Chapter 72
The Swallow Empire.
The Swallow Empire was currently a part of the Igrant Continent’s peculiar system. It was a part of the 3 strong, 7 average, and 2 weak nations.
The Swallow Empire was a nation on a massive plain, and about eighty percent of its land was used to rear horses. The empire was well-renowned for its horseback arts as well.
The Swallow Empire was currently facing an issue. As a result, meetings were held every day inside the Imperial Palace.
Svenu, the Swallow Empire's capital, was home to the magnificent Imperial Palace of the Swallow Empire.
A middle-aged man sat on the tallest seat on the dais before the lined-up nobles.
His thick golden beard and droopy eyes made for a peaceful impression because he seemed as tranquil as someone could ever be.
He was the Emperor of the Swallow Empire. In contrast to Emperor Marcus’ reputation as a tyrant and overlord, the Emperor of the Swallow Empire was acclaimed as the most benevolent leader of all time.
"A decision has to be made, Your Majesty!" said Duke Altsma, the commander of the north, he gave off a striking impression with his angled chin.
In response to Duke Altsma’s words, a man armed with full plate armor took a step forward and said, "Your Majesty, Duke Altsma is correct. There's a good chance that if we just observe without doing anything, things will turn out the way our neighboring countries want them to."
The nobles in the Imperial Court started kicking up a fuss when Duke Baxter standing next to Duke Altsma spoke up.
"We've been treating Thran as a vassal for a long time. There's no need to calculate our every move!"
"I'm afraid that our apprehension is giving them a reason to fight!"
"Just give me the order, Your Majesty! I will immediately go out there and claim the rebels' heads!”
The residents living in the freezing northern portion of the Swallow Empire were known for their aggressiveness. In contrast, the Emperor of the Swallow Empire was devoted to peace above everything else.
"Well…" With a confused expression, the Emperor gulped and said, "Prime Minister… What does the prime minister think about this?"
At that, a white-bearded old man walked up. The white-bearded old man was known as Swallow's wise sage, and he had a keen sense of how the city worked behind the scenes.
"Your Majesty, this is merely my personal perspective, but we have to be sensitive to the activity of the adjacent countries—"
"Prime Minister! What do you mean by those words? Are you implying that we should just stay quiet about those sly foxes?"
The agitated Duke Altsma yelled before the prime minister could finish his sentence.
"Yes. That's what I exactly said, Duke Altsma."
Duke Altsma rolled his eyes and sighed.
"And please refrain from calling them foxes. We are all aware of what kind of power those two nations hold, just like how aware we are of our own power," added the prime minister.
Duke Altsma’s turned red, and he stared at the prime minister.
"Let me ask you this. Do you really think you'll be able to defeat all of the continent's nations, including the Avalon and Hubalt empires, in war?" asked the prime minister.
Without hesitation, Duke Altsma exclaimed in joy, "Yes! Even if a million troops stand in my way, I have the confidence to defeat them. I just need Your Majesty’s permission. I can beat even those so-called nine stars! Their standards for choosing the Stars are ridiculous!"
"..."
"Those so-called Absolutes! Titan of Avalon, Duke Aden von Agnus. Knight of the Gods, Chrysler jean Sebastian. I don't know who gave them those monikers, and I haven't met them before. But I'm sure I can defeat them."
"Do you really think you can defeat them?" asked the prime minister.
Once again, Duke Altsma rolled his eyes. He placed his hand on his chest before he nodded and said, "Prime Minister! Just leave it to me. Tomorrow, I'll bring you their heads!"
The prime minister surreptitiously shook his head after staring into Duke Altsma’s eyes for a while.
"You seem to have forgotten someone who isn’t here right now as well as Grand Duke Lucifer. Those two are part of the Continent’s Nine Stars."
"So? How can you compare our stars to those foxes?"
"..."
The prime minister finally closed his mouth and sighed when he realized that his words couldn’t be understood by Duke Altsma. Still, the prime minister knew that they both wanted the best for the empire.
Those two had never fallen behind the talent that Swallow could offer.
"Stop… We all know the Duke of Altsma’s capabilities."
"Your Majesty?" Duke Altsma muttered.
Afterward, the emperor's words echoed throughout the court.
"Tigers will use all their strength even when hunting a rabbit.”
"..."
"However, what you said also applies to you. You haven’t even met the Stars you mentioned."
"That..." Duke Altsma muttered.
With his eyes closed, the emperor continued with a calm expression. “The so-called confidence to defeat an unknown opponent isn’t called confidence but arrogance. We aren’t even sure if you’re truly stronger than them, but so what if you’re stronger than them? It is unwise to be arrogant despite that because even a cornered rat will bite a cat.”
"..."
"In addition to losing your honor, the empire will also suffer a major setback, and your defeat will be a major problem as well."
"My apologies, Your Majesty. My thoughts were shallow…" Duke Altsma bowed.
