MC is emperor with a shitty past and is trying to rebuild his kingdom. To do so he needs help from 4 MLs (whom are topping him). First ML is a wolf knight who has undying loyalty to MC as he is MC's childhood friend and is puppy like. Second ML introduced is a cold tsundere genius war knight whoes family perished due to MC's father. Third ML is a beefy gladiator s*ave who even though is puppy like as well, is the only one with dark skin and a barbarian like past. He gets saved by MC. Last ML is a tech genius who's talents look amazing when compared to the kindgom's advancing technology.

in that the trope where system points being redeemed to heal his crippled legs actually has zero impact on his actions - there's no miraculous healing plot, and he does actually have to deal with day-to-day issues with his legs throughout the story, even though there's tech that let's him walk for periods of time as well.

Sexually charged scenes definitely do - the most intimate being some handjobs with the White Wolf Knight- but full, consensual s*x only happens with the actual husband in the end. That will be a plus or minus depending on the reader, but I'm glad the author clearly labelled it 1v1, because the story definitely teases full harem.

those who aren't into brother-con territory might be repelled though, though it isn't actual in*est, but I appreciated he was the one ML who always tried to keep Nero's best interests and happiness first above his own desires

Felt the need to address- this is NOT a harem, and true to most CN non-harem novels, MC does NOT have what ppl may consider actual s*x with the potential partners.

There's "four" potential MLs- readers probably see five, but when the actual one shows up, he shows up. By the end, the one he ends with really is the right one for him. Though, from the start, I didn't particularly like any of the main four for him- a spin on their relationship to make it nonromantic would've been perfect and a lot less.... peacocking by the MLs

Our MC is such a breath of fresh air within this story and I absolutely fell in love with him. He’s strong and determined, a man that’s in love with his Empire and would do absolutely anything to make sure his people stand high, in peace and unafraid.

Near the end of the story, the ML compares Nero’s love for the Empire to his own love for Nero, and it really is such an extravagant and brilliant, selfless love that he has for his people— even to the point of self-destruction, which is also later tackled in the novel and handled so gorgeously.

MC is cold, ruthless and decisive— yet so lovely and compassionate towards his Empire. He is insanely smart and wise and I can’t even begin the describe the amount of times I felt absolutely in love with the things that he does.

We have Heidrich, a man that desires control and is a brilliant military genius. We have Asaga, a half-zerg ex-gladiator who is insanely strong and is willingly the Emperor’s most loyal dog. We have Alexei, MC’s personal White Wolf Knight who dedicated his entire self to his master— and then we have Yestin, a mysterious and genius man with secrets embedded in both his and MC’s past.

All four are very interesting characters and in the novel, for majority of its story, the readers don’t even know which one of them— if it’s one of them, will be MC’s final romantic interest. All of them have their shortcomings and flaws, but I found myself rooting for each one at different parts of the story— even despite being spoiled on who the ML would be from another review.

Some people found it a little bit controversial that it ended up being Yestin, but I was fully in support of it. A man who was forced to be the Second Prince’s stand-in during MC’s earlier years, and somebody who had forged an unbreakable and sweet bond with MC during those years, as well as after they had met again.

Out of all of the love interests, it really was destined to be Yestin after you really look into things. In comparison to the others, Yestin really was the only one who could ever introduce Nero to the love, self-respect and pure happiness that MC was able to eventually achieve with the help of Yestin’s gentle hand.

The in*est tag scared me, but Yestin was never MC’s real brother and was simply a stand-in.

I will admit, however, that the whole ‘brother’ roleplay thing kind of made me shudder and was the only part of the novel that was disconcerting to me. That was not something that made this novel any less grand to me, however, as I just ignored it.

any omega is very lucky to be with Ml, and lo and behold MC finally become that person.

when the 4 MLs finally reveal their feelings and nero just tramples on their feelings like a robot, I just felt like banging my head against a wall. It already felt contrived how painfully oblivious nero was throughout most of the novel considering he's supposed to be the most intelligent and rational person in the universe, and when the truth was revealed, his reaction just felt like a slap in the face. Why have we gone through 200+ chapters with the plot having gone through several motions just for the protagonist himself to be exactly the same as when we first met him? I'm not being funny but nero's stoicism remains unchanged literally until the last 10 chapters of the novel, and the change is only brought about phantoms of his dead family having to talk him into it. Nero undergoes no development on his own and simply remains stubbornly static throughout all the wild plot points in the story, which just becomes overly frustrating.

the empire faces a threat, nero and the MLs plan against that threat, the MLs do something revolutionary relating to science, politics or the military that gives the empire hope against this threat, the MLs bicker over their feelings for Nero, they face the threat, some struggle ensues, nero wins at the end of the day, and repeat.

