Episode 11

In another part of the shadowy empire...

*My name is Aron Beledia\, and I am the emperor of the dark empire; this is my true appearance\, but very few know it because I almost always wear a mask to hide my face. It avoids many issues\, including women incessantly throwing themselves at me. To deter such attractions\, I spread the rumor that my face is scarred and unpleasant to look at. It also gives me the freedom to travel to various places without a retinue of guards tailing me – a benefit I particularly enjoy.*

*My father passed the throne to me at a young age because he fell ill\, and as his heir\, I took on the responsibility to ascend to the throne\, partly for his health. He was always a great man\, especially regarding his family\, always insisting that family comes first – a value ingrained in me from childhood. Prepared from an early age to be the next emperor\, I progressed rapidly due to the demonic blood inherited from my mother\, far beyond what's typical for a child. My right hand is the empire's most feared archduke\, who is also my maternal uncle. He's stood by my side\, which is why no one at court contested my taking the throne at the tender age of ten. If I\, a child\, was dangerous\, imagine my uncle\, the general of the imperial army\, seasoned by countless battles. His presence alone is intimidating\, a man no one wants to cross. Yet with me\, he's always been affectionate.*

*He became my mentor and together in battle\, we are unstoppable. Known as the terror duo\, we are merciless in combat\, sparing no enemy.*

(This is his appearance while on the battlefield.)

*When I visited the Holy Empire at fifteen\, my purpose was merely to trouble the emperor. I always knew he coveted my empire for its riches and scorned me for my demonic blood and because I was younger. During the visit\, upon discovering that the emperor's most cherished is his daughter – a pampered and loathsome girl who believes she's entitled to treat people like slaves – I hatched the perfect plan to request her hand in marriage. Unable to refuse and lacking the power to oppose me\, the emperor agreed\, deciding she would wed me at fifteen after preparing to become a suitable ruler. I saw rage\, contempt\, and revulsion in his eyes at having to marry off his daughter to me\, powerless to do anything – and it pleased me immensely.*

*The wedding is approaching, which I have no intention of attending; it's not worth my time. I will simply send the papers, sealed and signed, accepting her as my empress, but I won't crown her. Granting her power as such would only complicate matters; she'll be a paper empress.

I also have no intention of keeping her in the palace; I have a perfect place in mind for her. As a pampered princess proud of her royalty, she'll adore it.*