Don't confiscate my identity as a human race

"Do you think he will preach morality to us, the people of the kingdom? He agreed to this war as the First Army God, which makes him a sinner to us. To the empire, he's just a hero."

Listening to the students' discussions.

Lavisseir, feeling bored, found a seat at the edge of the steps, resting his chin as he watched the coronation ceremony of the empire to pass the time.

"Anyway, tomorrow's news will be about the same things, it doesn't matter whether I watch or not."

Lavisseir pouted and mumbled.

War is a dirty game, and the winners are usually the dirty players.

Judging by how Hesintos reached his current position, his success might have been through some shady means.

After complaining inwardly, Lavisseir rested his chin as he watched the scenes broadcasted live on the open-air screen.

...

Southern Cerryti Empire.

Light snow was falling in the capital, Brilda.

After enduring a catastrophe, it had finally regained its long-lost tranquility.

This ancient city-state, shortly after dawn, was bustling with preparations for a grand coronation ceremony.

Weak golden sunlight passed through the gaps in the clouds, sprinkling alongside the snow onto the surface of the Grande River.

This heart of the reborn empire stood as vibrant and beautiful as any city along the empire's mountains and coasts.

Today, the Cerryti Empire will welcome a new leader—the hero who uncovered the truth and thwarted the Blood Clan's conspiracy.

"Have you heard? The Blood Cleansing Day was actually orchestrated by Emperor Saint Baldo; evidence of the past has increasingly been uncovered over the past few days."

"Who didn't know? After the Blood Cleansing Day, the biggest beneficiary wasn't the commoners nor the nobles, but Emperor Saint Baldo whose imperial authority became more entrenched. Extremists either died in chaos or were executed in the end, it's just that no one dared to discuss this or investigate while Emperor Saint Baldo was alive."

"It's different now; settling scores over Emperor Saint Baldo fits the current trend."

People occasionally discussed as they walked through the central city district.

Whether at home or out on the streets, people gathered in groups to discuss the impending grand event.

Upon hearing numerous royal scandals unearthed about Emperor Saint Baldo recently, and considering his performance on the day of the Blood Clan's turmoil, residents couldn't help but feel relieved that this pretender emperor was dead. As the true leader and hero, Hesintos, who will save them, is about to take office.

Regarding Hesintos wielding the Seross Spirit Sword, most believed it to be a miraculous fairytale.

A small number of scholars suggested that the Seross Spirit Sword couldn't be wielded by someone without royal bloodline; perhaps Hesintos has some royal lineage but fell into becoming a commoner due to certain incidents.

Regardless, nothing could change the fervent public support for him ascending the throne today.

The empire needed such a powerful yet honest and reliable leader.

Judging by Hesintos's past conduct as the First Army God, his benevolence and protectiveness towards the people further strengthened their resolve to support him.

Brilda Central District Manhot.

At Cret Memorial Square, the statues of heroes stood solemnly, awaiting this unprecedented grand coronation ceremony.

Majestic buildings and a rich artistic atmosphere permeated every corner of Brilda.

The central Cret Memorial Square is surrounded by white monuments and distinctive dark-gray statues of the First Army God.

After urgent repairs, the cracks on the faces of the First Army God statues were restored as before.

The coronation ceremony will be held at the most magnificent and pinnacle building in Brilda's center—Saint Astore Palace and Cret Memorial Square.

Continuous cleaning and repairs by the Mechanical Engineering Corps wiped away the scars of battle; the east-side barrier-destroyed imperial palace was magically restored to its former glory.

As the empire's sun ascended higher.

Memorial Square's ancient sundial, covered in translucent fine snow, was nearing nine o'clock in the morning.

Before the formal beginning of the coronation ceremony, Memorial Square in front of Saint Astore Palace as well as streets several kilometers away were already overflowing with residents, stretching as far as the eye could see.

Tens of thousands of citizens flowed in from all directions, congesting the outskirts of the square, eager to witness this historical moment firsthand.

Despite having experienced chaos just three days ago, leaving many still fearful of venturing into crowded areas.

It didn't deter their anticipation and trust in Hesintos today, nor the sense of security he instilled in them.

Perhaps genuine safety is regained after great calamity, or maybe to honor the unfortunate citizens who perished in Blood Clan's attack and chaos, numerous residents still ventured out today to witness the coronation.

The entire city-state was preparing for this moment.

On the main roads outside Cret Memorial Square, knights patrolled back and forth, their armor sprinkled with snowflakes, horse hooves thundered on stone slabs, standing ready to ensure the ceremony's safety and order.

This altar, towering several meters high, carved from the highest-grade Wind Island Stone, adorned with the Cerryti Empire's emblems and roaring lions on all sides, topped with images of ancestral Heroic Spirits, some wielding swords, others bearing shields, witnessing this historic moment.

At the front steps of the imperial palace, upright Imperial Guard Knights lined both sides, donning deep black heavy armor, helmets crowned with red feathers, forming an iron wall, while the royal band positioned at the steps below, ready to play the ceremonial music at any moment.