6. Ominous Movements
1
South of the Holy Arthenia Empire’s capital, Bless, nestled among the mansions of nobles and high priests, stood a particularly grand marble residence. Though it was still early evening, the sounds of lively music and the boisterous laughter of drunken men and women spilled out from within.
“Heeheehee! Over here, over here!” a voice called out.
“Where are you? If I catch you, you’re in for it, oof!” another responded, followed by a thud.
Count Marques, blindfolded and playing tag with the courtesans, tripped and fell flat on the floor. The courtesans, along with the nobles and knights who were drinking with him, erupted in laughter at the sight. The laughter grew louder as Marques tried to get up but stumbled back down.
“Hahaha. You’ve had too much to drink, Count!” one of the nobles exclaimed.
“It’s not just the drink; you need to get some exercise. An orc would call you brother,” another added, earning nods of agreement from the others.
Marques, having lived a dissolute life since the civil war, was so bloated that he was unrecognizable from his former self. With the help of a servant, he barely managed to stand up, took off his blindfold, and glared at the friend who had just mocked him.
“Exercise, you say? Then how about we go hunting for a change?” Marques suggested, his voice thick with drink.
“Let’s do it. I hear there are many deer in the Solber Barony to the north. Since the lord there is my relative, let’s go for a change of scenery,” a noble replied, eager for an outing.
“Solber? Nah, that’s too far. How about we just go to the capital?” Marques countered, a sly glint in his eyes.
“The capital? What kind of hunting are you going to do in the capital?” another noble asked, confused.
“Why? There’s something to catch in the capital too. A silver vixen, for example,” Marques said, his words dripping with innuendo.
Whirr!
At Count Marques’ words, the banquet hall instantly turned cold. His friends, who had been laughing and chatting just moments before, the courtesans and servants who were attending to them, and even the orchestra playing music in the corner, all fell silent, their expressions hardening. Everyone knew very well who the silver vixen in the capital that Marques was referring to was: Pope Veronica III.
Though various rumors circulated, the common people and the new factions still regarded her as a saint or an angel sent by God. However, to the opposition like Marques, she was just a cunning fox who had seized power without acknowledging the grace of those who had put her on the throne.
“Let’s gather the boys and go catch her right away. I hear she’s been wandering outside without fear these days, so we should be able to catch her, right?” Marques continued, his tone laced with malice.
“Marques, you’ve had too much to drink,” one of the nobles said, trying to defuse the situation.
“Ha! Too much? Are you saying I’m drunk?” Marques retorted, grabbing a bottle of liquor.
While acting like a drunkard in a back alley, he was closely observing the reactions of the nobles and knights gathered today. He was hoping for support, but he was soon disappointed. None of those gathered were willing to join his cause. They had always complained about the Pope’s reform policies and the mistreatment of their faction, but when the opportunity arose, they changed their tune. They either pretended not to hear or became serious.
‘Tch, they’re all cowards. I thought at least one or two would agree with me,’ Marques thought, frustration simmering within him.
In fact, it was not strange that they were afraid. To remove the Pope, they would have to defeat the Undying Knights, the strongest holy knights, and their leader, Grand Duke Gregory. And then there were the common people. Last time, when a scandal involving the Pope broke out, some of the opposition nobles and priests who tried to exploit it politically were attacked or pelted with stones by the angry populace. That was how great the people’s faith in Veronica III was. There was no chance of success in starting a rebellion while drunk like this.
Of course, Count Marques did not expect to gain anything from this attempt. He was just testing the waters with the people of his faction, but he could not find anyone with any spirit. There might even be someone who would snitch to the Pope to get a position. He needed to put on an act to prepare for that.
“Uhehehehe! Whether I’m drunk or not, I’m going to catch the fox, the fox!” Marques, drinking from the bottle, suddenly got down on all fours like a dog and crawled under the skirt of a nearby courtesan. Then, pretending to catch something, he shouted, “Here you are! The fox is here. Eeheeheehee!”
“Kyaaa! Count!” the courtesan shrieked, startled.
