I Became the Unrivaled Crazy Emperor – Episode 252
I Became the Unrivaled Crazy Emperor 252
Imperial Palace.
Everyone was ecstatic about the imperial army’s continued reports of victory.
They were convinced that the empire would finally emerge from its long dark age and soar forever.
However, unlike the rejoicing citizens, the atmosphere in the imperial palace council was heavy.
“Multiple floating islands are heading west?”
“Yes, the Imperial Navy spotted them during patrol.”
The size of the floating islands is enormous, so they can be seen from a distance. That’s not strange.
The problem was why they were heading west.
“Logically, shouldn’t those floating islands be staging a show of force against us?”
“That’s right. In fact, they should have done so when they were active on the Greenskin front, but…”
“The fact that they didn’t means there’s something important in the western sea.”
But what’s over there?
“According to ancient records, there’s an unknown continent.”
“Could there still be an undiscovered continent?”
Although airships have been created, it’s a very recent development.
With the ocean-faring capabilities of sailing ships, it wouldn’t be strange if there were still undiscovered new continents.
“Strictly speaking, it was already discovered, but it seems the entire continent was isolated by magical measures.”
“Isolated?”
“Yes, it seems they isolated themselves from the outside world.”
Apparently, there were people who found the continent before.
However, for some reason, the entire continent was hidden and inaccessible, and the navigators seemed to have died or returned.
“Whatever’s there, they must be going to conquer it. The Celestials, too.”
The Demon race’s floating island forces are identified as belonging to the Celestials.
The fact that they’re heading towards the new western continent means they intend to conquer it.
“This is troublesome. Whatever’s there, it’s not good for us if they take it over.”
“But there’s no suitable way to stop them. Sending the navy is…”
“Too far. Besides, there aren’t just one or two floating islands, so it’s impossible.”
We are still in the process of building floating islands. It was still too much to face that force.
What or who is there that they’re going for? As I wondered, something suddenly came to mind.
“Dwarves…”
“Yes?”
“No, it’s nothing.”
Dwarves, remembered as a race that went extinct long ago.
But they didn’t go extinct; they migrated far away.
On airships. Only I, who saw beyond the Vision Labyrinth [a magical artifact that allows glimpses into possible futures], knew that fact.
It was those dwarves who created the Throne of Prosperity.
Could those dwarves be on that continent? If so, what state would they be in after thousands of years?
I vaguely hoped that they had developed so powerfully that they could stop the Celestial’s invasion.
But there was no guarantee of that. Even if they had become a truly powerful civilization, the Celestial’s invasion, supported by the Creator God, would not be ordinary.
“It’s difficult to pay attention to that side right now. But we need to organize an expedition from the navy.”
“Organizing an expedition isn’t difficult. The problem is the magical power hiding the continent.”
“Is there a way to break through it?”
“I speculate that we might have a way if we get help from the Abyssals.”
“That’s right, the Abyssals.”
I forgot, but our empire also had allies. It was the Abyssals [a powerful race of sea-dwelling humanoids].
There is no more reliable ally than them when it comes to the sea. If the power hiding the new continent is related to the sea, then borrowing the power of the Abyssals might be the answer.
“Send an envoy to them. We might need their help with the Southern Continent issue as well.”
“If it’s about the Southern Continent, we definitely need the Abyssals’ help. To build an intelligence network there, we have to start based on their connections.”
The Abyssals were also treated as a branch of the Beastmen and once had ties with the Beastmen Kingdom.
Of course, the Abyssals were closer to humans, but they were also friendly with marine races like the Naga.
With the Southern Continent seemingly conquered by the Beast King, their help was essential to spread an intelligence network there.
“I wonder how Ktalion is doing.”
It’s been quite a while since I saw her. The Abyssal side must also be developing while interacting with the empire. I wondered what she would look like.
“Your Majesty, there is something that must take precedence over that.”
“What is it?”
“A formal request for support has come from the north.”
“A request from Duke Hector?”
“No. To be precise, it’s a request from Prince Kyle.”
“Kyle… I should see it as the will of Igrid.”
Kyle is the son of my third wife, Igrid. He is currently blocking the Great Demon Front in the north.
What happened there?
“There are reports that the demons’ offensive has recently intensified.”
“Are they saying it’s difficult to stop it in the north?”
“It’s not that, but they say something is suspicious. And the request for support is a separate matter, but…”
“Exactly why did they request support?”
The increasing offensive against the north is not new. There have been dozens of times when the offensive has been strengthened.
If they requested support despite that, it means there is a special reason.
“Yes, that is… they say a request for support has come from the empire’s ally.”
“The empire’s ally? Where do we have allies in the north?”
“We do… I don’t know if you remember, but when we got the warp gate last time…”
“Ah…”
Could it be those devils from hell?
“Are those guys claiming to be our allies?”
