The imperial house 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 exact opposite—gentle and overly considerate of others' feelings—he taught him from a young age that an Emperor needs toughness more than kindness.

And before passing on the throne, he gave Adriel one final warning.

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

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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 to show unnecessary emotion. Whenever he had to get angry at someone, he struggled to maintain his dignity to the end, even while trembling with nerves inside.

Surprisingly, his acting worked all too well.

His naturally deep, resonant voice and taciturn demeanor were perceived by others as coldness and intimidation. If the Emperor so much as stared silently, his ministers would immediately begin reflecting on what mistakes they might have 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 monarch who shows no emotion. A tyrant who would ruthlessly point his sword at anyone if necessary.

But the true Adriel who hears these evaluations is the complete opposite.

He is a softie who is easily frightened, timid, and finds it difficult to even 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 his country, he lives as the version of himself he hates most...