◈ Chapter 88 - 14-the Emperor's Anus
[So you said it was your last gift? Now I understand why I was laughing the entire boat ride.]
Jin nodded her head with a face that seemed to say, 'That's right if you say so.'
But today, she couldn't continue what she was saying.
I tilted my head.
"Have you stopped preaching about the fate of heroes?"
[God wants humans to live the way they want. If that's what you want, there's no reason to stop it.]
That is the ideal image of God that I had hoped for.
But after getting to know Jin for almost a year, I was able to immediately tell that he was like that because something was bothering him.
"When will I put the fate of the continent on my shoulders? Why did our goddess suddenly change her words?"
[Because it's shameless to ask for more from you.]
Jin slowly took out the words he had kept inside.
[You are already a hero. Thanks to you, the North escaped the clutches of the Demon Cult with little loss. Also, if this matter goes well, the entire continent will receive your help. It's an achievement that goes far beyond what one person can accomplish. I can't whine for you to do more. After I get my body back, I, the rest of the gods, and the saint will take care of it. Don't worry and go towards your dream.]
"...Are you doing this because of my Danjeon?"
In the fierce battle with Antenor, my Dantian was sentenced to death as a reward for creating Jin's flesh body.
He has lost most of the potential that was the basis for his nickname as the genius of the century.
Now, to put it bluntly, I was no different from an intermediate sword expert who was about to retire because he could not bear the aging of his body without Hwajeong.
It was clear that Jin's consideration stemmed from that.
[I feel sorry for you. It wasn't intentional that Hwajeong entered your body, but because of it, you had to cross the line of fire several times. And now I have a big scar.]
The one who declared death was Jin of Flame.
The goddess who held the source of mana and blessed the world saw and judged it with her own eyes, and no one can dispute her diagnosis.
"Do you feel sad for some reason? It feels like they're throwing it away because it's no longer useful."
[If it's okay with you, you can keep fighting the devil. Honestly, I hope so too. What you lost was Dantian, not that brilliant brain, right?]
Jin said, tapping the book I made.
As she said, what I lost was the physical part.
And that's just a portion of my abilities.
You can fight the devil as much as you want.
[But the adversity to come will be more severe and difficult to endure. You will sacrifice your life at the forefront more than anyone else.]
Because it's always been like that.
Jin seemed to be counting the scars engraved on my body from the many fierce battles.
[I'm not sure if you can handle it when your growth has stopped. Until now, I believed in your potential, but now that it has stopped, I don't want to recklessly drive you to death.]
I couldn't deny Jin's words.
All of the enemies I have faced so far have been monsters whose skills differ far from each other.
Each time, he sold his wit, his luck, and eventually his future, and barely managed to survive.
I think about it after I overcome a difficult time.
Will I be able to survive next time?
As expected, the enemy of fate came to me in a more powerful form every time.
In comparison, I am an ordinary human being.
A mere creature who didn't do much in his past life and only knows a little about the setting and future of this world.
I had trouble sleeping at night when those worries ran down my spine.
It got worse after the Danjeon was shattered.
I was trying to soothe the moment when my mind was being eaten away with alcohol, but I couldn't continue to live like this.
[My contract with you was all about finding my body. If that gets done, live the life you want. You can let go of everything. Forget everything about devils and gods, just drink and get angry. You deserve it.]
Because I sang that song.
Even as he said that, Jin sounded sorry.
She feels like my dantian was shattered through her own fault.
In a way, the reason Antenor targeted me was because of Jin.
That's why she, who is usually a no-nonsense lady when it comes to sex, must have brought up the words 'alcohol and anger' herself.
I chuckled at her consideration.
"Why are you talking as if it's already over? The journey to find your body is just beginning?"
Transforming traditional fantasy into a mass-produced version.
That is the goal I have pursued since I regained my memories of my past life.
Okay.
What do you know about the devil or the war of gods?
Just fulfill the contract and spend the rest of your life happily in the vineyard.
But my suffering is not over yet.
It is too early to burst into celebration.
"Still, I'm excited. The day to finally hold your tits is getting closer."
[Don't even think about putting a finger on my body! I have never entered into such a contract!]
"What do you mean? I told you I would grab your wonderful mamma barrel in exchange for shortening the search period for your body. I kept my word, but are you going to act like a god and wash your mouth?"
[Oh, Mamma Tong... ?]
"That's it! I won't find your body. I roughly know how to use Hwajeong, and I stopped growing anyway, so I have nothing to regret now, right? It's up to you whether I find it or not."
A doll filled with Jin's soul trembled as if a vibrator had been inserted into her.
