Mob MC 140.1

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Chapter 140.1. The Emperor Bestows Rewards

-Emperor's POV-

Inside the imperial palace, located in the heart of the capital, an audience was taking place. 

It was a meeting held to grant rewards for the Tokyo expedition. This expedition, known as the "Tokyo Incident", which involved the rebellion of Nagamasa, would serve as a measure of the Emperor's support.

For the nobles, who were essentially opportunistic and often referred to as the "neutral faction", this audience was of great importance.

The nobles stood by the wall, whispering in hushed tones.

On the surface, Emperor Genshin Touya, the head of the Japanese Magic Empire, had a stern and ruthless expression on his face, sitting cross-legged on a cushion with his elbows resting on the elbow rests in a stately manner.

However, inwardly he was fed up with the aristocrats.

[Oh, the old man wants to drink sake. Can I go home?]

[No, Your Majesty, this is the moment to show your determination. Please display your dignity to everyone.]

With a thought, I discuss with his son Nobunaga, who sits next to me, but the content of the discussion is not what it appears to be, and the contents seem timid and troublesome.

Nobunaga rebukes me, and I let out a small sigh, wondering if it can't be helped.

[Where is my wife?]

[She's sleeping in her room, pretending to be shocked that her son betrayed her.]

[She's a reliable woman, isn't she? After all, he is our son]

[She thought some of her children would die in the power struggle.]

[I know there are only three of us. ...... Well, others have the right of succession.]

[Indeed. Your Majesty, please be careful.]

Nobunaga advised, smiling next to him and teasing his father. 

Genshin Touya straightened himself up and gave a signal to the Prime Minister.

Understanding the signal, the Prime Minister nodded and opened his mouth, announcing the start of the audience.

He looks around the audience chamber, which is silent, and then, Using the [Amplification] magic to ensure people can hear his voice from anywhere, he speaks solemnly.

"I have gathered you all here today to give you your rewards from the expedition, but before I do so, let me tell you all something. It's about Nagamasa."

There is a slight murmur, and everyone looks at Touya on the raised platform. The current royal family is famous for being close. Everyone waits to hear what the Emperor, who cares so much about his children, will say.

With a gulp, everyone anticipated whether the Emperor would give a lenient or severe punishment. 

"The penalty shall be death. Treason against the Empire was a serious offense, and Nagamasa was a member of the royal family. After removing him from the royal family, he shall be executed."

The Japanese Magic Empire has laws. Typically, there would be a lawyer, and after a long trial, they would determine the punishment. 

However, the Emperor had the authority to use extraordinary measures. Although I wouldn't be abusing it, the current incident was considered serious and dangerous.

"What the?"

"He is your son, isn't he?"

"No, this case was that serious."

While the sparrows of the court were chattering away, Touya felt sorrow inside for condemning his son to death, but he could not let his sadness show outside.

I'm the Emperor. I could never forgive Nagamasa for his treachery, even though he was a royal family member.

If I forgive him, it will create a rift with the royal family, and it will reduce the Emperor's power.

The result would be a power struggle with the nobility, which has gained momentum. It's the subjects who will ultimately suffer.

It's necessary to show both at home and abroad that the Chosei will be ruthlessly punished in a dignified manner.

Duke Kanna, standing by the wall. I didn't miss the slight look of disgust on his face.

If it was the death penalty, he might have raised his voice to criticize the Emperor. He was a man who would bite at every opportunity. This time was a blow.

Even if Nagamasa got sentenced to death, Duke Kanna would probably plot to reduce the Emperor's power.

No, it was not only Duke Kanna.

Other ambitious men would do the same. The court is a place worse than hell. It's worse than the demon world.

Still, it was a good beginning, and Touya, hiding my inner feelings as a family member, took a resolute stance. I was unmistakably the Emperor.

The first two men to make a difference were Teijou Mashiro and Admiral Kojou. Although there were no merits, there was no flaw in the expeditionary force because of Nagamasa's betrayal. I finish by stating that I will not hold them responsible for the damage this time.

That's ostensibly the end, but I plan to give them some good deals later.

I end the audience calmly, thanking the two men for their hard work. Since these two are pro-emperor, there is no problem. Of course, if Mashiro had died, it would have been a terrible situation.

Next in line was Duke Aguni. I praised him and his son for saving the troops from Nagamasa's treachery and minimizing the damage.

Duke Aguni is a man full of ambition, but I'm not overly wary of him. He's a man of firmness and will not seek to rise to the top of power by disparaging the Emperor, I predict.

He's always wary of the possibility he'd fall on his high horse by disrespecting the Emperor and standing at the top of the nobles.

Therefore, he's satisfied as long as he's given a certain amount of power, so his behavior is predictable and easy to control.

The problem is Masatoshi, the next head of the family. Although he's undoubtedly capable. But if he's too ambitious, there is a need for caution.

He's only 10 years old, so he should be fine for now.

I should also consider getting him engaged to Sena. My daughter shows signs of desiring to be the Emperor. If I give her the power and wealth of Aguni Dukedom, there is no telling what she will do.

As it stands, Nobunaga's accession to the throne is almost a given. There is also the matter of Nagamasa. I honestly don't want to make waves here.

Sena was called next and kneeled in front of me, so I gave her the same words of encouragement as I had done so far.

Then, the Prime Minister will praise her for healing the injured and for her remarkable achievements on the battlefield, praising the Miracle Saint.

She's a Miracle Saint who healed 80% of the injured. The surrounding people send thunderous applause and cheers in unison. Sena responds with a kind and healing smile, waving her hands to those around her.

It's a big deal for a 10 years old. As a member of the royal family, I'm extremely grateful, but I can only roll my tongue at her iron-facades, even though she's my daughter. She doesn't have a shred of guilt.

I pray that this incident will not have a bad influence. It seems unlikely this old man's prayers would reach the gods.

Still, I trust Sena won't do anything like Nagamasa, so I don't need to be overly cautious. 

After completing the rewards for Shinjou, I steel myself.