Free Web NovelChapter 110: 110 An Invitation to the Imperial Capital, the Ailing Empress?!
I entered the Imperial Palace with the Vice-Captain of the Knights. The palace was magnificent even from the outside.
Its sturdy architecture, utilizing dwarven technology, bricks without a single blemish, knights clad in armor, and mages maintaining strict vigilance — it truly possessed every image one could conjure of a powerful nation from a medieval fantasy.
"To think I’d actually go to the Imperial Palace alive. Wow, this is the family’s glory!"
It’s common for a son not to live up to his father. But in that sense, I had achieved something.
Of course, I still had a long way to go to catch up to the legendary Hero, Reiner Vane.
Finally, I stepped onto the red carpet. The crimson carpet, adorned with pure gold along its edges, exuded even greater antique charm.
It felt soft and plush, as if I were treading on clouds. This carpet is unique. To actually be in a place I’d only seen in games.
"Now, this way."
"Yes."
I followed the Vice-Captain of the Knights’ guidance. Though I pretended to be fine on the outside,
Inside, I was trembling immensely. Honestly, I felt like I might just piss myself if the Emperor spoke to me.
Thump, Creak. Thud!
I entered the Audience Chamber. As dawn passed and morning began to emerge,
The sunlight streaming through the stained glass, as if bestowing a blessing, illuminated a man seated on the throne, looking down.
His dull golden long hair, bushy beard, lion-like eyes, and tightly sealed lips resembled the gates of an impregnable fortress.
It was the Emperor.
An old Head Butler approached. His body was burly, as if he could lift 500 pounds three times over.
"Greetings to His Majesty, Messirai Karl Dharma."
Uh, what was the etiquette again? I’d done it countless times in the game, but...
I awkwardly followed along as best I could.
"There’s a greeting system in the game, so why don’t I have it?"
No, don’t complain. Focus on this now. This is an important occasion!
After bowing, I waited for the Emperor’s words with my head still lowered. He let out a hearty laugh.
"Come closer."
A heavy voice, seemingly filling the entire hall, was heard. I took a few steps forward, just enough.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
As I approached, the Emperor rested his chin in his hand.
"I heard you exerted great effort today. Thank you, thank you."
"Not at all, Your Majesty. A Hero is one who protects people. Rather, I regret not being able to save more."
At my reply, the Emperor shook his head. His hair, catching the sunlight, gleamed coldly like an icicle. fгeewebnovёl.com
"That is not so. I wish to commend you for severing a disaster that would have grown even larger, in advance."
"I am overwhelmed, Your Majesty."
"Is your grandfather Reiner?"
"That is correct. He is Reiner Vane of Ravenscoft, and I am his grandson, Lucian Vane."
My introduction caused murmurs among those present. It couldn’t be helped, as my grandfather was such a legend.
"He doesn’t resemble his grandfather at all?"
"Maybe if he were a bit bulky, he might?"
"Well, yeah you are right."
"Heu-eung, his collarbone is sexy."
Who was that last one? There were imperial family members, influential nobles, and renowned mages around. I think it was a woman who spoke.
The Emperor opened his mouth again.
"As you may or may not know, we are currently engaged in a decisive battle with the great barbarians of the north. It is due to this that such a misfortune occurred precisely when our defenses were weakened."
"My sorrow knows no bounds."
"But to think an unparalleled hero like you would appear and avert the crisis. I am considering bestowing upon you the title of Baron, along with another reward. What do you say?"
Everyone was surprised. In fact, I was surprised too.
This was an entirely unexpected situation. The title of Baron?
"Unless you do something truly overpowered, you don’t just get to enjoy noble status. Huh, this is huge."
I was flustered. I tried to regain my composure. Calm down, calm down.
Pulling myself together, I slowly began to speak.
"I have one request that may sound simple but could prove difficult."
"Speak. You are worthy."
The Emperor nodded as if it were obvious. Well then, let’s speak.
I raised my head. Though I had been addressing the Emperor with downcast eyes, now I could see his face clearly.
This was a breach of etiquette, and the Head Butler pointed it out.
"How dare you raise your head? Do you deem yourself worthy of gazing upon His Majesty’s Imperial Visage?!"
The Emperor waved his hand.
"It is fine."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Composing myself, I made my request to the Emperor.
"Your Majesty, the capital has been greatly damaged by the conflict of the cult fanatics. The dead are countless, and the small business owners will face a dark morning from the moment day breaks. I humbly request that you consider them and provide definite follow-up measures and compensation."
In some ways, it could have been considered arrogant and rude.
It was the Emperor’s job, and a mere Hero was stepping forward to give orders.
But I had to do it this way. Especially now, with the war against the northern barbarians and the capital in this state.
This wasn’t limited to modern politics. It was a phenomenon where things that should be done are not. Such phenomena existed in this world too.
Therefore, a statement was needed to make sure what would be passed over was done. Our society became what it is because there were no people to make such statements.
Murmuring.
As expected, the surroundings grew restless. Their reactions were mixed. fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com
"What is he saying now? Giving orders to His Majesty?"
