The New Emperor Of The Magnia Empire

“In August of this year, it was reported that the Third Prince of the Magnia Empire and Lady Michelle von Nudelria finally held their official wedding ceremony. For the Polia Kingdom, this is a meaningful event and could serve as an opportunity for both nations to become more closely connected in the future.”

The news of the wedding stirred the Polia Kingdom’s nobility, especially since there had been no updates since the engagement ceremony. Many had assumed it was only a formality and, given the silence, had even suspected that the Third Prince might have abandoned her.

Naturally, many extended their congratulations to Count Nudelria, along with a barrage of gifts. Upon hearing this, Ian simply thought, ‘Ah, I see’. But his mother didn’t take it the same way and became even more insistent that he find a woman.

To avoid his nagging mother, Ian began spending more time outside the palace. One such destination was a landfill construction site located in the capital region. While most people didn’t think much of it now, the waste disposal issue was expected to become a major concern in the future, prompting careful management.

“The current progress has reached 50%. We plan to complete it within the next year.”

Ian nodded in response to the person in charge of the project. One might wonder why something as simple as digging was taking so long. The construction had already lasted nearly a year, yet it was only halfway done.

The site had been excavated to a significant depth, and more than 30,000 workers appeared to be stationed there. It was a large-scale civil engineering project. For reference, this wasn’t just ordinary digging—several drainage tunnels were being built deep underground.

If it rained, water would pool, and eventually, it would flood. To resolve this, they planned to install enough drainage to allow the water to flow out. Admittedly, this might produce some polluted water, but the consensus was that it was better than doing nothing.

Eventually, the trash would be covered with dirt, though reaching that stage would take quite a long time. As Ian looked around the site, he noticed an unexpectedly high number of steam-powered tractors.

Since laborers couldn’t carry all the soil by hand, they loaded it into trailers attached to the tractors. Given the depth, it was impressive to see the tractors hauling loads up the winding paths, spewing black smoke as they went.

“I wonder if those things have enough power.”

“Pardon?”

“Those tractors over there. Aren’t they struggling with the climb?”

“There’s some strain, but they’re strong enough to make it up. The issue is more about how slow they are.”

Ian nodded at the sight of the tractors crawling up the hill. Watching them suddenly reminded him of tanks. Come to think of it, couldn’t they use such technology to build something like a tank?

‘I should’ve thought of this sooner.’

Life had been too hectic since he became king, and only now, seeing the tractors, did the idea cross his mind. Still, if development began now, even in a few years, it might be possible to create a basic tank.

Of course, in its early stages, it wouldn’t be very effective.

‘It would take nearly 15 years of research just to develop something that could break through a trench.’

With that thought, Ian decided to return. There was no need to focus further on the landfill site. As he headed back to the palace, he received unexpected news.

“The Third Prince of the Magnia Empire is ascending the throne?”

“Yes, that’s what they say.”

Ian was surprised by Mardin’s report. He recalled the Third Prince who had once flown to the Polia Kingdom. A polite man who always used honorifics, not arrogant in the slightest. The fact that such a man would become emperor was unexpected.

It also meant the previous emperor had passed away. Things must’ve turned urgent, leading to a struggle among the princes—until finally, the Third Prince emerged victorious and ascended the throne.

‘So the Third Prince became emperor in the end. Then Lady Michelle will become empress now?’

They had announced their marriage earlier, and now he was ascending to the throne. That placed both of them at the peak of the Magnia Empire. Ian couldn’t help but think how amusingly the world worked.

It became clear that the Third Prince—no, the new Emperor, Jedic—was more capable than expected. To rise to the throne without a civil war and handle his siblings swiftly suggested he might possess something Ian didn’t yet know.

“We’ll need to send a congratulatory envoy.”

“Whom do you have in mind?”

“I’d like to go myself, but that wouldn’t be wise, would it?”

“If Your Majesty were to leave the country, it would cause great unrest.”

Mardin’s concern made Ian nod in understanding. The current structure of the Polia Kingdom rested entirely on Ian holding the reins tightly as king. If he were to leave, it could open opportunities for others.

‘While the kingdom could probably maintain stability without me for a while, there’s no need to risk it.’

It was only because it was still early in his reign. In a few more years, even traveling abroad wouldn’t be a concern. Besides, his presence there would be awkward—after all, he was the former fiancé of the new Empress. People would surely whisper.

“Seems like I should send Dian as the envoy.”

“Prince Dian, Your Majesty?”

“A royal family member should go. I believe he’s currently in the Jermia Kingdom.”

“Yes, he’s residing there at the moment.”

“Then send Dian directly to the Magnia Empire.”

“Understood. I’ll take care of it immediately.”

Watching Mardin handle the matter so efficiently reminded Ian once again that appointing him as his secretary had been a wise decision. Meanwhile, Ian grew curious about what direction Emperor Jedic might take now that he was on the throne.

‘If he aligns with the Doicheun Empire, then war won’t break out.’

However, that would only mean the eventual explosion would be even more destructive as power continued to accumulate. Ian had always believed that if a war broke out between empires, it would surpass even Earth’s First World War.

‘Not just the land—the scale of population and armies is beyond comprehension.’

The empires were vast, and their massive populations would allow for equally massive mobilizations. Though still speculative, each empire might be able to summon at least ten million troops with ease.

‘Let’s see how this plays out.’

With those thoughts, October quietly crept in.

World Era 1911, October 15.

Capital city of the Magnia Empire, Noah.

This metropolis with a population of 8 million was considered the first city in the world likely to surpass a population of 10 million. It was a convergence point for culture, art, politics, and economy—truly the center of everything in the Magnia Empire.

