In addition to expressing gratitude and awarding commendations to Academy City's Lv5 espers, all participating combatants, and the allies of the Anglican Church's Necessarius, that day Selene also handled matters such as the signing of territorial return treaties with Lithuania and Poland.
With the headline news of France announcing the end of the war under the conditions of territorial cession and reparations, it was foreseeable that Selene alone would dominate the major headlines of October.
The entire process of the New Holy Roman Empire's restoration went extremely smoothly.
After all, the terrifying scenes around the Indian Ocean were still fresh in memory.
Even if, due to distance, many locals didn't truly feel the damage done to the Indian Ocean region, the divine battles in the Eastern Mediterranean's Greek Aegean Sea (Magic God Chimera), in the Apennines (Magic God Proserpina), and in Britain and Ireland (Magic God Nuada) were right at their doorstep.
Under the formidable strength of Selene and her subordinates from Academy City and the conglomerate group, on the planet Earth of the Index world, anyone capable of voicing an opinion at present was either an ally—or under the allies' control.
For now, they were either well-fed by Selene or had their claws cut and kicked aside. No major power was foolish enough to try to trip her up at a time like this—it would be asking for trouble.
As for public opinion or opposition from civilians or private groups—hmph…
For someone like Selene, who not only held absolute monarchical power but also controlled a military-industrial-aerospace-medical mega-conglomerate, did such small fry really matter?
Let them make noise. Selene didn't have the energy to deal with them now—once the important matters were settled, she could "play" with them slowly…
Almost simultaneously, the news that Selene had been declared Empress of the Holy Roman Empire—Selene I—was being broadcast repeatedly on television screens.
In Berlin, the black-red-gold tricolor flag fell, replaced by the black-and-gold double-headed eagle. In the Bundestag's grand hall, a massive new oil painting of the freshly crowned Holy Roman Empress Selene I was installed in the most prominent position.
In the portrait, Selene wore a dazzling crown, resplendent coronation robes, holding a scepter in one hand and an orb in the other.
Though the Imperial Constitution had yet to be amended, it didn't matter—hand pressed on a thick Bible heavy enough to be used as a brick, the legislators, under the Speaker's lead, swore allegiance to the new Empress Selene I on behalf of 80 million Germans.
With the conclusion of the oath, the Bundestag was downgraded to the Brandenburg State Parliament, and Berlin lost its status as the capital—perhaps to become a centrally administered city.
There was no helping it—the Holy Roman Empire's legal capital was Vienna, and Berlin had no chance of contesting that.
In Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace, the Hofburg, and other royal estates, previously reserved for government use and tourism, were once again sealed off by guards.
Before the double-headed eagle flag, government leaders took their oaths, the military raised their flags in loyalty, and the crowd roared like a tidal wave. Stirred on by the efforts of organizers and provocateurs, the citizens were swept up in the moment, flooding the streets. No one knew where it began, but the Imperial Anthem was sung once again among the masses, half a century after it was last heard.
"God bless Empress Selene, our great Empress Selene."
"We pray for the long reign of the imperial line, we wish her good fortune always, may the laurel crown be eternal, and the victor's wreath hers."
"Let us, under her leadership, win victories and create prosperity."
...
Academy City—in the shade of a commercial plaza near the District 7 official residence zone, a black-haired girl wearing a five-petal white plum-shaped hair ornament tilted her head back in amazement.
Humans are social creatures, easily swayed by the atmosphere and those around them.
On the massive glass-wall LED display, the images of countless people swearing allegiance, one voice calling and millions responding in unison, made even Saten Ruiko—who normally preferred to keep her distance from such matters—feel goosebumps rise across her skin.
In the live broadcast, at Selene's official residence, surrounded by countless well-dressed gentlemen and ladies, the already beautiful Selene stood on the high platform in her magnificent coronation attire, her dazzling presence effortlessly becoming the center of attention.
