Chapter 132 The sun Festival

Chapter 132 The sun Festival

Minutes passed, and I prepared myself for the celebration. Since early this morning, everyone inside and outside the palace had been busy.

I found Lea eating in her kitchen, and she looked surprised to see me there once again, looking for a meal.

"Wait, why are you here? And why are you eating my food?" She immediately walked over and swatted at me because I was eating the meal her staff had prepared for her. "I had that cooked so I could eat after I bathed, and you just eat it like that?"

"Ouch, hold on. Why are you picking a fight so early in the morning? I already had your servants prepare something else for you," I replied.

"If you hadn't eaten my food, we wouldn't be fighting, would we? And why are you here anyway? You have your own cooks," she questioned.

I had to admit that I didn't actually have my own cooks. Azula had previously forbidden me from having any personal chefs because she preferred to handle my meals herself. Since Elisa was currently inhabiting Azula’s body, and I couldn't exactly order her to cook, I had no one else to do it for me.

"So that’s why you’re scrounging for food in my kitchen? You should have told me last night so my staff could have prepared more," Lea complained.

"Hold on, why are you acting like you're shooing me away? We promised to act like a married couple, didn't we? You should be the one cooking for me," I said.

Lea shook her head, and it was obvious from her expression that she wasn't fond of the idea of preparing my meals. "Look, even if I wanted to, I can't cook for you because I don't know how."

"Hm... well, you could always learn," I suggested.

She fell silent at my remark and let out a sigh. "Okay, fine, I understand what you’re trying to say. But we have staff who are supposed to do that; if I take over their duties, they’ll lose their jobs."

I smirked at her excuse. "Oh, you're good at coming up with reasons. This isn't about the staff, but about following the traditions we were used to on Earth, where the wife handles the household chores."

"Ha! You talk as if you’re such a great husband. Tell you what—I’m willing to do the household chores, provided you build our house with your own hands and go out to make a living for the family," she countered.

I shook my head, as she was throwing my own words about tradition right back at me. Since I am the Emperor, I have my own staff and immense wealth, so I don't need to work for money.

"Okay, okay, you win. You don't have to cook for me. I don't want you to struggle, anyway," I conceded.

"Hahaha, just admit you don't want to work either. We’re both just lazy and hate responsibilities," she laughed.

After we finished getting ready and eating, we headed to the grand hall to inspect the venue. This was where the kings and guests from various nations would be seated to enjoy the festivities. They had been in town since yesterday, but we had been too busy to attend to them properly.

"Your Majesty, everything is prepared. The morning performances will begin in one hour," a soldier reported, informing me that the stage for my speech was ready. I was to give the signal for the festivities to begin from the palace gate. Once I gave the cue, celebrations would ignite throughout the Dark City, where the citizens had prepared feasts and various activities.

A few minutes later, I stood atop the palace gate to face the million people waiting for me outside. It was an annual celebration, but in previous years, the people had been filled with terror whenever I appeared. To change that, I had already reminded the soldiers to treat everyone with respect.

I felt a surge of intense nervousness as I looked at the sea of citizens of the Dark City. I knew this was part of being an Emperor, and I had to speak before them. I sighed, momentarily hesitant. "I don't know why I’m so nervous."

Suddenly, Lea took my hand and smiled at me. "Don't be nervous. You aren't facing enemies; these are the citizens you want to help," she said softly.

Because of her words, I found the courage to begin my address. Using sound magic, my voice echoed from the heavens, reaching every corner of the Dark City.

"Citizens of the Dark City, I want to take this opportunity to speak with you. I know this day is the celebration we hold every year. To put your minds at ease regarding my rule, I want to announce that on this very day, the new Dark Empire begins."

Everyone was shocked, unable to believe what they were hearing. I continued, explaining the injustices of the past years.

"I know all of you are aware of how cruel the Dark Lord and the Empress were. It is true, and I will not deny the evils we committed, especially in the way we punished those who sinned."

I spoke of the war that had ravaged the region, killing so many innocent beings. It was not a small matter that could be ignored. The world was shrouded in malice and filled with beings greedy for power. They could not be defeated by simple pleas, and without someone to stop them, hatred and vengeance would only continue to breed more evil.

"The Dark Lord, your Emperor, was not a good being. True. However, if 'good' cannot bring peace to the world, then the very worst among us must be the one to do it."

I explained that only the powerful could rule and command the respect of all nations and kingdoms. "The war that took place over the last ten years was bloody and full of sacrifice, but those sacrifices were for the future."

I addressed the greed the people saw in the Dark Lord, explaining that his conquest of the ten nations was merely a process. The Dark Lord’s tyranny as a warlord was the key to ending the endless cycle of war between those nations.

"I pity those who died, and I sympathize with those who lost loved ones, but I do not regret what I did, because it was the only way to achieve peace for this land."

A moment later, I used flight magic to ascend into the air. "As I said, the war is over. We are finally safe from endless conflict. Therefore, starting today, I declare the rebirth of the Dark Empire."

I explained that in the new Dark Empire, there would be fair laws for all citizens, regardless of race or belief. "One of the things I am removing from this country is the system of slavery for lower beings. This means all slaves within my empire are hereby freed."

Everyone was stunned. I knew many would disagree, especially the wealthy and the merchants. I expected many to be angry and for businesses to suffer. Nevertheless, I insisted that no being should own a slave; it was an abuse of power that trampled on the dignity of those not lucky enough to be born into "higher" races.

"I order my soldiers to implement this as soon as possible. Anyone who dares to sell or acquire slaves from this day forward will be executed in the public plaza."

"Do not worry. Just because slaves are free does not mean you won't have help. You may still employ them as servants, but you must pay them a wage equivalent to that of a normal worker."

"The rights of every one of you matter. If you think I am being unreasonable, you are free to come before me. My palace is open to you."

I also mentioned that corruption destroys a stable government, so I declared that anyone guilty of breaking the law or abusing their power would face the death penalty, regardless of their family or status.

"Many changes will occur in the empire, especially regarding your rights. Remember this well: all who follow and acknowledge the Dark Lord as their Emperor will be rewarded, but anyone who defies me or attempts to oppose me will face the consequences."

"I am the Dark Lord, the one true Emperor, and I stand before you today to bring both blessings and a warning. We will all live peacefully and prosperously, depending on the path we choose to take."

The holographic interface of the Dark Lord system appeared, creating a massive magic circle above the town. Moments later, smaller magic circles appeared in the public parks, and the area began to transform. Some areas turned into modern parks, while others became amusement parks.

"I declare the start of the Sun Festival for this year. Enjoy yourselves, and savor the peace we have waited for so long."

The people erupted into applause as colorful lights appeared in the sky, signaling the start of the celebration. I saw the happy smiles on their faces as they cheered and shouted my name.

"Long live the Emperor, Dark One!"

The parades began to march through the town, filled with music and laughter. I know this isn't the end—it is only the beginning of change. Still, I will not give up until I have provided them with the prosperous nation we all dream of.