True to its reputation as the birthplace of the world’s first industrial revolution, the urban center was filled with towering buildings and neatly paved roads, along which numerous cars were seen in motion. The sight alone displayed just how developed the system here had become.

Naturally, envoys from various countries who visited this place couldn’t help but feel both admiration and a sense of intimidation at the sight of the Magnia Empire’s capital. Of course, envoys from other empires tried to maintain their composure. Their own capitals weren’t as advanced, but were still formidable metropolitan cities in their own right.

Meanwhile, Prince Dian, who had arrived as the congratulatory envoy from the Polia Kingdom, couldn’t help but marvel at the surroundings as he rode in the car.

“I’ve read and seen plenty about the capital of the Magnia Empire, but seeing it in person—it’s incredible. I didn’t expect it to be like this.”

“It certainly is impressive. They even call it the largest city in the world. Still, our capital Pullea is on its way to developing just as grandly.”

Hearing the words of the Polia Kingdom’s ambassador to the Magnia Empire, Dian nodded in agreement. While there was a clear difference in scale, Pullea, now with a population exceeding two million, had taken on the appearance of a respectable metropolis.

“I heard it too—they say within five years, the population might reach three million.”

“Exactly. It shows how rapidly the Polia Kingdom is developing, especially around the capital.”

“That’s all thanks to my brother, who has been leading the country well.”

“Indeed. Since His Majesty took the throne, we’ve also been able to raise our voice more in the international community.”

“Is that so?”

“It’s true. His firm stance the other day demonstrated to the world his strong leadership.”

By standing up against the Moria Empire without yielding, he had shown that he was no pushover. As a result, foreign diplomacy had taken on a different tone.

“He really is something, my brother.”

Dian felt a surge of admiration. Even after leaving the country, he kept hearing news of his brother’s achievements. In truth, he had now established an even more absolute monarchy than their father’s reign. He wasn’t just eliminating corruption, but also managing the economy effectively.

It was remarkable from any perspective. Of course, the progress wasn’t as dramatic as it seemed, but what was certain was that the internal and external appearances of the Polia Kingdom had changed drastically compared to the past.

“And to think that the woman once engaged to my brother is now becoming the empress of the empire… It really feels like fate is playing tricks.”

“Indeed. I’m sure, Your Highness, you’ll hear comments about it as well.”

“I can guess. If it comes up, I’ll keep my mouth shut.”

“You’d best do so.”

Nodding at the ambassador’s words, Prince Dian soon arrived at the hotel where he would be staying. He was given a top-class suite. And within a few days, the day of the coronation ceremony arrived.

Fully dressed for the occasion, Prince Dian headed to the imperial palace. On the way, he saw a long line of cars leading to the palace. His own vehicle took a separate route to the venue.

‘So many people.’

Seeing the cars lined up for blocks, it was clear just how much attention the coronation was drawing. After all, it wasn’t just any emperor’s coronation—it was the crowning of a new ruler in the Magnia Empire. The excitement was only natural.

Soon, they arrived at the palace gate. That Dian could enter so quickly was likely due to his role as the representative envoy of the Polia Kingdom. Regardless, the sheer scale of the palace he faced exuded magnificence.

To be frank, compared to this, the Polia Kingdom’s royal palace was quite small.

‘Still, in terms of splendor, the Polia Palace isn’t inferior.’

While smaller in size, its grandeur was nearly on par. In any case, after entering the palace, Prince Dian arrived at a large hall, decorated with golden patterns against a pure white backdrop.

The towering ceiling and vast interior looked capable of accommodating tens of thousands. Dian was awestruck, and many other foreign dignitaries also gazed around in admiration.

Among the gasping newcomers were those already familiar with the place. The ambassador reminded Dian to maintain a calm demeanor, and he had no choice but to manage his expression. Even as he composed himself, the crowd continued to flood in, and after about an hour, the hall was completely packed.

‘There really are a lot of people.’

Compared to the Polia Kingdom’s royal hall, which seated only a few thousand and felt more like a small theater, this venue was overwhelmingly massive. It seemed to embody the empire’s greatness. Amid that impression, the coronation ceremony began.

An orchestra stationed to one side began to play grand yet elegant music. Then, someone could be seen walking down the central aisle.

‘So that’s the new Emperor of the Magnia Empire.’

Called Jedic di Magnia, he was someone Dian had seen before during his visit to the Polia Kingdom. Now dressed in lavish ceremonial attire, he radiated imperial dignity. Walking beside him was a woman—none other than Michelle, who had only recently married him.

Seeing her, Dian thought she looked very different on the outside.

‘She looks rather cold now.’

The cheerful appearance she had at the royal party before was gone. Well, living in the Magnia Imperial Palace, she must have been through a lot. Her heart likely went through many changes.

‘Even I suffered emotionally during my time in the palace.’

Truthfully, life now was much more comfortable. He could live freely, without tiptoeing around anyone. He no longer had to feel uneasy about the princes above him possibly ascending the throne at any moment.

‘I’m really glad it was Ian who became king.’

He had sent all the princes away without killing anyone, which meant Dian could live on peacefully. As he thought about this, a question crossed his mind.

‘If she had remained in the Polia Kingdom, would she have become queen the moment Ian ascended the throne?’

That thought made him shake his head. Being an empress was far better than a queen. Realizing that, he figured there was no point in pondering such things. Surely, even for her, the path she chose now was the better one.

While those thoughts ran through his mind, the coronation continued. The ceremony lasted several hours, but as with all things that begin, it eventually came to an end without incident.