I Became the Tyrant of a Defense Game

Chapter 881

Side Story 56. [After Story] Ash & Serenade

Imperial Year 702.

Fifty years after the final battle with the monsters.

Everblack Empire. Imperial Capital, New Terra.

Imperial Palace.

“Congratulations on your marriage, daughter.”

I entered the bridal waiting room with a wide grin.

“Wow, you look amazing today.”

“Father!”

Stella turned to me with a radiant smile.

She was wearing a very fine… ceremonial uniform. It was the one she had made when she recently ascended to the throne. True to Everblack fashion, the outfit was black, and the cloak a deep crimson.

It looked exactly like the military uniform I used to wear on the frontlines in my youth. I heard they even referenced one of my old portraits when making it.

“You look great, but still, it’s a bit of a shame.”

I spoke honestly.

“You don’t get many chances to wear a wedding dress in your life. It would’ve been nice to try one on at least this once.”

“We agreed to keep the wedding simple. I looked into the cost, and once people heard it was a wedding dress for the Emperor, the prices skyrocketed. So I figured it was better to just reuse this nice uniform I had made recently.”

Stella spun around on the spot. Her red velvet cloak rippled and curled through the air.

“Before I’m a bride, I’m the Emperor of this country.”

“Still, what a waste… what a shame…”

One of the big moments you look forward to when raising a daughter is her wedding. And no matter how mixed your feelings, you can’t help but expect to see her in a wedding dress.

She pushed so hard to keep the ceremony as small as possible, and now she’s even skipping the dress. Just using her official ceremonial uniform instead. Where did she get this frugality from?

Stella scratched her cheek awkwardly.

“Actually, I did rent a dress for the reception… I figured, if not now, when would I ever wear one?”

“Oho!”

“Don’t get your hopes up. I just picked the cheapest one that fit.”

I brushed a hand over the shoulder of Stella’s spotless uniform, for no particular reason.

“So in the end, you’re really getting married, my daughter.”

Stella is already forty.

Thanks to the Everblack bloodline’s anti-aging traits, she’s still adorabl—er, no. Enough of the doting parent mode. Anyway, she still looks young.

She hadn’t had any real romantic partners all these years, so I figured she might stay single for life. But if that was her choice, I intended to respect it.

Then out of nowhere, a few months ago, she came to me asking for permission to marry her knight escort, Emerald Cross. Everything progressed swiftly from there.

“I told you already. It’s a contractual marriage.”

Stella crossed her arms and snorted.

“There were too many people whispering about how it’s not right for an emperor to have no consort. I just wanted to shut that kind of talk down early.”

The young emperor smiled confidently.

“I already made up my mind. I’m married to this country. I’ll live for this nation, and for its people.”

I returned her smile gently.

“Even so, I hope you find some small happiness for yourself amidst that great cause.”

And, well—this is just how it goes in our world.

It’s rare for a contractual marriage not to turn into real love. Hahaha.

“Small happiness, huh… well, if I get the chance…”

Stella muttered, then let out a soft sigh.

“Anyway, that’s why I proposed the contract marriage to Emerald. Out of everyone around me, he’s the one I feel most comfortable with.”

“And?”

“We used to be really relaxed around each other, like real friends. But ever since the wedding got confirmed, it’s gotten weirdly awkward…”

Stella grumbled, twirling the ends of her hair with her fingers.

“He never used to be like this, but now he fumbles whenever he sees me. And because he’s acting all weird, I start getting self-conscious too. It’s just… ugh.”

“Ahh…!”

A classic romance cliché already…!

Honestly, I wish I could just stay close by and watch it all unfold with popcorn. But once Stella’s wedding is over, Serenade and I will be heading down to Crossroad. We decided to spend our retirement quietly there.

‘I hope you get to star in a full-blown romance movie, my daughter.’

Cheering her on in my heart, I suddenly remembered something and asked,

“By the way, what about the honeymoon? Don’t tell me you’re not going. Don’t go using government work as an excuse to skip even a single day.”

“I was thinking of doing just that at first…”

Stella, amused by how her father was more concerned about her honeymoon than she was, chuckled behind her hand and adjusted the cloak on my shoulder.

“But since you and Mother are heading down, we thought we’d go along.”

“Oh? Really? You’re going to Crossroad for your honeymoon?”

“Yes. It’s a perfect honeymoon spot, and it’s a good chance to check out where you and Mother will be living too. Though, with how busy work is, we won’t be able to stay long…”

Stella gave a soft smile.

“It’s been a while since our family traveled together.”

“No, listen. It’s your honeymoon. You’re supposed to enjoy it with your husband.”

Blushing at my words, Stella mumbled,

“That’s what I’m saying… It’s awkward with that idiot Emerald right now…”

That awkwardness—that’s the sweetest part of the whole ‘friends to lovers’ story, you asteroid!

Stella’s wedding was modest in both scale and ceremony.

The officiant was Lord Rupert, the commander of the Glory Knights.

As for the one giving the speech—that job was mine.

The newlyweds entered together, greeted both sets of parents, exchanged rings, shared a vow kiss—and that was it.

