According to the general common sense and morality of this world, one person is not allowed to have more than one spouse.
Of course, remarriage after an unavoidable death or divorce is not an issue.
What is not allowed is having multiple spouses at the same time.
This was a universal rule not only in the Kingdom of Ulranor and the Federated Empire but also in the distant Daiching Empire.
However, there was only one exception in the world.
A single being to whom this rule did not apply.
“The Emperor of the Empire.”
“You mean the Emperor? As far as I know, Louis XVI only had one wife.”
“That was just his personal preference. If he had wanted to, he could have had more.”
An empire is a nation that rules over multiple kingdoms and vassal states.
It was only natural that the ruler of such a country was treated as a being beyond ordinary monarchs.
Among the few individuals who held power across the entire continent, how could they be expected to enjoy only the same rights as common men?
Unlike others who formed harems in the form of concubines or mistresses, the Emperor had the right to officially take multiple wives.
A certain great emperor of a long-destroyed empire was said to have had more than 500 wives.
Of course, that was no longer possible in modern times.
With the spread of the Goddess Church, excessive indulgence in women had become taboo.
However, the fact remained that emperors were still relatively free from restrictions on the number of their wives.
And Camilla saw an opportunity in that fact.
“The scriptures say that the Goddess once blessed a simultaneous marriage between three partners.
Using that passage as justification, the clergy have long insisted that the Emperor should not take more than three wives.”
“I think I remember reading that as well.”
Although there would undoubtedly be implicit hierarchy and status differences, the wives would be officially treated as equals.
There would be no need to fight and compete for the position of the main wife—each would secure a place by Carolus’ side.
There would be no unnecessary waste of time and emotions trying to push each other out.
While it might be regrettable that no one could monopolize him entirely, it was still better than losing everything in the struggle.
For those who were hopelessly in love, this was the most rational compromise they could reach.
“So, we will enthrone Your Excellency as Emperor, and together, we will support you as your wives. What do you think? Do you have any intention of accepting?”
After listening to Camilla’s passionate argument, the Saint took a sip of her tea and asked her.
“Viscountess, may I ask you two questions?”
“Please, go ahead.”
“If things go as you suggest and we each secure a position, there would still be one more open spot for a wife.
What do you intend to do about that?”
At this, Camilla scoffed and answered.
“The women who will stay by Your Excellency’s side… wouldn’t one on each side be more than enough? That’s how I see it.”
Carolus’ stamina and time were limited, and one business partner was sufficient.
And now they were supposed to bring in another woman to divide his attention and affection?
Only a fool would agree to such a thing.
Unless Carolus himself personally brought in another wife, she would never acknowledge it.
Even if he did, she still wouldn’t want to accept it.
“I asked something unnecessary, didn’t I? I should have known you already had a plan.”
“Not at all. Since we love the same person, it’s only natural to have concerns.”
The same applied to the Saint.
She had only just escaped the status of a mistress and finally gained the opportunity to become a legitimate wife.
There was no room in her heart to accommodate others.
No matter how kind-hearted she was by nature, she did not possess the generosity to extend kindness to a romantic rival.
If some vixen came crawling in, she would sooner lash out in outrage.
“Then, I have another question… How exactly do you plan to enthrone His Excellency as Emperor?”
“How to make him ascend to the throne?”
“This country has been a kingdom for hundreds of years. To elevate its status, there needs to be a proper justification or foundation for it, right?”
At the core of this idea was the method by which Carolus would establish an empire and claim the throne.
It was, of course, an immense challenge—one far beyond the ability of even a powerful politician and the representative of the Goddess Church working together.
However, Camilla had already finished calculating the answer long ago.
“We already have more than enough justification, don’t we? After conquering two nations and vastly expanding our territory, there’s no shortage of reasons. At this point, our country is even larger than the Federated Empire.”
History was full of empires that had been declared with far weaker positions and conditions.
If even such rulers were recognized as emperors, then what was stopping Carolus?
The Kingdom of Ulranor had originally started as a small vassal state, making it difficult for it to ascend beyond a kingdom.
But no such restrictions applied to Carolus.
He could proclaim his imperial rule as he pleased.
“And besides…”
She smiled and pointed towards the location of the parliament.
“If we ask for their support in Your Excellency’s ascension, do you have any idea how many people would eagerly roll up their sleeves and step forward?”