He’s cold, ruthless, a little too rational, but he doesn’t come off as your average savage op MC. He bears the heavy title of “Emperor” and he truly lives up to expectations. To him who lost his family since he was young, the empire was quite literally the only thing he had left of his family.

I like the little moments where he shows his more “human” side. Moments where he acts like a little kid really hits hard imo when you realize this kid was forced to grow up too fast due to circumstances, forced to shoulder the responsibilities of trillions of people.

alexei, hes the wolf knight/childhood friend that grew up with MC and hes honestly rlly cute. His relationship with MC feels so *intimate* that at times I feel like I’m intruding LOL. Those two have been through life and death together and they mean so much to each other it’s really fun to see them interact

heinrich, hes the future marshal and mc’s most trusted confidant. His chemistry with MC was off the charts at the beginning tbh but it kinda became pretty meh when he fell for MC LMFAO anyways I like how their minds think alike for alot of things since they both care heavily for the empire

agasa, former s*ave and half-zerg god of war. Hes so pathetic puppy but also kinda kinky (rlly into the idea of MC stepping on him) also his seduction method is showing off his b**bs and thats just funny as hell

yestin, the prime minister and my BABBYYYYY T-T I love him sm his backstory hits like a truck and imo he has the most developed character out of all the mls. His struggles, hatred for the royal family but also yearning for affection like omo...

i knew it was yestin the moment he appeared and well! Apparently i’m correct haha. For those worried that it’s inc*st or anything... its NOT! Yestin was mc’s brother’s body double so it’s more accurate to say they were childhood playmates. Also as ive said the MC is very rational and few things could actually move him emotionally and well yestin is one of those few things.

Among all back story... Yestin made me feel immense pain. How can someone experience what he had in their life! He's so pitiful! He doesn't even have any control on his life... But this one has the most plot twist ever. Didn't expect it to be like that.

Followed by Cute Asaga, Hexagon/Points Machine Heidrich and our Dumb Wolf Alexei.

Asaga was literally t0rtur3d in his whole life. I can't imagine the pain he's been throught the entire time he's on the arena. It's the definition of lofe worst than death!

Heidrich, however, experienced being exiled and treated as traitors during Rupert's time. He lost his family and doing his best to save his remaining relative. He's cute and annoying tho. Personally, I feel discontent and really annoyed when he keeps going against Nero, but he is extremely reliable whenever needed. I can say that, I felt a lot of relief knowing the Nero have Heindrich as the Marshal.

Alexei, on the other hand, didn't experience intense emotional damage in his life. But pure survival hardship. He and Nero has been running away, trying to survive from the pursuit... Compared to the other three tho, they experienced life worst than death at some point.

At this point, I still don't have any idea about Saint Louis, our mentally disabl3d (as per system) Holy Son... His backstory was revealed a bit. I am unsure on what kind of entity is he, but he really does have magical ability. I think Ceasar was referring to him on the letter, when he said "IT" is the weapon.

I'll try to search for my other bookmark tabs for future reference... 157-160 Yestin Back-story... Somewhere after this is Holy Son Backstory... 174 Differentiation, Zerg... 180 Collar (shocking)... 186! Random Punishment!... 187 Funny hehe, 3 statues. A with wide eyes, Y pressed against the wall, H kneeling by the ground...

Alexei, as the first ML introduced, I honestly thought he was the one but at the middle of the novel I realized, yeahh he isnt the one

Heidrich, I knew from the get go he wasn't the ml. I also didn't really like him that much. Nothing personal, its just my preference.

Asaka (im not that sure abt the name), he's really really cutee. But still, I knew he wasn't the ml. He's also one of the mls that I really pity. Since I knew, he really had no chance of being the end cp. He also seems quite aware of that.

Yestin, I knew he was the one MC would end up with the moment Alexei talked about how Yestin could guide/influence Nero. Nero has always shown his strong exterior. Although he gets vulnerable sometimes to Alexei, he can't really influence decisions Nero would make especially if it doesn't concern Alexei. I know Alexei will always be a special person to Nero, but I knew Nero needed someone that he could be comfortable with to shed his identity as the monarch even just for a minute (the maximum time Nero would allow🥲) and be the carefree prince he would be if those misfortune didn't come. Judging by how long Yestin's spoiler is proves he is my stock hahaha

Nero would announce his omega identity and marriage to Yestin

his knight

eg. The bed scene, where they're all cuddled up and accidentally brushed up against eachother's lips. Just the fact that it's the knight who's always basically been close to the MC (at the point of where I am at).

