The Tyrant Won’t Let Me Go

It was a warm sunny morning.

The Emperor, who ascended to the throne in midsummer, would make his first speech in front of the people at the beginning of autumn, which was still lush and green.

Many people of the empire watched his ascension, but it was the first time that Cedric would give a direct speech in front of the common people.

Perhaps because of such a big event, both the Imperial Palace and the village where the speech would be held were busy.

“Yeah, so it seems like there should be two people from the knights and two from the imperial wizard’s side.”

The Marquis of Chesid Lauren, a first-class wizard in the palace, clad in a purple cloak elaborately embroidered with golden stars, pointed a finger at the map in the auditorium.

“Yes. I think we could do as you say. One of the people who sent it to your Majesty was the marquis, right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Yes, then from our side… Sir James Zodiac would go.”

A large number of security personnel were expected to be deployed as Cedric gave his speech in the plaza outside the palace for the first time since ascending to the throne.

That was the reason why the Imperial Knights, who were trained mainly on offense, and the Imperial Wizards, who were trained mainly on defense and search, had to cooperate.

“Won’t the deputy chief Turka participate in this security?”

Marquis Lauren asked with his eyes wide open.

“Ah, Sir Turka was recuperating now. He was on an expedition towards the border last time and was wounded in a fight with a salamander attacking civilians.”

“Oh I see…”

“Sir Zodiac has a little less experience, but his skills are reliable. Don’t worry.”

Marquis Lauren nodded and expressed his understanding.

“Yes, I’ll do that then. Please note that there would be two more wizards for the barrier at the exit of the square.”

“Yes, thank you for letting me know.”

“Then let’s each deliver a message to our successors.”

“Okay.”

Ciel arranged the documents and told Marquis Lauren.

“Let’s meet at the square.”

It was at that time when I separated with the Marquis of Lauren and headed to the place where the knights were gathered.

In the distance, I could see Cedric combing his black hair neatly and dressed in uniform.

“Ciel.”

Oh, it’s dazzling.

‘My baby, no, not exactly my baby.’ (Ciel)

Anyway, my disciple has grown up really well.

With handsome features, wide shoulders, and superior stature.

¹’His Majesty the Emperor, you have done a great job in bringing that creature down into this world.’ (Ciel)

“Are you protecting me again today?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Then you’ll see my speech up close.”

Cedric spoke, showing a face in pure joy.

No one would believe me when I say that this kind of kid cuts people’s heads off in the future.

Honestly, I wouldn’t believe it either.

“Do I have to watch till the end?” (Ciel)

“Of course. Whose speech was it?”

“I’ll get mad if you doze off. I won’t let you go when I go back and hold your hand later.” (Cedric)

“If I feel sleepy, I’ll put a knife in my thigh and wake up.” (Ciel)

“Oh, no. Don’t do that.” Then Cedric said, startled.

“I’m just kidding.”

I smiled brightly at Cedric, who was bewildered.

“Just listen to me even if you’re a little sleepy, if you’re having a hard time, just sit down, and don’t pay attention to some bastards.” (Cedric)

“Your Majesty, you have to use nice words.” (Ciel)

“But people who look at Ciel with lustful eyes should be called that.”

‘No matter how I look at it, you seem to be the one looking at me with the most euphoric gaze.’ (Ciel)

“Seeing you say that, you seem to be in the best condition today.”

Even before the speech, I shrugged my shoulders looking at Cedric, who was no different than usual.

Originally, Cedric was good at most of everything without flaws, but seeing him saying those words, I thought today’s speech would be successful.

“Do well on your speech and come back. I’ll give you 20 minutes today.” (Ciel)

Until then, Ciel had never imagined what was going to happen that day.

✿

“Dear people of the Empire. I stand here and declare…”

Cedric, who continued his speech with a powerful voice under the bright sunlight, looked beautiful and magnificent.

It was the same during his coronation, but now he felt like a real decent Emperor.

The faces of market merchants, children, and women who looked at him also shone brightly.

He didn’t seem to have much talent for swordsmanship, but Cedric had a frightening insight and knowledge from before.

He wanted to use that power for the benefit of the people.

