ocean-life Chapter 9
Chapter 9
The mysterious playwright Phantom, who hid his identity, had penned latest next work,
And much like
If
Following the play’s premiere, the Empire’s politicians found themselves pondering over a single question before making any decision—
‘What would Caesar have done?’
Caesar, the brilliant statesman who never concealed his ambition, yet always strived to align it with the public good.
Inspired by his actions, imperial politicians, one by one, began to follow in his footsteps.
Influential politicians started engaging in serious discussions about the welfare of the imperial citizens — because that’s what the heroic Caesar would have done.
The Imperial Parliament began to pay attention to the treatment of the military, something they had long ignored — because that’s what the hero Caesar would have done.
Dukes and counts gradually began to treat their subordinates with greater leniency and compassion – because that’s what the heroic Caesar would have done.
In politics like Caesar, in judgments like Caesar, in actions like Caesar.
Julius Caesar was no longer a mere character in a play; he had become a moral compass for the ruling class, a guiding light leading them towards the right path.
...However, not everyone welcomed Caesar’s popularity warmly.
“Your Majesty, bring the playwright Phantom here for questioning!”
“He must have written this play with sinister intentions! The very plot itself is proof enough!”
Some of the Emperor’s advisors voiced their discomfort with the play’s narrative; after all, the protagonist did overthrow the existing system through a coup and become the supreme ruler.
Of course, Phantom, anticipating this reaction, had taken appropriate measures.
Intentionally portraying the Roman Republic as the embodiment of all vices was part of his strategy. He emphasized republicanism, not the coup itself. It was framed as a great dictator dismantling the corrupt Senate and ushering in a new imperial era.
Yet even this portrayal was enough to irk officials who were sensitive to political implications.
“Your Majesty. Who can guarantee that another Caesar won’t arise after watching this play?”
“Ban ‘Julius Caesar’! It’s a dangerous play that instills vile desires for a coup in the hearts of the people!”
“Indeed! The play must be stopped immediately, and the treacherous Phantom arrested!”
Such pleas might have swayed the Emperor if this were a few weeks ago.
The Emperor, in the past, was a man consumed by paranoia, hating even the loyal Duke Wenford without cause; but the Emperor who had experienced
In fact, it wasn’t the depiction of the coup in the play that was troubling him.
“The founder of our Empire also overthrew a corrupt republic and ushered in an imperial era through a righteous uprising.”
Emperor Heinrich, seated on a grand throne made of gleaming gold and darkly shimmering jewels, looked down at his advisors with a furrowed brow.
“Are you suggesting that the actions of our founding Emperor were wrong? That overthrowing the republic was an act of treason? That it was nothing more than a vile conspiracy and a coup?”
“Well, that...”
“N-No, Your Majesty! We would never dare...”
This was another reason why Phantom had chosen Caesar as the protagonist for his next play.
The Holy Empire, ruled by Emperor Heinrich...
...was also once a republic, in the distant past.
Then, the founder of the imperial family seized power through a coup and established an imperial dynasty.
Therefore,
“...However, even so...”
Emperor Heinrich nodded slightly.
“I cannot completely disregard your concerns. The play does contain a rather explicit portrayal of the overthrow of the existing order.”
“Y-Yes! That was precisely our point...”
“Then...”
Interrupting his advisors mid-sentence, who were quick to make excuses, the emperor stood up from the throne.
And imitating the gestures of the dictator from the play
“If I, from this day forward, become Caesar myself, there should be no problem. If I become the embodiment of a true hero, beyond anyone’s reach.”
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“......What?”
“Are you deaf? His Majesty the Emperor is holding a new coronation ceremony! Dressed in the outfit of Emperor Octavian from the end of the play!”
“Uh, uh....”
“And furthermore, he’s decided to use the word ‘Caesar’ as a synonym for ‘Emperor’ from now on? Aren’t we going to end up calling him His Majesty Caesar instead of His Majesty the Emperor?”
The anonymous sender had even underlined key words to emphasize their request.
To this, I had only one response.
“Just put it in a drawer somewhere.”
“So? Should I reply that you’ll write a happy ending next time?”
“Are you out of your mind? Why should I respond to something like that? Just ignore it.”
I wasn’t opposed to writing a happy ending per se.
I was just getting tired of writing stories that were too rigid.
‘But responding to that letter is a completely different matter.’
There was a reason why real-life authors often declared ‘No unsolicited advice!’
It could lead to being manipulated, and even if that didn’t happen, catering to a single fan’s request could snowball into endless demands.
If everyone and their dog started demanding that I incorporate their ideas into my work, how would I ever manage?
Plus, I’m someone who doesn’t reveal my identity, even if it’s someone from a Duke’s family coming to meet me.
I’d also properly arranged a consensus with the Killgrewber Theater Company about keeping my identity a secret.
So, whoever wrote this, I had absolutely no interest.
Unless, of course, it was a letter sent from the imperial family.
Otherwise, it’s just persistent pestering from a fan..
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“Huh, really? No reply at all, is that it?”
“I apologize, Your Highness.”
As the guard bowed apologetically, the woman lounging on a sofa in a lavish private room let out a soft snort and rested her chin on her hand with an air of elegance.
To think they wouldn’t even send a simple reply?
To be so blatantly ignored?
Of course, she hadn’t expected any special treatment, having sent the letter anonymously as a fan. Nevertheless, it was an unusual experience for someone who was not accustomed to rejection.
“Your Highness, if you so desire, we can uncover the playwright’s identity by any means necessary. If we were to interrogate the members of the Killgrewber Theater Company using the Imperial Guard...”
“That won’t be necessary. It wouldn’t do to burden a talent responsible for the next century of imperial literature. If they wish to remain anonymous, we should respect that.”
She took a sip of her Ceylon tea, its delicate aroma filling the air, and lightly chastised her knight.
Gazing at the roaring fireplace, the woman smiled.
“You’re an interesting one, Phantom.”
The more she thought, the more she yearned to meet him in person; half curiosity, half slightly irritated amusement.
Murmuring quietly to herself, the woman’s name was Diana von Clausewitz.
The eldest daughter of Emperor Heinrich von Clausewitz, and the rightful future heir to his throne.
“Then, should I take this as a complete cessation of any efforts to identify the playwright? That you would no longer be interested in Phantom’s identity...”
“When did I say that? I simply said I had no intention of revealing their identity publicly.”
“Pardon?”
Taking another sip of Ceylon tea, the princess.
A sardonic smile spread across her plump lips.
“But there’s nothing wrong with figuring it out myself and keeping it to myself, right? And if I find out on my own, well...it’s my prerogative to tease him a little afterward.”
“Uhm, Your Highness? Are you perhaps... upset that you received no reply...”
“Silence.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
The princess silenced her aide with a sly smile.
Diana von Clausewitz, the highest-ranking woman in the Empire.
She was surprisingly more mischievous than she appeared....
...And, she was quite petty too.
— End of Chapter —
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Translator’s Notes –
Friedrich Engels was a German philosopher, political theorist, historian, journalist, and revolutionary socialist. He was also a businessman and Karl Marx’s closest friend and collaborator, serving as a leading authority on Marxism.