The nobles shook their heads or chuckled at Count Marques’ disgraceful behavior. They thought that what he had said earlier was just drunken nonsense.
2
While Marques was pretending to live a dissolute life and testing the mettle of his faction, his cousin, Archbishop Constantine, was holed up in a chapel, doing penance. The Marius faction, which he led, had shrunk to about a third of its former size, making it hard to believe that it was once the most powerful faction in the Holy Empire. Veronica III, who had declared that she would not discriminate against factions in order to rebuild and strengthen the Holy Empire, actually appointed clean and capable people to key positions. As a result, many young priests and lower nobles who had been doing menial work in the Marius faction defected to the Pope’s side. Even some high-ranking officials at the bishop level betrayed Constantine and turned their backs on him.
“Kuhhh, I’ve been deceived! I was deceived by a witch!” Constantine repeated those words hundreds, thousands of times, after being ousted from the regency. Then, he took a whip and struck his back countless times. This was a so-called ‘whip penance,’ a practice of reflecting on one’s sins and seeking God’s grace.
Whack! Whack!
“Great Father Elcasel! Forgive this foolish one and grant me the power to defeat the witch!” Constantine cried out, his voice hoarse.
At first, Constantine’s whip penance was more of a show. He intended to shake Veronica III’s position by publicly showing that he was atoning for the mistake of electing the wrong Pope. However, the reaction of most believers was cold. They sneered at him, saying he was senile, or even advised him that he could go to God faster if he used poison or a dagger instead of a whip. Driven by anger, Constantine began to do the whip penance in earnest. He fasted and whipped himself. Even as blood and pus flowed from his tattered back, he did not stop. Even when Count Marques and his acquaintances tried to stop him, he would not listen.
“Grant me the power to defeat the witch! Grant me the divine power to overcome the sorcery that deceives people’s eyes!” He cried out and pleaded countless times in front of the statue day and night, but God remained silent. Rather, the statue, with its benevolent smile, seemed to be mocking him, as if to say, ‘Isn’t this all happening because of your greed?’
“Please, please give me strength! If I can defeat the witch and restore the Holy Empire, I will gladly pay any price!” Constantine begged, his voice cracking with desperation.
– Are you really willing to pay?
Constantine was startled and looked around when he suddenly heard a voice from somewhere.
“Wh-who is it?” he stammered, fear gripping his heart.
– Do not be afraid. I am the one you have been longing for, the voice replied, its tone both soothing and powerful.
Crack!
The statue in front of him cracked and crumbled. A blue flame flared up in the place where the statue had been, flickering into the shape of a person.
‘Wh-what is this…?’ Constantine thought, his mind reeling.
As Constantine was trying to figure out what was going on, a solemn voice came from the flame.
– My child, why do you not show respect even after receiving me?
“Huh? Ah, I, I apologize,” Constantine quickly prostrated himself, fear overriding his confusion.
Seeing this, the extinguished flame continued to speak in a gentle voice.
– My child, your sin of being deceived by a witch who uses cunning sorcery deserves to be punished a hundred times over. But I will give you a chance to atone.
“A, a chance, you say?” Constantine asked, cautiously raising his head.
At Constantine’s question, the flame nodded as if to say yes.
– Yes. Soon, divine punishment will befall those who have been deceived by the witch and have forsaken my will. You must give those sinners the right teachings and a chance to repent.
‘Divine punishment? Then what is going to happen to the Holy Empire?’ Constantine thought, his heart pounding in his chest. But he was soon delighted. If something bad happened to the Pope, it would be an opportunity for him and the Marius faction. Frankly, he could not tell whether the being in front of him was God or not. He did not feel any divine power from the flame. Nevertheless, he believed that it must be God. He thought that the only being who would take his side, who was in such a predicament, who was faithful(?) but ignored and disregarded by everyone, was God.
– I will share my power with you. So, use that power to enlighten the foolish sinners, the flame declared.
