Emperor of Steel [EN]: Chapter 77

2. The Tragedy of the Baroque Imperial Family

1

Nemesis, the imperial capital at the heart of the Rodisia Continent, was home to various religious orders. Besides the Elkasel Order, which had the most followers on the continent, and the Mars Order, which worshipped the god of war, there were many small and medium-sized orders that had established temples and missions.

Among these orders was one called the Arahan Order.

The Arahan Order originated in the great southern continent of Bharat. They believed that anyone who achieved enlightenment through mental discipline could escape the cycle of reincarnation and become a god. They had already gained considerable influence in the southern continent, spreading not only through the Bharat Kingdom but also to Song and Yemaek. However, in the Rodisia Continent, they were no more than a small to medium-sized order with unique doctrines.

Still, due to trade, there were believers who visited the Rodisia Continent and Nemesis, so the mission maintained its existence.

It was a time when darkness had fallen deeply.

A carriage escorted by dozens of knights appeared in front of the Arahan Order mission in Nemesis. The knights, wearing black cloaks and deep hoods, each possessed an extraordinary aura. Their strong, sharp gazes were focused on the man stepping out of the carriage.

The man who emerged from the carriage was none other than Emperor Rudolf of the Baroque Empire. He had come to the Arahan mission to treat the injuries he had sustained in his previous battle against Kauren, a high-ranking demon and subordinate general of the Vampire King Leviathan.

“Have you arrived, Your Majesty?” A bald, old priest wearing a gray robe greeted Rudolf at the entrance of the mission.

“I ask for your help again today, Nanda.”

“Yes, please come inside.”

There was a reason why Rudolf sought out the Arahan mission, despite the presence of more prominent orders with excellent priests. The Emperor’s health was a top secret of the Empire, and Rudolf was known as the greatest superhuman, along with Grand Duke Gregory of the Holy Empire, who were said to be the two most powerful individuals on the continent.

If it became known that he was seriously injured, the aristocratic faction or the enemies of the Baroque Empire might take action. Therefore, he had no choice but to hide his injuries thoroughly. Thus, Rudolf did not go near the Elkasel Order or the Mars Order, which were connected to the Holy Empire or the aristocratic faction. Instead, he sought out the Arahan Order’s mission, which had no political ties and had a priest with outstanding healing abilities.

Nanda, who was in charge of this mission, was a high-ranking priest who had gained considerable fame in the southern continent, where he was called a ‘Great Master.’ He possessed mysterious abilities different from divine power. At first, it was thought to be the southern continent’s magic, Seonsul, but Nanda said it was not Seonsul but Yukshintong [Six Supernatural Powers]. He said that if one diligently engaged in mental training, they could awaken six abilities belonging to the divine realm, allowing them to see the unseen or heal illnesses.

‘Hmph, how is that different from magic or divine power?’ From Rudolf’s perspective, who did not know the doctrines of the Arahan Order well, he could not help but think that way. However, the story that one could become a god through training was quite intriguing. Of course, he did not like the old-fashioned doctrine that one had to cut off the five desires and seven emotions to achieve enlightenment.

“Your Majesty, have you perhaps had some alcohol?” Nanda asked, taking his pulse. Rudolf nodded.

“Well, I’ve had a lot on my mind lately because of the aristocratic faction.”

“I told you not to drink. Alcohol increases fire energy, so you must absolutely avoid it.”

“I understand. Stop nagging and start the treatment.”

As always, Rudolf received southern-style treatment, first with acupuncture and then with moxibustion. Having seen the treatment several times, the Imperial Guard knights who had come as escorts were no longer surprised when Nanda stuck needles or lit moxa on him. At first, they had all drawn their swords, thinking he was trying to assassinate the Emperor.

After completing the acupuncture and moxibustion treatment, Nanda began to heal Rudolf’s internal injuries with his Yukshintong. ‘Every time, I feel it, what an arrogant body.’ Nanda, who was from Bharat, had seen many powerful individuals active in the martial arts world of the south. Their bodies, which boasted of collapsing mountains and splitting seas, were beyond human limits, but he had never felt the same determination and spirit as Rudolf.

‘He must have pursued strength more than anyone else. He must have gained his current power through that obsession…’ In Nanda’s view, Rudolf’s mental training was lacking compared to his power. The internal injuries he was struggling with were not a big problem. Even without treatment, the wounds would heal naturally over time. However, he was worried about what kind of frustration and wandering he would experience when faced with something he could not solve with his own martial prowess.

