed to his Everyoung Atavism. Although the Imperial Family were of the Humans race, on occasion, some Atavists could manifest traits of those races inherited from their bloodline. The longest-reigning Emperor had Elven Atavism and because of that ruled for several centuries. The current Emperor Wilthelm, however, had manifested, Everyoung traits.

Several generations ago, the then-Emperor had a concubine from one of the Ten Cadet Branches whose mother was from an Everyoung Folk, a race with a semi-permanent youthful appearance and longevity. Much like elves but only younger. They could still grow but at a very slow pace. The oldest appearance they could have would be someone in their early twenties.

Due to the situation at that time, the crown had passed down through that concubine’s line.

Nevertheless, apart from looking quite handsome, he had hair as white as snow and gold-colored eyes. These were the unique traits of direct bloodline members of the Imperial Family regardless of whether they manifested Atavism or not.

He was dressed for the occasion befitting someone of his status as Emperor. He wore the diamond-encrusted Imperial Crown on his head and an exquisite, fur-lined mantle over his stately clothes, and on his hand was the Imperial Sceptre.

All eyes were on the Imperial Sceptre. Or to be precise, the jewel that was mounted on it.

Everyone present knew of the legend. That gem was the very symbol of the Empire and the power of the Imperial Family, the famous Heart of Atlantasia. Some legends say it fell from the heavens and held god-like power. It was even said to have been once used to destroy an invading army.

The myth and beauty of it just gave rise to its allure.

It was only seen on important occasions, such as this one.

All eyes were on both the Emperor and the Imperial Sceptre.

The nobles quickly bowed in reverence. Following behind him was

his mother, the Dowager Empress Alixandra Betelgeuse von Atlantasia. She was dressed in a beautiful gown made of the finest fabrics. She wore expensive and exquisite jewelry that not even the nobility of the Empire could ever hope to attain. Nevertheless, she had a somber expression rather than being festive. Many say it was because she was still mourning the loss of her husband.

Following behind them was the Prime Minister, Adolv Yosef von Stahlin who was a handsome-looking older gentleman.

He too wore elegant clothes and had an air of authority.

The Emperor walked towards the throne on the high dais and occupied it. The Dowager Empress sat on a smaller throne on the right. The Primenister stood on his left.

As soon as the Emperor was seated, each of the nobles started to greet their newly crowned Emperor. The first to greet him was the wealthier and more influential high-ranking nobles composed of Dukes and Marquises. They constantly showered him with praise towards him, the Dowager Empress, and the Prime Minister while boasting about how marvelous they were in managing their territories or respective government positions.

It was pretty obvious that they were trying to curry favor and maintain their status. They even introduced their daughters and sons to the Emperor in hopes of forming connections. But that part was brief as the Prime Minister gave them a sharp look. It took quite a while before each of the higher-ranked nobility was done.

Then came the middle-ranking nobility consisting of Earls, Counts, and Viscounts. They essentially did the same: curry favor, showcase their achievements and briefly introduce their children.

And finally, were the lower-ranked nobility consisting of Barons and local Lords from the far reaches of the continent. They were a relative few as it is quite expensive and dangerous to travel from their lands. And often they just accompany their direct superior nobles as attendants and subordinates. The difference is that they don’t dare to introduce their children out of fear of earning the ire of higher nobility.

As soon as all the greetings were done, the Emperor raised a hand and the servants brought forth a small pedestal where a glowing crystal sat. This was known as a Broadcast Crystal which linked to all Broadcast Crystals across every major city and town throughout the Empire.

“Now, Wilthelm. Don’t forget all our practices.”

Prime Minister Adolv Stahlin whispered in a way that was only audible to him and the Emperor. He did not hide the authoritarian tone as though he expected obedience.

“I have not forgotten, Lord Prime Minister.”

The Emperor whispered automatically in a deadpan voice as he stood up.

He then spoke in a loud voice that sounded almost emotionless.

“My dear nobles of our Great Empire, I thank you all for your presence in joining me on this joyous occasion. And to the rest of the citizens of Atlantasia, it fills me with great joy that you are all celebrating with me today as well.”

Although the sentiment for the nobles was well received, the last part towards common folk had smirks and slight comments that were barely audible.

This was not surprising.

Although it did not apply to every nobleman, the nobility of the Empire often saw themselves as better than the common folk.

The common folk who were watching this knew that bitterly. In some towns and villages where the nobles oppress their citizens ranging from demanding heavy taxes to even treating them as no different from slaves.

It’s probably because of this that despite the festivities, a majority of the populace could only see this as nothing more than a display of the wealth and power of the nobles. Bitterly watching the whole thing as though it were a message to mock their low social status.

The Emperor continued with his speech.

“While I was in my minority and my mother, the Dowager Empress Alixandra was still grieving, the Lord Prime Minister Stahlin has taken upon himself to guide the Empire in my stead.”

There was general loud applause. Especially, coming from the Prime Minister’s faction.

“But he was not alone in his endeavors. Henceforth, I would like to call on the following to come forth…”

The Emperor called out several names. They were heads of high-ranking noblemen and several middle-ranked noblemen. All were influential and had various positions in the government. And all of them were Aldov’s subordinates.

They all gathered before the Emperor and bowed. From the looks on their faces, they felt it was to be expected. They’ve done all they can to attain what they have now and ensure their positions in the Empire. And now they were about to receive greater graces promised to them by the Prime Minister.

“My dear nobles and subjects. You have done a lot for our Empire and our citizens. It is only just that what should be appropriate is to be given to you. For all that you have done…”

The noble looked at the Emperor with expectant eyes. Stahlin couldn’t help but smile in a crooked way, everything he had worked for, all his plans will now come to fruition. The Dowager Empress saw that smile and hid her face behind her fan. One would mistake her for being bashful but the hand on her lap clenched tightly.

At the side, amidst a circle of young ladies, the daughter of the Prime Minister, Antoinnet Yosefa von Stahlin. She had the typical look of a daughter of a high-ranking noble: beautiful, graceful, and very alluring.

To her, this was her moment.

As soon as the Emperor bestowed honors to these annoying nobles. He will call her out and announce that they will be engaged. She will soon become Empress and be the most powerful woman in the Empire.

The Emperor spoke in a voice for all to hear.

A voice that changed from robotic...to one filled with coldness.

“I hereby place you all under arrest for High Treason to the Crown and the Empire’s Citizens!”