After speaking, the holy fire suddenly disappeared. The hazy smoke that had been swirling in the place where the flame had disappeared flew towards Constantine. The hazy smoke that wrapped around Constantine’s body soon seeped into his body through his eyes, nose, and mouth.
Whoosh!
The moment he inhaled the smoke, the wounds on his back healed, and the pain disappeared. Not only that, but the elasticity returned to his wrinkled face and hands, and his white hair turned black. Feeling the vitality in his body, which had returned to its youthful state, Constantine was filled with joy.
‘God’s power! It’s real God’s power! He has answered my prayers!’ Constantine thought, his heart swelling with emotion. Filled with emotion, Constantine bowed his head countless times towards the place where God had disappeared. He atoned for doubting His existence even for a moment and offered prayers of gratitude for His generosity in bestowing power upon him.
“Thank you, God! I will surely accomplish the task you have given me and punish the witch and those who follow her!” Constantine vowed, his voice ringing with newfound conviction.
There was a figure watching Constantine’s repeated vows from the dark shadows.
‘Heh, he’s fallen for it,’ the ominous creature, made from the flesh of the one once called the Demon King, smiled wickedly at Constantine and then disappeared.
3
Three days after the New Year’s military parade, Luke summoned the military leadership. From Marquis Rogers, the commander-in-chief of the Royal Army, to Grand Duke Belik, as well as the commanders of each army and their deputy commanders, there were about 20 people gathered in the grand hall. Their eyes were all shining, as if they were expecting something.
“Everyone, thank you for your hard work during the New Year’s military parade,” Luke began, his voice calm and measured.
As Luke opened his mouth and praised them, Belik retorted sarcastically, “I don’t know why we have to do such ridiculous things instead of military training. If you had given me the money spent on that, I would have put the soldiers to good use.”
Was he upset that he was not invited to the military parade? Or did he really think it was a waste of money? In any case, it was clear that Grand Duke Belik was in a bad mood.
“Your Highness, you are going too far!” Marquis Rogers flared up, his face flushed with anger.
Belik glanced at him and curled up the corners of his mouth. “Oh, you’ve become the commander-in-chief of the entire army, and you’ve got quite a bit of power in your eyes. Are you going to challenge me to a duel?”
“I have no reason not to. Let’s move to the training grounds as soon as this meeting is over,” Rogers retorted without backing down, his hand instinctively moving towards his sword hilt.
He had already thought that Belik’s behavior towards Luke was excessive and wanted to address it at least once. Even if he was the king’s stepfather, Belik was officially Luke’s subordinate. He had been patiently enduring it, but his patience had reached its limit when Belik spoke disrespectfully to the king even in a place where all the commanders of each army were gathered, not in a private setting.
‘No, what is that old man so confident about…’ Philip thought, his brow furrowed with concern.
‘That’s too reckless!’ another commander thought, his eyes wide with worry.
The commanders of each army, including Philip, watched the situation with worried expressions. Except for Luke, Belik was the most skilled swordsman here. Moreover, he was a natural at piloting Gigants [large, humanoid war machines], to the point where he was called a Gigant Master. However, Rogers also had something to rely on: the latter half of the Gold Sword [a powerful sword technique] that he had learned from Luke before, and his recent advancement from mid-level to high-level Sword Master. With these two combined, he was confident that he would not lose at the very least.
“Hey, Marquis Rogers. If you want to commit suicide, do it elegantly. Don’t bother others,” Belik sneered, his eyes glinting with disdain.
“If you want to keep talking so harshly, go back to being a mercenary. The title of Grand Duke and the reputation of Belik the Firestorm are wasted on you,” Rogers retorted, his voice sharp and cutting.
“Hey, you little… I’ve been holding back!” Belik roared, his face turning red with anger.
As the two of them stood up from their seats as if they were about to fight, Prime Minister Hans raised his voice, his tone laced with authority.
“What are you two doing! Have you forgotten who is in front of you?” he rebuked, his voice echoing through the hall.
At his sharp rebuke, Grand Duke Belik and Marquis Rogers could only clear their throats and shut their mouths, their anger momentarily subdued.
