Chapter 146 — Information Flows from the Top Down

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The Imperial Capital.

A city known as the Golden City.

Another name for it was [Chrysos City].

Today, a grand banquet was being held there.

A time when all the prominent nobles gathered.

It was an event specially hosted by the Emperor.

The occasion was to mourn the tragedy of the Viltite Great Forest and to formally welcome those who had remained into the Empire.

After the great disaster, the refugees of the flood wished to come under the protection of the Empire.

From the Empire’s standpoint, there was no reason to refuse the opportunity to secure the once-neutral Great Forest.

“The Emperor arrives!”

At the sound of someone’s voice echoing through the vast hall, everyone stopped what they were doing and bowed their heads.

The Emperor of the Empire.

The one called the ruler of the continent never entered while looking at someone’s face.

Tall in stature, with a thick beard, and eyes that seemed to be deep in thought, glistening with moisture.

The aura emanating from him had a power that naturally made people bow their heads.

Just as every family had its unique abilities, the imperial family also had its own.

It was an aura that made everyone submit.

“Raise your heads.”

With just one word from him, the world seemed to move.

In truth, if all the powers gathered here combined their strength, they could easily overturn the world.

Such was the power of the Emperor.

A person who reigned over the great.

The Emperor, Bradley, turned his eyes from left to right.

Like a diamond reflecting light, casting dazzling colors in all directions.

That brilliant glow met the gaze of all those gathered.

‘Has everyone gathered?’

The Emperor’s inner monologue.

A subtle intent flickered within.

Unfortunately, the face of a close friend was nowhere to be seen.

Everyone must be busy with their own matters.

Instead, there was one face that brought him great joy.

‘I knew you’d be here, Madam.’

A woman stood out among the crowd.

Naturally so.

She was the one who set the trends across the continent, a traditional giant in the world of fashion.

Despite the strong opposition from the Caesar family, she had managed to secure her place as the lady of the household.

Beninitas gave a slight nod with a beautiful smile.

A smile spread across his lips.

He remembered the times when, before he became Emperor, they would sit and drink together.

He set aside his fleeting thoughts and got to the task at hand.

“Today will be one of the most important days for the Empire.”

The Viltite Flood.

A strategic stronghold and a vast repository of resources had fallen into the hands of the Empire.

“Though a tragedy occurred, things will be different now. The Empire will stand with them.”

He noticed the eyes of the people shining.

Especially those from the Great Forest, their eyes turned red as if recalling that time.

These were the few survivors.

They had survived by fleeing south, not north.

The Green Lions, was it?

As the Emperor thought of Count Acre’s house, he continued speaking.

“Today is a glorious day. Put your worries and concerns aside for a moment and leave them to me. The Empire will welcome you as family.”

The Emperor raised his glass.

Everyone mimicked his actions.

The glasses were filled with shimmering golden champagne.

“To our new family.”

To our family-!

The hall rang with their united voices.

Yes, this was the power of the Emperor, the power of the Empire.

But, just as a large creature often attracts many parasites, it was time to decisively cut away the rotten parts, even if it meant reducing the Empire’s size a bit.

The era of peace had lasted long enough.

But not anymore.

“Eat and drink to your heart’s content. Today is your day.”

The Emperor turned his head, signaling the prepared orchestra.

The neatly dressed conductor swung his baton with a determined expression.

Soon, lively rhythmic music filled the hall, and the banquet began.

The Emperor’s speech contained many implications.

It was a declaration that the Empire would never relinquish the Viltite Great Forest.

At the same time, it was a warning that anyone who touched the forest’s people would face the Empire’s wrath.

“Then, everyone, enjoy yourselves.”

With those words, the Emperor turned and left the banquet hall.

The once-quiet hall became lively again.

At the center of it, the woman who had garnered so much attention smiled faintly.

A burgundy dress, as if drenched in deep red wine.

A design that minimized exposure, adding a sense of mystery rather than making a bold statement.

The combination of the luxurious color and added elegance made her presence in the hall akin to a crane among chickens.

“Madam Duchess, His Majesty has requested a private audience with you.”

“Oh my, I understand. I’ll be there shortly.”

Handing her glass to an attendant, she gracefully left the banquet hall.

Outside, a cool breeze blew.

A place where a gentle wind blew year-round.

This blessed land was the Imperial Capital.

The Emperor was in a place just behind the banquet hall, accompanied by his escort knight.

The woman, Beninitas, paid her respects to the Emperor.

The escort knight averted his gaze as he observed her graceful demeanor.

A testament to her captivating beauty.

“You called for me, Your Majesty.”

“Oh… It’s been a while, Madam.”

“I’m relieved to see you’re well.”

