In the Name of Empress-Chapter 507 - 326: Emperor or Clown? (Part 3)

She sighed helplessly, "According to tradition, shouldn’t I refuse three times?"

"You’ve already refused."

Christine said in a low voice, "The first refusal, the public expresses their wishes; the second refusal, the nobility voices their opinion; the third refusal, the parliament makes a resolution. Please don’t refuse anymore."

Is it really possible like that?

Alina knew, it really was possible. In the history books of later generations, it would indeed be recorded that after she refused three times, she could not resist public opinion and was forced to wear the crown, and she herself was helpless.

Although this reason sounds absurd, history books will certainly write it this way.

People need to save face while living; even ordinary people can’t say they want to sleep with someone when getting married, they have to talk about love.

Those who want to be emperors can’t say they covet power; they have to say they comply with the people’s will.

This world has always been so hypocritical.

Alina suddenly felt a bit tired, and after a moment of silence, she slowly said, "The code left by Emperor Bonaparte is the foundation of building the nation. To commemorate him, following his will, from now on my clan name will be changed to the Bonaparte Clan."

In history, Emperor Bonaparte became an emperor within the republic.

This precedent exists, so she as the second one doesn’t seem abrupt.

Christine’s lips slightly curved up, revealing an approving gaze.

As expected of Alina, well informed, she quickly found a reason for her enthronement.

If the ancients could sit on the emperor’s throne, why can’t I?

It’s imaginable, Mr. Adam will be busy again soon, he has to prepare for Alina’s enthronement.

It’s best to publicize that the Buanaba Clan is the direct descendant of the Bonaparte Clan.

Who dares to doubt? Treason charges can be directly arranged.

After discussing the preparations and details for the enthronement, Christine took her leave.

Watching her distant silhouette, Alina felt all her strength leave her body.

Slumping into the wide leather chair, Alina recalled that this office was the very place where her father, after overthrowing the Old Empire, had spirited discussions with comrades about the future of the nation.

At that time, they were filled with a rationalistic romance, and from the written records they left behind, one could see that period of passionate years.

However, twenty years later, his daughter was making decisions here, reverting to an imperial system.

If her old father truly could see this scene, who knows if he would be so angry that he could come back to life.

Alina fell silent.

Of course, she could argue that she was forced, but was she really forced?

The education she received from a young age was only partly from her father, most of it came from several teachers, so her thoughts differed from her father’s.

But due to her admiration for her father, she previously dared not persist in her beliefs until her father passed away.

She finally realized that regardless of whether it was an imperial system or any other system, it ultimately relied on people to execute.

Was the Jin Yuan Kingdom governed by Marco truly stronger than the Old Empire?

Alina closed her eyes, leaning weakly against the seat back.

After an indeterminate time passed, Roland’s words flashed in her mind.

"History spirals upwards; progressive societies are destined to replace the backward, but it certainly comes with repetitions."

Roland not only said this but also mentioned something from the time of the Magic Empire.

"If you let five peasants and one mage vote together to choose who the suspect is and then kill him, it’s almost certain the chosen suspect is the mage. Truth is not necessarily in the hands of the majority."

Alina’s complexion turned pale. The books she’s read, her father’s disappointed expression, Roland’s tempting voice, and records from the Magic Empire period continuously impacted her consciousness.

She suddenly screamed, opening her eyes wide.

Staggering to the mirror, she looked at her haggard appearance and reddened eyes, barely recognizing herself.

This was the critical moment determining the survival of Jin Yuan, only she could lead everyone.

The future could worry about itself in the future.

At least at this moment, she must wear the crown and shoulder the entire Jin Yuan.

...

Hansa City, Triumph Square.

After the Oden Kingdom was completely annexed, this square was changed to Triumph Square.

Originally, Ados even proposed constructing a Triumph Arch, but it was tactfully declined by Sif, under the reason of empathizing with the public’s sentiments.

In truth, Sif rather wanted that Triumph Arch, having seen the design, which was grand and elegant without losing dignity—a true artwork.

She very much wanted to pass underneath it dressed in splendor, receiving the people’s reverent worship.

Unfortunately, it was not possible.

The residents of Hansa City were unaware that this city was not the ultimate battle site but a piece that could be abandoned based on circumstances.

If the Triumph Arch were built now, it would be for Sofia.

A foolish move offering the enemy a chance to exploit their psychological pain cannot be made.

Some faint regret hiding in her heart, Sif smiled and waved to the surrounding people, sharing the joy of victory with others.

In the crowd, she saw Roland standing at the forefront of the line welcoming the procession.

He wore a specially designed Caesar uniform, holding a Golden Staff, standing there imposingly, like a mighty structure all by himself.

Sif’s lips slightly upturned, any lingering regrets evaporated.

Her Triumph Arch was there waiting for her, so why expend cement and steel to build one?

Sif tightened the reins, slowed her speed, letting the horse step lightly with a "tap-tap-tap" rhythm, approaching Roland step by step.

She suddenly thought of the moment when she and Roland performed a stage play together.

At that time, the sea of cheering champions and now the cries of "long live the Empress" echoing above the city were actually the same.

It was their acknowledgment of her, and more so, the result of her and Roland’s united efforts.