Chapter: 97
The relationship between the Empire and the Holy Kingdom is nearly amicable. To be precise, it’s the Dawn Sect that holds a favorable view towards the Livnoman Imperial Family, but since both the Imperial Family and the Sect rule their respective countries, it’s pretty much the same thing.
The catalyst for this friendship is straightforward. The founding Emperor Amanca abandoned the previous imperial calendar and instead adopted the Sacred Calendar based on the year the Dawn Sect was established. From the Dawn Sect’s perspective, the Livnoman royal family probably looks adorable.
Admittedly, the previous imperial calendar was quite a mess. With every change of the Empire, the imperial year resets, so a year that was Imperial Year 150 yesterday can suddenly transform into 400 B.C.—ta-da! The continent has had to endure that nonsense twice.
“The entire continent follows Enen’s teachings, so how can human history serve as a standard?”
However, rather than introducing a fourth imperial calendar, Emperor Amanca declared the adoption of the Sacred Calendar, which led to a meteoric rise in the already inflated status of the Dawn Sect—boing!
It’s no wonder that while a new king’s coronation sees a cardinal attending, the emperor’s coronation still warrants the Pope to show up and deliver a speech! But honestly, considering how many donations they receive, it’s not all that surprising.
Anyway, the Livnoman Imperial Family, and by extension, the Empire, maintains a friendly relationship with the Dawn Sect. And naturally, when you’re chummy with someone, you’re bound to have a falling out with someone else.
“They revealed their true colors to the Empire three years ago.”
Seeing the Minister of Intelligence openly express his rage and disdain for the Twilight Cult made me nod absentmindedly. Yep, those bastards had pulled a stunt on the Empire three years back too.
Being friendly with the Dawn Sect inevitably leads to hostility with the Twilight Cult. For the Twilight Cult, which seeks to oust the Dawn Sect and become the top religion, the Empire might as well be an enemy.
So, three years ago, when the Empire’s focus was on the North, the Twilight Cult infiltrated the Capital and assassinated the cardinal overseeing the Empire. With one blow, they managed to screw over both the Empire and the Holy Kingdom—wow!
“I suppose they believe they can pull it off again now that they succeeded once.”
“How utterly detestable.”
At my words, the Minister of Intelligence wore an even more distorted expression.
Honestly, I felt the same way. If they had attempted an assassination while Tannian was at the Academy, I could at least grasp the reasoning behind it, but targeting the very heart of the Empire? Whew!
This reflects just how little they regard us. If these heretics found the Empire weak enough to toy with, I can’t take it lying down!
‘I refuse to be a fool for those idiots!’
For the sake of my honor and dignity, those morons who mock the Empire must be sent straight to hell. I’ll cleanse them with fire—whoosh!
“I plan to inform the Ministry of War soon. I assume they’ll be just as furious at the Twilight Cult.”
Leaving behind the Minister of Intelligence, who seems to be pondering “29 ways to obliterate the Twilight Cult,” the Minister of Foreign Affairs chimed in. Right, the Ministry of War has serious grudges against the Twilight Cult.
Thanks to the incident three years ago, the Ministry of War took a serious hit from the Emperor’s wrath. They were already on thin ice due to the North’s situation, and then the Capital got breached! If the palace were to get attacked, well, it wouldn’t end well for anyone.
The 1st Imperial Guard Division took the brunt of the anger. The Commander, who was on the verge of promotion, got demoted, and not long after, he was forcibly retired—oops! Talk about a fall from grace!
The retired commander, fueled by hatred for the Twilight Cult, began a second life as a holy knight of the Dawn Sect, solely focused on hunting down and exterminating the Twilight Cult. Talk about a tragic turn of events.
So, mentioning the Twilight Cult to the War Department would spark some pretty intense trauma, making them rush into action. At least we wouldn’t be short on manpower.
“We need to set up an ambush quickly.”
“Indeed. We absolutely cannot allow a battle to break out in the Capital!”
True! If something escalated to more than just a simple assassination in the Capital, several officials wouldn’t just get demoted; it would be the kind of chaos that would cost us our heads—yikes!
And with the Emperor in a particularly foul mood lately? Things just could not get any worse! He’s sure to be on high alert due to the ominous happenings in the North, and if we mention something like, “Those guys from three years ago are back,” we’d be signing our death certificates without a trial!
‘Those damn bastards!’
The more I thought about it, the angrier I became. Those annoying pests had been quiet while Tannian was in the Holy Kingdom, and they hadn’t made a peep while he stayed at the Academy. But now they choose to strike when he’s at the Capital? Ugh!
Sure, the Twilight Cult scored a hit with an assassination in the Capital, whereas they achieved little in the Holy Kingdom. But that was mainly due to the absence of the Duke Mage, a key figure in the Capital’s defense, and the fact that the Empire was too busy with the Northern campaign! Normally, they wouldn’t have dared to even approach the Capital.