Having quieted the room, Hans turned his gaze to Luke and said, “Your Majesty, please continue.”
“Thank you, Prime Minister. You two, stay behind after the meeting. It seems you have too much energy, so I will personally take it out of you,” Luke said, his voice calm but with an underlying hint of menace.
Belik and Rogers’ faces turned pale at Luke’s words. They knew what those words meant. After fighting Hirose, Luke often called the commanders of each army or went to them himself for sparring sessions. The purpose was to improve the skills of the Sword Masters and to train his own Gold Sword’s latter half and Aether [a type of magical energy]. However, those sparring sessions were merciless. He would push them until their mana and aura were depleted, and even beat them until their whole bodies were limp. Count Ferrero, who had been singing about how he wished to fight Luke once, was so thoroughly defeated in one sparring session that he seriously considered seeking asylum in a third country. In Shirley’s case, she tried to get out of it by saying she was going to go into the mountains to train because she was not skilled enough, but she was also punished, and since then, she had been avoiding Luke for fear of being noticed.
Belik and Rogers had also been thoroughly beaten by Luke not long ago. In particular, Belik was almost defeated by Luke even in a sparring session using his specialty, the Gigant.
‘Tch, I’m going to be humiliated again because of that Rogers,’ Belik thought, his eyes narrowed in annoyance.
‘Kuhhh, it’s all your fault! I should have kicked him out when His Majesty said he didn’t like him!’ Rogers thought, his face a mask of frustration.
As the two of them glared at each other, Luke opened his mouth, his voice cutting through the tension.
“The reason I have summoned you all today is because the time has finally come to punish the Baroque Imperial Family, which is our long-cherished wish.”
“Oooooh!” Exclamations burst out from the mouths of the military leaders, their faces alight with anticipation.
It wasn’t as if Luke hadn’t mentioned it before, so they knew that the Baroque Empire would be invaded after the military parade. However, they were all surprised, not expecting the invasion to happen so soon.
“Your Majesty, are you finally drawing your sword?”
“That’s right. We will organize an expeditionary force centered around the 3rd Army of the North. Each army will contribute knight orders and Gigant [large humanoid war machines] forces to support it.”
No sooner had Luke finished speaking than Phillip and Kaper began to ask questions.
“Have you decided on the size of the expeditionary force?”
“Your Majesty, who will be the commander?”
“Please leave it to me! I will stand at the forefront!”
For a soldier, the greatest honor is to achieve merit on the battlefield. As there were many young and capable individuals in the military leadership of the Symphonia Kingdom, they were all clamoring to participate in the war.
In response, Luke mobilized a total of 40,000 troops and appointed Grand Duke Belik as the commander of the expeditionary force, with Phillip as the vice-commander. The core Gigant unit would be centered around the Rakan Knight Order, with Viscount Kaper as the unit commander.
“But Your Majesty, to what extent are you setting the operational goals for this expedition?” Rogers asked, representing the military. In this operation, called the ‘Northern Expedition,’ it was a given that the Baroque Imperial Family would be punished. However, the operational plan would vary greatly depending on the extent of the goal.
In Rogers’ judgment, it would be difficult to advance to Nemesis [the capital of the Baroque Empire] with a force of 40,000. Not only was there the strength of the Gigant unit, but also a much larger force would be needed to maintain supply lines and manage the occupied territories. It would be a big mistake to think of the Baroque Empire as being on the same level as the Milton Kingdom.
Although Livia and the Symphonia Kingdom had become independent, the territory of the Baroque Empire was still more than twice the size of the two countries combined, and its population was also larger. It would be impossible to conquer without building considerable national power.
“I know that I cannot occupy the Baroque Empire with this number of troops. However, I intend to inflict a fatal blow for the sake of a future all-out war.” With that, Luke rose from his seat and pointed to a spot on the military map attached to the wall. “Our goal is here. By attacking this place, we will lay the foundation for a full-scale Northern Expedition.”
