(Orlax's POV)
The two-week mourning period passed quickly, and today is the coronation day.
During these two weeks, I focused on training and taking care of Sera.
Finally, after great efforts, Sera learned two new words: "carry me" and "wake up."
However, pronunciation was still difficult for her, so she often said them in a strange way.
Of course, I maintained a steady training schedule and got slightly used to the routine.
Today, I woke up early to prepare for the ceremony.
After showering, I put on formal attire consisting of gray pants, a black shirt, and a closed gray vest.
I left the room after giving Lira some instructions to take care of Sera, as I would be busy all day.
I walked out of the palace with steady steps and saw Alex waiting for me by a black car.
I sat in the back seat, and Alex started the car, driving away from the palace.
After a short while, the car stopped in front of a massive building.
The large gates opened, and we entered the premises. Alex parked the car at the entrance of the building.
I stepped out of the car as the servants opened the door and stood before the entrance, taking a deep breath before pushing it open.
The bright lights of the hall flooded my vision, and I heard the voices of different people chatting among themselves.
Suddenly, all the voices stopped, and everyone's gaze focused on me.
Ignoring their stares, I advanced forward as the crowd parted to make way for me.
At the end of the hall, I found a chair elevated above the others, uniquely designed.
To its right sat the Grand Duke, Armanthor.
I sat on the seat, letting my gaze fall on the standing people, all watching me.
"Honor His Majesty."
Suddenly, everyone kneeled on one knee and greeted me in unison.
'Seeing people who hate you bowing before you is not pleasant at all.'
"Rise."
After raising my hand and gesturing to them, everyone stood up and took their assigned seats.
'It seems that seating arrangement is based on status. To my right sits the Grand Duke, while in the front rows sit the dukes and marquises, followed by the rest of the nobles—counts and barons.'
I examined everyone's faces, noticing various emotions ranging from hatred to disgust, but my gaze focused on a girl sitting in the last row of the hall, her eyes filled with intense resentment.
She had long red hair, with bangs covering the right side of her face entirely, and her yellow eyes radiated hatred towards me.
She was wearing a red off-shoulder dress that highlighted her beauty and well-proportioned physique.
This girl is one of the heroines of the game. Her name is Riana Elin. In three years, she will become a teacher at the academy and mentor the protagonist, helping him grow stronger.
She is one of the key characters in the protagonist's development. When he rebels, she will be one of the first to stand by his side.
She harbors deep hatred for Orlax. Four years ago, she was one of the guards assigned to protect the empress. When Orlax's curse activated at the time, it killed everyone except her, leaving the right side of her face permanently scarred.
After recovering, she was dismissed from the guards for failing to protect the empress.
That is why she hate Orlax so much. Because of him, all her friends and the person she was supposed to protect died, she lost her job, and half of her face was disfigured.
'Dealing with her will be difficult, and she is going to do something today.'
After averting my gaze from her, I sank into my thoughts until I heard Armanthor standing beside me, drawing my attention to him.
"Ahem, please lend me your attention. On this glorious day, His Majesty, Orlax Tirshtain, will be crowned as the new emperor of this great empire. Please step forward and recite your oath before the nobility and the entire world."
After Armanthor finished speaking, he turned his gaze toward me, as did everyone in the hall.
I slowly rose from my seat, took the dagger from Armanthor's hand, and looked at everyone.
"I, Orlax Tirshtain, swear by my blood today to protect the empire and its people from any harm, to preserve its glory and stability, and to never allow evil to approach it. This is my vow to the entire empire."
I cut the palm of my right hand, letting the blood drip down as a sign of a blood-bound oath.
Armanthor raised his hand and spoke loudly and clearly.
"Hail the emperor!"
"Hail the emperor!!"
Everyone echoed his words loudly, shaking the entire hall.
Armanthor raised his hand, signaling everyone to be silent, then spoke again.
"And on this joyous occasion, I want to announce the engagement of my only daughter, Alice, to His Majesty, Emperor Orlax. May your reign endure together."
"May your reign endure together."
"Now, let the celebrations begin."
After Armanthor announced the engagement, I noticed shock on the faces of everyone, with a hint of pity toward the poor girl who would become the devil's wife.
Ignoring it, I returned to my seat as the music started, and nobles began inviting their partners to dance.
Then, someone stepped forward and extended their hand toward me, asking for a dance.
"Your Majesty, would you honor me with a dance?"
All eyes turned to the red-haired girl who had approached me.
"Is she insane?"
"She wants to dance with the devil. What a strange taste!"
Ignoring the murmurs around her, the girl focused her gaze on the boy seated before her, awaiting his response.
"The honor is mine, my lady."
I took her pale, rough hand—hardened by sword training—and led her to the center of the hall.
She was nearly my height, so I faced no difficulty placing my hand around her slender waist and began dancing.
"My lady, you are stepping on my foot."
"Oh, pardon me. I am not good at dancing."
She spoke gently with a smile, making it seem as if it was unintentional.
"My lady, you have stepped on my foot again."
"Forgive me, Your Majesty. I will try not to repeat it."
She stepped on my foot once more but continued acting as if it was entirely unintentional.
As the song reached its final part, I felt her hand move beneath her dress.
I quickly stepped forward, grabbed her waist tightly, pulled her close, and whispered into her ear so only she could hear.
"Do not draw the dagger, or you will regret your actions today. If you seek revenge, think of a plan that will not lead to your demise."
Riana was startled upon hearing my words, her eyes widening in shock as she looked at me with slight fear.
"You… Do you know who I am?"
She leaned forward and whispered in a low voice meant only for me.
"Of course, I know you, Lady Riana. But if you truly wish to avenge yourself, think of a way that does not cost you your future. I am certain at least one or two people would mourn your death."
She bit her lip hard as she looked at me while I stepped away and returned to my seat.
She took a deep breath and returned to her spot, but she continued staring at me intently.
A few minutes later, another girl gained the courage to invite me to dance.
Of course, I completely refused, using the excuse that I was tired from the first dance.
Although this seemed unlikely given my physical condition, she understood that I did not wish to dance and respectfully stepped back.
The party continued for another half hour before people started leaving the hall.
"Your Majesty, after the party, there is a press conference. Shall we go now?"
"Lead the way."
I followed Armanthor and arrived at a place filled with bright lights. As soon as I entered, waves of camera flashes engulfed me.
Ignoring them, I sat on a chair while Armanthor sat to my right, facing several seated journalists.
"Now, His Majesty will answer five questions."