So, it’s time to show them we’re not easy prey. That’s our duty as civil servants of the Empire!
“I have a favor to ask from the Executive Manager of the Prosecutor’s Office.”
While I was simmering with a sense of responsibility, the Minister of Foreign Affairs revealed the reason for summoning me.
“I’d like the Prosecutor’s Executive Manager and the Masked Unit to join in ambushing the Twilight Cult.”
Since I expected this request, I nodded casually. As long as Tannian is in the pastry club, I have a solid reason to step in for him.
“And I would appreciate it if the Prosecutor’s Executive Manager could also request assistance from the Mage Duchess.”
“Huh?”
Now that was unexpected!
After assuring me they would discuss the specifics with the Ministry of War and get back to me, they escorted me to the Magic Tower. Sure, they called it an escort, but it felt more like a dismissal.
With a fake smile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs wished me well, but the moment the Mage Duchess was mentioned, even the grim-faced Minister of Intelligence hurriedly pushed me toward the Magic Tower. Argh, they were definitely listening in!
‘How irritating!’
Visiting the Mage Duchess first felt a bit awkward, but it wasn’t impossible. However, raising the topic of the Twilight Cult in front of her? Now that’s a whole different level of uncomfortable.
“Baby, did I just mishear that?”
See? She’s so passionate about it!
When I first entered the Mage Duchess’s office, she welcomed me warmly, saying she was glad to see me. Thanks to that, we could manage a pleasant conversation—right up until I mentioned the Twilight Cult.
“I apologize, Your Grace, but you heard correctly.”
Bowing my head to avoid the piercing gaze of the furious Mage Duchess, I thought to myself, “I’m innocent; I’m merely the messenger here!”
Fortunately, it seemed that she recognized my innocence, as her sharp glare softened with a quiet sigh.
“It’s fine; lift your head.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
As I raised my head, I noticed the Mage Duchess, eyes closed and deep in thought. She was tapping her fingers on the desk, maintaining a tense silence that felt like the calm before the storm. I wished she would just say something!
“It’s been three years.”
Finally breaking the silence, the Mage Duchess spoke softly. Her quiet voice sent chills down my spine—oh boy!
‘Those bastards!’
It was shocking how many enemies they’ve made with just one action. Their efficacy was undeniably impressive.
“Lucky b*stards, don’t they realize it was just luck the last time?”
“Aren’t they simply blind and foolish fanatics? It’s natural for them to act without understanding their own limitations.”
Upon hearing my words, the Mage Duchess nodded. After all, she knows better than anyone just how insane the Twilight Cult members are.
The Twilight Cult had its height around 90 years ago, a time when the Mage Duchess was in her prime…
“Baby.”
“Oh, yes?”
Her ice-cold voice startled me; for a split second, I thought she had read my mind!
“At that time, I was away and couldn’t deal with them.”
“Yes, I understand.”
On the day of the bishop’s death when he returned to Enen’s side, the Mage Duchess had been away gathering reinforcements to send toward the North.
While the Mage Duchess—a key figure in the Capital’s defense—was absent, tragedy struck. One could argue that she holds some responsibility, but since she was away for the war and not for personal matters, she actually received comfort from the Emperor instead.
“Now, after enduring all that, they dare target the Capital just because I’m here.”
Even though the Emperor acknowledged the Mage Duchess’s innocence, she couldn’t escape the humiliation and disgrace. But as a noblewoman of the Empire, she couldn’t just run away. That’s why she had been gritting her teeth this whole time.
“Fools are actually coming to me to be executed.”
Those whom she yearned to catch and kill are finally walking into her grasp.
The Mage Duchess willingly decided to swing into action against the Twilight Cult. Judging by her reaction, it was clear that if we had defeated the Twilight Cult without consulting her, she would have been livid!
I mean, if I found out that the very individuals I longed to eradicate had been wiped out without my knowledge, I’d be feeling a mix of rage and emptiness too!
In any case, what a relief! With the Ministry of Intelligence, the Ministry of War, and even the Mage Duchess involved, the situation seems to have reached its conclusion already! Just what kind of guts do these idiots have to charge toward the Capital?
‘I simply cannot understand them.’
I’ve never been able to comprehend fanatics, but today I couldn’t grasp them at all.
No, it’s not just the fanatics; understanding anyone deeply devoted to their religion as a whole seems like a tough nut to crack!
“Is there a decent forest around the Capital?”
“Forest?”
As soon as I returned to my mansion, Tannian approached me asking about forests, so it seems like that might be the case.
What’s he suddenly looking for a forest for? Is he planning to go forest bathing or something?
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