The commanders, having confirmed the location Luke pointed out, nodded in agreement. The place the king had indicated was the center of the southern part of the Baroque Empire. It was a city located at a major transportation hub, where the Southern Imperial Army headquarters and military supplies were gathered. If they succeeded in attacking that place, the Baroque Empire would suffer a fatal blow. And it was clear that their control over the region north of the Variand Mountains would also weaken.
“Keep that in mind and prepare accordingly. In case the enemy notices, we will disguise it as a large-scale training exercise.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!” The military leaders, having saluted, withdrew and began to organize the expeditionary force quickly and secretly. Fortunately, the core units of each army were already in Brenden to participate in the military parade, so it was not difficult to mobilize the expeditionary force.
4
The Baroque Empire, having lost the fortresses in the Variand Mountains, formed a new defense line in the territories adjacent to the north of the mountains. They converted or expanded the lord’s castles into fortresses, and they laid traps or buried gunpowder on the expected invasion routes to block the large-scale advance of the Gigants. However, despite this investment, the southern part of the Baroque Empire was experiencing peaceful days without any particular incidents.
Compared to the western front, where it was uncertain when the battle with the Livia Kingdom army would reignite, or the northern and eastern fronts, where the Volga and the Holy Empire armies frequently provoked border skirmishes, there were no engagements at all. Since the Symphonia Kingdom was quiet and Emperor Rudolf prioritized the subjugation of the Livia Kingdom, it was highly likely that the Southern Army would remain on standby.
“Kyah, there’s no better cushy job than this!”
“I know, I wish it would stay like this forever.” Two knights, who were enjoying fishing in a stream near the garrison, chatted idly. They had been part of the Western Army until recently, but they had come to the peaceful south thanks to the requests of their fathers and acquaintances. In terms of military achievements, it would have been better to be on the front lines, but they had already fought countless battles where they had risked their lives, and they were sick of war.
“I wish His Majesty would be a bit more moderate. The country’s finances are a mess due to the continuous wars and the chaos in the capital, but he keeps trying to reclaim the lost territories…”
“He’s a bit out of it after losing his family and being betrayed by his vassals. Maybe he doesn’t have any other emotions left besides revenge.”
“That’s true, but it’s also because of Prince Reichart. He was originally the successor recognized by the late Emperor.”
“You’re saying something that could get you in big trouble. What if someone hears you?”
“Hmph, who would be listening in a place like this…” The knight, who had been sneering, looked at his friend with a serious expression. “Surely, you’re not going to snitch on me, are you?”
“Oh, come on, do I look that disloyal? Why don’t you focus on your fishing rod instead of worrying about that?” At his friend’s words, the knight turned his gaze to the water’s surface. The float was swaying, indicating that a fish had taken the bait. He hurriedly pulled the fishing rod.
“Wow! It’s really strong! It must be a big one!”
“Hey, be careful not to mess up. First, make it lose its strength…” Swish- Thud! The knight who was giving advice was suddenly hit by an arrow and fell backward.
“Huh! Wh, who is it!” Startled by his friend’s instant death, the knight hurriedly dropped the fishing rod and tried to grab the sword he had placed beside him. However, before he could draw his sword, an arrow flew and pierced his neck. The knight, clutching his neck in agony, staggered and fell into the stream with a splash.
“That’s done. Next, we’ll subdue the patrols and guards.”
“Yes, Lady Scarlet!” A special operations unit dressed in black quickly approached the Baroque Empire army garrison and began eliminating their targets. Swoosh- Bang! As a signal flare was launched to indicate the completion of the mission, Gigants and soldiers disguised with branches and vines emerged from the bushes. They were the Symphonia Kingdom army, waving flags with the emblem of an angel holding a sword of light.
“Attack! Cut down all who resist!”
“Waaaaah!” At the cry of Baron Hobart, who was leading the vanguard, the Symphonia Kingdom army, led by the Gigant unit, charged toward the Imperial Army garrison. It was the moment when Symphonia, which had been silent until now, bared its claws at the Baroque Empire.