Jin, who had been swallowing her anger for a while, looked at me with empty eyes, like a woman who had been sold to some kind of brothel.
It was the gaze of a loser kneeling in front of frustration, lamentation, and fate.
[... Just once.]
With indescribable pleasure, I jumped up from my seat, threw an uppercut, and let out an exclamation.
I will soon become the first human to grasp the breasts of a goddess!
Isn't it much cooler than titles like Genius of the Century, Sword Saint, or Saint?
"But what is the standard for once? Is it okay for me to keep holding on without letting go of my hand? What about with both hands? Holding with one hand is no big deal, but if you hold with both hands, it still counts as once? What about kneading? No matter what you do, it's only once. "It doesn't matter as long as you meet the criteria, right? Answer me, okay?"
[Just leave, you pervert!]
In the end, Jin's anger exploded and my whole body was engulfed in flames.
It was unusually hot today.
[I'm an idiot for worrying about this bastard! Just die here! Die!]
"Aaaaah! You crazy fire god bastard! What if you start a fire in a wooden boat? Water, water!"
If Mion, who was so shocked to see me going crazy, hadn't gone out and brought me a bucket of water, my journey would have ended with a burning sailboat in the middle of the sea.
Amid the commotion, the ship crossed the calm waves and arrived at the port of Oxstantium, the capital of the Oxburg Empire.
*
Hangover, nagging wife, upcoming payday. When you look at the peaceful sea, all distracting thoughts disappear. The soldiers of the Octantium Empire guarding the walls above the port were on guard duty as usual, staring blankly at the sea. At that moment, I saw the imperial flag rising from the distant coastline.
Recently, imperial sailing ships were constantly carrying supplies to the front lines. Does it seem that there are limits to supply through land routes? There were rumors that the battlefield conditions were so bad, but it seems to be true. All the knights in the capital also left. Is it possible to live with being ugly? Contrary to expectations, the soldier's mouth yawned long as if he was bored from the long guard duty.
"Hmm? Wait, was there a ship like that in the Empire?"
Even with the soldier's eyes filled with tears, it was his first time seeing the Ma Beom-seon docked. Most of the Empire's new ships were giant iron ships, and the wooden ships were much smaller. However, the Ma sailing ship approaching the harbor at high speed was similar in size to an iron ship but was made of wood. Just looking at it, it looked like it was old. Because you were in a hurry, did you take out the boat that was stuck somewhere? The soldier casually looked down at the ship. At that time, he noticed that a strange flag was hanging next to the imperial flag with a black cow on it.
"...Griffin? Let's just wait. Is there a family that uses the griffin symbol?"
Rubbing his rough beard, the soldier rolled his head. There are a few families that use the griffin symbol. However, as far as he knew, there was no family in the central region with such large details. Since a family so famous in the North had used the griffin emblem for a long time, it would have been a bit awkward for another family to display it as a symbol. Northern, Griffin, Ma Seom-seon... When a few words were combined, the soldier trembled as if struck by lightning.
"De Jeviets?! Could this be Ma Beom-seon of the Lighthouse of Humanity?!"
At that time, a loud noise came from the port. It was a bell that signaled that a serious situation had occurred. Soon, the few remaining knights in the capital rushed out.
"Stop it! Stop those crazy guys right now! The ship shouldn't come in!"
However, even a single soldier could realize that it was already too late. It took a long time to close the port, and the sailboat was unbefittingly fast for its size. Three horse sailing ships entered the port of the leisurely Oxburg Empire. The soldier did not know why the De Jeevitz family's Lighthouse Corps of Humanity had appeared in the capital. However, I intuitively felt that something serious had happened. Even the capital's days of calm were over.
◈ Chapter 89 - 14-the Emperor's Anus
*
[To the Marquis de Jevietz.
Dear Sir Aidan de Jeevitz, descendant of the Griffins, Lord of the Eternal Light and Defender of the North.
Bjorn de Jeevitz, commander of the Human Lighthouse, sends his greetings.
Have you been at peace so far?
That's right, when you have a conversation with high-ranking officials, you probably want to crush the heads of the people you meet, one by one.
His Excellency's dark-colored eyelids are eye-catching.
Still, please stop your anger and work hard for the north.
Haenrel is well organized.
His Excellency's mother has also been actively engaged in political affairs recently.
You don't have to worry, as he is controlling the territory with the demeanor of a count.
Abamis is indeed a beautiful place as its reputation suggests, so if you have time, please come and visit.
Your mother will be happy too.
By the way, today I appointed Lord Ragnar as the second-in-command of the Human Lighthouse.
In my absence, Lord Ragnar will act as commander.
