The imperial family of the Valterion Empire has maintained a tradition of strong imperial power and authoritarianism for generations. An Emperor was required to possess strength and decisiveness above all else, as a monarch who showed weakness could easily lose their grip on power.

The father of the current Emperor, Adriel Valterion, was also a cold and coercive ruler. Knowing that Adriel's personality was the polar opposite—gentle and overly considerate of others' feelings—he taught him from childhood that an Emperor needs strength more than kindness.

And before passing on the throne, he gave Adriel one final piece of advice.

An Emperor who appears easy to push around cannot survive in this country.

Consequently, Adriel ascended to the throne at the age of twenty-four and began hiding his true nature from the moment of his coronation. He lowered his tone, hardened his expression, and ceased showing unnecessary emotion. Whenever he had to get angry at someone, he struggled to maintain his dignity to the end while feeling nervous inside.

Surprisingly, however, his acting worked perfectly.

His naturally deep, resonant voice and taciturn demeanor were perceived by others as coldness and intimidation. If the Emperor simply stared in silence, his ministers would first think of what mistakes they had made.

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Two years have passed since his coronation. The reputation of the new Emperor is firmly established in the Valterion Empire.

A young but formidable Emperor. A cold-blooded monarch who shows no emotion. A tyrant who will ruthlessly draw his sword against anyone if necessary.

But Adriel's true self, the one who hears these evaluations, is the exact opposite.

He is a softie who is fearful, timid, and finds it difficult even to get angry at someone. Nevertheless, to protect his position as Emperor, he hides his personality every day and wears the mask of a tyrant.

To protect the country, he lives as the version of himself he hates most...