‘It would have been nice if the late Emperor had seen this.’ (Ciel)

During our eight years of working under the contract, he opened up his heart to me more than I expected.

When I visited him lying in bed, he once said this.

Unlike me, who only knew the power of the bloody war, force, and sword, Cedric was fortunate to know the power of type and language.

‘It’s amazing to memorize that long speech without even having a manuscript for it.’

I did not know how such an Emperor was portrayed as a tyrant who knew nothing but blood in the original.

I was keeping an eye on Cedric while thinking about one thing or another.

“So, as an Emperor, I pledge to make efforts for the peace of the people…”

It was just when I thought Cedric’s unwavering voice was good to hear.

The unpleasant smell of blood stung my nose.

“Oops!”

When I covered my nose and mouth as I felt like I was about to puke, I heard a scream under the podium where people had gathered.

“Aaah!!”

As soon as the scream was heard, I took the sword from its sheath and pulled Cedric out of the podium and handed him over to Marquis Lauren, who was waiting.

The Marquis quickly grabbed Cedric and immediately struck the barrier, and I shouted with a sword with a blue spark.

“Number 12!” (Ciel)

Number 12 denoted an emergency in which the Emperor was in crisis.

The Knights, who had been in their respective positions, pulled out their swords, and the wizards launched the barrier altogether.

The roar of the bloodthirsty beast was heard clearly even if it was too loud.

Beneath the podium were three giant red-haired lions who had no idea where they came from, wandering around with blood in their mouths.

‘Lion of Nemesis?’

It was a dangerous first-class beast that could not even be brought into the Empire.

The teeth are as thick as the forearms of an adult male, and they have hard skin.

In a blink of an eye, the lions jumped onto the podium.

“Attack all at once!” (Ciel)

James, who stood on the other side of the podium, Sera, Mika, and even Hillac pulled out their swords.

As soon as my signal fell, colorful flashes of light from seven directions attacked the three lions.

However, the lion drooled as if it were still there, and gradually came out and approached Cedric.

‘What? It doesn’t work?’

Just then, a red flash of lightning came from the back of my shoulder.

“Your Majesty! Please step back!”

Ciel shouted at Cedric, but Cedric tried to break out of the barrier with a pale tired face.

“But you…!” (Cedric)

It was the Marquis Lauren who pulled him in and stopped him.

One lion, who was struck by lightning, stopped for a while and made a painful cry, but growled as he dragged his right leg that was struck.

At the same time, more powerful lightning strikes came pouring out from the tip of James’ and my sword.

All three lions temporarily stood still and shook their heads.

However, they quickly escaped the lightning strike and started running against the podium at high speed.

Like they’re going to jump over me and attack Cedric.

There was only one thought in my mind at the time when the three lions flew up at the same time and showed their sharp claws.

‘I need to increase the output.’

While I was thinking, my body was already moving.

It was a luxury to think that I could do it.

If I couldn’t, I would die…

[No way, not nowㅡ]

Even before Caliberne’s cry was over, I launched a torpedo.

With all my strength.

Crackㅡ

My vision turned white at the dazzling bright light that emanated from the sword.

The sparks were so strong that I couldn’t come to my senses to cover my body.

Until I saw the body of the lion that the sword had cut into pieces, I buttered the shock with my mental strength.

It was not until I saw the lion’s form crumble that I could let go of the sword.

The body that had risen into the air to cut down the lion fell powerlessly onto the podium.

‘Ah.’

It’s not that high, but if it stays like this, I would fall on my head first.

However, I couldn’t lift a finger due to the shock and I felt dizzy.

“Ciel!!”

Cedric’s desperate cry could be heard as if his chest had been ripped open.

At the time when I was expecting the pain of hitting the floor, his thick and strong arms caught me.

“Your Majesty…”

At last, Cedric, who pushed Marquis Lauren out, held me.

He hugged me and cried.

Never in eight years had I seen Cedric cry like a madman.

But I couldn’t hear what he was saying.

I could only see Cedric’s face with tears streaming down his face.

But I couldn’t feel his tears falling down my cheeks.

My vision got darker…

The last thing I heard before I lost my consciousness was Cedric’s cry full of despair.

“Ciel, you’re not breathing…”

With those last words, my consciousness completely sank into the abyss.