“…It seems they are shameless, but that’s what they seem to be.”
“We only joined hands temporarily back then. Well, they’re devils, so they must be so brazen.”
Is it not the crisis in the north, but the crisis of the devils?
“What are you going to do? Are you going to help them?”
“…As far as I know, hell is supplying energy to the north.”
The north was originally a cold place. But now, artificial energy fuel is being obtained from the purified frost flames from all over the north and hell.
Originally, it was a land where it was difficult to expect grain due to the cold, but now they harvest crops using greenhouses and run factories.
“Yes, I know they are relying on a considerable amount of energy from hell.”
“Then if the hell’s ‘allies’ become uneasy, the north will also be shaken. Do we have a choice? We have no choice but to help.”
It’s not that I’m helping the devils because they’re pretty. It was just an unavoidable thing for our security.
* * *
The center of the north was originally Duke Hector’s territory.
But 10 years later, that place had changed.
“Ice Court of Isborg. I never thought this place would shine again.”
After restoring the ruins of Isborg, Duke Hector boldly re-declared it as the capital of the north.
It was a place that remained a legend for the northerners, so it had symbolic meaning, but in fact, it also had practical purposes.
Even though a considerable part of it had been destroyed after thousands of years, the ruins of Isborg still had magical devices that spread the warmth of frost flames.
If that device was used well, warmth could be spread throughout the north, and moving the capital there was essential for the survival of the north.
“It’s all thanks to the empire’s support, Father. It’s all thanks to His Majesty the Emperor.”
“You don’t have to gild my face like that, son [flatter me excessively].”
“It’s the truth, why are you doing this?”
My third son, Kyle, shrugged his shoulders.
Unlike the first Leon and the second Daphene, Kyle grew up with the rough northern warriors, so he didn’t care much about formalities.
That became an advantage of being a generous personality, but it also became a disadvantage.
But he didn’t care.
“You brat, you’re an adult now, so act more maturely. Like your brothers.”
“Hey, why should I bother doing that? I was born a warrior and I will live as a warrior anyway. Isn’t it enough to leave the troublesome things to my brothers?”
“This guy.”
I wanted to punch him, but I stopped because he wasn’t the type to reflect even if I punched him.
“By the way, where is your mother?”
“She’s waiting in the palace. She was quite looking forward to your arrival, Father…”
“Igrid?”
“…Well, you know? When my mother says she’s looking forward to it, it just means she’s a little more excited than usual.”
“Hmm.”
Igrid’s personality remained the same even after 10 years. No, it’s more like she’s become more like ice.
Although Duke Hector was there, Igrid and Kyle were practically in charge of the north, and she ruled the north with an even more ruthless attitude.
As much as the north, where battles frequently occur, they always live as warriors.
She wouldn’t dress up specially because I was coming. Well, Stella and Sara are the same, but.
“I know there will be a big fight this time. I heard you’re going to hell? I’m definitely going there.”
“You’re treating the expedition like an adventure. Think seriously.”
“…Of course, I’m serious. I will fight for the empire and the north.”
Kyle was good at everything, but he was full of energy. I scolded Kyle and entered the Ice Court.
The scenery of the Ice Court was not much different from 3,000 years ago.
It’s not that it’s old-fashioned, but it was beautiful back then. Rather, it was amazing that the place that was once ruined and broken was completely restored.
“Duke Hector, it’s been a while. And Igrid, it’s been a while for you too.”
“Your Majesty the Emperor, have you arrived?”
“Have you arrived, Your Majesty.”
I met Duke Hector and Igrid there.
Duke Hector was still healthy. He wasn’t that old even 10 years ago.
Originally, he was the same age as my father, and now, after 10 years, he should be considered in his old age.
On the other hand, Igrid… she became incredibly beautiful while I didn’t see her. The rough appearance as a warrior had become like a flower carved from ice.
Contrary to what I thought that she wouldn’t dress up, the ice-colored armor she is wearing now also had considerable aesthetic elements. Igrid wouldn’t have designed it to suit her personality?
“The passionate armorers of the north worked with artists to create it. I think it suits you very well.”
“…It was a waste of useless effort, Father.”
When I asked about it, Duke Hector and Igrid said.
When I said to Igrid, ‘It suits you well?’, Igrid only blushed without saying a word.
“Let’s put the small talk aside and talk about work. A request for support has come from hell, and that’s why you called me.”
“That’s right. This time, it seemed like we couldn’t handle it alone.”
“If it’s about hell, that might be true.”
Even if they could handle it, it was the right decision to call me as the damage would increase.
“Your Majesty, it’s not just that.”
“Hmm? What do you mean?”
“It’s a rumor from hell…”
Duke Hector said with difficulty.
“…It seems the Creator God has ascended as the new Demon King.”
It was unexpected news.