The Death Mage that doesn't want a fourth time

Side Chapter 24 Rising in the west and setting in the east

TLN: Several reincarnated individuals have had their names corrected, in light of the Death Mage manga's release clarifying some of their names. Konoe Kyuuji is now Konoe Miyaji, Rikudou Akira is now Rikudou Hajiri and Akaki Akiko is now Akaki Shouko.

A handsome man with a shapely nose fell to his knees with a nervous expression on his face.

Ahead of him was a statue, which had been hastily restored by a craftsman, depicting Vida, the goddess of life and love, as well as the archbishop of the Church of Vida who had been dispatched from the Orbaume Kingdom, who was wearing a gentle smile.

And several nobles and knights were watching them, making sure not to miss this historical moment.

"I, Rudel Sauron, hereby swear to join the twelve rulers and wield my sword for the benefit of the people," the man said.

The archbishop nodded and took a crown from a nearby priest. "I hereby acknowledge thee as Duke Sauron. May the goddess's blessings be upon you," he said in a solemn voice.

And Rudel received the crown... the symbol that could only be worn by one of the twelve dukes with the right to rule. He rose to his feet, and the nobles let out a cheer.

"Long live Duke Rudel Sauron! Long live the Sauron Duchy!"

"Glory to His Excellency, Duke Rudel!"

Some praised Rudel, and others were crying tears of emotion. Many of them were nobles, knights and those serving them; they had fought against the Amid Empire when their invasion came.

They had remained in obscurity and waited for this moment for many years. The coronation ceremony of Rudel, son of the late duke, was a symbol of the return of the prosperity that the duchy had before the invasion, and a great event that marked the end of the war.

"I have caused everyone much suffering, but I thank you for believing in me and following me this far. I hope that you will support me just as you supported my father," said Rudel, giving a composed nod.

Overcome with emotion again, the nobles cheered even louder. The duke himself had acknowledged their deeds and declared that he anticipated more from them in the future. Their revival and further advancements had been guaranteed.

On the other hand, there were also those who remained calm, watching the ceremony with insincere smiles on their faces.

"Congratulations, Duke Rudel."

"But what comes next is the crucial point. Because you must rule the lands that have been laid waste to by the empire."

"Of course, my master has asked me to inform you that he offers his full support."

"Let us join forces and work towards the kingdom's prosperity together."

These were the messengers sent by the dukes and other prominent noblemen from other duchies that supported Rudel.

They were also happy that Rudel, the one they had supported, had won the power struggle and become Duke Sauron without incident. But the important events for them and their masters were yet to come.

Under-the-table payoffs from the project to restore the Sauron Duchy and implementing a new defense policy. Preferential treatment for their later-born children becoming government workers and rights when it came to trade.

They were anticipating all kinds of benefits for themselves.

"Of course," said Rudel. "I am young and inexperienced, but please tell them to take good care of me from now on."