He is wise and wise, so please keep him by your side and use him comfortably.
Even so, he won't be able to spend much.
I know. There is something else you are really curious about.
By the time this letter reaches the Marquis, I will be heading to Octantium.
We put the knights of the Lighthouse of Humanity on board the magic sailboat.
I can roughly guess that Stemwind is noisy because of this.
It's interesting to see what high-ranking officials are talking about.
But don't worry.
Because there will be no damage to the north.
I'm thinking of taking a gamble with your majesty.
At stake the position of commander of the Human Lighthouse.
Since the stakes are the stakes, His Majesty must also put the Oxburg Empire on the table.
It's a huge deal where someone else takes over an entire continent.
I will win for everyone on the continent of Esteria.
This is the first step.
However, because the boat was full of people, they were unable to take any belongings.
Your Excellency, please provide financial support for the articles of the Lighthouse of Humanity with me.
It appears that around 300,000 Libra will be enough.
I would appreciate it if you could send it to the capital.
If I need more, I will send you a letter.
I'll just cut it short.
Please stay healthy.
Commander of the Lighthouse of Humanity and the eldest son of the family, Bjorn de Jeevitz.]
Aidan had a smile on his face as he read the letter in the great hall of Stemwind, the home of the De Jeviets family.
"It's a sentence worthy of your brother. It's bold and outspoken."
The clear view of the situation in Stemwind from where I was sitting.
As Aidan folded the letter, the trace of a smile quickly disappeared from the corner of Aidan's mouth, as if water had been added to dry sand.
"Your Excellency, the Commander's arbitrariness may lead to the De Jeevitz family being falsely accused of treason! We must deal with it!"
"What nonsense is that! Bjorn de Jeevitz is the hero of the North and the eldest son of the De Jeevitz family! If that is what the Commander means, the North must prepare to fight even if it is the Emperor of the Empire!"
"Be careful what you say! No matter what, you can't move without a solid foundation. Sir, what do you think? Was there anything special in the letter?"
Ever since Aidan became a marquis, no one knew where the power in the North lay.
However, no matter how practical the northern owner is, this is too arbitrary a judgment.
If we make a mistake, so many people in the north will lose their lives that even the blood shed in the fight against the devil cultists is laughable.
Because of the dogmatism of Björn de Jeevitz.
It was natural that the fire fell on the feet of the officials who had a lot of money.
Aidan was startled by a sudden question while listening to the shouts of officials who were fighting with each other raising their voices below the platform.
He soon composed his expression and spoke in a manner befitting a marquis.
"Don't worry. What you are worried about will not happen. The De Jeevitz family will follow the commander's wishes and wait and see the situation."
Aidan continued, soothing the officials' anxious minds.
"Treasurer, listen. The Commander wants financial support. 300,000 right now... No, I'm sure Brother Bjern would have called for less than what was needed... 500,000! 500,000 Libra needs to be sent to Octantium. I do it. Is it possible?"
"50,000 Libra?! It's possible, but it's too much to send at once! The amount of cash that can currently be circulated through post-war processing..."
"Eye! You can use the De Jeviets family's wealth! The commander said you need it, so shouldn't you send it over as soon as possible? Open the warehouse and prepare right away!"
Aidan, looking more enthusiastic than ever, ordered the treasurer.
There were those who ridiculed the Marquis, calling him a scarecrow for the usurpers Bjorn and Eileen.
However, no one could tell that it was a scarecrow.
If you do it because you want to, how can that be a scarecrow?
Officials were worried about the future of the North due to the Marquis' excessive loyalty to the actual ruler.
*
Runea ran day and night until she reached Octantium. As soon as she entered the castle, she was urgently briefed on the situation in the capital.
"Vice-captain! Suddenly, the Ma Bum-ship of the Human Lighthouse is in the harbor..."
Damn it, I'm late.
Even though she ran non-stop, the information was delayed and she had no time to react.
Since the marquee ship had already entered the port, it was a game in which Björn would win no matter what they aimed for.
I decided that it was advantageous and ended up making a painful mistake.
Pursing her lips, she said.
"Call all the remaining knights in the capital right now! Where are the Sword Saint and the Mage Tower Lord!"
"You both headed to the port to assess the situation!"
"We're coming too! We must stop the Human Lighthouse at all costs!"
"Yes!"
The knight's stern reply came after Runea.
*
Octantium Port.
In a place where all sides were blocked by a castle wall, three Mabeom ships that had created a hole in the finances of the Lighthouse of Humanity appeared.
A cannon on the wall blocking the harbor took aim at the sailing ship.
From the front of the boat, I caught the sight.
"This ship is useful too."
