Chapter 161

A grand and elaborate funeral procession unfolded before my eyes.

A large coffin was at the center as numerous soldiers carried it, while somber-looking clerics walked ahead. Behind them, courtiers who had served at the castle followed, shedding tears.

“Oh no… Your Majesty…”

“So, this is how it ends… Honestly, he wasn’t a great king…”

“Good riddance, you filthy tyrant! May you rot in hell!”

Various reactions erupted from the citizens watching the procession. Most displayed a simple bitterness, while some genuinely wept in sorrow, and others hurled insults and curses.

And then…

The original protagonist who should have been at the center of this funeral, Louis, found herself momentarily speechless at the sight before her.

‘A funeral for Queen Louis? What on earth…?’

True, it had been a while since her whereabouts were shrouded in mystery, but she never imagined she would witness her own funeral. In fact, she couldn’t have predicted that she’d see it firsthand among thousands of people.

Unintentionally alive, she found herself in the bizarre circumstance of receiving tributes from countless individuals.

However, despite the absurdity of the situation, she couldn’t afford to lose her composure.

Amidst the utter chaos, it was crucial to act swiftly.

Lingering here might expose her identity, and that would lead to real trouble.

‘For now… let’s hurry to meet Napoleona… I can figure out what happened once I get there…’

With an ever-growing sense of mystery lingering in her mind, Queen Louis made her way out of the scene towards her meeting place.

A tall spire loomed within an alleyway.

There, a group of people awaited her arrival.

Leading the group was…

“Welcome, Your Majesty. We’ve been waiting for you.”

“Oh… it’s been a while, Admiral Napoleona… or should I say, Captain now?”

“Haha… Yes, it seems that way. They did award me an extra star for my service in the last war.”

Napoleona smiled awkwardly, wearing the insignia of a two-star rank.

She then composed herself, her expression turning serious as she continued speaking.

“Now, let’s go inside. We can discuss everything there.”

“Right.”

Being mindful that they could be watched, they moved into the church.

Inside a small room, Queen Louis sat down alone with Napoleona.

“I’ve gathered the gist of it. You’re here because Ezra… the Pirate King asked for your help?”

“That’s correct. But first, I want to hear about the situation unfolding outside.”

“That situation… you mean the funeral?”

“Yes, exactly that. What’s going on? To suddenly have my funeral is quite baffling. I don’t believe you orchestrated this. Who is behind it, and for what reason?”

“Well… that’s the thing…”

Napoleona’s expression grew troubled at Queen Louis’s inquiry.

However, despite her discomfort, there was nothing to conceal. Thus, she candidly explained the current situation to the queen.

Why, amidst her still being alive and well, such an extravagant show was taking place…

*

Significant changes necessitated the proper atmosphere.

And now, the queen’s funeral was setting the stage for what Robes Fiora desired.

Sorrow, anger, and a subtle expectation of something new.

Amidst all of it, Robes Fiora slowly climbed onto the platform as the one presiding over the funeral, standing before the people.

An outpouring of gazes fell upon her.

In that moment, she could feel every single person’s eyes directed at her, their oppressive presence urging her on.

With that, she finally opened her mouth.

“Great citizens of the Kingdom of Frantz, today we step into a transitional period toward a new era. Over the past 1300 years, the existence of our kingdom has been a glorious chapter for us.

However, the inept ruling class has left our lives in ruin, and we took up arms to protect our futures. Along the way, we have witnessed the greatest threat sitting among us.

Even with the revolution’s success, the lives of our citizens have yet to improve.

This is due to the remnants of the royal family, the nobles who continue to wield power throughout the kingdom, and the merchants and producers who have clung to them for their own gain.

These filthy individuals have done everything in their power to resist the great tide of revolution,


and ultimately, they have committed the abominable act of inviting that vile Holy Empire Army onto our soil.

As a result, the innocent people of the kingdom have faced the tragic fate of falling victim to their gunfire.”

Beginning quietly, her voice gradually swelled in passion.

As Robes Fiora spoke, filled with rage and hate, the citizens gathered in the square couldn’t shake the eerie feeling that something unprecedented was about to unfold.

“However, their corrupt plans have been thwarted by our righteous and brave revolution warriors. The enemies threatening the Kingdom of Frantz have been defeated and scattered, granting us victory in the process.

It was a difficult time, yet we passed every trial.

The war is over. Now we stand at the threshold of a new beginning.

To protect ourselves and ensure lasting stability, the feeble kingdom will be transformed into a strong republic, promising you a safe and solid society that will endure for ten thousand years.

The republic will be governed by the representatives of its exceptional leadership, and I declare that the day has come to uproot those who have hidden their misdeeds behind the contradictions of the old regime.

The corruption that has plagued the kingdom will be pulled out by its roots. The nobles still drawing breath will be exterminated, and the regional producers and merchants who have filled their pockets at the expense of starving citizens will be removed.

Under the new order of the republic, our most cherished beliefs will be safeguarded. We will protect our ideals with our own strength. We will not give our enemies a chance and will repel both external and internal attacks.

Let us warn the enemies of the republic: those who challenge the resolve of this great citizenry will be crushed.

The mission given to us will not be easy, but the citizens of the republic will embrace that challenge. Our efforts will bring peace instead of war, and prosperity instead of poverty. Millions eagerly await the bright future approaching them. From the Port of Marinseu all the way to the Port of Cala, the republic will achieve boundless growth.

To accomplish this, citizens must fulfill their duties.


Eliminate the pawns of the nobles who unjustly raise prices.


Be the eyes of the republic by surveilling our revolutionary enemies.


Do not allow your futures to be swayed by those filthy evils any longer.

Proud revolution warriors have undertaken the dangerous mission of fighting our enemies at the forefront.


Many among them have died for our homeland.


The citizens of the republic must look to them as an example.

Now the path we must take is clear.


We have been tested, yet we have emerged stronger.


As the continent’s first republic, we will advance into the future united.


We will achieve victory.


Today marks the start of a glorious thousand-year legacy.

As our first step,


I hereby declare a freeze on the prices of all essential goods that have been unjustly raised until now.

The prices of goods that have soared to astronomical heights due to the exploitation of producers and merchants.


We will permanently freeze the prices of over thirty essential goods, including milk, bread, meat, vegetables, fabrics, and firewood, to 70% of their current level.


Penalties will be imposed on those engaging in unfair trade.

With your hands, you are paving the future of the republic!”

“Wow!!!”


“Long live the republic!”


“Long live Robes Fiora!”

The declaration of price controls, following such a lengthy preamble, ignited cheers of joy among the citizens.

The promise to lower the price of bread, once purchasable for 10 copper, to 7 copper captured the hearts of the weary citizens, who felt unchanging despair amidst ongoing slaughter.

However…

“This is insane…”

“Is that person out of their mind?… What on earth do they think they’re doing…”

On one side, those listening could only let out curses instinctively.

Napoleona, who had some knowledge of economics, and Louis, who had a basic understanding from her studies, both comprehended the implications of forcibly controlling prices…

And what that outcome…

And what the fervent cheers and applause they currently heard would soon turn into…

“…Shouldn’t we stop this? If it goes through as is…”

“…It’s impossible. While I do hold some influence, true power in this nation currently lies with Robes Fiora. Above all, I lack any means to overturn the current atmosphere. Perhaps if the Pirate King were here…”

“Hmmm…”

So, finding herself missing that very person even more today, Napoleona and Louis made their exit from the place.

Leaving behind the hell that began with thunderous cheers…