Chapter 100. Side Story 5 - The Way of the World

Imperial Calendar Year 76, April 4th.

The end has finally come, even for my long, long life.

"It seems my time has come."

"......"

A slow, deliberate announcement of my impending death silences my surroundings. My officials in important positions, my eldest son who inherited the throne 30 years ago, and my other children who started their own families and moved out.

While their minds may understand my words, their hearts clearly don't. They clench their jaws, their hands trembling.

"Don't say such things, Father. It's just a simple cold. You'll be back on your feet soon--"

"Have you ever seen me fall ill in the past 70 years? Have your mothers?"

".....No, never."

"This is a sign that my body is reaching its Limit. What's the point of denying reality?"...