Every time I saw it, I wanted to sell it to a junk shop somewhere.
I never thought it would come in handy at a time like this.
It's not for nothing that the saying "Saeongjima" exists.
Helga, the senior knight of the Human Lighthouse next to me, made the sign of the cross and lamented.
"Princess, your son has grown up like this and is about to slit your Majesty's head. Are you watching? It's good to live according to your will, but isn't this living too freely?"
Starting with that lament, Operation Staff Amber closed her eyes and prayed toward the sky.
"Ah, in the end, you did it. You did it. You trapped the Demon Beom-seon in Octantium. Father, mother, and younger brother. I can't even get my revenge, so I'm following along."
"Wait a minute, I still have a living family. If this goes wrong, my whole family will die along with me? Huh? Bjorn, please talk to me!"
Barton's scream continued.
Either way, the sailboat sailed through the current toward the deck.
Just before that, ships anchored in the harbor intercepted the marquee ship.
Helga, who was watching the situation, urged me to make a brave decision as if it was no joke.
"Bjorn, I don't know what your plan is, but we have to make a decision quickly. Either our ship will be sunk by cannons and magic, or Bjorn's head will be cut off by the Human Lighthouse's mutiny on board, either of which will happen within 10 minutes. You will lose."
Although they were said to have sworn allegiance to the De Jeevitz family, there were many knights of the Lighthouse of Man who were not northerners.
Even if you have no patriotism or loyalty to the empire, everyone knows how dangerous this is.
It was not surprising if a mutiny occurred on board.
If I hadn't done enough feats in the North, I might have been decapitated by the time the ship headed south.
But I watched the situation indifferently.
"I'm doing this because I have thoughts too."
"So, just a little faster with that plan..."
At the time when Helga was complaining, a person who appeared to be in charge of the port shouted to me from the ship that was surrounding the Human Lighthouse's Ma Sailing Ship.
"De Jeviets! What on earth are you doing? Are you going to commit treason? Get off the ship right now and reveal the truth behind why you did this!"
"De Jeviets? Am I your friend? Where are you spouting your anger?! Do you want to go after me?!"
This has never happened in the North.
Central bastards, you need to know that they are not cheap, right?
Anyway, from the first impression, I really didn't like this place.
"Shut up! Even if you are imprisoned for treason right now, you have nothing to say! I am warning you one last time! Get off the ship right now and reveal the truth! If you don't, the cannons on the castle walls will tear your proud magic sailboat to smithereens. !"
I smiled brightly at the person in charge's words.
How dare you challenge the Human Lighthouse at sea?
It is time to show the Navy of the Oxburg Empire, who grew up as a flower in a greenhouse, a lesson.
"Kids, did you hear? Everyone get down! Run!"
At my shout mixed with mana, the knights of the Human Lighthouse jumped into the sea one by one.
As 1,200 knights jumped into the sea, the person in charge on the ship across from them turned pale at the spectacle.
"What are you doing? De Jeviets!"
"I told you to jump! Do you have dementia?!"
After finishing what I had to say, I followed the knights and threw myself into the sea.
After finishing my dive with white foam rising, I soon stood on the water using my mana.
Since ancient times, I thought that any knight of the Human Lighthouse would be able to use sleep aids.
Being able to walk on the water brings tremendous strategic benefits at sea.
Even in this situation.
As the 1,200 knights followed me and slowly emerged to the surface, the person in charge looked perplexed.
I shouted to him.
"The Lighthouse of Humanity is the only knightly order in the Empire! What is so strange about our appearance in the capital where His Majesty is? How dare you block our way to serve His Majesty?! Who do you think is rebelling right now?"
I gathered momentum and ordered the Human Lighthouse Corps.
"Humanity Lighthouse! Recall our duty to serve His Majesty! We all rush to the capital!"
◈ Chapter 90 - 14-the Emperor's Anus
In the chaotic founding history of the Oxburg Empire, the Lighthouse Order of Humanity acquired a dual status as the empire's only knightly order and at the same time as a private army of the De Jeritz family.
To be honest, when I read Esteria's biography, I wondered why there was such a setting.
Even if I write something like this, it will only confuse readers.
It's not like I'm giving a damn that the world view Ji created is so lively.
But that's the truth.
It is written as if it were something that actually happened in the neighborhood next door, as if it is none of their business whether the reader is convinced by the setting or not, or whether they are confused or not.
And my goal in this setting is to use that setting to change the world.
"Lighthouse corps! Run towards the imperial palace! Slaughter is not permitted! If there is anyone blocking the way, subdue it! I will award the Damas Sword to the first one to reach it!"