The Symphonia Kingdom’s attack was carried out with lightning speed before the Baroque Empire’s military could even notice it. This attempt was successful because the Symphonia expeditionary force thoroughly disguised the movement of the army as a mobilization for training, and they bypassed the invasion routes that the Baroque Empire army had anticipated. Furthermore, the servant demons who controlled the Baroque intelligence department sent false information or notified them late, according to Luke’s instructions, which greatly caught the Baroque Empire off guard.
“Y-Your Majesty, this is terrible!” Emperor Rudolf, who was discussing the complex situation with his vassals in the grand hall, frowned at the sight of the communication mage who had suddenly entered the hall. “What is it that makes you so agitated?” At Rudolf’s rebuke, the communication mage knelt on the spot and recited a magical message that had come from the south.
“The rebels in the south are said to have crossed the border and are advancing. The Southern Army is currently defending, but due to the sudden attack, the border defense line has been breached, and fortresses and garrisons are being captured.”
“Wh, what!”
“How could this happen…!” Voices of surprise erupted from all over the grand hall. Emperor Rudolf and his vassals had hardly paid any attention to the Symphonia Kingdom in the south until now. Luke, who had declared independence, and his lackeys were extremely irritating, but they had not made any significant provocations. Moreover, the Symphonia Kingdom had been attacked by someone claiming to be a descendant of Rakan a month ago, and part of the royal palace had been destroyed, and the king had almost died. Since such a major incident had occurred in the newly formed kingdom, they had assumed that they would be busy stabilizing the country and securing public support, but suddenly, there was an invasion!
Count Voltaire asked with an incredulous expression. “Could it be that they are confusing it with the Livia Kingdom or the Volga Republic?” The Livia Kingdom was currently engaged in small and large battles along the border. As soon as they received information that they had not suffered any significant damage due to Bers, Rudolf had ordered a renewed attack. The Volga Republic was also constantly provoking the northern border and plotting to invade.
“According to the magical communication, it was definitely the Symphonia Kingdom… no, the rebels from the south.”
“Tsk, we’ve been completely caught off guard.” Rudolf clicked his tongue, looking dumbfounded. He was currently preparing a large-scale invasion against the Livia Kingdom. The main purpose was to eliminate Shaikan, or rather, Reichart, and the traitors who followed him, but there was also the intention to cover up the discontent of the residents of Nemesis. It was a political tactic that had been widely used since ancient times to divert internal discontent by waging war with a foreign country.
In any case, he had ordered the border units to attack, and he was in the process of moving a considerable number of troops to the west. But to be backstabbed like this! Rudolf asked the communication mage. “What is the estimated size of the southern rebels?”
“According to the currently identified size, the troop strength is about 30,000 to 50,000, and there are about 200 to 300 Gigants.” It was not a large force, but it was not a small force to be ignored either. In particular, the Gigant force was far superior to the current Southern Army.
“Your Majesty, it seems we must send reinforcements immediately.”
“That’s right. We must dispatch the Central Army right away.” Voices calling for reinforcements erupted from Count Voltaire and the other vassals. Unlike other areas, the Southern Army had had a considerable number of troops withdrawn over the past few months for the all-out war with the Livia Kingdom. Of course, they had replenished the gap by recruiting new soldiers or conscripting private soldiers from noble families, but in terms of quality, such as training and organization, they were inferior to the existing Southern Army.
“Wasn’t the Central Army supposed to be mobilized to subjugate the rebels in the west? Are there no forces to send to the south separately? What about hiring mercenary units?”
“I regret to say that there are no more mercenary units available for hire in the country.”
“Tsk!” At Voltaire’s answer, Rudolf frowned in displeasure. Sending the Central Army to the south would please Reichart, but if he ignored it, the Southern Army would completely collapse. If the Southern Army were to collapse like this, the south of the empire would fall into the hands of the Symphonia bastards. Then, there was a high probability that the central region, where the capital Nemesis was located, would also be in danger.
