The Tyrant Won’t Let Me Go Chapter 66

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“Um, Your Grace.”

 

Toward the end of the proceedings, the acting chancellor asked to speak.

 

Cedric nodded to grant his request.

 

In the short time it took for him to grant the request, the Chancellor exchanged glances with the rest of the ministers.

 

When he had gained the floor and saw the Treasurer nod, he spoke calmly.

 

“Your Majesty, I would like to speak to you about the upcoming celebrations for Your Majesty’s birthday.”

 

“My birthday?”

 

“Yes. It’s just around the corner.”

Cedric put his finger to the corner of his mouth and thought to himself.

 

‘How has it come to that already?’

 

In his busy life as Emperor of the Deamant Empire, Cedric had stopped paying much attention to his birthday.

 

There were too many things that were more important to him.

 

If no one else had congratulated him, he would have forgotten what day his birthday was.

Still, it was nice of Ciel to tell him that she was celebrating by giving him a pretty thoughtful gift.

 

“So this time, I was wondering how big of a banquet you’d like to have for your birthday…”

 

“Hmm…”

 

“Do you think we should invite guests from other countries? Last year, the Emperor was ill, so we didn’t have a big banquet to celebrate His Majesty’s birthday, so I think we can make it a little grander this time.”

 

“No.”

 

Cedric waved his hand and said, “We’re not going to have any sort of celebration this year.”

 

“What…?”

 

The Chancellor exclaimed in surprise.

 

“Yes, Your Majesty, but how can you do that when this is your first birthday since you were crowned, and your first birthday since becoming an adult?”

 

“That’s right. It’s a day that deserves to be celebrated lavishly, so how could it be treated so casually?”

 

“Why don’t we hold a small celebration, even if it’s just among the people of the palace…”

A few voices broke in, saying that it couldn’t be that simple.

 

“It’s your first birthday since your enthronement and coming-of-age ceremony, so normally, you would have received congratulations from the entire continent…”

 

The Defense Minister said with a very regretful expression.

 

Cedric understood why they were reacting that way.

 

Even if they hadn’t watched him grow up like a son or grandson, they would want to celebrate his birthday as an emperor and a man more than anyone else.

 

It was like a grandfather rejoicing that his little one had grown up safely.

 

“I know how you feel, but I don’t think it’s wise to throw a big banquet after the attacks and when the country hasn’t yet settled down.”

 

“Your Majesty, but wouldn’t throwing a banquet reassure the people of Deamant that the country is still standing?”

 

“The Minister of Foreign Affairs is right, and we’ll be doubling down on security to make sure nothing happens this time, so you can celebrate to your heart’s content without worrying about that.”

 

“You’re right. If all else fails, I’ll organize a small celebration among the palace people….”

 

But Cedric still shook his head.

 

“That gives you more to worry about, and you’re not the only one with more to think about.”

 

Cedric tapped his fingers on the table.

 

“When you organize a banquet, no matter how big or small, the people below feel the burden.”

 

At this point, the ministers realized they couldn’t change Cedric’s mind.

 

Still, they couldn’t help but express their disappointment.

 

“Your Majesty, but…”

 

“That’s okay, I’m sure you have plenty of work to do, and I don’t want you to think too much about it.”

 

Cedric said, picking up his quill with grace.

 

“And it just so happens that the date of the oracle coincides with your birthday, or is only a day or two away.”

 

“Is that what the temple told you?”

 

“Yes. The date was supposed to be finalized and announced at the meeting, but I thought I’d better tell you now.”

 

At his words, the ministers fell silent.

 

Unfortunately, they couldn’t argue with him if the date was so close.

 

“We must have the oracle, but a celebration would complicate the schedule too much, so let’s not have any birthday-related events this year.”

 

Cedric looked back at his deputies and spoke firmly.

 

The Chancellor knew he had no choice but to back down.

 

“Very well, Your Majesty, we will abide by your wishes.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

Cedric smiled wryly.

 

“You have my gratitude.”

 

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When I finished listening to the deputies, I nodded.

 

“Ah, so that’s how it happened…”

 

Cedric’s choice was understandable.

 

To receive the oracle, he had to travel to the Temple, a half-day carriage ride from the Imperial Palace.

 

The process itself was a daunting one, requiring a considerable amount of manpower.

 

Throwing a banquet to celebrate the occasion immediately afterward would have been quite taxing on those working at the palace.