The Knights of the Human Lighthouse who heard my command hesitated for a moment, but soon realized that there was no other way since they had come this far and rushed to the port.
The water flowing by 1,200 sword experts sparkled in the sunlight.
"W-what are you doing? Fire! Fire!"
The port manager on board the ship shouted, "Whale whale!"
To put the shouts to shame, none of the cannons on the castle wall fired fire.
It is easy to shoot the anchored ship of the Human Lightship.
However, it was meaningless to hit a knight running across the sea with a cannon.
In addition, the knights were already crossing the imperial ships at speed based on their superhuman bodies.
If you shoot incorrectly, your allies will suffer damage.
After that, how can the soldiers guarding the castle walls be responsible for the paragraph?
While the soldiers on the walls hesitated for one reason or another, the Human Lighthouse Corps dug deeper.
"Damn you! Then stop it with your bodies! You can't let the traitors go here! Do you all want to have your heads blown off?"
The Human Lightship Corps currently in port is no different from the rebels.
If we let them go without taking any action, many of the soldiers who will be here in the future will be put to death without any excuse.
The soldiers on deck came to their senses due to the endless shouts of the person in charge.
They reshaped their spears to block the Human Lighthouse.
Of course, it had no effect at all.
"Get out of the way! If you don't want to get hurt!"
The sword energy that had lost its sharpness became wind pressure and sent the soldiers flying.
Each of the Knights of the Lighthouse of Humanity here is a sword expert who is considered the backbone of the Knights.
There was no way that ordinary people, even soldiers, could stop it by banding together.
The bodies of the soldiers were blown away and fell into the sea as if they had encountered a tornado.
At the forefront was Ember Cutter.
"Why is he like that?"
"...As soon as you hear the word Damas Sword, you do that."
Barton sighed as he looked at Ember, who was running like a crazy bitch in the vanguard.
Is it true that the brains of the Lighthouse of Humanity and the important staff are doing this because they have their eyes set on a single sword?
In any case, the path opened quickly thanks to Amber's performance.
"Damn it! Everyone get off the boat! Stop it somehow!"
No matter how much the person in charge screamed, the speed at which the knights entered the capital was much faster than for the soldiers on board to get off the ship and deal with the knights.
The knights who reached the dock increased their speed even more and entered the Okstantium of the Oxburg Empire without blood.
It was the first time since the establishment of the Oxburg Empire that troops without the Emperor's restrictions had invaded the capital.
Like a defenseless lamb, Octantium revealed its flesh, filled with buildings with red roofs and yellow walls.
The Lighthouse of Humanity marched through an alley so small that it was difficult for four adults to pass by.
The fluttering clock of the Lighthouse of Humanity, the sharp sword, and desperate eyes as if there was no going back.
As the knights uttered their prayers, the citizens of the capital could only stop what they were doing and stare blankly at the sight.
What stopped the unstoppable race of the Lighthouse of Humanity was a face I was glad to see after a long time.
"Bjorn de Jeevitz, what a brilliant debut this is. If all the nobles had debuted in the capital's society like you, the empire would have disappeared already. Retirement is just around the corner, so why is everyone suddenly making an uproar?"
Although he had a short stature and a small physique, the amount of mana in the words he uttered was impossible to estimate.
The knights present at the Great Battle of Leuctra Plains flinched as soon as they saw his face due to the spirit radiating from the old man standing across from him.
Amber, who had been running wild like a crazy bitch, became as docile as a wolf encountering a tiger as soon as the old man appeared.
The response is faster than expected?
Breaking through the stagnant Human Lighthouse Knight, I greeted him.
"Sword Saint, Grand Duke Landeros Van Hos. It's been a while. Is the person floating in the sky the famous Mage Tower Lord Asili?"
I asked a question, but it didn't really mean anything.
There is no other wizard who can defy gravity and show off her skills while floating in the sky.
Mage tower lord Asili.
He is a 10th circle archmage that only about one person achieves in a century, the great sage who leads the magic tower, the brigade commander of the magic brigade, and the most powerful force that protects the Oxburg Empire along with the sword saint Landeros.
The girl with her beautiful pink hair was staring at me as if she was about to pour her magic on my head.
If she moves carelessly, her entire body will be pierced before she can even react to the magic of the 10th Circle Archmage.
Still, it is enjoyable to watch as the main characters from the Esteria biography appear one after another.
I looked up at Asili and shook her hand happily.
Then she waved her hand and accepted it, just like her personality in the original work.
[Ha, I never thought I would meet that guy in a place like this.]
She said that her Jin was looking at her as if he saw someone she knew.
I asked her, tilting her head.
