Chapter: 729
First things first, news of the Dark King’s resurrection was to be kept under wraps.
A being that once ruled as the continent’s great evil suddenly reemerging after hundreds of years? Just announcing that would only stir up chaos among the populace.
Of course, if we only controlled the information, we’d be tossing the nearby citizens to the wolves as offerings. So, I instructed a few legions to take on heightened alert under the guise of training. This way, at least, we could manage minimal defenses and evacuations the moment the Dark King stirred.
“I have ordered some of the troops from the Southern Force to be on alert as per your command. The Eastern Force is sure to respond immediately if they move, so if we want it to be quiet, we must block the Dark King from the South,” I reported.
“The Holy Kingdom believes the Dark King’s power is still feeble. The aura felt in the southeastern part of the Empire surely belongs to the Dark King, but it’s a level only the battle priesthood, boasting lofty divine authority, can barely detect with their focused efforts.”
In the emperor’s office, besides me and the emperor, the Grand Marshal of the Empire and the highest-ranking priest of the Dawn Sect, Cardinal Rishiuco, were also present.
It was a gathering of only absolutely necessary personnel for strict information control. It showed just how seriously both the Empire and the Holy Kingdom were taking this situation.
‘Why am I here?’
As I glanced at the three, who were engaged in serious discussion, I couldn’t help but sigh bitterly.
Of course the emperor was present. It’s impossible to hold any matters in the Empire without the emperor’s approval.
The Grand Marshal’s presence was expected too. Apart from some elite forces like the 1st Guard Legion or the Royal Knights, moving the Imperial Army required going through the Grand Marshal.
As for Cardinal Rishiuco? He’s the highest priest in the Empire and can immediately access information sent from the Holy Kingdom. It would be absurd to address this incident without Cardinal Rishiuco.
‘So why am I here?’
But me? I’m supposedly on leave, and considering that I’m the inspector, why am I in this meeting? Should I head out since the Dark King is in the Empire?
I wanted to bolt right then and there, but the tension in the room stopped me. Saying “I’m off now” in front of dukes and the cardinal takes quite a bit of courage.
“That if it’s weak, there is no better opportunity! If the Holy Kingdom has set a deployment date, the Empire should align with it. When will that be?”
“We are still in discussion.”
“Discussion?”
The emperor’s brows furrowed slightly at the cardinal’s words.
That was a rather unexpected statement. The Holy Kingdom knows the Dark King’s ferocity better than the Empire. After all, it was the Holy Kingdom that fought the Dark King 800 years ago, not Kefellofen.
But still, it’s too unfathomable that they would still be “in discussion” during the Dark King’s weakest moment when the subjugation team needs to move swiftly. Especially for the Holy Kingdom to relay this to the cardinal implies that it’s not a discussion that can be wrapped up quickly.
“Yes, Your Majesty. The Holy Kingdom is considering five tolls of the bell.”
‘Oh.’
However, I found it understandable after his next words.
The Holy Kingdom assesses the Dark King’s ferocity highly, thus engaging in discussions. They want to mobilize all of their forces to thoroughly beat down the reappearing Dark King.
‘Five tolls of the bell, huh? That’s no small matter.’
In Enestie, essentially the heart of the Dawn Sect, there lies the St. Togra Cathedral, and at its highest point hangs a gigantic bell. This was a large bell made from melting down a small bell used by the first pope and adding materials blessed by the cardinals.
The ringing of this bell five times signifies something significant.
“Five tolls of the bell will place a heavy burden on His Holiness. Is that alright?”
“It’s for the stability of the continent. His Holiness is prepared for everything.”
As soon as the emperor mentioned the five tolls, his expression soured, showing just how weighty that meant coming from the Holy Kingdom.
‘That’s effectively a declaration of total war and couldn’t be lightweight.’
Back during the religious wars, the Dawn Sect triumphed after beating countless heretics into submission and decided to take a path of mercy and peace. They had crushed chaos with might, so they aimed to rule with morality moving forward.
Consequently, the leadership of the Dawn Sect made five promises before the bell at St. Togra Cathedral:
“Do not consider another’s actions inherently wrong.”
“Do not hastily contradict another’s words.”
“Consider if there was a reason behind another’s wrongdoing.”
“Show mercy and tolerance for another’s misdeeds.”
“Do not carelessly spill blood before the sun.”
The promises, known as the “Melinos Oath,” were named after the legendary saint who significantly contributed to the victory in the religious wars.
Thanks to the Melinos Oath, the formerly warlike Dawn Sect is now seen as a peaceful and gentle faction. Of course, they have no mercy for those heretics and cults that provoke them, but they’ve become somewhat a gracious and mild group overall.
Nevertheless, an oath made by mortals, not by divine command, can be retracted by mortals as well. Ringing the bell at St. Togra Cathedral is like a declaration to retract that oath.