The guests were limited to the parents of both families and a few key officials. It was so simple, you could hardly believe it was the Emperor’s wedding.

Well, considering the coronation had just taken place recently, scaling down the event was understandable. Still… wasn’t this a little too quiet?

‘I think I finally understand why people felt sorry for me back when I was the Duke of Bringar and kept downsizing events…’

But the couple sitting next to me, Lucas and Evangeline, didn’t seem to think the simplicity was anything to regret.

“Who would’ve thought we’d become in-laws with the Imperial Family? That little troublemaker Emerald really pulled off a big one.”

“To think I’d become family with my liege… I have no more wishes left in life… sniff.”

“Don’t act like this is some huge leap. We’ve been tighter than family for ages already, right, senior?”

Evangeline asked playfully, lowering her voice. I simply smiled in silence.

Then Evangeline glanced over and gave me a careful nod.

“How’s Serenade doing?”

“She’s stable. The physician gave me the okay to bring her.”

Serenade lay beside me, asleep on a mobile bed due to her frail health.

Her consciousness had started fading months ago, so she couldn’t even attend Stella’s coronation. The only reason she could be here now was because the guest list had been kept so small.

As we whispered, the wedding began.

Stella entered wearing her Emperor’s ceremonial uniform. Emerald followed, dressed in his formal Glory Knights attire.

It looked less like a couple getting married and more like an emperor and her knight making an official appearance.

Still, in its own way, it had a certain charm.

The two made their way to the parents and bowed in turn.

“Father.”

“Your Majesty, Former Emperor.”

Stella and Emerald bowed to me first. Since I had a whole speech prepared for the ceremony, I just accepted their greetings with a nod.

Then Stella slowly approached Serenade.

“Mother.”

But Serenade remained unconscious.

Stella looked quietly at her sleeping mother’s profile, then slowly reached out and took her dry, frail hand.

“Mom, I’m getting married.”

“…”

“Thank you for everything.”

The young emperor’s voice trembled slightly.

“I’ll live a good life.”

And then—

A faint smile appeared on Serenade’s sleeping face, and in a voice barely above a murmur, as if she were still dreaming, she spoke.

“It’s okay even if you don’t live a good life.”

“…Mom?”

“It’s okay if it’s not forever. It’s okay if you’re not always happy. Even if everything falls to pieces… it’s okay.”

“…”

“There’ll be a lot ahead of you still…”

Her voice carried quiet certainty.

“You’re going to live a wonderful life.”

And then Serenade drifted back into sleep.

Stella bit her lower lip, then smiled brightly.

“I will, Mom.”

She gently ran her hand over Serenade’s hand again and again.

“I’ll live a wonderful life. I promise…”

Lucas and Evangeline gave the newlyweds an enthusiastic congratulation.

Then it was my turn to deliver the ceremonial address.

Honestly, I’d already poured out a lifetime of blessings at her coronation. So for this, I stuck to some straightforward advice about married life.

Especially since they weren’t just spouses—they were technically in a superior-subordinate relationship at work. And that meant a high risk of complications. I gave Stella some firm warnings on that front.

“You may be monarch and subject, but you’re also husband and wife. Your Majesty, don’t crush the royal consort’s opinions with authority. Listen carefully to his counsel.”

“I will, Father.”

“And as the consort, you are a vassal before you are a husband. Safeguard Her Majesty’s wellbeing with your life, and if she begins down a misguided path, speak up not out of affection, but out of loyalty.”

“I understand, Your Majesty the Former Emperor.”

Though really, what good were a hundred words from me? They were old enough to figure things out on their own.

Then, the two exchanged rings and kissed.

Trying hard to act composed, both the emperor and her knight turned bright red. They squeezed their eyes shut, flinched, and leaned in toward each other. Everyone burst into whistles and teasing chants. Eol-le-ri-kkol-le-ri.

And just like that, the ceremony ended. Next came a brief reception.

As I mingled and chatted with people over the food, Stella reappeared in a simple white dress.

She had worn the ceremonial uniform for the ceremony and changed into a wedding dress for the reception.

It was the reverse of the usual order, but who cared? She was the emperor—she could do as she pleased.

While everyone clapped and cheered, Stella blushed and turned to Emerald.

“So, Sir Emerald. What do you think? Do I look all right to you?”

Of course, my daughter in a wedding dress was dazzling. The fact that Emerald’s jaw had dropped proved it.

“I’m glad I stayed alive…”

“What was that?”

“Being able to marry Your Majesty… I truly am the luckiest man alive…!”

Emerald couldn’t hold it in any longer. Tears streaming down his face, he rushed to Stella and swept her into an embrace, spinning her into a spontaneous dance.

Stella shrieked and scolded him in shock, but even as she fussed, she instinctively matched steps with him—just like she’d learned in her etiquette lessons.

Watching this, Lucas smacked his forehead, while Evangeline clutched her stomach laughing.

Lord Rupert, who had been officiating, quickly instructed the court painter to capture the scene.

Laughing out loud, I tightly held Serenade’s hand, still peacefully asleep beside me.

Was it just my imagination?

It felt like her frail fingers gently returned my grip.

And so, the wedding night deepened.

The next morning. New Terra Station.