But what left the deepest impression on people was still her pair of glowing crimson eyes. When her gaze swept over the crowd, no one dared meet it. Even watching from the television, that intimidating look made Saten Ruiko instinctively avert her eyes and lower her head.
Looking around, she noticed many others reacting the same way.
"Saten-san… huff… there you are."
The soft, childlike voice drew her gaze toward her adorable best friend, wearing a floral hairpiece and carrying a small bag, who ran over breathlessly. For once, the "updraft" girl didn't lift her skirt in greeting.
Instead, she looked toward the broadcast screen, which now showed the French delegation and others "voluntarily" returning territory, their expressions as if they'd just lost their fathers—forcing smiles through obvious humiliation.
"Uh… no matter how you look at it, Selene-senpai doesn't give off the air of a benevolent ruler… more like someone who inspires fear and intimidation…"
Saten's lips twitched, but she refrained from saying the word "tyrant." After all, this was a senpai who had shown her great kindness. "Tyrant" sounded far too harsh.
Whether a wise ruler could also be a tyrant, she didn't know—but Saten believed one thing: if anyone ever rebelled against Selene, they would end miserably. Absolutely.
"Um, Saten-san… speaking behind senpai's back isn't right…" the gentle Uiharu Kazari timidly reminded her.
"Hahaha…" Saten gave a quick laugh, eager to change the subject. "By the way, Uiharu, weren't you on duty with Shirai to maintain order? How was senpai's residence, is it—wait?! Uiharu, you…"
It was an innocent question, but Uiharu's face froze. Her eyes darted, her mood sinking as she crouched down, muttering almost inaudibly.
"I'm such an idiot… I'm a disgrace to Judgment…" or something along those lines.
As her best friend, Saten instantly understood.
Uiharu admired the refined lifestyle of Tokiwadai students, even studying books about tea to imitate the lives of noble ladies. This chance to maintain order at Selene's official residence—filled with dignitaries, nobles, and executives—was something she had long looked forward to.
But when the moment came… she panicked.
The scale was simply overwhelming. A live broadcast, journalists' cameras everywhere, a hall full of elderly aristocrats, and the brisk movements of servants, maids, and guards—it was enough to make her freeze.
Social anxiety hit, and she immediately backed out.
"Sigh, Uiharu… you're both timid and playful… and your timing is terrible." Saten patted her friend's shoulder with a helpless shrug.
"Um… these are world tour tickets from Mr. Sebas, and an invitation to Schönbrunn Palace. Should we go?" Uiharu asked hesitantly, pulling the invitation from her bag.
Saten took the invitation, her eyes lingering on the printed landmarks along the Danube. After a moment's silence, she looked up. "Go—why not? It's senpai's invitation, and Schönbrunn Palace… Just take it as it comes. No need to overthink."
"Oh…"
...
After the related ceremonial events ended, leaving the hall and walking down the long palace corridor—if you were to ask Selene how she felt at that moment—
Was it exhilarating to revive a Central European giant from history while everyone looked on as if they couldn't possibly challenge you?
The answer was calm as water—like eating or drinking—so simple it even carried a hint of impatience.
Along the way, the saluting guards couldn't help but sigh. Her Majesty was truly Her Majesty—the Empress was in a league of her own. That composure was something ordinary people couldn't match.
Even Selene's usually cold, stern, and unsmiling father, Brauchitsch, was unusually elated, the corners of his mouth refusing to close.
In his heart, as a Habsburg—even if only from a branch line—had he never dreamed of restoring the "Habsburg dynasty" or reviving the glory of Austria-Hungary after the main line of Emperor Karl I was exiled?
It wasn't that he hadn't—it was that he didn't dare.
He knew that showing even the slightest inclination toward restoration would bring endless suppression.
Even in the latter half of the 20th century, when many external enemies had eased restrictions on the Habsburgs and he had managed to build up wealth and some influence, the Roman Catholic Church still stood, and France was still the overlord of continental Europe.