'How do you know the magic tower lord?'
[That guy is one of the prophets created by Draigonak.]
Draigonak?
Why does the dragon, one of the three gods and the ruler of wisdom, suddenly appear here?
What is a prophet?
I couldn't help but feel curious about the content that wasn't even in the setting book.
[A prophet is a living being created by a divine being using some of its power. To put it simply, you can think of them as being like children. Asili, that guy is a dragon created by Draigonak. He is merely a polymorph, taking human form. For your information, the griffin that is embedded in your family crest is also one of the prophets created by the World Tree.]
'Is that possible? But isn't it ultimately a loss if you take away your power? 'Why do you do such a thing?'
[You can think of it as my role of distributing the work I can do. And the prophet is an independent, intelligent life form. It's a benefit in the grand scheme of things because you gain more power than you lose as you grow.]
It was a moment of getting one step closer to the truth of the world.
This means that the Great Devils were also prophets created by Moloch.
I asked Jin back with a curious look.
'Then is there a prophet you created?'
[No, there is not. Because I didn't want to make it.]
Jin answered in a rather cold tone and continued.
[Rather than that, please make a separate seat with Asili later. That guy might know Draigonak's whereabouts.]
'Okay, let's focus on work for now.'
If we continue talking, it seems like Landeros, who has reached the limit of his patience, will be angry.
I shifted my gaze to the swordsman, who was glaring fiercely as he drew out a sword full of teeth.
It was difficult to find the benevolent old man seen in the north.
"Has the Sword Saint been okay so far?"
"We were okay? If it wasn't for you, we would have been a little safer. What on earth is this fuss about? Aren't you too old to be playing with the sand on the beach?"
"In your eyes, Sword Saint, does this look like making a sand castle?"
Bring troops to the capital and advance to the imperial palace.
Anyone who saw it could see what this meant.
Geomseong shot me an even more absurd expression.
"So now I have to cut off your head for treason?"
"When were you talking about the saint's dilemma, are you going to intervene in politics now? Didn't you just wait and see when the Keldarin Empire collapsed due to revolution?"
"They were the majority then, and aren't you the minority now? I can't throw away the empire for you. Bjorn, I am truly disappointed. No matter how different His Majesty's will is from what you want, it is not right to resolve it this way. ."
When the Sword Saint blocked the road, the Knights of the Holy Cross in the capital rushed in one by one and surrounded the Human Lighthouse.
Naturally, there were many human lighthouses.
Most of the Knights of the Holy Cross were outside the capital for the political mission of war with the Kingdom of Junta and pressure on the North.
However, no one in the Lighthouse of Humanity believed that they could win against them.
The sword saint and magic tower master were that powerful.
From the beginning, it made no sense to take control of the capital of the empire with 1,200 sword experts.
And of course, I didn't come to the capital to do such nonsense.
"Bjorn, I will not tell you twice. Throw away your sword and surrender. Since you are credited with saving the North, I personally beg your majesty not to take your life."
At the Sword Saint's last sentence, I raised the corners of my mouth and sneered.
"Sword Saint. I understand that you are close to 300 years old. I guess you have really been holding a sword all this time?"
"What?"
"Central's charlatanism is famous even within the empire. Why don't you look over your shoulder and learn more?"
"I thought I came here to have fun with you..."
"That's it. There he comes."
Behind the Sword Saint, a carriage decorated with gold and silver treasures was coming down from the direction indicated by the tip of its chin.
The imperial flag with the black cow symbol on a red background, symbolizing the von Oxburg family, fluttered on top of the carriage.
A black-haired man who appeared to be in his 30s got out of the carriage, wearing red silk clothes so thin that all of his skin was visible.
A sturdy body that shows through the clothes, a sharp appearance that steals the viewer's attention, and decadent black pupils.
Does the Northern Grand Duke in the store look like that?
It was a contrasting impression to me, who had blonde hair, blue eyes, and a handsome appearance.
The man's external factors alone were enough to overwhelm those around him.
As he appeared, the Knights of the Holy Cross slightly bowed their heads and opened the way.
Emperor of the Oxburg Empire.
Drich von Oxburg.
The emperor who had screwed me over countless times came in person.
He approached me without hesitation.
"I couldn't be happier to see you in person. Bjern de Jeevitz. We welcome you."
◈ Chapter 91 - 14-the Emperor's Anus
There are many expressions used by emperors and kings to refer to themselves.
The baggage, the opening, the fruit...
Among many expressions, the Emperor of the Oxburg Empire uses 'we'.
It is said to be an orthodox and fundamental way of referring to 'majestic revenge.'
