Noble Reincarnation: Born Blessed, So I'll Obtain Ultimate Power

Palace, Audience Hall.

Before me, seated on the throne, stood two princes.

The Fourth Prince, Henry Alarate.

The Eighth Prince, Oscar Alarate.

As soon as they entered the audience hall and took their designated positions, they each smoothly dropped to one knee before me.

“I am Oscar.”

“And I am Henry. We have come in response to your summons.”

“Both of you, lift your heads.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“As you command.”

They nodded and stood up as instructed.

“Henry (、、、、), and Oscar (、、、、),”

When I called their names, Henry responded calmly, while Oscar furrowed his brow for just a moment before answering.

““Yes!””

in unison.

“The reason I summoned both of you today is simple. There is something I wish to give to you now, while the time is right.”

“The time is right?”

Henry tilted his head slightly, questioning.

“Yes, right now. My reign will soon embark on various initiatives. Before that begins, while nothing has yet been done, I want to hand this over.”

I explained the premise first.

Both Henry and Oscar wore expressions that showed they didn’t quite grasp the full meaning.

“Lord Reidock.”

“Yes?”

At my prompt, Jean-Blood Reidock—the man recently promoted to First Prime Minister—beckoned, and a young eunuch appeared.

Each eunuch carried a tray, upon which lay a long object covered with a red cloth, concealing what it was.

The two eunuchs stood before Henry and Oscar respectively, holding the trays.

I nodded to Jean, who signaled the eunuchs.

The red cloths were lifted.

Two long swords made of glass appeared.

“Th-this is!”

“Crystal Sword…”

Henry and Oscar’s faces flushed bright red in surprise.

“Yes, the Crystal Sword, also known as the ‘Sword of Immunity from Death.’”

An emperor can, if he so desires, completely override imperial law.

This stems from the belief that the emperor is the highest authority in the empire and, in essence, the empire is the emperor’s private property.

The Crystal Sword is a privilege granted to a subject, part of the emperor’s prerogative.

“As you know, whoever holds this sword can nullify any punishment once—except for treason—effectively granting immunity even from death sentences.”

“You’re giving this to us…?”

Oscar asked, furrowing his brow, disbelief evident on his face.

It was natural for him to react that way.

This sword, which could exempt even death penalties, was one of the greatest rewards a subject could receive.

“Yes, to both of you.”

“It is a tremendous honor, but—why us?”

Henry asked seriously.

“Among the nearly twenty sons of retired emperor your majesty, Henry and Oscar, you two are the most capable. During my reign, I intend to greatly rely on your strength.”

“That is our duty as subjects—”

“Sometimes, our political duties may clash.”

I interrupted Henry’s words.

“This ‘Sword of Immunity from Death’ is a statement of my desire for you to not fear any clashes or disrespect in carrying out your duties.”

““……””

“Will you accept this responsibility?”

After exchanging glances, the two knelt again.

““Even at the cost of our lives.””

They accepted.

Afterwards, they took the Crystal Swords and exited the audience hall.

“As expected, Your Majesty.”

Jean, who remained, spoke with admiration.

“Oscar’s eyes were full of awe. Henry was composed as always, but his hands trembled slightly as he accepted the Crystal Sword.”

“You have a keen eye.”

“A reward of this magnitude at the outset—now the two princes will surely work themselves to the bone for Your Majesty.”

“They must.”

Henry, and Oscar.

If anyone were to threaten the imperial throne in the future, it would be these two.

Before that happens, they must wholeheartedly accept being loyal subjects.

☆

Night, Detached Palace study room.

The former Prince Thirteen’s Residence, near the palace.

Since Your Majesty became the retired emperor, and until the new palace is completed,

while Your Majesty resides at the retired emperor’s palace, I have been assigned to live and work at the detached palace, the former Prince Thirteen’s Residence.