As expected, Camilla and Louis XVI’s predictions were spot on.
“So, we’re going to put a crown on our commander’s head? And take it from that bastard king?”
“Do you have any objections?”
“Where can I buy a ticket to the coronation?”
Whether they were allies, subordinates, or superiors, everyone who served Carolus shared the same underlying concern.
The fear that this peace, this governance, and this system they had painstakingly built might not last in the long run.
It wasn’t just about the natural shifts in policy or the transfer of power due to aging.
Those were ordinary occurrences in any organization.
As the Emperor had pointed out, the real fear was that the system they had barely managed to establish might crumble in the near future.
“Leaving that useless royal family in place always made me uneasy. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to get rid of them altogether.”
“It’s not like our Excellency would suddenly reveal some hidden tyrannical ambitions just because he became king.”
“If we improve the royal bloodline and maintain the current political structure… that sounds reasonable.”
“If the dynasty changes, does that mean we can lop off the deposed king’s head?”
Ulranor was only just now beginning to establish the foundations and customs of a constitutional monarchy.
Measures were being put in place to prevent another idiot king from ruining both foreign relations and domestic affairs.
But if Carolus were to leave?
What if, after Carl VII’s death, some power-hungry tyrant took the throne?
This already fragile nation would completely collapse into ruin.
There was no way they wouldn’t be worried.
“About this coronation plan… Has Carolus agreed to it?”
“I haven’t even mentioned it to him yet. I was planning to bring it up once he returns from the postwar negotiations.”
“If persuasion is needed, let us know. We’ll do everything we can to help.”
But if Carolus were to ascend the throne, everything would change.
There was no way a ruler would suddenly overturn all the achievements he had worked so hard to build.
He would likely even issue a directive for future generations to uphold them.
With a capable monarch in place, the country would gain both stability and continuity.
Future rulers would be the descendants of a respected commander, ensuring long-term loyalty from their vassals.
And above all, it would be an empire.
Not just a kingdom, but a nation ruled by an emperor, elevating its prestige even further.
With nothing but advantages and no downsides, there was no reason anyone would oppose it.
“So, what do we prepare first… Do we still have any royalist military units left?”
Some of the deployed divisions are likely still loyal to the royalists.
From what I know, there are at least two in the west and some stationed on the front lines.”
“Can the Central Army handle them?”
“It won’t be difficult. However, I’d prefer to avoid any unnecessary bloodshed among our own forces. It would be best to take preventive measures in advance—such as dismissing their commanders.”
“I’ll send the orders immediately.”
With widespread consensus reached, actions followed swiftly.
Those who were determined to make sure Carolus would be addressed as His Majesty wasted no time in making preparations.
The first step was to eliminate the remaining obstacles.
The last remnants of royalist military power were dismantled, leaving no room for resistance.
At best, the opposition would only be able to voice their complaints, but in the end, they would have no choice but to accept reality.
“Should we craft a new throne? I don’t like the idea of using the old one.”
“I’ll take care of that. I’ve already arranged for artisans to make thrones for the Empresses as well.”
“Then we’ll handle the construction of the coronation hall and event preparations.”
“How about making an official seal for His Excellency to use for approvals?”
“Let’s wait until he returns to discuss that. It wouldn’t be right for us to prepare his personal seal without his input.”
In addition to preemptively crafting all the necessary ceremonial items and furniture, they secured a location and set the schedule for the event.
“Just don’t make it too extravagant. Considering the justification we used for the coup, we need to be mindful. If we overindulge in luxury after overthrowing the previous regime for its extravagance, what will the people think?”
“Of course. There’s no need to worry about that.”
Finally, they made appropriate budget adjustments to maintain a good public image.
With everything in place, all that remained was for Carolus to return and take his seat.
Thus, when he finally arrived.
“It’s been a while, everyone. The Empire has made me a rather strange offer… They want me to take the throne and establish a new dynasty—”
“His Excellency wants to be our ruler!!”
“Bring forth the crown and scepter at once!!”
“Long live the Emperor!!”
Before Carolus could even finish voicing his concerns, his subordinates, without listening, forced him into coronation robes and placed a crown on his head.
It was only natural that they would kidnap him into becoming Emperor.
Premium Chapter
Login to buy access to this Chapter.