It was an expression that confused me and annoyed me when I read Esteria's biography, but it was even more annoying when I actually heard it.
Because the novel doesn't even explain why the emperor refers to it as 'we'.
"Your Majesty! It's dangerous to get any closer than that!"
He approached as if to shake hands, but Runea, who had already come running towards him, stopped him.
It seems like they thought they didn't have the talent to deal with me if I tried to do something stupid.
However, the Emperor waved his arm and pushed Runea back.
"It's dangerous. The knights directly under the Empire have arrived where they are supposed to be, so what is the danger?"
"Your Majesty! He is a traitor who led his troops and invaded the capital. How can you..."
"Then do you want to bet?"
"Bet... Are you talking about?"
"We say, sir, listen. Even if Björn de Jeevitz beheads us, you shall not kill Björn. This is the imperial command."
Before Runea could react, the emperor stood in front of me.
As far as the sword can reach.
If I wanted to swing it, hitting his head was no problem.
The emperor was an ordinary person who had neither learned swordsmanship nor magic, so it was impossible to avoid him.
Of course, there was no plot development where I took the opportunity and cut off the emperor's head.
"Look, there is nothing against Bjorn. Even though he was this close, he didn't kill us. Is there any evidence as clear as this?"
The emperor dominated those around him with a powerful appearance that was worthy of being called the Emperor of Destruction.
People around me would think that the emperor had done something crazy, risking his life for nothing and trying to figure out my intentions.
But the Emperor and I both know.
That that doesn't happen.
Just as he can't kill me, I can't kill him.
I came down to take control of the empire, not with the intention of siding with the emperor.
Do you know how too big to fail?
The Lighthouse of Humanity is too big to kill for treason.
The same goes for the eldest son of the De Jeevitz family.
Of course, the emperor had been putting pressure on the North with the intention of going to war, but that was based on the premise that the North would bow down to protect its own interests.
I didn't really want it to be an all-out war.
But what if the eldest son of the Lighthouse of Humanity and the De Jeevitz family is accused of treason and killed?
We will avoid the damage caused by the bloody fight that will take place right now, and we will cross an irreparable river in our relationship with the North.
As an emperor who has to stick a straw in the North, he would want to avoid that.
In a situation where he was trying to reclaim the Lighthouse Order of Humanity under the pretext of being the only knightly order in the empire, the emperor's behavior became laughable.
And more than anything, it was the emperor who used this tactic well so far, so he must have known better than anyone else that I had no intention of treason.
Based on this reason, the emperor is trying to put an end to my crazy behavior, which would be inconvenient even if he were to end it immediately.
Thanks to this, I was able to station as many as 1,200 Knights of the Human Lighthouse in the capital.
And once troops are in your arms, it is difficult to drive them out unless you are willing to resort to armed conflict.
The emperor tried to take control of the North in that way, so he would know better than anyone else.
They returned to the emperor's favorite method and sewed beads into his anus.
It was faster than expected, but at this point, let's quickly finish our spectacular capital debut.
I got down on one knee and paid my respects to the Emperor.
"Your Majesty, I'm really glad to see you here too. It's much better than when we talked through letters."
The strong musk scent of the emperor's silk fluttering assailed his nose.
His clothes were so thin that when I looked up close, his upper body was completely exposed.
The emperor, Drich von Oxburg, had a medical condition that prevented him from wearing clothes.
It is said that he began to have seizures when wearing clothes, after his sister changed his clothes to save him during a rebellion that took place when he was the crown prince.
Since I could only tolerate thin silk, I usually wore it like an exhibitionist.
However, strangely enough, his appearance, past history, and decadent behavior matched perfectly with his attire, capturing the public's attention with an extremely decadent and insanely sensual atmosphere.
It is said that the emperor's fashion was popular in the capital for a while, but no one could imitate his claws.
"Lord de Jeviets, how was the voyage? Was it difficult? Coming down from the north to the center must have been difficult."
The Emperor spoke to me warmly, as if I had met a distant relative of his.
Strictly speaking, we are distant relatives.
Half of my blood belongs to the duke, the von Lorraine family.
"I came down in a hurry because I was thinking about the empire. But compared to the northern sea, it was as gentle as a river. There was no need to worry about traveling."
"You are truly worthy of the Commander of the Human Lighthouse. The Empire's Navy has been rude to you. They blocked your path and used military force, right? I will immediately rip off the skin of the person responsible and make them pay for their crime."
"It's my fault for not telling you in advance. I think it would be better to reward those who faithfully did their job."
"Indeed, you are merciful. I will do so."
In a conversation that seemed so friendly, it was actually the people around them who were taken aback.
