Garfield's Pov
Four years ago, I held the position of General in the North, overseeing a force of 20,000 infantry, 5,000 cavalry, and 100 Bold cannons stationed at the Nadur Republic border. The audacious Nadur forces attempted an attack while Eldorion Empire was embroiled in its second war against the Triple Alliance.
The reason for my presence there goes back to the first war against the Triple Alliance during Emperor Aurelius's rule. As a young and valorous cavalry general under Crown Prince Johannes's overall command, I sought to achieve glory for the Elmsworth family and prove my leadership capabilities.
My merits earned victories alongside comrades-in-arms Volfred de Arigon and Richter Van Warung. Recognized for our contributions, we were awarded the Imperial Pass and granted the right to raise private armies in our fiefs, expanding our influence in commerce and trade across the empire.
However, fate took a turn. Four years ago, the southern nations declared war again, launching an invasion with a combined force of 100,000. They were well-prepared. While the Empire assembled a 75,000-strong army under the Crown Prince to counter them, I was tasked with holding back the northern barbarians of Nadur.
This situation forced our Empire to stretch its resources against both Nadur Republic and the Triple Alliance. Fortunately, Nadur Empire didn't launch a full-scale attack, but constant skirmishes along the border compelled my army to remain vigilant, diverting attention from reinforcing the main battlefield in the South.
The outcome was tragic – the untimely death of Crown Prince. The man I pledged to serve as my Lord, the sun of the Empire, our Elmsworth family's savior, perished. What's even more distressing is that I wasn't there for him when he needed me the most.
I vividly recall the promise I made to him back then. The weight of that unfulfilled vow has lingered with me, a haunting reminder of my absence in his crucial moments.
The pain of losing a leader, a brother and a friend has fueled my determination to rectify past mistakes and forge a legacy that honors the memory of Crown Prince Johannes. As I stand on the precipice of new challenges, my commitment to the Elmsworth family and the Empire remains unwavering.
I recalled the promise I made to him back then, in a crucial conversation that left an indelible mark on my sense of duty. The weight of that unfulfilled vow has lingered with me, a haunting reminder of my absence in his crucial moments.
(Flashback)
"Hey, your daughter Luna is now 13 years old, right?" Johannes asked.
"Yes, she is," I replied, nervously contemplating if he intended to engage her as a concubine. Among aristocrats, the tradition often involved early engagements.
Sensing my unease, he chuckled, "Hahaha, do not worry. I'm not taking her in as a concubine or something."
Internally sighing in relief while maintaining my poker face, he caught me off guard by continuing, "I want her to be my unborn son's godmother and nanny."
"This—" I began, but he cut me off, saying, "I want her not only as the godmother and nanny of my son but also his knight. I don't know if I'll survive this upcoming war, but I want to ensure that my unborn child has capable people around him," he expressed in a melancholic tone.
I immediately responded by bowing, "Please do not think like that, My Lord! You are the sun of this magnificent Empire, and many people look up to you." Continuing,
"I'll make sure nothing happens to you. I'll take the stray bullet in your stead on the battlefield. If your health is compromised, I'll pray to God in the church that your illness may transfer to me, and you can be free from it. As long as I'm alive, I won't allow you to go to the afterlife, Johan!" I pledged.
Normally, I wouldn't be this emotional, but a sense of foreboding was rising in my heart.
His eyes widened in surprise, but then, with a charming smile, he said, "Thanks, Garf. Richter, Volf, Beur, Westerling, and you are my most trusted vassals. So I'll tell you a political secret."
Then, turning serious, he added, "From what I've gathered, it seems my 'dear' father-in-law is planning to join forces with Duke Raul."
While not entirely surprised, this development compromised our plans.
"There's a possibility that they'll come after me. Father is still a soft leader and may not be able to help in this situation."
"At worst, we might have to be split up in this upcoming war as a way to strike at me."
"If that happens, please make sure to take care of my unborn son."
Speechless at the time, I made that promise to ensure his peace of mind.
(Flashback ends)
Upon receiving news of Crown Prince Johannes's demise, I hastily departed from my Northern camp, leaving command in the capable hands of my vassals. Riding my tamed wyvern, accompanied by a few bodyguards on Mystical falcons unique to my fief, I raced towards the capital.
