Empress Selene's Coronation!

"Imperial coronation robes... personally designed by you, Sebas?" Selene was momentarily stunned.

"Are architecture and fashion design really the same thing?" Selene asked, skeptical. "Sebas, we're short on time. My coronation is in three days, and you—"

"Miss, please don't forget, I studied at the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts!" Sebas said, seeing Selene's doubtful expression. "I assure you, design is my expertise!"

"Miss, please take a look..." Sebas spread open a design book, pointing to the first outfit: a classical European-style coronation dress adorned with gold and white embroidery.

The gown was incredibly luxurious, its long skirt flowing to the floor. The design featured a wide, skirt-like bottom, with tight sleeves that narrowed at the wrists.

"This is based on Empress Sisi's coronation gown, with some refined modifications," Sebas explained proudly.

"That's quite the treasured piece of court attire," Selene responded with a half-smile, before taking a cup of steaming tea from [Susanoo] and sipping it.

As the tea's warmth reached her, Selene politely but firmly declined, "But... no. It's not suitable. It's not grand enough, and most importantly, the neckline exposes too much. I don't like it."

"I'm becoming an empress, not a bride!"

"Ah... understood." Sebas paused, then apologized, "Forgive me, Miss. That was my oversight. Please take a look at this next design." With that, Selene turned the page to see the second outfit.

"This one is much more glamorous, using a great deal of Honkai energy-infused threads for embroidery."

"The primary colors are white and a purple-blue, designed to be both elegant and opulent, but also light and mobile."

"The concept behind the garment and its accessories incorporates 'transformation,' with the embroidered jewels and patterns appearing to shimmer and change under different angles, creating a flow of stars with each breath and movement."

"It's certainly beautiful," Selene acknowledged, "but if I were a few years younger, perhaps I'd love it more. Now, though..." She set her teacup down, her tone taking on a colder, more commanding note.

"As the ruler, the supreme authority over millions, the one who holds the power of life and death..." Selene paused, her red eyes glancing at Sebas.

"...this attire is more fitting for a graceful, benevolent princess than an empress."

"Sebas, time flies, doesn't it? It's been ten years already..." In terms of physical age (accelerated by experimental enhancements), Selene was now 24.

Her face might still bear the youthful glow of a twenty-year-old, and she could remain ageless if she wished. But Selene no longer saw the need to pretend to be younger.

Setting her porcelain teacup aside, Selene said, "It's not suitable. Show me the next one, Sebas."

"Of course, Miss..." Although his previous two designs were rejected, Sebas remained eager. "Miss, please take a look at this one, inspired by the Roman papal regalia..."

"Miss, or how about this, based on the attire of the former emperors of the Empire..."

...

Time flew by, and before they knew it, night had fallen. After a whole afternoon of discussions, Selene still hadn't found a coronation robe that fully satisfied her.

Until suddenly, "Wait, Sebas, what's this one?"

Fixing her gaze on a particular design in Sebas's book, Selene abruptly set aside her teacup and stood up from her throne, walking forward with a hint of excitement in her voice.

Sebas immediately realized that she had found the one.

"Miss, this design is called 'Oracle,'" Sebas said proudly.

The outfit depicted was a luxurious blend of white, gold, and purple.

There was little exposed skin, and the intricate details of the clothing blended opulence with elegance, producing an ensemble that was simultaneously flamboyant and majestic.

"This is it!" Selene exclaimed. "However, some adjustments are needed—the shoes, for instance. There's no need for such large gems on the instep; they should be smaller."

"And..."

...

Three days later, the Imperial Capital.

The heavens themselves seemed to favor Selene, as the weather was perfect: clear skies and radiant sunshine.

The streets of the capital were packed, as if the entire city had turned out. The citizens were in a celebratory frenzy, eager to witness the coronation of their new empress, the one who had freed them from Honest's tyrannical rule.

So many people crowded the streets that the capital's main roads were completely blocked.

Suddenly, Dong!

The deep toll of a bell rang out, signaling the beginning of the ceremony.

Dong!

Dong! Dong!

...

The people knew what it meant: Duke Selene von Habsburg, once the Empire's Great General, was about to be crowned.

In the skies above the Imperial Palace, not a single cloud marred the brilliant blue expanse. The golden sunlight bathed the grand structures below in a warm glow.

"Her Majesty, the Empress arrives!!!" the shrill voice of the palace eunuch announced.

Clang!

Under the watchful eyes of the neatly assembled Imperial officials, ten Imperial Guards, clad in golden power armor, slowly pushed open the grand golden doors.

Thud... thud...

With the sound of clear footsteps, a majestic figure garbed in a blend of white, gold, and purple, stepped into view.

Her head was adorned with a five-winged golden crown, her delicate features framed by her long, cascading white hair. Her crimson eyes, accented with golden shadow, exuded power, and her finely crafted robes clung to her body, highlighting her graceful yet commanding presence.

The design of her attire was striking. The chest was adorned with brilliant purple, radiating golden patterns from the center like beams of sunlight. The golden lines continued downward, forming intricate constellations.

Her sleeves, woven with golden threads, resembled the wings of a phoenix. A resplendent golden ribbon, almost ethereal, floated around her arms, shimmering with starlight.

Her slender legs and elegant white heels completed the ensemble, while a radiant golden halo floated behind her, resembling the sun itself.

With a loud thud, nearly a thousand officials, including the Astartes, knelt in unison as Selene stepped forward.

"Your Majesty!"

Regardless of their inner thoughts, none dared stand before Selene. They all knelt, paying her the utmost respect.

"Long live the Empress!"

In the grand hall, stretching over a thousand square meters, Selene was the only one standing.

She walked gracefully along the long red carpet, her every step echoing across the golden-tiled floor. No one, not even Budo, dared to meet her gaze.

After passing through the vast hall, she ascended the stairs leading to the throne. There, at the end of her path, stood the resplendent imperial throne, glittering in the sunlight like a beacon of power.

Upon reaching the throne, Selene didn't immediately sit. Instead, she turned to face the gathered officials.

Without any elaborate speeches or proclamations, Selene declared with regal authority, "Rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" they chorused, rising to their feet.

There were no flowery coronation speeches, no ceremonial officiant. Just Selene's declaration:

"I, Selene von Habsburg, am the Empire. I am the law of this world!"

"Long live the Empress!" The officials, having just stood up, immediately knelt once again, their voices reverberating through the hall.

...

At this moment, the Empire—no, the entire world—was about to welcome its Eternal Ruler.

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