"Please grant me the Satan's rifle," Eren's words echoed through the festive palace, causing gasps of surprise and concern among the nobles present. The request for such a powerful and dangerous artifact raised eyebrows and sparked murmurs of uncertainty.
The Satan's Rifle.
It held a place of great significance in the history of the Mauryan Empire, and legends even suggested it had ties to a high-ranking demon. The nobles couldn't fathom why Eren would desire possession of such a relic with its dark origins.
However, as the murmurs spread, a smile crept onto the Emperor's face, revealing a sense of anticipation. It was as if he was expecting Eren to say that.
"You want the satan's rifle? Eren. I guess you are aware of the weapon's value," Instead of refusing him the Emperor responded, addressing his desire with a curious tone.
"Yes, I know it's a valuable asset for the Mauryan Empire, your majesty," Eren acknowledged with respect.
The Emperor nodded, his satisfaction apparent. He then revealed his true intentions, emphasizing that receiving the Satan's Rifle would come at a cost.
"You are aware. Then you must also know that you have to give something when you receive something," the Emperor explained, paving the way for his unreasonable request.
"Eren Pendragon, I want you to pledge loyalty to the royal family."
Though a significant demand, the Emperor had the authority to make such a request, given the unique value of the weapon being bestowed.
Kaiser Von Brittan didn't refuse Eren's unreasonable request outright because he saw a potential advantage in accepting it.
The Satan's Rifle, while historically significant, had proven to be more of a decorative piece than a usable weapon, as it required a specific type of energy to wield it effectively. Countless men had tried to use that weapon since it was obtained from the nanda kingdom but none succeeded.
They didn't know the reason but it was because, to use the Satan's rifle one should have the ability to wield demonic energy or something more superior like the energy of the death god which Eren possessed.
Ans since no was able to use it, the satan's rifle was stored in the royal museum unlike the other weapons which were actually stored there because they hold too much power like the Heaven Obliterating Gunlet's for example.
Nevertheless, from the Emperor's point of view the satan's rifle was just a decorative piece in the royal museum, refusing to give that to Eren wouldn't be any different as it would stay as such. But what if he accepts? There was much to gain from it.
If Eren were to swear his loyalty to the royal family, the Emperor would gain a powerful ally comparable to the influential Duke families. Of course, the current Eren was only a 14-year old kid but it wouldn't be the same as the time passed. As the future successor of the Pendragon family, Eren would one day lead the Pendragon Family.
And Eren's allegiance would secure the Emperor's support should any issues arise within the Pendragon family, effectively bringing the entire Pendragon family under his wing.
Furthermore, the presence of the fearsome fire dragon, a force even the royals regarded with caution, would be at the Emperor's disposal. The Emperor's excitement surged at the thought of having the dragon's power on his side.
The continental Unification!
The long time desire of the emperor would no longer be a pipe dream if the dragon was to enter the battlefield.
'Wouldn't the Mauryan Empire be unstoppable with the dragon on our side?'
There would no fool who would fight against a dragon, it would be nothing but suicide. And the emperor could achieve his dream even without engaging in war…It was such a lucrative idea that the Emperor wanted to bet on it even if the chances of that happening are very low.
Just thinking about it made the emperor's blood boil in excitement.
The Emperor had actually asked for the cooperation of the Pendragons in the past but those fools who were bound by their morals wouldn't agree to enter the battlefield even when he had offered them the title of dukes and an enormous wealth.
But now he had gotten the opportunity, even when he knew that it would take time for his investment to bear fruits, the Emperor wanted to do it nevertheless. He was set on bringing the Pendragons under his control.
Eren, uncertain and burdened by the weight of the decision, sought guidance from his father, Hubert. Yet, Hubert's lack of response left Eren feeling isolated. It was as if his father was entrusting him with the responsibility of making this momentous choice on his own.
The surrounding atmosphere grew tense, the eyes of the nobles fixated on Eren, awaiting his answer, while the Emperor's anticipation for Eren's decision seemed to heighten with each passing moment.
The current Eren needed the deadly weapon known as the rifle of death desperately, as it was essential for his survival. Furthermore, he had grand plans to the prevent the rampaging of the fire dragon, a task beyond his individual capabilities. He understood the significance of garnering support from any source possible.
As Eren weighed the decision of pledging loyalty to the royal family, he tried to view it in a positive light. Being in the Emperor's favor could grant him more opportunities to meet with the monarch, thus giving him a chance to seek royal assistance when needed, especially after his investigations with the fire dragon. It seemed like a favorable situation.
With the decision forming in his mind, Eren began, "I, Eren—"
However, before he could utter another word, a voice resounded inside his head.
[Only Swear loyalty to emperor Kaiser, not the royal family.]
It was the sage of wisdom, Grand Mage Lucas Traumen, sending a silent whisper using magic that only Eren could hear. The experience of receiving a silent whisper, a spell mastered by only a few exceptional mages in Mauryan, amazed Eren. But what captivated him even more was the sage's advice—to swear loyalty to Emperor Kaiser alone, not the royal family.
Swearing loyalty to the emperor instead of the royal family. At first glance there was no difference, but when one considered it carefully, there was much to matter.
Upon reflection, the distinction held significant implications. Pledging loyalty to the royal family would bind Eren to serve not just the current Emperor but all subsequent ones, which might mean a lifetime of servitude. On the other hand, by swearing loyalty directly to the Emperor, Eren's allegiance would end with the Emperor's reign, granting him more freedom and independence in the future.
The Emperor is currently healthy, but he is getting older. It wouldn't be much longer until he would give up the throne to one of his successors and considering that Eren was still a 14 year old kid. By the time he would reach his peak, the emperor would already have stepped down from the throne and Eren wouldn't have to risk fighting on the battlefield.
It would be a gain and gain situation for Eren.
Without thinking further Eren decided and said with a sense of conviction, "I, Eren, swear eternal loyalty to your majesty."
"..."
Some nobles frowned. In particular the face of the crown prince, Nox von Brittan. His face distorted, filled with anger. He realized Eren's intention and couldn't help but be angered at the implication of his words.
Eren was indirectly saying that he would only serve Emperor Kaiser and his loyalty would be restricted to him.
Nox couldn't accept this and was about to raise his voice when the Emperor's voice was heard.
"Good!" the Emperor affirmed, acknowledging Eren's oath of loyalty.
To the Emperor's credit, he did not take offense but rather saw the wisdom in Eren's choice. Kaiser was still in good health despite being in his forties and had ambitious dreams to achieve. He found no issues with Eren's declaration and responded with a smile.
"Eren Pendragon will be granted the satan's rifle in addition to all the mentioned rewards."
The Emperor decided to grant him all the rewards along with the satan's rifle.
On this day at the festive palace.
The Emperor and Eren, both of them made connections with each other with their own intentions. Which one of them will make the most of this relationship is yet to be known.
—***---
Mass Release (1) ~
New novel 𝓬hapters are published on (f)reeweb(n)ovel.com