Villainess X Villain: They are obsessed with each other!

Chapter 268: Chapter: 267 First empress in the history.[1]

In the continent of Alasker, within the Holy Empire, things had changed far more rapidly than either Julius or Rosalina could have imagined.

Only a few months had passed since they had left, yet the empire they remembered and the empire that existed today felt almost like two different nations.

The balance of power had shifted, old certainties had collapsed, and events that should have taken years to unfold had occurred in the span of a single season.

Three months ago, Emperor Baek Donaven Evander finally passed away.

The emperor had been ill for many months, and countless physicians, alchemists, and healers had exhausted themselves trying to prolong his life.

Even so, his death still struck the empire like a thunderbolt. From the grandest noble estates to the poorest villages hidden among the mountains, people mourned the ruler who had watched over them for decades.

Black banners hung from city walls. Churches held prayers day and night. Merchants closed their shops in respect, while countless citizens gathered in the streets carrying flowers and candles.

For nearly a month, the empire remained wrapped in mourning.

Then reality arrived.

A nation could mourn its emperor, but it could not remain without a ruler forever.

Soon the question that everyone had been avoiding began spreading across the empire.

Who would inherit the throne?

At first, the answer seemed obvious.

The First Prince was the eldest son of the emperor and the most legitimate candidate.

Many nobles had already begun preparing gifts and letters of support. Several influential families openly declared their allegiance to him, believing that his ascension was merely a matter of time.

Then everything changed.

Only a week after discussions regarding the succession began, Saint Uriel personally revealed evidence implicating the First Prince in the emperor’s death.

The revelation shook the entire empire.

According to the evidence presented by the Church, the prince had secretly supplied harmful medicine to the emperor over an extended period of time.

The substances were difficult to detect and slowly worsened the emperor’s already fragile condition.

As if that accusation alone were not enough, further evidence revealed that the prince had maintained contact with members of the Thorne Clan.

The outrage that followed was unlike anything seen in recent years.

The Thornes were not merely rivals.

They were enemies!

After what happened just a few months ago, the Crown Prince being connected to them was unthinkable.

The empire erupted.

Commoners cursed the prince’s name in taverns and marketplaces. Nobles who had supported him hurriedly severed all public ties.

Officials who had once praised him suddenly acted as though they had never known him.

Then Saint Uriel made his move. Without any public trial, the First Prince was imprisoned.

The speed of the decision stunned many people, yet surprisingly few dared oppose it.

The authority of the Church within the Holy Empire had always been immense, and the authority of a Saint was even greater.

Following the emperor’s death, Saint Uriel had effectively become the most influential figure in the entire nation.

With no successor chosen and the empire requiring leadership, he assumed temporary control until a new ruler could be selected.

For the next several months, political factions struggled against one another in a silent battle for the throne.

The Second Prince quickly emerged as the strongest candidate.

Many nobles rallied behind him. Influential families offered support. Even ordinary citizens gradually began accepting the possibility of his future rule.

For a time, it seemed inevitable. Then Cecilia entered the succession struggle.

The moment she appeared, everything changed. Unlike the other candidates, she did not arrive alone.

The Church stood behind her.

That single fact outweighed countless political alliances and generations of noble influence.

Support that had taken others years to build was rendered meaningless almost overnight. Nobles began changing sides.

Officials adjusted their loyalties. Families that had previously ignored Cecilia suddenly found reasons to praise her talents and wisdom.

The outcome had effectively been decided before the competition truly began.

Now, after a month of governing the empire in place of the deceased emperor, Saint Uriel was finally prepared to pass authority to a permanent successor.

Or rather, to the first empress in the history of the Holy Empire. Today was the day Cecilia would officially inherit the throne.

The capital had transformed into a sea of celebration.

Citizens from every district poured into the streets long before sunrise. Merchants sold commemorative banners and decorative ribbons bearing the imperial crest.

Children sat on their parents’ shoulders trying to catch glimpses of the palace. Excited conversations drifted through every corner of the city as people eagerly awaited the historic ceremony.

In front of the Royal Palace, a massive platform had been constructed specifically for the occasion.

Thousands upon thousands of people filled the enormous plaza below. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement.

Upon the platform sat guests invited from across the world.

Representatives of ancient families occupied the most prestigious seats. Powerful nobles from the Holy Empire gathered in elaborate ceremonial attire.

High-ranking members of the Church sat together beneath banners displaying sacred symbols.

Among them sat the Pope herself.

Beside her was Elizabeth Augustus Hayes, the matriarch of the Hayes Clan.

Not far away, the third wife of the Valentina Clan Patriarch conversed with several bishops she had known for years.

Having been born within the Holy Empire, she was already familiar with many of the Church’s influential figures, making the gathering feel almost like a reunion.

One seat, however, remained empty.

It was the seat traditionally reserved for the Cardinal.

The absence did not go unnoticed.

The previous Cardinal had passed away roughly eight months ago after a prolonged illness.

Since then, the position had remained vacant. There had been discussions regarding potential successors, yet none had managed to secure sufficient support.

There was one woman whom many considered suitable.

Unfortunately, according to the Church, she possessed a weakness for worldly desires and attachments.

Such flaws were considered incompatible with the responsibilities of a Cardinal.

As a result, the seat remained empty.

”I never thought Princess Cecilia would become the next emperor.”

Elizabeth laughed softly while speaking with the Pope. The amusement in her crimson eyes was impossible to hide.

Even now, she found the situation fascinating.

Many possibilities had existed following Emperor Baek’s death, yet somehow the outcome most people considered unlikely had become reality.

More importantly, it was a reality that greatly benefited her clan.

The Church supported Cecilia.

The Hayes Clan maintained close relations with the Church.

As long as that relationship endured, the Holy Empire would inevitably move closer to their sphere of influence.

There was no need for conquest. No need for occupation. Influence often achieved what armies could not.

”I just hope she does well for the empire,” the Pope replied with a pleased chuckle.

Unlike Elizabeth, she seemed genuinely happy.

To her, Cecilia’s ascension represented more than political success. It represented spiritual success. The Church’s guidance had never been stronger, and with Cecilia on the throne, she believed the Holy Empire was entering a new golden age.

Nearby nobles and bishops held similar conversations.

”I just hope Her Majesty rules like a true queen.”

”Haha, I share the same opinion. I believe she may become one of the greatest rulers in the empire’s history.”

Their discussions blended together with the distant roar of the crowd below.

The ceremony was moments away from beginning.

Then suddenly an announcement echoed throughout the plaza.

”The Third Saint, His Holiness Saint Uriel, is entering!”

The moment those words resounded through the capital, every conversation stopped.

Thousands of eyes turned toward the entrance leading from the palace.

A strange stillness settled over the enormous gathering.

For regardless of titles, regardless of bloodlines, regardless of influence, everyone present understood a simple truth.

The man about to appear was the one who had shaped the empire’s future with his own hands.