Chapter 52
X4T2AD“Why the hell are those guys here?!”wu4
ePJThe ones surprised weren’t just the Alliance.ZmDT6
LWbThe king of Kreppelt, Erich, shouted in astonishment as he watched the approaching Red-Winged Squadron.uiGO
B5cJ“Why has the imperial guard come all the way to the border?! No, more importantly, how the hell did they get here so fast?!”SZZ
JHRaa7“This is no time to analyze that, Your Majesty! You must retreat immediately before they arrive!”GTSIHqW
gaNnj6n“Your Majesty? Did you say Your Majesty?”4KUK
OkYAt those words, Erich’s eyes sharpened.n8wwGdm
2TvBNFIt had already been several months since he declared independence, and yet they still called him that.Dql
f8T8bThe noble who had suggested retreat realized his mistake and hastily corrected himself.k9G0Rq
aGURC“F-forgive me… Majesty… it was a slip of the tongue…”C4K9jtC
vK7l“No, that’s enough. It’s been hundreds of years since the Empire humiliated us. It’s only natural that you’re used to living under their heel.”AqV
oTiWmgu“That’s not what I meant at all…!”c8ymc93
UZ7SyCq“I will not run.”1JL
2gsv1wS“Majesty!”Ywn7
SP1Z“Silence! No matter how famous the imperial guard is, they’re still just a handful of men! Are you telling me to flee just because a mere order of knights has appeared?”ZCNqJX
5FOEfNo matter how legendary they were, they were clearly a minority compared to Kreppelt’s army.JeU
mqIIf they retreated now, the rumor that they cowered before imperial authority would spread uncontrollably.X8wr
kt4yQdOn the other hand, if they defeated them here, they would prove Kreppelt’s military power to the entire continent.uEmeh
qRWEz“Right here, we’ll defeat the Red-Winged Squadron and capture the First Prince! Prepare yourselves!”lqzaU2j
vwCRB0“Yes, Your Majesty!”ZKu6FX2
Mj82Kreppelt’s royal guards responded with high morale.vRiH
VImTheir fame might not compare to the Red-Winged Squadron, but those gathered were also Kreppelt’s absolute elite.WV1
C3QcSIf it were equal numbers, there might be doubts—but with over ten times the force, they didn’t believe defeat was possible.s15
xMd“They really plan to fight like this? They don’t know their place. Then again, if they’d had brains from the beginning, they’d never have started a rebellion.”GOkmn
r2dgMThe knight leading the Red-Winged Squadron let out a mocking laugh from inside his helmet.TYQ1m5u
soi3ZBxThey were less than a tenth the size of Kreppelt’s army, yet his voice was full of absolute composure.wjb
XE6q“Everyone, ready your halberds. Activate the Dragon’s Fangs.”agMnD
s8fUuuung—spv
fqQrsWith that brief order, a red mist began swirling around the entire Red-Winged Squadron.fq3JOud
YyOjDozens of runes engraved on their armor and spears lit up clearly, their glow intensifying little by little.BiCewo
7H2gWhen the light became strong enough to be clearly visible to everyone—dhv14nj
DEoeQ“Break formation.”3eBh
qDPalchFuaaaak!KTxli
FFKqThe red glow tore through the center of Kreppelt’s army.Hqp
w0o2***a6u7K
2ifqOu“…!”3jMhgcl
1fwAThe Alliance’s high command, including Lucian, stood in stunned silence.if4Nt8P
lnoP5HNo matter how powerful a cavalry charge was, it always slowed when facing enemy resistance.K21
UAFZEhBut the Red-Winged Squadron tore through the enemy army like ripping through paper, splitting it in two.cp4
uYBTS8QThat wasn’t just brute force—it was a feat that clearly defied the laws of physics.0Bc
yGy“Magic…?”Gw6f
LuLIt wasn’t a spell cast, but magic engraved into their armor and weapons.VOhJ
rjGYAn ancient legacy that, at times, allowed a simple iron sword to surpass even an adamantium weapon.0uFja