When the bell tolls once, it conveys distaste for another’s actions.
When it tolls twice, it shows disdain for another’s words.
Three times, it exhibits anger at another’s evil deeds.
Four times, it withholds mercy for another’s wrongdoing.
Finally, five times, it declares that those damned bastards will be torn apart and offered as blood and corpses before the sun.
The ringing of the bell signifies naming the enemy that the Dawn Sect must slay, declaring total war until that enemy is dead. That’s the meaning behind the five tolls.
‘Following the council, we now have five tolls of the bell.’
It’s only natural for the emperor to worry about the pope. If such a major event occurs twice during a pope’s reign, it’s inevitable that voices of fatigue will rise within the sect.
If that happens, the pope’s future actions could become extremely limited, to the point where he might step down. Neither option brings about a very positive outcome.
“The discussion is merely about coordinating the timing of the bell tolls and the declaration. The tolling itself is practically confirmed.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. And as soon as the bell tolls, the knight and priest orders across the continent will move in unison to subdue the Dark King.”
With those words, the expressions of both the emperor and the Grand Marshal became complicated.
The fact that the Holy Kingdom is sincere is good news, but the idea of the furious knight and priest orders charging across the borders isn’t exactly uplifting.
But what can we do about it? Preventing the sect’s total war would be like showcasing “Please let me get hit too.” Moreover, if the Holy Kingdom doesn’t intervene in the Dark King’s subjugation, the Empire has to handle it alone.
“I am only ever grateful for the Holy Kingdom’s dedication and sacrifices. May Enen’s blessings accompany your decision, Your Majesty.”
Perhaps sensing my concern, the emperor quickly composed himself and left a ceremonial remark.
Four days later, the bells at St. Togra Cathedral tolled five times.
It was the first toll after the Dark King subjugation war 800 years ago for military reasons, and for political reasons, the first since the whole leadership of Apels got excommunicated 300 years ago.
“The Lord desires it! We shall offer the blood of evil to Him!”
“The great ancestors have granted us peace! We must protect it!”
“Slice the neck of the evil! Scatter the limbs across the continent! There shall be no place on this continent where the sun does not shine, and none who can endure the sun’s flames!”
Thanks to the bell, which hadn’t rung in hundreds of years, the sect’s members across the continent snapped into fanaticism.
There were plenty of knights and battle priests in this sect, making it easily noticeable. It was almost miraculous to see well-mannered nobles, who were usually quiet and engaged in charitable works, suddenly turn into raving lunatics overnight. Who knew a single toll could change the world so drastically?
“Minister, I have a story that will make you laugh just hearing it. Want to hear it?”
“I’m all ears, Your Majesty.”
“I’ve only been on the throne for not even five years.”
“……”
“And yet, during my reign, it feels like I’ve faced every kind of madness.”
“……”
It was an earnest lament that left me speechless.
“Minister.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Do you think there will be another emperor in history who suffers as much as I do?”
“Considering Your Majesty’s handling of all these obstacles and tribulations, those who succeed you will lead prosperous reigns.”
While that was a roundabout way to say things, I couldn’t deny that the emperor was going through hell.
No matter how much someone else’s suffering seems lighter than your own, it’s undeniably gruesome for a ruler to have such events pile up before he’s even reached his fifth anniversary on the throne.
Hang in there, you poor rascal. They say iron must be hammered to become strong. If you can survive this ordeal, you’ll become a strong emperor—
“Oh, speaking of that, the Holy Kingdom asked whether your participation as a minister would be possible. If the Blessed, who is the mightiest sword on the continent, stands up for us, it couldn’t get any better.”
‘You bastard.’
In that moment, my mouth almost twitched, but I managed to hold it back.
It’s a completely understandable inquiry. The Holy Kingdom would want to mobilize everything they could to erase the nightmares of the past, and the emperor is simply relaying the Holy Kingdom’s request to me.
Besides, the Dark King has resurfaced in the Empire’s territory. If the Holy Kingdom’s subjugation force crumbles, the Empire’s going to be the one losing out.
“I can’t possibly step back from a holy war for the Empire and continent. I’ll prove that even a Dark King is but a mere insect before the Empire’s name.”
“Thank you, Minister. With your help, it feels like whatever trials come will be bearable.”
I could only force a wry smile at the emperor’s half-hearted comfort.
To be honest, being called into a military expedition during vacation is a terrible thing, but if the Dark King’s subjugation fails, my family could end up in his line of fire. It’s vital to strike hard while he’s at his weakest to prevent such disasters from happening.
‘Damn it.’
Once I meet that Dark King, I’m going to take him down without hesitation.
I’ll ask the Holy Kingdom’s subjugation team for maximum buffs, and with that boost, I’ll carve the Dark King down to size.
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