Chapter: 375
The soldiers heading to the capital were surprisingly light-hearted. After all, they weren’t trudging off to a battlefield where death was a looming specter; they were returning to a place that would celebrate them with cheers.
Of course, even though the losses were relatively minor and they had achieved an overwhelming victory, war is still war. There were soldiers who wore somber expressions due to unwanted farewells with comrades, and some whose silent rest had them laid out on carts. Sadly, not everyone can be happy after a war.
Knowing this unshakeable shadow, the commanders did their best to make things easier for the soldiers. They took their time marching and even shared drinks strong enough to wet their throats. Since they couldn’t resurrect the dead, treating the living comfortably was the best option.
‘Glad it’s quiet.’
And it was the desperate efforts of the commanders that ensured no chaos erupted among the mixed ranks of locals and nomads. Just as there were nomads who burned with life believing they couldn’t coexist with the Empire, there were also plenty of locals who looked down on the nomads, especially those from the North who had suffered at their hands—like the soldiers stationed at the northern borders who felt it was their duty to guard against nomadic raids.
Seeing a calm movement despite the gathering of those who had a hair-trigger response to nomads suggested that maybe they had let out all their hidden resentment during the war. Or perhaps it was the rational thought that brawling with the surrendering nomads would be unwise.
‘Either way, I don’t mind.’
Honestly, as long as they aren’t fighting, any reason will do. It might sound a bit irresponsible, but isn’t the result more important than the method?
“It’s my first time stepping into the Empire, but seeing prosperity like this in a mere province shows how magnificent His Majesty’s rule is,” remarked one soldier.
Thanks to that, the locals and northern nobles engaged in conversation without drawing much attention, much to their delight.
“Now that His Majesty’s governance reaches the North, it won’t be long before this prosperity blesses the region,” said another soldier, beaming with expectation.
“Just thinking about it makes my heart thump,” said Barandi with a grin.
Considering how vast and desolate the North is, it’s unlikely Barandi will witness such prosperity in his lifetime, but at least his descendants will enjoy it as high-ranking nobles of the Empire. It’s all for the long-term investment in future generations, right?
“Gurt Marquis is the only marquis in the North, so he will bear a lot of responsibility for its development.”
“Given the support we’ve received, it’s only right. I won’t spare my efforts for His Majesty and the Empire,” replied the marquis.
While exchanging such mundane pleasantries, Barandi scrutinized the marquis’s demeanor, having a particular reason for bringing up the usual small talk again.
‘Time to discuss that holy item soon.’
After the war, Barandi, as the priest, had verbally agreed to pass on the holy item to the marquis. Barandi figured that if the priest held the holy item, it would increase faith and subsequently boost the strength of the Eternal Blue Sky for a quicker resurrection of the World Tree.
However, the priest (with no faith) showed no signs of change upon seeing the holy item. No, to be precise, he was unaware that it was a holy item at all. In this situation, handing it over wouldn’t be of any help for reviving the World Tree. He could just offer the holy item to the World Tree instead.
– Right. That might be better. I bet it would.
The pressure of the Eternal Blue Sky within my mind protested vehemently against any transfer.
But what the heck should I say? Even if it were a verbal agreement, it would be incredibly awkward for a messenger to retract a promise like that. Plus, asking the priest, “Can I take your holy item?” would be downright embarrassing.
Of course, even if Barandi the marquis were to pull back, he wouldn’t just abandon the Empire because of a little issue like this. However, if feelings got hurt over trivial matters, that could get problematic. Cumulative negative impressions can lead to all kinds of trouble.
‘Maybe I’ll just give it to him—’
– No way! Please don’t do that!
As desperate, tear-filled cries echoed in my head, I rubbed the back of my neck. If I ignored this plea, it would surely cry and wreak havoc while I was asleep. I have no doubt about it.
‘No choice, huh.’
After much contemplation, I decided to postpone the situation for now. If I couldn’t pass it on to the marquis, and I couldn’t claim full ownership, then I proposed we keep it on a loan basis. For now, that’s the only answer.
“By the way, Marquis, I have something to discuss regarding the holy item.”
“The holy item?”
Upon hearing that, Barandi blinked a few times before finally nodding.
What? Could this guy actually have forgotten about the holy item itself?