"More than that, is he telling us to think of the common people? He must know it’s wartime."
"But how generous, how compassionate!"
"Wartime isn’t some kind of bulletproof shield... We must pay attention to what needs attention."
In this situation, the Emperor merely looked down at me without any change in his expression.
That gaze, whose emotions I couldn’t discern.
If I had met him as an enemy, just seeing him would have been confusing.
The Emperor’s mouth, which I thought would remain closed forever, opened.
"Is that the reward you wish to receive?"
"I do not need a reward. I did not do this expecting one, and it is simply what a Hero must do."
"Is that so?"
"We don’t receive praise from anyone just for breathing, do we?"
"Hahahaha!"
The Emperor laughed heartily, like a true man. He slapped his knee and then shook his head.
"Lately, there have been many Heroes who act like vagrants. But among them, you are like a precious jade gem. Truly, like grandfather, like son!"
I simply remained silent. I couldn’t very well say, "Ah, Your Majesty, you’ve seen through me perfectly," here.
The Emperor stroked his beard.
"How curious, how curious. Yet, your grandfather Reiner was quite faithful to his desires."
I’m faithful to my desires too, Emperor.
"Though I am his grandson, is it not true that a grandson’s ideology does not necessarily align with his grandfather’s?"
I showed my wit. The Emperor laughed.
"Good, good! Lucian Vane of Ravenscoft. I promise you. I shall expedite the restoration of the capital as much as possible, and I pledge definite follow-up measures for those who have suffered damage!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
This was enough. In reality, there are many politicians who don’t do what they should. Rather, the majority are those who mock people who were injured while serving their country, by offering them food.
But here was different. At least, it was because I was the one who made the necessary statement.
"Furthermore, along with the title of Baron, I shall bestow upon you the epithet ’Cult Butcher,’ and entrust you with the vacant position of Lord of the Weaverpool territory!"
I unconsciously gaped. What did he just say?
I was momentarily stunned but managed to collect myself. No, calm down!
"Long live His Imperial Majesty!"
With that, the meeting concluded. The Emperor gave an order.
"Head Butler, guide this little giant to his chambers."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
I followed the Head Butler to the guest chambers. Honestly, a lot had happened today.
Among them, this was a huge event.
Not only had I received the title of Baron, but I had also become the Lord of Weaverpool.
"With this, I won’t have to part ways with the Weaverpool soldiers!"
Moreover, Weaverpool was a neighboring territory, close to Ravenscoft.
I thought attending a school close to home was sweet.
Now my territory is close to home?
"Awesome, totally awesome!"
"Thank you. It’s all due to the Goddess’s grace."
Right now, my chest felt grand! Is this really Lucian Vane, the one who was called disabled and looked down upon?
My chest feels grand!
And with that, I received a new main quest.
『Main Quest』
◆Song of the Soul
-Objective: □Save the Empress, □Reach Master Rank, □Fully unlock one Holy Relic
-Each Reward: All Stats +5
-Final Reward: 1,000,000 CP, Elevation of existence rank
Huh, I wonder what kind of blockbuster awaits me this time?
I arrived at the guest chambers. It was one of the rooms found by walking down a corridor after leaving the Imperial Palace’s first-floor lobby.
The Head Butler handed me the ceremonial robes to wear in the palace and cautioned me.
"Just to be on the safe side, do not wander around."
"Then, may we return the way we came and go outside? I’d like to deal with any remaining cult remnants."
"That is possible, but please refrain from going upstairs if possible."
"Hmm, may I ask why?"
The Head Butler’s expression changed from businesslike to melancholic.
"Currently, Her Majesty the Empress is critically ill and reacts sensitively to even the slightest disturbance."
So that’s it. The main quest content matches the scenario.
"I will keep that in mind."
The Head Butler left. Left alone in the room, I first looked around.
"Huh, this is beyond a 5-star, more like a 7-star hotel in reality?"
The room itself was simply antique. There were many luxurious sculptures and beds, and above all, it was filled with the scent of roses, which calmed my mind.
"Yoohoo!"
I bounced on the bed. The elasticity was insane. If I had power sex on a bed like this, maybe it wouldn’t collapse?
I headed to the bathroom. Everything was golden.
It was a moment where shock followed shock.
"The Imperial Palace is the best! The Dharma Empire’s technology is the best!"
After washing, I changed into the ceremonial robes. Since they were for a formal ceremony, I wasn’t too fond of the design.
"It’s a bit rustic, but the fabric is luxurious. I could probably sell this for the price of a house."
Anyway, I’m a Baron? And the Lord of Weaverpool?
A hollow laugh escaped me. Is this what family glory is? No, have I become the family’s glory?
I lay on the soft bed and looked up at the ceiling. I thought about how to save the Empress.
"I wonder if that hidden piece is still there? Ah, I also need to go to the expeditionary guild?"
For a moment, I indulged in happy thoughts. Yes, let’s do everything I want to do.
Because I am now Baron Lucian Vane of Ravenscoft, the Cult Butcher.
