there are nice perks to being an emperor.
other than the honor to lead his country into greatness and the privilege to reside in the lavish imperial palace, ling has never been more thankful to be emperor as he does not need to personally be in the battlefield to win wars against xing's enemies.
the metal that used to be his trusted weapon now hung uselessly on the wall behind his bed, covered and sheathed and it has been that way ever since their return to xing. the thought of seeing his face β their face β in the reflection of the sword and remembering all the times they held the weapon in their hands together in the events leading to the promised day was too much for his heart to handle. it has been many years, but the wound from his partner's passing is yet to heal.
he can delegate these matters to capable generals and the soldiers that have sworn to protect the country will use the swords for him. he will lead from within the safer confines of the imperial palace so he will never have to draw his sword again.