The Shadowed Legacy of the Soulless Messenger [EN]: Chapter 471

As the season fully transitioned into winter, a harsh cold swept across the world. Last year’s winter was incredibly severe, but this winter was so dreadful that it made the previous one seem mild in comparison. The northern gales were so fierce that blood would freeze in an instant, forcing all coastal ships to dock, and the sea itself was freezing so hard that ships were being crushed. Even in the kingdom of Asander, which benefited from geothermal heat, people were freezing to death in droves, so it was needless to say how bad it was elsewhere. Azadin’s army, which had been logging in Seocheong to build ships for the invasion of Asander, had to completely halt their operations. The expeditionary force, Azadin’s army, was trapped by the cold, stuck in Seocheong and Changgok Pass, leaving them no choice but to endure the winter by looting scarce supplies. This led the Northern Empire to believe in their victory. But then, a report came in from the agents of the Northern Aragasa [a nomadic tribe known for their fierce warriors]. It was news that King Azadin had infiltrated Asander with only a small number of guards. “So, you’re saying King Azadin has entered Asander?” “Yes.” “Why on earth would he do that?” The Northern Emperor questioned this. He understood that the cold would keep them stuck in the city, so he would want to do something. However, the underground passage in Asander could never transport a large army. At most, only a few guards could pass through such a narrow and treacherous path, so why would the king himself enter? If he had sent a spy, it would have made sense, but the king coming himself could only be described as a new form of suicide. “They say he came to persuade us.” “Persuade? Is he out of his mind? What is he going to use to persuade us?” “Well, he probably thinks that fighting is pointless, so we should all join forces to overcome Pimbulbert [a likely reference to a powerful enemy or threat]. Something like that. But he apparently picked a lot of fights with the elves.” “Fights? What kind of fights?” “He accused the elves of corrupting King Sebal, treating them like criminals. And he also said that the Nether cultists who burned down the food storage were also moved by the elves. He threatened them to either die by his hand or cooperate, depending on the elves’ sins.” “So, what did the elves do?” The Northern Emperor, tired of Azadin’s absurd behavior, asked. “They practically admitted it. They didn’t say it directly, but they essentially acknowledged it, you know?” “Practically? Those elves admitted it? He must have really pushed them hard. But that’s good. Let’s seize this opportunity to capture that Azadin. Immediately gather all the Asander capital defense forces!” “Yes, I understand. But still, he is a king, so what should we say is the reason for capturing him?” “He is a member of the King’s Church [a religious organization, likely with political influence]. That’s reason enough to capture him. Of course, we might be called cowardly, but rather than being reckless and missing a big catch, let’s capture him now and end this long war…” However, before he could finish his sentence, a loud crash echoed, and royal guards in armor flew into Cohen’s office. “Excuse me. Have you had dinner, Cohen Lionheart?” And the one who had sent the royal guards flying walked in. His forces had already subdued the royal guards and made their way here. “Who are you?” The Northern Emperor asked, knowing who the other person was. Black hair, Harkonian eyes [a distinctive eye color, possibly indicating a specific ethnicity or lineage], a young and handsome youth—it was obvious who he was. “The Emperor’s proxy, the King of Banreung, the guardian of Arangi, the acting King of Chitai, and the chieftain of Aragasa, Azadin.” “The chieftain of Aragasa?” Cohen Lionheart turned his gaze to the side. The three from the Northern Aragasa were avoiding his gaze next to Azadin. The Aragasa agent who had been reporting to him nodded. “Actually, there was one thing I forgot to report… King Azadin crossed the border two weeks ago.” “Two weeks ago…” To travel from Changgok Pass to Asendar, the capital of Asander, in just two weeks was a speed only possible for messengers who constantly changed horses and galloped. This meant that Azadin’s group had infiltrated the royal palace quickly without any resistance, or rather, with everyone’s cooperation. The fact that no report had come up until now meant that the Aragasa had betrayed him. Cohen Lionheart never thought he would feel betrayed. He had always made others betray their previous masters and come to him, but he had never had his loyal followers taken away from him. Of course, he knew that the elves were plotting something, but he never imagined that the Northern Aragasa would betray him. He had never even considered it. “You guys…” “Uh, well…” “We lost.” “What…?” Cohen Lionheart understood what had happened just from that. So, Azadin had defeated the three from the Northern Aragasa, gathered them, and then directly attacked the Northern Emperor’s residence. The entire Northern Aragasa had turned to Azadin’s side. Judging by their appearance, the elves had also joined him. “You fools. Are you out of your minds? There’s a limit to how uncivilized you can be. Deciding who manages a nation or a tribe through a duel?” “Actually, hasn’t he already proven his qualifications? He already manages all the southern kingdoms, so he should be able to manage our tribe well.” The Aragasa answered, but they also turned their heads, ashamed. What they said was true, but they had changed their master in one go, and the reason for the change was ridiculous. They