155aLucian had heard much about it, but seeing an entire order equipped that way surpassed imagination.z8jgIHW
6Szi9bB‘Now I understand a little better why the Empire has always feared mages so much.’HQk1WF
SWPM5TPrecisely because they understood the true power of magic, they feared it so deeply.o8rX
d6nAnd it wasn’t just their destructive force.Mld6REa
gN8The Red-Winged Squadron turned in an instant and launched a second charge.QSpoRlF
SXrB5Once again, they pierced Kreppelt’s cavalry on a diagonal line, splitting the army again.bHfa
DR6r“T-this… this can’t be…!”aoG
BBNgg01Erich could barely manage a groan.3oAjK
m7S7gM3If it had been infantry crushed like this, though miserable, he could understand it.NgHo2
meTP0But this was a cavalry force.qHBN
1zofQ5xAnd still, they were being massacred as if they were mere foot soldiers.sfFKaol
fYF“Y-Your Majesty! You must retreat! Quickly, flee!”4VwU
hma“This can’t be… this can’t be… how can my elite fall in such an absurd way…?”Ee1u
imB1“Forgive the rudeness! Protect His Majesty! We must get out of here!”vsWHlJs
UyTJulErich’s attendants rushed to pull him from the battlefield.Fan
0EqThe Red-Winged Squadron did not pursue the completely shattered Kreppelt army and halted their charge.m9gAy3L
utKBSoon after, the red mist dissipated completely into the air.gI6u
pUx‘Does the magic’s effect not last long?’n7IUNFr
maMU19Seeing the glow vanish from the knights, Lucian’s eyes gleamed.0BZ5duh
LsDIf such powerful magic could be maintained indefinitely, no one could ever defeat them.6Crk12
hI03xAfter repelling Kreppelt’s army, the Red-Winged Squadron headed toward the Alliance.xfa
5sN3The knight, still hiding his face behind a helmet, stopped in front of the First Prince.AKom
XNukF2xWithout dismounting, he removed his helmet and looked down at them.M3LF
s6ON“I’m glad to see you’re all safe.”hldDD4
FsUTOAs the face under the helmet was revealed, the nobles’ expressions went pale.sy9pDh
xyHvuMoments later, the first to react was Marquis Bernhardt, who dropped to his knees and shouted.BwKvl
ZCrjiqy“I pay homage to the ruler of the Empire and rightful heir of the Great Dragon, His Majesty the Emperor!”QDM
tw5j***suruM
cvP1xQK‘What? The emperor?’euip
KY7The young lords and heirs who had come as representatives, and who didn’t know the emperor’s face, were horrified.lkpOo
hqGLLucian was among them.55sXLPb
oxFMaThroughout his past life, he had never once seen the emperor’s face.hBr
l3h“G-greetings to the emperor!”B3Wq
B8uL0Following the marquis, the nobles of the Empire all fell to their knees.Rl8a
TvILucian also quickly knelt and bowed his head.hKB6rxy
uw51lgAfter a moment, the emperor dismounted and calmly addressed the nobles.7OaV
mFqz5“We’re still at war. Why cling to protocol and neglect vigilance? The greetings can wait until we cross the border. Everyone, rise.”AM0gPe
g3xquAt that serene yet commanding voice, the nobles slowly stood.7uTu
5YZAfter scanning the area, the emperor approached the First Prince, Claude.I01m8
4QtuClaude opened his mouth awkwardly in front of the emperor.Tvo
dIk3“Father… Your Majesty, it’s just that… this war…”SO99
WSs“That’s enough. I more or less know what happened.”AJuC
VBly“H-how do you know? The messenger was only sent two days ago…”eyW
XDpp“There are ways to know everything. For now, let’s be glad you’re still alive.”vqjpw
9mNEoIn a bitter yet gentle voice, the emperor placed a hand on Claude’s shoulder.QEhdT30
BdcWfUnable to meet his gaze, Claude deeply lowered his head.JHYBKU
DbVVAfter giving him a few pats on the shoulder, the emperor turned his attention to Cedric.t7JeVo
