Chapter 408: Unofficial Coronation

Bardas sat in the Palace and looked around. His eyes narrowed with each passing servant who stepped to the side and bowed.’He’s replaced them.’He had memorised nearly all the servants in his years working within the palace. Such a sudden change wasn’t too surprising after Julius took the throne. It was the first thing he had to do to distance himself from his father’s rule.

What made Bardas frown was how long their gazes lingered on him, how each time he walked through the halls, he was constantly watched.’This complicates things.’Bardas clicked his tongue and threw open the doors to the council room. The council members all looked at him before turning to face Julius once again.

"Thank you for joining us, Bardas." To his words and soft smile, all Bardas could do was rest his hand over his heart and bow.

"I live to serve." Lifting his head up, the two looked at each other for a few seconds. To everyone who looked at them, Julius had a friendly smile, whilst Bardas wore his usual thin smile, but between the two, both could see the distrust they held for one another.

It was only a second that their eyes met, and as Bardas took his seat, they both had the exact same thought,’He is preparing to get rid of me.’Grabbing the end of the table, Julius wrapped his fingers around it and pushed himself back.

’He can’t dare act so brazenly right now.’Telling himself that he had cleared his thoughts on the matter, "Gentlemen. As we all know, my rule is not as stable as we wish it to be." Julius said bitterly, the men around not denying, "Magnus and his supporters are marching on us, and right now, I need to prove to the nobility that my words were not empty."

Julius took a deep breath and turned to the door by his side. "Enter!" Calling out the door, an Archbishop walked in. Everyone looked at him in confusion, but seeing the crown he held in his hands, they realised what Julius was doing.

Getting up, he stood before the archbishop, who held the crown of the Empire that sat atop a velvet cushion and stared deep into the archbishop’s eyes. After a few seconds, he slowly lowered his head

"Do you, Prince Julius Cosmatos, swear on the holy lord name, the benevolent lord, and protector of humanity, to carry out your obligations as Emperor of Severia and Guardian of the Holy Seat. To rule with dignity and grace. To lead the realm of man and protect the faithful from the corruption of Khors."

Julius raised his head and looked deep into the Archbishop’s eyes. Despite the man keeping a calm attitude, he noticed the slight fervent worship in his eyes as he looked at Prince Ehow, whom he believed had been resurrected. "I swear on my name and that of our benevolent lord to lead the realm of man, to uphold the ancient promise between the church and Severia and to lead the charge against the corruption of Khors."

His voice was powerful, speaking, making the Archibisoph smile, "Then with the power granted to me by the Lord and His Holiness, I and the Church recognise the accession of His Majesty, Julius, fourth of his name, as Emperor of Severia and Guardian of the holy seat."

Placing the crown atop Julius’ head, the Archbishop took a step back and lowered his head. With the official corranation done, the man took a seat and closed his eyes acting like a sepctator rather then a counciler. Julius also retook his seat and looked at the councillors. "Whilst I will have an official coronation in the future, right now is not the time to host such an event. The civil war requires too much attention."

The men were all stunned for a second before each man lowered there head, "Congratulations, Your Majesty." Bardas was the first to offer his praise, followed by the rest. Julius smiled and grabbed the ned of the table. Leaning back into his chair, he felt an immense pride as the heavy crown sat atop his head.

"I know it is strange to declare myself Emperor whilst my father lives, but as I will be leaving to lead the war against Magnus, I must hand over the regency." There was a noticeable shift in attitude as the men all tried to make themselves more noticeable. It made Julius nearly chuckle, but he stopped himself.

Lookign at the men, his eyes glanced at Bardas, who wore his fake thin smile. "All of you are trusted councillors of the Empire, some of you have been here since the start of my father’s rule, but at times like this, wisdom comes with age." Julius looked to the old man on his left and smiled, "Lord Janus. In this trying time, I request that you take up this mantle. This is not a pleasant job, but you are a wise man whom I also trust."

Janus froze for a second but lowered his head, "You honour me, Your Majesty." Julius smiled and nodded. He chose Janus for one reason. He was an old man without any living relatives. He had no reason to grab power other than in the interest of the realm. Adding to his experience working in the Palace and managing the Empire, he was the perfect candidate.

"Work hard, Lord Janus. Gentleman, please resume your duties. Janus, stay behind for a second." The councillors all stood up, leaving Janus alone with Julius. "Do not trust Bardas."

Julius said coldly, making the old man. "He had always been a snake, Your Majesty. Your warning is unnecessary."

"No..." Julius leaned his hand and tapped his mask. "He is vying for the throne. I suspect he will slowly inch his way into the regency. You need to be prepared, Janus. He has the help of an outsider. I don’t know who yet."

Janus slowly nodded. "I will take your words to heart, Your Majesty. I will prepare a will to state who will take care of my affairs if I suddenly pass away. I hope you will sign off on it before you leave. That way, the regency will be passed to someone you can trust."

"Forgive me for placing you in such a situation." Julius sincerely apologised, getting a deep chuckle from Janus.

"I am an old man, Your Majesty. Old men should be the ones to die first. There is no offence taken." Julius smiled and watched as Janus stood up and bowed. Alone, Julius finally took off his mask and sighed.

’I still need Bardas to counter Magnus.’Clicking his tongue, he felt annoyed that he couldn’t get rid of the remaining targets for his revenge so easily.’Patients. I waited 30 years to take this place, a few months is nothing.’Leaning back on his chair, Julius looked down at his family’s banner hanging above the door.

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In his room, Bardas held back the urge to smash a nearby vase as he tried to calm himself down. He had been promised to be Julius’s number two, but was pushed aside. Whilst he expected it, he didn’t realise it would come so soon.

’No, this is expected. He would never leave the Empire in my hands. If he did, he was more of an idiot than I thought.’Calming himself down, he took a deep breath.’Janus was a good choice, he’s a cautious old man. I’ll have to remove those around him first.’As Bardas thought, he realised another point, ’The church is now on the council.’Constance and Julius have strengthened their alliance. I can’t risk offending Constance, no matter what. He also hates me.’Bardas paced back and forth,’But his people don’t really know me. Constance is smart but arrogant now. He definitely wouldn’t have warned his men to be wary of me.’

With a plan in mind, Bardas finally breathed a sigh of relief. It was a long game he had to play, but he could see a path to victory. With the Ammary’s help, he also had an outside power. Whilst he couldn’t trust them completely, he knew they wanted the throne to be unstable. They would do all they could to weaken Julius and give him a chance.

Stepping out of his office, he looked at the servants who walked back and forth, their eyes lingering on him for slightly too long.’I need men on the inside. I won’t be able to act freely right now.’

Thinking back to his conversation with Horace, he smiled,’Alone he can’t enter the Palace, but if he was given a job then...’Walking through the palace halls, he slowly made his way outside. Going to his carriage, he looked at his driver and, with a knowing nod to watch for a tale, he planned to meet Horace.

’I’ll send word to Elias and offer him a place on the council. Who else is there?’Tapping the armrest, he thought of the few people he could get on the council without arousing suspicion.