In the Name of Empress-Chapter 512 - 327: The Price of Peace Is Actually Roland? (Part 3)
Even if someone sees through it, they will be swept up in public perception and have no choice but to accept the illusory conclusion.
This is the terror of the Illusionary Wanderer, who possesses the ability to change outcomes.
But being an Illusionary Wanderer is a difficult path; crafting lies that verge on reality under truthful pretenses determines the limits of an Illusionary Wanderer.
This might have been very challenging for Alina in the past, but now she is full of confidence.
She once hid in the shadows, masking her existence with death, and finally, with Roland’s help, dealt Marco a fatal blow.
This successful experience was a classic case of illusory words manifesting into reality.
She had once chosen the Faceless as the star path node to the other side, so choosing the Illusionary Wanderer again was not too sudden.
Sofia has unparalleled strength, but can you see through these illusory words?
Alina’s lips curled slightly upward; she was somewhat curious.
...
The coronation ceremony progressed in an orderly fashion.
The Minister of Internal Affairs and the Chief Steward both suggested that Alina follow the old Empire’s coronation rites, but Alina flatly refused.
She had already deviated from her father’s ideology, but she had her reasons.
The times had changed; she bore this heavy responsibility with the support of the people, not for personal gain.
Yet she could not use the old Empire’s coronation process, as it would greatly harm her father and severely agitate the freedom fighters who participated in the struggles and still survived.
Using a simplified process for the coronation was her final tribute to these freedom fighters.
Although Alina tried to consider their feelings, an incident still occurred during the ceremony.
An elderly man with graying hair threw a rotten egg at Alina.
The rotten egg was intercepted after flying just a few meters, and the old man was swiftly gagged and dragged away by the military police before he could even finish shouting his slogans.
The crowd stirred with commotion.
Many ministers were shocked and turned pale, but Alina remained calm.
If you wish to wear the crown, you must bear its weight.
If one cannot withstand such minor disturbances, it’s better to return home and marry early.
The military police were also a bit frustrated. If not for the consequences, they truly wanted to beat the unruly old man to death on the spot.
The old man, at his advanced age, should stay home quietly instead of trying to stand out.
The military police were speechless; because of this old man, they not only couldn’t receive bonuses but might even face accountability.
The old man’s protest was evidently an isolated case; those who attended the coronation had undergone political screening and were mostly clean and reliable.
The old man was a staunch follower of Mr. Carlo, so his background was naturally not a problem, which is why he was approved to attend.
What ill intent could a follower of Alina’s father have?
The old man indeed had no ill intent, but his loyalty lay with Carlo, not the "unfilial daughter who betrayed her father’s governance principles."
After the small episode, Alina proceeded to Fanxi Palace for the crowning.
Saintess Christine, acting as the clergy member presiding over the crowning ceremony, personally held up the crown for her.
This was also a result of compromise.
According to tradition, only the Pope of the Divine Court had the qualification to crown the Emperor.
For Christine to crown Alina, it would be both an encroachment on the Pope’s role and a diminishment of Alina, which was certainly unacceptable.
Therefore, the final procedure was to pass the crown to Alina, allowing the Emperor herself to don it.
As Alina lifted the crown, preparing to complete the crowning, a discordant voice rang out once again.
"Wait a moment!"
Alina turned her head, her brows furrowed, unable to believe her eyes.
It was actually Mr. Reyno.
Reyno, about fifty years old, had followed Mr. Carlo for many years, long serving as an adjutant, loyal but somewhat inflexible.
When Carlo was killed, he was furious, carved a bloody path out of West City, and followed Mr. Robert’s team in their escape.
Upon learning that Alina was still alive, he immediately pledged his allegiance to Alina.
His firm stance stabilized the morale of the exiled troops, playing a crucial role.
After Alina became the Liberator, he was even more proactive in his efforts, becoming the Cabinet’s most supportive loyalist of Alina.
Alina had anticipated countless scenarios, never expecting his opposition.
But upon further reflection, Alina was relieved.
Reyno, after all, was loyal to her father, not her.
"Uncle Reyno, please wait until the ceremony is over to speak."
Reyno’s eyes were filled with fatigue, his hoarse voice echoing in the grand hall.
He mustered the courage to meet Alina’s gaze, hoping to see guilt, helplessness, or avoidance of confrontation in her eyes.
But there was none.
Alina’s eyes were calm, fearless.
Reyno’s words stuck on his lips as if frozen, unable to utter a single syllable.
He originally intended to question whether Alina had forgotten Carlo’s legacy, but under Alina’s cold gaze, he couldn’t voice it at all.
Cold sweat trickled down his back, drenching his entire spine.
"Uncle Reyno, since you have nothing to say, I will proceed with the crowning. You and your family were unwaveringly loyal to my father. Just yesterday, my father appeared in my dream, telling me how much he missed you."
Reyno’s knees weakened, his courage to question dissipated.
An Emperor’s crowning often bears a trail of blood and storm. He might have had the courage to question Alina with his own life on the line, but he couldn’t risk his entire family’s necks.
Oh well, Alina is Carlo’s daughter; she surely understands Mr. Carlo better than he does.
This wasn’t something he could manage.
Reyno showed a foolish smile and awkwardly said, "Alina, I’m getting old; I want to retire and spend time with my family..."
"Uncle Reyno, we can discuss these matters later; this isn’t a Cabinet meeting room."