And oh boy was I in ruins. ಥ⁠‿⁠ಥ

Because my baby wolfy Alexei isn't ML, I felt so cheated that I don't think I can continue to read it and

especially the scene where he was watching the empire from afar.

Yes, in the end, what he did was completely wrong—but at the same time, I can't blame him, because he likely didn't even realize that what he was doing to Nero was a form of manipulation. Being an alien, he didn't understand human emotions. And yes, his ignorance doesn't change the fact that it was manipulation, but it does lessen my resentment toward him a bit. Besides, there were moments when Nero used him too, and he didn't treat him any better, which made me even more upset.

The Wolf Knights, Nero's family—whom Saint Louis killed in the end—were seen by Nero as his true family. But to Saint Louis, they were the ones who hurt him and exploited his power. Most readers probably think that the current humans aren't to blame for the sins of their ancestors, but if you notice, all humans today—even the omegas—possess mental powers. And where did they get them from? From Saint Louis.

Naturally, this makes him see them as the same people who once hurt him. Not to mention his overall negative view of humanity after enduring two thousand years of suffering. Honestly, Nero pissed me off when he told him, "Let me be the one to atone for this sin." Even if he spent this life and all his future ones trying to atone, he could never erase what humanity did to Saint Louis. If I were in Saint Louis's shoes, I would've exploded and attacked him right then and there. Anyone facing something like that would immediately feel like the other person is belittling their pain and trauma.

In my opinion, they both hurt each other in different ways. They both sinned against one another. Their relationship is almost impossible, and separating is the best choice for them—even though Nero said that Saint Louis's attempt to save him before fading away didn't change the sin he committed, and that he didn't care about what Saint Louis did for him in the end.

But I don't think Nero hated Saint Louis. No one sings to someone they hate before they die—at least based on Nero's character.

Anyway, I just love this story so much.

That said, I have a theory that I haven't seen anyone mention—or maybe someone did, and I just missed it. But it's something I noticed while reading the novel. Some might see it as a plot hole, or maybe it was explained and I didn't catch it.

Near the end of the novel, it's stated that Saint Louis can't sense pheromones—even if he can smell them, they don't affect him. That little detail makes me feel like my theory isn't a plot hole. Either it was already addressed, or it's something the author intentionally planned for.

When Saint Louis first copied human DNA and took on a human form, humans didn't have pheromones, nor were they under the ABO classification. So that raises a big question: Where did pheromones come from? Where did the ABO system originate, especially considering that Saint Louis himself lacks the biological components to detect or respond to pheromones?

Pheromones evolved in humans alongside the mental power he gave them. So does that mean there's another entity, similar in power to Saint Louis, who gave humans this classification?

I really hope so, because the idea that Saint Louis is truly alone forever is terrifying—even if he may have built his own empire. I still cry every time I remember how his eyes sparkled like a deer's while he was talking to Nero about their imagined future empire... and Nero wasn't even looking at him. He was looking at his empire.

I can't blame him, nor can I blame Saint Louis. They're two fundamentally different beings, carrying burdens that can never be forgiven. Their war would've continued endlessly if Saint Louis hadn't stepped back in the end.

One last thing—or maybe I'll remember more later and come back to write again.

There's something else I noticed in the novel that surprised me no one mentioned—not even in the reviews I've read. I even went to the author's page to read Chinese reviews, but I couldn't find what I was looking for.

The hereditary madness in the Cassius family was so bizarre—especially when it affected Nero. The scene where he looked at the mirror and saw his reflection, even though he knew the person in front of him wasn't him—that was chilling.

It's worth noting that past members of the Cassius family who were affected by this madness begged for their lives to end, only to return to their insanity again. Some experienced disturbing symptoms, like losing control of bodily functions, while others—like Nero, Eleanor, and Nero's father—became violently aggressive.

I suspect that maybe someone else was entering their bodies—someone who had their memories and their appearance. Also worth noting: Omegas are considered a barrier against this, thanks to their mental strength which protects against... psychic attacks?

I believe this "hereditary madness" might actually be the result of alien interference—conscious entities attacking the minds of the Cassius family specifically. Since they're Alphas, they have no protection against this kind of invasion. My theory might be wrong, but I strongly felt it was right when Nero's madness faded once he became an Omega. Later, it was revealed that Omegas could defend themselves from psychic attacks.

This could support the theory that a higher being like Saint Louis exists—or perhaps entire other civilizations. Since it's called hereditary madness, maybe we'll discover the real cause in the author's second novel, which takes place in the same world and tells the story of the first emperor, Caesar.