The chaos that awaited me in the capital was profound. Within days, the realm plunged into disarray, and the unsettling noise from Theanbe Region escalated. Johannes had desired to rid himself of those corrupt lords, deeming them a burden, but his light dimmed before piercing the darkness.
Before returning, I ensured my daughter Luna stayed in the palace as the Godmother to the new Emperor. Daniel, a gentleman leading a faction within the Western sect, facilitated Luna's role as the Godmother and Nanny to the unborn Emperor.
Luna, a magical prodigy at 14, had already attained the third stage in magic sorcery, particularly excelling in Wind. Though it felt like abandoning my own child in the den of wolves, Luna believed the palace offered greater safety than our Margrave.
With a kind and resolute spirit, she cheerfully exclaimed, "Leave everything to me! And do not slack off, Dad." In the following four years, I did what I could to support her. However, concerns arose as the Prime Minister's faction hinted at supporting the Theanbe noble bastards. Fearing for Luna's safety in the capital, I called her back.
Unexpectedly, both the Raul and Aquila Factions openly supported me. Luna suspected her godson, Young Emperor Arthur, played a role. She advised me to travel to the capital, swearing a solemn vow to the Emperor to thwart potential exploitation by other factions. My son Dynir, though remarkably adept in such matters, struggled with womanizing tendencies.
Sigh*
Sighing, I pondered the irony that, if not for this flaw, he would be the perfect heir to my margrave.
Despite this flaw, he remained a brilliant heir, demonstrating his strategic prowess. As the unfolding political landscape revealed its complexities, I couldn't help but hope that Dynir would overcome his weaknesses to emerge as a steadfast leader.
Following the advice, I entered the capital with the unexpected assistance of the current Earl of the Palace, Volfor.
Curious about his motives, I questioned him, and he simply responded, "As long as you stay by Emperor's side."
Without further argument, I proceeded with my Imperial Pass, marking the beginning of the Imperia Regium. It was the first Imperial Court session in the last four years.
After the session concluded, I took residence in one of the rooms of the Imperial Palace, awaiting the secret meeting that Volfor had promised. Luna was thrilled and eager to meet His Majesty.
In my opinion, His Majesty appeared to be a dignified child, worthy of my loyalty. His regal presence echoed the royalty of the old, and despite his childish voice, it held clarity and sharpness.
To avoid drawing attention, Luna chose to disguise herself as my servant during the secret meeting. However, beneath the guise, her true intent was to test His Majesty. It became evident that he had noticed her, adding an intriguing layer to our unfolding interactions.
With a subtle click, the door swung open, and a commanding voice instructed, "Follow me." It was none other than the Earl of the Palace, Volfor, there to escort us to the secret meeting with His Majesty. Luna, my daughter, joined our small entourage.
As we reached the designated meeting room, the door creaked open, revealing a childish voice that resonated through the space.
"Ginny!" His Majesty exclaimed, joyfully rushing towards Luna.
"Arthur!" Luna reciprocated, and a heartwarming scene unfolded before me, reminiscent of the theatrical displays of my youth.
It became apparent that His Majesty considered Luna as his own mother, and she reciprocated the sentiment.
The tender interaction warmed my heart, but the harmonious atmosphere was abruptly shattered by an unwelcome intrusion.
"I have done my job, Your Majesty," Earl Volfor stated, ready to take his leave. However, His Majesty's solemn voice cut through the air, halting the departing Earl.
"Not yet, Earl Volfor. I still have some things to ask and share," His Majesty commanded with a gravity that stirred memories of his late father, my former Lord.
The serious tone and aura mirrored that of the late Emperor Aurelius and Crown Prince Johannes, especially when matters of significance were at hand.
The room fell into a contemplative silence as His Majesty prepared to address matters of importance. The dynamics at play seemed to extend beyond the immediate concerns, hinting at a more profound discussion that could shape the future of the empire.
As an observer to this unfolding drama, I couldn't help but be intrigued by the complexities hidden beneath the surface. The echoes of the past reverberated through the room, creating a tapestry of familial bonds, political intrigue, and the weighty responsibilities that came with the throne.
Earl Volfor, though attempting to exit the stage, found himself ensnared in the unfolding narrative. The anticipation for the forthcoming conversation lingered in the air, adding an extra layer of tension to the already charged atmosphere within the meeting room.
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A/N
I tried to write a different pov.. Hope you all liked it