“I’m inclined to agree that we need a real wallop like an abdication to justify rekindling the Light, else everyone will be up in arms. I’m just not sure that’ll solve everything, is all.”
“That’s not the point! His Majesty shouldn’t abdicate in the first place!” Sidis asserted.
Lyse nodded vigorously, believing that they should start by considering whether to accept such a course of action. Alcede’s approach was too practical. He only cared if it would help revert the Light. Worse yet, Sidis was opposed to the idea that he should naturally be the one to assume the throne.
Regardless of Sidis’s feelings, however, Lyse believed it was a matter that he would have to talk out with Egbert. But she kept that to herself, as she was personally against the abdication. If Sidis were to become emperor, he would have even less time to spend with her with an increased workload to show for it.
I’d miss him all the more...
Lyse would be able to stand by Sidis’s side as a capable fighter and Light bearer, but there would frequently be times Sidis had business to attend to on his own. She’d never be able to accompany him on every single foreign inspection and visit. If anything, as the empress, she’d likely be the one left to house-sit the palace. She’d be torn from him for months at a time, leaving her worried and lonely all the while. Still, objecting to his ascension for such personal reasons was selfish. If he chose to take the crown, she would do everything to support him.
Sidis has always told me to give it some thought, just in case he ever does take the throne, but I’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.
The couple had to be ready in the event Egbert were to suddenly pass from illness or in an accident. Magic was powerful, but it wasn’t a cure-all. As the crown prince, Sidis might one day have to ascend the throne regardless of his personal wishes. If that happened, Lyse understood that she would become empress. Egbert wasn’t currently forced to abdicate, however, so they had the luxury of considering other options.
What would His Majesty do if he ever were to step down?
Previous emperors had only abdicated when their mana waned due to old age or when injured from battle. Egbert’s father was one such case. The late emperor had promptly passed rule to his son after being wounded during a once-a-century massive monster invasion, knowing that his recovery would take time due to his advanced age. His condition ultimately took a toll on his immune system and claimed his life, even though he should have had decades ahead of him. It hardly mattered what excuse Egbert might use to abdicate, however. He would never be treated as an ordinary retiree. Never mind the pressing need for his strength in battle. The suspicion and speculation his abdication would arouse would be worrying enough.
“No need to get so worked up about it, Sidis,” Egbert quipped sarcastically. “I know you hate that people say your mana is stronger than mine, even though we both know it’s true. I’d tell you to not sweat it if that’d make any difference, but it wouldn’t so I won’t. Honestly, if you can’t already tell, I’m chomping at the bit for this chance to abdicate.”
“And why is that?” he asked.
“I’ve got my own life to live, and the throne keeps me from doing that. I’ve always said I’d give it to you anyway, and now’s a better time than any. Come on, Sidis! Take the crown and let me have my freedom!” Egbert shouted as he reached up and grabbed at the sky.
Sidis wasn’t nearly amused. “What is it you’re so dying to do?”
“That’s for me to know and you to find out!” Egbert was all smiles when he lowered his arm. “But at this rate, I’ll never find love for myself either.”
“Surely, Your Majesty, that isn’t true...”
“Oh, but it is. There isn’t anyone within the royal family with strong enough mana.”
“Eh, if you expand your target age range a little...” interjected Alcede.
“And be labeled a menace for targeting someone too young or too old for me? I want someone around my own age, thank you. Besides,” Egbert paused before expanding his point, “other people might find fault in my spouse not bearing the Light when Sidis’s bride-to-be carries it. Even if they don’t, the lingering anxiety sure won’t convince anyone to marry me.”
That truth pained Sidis too. “I wouldn’t want to be the only one to find my happily ever after while forcing you to bear the sadness of being so alone...”
“Hey, ease up on the pity a little. You’re making it sound like I’m dying of loneliness,” chided Egbert. He certainly hadn’t been looking for Sidis to agree, much less rub salt in the wound. “But in all seriousness, I don’t know when I’ll ever have an opportunity to abdicate like this ever again. It’s not the kind of thing you can do casually, you know? Plus, I want to retake my freedom and enjoy it while I’m still in good health!”
Alcede shrugged in defeat, exasperated by Egbert’s feverish excitement. “Well, you certainly have a point, Your Majesty. If the emperor is to abdicate, then he should have the ceremony in front of the Light of Origin. No one would suspect a thing if we take some extra time with it behind closed doors, as I expect extinguishing and reigniting the Light won’t be quick. The spell circle will be far more enormous than what we used today.” He paused before turning to Egbert and saying, “Not that I would call you a free man after the fact, Your Majesty. It would take quite some time to get Sidis up to speed with his official duties, among other reasons.”
“I’m sure that won’t take long. He’s stood in for me countless times. Plus, I’ve already got plans to bask in my freedom as quickly as humanly possible,” Egbert responded swiftly. His resolution, for whatever reason, made Lyse worry more. “Let’s head back to the capital first. After Sidis and I discuss everything there is to discuss, we’ll deal with any other lingering problems and then I’ll put my secret plan in motion.”
Sidis looked none too pleased—unlike Alcede, who’d already given up all hope.