I wrote this review a long time ago—around two months or more—and honestly, I wouldn't change a single word of it. What surprises me is how the fandom, for some reason, hates Saint Louis just because, in their eyes, he wronged the protagonist. They never stop to think of him as a character whose actions are entirely justified—even if they were wrong.

In my view, Nero used Saint Louis when he used to visit him just to sit with him for an hour, and then spent the next two hours training on his spiritual sea or honing his psychic powers. I can't really blame him, because of course, Saint Louis could never be more important than his empire. But still, what actually makes me angry is the fact that the empire even exists today because of Saint Louis in the first place.

First, at the beginning of the novel, when Yan Dabeng—or whatever his name was—tried to strangle Nero to steal his body, the one who protected him was Saint Louis. And if he hadn't intervened, Nero probably would have died.

Second, when Nero was injured, Saint Louis took him to the Holy Mountain and healed him there.

Third, when Zerg invaded and disrupted everything, Saint Louis stepped in again and helped with the repairs.

And finally, he gave them a chance to defend themselves by revealing the weakness of the alien species he ruled over.

Maybe you'll say, "Well, he saved Nero, not the empire, " but saving Nero is, in itself, saving the empire. Not to mention that Saint Louis saved humanity two thousand years ago.

At the end of the novel, they said they'd acknowledge their wrongs toward him—but not all of them, or maybe I just missed something. Either way, I'm still bitter about it.

I truly hope that Saint Louis has built his own empire. And I hope the author gives him justice in the future—maybe, just maybe, from the beings Saint Louis created, a conscious, sentient entity will emerge that matches his power. Or maybe he'll meet a being who equals him, like I theorized above.

My ultimate wish is for Saint Louis to be the shou.

Anyway, from the bottom of my heart, I really wished that Saint Louis and Nero could have ended up together. Unlike the relationship between Yestin and Nero—which was honestly strange and uncomfortable to me—Nero saw Yestin as nothing more than a brother in every sense of the word. He literally says in one of the novel's texts, "My second brother is a combination of Yestin and Elianor, " so the idea of anything romantic between them felt off.

In contrast, his relationship with Saint Louis was deep—Saint Louis saw everything Nero went through and genuinely tried to protect him and make him happy. Even if his way of doing so involved some manipulation, and even if some people might find it unsettling, at least he didn't spend the entire time obsessing over Nero in a $€xual way like the other male leads. Maybe he had a moment of that, but it wasn't constant like it was with the others, who acted completely rabid over him throughout the entire story.

Saint Louis understood how terrifying humans could be, and he tried to protect Nero from that. But Nero could never truly appreciate it—because he is human, and he could never hate them, especially since they're his people. That's a fundamental point neither of them could ever fully understand about each other.

As much as I loved their relationship, it was impossible. In another world, under different circumstances, maybe they could have been together. But as things are, I still hope Saint Louis can move on from Nero. I don't think Nero will ever look back or think about him again.

Like I said—Saint Louis, to Nero, was nothing compared to his empire.

Honestly, after deep reflection, I don't think Nero ever hated Saint Louis. Right before that thing—I forgot its name—exploded among them, he was either reciting poetry to him or singing, I can't remember exactly. And I recall that before that, he was telling himself: 'This probably isn't Saint Louis's real body—the real one is far from here.'

Nero never hated Saint Louis. Maybe what he did was actually for the best. Saint Louis longed for someone who could understand him and talk to him, and he found no one but humans. But humans hurt him, and he would never forgive them for what they did to him. That's why he found solace in Nero. But he ruined everything when he thought he was saving Nero from the actions of mankind.

I think Nero gave him a chance to find happiness within himself, not through someone else. He didn't need Nero to create an empire of his own—especially since Nero is just a mortal human whose mind probably can't handle immortality. He might eventually grow resentful toward Saint Louis, or go mad.

I don't know the real reason why he said that what Saint Louis did in the end didn't matter to him and that he didn't want to think about it. Maybe his message was that he didn't hate him—but he couldn't forgive him for hurting his family. Or maybe he was trying to protect him from being hunted down by humans.

And I'm not sure if I've ever said this before, but the moment it was mentioned that Saint Louis was talking to his tent**les—I felt a deep sadness. Because no one in this world truly understands the language he speaks. On top of that, he has completely lost his memories, has the mind of a child, and is constantly forced into a prayer posture he mostly despises, purifying people he doesn't even know at the expense of himself.

Despite the vibrant world around him, he remained the only gray piece in it all. When he said that his wish was for Nero to be the one to guide him—to help him understand this joyful human crowd and become part of it—I felt completely shattered. He deserves so much more than this.

you might not understand Saint Louis's actions and end up hating him.