If only Rudolf himself were to face adversity, it would be one thing, but if he, as the Emperor, were to falter, countless people under him would suffer. ‘I feel it. A great disaster will soon befall the Emperor. But this is due to his and his ancestors’ bad karma, so what can be done?’ As he had come to preach, Nanda was well aware of the situation in this country. Moreover, as a high priest who had awakened Yukshintong, he was able to roughly discern the fate and future of others.

After finishing the treatment, Nanda rose from his seat and said, “This is all the treatment I can provide. From now on, it depends on Your Majesty’s efforts. If you are careful with your diet and take your herbal medicine on time, you will be able to overcome your internal injuries.”

“Really? How long will it take to fully recover?”

“At the earliest, one year, and at the latest, three years, you will be able to regain your original martial prowess.”

Rudolf’s internal injuries were caused by demonic energy. Unlike the external wounds that were quickly treated, it would take time to expel the demonic energy that had penetrated his body and regain his past vitality.

“Hmm, at least a year…” Rudolf frowned. Until then, he would not be able to properly exert the power of the Sword Emperor. Of course, he could find another healer to recover faster, but there was no guarantee that they would keep his secret.

“You have worked hard. I will not be stingy with the reward.” As Rudolf snapped his fingers, one of the escort knights approached Nanda and drew his sword. Swish! The cold, sharp blade of the sword was pointed at him, but Nanda did not waver. Rather, he had a calm expression, as if he had expected it.

Rudolf spoke to him. “I do not wish to leave anyone alive who knows my condition, except for my closest aides. So, I hope you understand.”

“Are you going to accumulate bad karma in the end?”

“Heh heh. Bad karma? I’m just trying to help you achieve what you call enlightenment.”

Nanda shook his head as if there was nothing he could do at the Emperor’s shameless response.

“Your Majesty, before I leave, may I offer you a word of advice?”

“Speak your mind.”

He was going to die anyway. Rudolf readily agreed, as he was willing to listen to anything, whether it was advice or a tantrum.

“You do not have much time left to prepare. Therefore, quickly send your most precious treasure far away. If you cannot send it far away, then send it to the place closest to God.”

At Nanda’s words, Rudolf frowned and asked, “You’re talking in riddles. Are you trying to imitate a prophet? Can’t you be more clear?”

“I have already revealed enough of the heavenly secrets. Please, for the sake of yourself and the people who rely on this empire, do not forget my advice!”

“Well, I will.” Rudolf replied insincerely and gestured as if to have his head cut off, and the escort knight immediately brought down his sword. Swoosh! But then, something shocking happened. The moment the escort knight’s sword cut through Nanda’s neck, white flower petals scattered instead of red blood. And Nanda’s body turned into smoke and disappeared without a trace.

‘W-what is this!’ The escort knight who had swung the sword, as well as Rudolf, were shocked. No matter how high-ranking a mage was, they could not disappear while deceiving their eyes. However, he could not show his agitation in front of his subordinates, so he pretended to be calm.

“Your Majesty, what is going on…?”

“It’s sorcery. A pseudo-priest used sorcery.” Rudolf simply dismissed it and immediately gave an order. “Make it look like an accident and burn down the mission. Don’t leave a single plank behind.”

“…Yes, Your Majesty.” Having harmed Nanda, they could not leave any evidence behind. The hesitant escort knights quickly went to carry out the order at Rudolf’s resolute gaze. Soon after, fierce flames rose from the Arahan mission, where the Emperor’s party had left. As Rudolf watched the flames reflected outside the carriage window, Nanda’s advice echoed in his mind like a mantra. “Quickly send your most precious treasure far away. If you cannot send it far away, then send it to the place closest to God.”

‘Tch, to be bothered by the words of a mere priest. I’ve become quite weak myself.’ Rudolf grumbled inwardly and closed the curtain over the carriage window. Despite the uneasy feeling that lingered, he did not seriously consider what Nanda’s advice meant.

2

The day after receiving treatment from Nanda, Rudolf was receiving reports on the overall state of affairs as usual.

“Your Majesty, there was a fire at a mission of a small to medium-sized order in the imperial capital yesterday.” At Voltaire’s words, Rudolf asked with a calm expression, “A fire? How did that happen?”

“According to the city guards, it is presumed to be an accidental fire caused by overheating of the heating system. Anyway, because of that, about a dozen houses around the mission were also engulfed in flames.”

“Tsk tsk, what a pity.” Although it was his own doing, Rudolf did not show any sign of it. His close aide, Count Voltaire, did not notice this. This was because the Emperor had kept the fact that he had secretly received treatment outside a secret even from him.