– Bastard…
Unfortunately, it seemed I wasn’t the only one thinking that; I could feel the resentment of the Eternal Blue Sky reverberating in my head.
“Speaking of which, I also have something to tell the Count regarding the holy item.”
“Oh, yes. Please go ahead.”
Yielding the speaking rights due to serendipity, Barandi continued in a deadpan manner.
“I claim no ownership over the holy item.”
“Excuse me?”
What the heck is this guy talking about?
“The fact that the holy item resides in your possession must be according to the will of the divine. A mere priest cannot defy the divine will, right? Besides, what’s important is that the holy item exists in this world, not who owns it.”
From the outside, it seemed like a statement from a selfless and benevolent priest, leaving me no choice but to nod along blankly. Is he giving it up lightly because he’s unaware this is the true holy item?
‘…Crap.’
That’s entirely possible. If it really is a holy item, as a priest, he shouldn’t so easily concede it, but if he merely views it as an ordinary sword, then he wouldn’t have any interest. In fact, he’d probably want to distance himself from anything that seems to snatch my item away.
I felt foolish for pondering over how to retract my promise.
We reached the capital. The expeditionary forces that had sworn to conquer the North returned triumphantly to their home.
As we passed through the gates of the capital with dignity, petals rained down onto the streets leading to the square. Citizens lining both sides sprouted out like flowers, cheering excitedly as they leaned out of their windows.
“Long live His Majesty! Long live the Empire!”
“Glory to the Empire!”
“Great Emperor, bless the Empire!”
And the roars praising the Emperor and the Empire resounded. A chorus dedicated to the Emperor who had achieved monumental feats, echoing the victorious history reclaimed by the Empire. All of this was about to be blessed by the Great Emperor himself.
Every time that thunderous praise erupted, pride was etched into the expressions of the expeditionary troops. After all, they were the ones who carried out the Emperor’s will and achieved victory. They had contributed to making today’s Emperor into the great leader he is.
The citizens, who were shouting “Long live!” with all their might, grew even louder when they spotted the procession of nomads. Perhaps thanks to the imperial courtiers who had been sent to rally cheers, but this formation was just evidence that the Empire’s mandate was firmly established.
‘Oh.’
Before long, the royal insignia appeared in the sky. It seemed the mages were working their magic behind the scenes.
As we reveled in the grand welcome and headed toward the square, I spotted the Emperor standing there, flanked by kneeling citizens and the Imperial Knights. Behind him stood the Crown Prince and Crown Princess; with Ainter absent at the academy, all royal family members had gathered.
That’s unexpected. The Emperor came out first to greet the retainers?
‘Truly splendid.’
Usually, the victory ceremony proceeds through the square, reaching the front of the imperial palace where the person in charge reports the victory to the Emperor. This is a tradition not just unique to the empire but a general one across the continent, so it seems the Emperor’s satisfaction must be exceptionally high to break from that tradition.
Well, it’s understandable; considering the long-standing conflict between the settlers and nomads culminated in this war, breaking one little custom isn’t going to hurt anyone.
“I stand before His Majesty!”
Regardless, the Grand Marshal, who was leading the greeting, quickly dismounted and bowed his head.
“”Long live His Majesty!””
Finally, the expeditionary troops promptly bowed as well. To raise one’s head in the presence of the Emperor directly honoring their merits would be as treacherous as betraying the kingdom.
“Rise.”
In a situation where the Emperor was evidently pleased, there wouldn’t be any fool eager enough to ask for disgrace.
The Emperor lauded the outstanding command of the Grand Marshal, the bravery of the nobles and soldiers under him, and the loyal chieftains who willingly surrendered to the Empire.
And this was no empty flattery. He assured that every participant in this expedition, especially those who tragically lost their lives or had to retire, would be given proper rewards. The praise bestowed during this glorious victory ceremony would not be trivial; morale among the expeditionary forces soared.
Although raising morale after the war has concluded may seem a bit pointless, it’s certainly better than brushing everything under the rug, leading to an outburst of the Empire’s bonus army.
“I have boasted that I serve the heavens, yet I was a foolish one, wandering without knowing the will of the heavens. Finally, the humble shepherds of the border offer the title of Khan to the esteemed one who upholds the will of the heavens; I ask that you graciously receive them!”
The subsequent investiture of the title holders as Khans drew awe and admiration from the watching citizens.