As we boarded the imperial train, Lucas and Evangeline were already seated inside.

“Then we shall escort you to Crossroad, my liege.”

“Wow~ it’s been a while since the old knight duo got to guard our senior again!”

“Guard duty, my foot. We’re all just old folks now.”

Serenade’s bed was wheeled next to my seat as I grumbled.

Then the newlyweds, Stella and Emerald, boarded. Stella had changed into a comfortable two-piece dress suited for travel, while Emerald still wore his knight’s full-dress uniform.

“Ahem, seeing Your Majesty in something other than a uniform or ceremonial garb… I can’t seem to keep my composure…”

“Oh? Then are you saying my uniforms and ceremonial wear aren’t attractive, Sir Emerald?”

“N-no, absolutely not what I meant…!”

Listening to their banter, I could already see how their marriage would go.

As everyone chuckled at Emerald’s desperate flailing, the security detail finished taking their positions, and the train slowly began to move.

And then—

“Huh?”

As the train crawled out of the station—

Through the window, we saw citizens packed densely on both sides of the tracks.

“Your Majesty, Former Emperor~!”

Despite our efforts to keep it quiet, news had clearly spread that I was stepping down and heading to Crossroad. Crowds had gathered, cheering on both sides of the tracks.

“Please travel safely and return to New Terra someday!”

“It was an honor to live during your reign!”

“We were happy under your rule, Your Majesty!”

“New Terra will sing of your glory for generations!”

I opened the train window and leaned out.

The guards tried to stop me, but Lucas held them back.

“This is the will of His Majesty the Former Emperor. Do not interfere.”

When I waved to the people through the open window, a thunderous roar erupted.

“Long life!”

Tears streamed down the faces of the citizens as they blessed me in unison.

“May you live forever, Your Majesty…!”

Smiling brightly, I answered them.

“And may you all find happiness…!”

Ten thousand years!

Ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand years…!

As the chorus of cheers rang out, I silently waved back.

The train gradually picked up speed, and the people who had been chasing it faded into the distance in moments.

“…”

Leaving behind the city I had ruled for decades—

I slowly sat back down. Evangeline smoothed out my hair, and Lucas straightened the collar of my coat.

“I wonder…”

Stella, who had been quietly watching the scene, asked softly.

“Do you think I’ll ever be an emperor who is loved like you, Father?”

“You don’t need to be loved like me.”

I smiled gently.

“You’ll be loved in your own way.”

“…”

“So walk your path, in a way that fits your own time.”

Stella rested her chin in her hand, sinking into thought.

Then—

“…Mmm…”

Maybe the cheers had woken her.

Serenade stirred and slowly opened her cloudy eyes.

“Serenade. Did you sleep well?”

I gently held her hand and asked. Serenade looked around sluggishly.

“Where… are we?”

“We’re on a train. Heading off on a little vacation together.”

“Vacation…?”

Letting out a faint laugh, Serenade leaned her head against me.

“Sounds lovely. Where are we going?”

“To Crossroad. Our old comrades are waiting for us there.”

“Crossroad…?”

“Yeah. That city at the southern end.”

Looking into Serenade’s still-drowsy eyes, I whispered.

“Remember? Where we fought the monsters together. The place we got married, fifty years ago.”

“Ah…”

A soft smile spread across Serenade’s lips.

“Of course I remember. That wedding was truly… a joyful day.”

“It was. A complete mess—but joyful.”

“We’re going back there again?”

“Yeah. It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?”

“Then let’s… get married again, shall we?”

I paused for a moment, then gave a small laugh and kissed her cheek.

“Let’s do that. Once we arrive, let’s get married again.”

“If I propose again, will you still say yes…?”

“Always. As many times as it takes.”

As if reassured, or simply happy—

Serenade smiled faintly and fell back asleep.

Her breathing grew steady once more, and as the train settled into a calm rhythm, Stella finally spoke.

“By the way, Father… there’s something I’ve always been curious about.”

“Hm?”

“Your wedding. What kind of ceremony was it?”

The question was directed at me—but it was Lucas and Evangeline who choked back sudden noises and swallowed hard.

Understandable. That wedding had been a double ceremony—me and Serenade, and Lucas and Evangeline, married at the same time.

“I’ve asked before, but you always dodged the question. And when I ask the other attendees, they say things like it was terrifying, unforgettable, legendary… but never explain anything.”

Stella seemed genuinely curious, and Emerald was nodding beside her with equal interest.

“I’ve wanted to know for ages, and I figured if I didn’t ask now, I’d never get the chance.”

“…”

“What happened that day? Please tell us!”

Lucas and Evangeline were shaking their heads frantically at me. But I just gave a sly smile.

“Alright. I’ll tell you.”

“My liege!”

“Senior!”

“Oh, come on. It’s been fifty years.”

Back then, it might’ve been a dark and embarrassing memory.

But now, with so much time passed, it’s become an amusing story.

“A total disaster… but one of the happiest days of my life.”

I gently held Serenade’s sleeping hand and looked out the window.

As the landscape flew by, I felt as if time itself were rewinding.

And slowly, I began to speak.

“Let’s see now… it was exactly…”