Allowing Selene to head east to Academy City wasn't without calculation—it was a chance for her to escape the reach of Rome and France, to carve out a new path on the science side and achieve greater growth.
The result had exceeded all expectations—Selene had pushed so hard she broke the game entirely, shattering the two mountains pressing on the Habsburgs' head. From then on, the seas were wide for the fish to leap, the sky high for the birds to fly.
What had risen was an empire larger than Austria-Hungary at its peak, larger even than the mightiest days of the Holy Roman Empire.
"Father, your smile is too much—be more serious."
Selene gave a soft cough, lifting the black-and-white coronation robe of white ermine with black sable tails draped over her shoulders, and jabbed her father lightly with an elbow.
That small gesture told Brauchitsch that Selene still regarded him as her father, willing to show him her family side even after ascending the throne.
He coughed lightly. "Ahem… Selene, my dear, you are the greatest treasure of my life. But…" his tone shifted, "because of us, you've made young Ferdinand the crown prince—you could still pursue your own happi—Hey, Selene!"
Seeing Selene bow her head and walk off, Brauchitsch gave a wry smile. Fine—let it be. She was the Empress now, and he her subject; he shouldn't interfere in her decisions. And besides, she had proven herself open-minded, ruthless when needed, and entirely free of the one thing most dangerous in a ruler—a love-struck heart.
"Father… bring this up again and I'll buy a plot of land in western Siberia from Vasilisa and send you there," Selene's voice floated back.
"Eh?! Don't—Selene… ahem, my Empress, surely you wouldn't want your dear mother to lose her beloved husband."
Brauchitsch quickly caught up. The court etiquette here wasn't as strict as in the East, and in good spirits, he spoke to his precious daughter with light humor.
"Ahem… My Empress, what's your next move?"
"Mm… I'll take Mother and Ferdinand back to my loyal Europe."
"Many states and local affairs need unifying—I want to see which snakes and ghosts crawl out. If they don't change their thinking, clinging to petty state divisions and two-faced disloyalty, I'll show them what an absolute monarch's iron fist means."
"Uh… Selene, go easy…"
...
Of course, Selene had no real intention of throwing her father into Siberia's frozen wastes—that would just make the whole world laugh at the royal family. And besides, Katie would never forgive her for it.
Duke of East Prussia—that was the title Selene had prepared for Brauchitsch.
Time passed, and no matter how dissatisfied the representatives of Europe's nations were, the reality was that the massive empire they had spent centuries dismantling had truly risen from the ashes.
Stronger, larger, with a more powerful central authority and a tighter cohesion.
Paris.
In the Palace of Versailles, the weakened "Woman Who Topples Nations" set down the newspaper. "Strictly order our state media not to provoke them."
"It has already been firmly instructed…"
Her slightly sunken eyes bloodshot, she waved a hand. "We must not give Selene an excuse to interfere. Don't think of it as shame—aren't Gauls and Germans always like this? Either we're on top or they are. This time, they've won."
"What we need to do is gather strength and wait for them to weaken again…"
...
When the great Empress returned to her loyal Vienna, the streets emptied in welcome.
Even if you didn't want to greet her, Selene could make you want to.
And when Selene was officially crowned Empress of the Holy Roman Empire in Schönbrunn Palace, her first order was—massive construction!
Though Schönbrunn was second only to Versailles, Selene still found it too small.
How could she allow herself to be outdone by the French?
Originally, the palace's architect had planned a design even grander than Versailles, but the emperor of the time lacked the funds to see it through.
For Selene, that was no problem.
Expand it!
Her second order: all nobles of the states and the legislators of the merged governments were to come to the capital and pay homage.
Selene made it clear—come and get to know me. I'm easy to get along with.
That day, after more than half a century without a monarch, the spoiled and independent-minded parliamentarians and local bosses learned firsthand what their fathers and grandfathers meant by a ruler with real power.