had challenged King Azadin, been soundly defeated, and then betrayed their master, so they couldn’t say they weren’t ashamed. “Then, shall we have a serious conversation? Cohen. But before that…” “Don’t be ridiculous. I admit you won. But nothing more than that…” “I understand, so move aside.” “What?” “Move aside from the throne.” Cohen was shocked at that moment. Although he had not been a king from the beginning, he had reigned as king for a long time. Even when he was a holy knight who had been pushed out of the line of succession and had not been able to take the throne, no one had ever dared to treat him like this. But now, he was being told to move aside from the path to the throne? “Don’t be ridiculous! I am the one called the Northern Emperor. If you want to get me out of here, you’ll have to kill me…” “That’s enough. I can’t listen to any more of that.” At that moment, Azadin shot an arrow at the Northern Emperor. Not only Azadin but all the Northern Aragasa shot arrows at once, all aimed at him on the throne. If he abandoned the throne and fled, he could avoid the arrows, but if he stood in front of the throne, he would be hit by the arrows. The flustered Northern Emperor hesitated for a moment and then dodged the arrows. It had all happened so quickly that the Northern Emperor clicked his tongue in regret after dodging. “See? How embarrassing would it have been if you had said out loud that you could only move aside if you were killed? It’s a good thing you moved aside before that, right?” “Ugh!” As the Northern Emperor trembled with rage, Azadin casually stepped into his space. He was within striking distance if he drew his sword, no, he was even closer, and he put his hand on the Northern Emperor’s shoulder as if comforting a friend, and then passed by him. “……” The Northern Emperor was frozen, unable to move, and had to watch Azadin pass him. Everything was so sudden and unexpected that the Northern Emperor couldn’t come to his senses. In the meantime, Azadin sat on the throne of Asander. The quartz throne of Asander pulsed. The pulse of power felt as if the throne was awakening from a long slumber. “Ohh.” “…As expected.” The Northern Aragasa who had come with Azadin, and Azadin’s vassals, watched the scene as if it were natural. “Now then, Cohen Lionheart?” “Kill me.” “Why should I do that?” “Are you going to keep me alive as a trophy of your victory? Don’t be ridiculous. I would rather die than become your toy.” “Haa. Why is your thinking so low? I really want to kill you if I could.” “What?” Cohen was startled by Azadin’s sarcastic words. Wasn’t he saying that he wanted to kill him but couldn’t? What did that mean? Just a moment ago, he had been prepared to die cleanly rather than tarnish his honor, but now curiosity was raising its head. This curiosity, his mind and body should have been dulled after enjoying all the wealth and pleasure in the world, yet this emotion of curiosity was still leading him by the nose. Even if he was going to die, he wanted to hear what this guy was talking about before he died. “Listen carefully. I’m not threatening you, I’m asking you. Cohen Lionheart. If I could, I would kill you and just put one of your obedient children in your place, but I can’t, so I’m trying to persuade you, so don’t think at your level.” “……” Looking at what he was saying, it seemed like he needed Cohen’s help, but looking at his attitude, it was a threat, not persuasion. “Truly, I need your help.” “My help? What are you talking about?” “So… ugh.” Azadin covered his mouth with his hand and then coughed up blood. “………” “Your Majesty!?” Azadin’s vassals were flustered and tried to approach him. But Azadin waved his hand, preventing them from approaching, and leaned back on the throne. “Hoo. I’m fine. For now.” “But…” “I know my body well. I’m fine for now. It won’t be fine in the end, but at least I can manage this much of the throne with my abilities.” ‘Huh? This guy…’ Cohen Lionheart was flustered as he watched the story suddenly unfold in an unexpected direction. Looking at Azadin coughing up blood in front of him and the atmosphere of his vassals, it seemed like… ‘Is this guy dying of a disease?’ “Cohen Lionheart.” Then Azadin spoke. “I want to protect people.” “……” If Azadin had said these words before this, in a meeting with a diplomatic envoy in a place like Changgok Pass, he would not have even listened to them. Who couldn’t say nice things with their mouth? But now, when he clearly had the Northern Emperor’s life in his hands, these words were persuasive. This guy… he’s really doing this to save people. A somber thought came to mind. “This winter will be incomparable to last year. In this north, the air will freeze and liquid rain will fall later… When that happens, any human-made cold protection facility will be useless. No matter how much you light a bonfire, it won’t be enough. When the cold starts to freeze even the flames, everyone will die except for the underground city of Asander.” “Then…” “We must subdue the mushroom colonies located in the Asander underground and the Nether god behind them, secure the underground city, and evacuate the people of the north.” Even if they only evacuated the people of Asander, it was a huge project that he couldn’t be sure they could complete in time. But Azadin was saying that they should save all the people in the northern region, including Karasar, Tarasar, and Chitai, not just Asander. He couldn’t kill Cohen and set up another puppet king to do this. Because then Tarasar and Karasar wouldn’t trust Azadin and would resist until the end. ‘This madman. Did he really come to persuade me?’ Cohen was horrified when he realized that Azadin had risked his life to truly persuade him.