Today was not your average day. At least not for Berengar and his wife, Adela. Since his retirement, which by now had nearly been fifteen years ago, Berengar spent most of his days with his wives secluded away in a small mountain town. But today, he and Adela were visiting Kufstein, more specifically the Reichstag.

Why was this the case? Well, not because Berengar was giving another speech. But rather, because Kaiser Hans von Kufstein was handing out an award. Not to his father, but to his wife, Adela. All the nations' greatest figure heads had gathered in Kufstein for this occasion.

Currently, Berengar and Adela were sitting in the front row, while they watched Hans give a speech to the entire audience. Naturally, the event was televised, and because of this, Hans made sure he looked his best for the cameras.

Hans spoke with an authoritative tone in his voice, as he wore a proud smile on his face, while declaring the award he was giving to a woman who had been like a second mother to him.

"Today is a great day for the German Reich, as we honor a woman who has spent a lifetime advancing the arts and culture within our great nation. Kaiserin Adela von Kufstein has long since been a patron of the arts, and many skilled artists have risen to prominence specifically due to her efforts to guide them.

And today, I, Kaiser Hans von Kufstein, would like to give her the Imperial Order of Arts and Science, so that her efforts may be properly rewarded. Adela, would you please come up here?" Adela was now an old woman in her early seventies. And yet, due to the power of the mystical pool, as well as modern anti-aging technology, she did not look a day over sixty as she stepped forward and wore a gracious smile. After waving to the crowd, which cheered for her as if she were a rock star, Hans placed the medal around her neck and shook her hand. While whispering something to her that only the two of them could hear.

"It is very much deserved.... Without you, the Reich would only be a nation of war, while our culture would still be left in the feudal age. Thank you for everything you have done.... Mother...."

Throughout his entire life, Hans has stubbornly refused to call any of Berengar's other women by the term mother. But today, he had done so specifically to show the respect which he had for Adela. This caused Adela to blush slightly, as she wrapped her arms around Hans and gave him a proper hug. Once she had done so, she smiled and waved to the cameras. Knowing fully well that this was perhaps her last chance to shine in the public.

Adela then took the podium and gave a speech which she had prepared for this moment, after first being made aware that she would receive such a prestigious medal.

"I don't know what to say. When I first approached my husband and pleaded with him to sponsor artists across his territory. The world was a very different place back then. Noble families such as ours owned all the land, while the common man plowed the fields, just so he would receive a small portion of his hard work.

Today, the common man is able to pursue any career which their heart's desire. Especially those Artists, who would have struggled to survive back in those days, are now able to study at acclaimed universities, to learn the skills and techniques they need to be successful. Not only that, but they can also use the internet to learn these same techniques for free.

It is a wonderful time that we live in, and I am glad to see that all my efforts over these many years have not gone to waste. I want to thank my husband, Berengar von Kufstein, for helping me pursue my dreams, and for being the largest sponsor of artists across the German Reich. I would also like to thank every artist, no matter what field they specialize in, for all their hard work and creativity that has allowed the German Reich to become the center of the world's culture. And lastly, I would like to thank Kaiser Hans von Kufstein for recognizing my efforts and rewarding me for them in such a prestigious manner. Thank you all, and God bless!"

After saying this, Adela descended from the stage, and sat next to Berengar once more, who wore a proud smile on his face, as he held onto the woman's hand before expressing his thoughts aloud, in a voice so low that only the two of them could hear.

"I am so proud of you Adela, you truly deserve this award, perhaps more so than anyone. I love you...."

Adela smiled when she heard these words before hugging her husband. She then whispered the words back to him that he had just spoken to her.

"I love you too...."

The awards ceremony would go on for a bit longer, as a bunch of artists who Adela had aided in their efforts came forward to thank the woman for all which she had done. Nearly every major artist in the Reich who was still alive, whether they were a painter, a sculptor, an animator, a musician, et cetera. Had attended this event, and they all had nothing but praise for the woman who had made their dreams come true.

After everyone had said their thanks and expressed their appreciation towards Adela, she and Berengar returned to their home. Where the two of them would enjoy some time alone together. Before they eventually fell asleep in each other's arms.

As much as Adela enjoyed the recognition and praise she received today, for a lifetime of effort. She also felt a little sad, because she knew that today would most certainly be her last chance to shine in the spotlight. Still, as long as she could be with Berengar, here in this lakeside villa. Then she did not really care too much about fame or fortune. All she had ever cared about was Berengar and the family they created together. And thus, today was ultimately a fitting end to her story.

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I wanted to thank you all for supporting Tyranny of Steel up to this point. From here on out, until the very end of the novel, updates are going to be less frequent with one chapter a day. Instead, I would like to invite all of you to read my new novel Interstellar Age, at https://com/book/interstellar-age_26235247006730205 which will be receiving my primary attention from here on out. Thank you all for the support you have shown me, and I look forward to writing novels for you all for years to come!