The centralization campaign was nothing short of a massacre—those who saw it were saddened, those who heard of it wept.
Selene threw herself into her reforms of the new Holy Roman Empire with great energy.
It was troublesome—after all, this wasn't her own Sacred Selene Empire, and she couldn't simply apply her harsher policies here; she still had to follow certain general rules.
But even though her methods were several times gentler than the laws in her own empire, the watching world was still full of mixed opinions.
For example, Selene single-handedly revised the constitution and reinstated the death penalty.
The first batch of executions she ordered numbered nearly ten thousand.
Among them were serious criminals held in the various states' prisons—since some of the merged states had no death penalty, even drug traffickers, human traffickers, rapists, and serial killers only received life sentences.
Selene took one look and thought—seriously? You want me to spend my money to feed these useless parasites?
Out! Let Satan deal with you.
Since the world of Index had no conditions for hard labor or penal military service, Selene signed their death warrants in one stroke.
Then there were the dissenters who opposed Selene's restoration. To them, she was "lenient"—
Dismissed from public office, barred from certain professions, investigated for dirt.
If they were clean, she'd let them live in peace.
If they were debauched or had skeletons in their closets, they were sentenced accordingly—some jailed for life, some thrown in prison indefinitely.
If their crimes were especially serious and their impact especially bad—off to the execution grounds.
Unfortunately for many, they fell into the last category.
Selene had already given them a chance—cooperate obediently and your past crimes would be wiped clean, allowing a fresh start.
Thus, with the accumulated criminals from all the merged states, plus the results of her purge and her crackdowns on local gangs, Selene executed nearly ten thousand people in one sweep.
The world was stunned by Selene's ruthless stroke—executing nearly ten thousand people at once. The figure alone was enough to make countless scalps tingle. How many years had it been…? This was something not seen since before World War II.
Global opinion erupted instantly.
Abolitionists claimed that Selene I showed no respect for life, giving no chance for redemption, calling it a desecration of human dignity.
Anti-monarchists declared that a civilized world should not harbor feudal remnants, pointing to Selene I's actions as proof—a blatant trampling of modern society.
Animal rights groups protested, insisting that the Holy Roman Empire authorities should properly care for the "fur children" left behind by executed prisoners, as they were innocent…
Gender rights organizations spoke about protecting the entitlements of the vulnerable…
Anti-discrimination groups issued their own statements…
"…."
Selene stared at the pile of letters from all manner of advocacy groups around the world, her eye twitching.
Was this… Western-style "special flavor"?
Some were worth engaging, but for others—Selene rose, pushed aside the balcony curtains, and tapped her fingers on the railing, brows furrowed.
This "throne" was suffocating.
Fortunately, it was just a "gift" she was temporarily safeguarding—once Ferdinand came of age, she'd abdicate at lightspeed.
"Someone, investigate the rats behind these. If they're just here to make trouble… clean them out."
Selene figured she was the best big sister in the world.
To make the Empire more holy, Selene allocated funds for the reconstruction of Rome and Vatican City, inviting the Catholic Church (in the Index world, a small sect of the Cross Church despite sharing the same God) back into Vatican City, personally crowning the new Pope.
As the embodiment of the Lord in the real world, the global faithful acknowledged that the "Six-Winged Archangel" Selene had the right.
To make the Empire more Roman—
Rome became a directly administered city under Selene, and even the old Eastern Roman capital, Constantinople, was reclaimed.
To make the Empire more imperial—
Having an Emperor certainly counted, and as for national power and influence… that was already in progress.
...
Beyond the world's barriers, the once-murky phase convergence mesh—hiding its shape—had, at some point, shifted from intangible to tangible, becoming impossibly clear.
Bzzz—!
"What a miserable experience… far too inefficient."
High above the boundless supreme heavens, a pair of eternally burning crimson stars visibly rippled with impatience.
"Now, the final step—completely locking all Phases, preventing the birth of any new Magic Gods…"
—
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