“Is there anything that could trouble me? Everything flows slowly during these times.”

Emperor Bradley glanced at the escort knight as he spoke.

What he was about to say was not meant for other ears.

“Take a walk for a while.”

“…”

The escort knight hesitated, not moving.

The Emperor, wearing a gentle smile, spoke again.

“Do you think anyone could harm me? It’s just an old friend I haven’t seen in a while. Leave us.”

“—Yes.”

After the escort knight left, Bradley and Beninitas exchanged a light embrace.

The two friends shed their formalities, returning to the comfortable camaraderie they once shared.

With warm smiles, they engaged in a candid conversation.

“It’s been a while, Bradley.”

“Beninitas, you’re as beautiful as ever. The Empress should have been here too.”

“One day, we’ll all meet again. Did you check the information I sent?”

The Emperor nodded.

How infuriating.

The Emperor was still alive and well.

“The Green Lions have joined hands with some treacherous forces. I’ve heard the Abrel family is also investigating some strange phenomena.”

“Strange phenomena…?”

“Nothing has been confirmed yet. But… your son at the academy might be involved.”

“Are you saying Manus is getting caught up in this?”

Bradley nodded.

Nothing was confirmed yet.

There were no casualties either.

It was just a situation filled with circumstantial evidence.

“Nothing is certain yet. That’s why I acted harshly toward your son.”

“If something had gone wrong, he would have been furious.”

“I’ll make sure to repay the debt. The Green Lions will be caged soon. And those behind them must be found as well.”

Beninitas nodded.

There were things that needed to be dealt with first, so that should be the priority.

The Abrel family was also focusing on the strange phenomena.

Beninitas’s mind grew more complex.

More than anything, she was worried that her son might get caught up in something dangerous.

While the head of the family, Labeth, might welcome such a situation with open arms, a mother’s heart could never be so easily swayed.

“I will take separate actions.”

“Be careful. Those lurking in the shadows might target you.”

“Would they dare touch a Caesar? If I die, they won’t be able to survive on this continent.”

Labeth.

Though now a sleeping dragon, he was the continent’s most powerful mage.

Where his wrath touched, nothing could survive.

The risk taken to achieve a goal was accepted because of the enormous rewards that followed.

But if Labeth were to take action, it would be a loss that no reward could compensate for.

“Even so, be careful. The Imperial Palace will support you.”

“I received a gift from you recently.”

“It wasn’t intentional… but I hope it helps.”

Beninitas nodded.

The first task was to deal with the Green Lions.

The second was to obtain the information the Abrel family was investigating.

The objectives were clear, so it was time to act.

Rumors would soon spread.

The greatest informant had begun to move, and the enemy would either retreat or show new signs of activity.

They would have to make a choice.

“I will keep a close eye on the academy.”

“Yes, please do.”

She looked intently into Bradley’s eyes.

The Emperor turned his gaze to the distance, his eyes appearing as if they were observing a grand destiny.

Even Beninitas couldn’t fathom the depth of those eyes.

This was why he had become the Emperor.

Though there were issues, large and small, the Empire had flourished under his rule more than ever before.

As the time for their brief meeting came to an end, Emperor Bradley expressed his regret.

“It seems our permitted time is up. Give my regards to Labeth.”

“I wish you good health as well. If you ever need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Caesars.”

The two returned to their roles as Duchess and Emperor.

They promised to meet again in the future.

Hoping that their next meeting would be more relaxed, they exchanged farewells.

“Take care.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

As she bowed and turned to leave, Bradley watched her figure grow distant, letting out a small sigh.

“Your son will become a brilliant star.”

And the path to becoming that star would not be an easy one.

Though it pained him to say it, as Manus was forged in the fires of trials and tribulations, the Emperor had no intention of standing idly by.

Only by enduring countless trials, struggles, and bloodshed could one shine brightly.

The Emperor wore a bitter smile.

Whatever that fate might be…

Whatever that damn prophecy might hold…

Why must he play the role of the emotionless Emperor?

“It’s all so futile.”

Yet, for the peace and safety of the continent that lay at the end of it all, he was ready to bear any criticism and resentment.

Becoming the Emperor of the continent meant taking responsibility for everything.

Even if that meant facing a blade of vengeance aimed at him.

Bradley was ready.

He had only one task.

To nurture warriors and forge a brilliant light to protect this world.

To prepare for the coming calamity, saving as many of his subjects as possible.

“Soon, I should pay him a visit.”

There was a midterm exam in early May.

It would be an interesting stage.

Even if it wasn’t initially, he would make it so just by being there.

For the first time in a while, he felt a surge of excitement, as though he might finally get to unwind.

Though an Emperor, his heart still remained that of a pure young man.

–TL Notes–
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