 

And it would be a burden on Cedric himself.

 

‘Still, a small party among the palace staff would have been fine.’

 

Not to mention, he wouldn’t accept any gifts.

 

No wonder the ministers were crying foul.

 

“You know how much the first birthday after coming of age means to the empire.”

 

Deamant’s law oddly recognizes as adults all those who have been baptized on Coming of Age Day, which falls in February.

 

That’s how Cedric was able to be crowned as an adult, even though he hadn’t yet reached his 20th birthday.

 

But the law was about 30 years ago.

 

And even though Cedric was legally an adult, there was still an underlying sentiment that he was not truly an adult until his twentieth birthday.

 

The imperial vicars were no exception.

 

“I know. It’s just a shame that he refused to accept a gift.”

 

“That’s why I’ve come to ask you this favor.”

 

The Treasurer said in a pleading voice.

 

“After all, this is the Emperor’s first birthday since he became an adult, and his first since he ascended the throne, and to do nothing for him like this is… Sigh…”

 

Finally, the Minister of Finance couldn’t hold it in and burst into tears.

 

Without a word, I handed him the handkerchief, and he thanked me and dabbed the corners of his eyes with it.

 

“I’m so happy to see how well Our Majesty is growing… How can I do nothing for him?”

 

“Ahhh, this guy. What an embarrassment in front of the Captain.”

 

The Defense Minister clicked his tongue and scolded the Treasurer, but his hand was gently patting the Treasurer’s back as he choked back tears.

 

“Anyway, we came here thinking that even if the Emperor wouldn’t accept our gifts, he would accept yours and our congratulations.”

 

“Ah, I suppose that’s what I’m thinking…”

 

“Well, let me know if there’s anything you need because I’m here to help.”

 

“No, I already have a gift for him…”

 

I’ve always given Cedric a gift, even if it’s a small one, so this year I’ve already prepared a gift for him.

 

‘If he doesn’t want to take mine, I’ll just hold it in my hand and run.’

 

A few days ago, Cedric did the same thing with the diamond ring he gave me, so it should be okay.

 

“Is that so? You are indeed very diligent, I can count on you.”

 

“No, you’re being flattering.”

 

“Anyway, to summarize, here’s what we’re asking for.”

 

The Chancellor clapped his hands together.

 

“We want you to deliver the gift to the Emperor, congratulate him, and then spend an hour with him on his birthday.”

 

“Yes. Just an hour would be nice, so I’d like you to spend a little time with the Emperor on his birthday.”

 

Normally, on Cedric’s birthday, we would give him gifts, sing ‘Happy Birthday’, and spend two or three hours with him.

 

So an hour was not a big deal.

 

“But then I thought, why don’t we all go together instead of just myself? I know you said he wouldn’t accept gifts, but I don’t think he’ll send them back when the time comes…”

 

“We know that, but His Majesty would still be most comfortable with the company of Captain Minerva.”

 

“Uh….”

 

The Chancellor smiled benevolently.

 

“His Majesty looks delighted when he talks to you, and I can’t help but notice.”

 

“So, I know it’s an imprudent request, but I’d like to ask that you stay by his side for the day. Even if it’s just for an hour.”

 

“The least we can do is make sure His Majesty has a blissful birthday.”

 

After listening to them talk, I nodded.

 

“Yes, I see what you mean, and I will do so.”

 

After all, I’m Cedric’s teacher, and I’ve known him for eight years.

 

As much as I want him to be happy on his birthday, I also want to be there for him.

 

I’m not sure that being with me would make him that happy, but he does feel most comfortable with me of all the people in the palace.

 

So perhaps my wishes might go some way to helping him have a pleasant celebration.

 

“Still, if there’s anything you’d like me to deliver to His Majesty, just let me know. I’ll be sure to deliver it.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

The ministers thanked me in unison, their faces beaming.

 

Their expressions were very much like that of a grandfather who had just managed to secure a gift for his grandson’s college entrance.

 

“By the way, Count Minerva….”

 

The Minister of Defense spoke up cautiously.

 

“Yes, my lord.”

 

“Do you mind if I ask you a question?”

 

“Yes, sir.”

 

Then he lowered his voice to a whisper, “May I know what you have in mind for him?”

 

As he asked carefully, I lowered my head and gave him the answer.

 

His eyes widened in surprise, and he asked, “Is that really it?”