Those in the know might see it as a scripted act; however, to the oblivious citizens, it would appear as though the nomads had bent their knees before the Emperor’s might. It may be an illusion, but I could feel a profound smile peeking from the Emperor’s neutral expression.
“I once thought of nomads as barbarous creatures who know neither manners nor righteousness, but having seen you all, I now realize that was a misunderstanding. With such wisdom and spirit among you, how could I consider the nomads barbarous? It is merely unfortunate that a few vicious and foolish individuals are parading as representatives of the nomads.”
“Your Majesty, you overpraise me.”
“Yours is a noble will, and thus I am the Emperor of Kefellofen, and as Khan of the North, I shall embrace you fellows and your kin, for it shows that I love both the Empire and its citizens.”
With that declaration, the Emperor personally appointed the title holders as noble lords. Since it was carried out without any deviations from my final proposal, the faces of the appointees were brimming with joy.
Thank goodness. It would have been troublesome if the Emperor had said, “Why are there so many?” and rearranged everything.
“…The disputes between the Empire and the North were long and tedious. Just five years ago, rebel factions rose against the Empire’s will, so today, I am pleased to see just order finally established in the North.”
Once the investiture was complete, the Emperor seemed ready to wrap up the ceremony and opened his mouth.
“However, this order was not established overnight. The countless sacrifices and dedication that preceded have brought about today’s peace.”
At his words, the previously buoyant atmosphere in the square gradually began to calm. It was a well-known fact that the Emperor always concludes his speeches by recalling past sacrifices, encouraging everyone not to forget and to instead move toward the future—
“Alas, I find myself unable to lift my head as one standing on the shoulders of those heroes who have fallen. The North has been embraced by the Empire largely due to those heroes’ contributions. No longer can I drown in shame and turn a blind eye to reality, for I shall now give necessary rewards to them.”
At that declaration, the Emperor reached out a hand, and the Crown Prince, standing behind him, carefully handed over a scroll.
“There once was a rogue who defied the will of heaven and collected proud fools to oppose the Empire.”
As the Emperor unfolded the scroll, he began delivering his speech in his usual calm voice.
“However, as destiny remains with the Empire, the rogue has fallen, and righteousness has triumphed. There are heroes who vanquished that rogue, and I shall recognize them as the heroes of Livnoman.”
But my expression couldn’t maintain its calm.
“I appoint Gerard, the Team Leader of the 4th Division of the Inspectorate, as Count of Bartna. I appoint Oliver, the Team Leader of the 4th Division of the Inspectorate, as Count of Krobiem. I appoint Drake, the Team Leader of the 4th Division of the Inspectorate, as Count of Schiller. I appoint Walter, the Team Leader of the 4th Division of the Inspectorate, as Count of Prenaz. I appoint Idrid, the Team Leader of the 4th Division of the Inspectorate, as Count of Reden.”
At that moment, I couldn’t comprehend what the Emperor was saying.
“And finally, I appoint Hecate, the Team Leader of the 4th Division of the Inspectorate, as Count of Laride. These six titles are purely nominal, yet they will be called Counts of Livnoman.”
Counts of Livnoman. This title, which bears the royal family’s name, is essentially the utmost honor the empire can grant an individual.
You all have sustained the royal family, thus signifying that you are nobles whom the royal family will embrace for eternity.
“Now, I finally give proper recompense to those heroes who sacrificed everything for the Empire, and I ask that you remember these heroes in place of this foolish Emperor.”
In an instant, the Emperor set off a bombshell and turned away as if nothing had happened, heading toward the palace escorted by the Crown Prince, Crown Princess, and the Imperial Knights.
Even after witnessing that, I couldn’t find my voice. It felt oddly as if my brain had blanked out.
“Long live His Majesty!”
Then, the chants of “Long live!” erupted from the forefront.
It was the Grand Marshal.
“Long live His Majesty! Long live Livnoman!”
The cries of celebration began to spread quickly, as if by prior agreement, accelerating outward.
“Long live Livnoman! Long live the six heroes!”
“Heroes, protect the Empire!”
Quickly, quickly they surged forth.
‘Ha.’
A hollow laugh escaped. My eyes felt strangely warm.
“Long live His Majesty! Long live Livnoman!”
But before I knew it, my mouth had started chanting in celebration.
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