The emperor nodded without saying anything. He then turned to the prime minister.
"Prime Minister, I would like to hear your thoughts."
"Yes, Your Majesty." As if nothing happened, the Prime Minister cleared his throat and spoke once again, "As long as the other two strong nations don't make a move, the other nations will not make any hasty moves. They would at most voice out their dissatisfaction, but that much will be within our control."
"I see…"
"However, those two nations are capable of moving at tremendous speeds, so we need to make sure we are prepared for their movement at any time. Firstly, Hubalt, the Holy Empire is busy tending to the new Pope, so they would be able to get involved in other matters."
The emperor lightly nodded. "Has it already taken place?"
The Holy Empire Hubalt now had two rulers.
They had His Majesty the Emperor and His Holiness the Pope. The latter didn’t have any unique power, but the position itself had a significant symbolic meaning, similar to the earlier empires of history.
To stand out from the rest of the world, Hubalt decided to adopt such a system.
They created a new nation by anointing a pope whom everyone knew as an agent of God or some sort. His Holiness would then spread the word about Hubalt. This way, Hubalt would be able to complete its ultimate goal of gaining popularity.
The Holy Empire Hubalt elected a new pope every five years, and there was a new anointment this year.
"Now, we can concentrate a bit more on Thran, but the issue is…"
"Avalon."
The emperor sighed. He already knew it before the prime minister could even say it.
‘It has always been like this. A problem doesn’t come alone.’
After a moment's reflection, the emperor rose from his seat.
"We shall not make any hasty actions as long as Thran remains inactive. Lords, be prepared to fight at any moment."
The emperor decided to stay put with his people for the time being. The nobles unanimously agreed with the emperor’s decision.
"Meeting adjourned."
The nobility performed a gesture of respect for His Majesty the Emperor after the meeting was adjourned.
Afterward, the nobles departed, aside from one person.
The emperor finally opened his mouth once they were left alone.
“Marco. The center of power in Thran, it's still him, right?"
"Yes, he hasn't been showing up recently, but everyone acknowledges that he is Thran's spiritual ally.
"Ulabis…" The emperor muttered and glanced out the window. He shook his head in disbelief. "Is it a poor notion to wish peace and happiness for everyone on the continent?"
"It takes a lot of power to protect the peace."
"..."
The emperor's eyes fluttered open and shut as he stared out the window, seemingly lonely and helpless. He was the greatest emperor throughout the history of the Swallow Empire, and he was revered by all of his subjects.
He was Verona bel Grace—the 21st Emperor of the Swallow Empire.
***
'Is he telepathically linked with Icarus?'?
Joshua muttered to himself.
After Icarus left the room, another unwelcome visitor arrived.
In an irritated voice, the unwelcome visitor proceeded to preach the sermon.
"You have no idea what Araksha is like! If you think that they're just a bunch of kids playing pretend, you’re totally wrong! Araksha isn’t as simple as you think!"
Agareth rubbed his temples as he looked at Joshua. His typical expression was nowhere to be seen.
"Do you really think only your academy life will be ruined upon offending their circle? No! Your family and yourself will be in jeopardy if you keep this up! Even if you run away, they will still find and torment you!"
"..."
"I’m asking you to tolerate it sometimes. If you keep on being stubborn, you'll never make it out alive!" After saying that, Agareth turned around, but one could still see his hands trembling. "Do as I say this time. Really, I'm speaking for your own good."
At that, Joshua couldn’t help but chuckle. "Are you afraid?”
At Joshua's question, Agareth took a breather. "What?"
"Are you afraid that something similar to what happened to your brother might happen?" asked Joshua.
"...!" Agareth's eyes widened. "You—"
Agareth bit his lip and turned his gaze back to Joshua.
Joshua stared at him and said, "You can run away if you're scared. No one will judge you."
"Dammit! What do you even know?!"
Agareth exclaimed. He looked like he wanted to strangle Joshua as he stepped forward.
However, Joshua took the initiative and walked toward Agareth.
Agareth trembled without saying anything. He simply waited for Joshua to approach him.
"The first time is difficult, but it gets easier each time. Afterward, as history repeats, you succumbed to the circumstances and decide that you can't do anything about it."
Joshua got close to Agareth without the latter realizing it.
"Do you want to live like a fugitive for the rest of your life?" Joshua asked.
"...!"
Joshua’s words were like daggers as they pierced Agareth's chest. Agareth trembled for a while without saying anything. Eventually, he turned around and exclaimed, "They'll make you feel sorry! Their leader is Veron shen Villas! He’s a member of the Twelve Families."
At that, Joshua chuckled. “Great.”
"What?" Agareth was dumbfounded.
Joshua continued. "I said it’s great that it's Veron."
Once his words fell, Joshua walked out of the room and closed the door.
"..."
He left a dumbfounded Agareth in his wake.
"Great?"
Agareth's mutter reverberated throughout the room.
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