The streets of Arwintar were packed with citizens and nobles who were rushing to see the coronation of the new Emperor.
No one was aware of who would become Emperor, so everything was up to speculation. This only intensifies the debate and curiosity of everyone.
As the endless stream of citizens walked towards the palace, they were forced to both sides of the streets by a golden carriage, surrounded by Imperial Guards.
Everyone looked at the carriage, trying to get a glimpse of who was inside but failed.
Inside the carriage, Jircniv was looking through the window, at the confused expression on everyone's face.
It couldn't be helped, the news was so sudden that no one could have predicted it.
The Emperor had fallen ill and must select his successor before he passed on. What shocking news!
The news of the Five Great Families falling hasn't circulated yet, but some nobles have already gotten word and started to behave.
During the post war talks with Fluder Paradyne, Jircniv felt the gap between him and Fluder.
It was true he was strong, very much so when compared to his old self, and even most of humanity, it still wasn't enough to face the wizard.
Not only was it because of his lack of experience, it was also because of his equipment.
His equipment cannot keep up with his growth, so a magical weapon is a must.
He was already planning on how to contact the Dwarves in the Azerlisia Mountains.
As for experience, Jircniv planned to find a teacher. However, there are not a lot of spear users in this world and not ones strong enough to teach him.
He had to settle for the second best thing, learning by himself and getting the basics down.
Jircniv was also counting on the powers of Touch Me to help in this factor.
However, he must solve the situation of Baharuth before anything else. That was his main priority.
The Zodiac Twelve must also be formed and Jircniv must locate Nazarick.
If he found it, the initiative would be in his hands but that doesn't mean he was planning on attacking Nazarick.
In the future, Slane Theocracy and Nazarick face each other and Nazarick comes out on top, not even weakened.
Even with the weapons of the Six Great Gods, Slane Theocracy did not manage to push the monsters back.
Bahruth does not have the history or strength of Slane Theocracy, so there is even less chance of winning.
The initiative is to be the first one to meet Ainz Ooal Gown and establish his own connections. If he can fulfill this role, then everything will be easier.
"Eh?!"
Looking at the crowd, Jircniv suddenly sat up and looked at an ordinary girl. She was not the prettiest but to him, she was the most important.
As if feeling a fiery gaze on her, the girl looked around, confusion evident on her face.
"Roxy…" There were many thoughts flickering through his mind, however, Jircniv turned his gaze. Right now, there is much he must do. Once those things are completed, he can take the initiative to be with her.
In this life, he will not allow her to shy away from becoming his Empress! No one but her is worthy of that role.
The carriage slowly entered the inner sanctum of the city and came to a halt.
A guard opened the carriage door and saluted, "Your Highness, we have arrived."
Nodding, Jircniv dismounted the carriage and walked towards the secret passage into the palace.
His father was not aware of his true strength and was being as cautious in order to limit the chance of assassination.
Of course, there is a possibility he knew but was taking this step nonetheless.
Jircniv was thankful but everything seemed pointless. However, his strength cannot be made public yet, so he was willing to play along.
Tina, Tia and Tira were tasked with gathering information on the Re-Estize Kingdom and the surrounding nations, with emphasis on the 'Kingdom'.
Unlike in his previous life, Jircniv wanted to scout talents for the Empire and even if they didn't join him, he could at least widen his knowledge of the world.
Right now, Jircniv has Gazef Stronoff and Brain Unglass at the top of his list for the Zodiac Twelve. He was not too sure of Gazef but Brain was a different story.
Brain Unglass is a citizen of the Empire and is obsessed with swordsmanship. It was easier to tie him on the Empire's chariot.
After all, Brain was someone who worked for the highest bidder, at least right now in life.
However, Jircniv wanted a loyal subordinate, not a mercenary.
Of the Four Imperial Knights, only Baziwood Peshmel could be said to be the most loyal to him. The others all had motives in serving but they were needed so he turned a blind eye.
Brain was not only more talented than them, he was a man of his word. However, the main reason Jircniv set his sights on him, was the fact he is someone on equal footing with Gazef.
The only reason Brain wasn't as famous as Gazef, was because he lacked the opportunity to showcase his talent.
Jircniv was aware of all of this because, when he stepped down as Emperor, as the regent of his own Empire, he was privy to a lot of secret information.
There was one more thing he wanted from Re Estize and it was the Sacred Sword, Razor Edge; a sword said to be able to harm Ainz Ooal Gown.