“And recently, there have been a series of problems with the lower-ranking commanders and expert knights of the Central Army stationed in the imperial capital.”

“Problems?”

“Well… they have been found dead, naked in the red-light district, or collapsing from heart attacks during training, or committing suicide after leaving behind a will complaining about how hard their work is…” It was said that there were more than just one or two lower-ranking commanders and knights who had died like that. In addition, there were those who were injured from falling off their horses, or those who were unable to move due to illness from eating something wrong.

At this report, Rudolf became furious. “How are they managing their subordinates!”

“I apologize, Your Majesty. It seems that the atmosphere in the Central Army has become very chaotic since the last battle with the demons…”

“Chaotic? Why?” At the Emperor’s question, Voltaire shared his thoughts. “Due to the great damage caused by the incident, and the fact that the lower-ranking commanders and knights who came into contact with the demons have become psychologically weakened, various accidents seem to be occurring frequently.”

The demons that they had only heard of in rumors… no, the demons that they had only heard of in myths and legends as children, had appeared in reality. It would be strange to think that the knights and officers who fought at the forefront against those terrible, cruel, and powerful demons would be fine.

“This is terrible! Dismiss the commander of the Central Army immediately!” At Rudolf’s thunderous order, Voltaire looked troubled. “Your Majesty, Count Royshan is a loyal and capable individual. So, please give him one more chance…”

“Is a loyal and capable man managing the Central Army like this? There’s no need to say more! Send him to the border immediately!” In reality, it was not the specter of the demons that was causing problems in the Central Army. It was Henri, who was under Luke’s orders. Unaware that he was secretly causing chaos by using all sorts of methods, the innocent commander was dismissed.

“Huu, then who will you appoint as his successor?” Voltaire asked, having determined that he could not change the Emperor’s mind.

“I will have Count Ferrero, the deputy commander of the Imperial Knights, take charge of the Central Army in the imperial capital. Although he is reckless, he is the only one who can quickly restore discipline in a short period of time.” Voltaire also nodded silently, seeing it as an appropriate appointment.

“By the way, what is the status of the hearing issue?” A few days ago, he had received a report that the aristocratic faction had requested a hearing. He was curious about how it was progressing since then.

“The chairman of the Imperial Assembly is reviewing it. He is politically neutral and has a laid-back personality, so it will take time to give final approval for the opening of the hearing.”

“So, have you determined who the noble faction is trying to use as a witness?”

“There’s a saying in the South: ‘Accumulated evil brings misfortune.’ It means that if you commit many bad deeds, disaster will befall your descendants.”

“I don’t quite understand.”

“It’s a simple concept. If parents incur debt, their children suffer to repay it. Evil acts ultimately harm someone, and naturally, they can be considered acts of incurring debt. It’s not without reason that the descendants of criminals have been used as slaves since ancient times.”

“Indeed, now that I hear it, it makes a lot of sense.”

“That’s true, but it’s also a reality that few people keep this in mind, even when they know it.”

Luke’s expression turned bitter.

He was doing this for revenge and to create a world where people could live like people, but there were definitely people suffering because of his actions.

The previous summoning of the high-ranking demon was an example. Not only the mages of the Veritas Magic Tower but also many innocent citizens of the Imperial City had died.

‘And if a civil war breaks out between the Emperor’s faction and the noble faction, countless innocent people will die and be injured.’

That was an undeniable reality.

Even if there were valid reasons such as revenge or justification, a sin was still a sin.

That sin could not be easily erased.

If one did not strive to repay it, it would come back in some way, at some time.

‘I already know this well. But I will not fear or hesitate.’

That was what he had resolved when he first dabbled in black magic over 500 years ago.

His current path was the one he had chosen. He had been killed once, but he had not strayed from that path.

And finally, he had reached this point.

“I will stay in the Imperial City until the hearing issue is resolved. So, keep reporting any movements of the Emperor or the noble faction.”

“Understood.”

Having received the order, Henri vanished from sight in an instant, and Luke also left the spot.

5

Three days passed quickly.

During that time, Rudolf had entrusted all state affairs to Count Volter, focusing solely on the illnesses of his princes and princesses.

He spared no expense or effort. If there was a skilled doctor or priest, he brought them in without question, and he used all kinds of medicine.

He even went so far as to issue the following proclamation:

‘Whoever can overcome the illness that has befallen the Imperial Family will be granted the title of Count and land, regardless of their status.’

‘Even if they have committed any crime in the past, even a major crime equivalent to treason, I will forgive them by my authority.’