ujV“Cedric, you also worked hard to support your brother. I heard you rode on the frontlines. Are you hurt?”amYpG4r
bjC3t“Thanks to the protection of the Eight Gods and the Great Dragon, I am unharmed.”vZWGI9Z
exBW“I’m glad to hear it.”95UZ7XT
Rmrw1UThe conversation didn’t differ much from before, but the tone clearly did.2sV8s
IholbEPToward Claude, the emperor’s voice was filled with affection; toward Cedric, there was barely a hint of concern.GXMYtJS
AvQUAfter checking on his two sons, the emperor stopped in front of the marquis.ExoIs
Y2q“Marquis Bernhardt.”VNE
xURgkNA“Yes, Your Majesty.”Tk7bfSw
x4Hn2“Quick and decisive action. It was sound policy.”x0Di
PdUCe“Your Majesty, that…”jYk
fYK0“The war will continue. Even if there are no battles, as long as no one admits defeat, it’s not over.”bkLes
CCxIn other words, while the war continues, you will continue to bear the cost. Unless you want to take full responsibility for this defeat yourself.r3a
i8GtjCUnderstanding the hidden meaning, the marquis lowered his head, hiding a bitter expression.P9f1au
3YOpZ7“That’s true. As long as the war continues, the house of Marquis Roglan will spare no support.”ITr
iEKa“A fine response. I expect the same going forward.”paqt
hiRBmAfter responding coldly, the emperor kept walking.g162g
hsK7As expected, the next person he stopped before was Lucian.fhQwX
iIwLucian slightly lowered his head and waited for the emperor’s words.GkWz
Eltkg‘A rebuke or praise? Which will it be?’LwUab
qdJEither was possible. As Lucian prepared to respond based on what the emperor would say, the emperor spoke.pAQxX
Eit“I sincerely thank you. As emperor of the Empire and as a father, I express my gratitude.”WYjYYK
YUYc“…!?”wkHR14W
yMXTWThe sudden gesture of the emperor bowing his head in gratitude made everyone’s eyes widen in shock.br87HjB
LNuT***3Gbbt
tu4qaMWLucian looked at the back of the emperor’s head with an uncomfortable expression.zPN6OuI
NXJGzRHe had thought he might receive praise, but he had never imagined the emperor would bow his head.nyvUR51
xVqCc1“Your Majesty, this is too much. I don’t dare accept it. Please raise your head.”qh0g6b
McPmAnN“You saved my son and, beyond that, the future of the Empire. You have more than enough reason to receive my thanks.”0xGpId
mJhH“I merely did what was expected of a vassal.”Q9M3b6V
K2n1gj“No. Nothing is ever simply what’s expected. When a ruler offers trust, the vassal responds with loyalty — that is the duty between sovereign and subject. However, even after Claude withdrew his trust, you rushed in without hesitation. For that alone, I am deeply grateful.”HxIc
9X1JThe emperor continued praising Lucian, but Lucian’s expression grew slightly more serious.ayCI6w
9cFLBeyond gratitude, he could sense the emperor’s intent to make clear that he knew exactly what had occurred on the battlefield.3rozkR
Cmw‘He doesn’t seem to be hiding it. This must also be a warning to the other nobles.’Vin5
9n3qMA subtle way of saying that even what happens out of his sight — he knows.D3Zk
0f6Oy8Even so, the words of gratitude toward Lucian carried deep sincerity.IiX
PCOQwu“If I didn’t bear the dignity of the Empire on my shoulders, I would gladly kneel. It saddens me that all I can do is bow my head. I hope you understand.”ancDJ
sKO“Understand? Just hearing your words is more than enough, even too much. Please raise your head. If you continue like this, I’ll feel uncomfortable.”OyQ
g7bG“If it makes you uncomfortable, then it can’t be helped. It would be a problem if, in trying to thank you, I ended up repaying a favor with resentment.”DrflZXS