Of course, Jircniv was no fool to believe someone as smart as Ainz Ooal Gown would allow something that could kill him to exist.
Perhaps even the fact it could 'harm' him was spread to see who would take the bait.
A monster of that caliber, perhaps only the gods knew what he was scheming and even then Jircniv doubted it.
Jircniv was already aware he will walk the path of the spear, so there is not a lot of interest in the sword apart from wanting to understand what Ainz Ooal Gown saw in Razor Edge.
Sigh!
So much to do and not enough time. Jircniv is only nine years old and in nine more years, everything will begin.
He cannot drag his feet and must push forward and make Baharuth as strong as possible.
Maybe because his determination has strengthened, Jircniv steps seem to gain weight. He was no longer unsure of what he must do.
Arriving before the throne room, the guards, without a word, open the door and watch him with awe. They felt they were witnessing history.
The youngest ruler of the nation!
As the throne door opened, everyone inside looked at the person walking in with a dignified gait, with different expressions.
Emperor Versailles had a smile on his face, relieved everything was going as planned, however, beneath that look was shock and slight fear.
He was starting to question if this was really his son. Such a drastic change in behavior without a reason, makes one frightened.
To escape his Talent, Versailles didn't believe it was possible but it was true he was getting bored of being a ruler and didn't think he could be a good one.
Jircniv was the one he wanted to succeed him but it was far too soon. What price will his Talent take from him because fate changed?
As the Emperor, he was obviously aware of what Jircniv did, that's why he felt some fear.
Jircniv, by himself, had ended the Emuis Family, such strength was unheard of.
Even a well equipped army might not be able to destroy the Five Families in a single night, yet his son planned it and achieved success!
Victoria Emuis's back was soaked and her hands couldn't stop trembling. Her entire family, except her, was destroyed by this person. She should have hatred towards him, but all she had was fear.
No one, just by looking at him, would believe he was such a ruthless person.
Victoria wondered if what happened earlier in the throne room was the cause of her family's disappearance.
If it was, she had to be careful not to get on his bad side or she would also disappear.
The nobles didn't dare look too long. They weren't aware of who destroyed the Five Families, but all inclination points to Jircniv. Such a scheming and ruthless ruler was not good for them but what can they do?
Most of their power came from the Five Families. With them gone, they were trees without roots.
The representatives of Slane Theocracy, priests of the Four Great God, wearing different roles, representing their different gods, stood with neutral expressions.
In Jircniv's past life, they acted the same, but the priests who came were different, which was to be expected since Jircniv became Emperor way earlier than his previous life.
Versailles looked at the priests and said, "Please begin."
The head priest, the one wearing a red box religious hat, nodded and began the ceremony, reciting a blessing, "Today we are here to witness the rise of the new Emperor of Baharuth, a peaceful transfer of power. I beseech the Four Great Gods to bless Emperor Jircniv Farlord Rune El Nix in his reign." After finishing his words, the priest placed the golden crown on Jircniv's head.
Kneeling with his head down, Jircniv had a disdainful expression on his face when he heard the priest's words. There were many implications but if one was not listening, they would miss it.
Peaceful transfer of power? Bless me in my reign?! It was clear the Five Great Families are your pawns. You dare the nerve to say that to me?!
Power, it's all about power. So many forces have set their eyes on this small feudal state, making the imperial power weak and almost non-existent. The reason behind this is the Five Great Families and these nobles.
If the Empire was strong, who dared to plant their forces here?
Standing up, Jircniv said with a smile to the head priest, "On the behalf of Bahruth, I thank the envoys of Slane Theocracy for this blessing." Turning around and looking at the projection magic item that broadcast the coronation to Arwintar, Jircniv spoke with passion, "Citizens of Baharuth, I am Jircniv Farlord Rune El-Nix, the ruler of Bahruth. I know this sudden change of rulers is sudden and you might believe this change has nothing to do with you but today, here and now, I promise everyone within my realm a better future, no matter who they are. The beginning of every grand dream is forth with difficulties, but I promise you, when you look back on what we had before and what you have gained, you will understand that I, Emperor Jircniv, stand by my words!"
Many people in the capital looked at the scene with different emotions, some were happy, mainly the commoners those outside the loop, but foreign dignitaries and nobles could see a massive cleansing on the horizon.
No ruler, after taking the throne, will keep the aid of the former ruler around. It was a given they will be removed.