Despite these efforts, his children’s conditions did not improve.

No, their conditions only worsened as time passed.

Among them, Martel’s condition was the most severe.

Pus flowed from his rashes, and they began to rot, with body parts falling off, starting with his fingers and toes.

This horrific sight broke the heart of not only the Fourth Imperial Consort, who had given birth to Martel, but also the Emperor.

“Y-Your Majesty… please…”

“Cough! Cough! Father, p-please save me!”

“I don’t want to die like this, Your Majesty!”

Rudolf could clearly feel his heart burning as he listened to the pleas of Rian and Bato, following Martel’s.

Unable to bear it any longer, he stormed out of the room where his children were being treated. Then, he summoned the black mages who were secretly being trained in the Imperial Palace.

“Is there no way?”

At Rudolf’s question, Meishin, the head of the black mages, and the others hesitated and lowered their heads.

They had seen countless doctors and priests with great skills lose their heads for speaking carelessly over the past three days.

So, no one dared to speak rashly.

However, if they remained silent, they would be torn apart by the furious Rudolf.

So, Meishin spoke on behalf of them.

“Your Majesty, I cannot give a definite answer as I have not personally examined the princes’ conditions, but this strange disease may be a curse from someone.”

“A curse? Then can it be undone?”

“That is… if it is a curse so subtle that the priests cannot sense it, it must be very powerful. And since black magic fundamentally aims for darkness, chaos, and destruction…”

“Tell me the conclusion! The conclusion!”

Meishin, startled by the Emperor’s anger, answered in a faint voice.

“We are unable to do anything with our abilities.”

“Damn it!”

In fact, there was one solution. It was to turn the princes into undead.

That way, they could escape the pain of the disease, but there was a fatal problem: they would lose their reason and suffer the pain of immortality.

Knowing that speaking of it would be a sure way to lose his head, Meishin did not even mention it.

“Ugh! You are all useless! Get out of my sight right now!”

“W-We are sorry, Your Majesty.”

The black mages hurriedly retreated at the Emperor’s roar.

Rudolf’s anger was not relieved even after he had shouted.

Wanting to shake off even a little of his frustration, he went down to his training ground in the basement of the Imperial Palace and swung his sword like a madman.

“Aaaaaaaah!”

Krrrrrr! Krung!

Even though he had not yet recovered his Sword Emperor status, the fighting spirit that the Emperor emitted shook not only the underground training ground but also the Imperial Palace.

The scarecrows made of rock and steel were shattered into pieces as soon as they touched the gold aura emitted by the Emperor, and the fragments were scattered into dust.

“Hah! Hah!”

After rampaging for a long time, Rudolf barely stopped his sword only after he had devastated the underground training ground.

He had rampaged so much that the famous sword made of Erzen alloy was chipped and cracked.

Rudolf, staring at the worn-out sword with a hollow expression, threw it away and slumped down on the spot.

“Damn it! How can this be! I, the strongest knight on the continent, the Emperor who rules over tens of millions of subjects, can’t do anything!”

In his frustration, Rudolf pounded the ground with his bare fists.

It was the first time he had truly felt the meaning of the word ‘incompetence’.

“Keh. Keh. Keh, so. you’ve. finally. realized. that. the. power. and. skill. you. possess. are. only. that. much.”

“Wh-Who is it?”

The Emperor was startled and picked up his sword at the sudden, strange voice.

Rudolf was the only person in the underground training ground right now.

He had wanted to be alone, so he had forbidden even his escort knights from approaching.

But who on earth had infiltrated without a sound?

“Who are you? Show yourself right now!”

At Rudolf’s shout, a middle-aged mage wearing a gray robe appeared in the air.

His face was covered with large and small wrinkles and scars. His lips were tightly closed, and his jaw was square.

It was definitely a face he had never seen before.

Rudolf pointed his sword at the mage and asked.

“Who are you? What are you doing here, hiding in this place!”

“I’m. disappointed. Have. you. already. forgotten. me?”

“Could it be… Arsen?”

Rudolf’s eyes widened at the middle-aged mage’s question.

Although his face was different, he recognized who he was from the familiar voice.

“Keh. It. seems. you. haven’t. completely. forgotten. me.”

The one who appeared before Rudolf was none other than Arsen.

A mage who had become a lich [an undead creature powered by dark magic] after dabbling in forbidden black magic because of his obsession with the Veritas Magic Tower that he had raised.

Emperor Rudolf watched Arsen, who had appeared after a long time, with wary eyes and drew his aura to his whole body.