“What on earth has the intelligence department been doing all this time! Didn’t they know that the rebels from the south were going to attack!” Marquis Luikas, the Minister of Justice, began to criticize the Imperial Intelligence Department. Originally, the intelligence department should have informed them of such matters in advance. That was why they had an intelligence department that consumed a huge budget every year. However, the intelligence department had not been doing its job for some time now. The information coming from the intelligence department was slightly inconsistent with reality, and assassination operations against key enemy figures often failed. They had replaced the head of the intelligence department not long ago, but this kind of thing was happening again.
“I, I deserve to die, Your Majesty! Please punish me!” Count Macmillan, the head of the intelligence department, prostrated himself on the floor of the grand hall and begged for punishment. Rudolf wanted to kill that incompetent fellow with a single blow. However, the head of the intelligence department was the only younger brother of the deceased First Empress, so he had no choice but to take his hand off the sword. ‘Yes, killing him is not the answer. Besides, this guy hasn’t been in office for long…’ Thinking this, Rudolf decided to hold back for now and sent a warning.
“Get up, Macmillan. If this kind of thing happens again, I will definitely hold you accountable.”
“Thank, thank you, Your Majesty!” Count Macmillan got up with a look of relief and bowed countless times. “Go and quickly gather information related to the war situation.” At Rudolf’s gesture to leave, Count Macmillan hurriedly withdrew from the grand hall. After sending him away and discussing with his vassals, Rudolf decided to send part of the Central Army to the south. ‘The problem is who to appoint as the commander of the reinforcements…’
While Rudolf was pondering who to appoint, Marquis Vanden stepped forward and said. “Your Majesty, please send me.”
“You?”
“Yes, I will definitely crush the reckless rebels in the south and return.” Vanden was a man who had betrayed his father-in-law, Duke Butler, and sided with the Emperor. His betrayal had helped to subjugate the Western Aristocratic faction, but he had not shown any significant achievements in the subsequent war with the Livia Kingdom. As a result, he had gradually lost Rudolf’s trust, and he had even been suspected by the people of the court that he might betray the Emperor someday, as he had betrayed his father-in-law.
‘I must achieve merit to show my skills again!’ That was what he was thinking when rebels calling themselves the Symphonia Kingdom army invaded from the south. ‘Hehehe! If I crush Luke, who is famous as a Rune Knight, and his army, my position will be elevated!’ With this calculation in mind, Vanden volunteered to be the commander. Rudolf seemed to think for a moment, then nodded. “Very well. I will appoint you as the commander-in-chief of the reinforcements. And I will provide you with 10 members of the Imperial Guard.”
“Th, the Imperial Guard, you say?” Count Voltaire and the other vassals wore surprised expressions. The Imperial Guard was the last line of defense to protect the Emperor. Each individual’s martial prowess was at the Sword Master level, and the Gigants they rode were all close to the Hero class. The vassals could not help but be surprised that such an important force of 10 members would be dispatched as reinforcements.
“With the Imperial Guard and their Gigant force, it will be enough to subjugate the southern rebels.” If he had his way, he would have liked to keep his most powerful card, the Imperial Guard, as much as possible, and send reinforcements composed of the private soldiers of the nobles or newly conscripted soldiers. However, due to the Bers leak incident and the attack by the Livia special operations unit, the public sentiment and the movements of the nobles in the capital were not good. If he made any more unreasonable moves, a difficult situation could arise.
“Marquis Vanden, the Imperial Guard are like my disciples, no, my own children. So, you must subjugate the rebels and pacify the south.”
“I will obey your command, Your Majesty.” Responding to the Emperor’s words, Vanden could not help but feel nervous inside. The Emperor had just said that he absolutely could not lose. It was obvious what would happen if he failed to defeat the enemy even with such a precious and powerful force as the Imperial Guard. He regretted volunteering. However, he quickly erased such regrets. Ten Sword Masters riding Hero-class Gigants were truly an enormous force. ‘Besides, am I not also a Sword Master? If I cannot defeat the enemy with this force, I should bite my tongue and die.’ Vanden, determined to win and regain the Emperor’s trust, led the Imperial Guard members that Rudolf had assigned to him and left for the south.