AzDBPWith a gentle joke to ease the tension, the emperor lifted his head.akx
eUC3Seeing his skill in conversation, Lucian felt conflicted.2v5
V5ZR2A‘The last sovereign of the Empire, Karl von Bey Astria.’6R6x
V6tELRHe had never seen him in person, but in his past life, he had heard countless stories about him.USfX
TEyTThe assessments varied too much to define him clearly.q3JPI
2ILwSome called him an incompetent tyrant who initiated the fall of the Empire; others said he lacked talent but had great moral integrity.NA3Ilg7
Jn6kNXuThere were also those who claimed he was a great monarch trapped in the wrong era, doomed to be remembered as a tyrant.WanL
7z0The only certainty was that, regarding succession, he had made mistake after mistake.OTFWQp
4gIdMJh‘I myself thought of him as a tyrant, but seeing him in person, he doesn’t seem like one at all.’Tofw
aNsvThe emperor Lucian faced was worthy of the throne. From afar, he had grasped the battlefield situation, and by arriving in person, had restored the imperial authority that Claude had lost.Go7R
iSy2Moreover, he subtly hinted to the nobles not to underestimate the imperial family, then generously showed gratitude as a reward for loyalty.VXSu
Y8QqH‘There will be criticism for moving so freely, but even accounting for that, he’s a good ruler. If this weren’t such a chaotic era, perhaps he’d be worth serving with true loyalty.’X2SbI
ZjJjlThen why had such an emperor handled the succession issue so poorly?GuzT1B
lF9rInstead of answering that question, the emperor smiled and made another proposal.3fMkoa
Os2p“If you don’t mind, I’d like to talk to you about a few things. Would you accept?”N4g
UOp0“If it is Your Majesty’s wish, I will gladly accompany you.”o75eop
a3MfZFLucian accepted immediately.xGz
AgSzBeyond his family’s interests, it was a personal opportunity to form a connection with the emperor — there was no reason to refuse.Pec
UdGThe allied army, still shocked by the emperor’s arrival, began preparing the retreat more calmly than before.6v5Kp
xhkSoon after, Lucian was riding at the front beside the emperor, conversing with him.xrXuJ0I
LPQLA“I’ve heard much about your reputation. At just sixteen years old, the rumors surrounding you are uncommon.”hNnG9
TQfP5“They’re nothing but baseless exaggerations.”sSs
0j0eTR“You said my gratitude was excessive, but your modesty is no less so. It seems the rumors have already proven themselves.”Udq46CT
HJB4The emperor laughed, continuously showing his goodwill toward Lucian.s14ep
t9GEvPerhaps due to the good first impression, everything seemed to please him.l2e
btUFWhen they approached the Horsen River and the attention around them lessened, the emperor lowered his voice and whispered.Fww
6wWWXEY“I’d like to ask you something. Are you interested in the position of family head?”Dfazl
22yv0I“Your Majesty, I’m sorry, but matters concerning my family…”tfAOs
fKMWLucian trailed off with an uncomfortable expression.OlJt
M17GEven for an emperor, intervening in the succession of House Valdeck would cross the line.WJg
PoVThe emperor quickly waved both hands.KYi
9l4“Forgive me, I phrased that poorly. I don’t intend to interfere in the ducal succession. When I said family head, I meant something else.”PrHhF
6IHu“Something else?”hsaC
nC9“Would you be interested in the title of frontier marquis, instead of duke? Someone like you could make a name for yourself as the founder of a new house.”xIzcp
9k0u“…!”yU2Uvh
R5G69QAt that unexpected and bold proposal, Lucian’s eyes opened wide.odCCBy
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