‘He’s been quiet for a while, so he must have been changing bodies!’

But that was Rudolf’s misunderstanding.

Arsen had not abandoned his lich body and switched to another mage’s body. He had only temporarily possessed the guardian he had created using Seymon’s body in the past.

“It’s. a. pity. You. haven’t. forgotten. me, and. you. know. who. I. am, yet. you. dared. to. destroy. the. Veritas. Magic. Tower?”

Rudolf flinched involuntarily at Arsen’s chilling voice.

The opponent was a lich, the worst kind of monster who had reached the highest level in both white and black magic.

He knew it well, but Rudolf judged that he was no longer so lacking in skill that he had to show a humble appearance to him. He then raised his voice, gripping his sword again.

“Who are you blaming! Isn’t it all the fault of your foolish disciples?”

Whether it was internal sabotage or someone’s conspiracy, it was the fault of the Veritas Magic Tower for not properly controlling it.

But Arsen’s thoughts were different from Rudolf’s.

“Even. so, didn’t. you, the. Emperor, have. the. power. to. smooth. things. over. and. persuade. public. opinion? It’s. obvious. that. you. wanted. to. take. this. opportunity. to. sever. ties. with. our. troublesome. tower. and. seize. its. assets. Isn’t. that. right?”

“Th-That is…”

“It’s. a. sad. thing. The. relationship. between. me. and. your. family, which. had. lasted. for. so. long, has. broken. down. like. this. Even. if. you. were. going. to. break. up, you. should. have. shown. a. sincere. attitude. Then. innocent. children. wouldn’t. have. suffered.”

Rudolf’s eyes widened at Arsen’s words.

Meishin had said that the strange disease his children had contracted might be someone’s curse.

“Th-That’s your doing?”

“Just. as. you. and. your. bloodline. distrusted. me, I. felt. the. same. So, I. put. a. curse. similar. to. the. one. on. the. descendants. of. the. foolish. hero.”

It was similar in that it was difficult to detect, but in reality, there was a big difference.

The curse of the Lacan family was to hinder the movement of the body in an urgent situation.

Also, once it was placed at birth, it would automatically activate several times when the situation arose.

Think about it.

What if your body’s movements were temporarily stopped while you were in the middle of a battle?

It would definitely be a terrible situation.

In contrast, the curse of the Baroque Imperial Family was a method in which the caster or their agent would activate it later after it had been placed.

The effect of the latter was much stronger than the former.

This was because all kinds of diseases would be attracted at the same time as the curse was activated.

“Keh. Keh. Keh. Shall. I. tell. you. an. even. more. surprising. fact? The. curse. on. your. children. is. also. on. you. It’s. as. easy. as. twisting. a. child’s. wrist. to. kill. you, who. boast. of. being. the. strongest. on. the. continent.”

“Then you should just kill me! Why are you tormenting my innocent children!”

“Because. you. have. to. taste. the. pain. I. tasted.”

Arsen retorted in a cold voice at Rudolf’s protest.

The pain and anger of losing the magic tower that he had cherished like his own children for hundreds of years could not be compared to any other pain.

Even the pain he had experienced when he became a lich felt smaller than this.

So, Arsen wanted Rudolf to experience how bitter that pain was.

“Keh. Keh. Keh. While. you. were. destroying. my. magic. tower, I. couldn’t. do. anything. You. will. be. the. same.”

“Kuaaaak! You hideous monster!”

A clear gold aura burst from the sword Rudolf was holding.

His body, reacting to the intense anger that had turned his eyes, released his fighting spirit.

Kwaaaang!

The gold aura that Rudolf had unleashed collided with the black magic that Arsen, or rather, the guardian he was controlling, had manifested.

A shockwave comparable to the explosion of a Gigant Core engine shook the underground training ground.

However, Rudolf’s furious blow barely damaged the guardian.

“Keh. Keh. Keh. Yes, go. ahead. and. rage. like. that. Because. that’s. all. you. can. do.”

“Ugh! Arsen, you bastard!”

“I’ll. come. back. later. Then. I’ll. watch. your. face. after. you’ve. lost. everything.”

With that sneer, the guardian that Arsen was controlling disappeared like smoke.

Rudolf, who had swung his sword again only to cut through the empty air, let out a cry of frustration and swung his sword like a madman.

“Where are you, Arsen! Come out! Come out, you cursed monster!”

Rudolf’s fierce cry, like thunder, echoed through the underground training ground for a long time.

But Arsen, who had disappeared, did not return.