Published: January 4, 2026
Vanadin Street.
That is the name of the road leading from the palace to the Triumphal Gate in the east of the Imperial Capital.
As the name suggests, the Triumphal Gate is the gate that victorious troops pass through when they return.
After an expeditionary army achieves victory in distant lands, they return to the Imperial Capital, pass through the Triumphal Gate, and head towards the palace.
The entire route, from the gate to the street, was designed so that this would become a victory parade.
Tracing back further in history, there is a theory that the first emperor created it as a straight road so that, in the event of the Imperial Capital's fall, retreat would be easy. However, since a straight road also makes it easy for pursuers, this remains just a popular myth.
On Vanadin Street, I was riding a horse, marching forward.
There were soldiers before and behind me.
They were ceremonial troops, resplendently armed, guarding me from front and rear.
On both sides of Vanadin Street, the people thronged in huge numbers, letting out thunderous cheers.
The emperor’s personal military campaign—the parade.
The main force of the Empire's army was already at the front lines; those present here were mostly ceremonial soldiers.
Because of that, their attire was splendid and gallant, but impractical for actual combat.
Though unsuitable for battle, their appearance was top-class.
The people of the Imperial Capital had fallen into a frenzy over this parade of ceremonial troops.
“Is that Your Majesty? So young, yet so dignified and admirable.”
“The previous emperor was handsome, but our current emperor is equally a fine man.”
From all directions, voices praising me, the emperor, mixed with cheers.
Praises like these are built on the people's sense of security, so I was satisfied with the parade’s effect.
“Whoa!”
“What’s that?”
“The horse! The horse is shining in golden color!”
As we continued marching, sweat began to flow from the white horse I was riding, blending with its white coat to make its body gleam golden.
At that moment, the cheers grew even louder.
They rose to a higher level of excitement, like the rumbling of the ground itself.
That tremendous roar caused the ranks of the ceremonial cavalry surrounding me to falter.
The horses reacted and almost started to rear.
“It’s okay, keep moving forward.”
The white horse I was on reacted similarly, nearly raising its front legs and braying while standing rigid.
Sensing this in advance, I pulled the reins and tightened my legs with the stirrups to calm the horse.
As a result, while the cavalry around me were unsettled, I alone proceeded smoothly.
“Look at that reins handling. Amazing, the emperor really is skilled.”
“Heh, that’s just because the horse is good.”
“Are you an idiot? Haven’t you heard the saying, ‘No rider on the saddle, no horse under the saddle’? That’s not just skill, it’s an art that requires a deep understanding of horses.”
Among the people’s praises, I continued advancing down Vanadin Street.
The crowd’s enthusiasm stemmed from their unwavering faith in the Empire’s victory.
Advancing amid such fervor, we passed through the Triumphal Gate and eventually left the Imperial Capital.
Outside the city stood a palanquin.
“Ovations awaited Your Majesty.”
Oscar was by the palanquin.
He held the position of regent prince responsible for guarding the Imperial Capital.
Hence, he had come out here to see me off.
I dismounted from the horse and stood before Oscar.
“Thank you for your efforts. I entrust the rest to you.”
“Yes, Your Majesty...”
Oscar bowed deeply as I passed him and approached the palanquin.
The palanquin was predominantly red and as spacious as a single room.
Its framework was wooden, but all four sides were enclosed by curtains made of gauze.
It was carried by dozens of men and, unlike a horse, served as a vehicle to demonstrate grandeur.
Though resting on the ground, it still had a considerable elevation.
Using the ladder provided, I climbed up and entered the palanquin.