Even Runea, who had been rolling for a long time in the central area, could not follow the conversation and just stared blankly at the emperor.
The parties involved in the conversation were sharpening their swords and fighting.
A rough translation of the emperor's meaning in the conversation just now is as follows.
I roughly know why you came to the central region.
I can't kill you either, so let's just skip this.
But don't take it lightly.
I'm going to put several heads on the line for you.
I responded to the truly defeated aspect.
There are many days ahead when you have to fight, so don't lose your strength and save your face by giving me a reward.
"I should have gone to the imperial palace right away, but since you came here in person, I don't know what's going on."
"I have been worried that the Sword Saint might cut off your head out of excessive loyalty. And isn't there an old story between you and us? Since you fell for the trick, I think you should give it a nice blow this time. So, people around you. "Would you please explain why you came here?"
This game is my loss.
I give you the winner's rights.
Try running somewhere cool.
The emperor declared that he would accept my number as is, as if he were consulting with the king.
Although he has been fighting against his will to the fullest, he was a great man whose personality was truly likeable.
Then you can't take it out.
Gambling works only when there is stake.
Let's find out why the commander of the Human Lighthouse Corps personally led his troops to the capital.
I shouted loudly.
"Your Majesty! Bjorn de Ebitz, the only knight of the imperial family and commander of the Lightship of Humanity that protects the empire from demons, hereby formally greets you. I am sorry for not being able to tell you in advance. However, to protect the empire from the threat of demons, "I hope you know that I was loyal."
A sword saint, a magic tower lord, a vice-captain of the Knights of the Holy Cross, and even an emperor.
The sudden appearance of the Lighthouse of Humanity brought together the pillars that supported the Oxburg Empire.
On the road to Octantium.
It was natural for onlookers to gather at the rare sight.
I said mixing mana.
In a way that tells everyone to listen carefully.
"Today, I have come to break with old customs and resolve the contradictions entangled in the Lighthouse of Humanity for the sake of the Empire. Under the threat of the devil, the North has come together to join forces with the Empire. The Lighthouse of Humanity, which the De Jeevitz family had donated, "I declare that if only the salary is processed, my family will relinquish the right to appoint the commander of the Human Lighthouse Corps, and the Human Lighthouse Corps will return to being knights of the Empire."
The emperor's eyes drew an arc at the shocked declaration.
He put his hand on my shoulder as if he had won.
The Lighthouse of Humanity is an order of knights that protects the northern part of the Principality of De Jeviet.
Returning the right to appoint the knights to the Empire was no different from the idea of handing over the North.
In fact, it was as if the emperor had taken control of the North without shedding a single drop of blood.
On the outside, that is.
But the reality is completely different.
Even the emperor would know.
That it was I who lost this battle of numbers.
There are many eyes to see, so he is just acting out his emotions as a way to protect the emperor's dignity.
From the emperor's point of view, my proposal is a poison that must be drunk at all costs.
If you pay the money, you can swallow the North whole.
But the money is the problem.
The war with the Kingdom of Junta left a hole in the empire's finances.
It is impossible to immediately repay 200 years of the salary of a Knight of the Lighthouse of Humanity.
Meanwhile, the 1,200 knights of the Human Lighthouse remain in the capital as a group of puppets who do not follow the emperor's orders.
Even if they have no intention of treason and the empire has the upper hand by force, it is still uncomfortable for the emperor.
Therefore, we have no choice but to go to great lengths to secure finances as quickly as possible.
As long as you can eat and survive, it's unconditionally beneficial.
Of course, I had no intention of just waiting and watching.
An animal is at its weakest when it has food in its mouth.
We will aim for that time and shake up the empire.
I will spark a revolution, exterminate the devil cults, and regain Jin's body.
Using the article that came with me.
Please be happy.
Because you fucked me back the same way you tried to fuck me.
With respect and admiration.
Your Majesty, whether you like it or not, the gamble of the Empire has just begun.
It cannot be avoided, nor can it be avoided.
Will your ambition to dominate the North triumph, or will you stumble and lose the empire to me?
The match has begun.
"I know your loyalty. I formally invite you to the imperial palace. Will you come with us?"
"I will gratefully comply."
Leave the street propaganda at this point.
After reading the true meaning of the emperor's words, I nodded briefly.
"Please ghostwrite the words for the commander."
The Emperor got back into the carriage, and I followed behind the carriage along with the Knight of the Lighthouse of Humanity.
Sword Saint and Runea clung to me as if they wouldn't leave me alone if I did something stupid.
Asili also floated and flew low around the Human Lighthouse knight.
A bloody procession continued towards the imperial palace.
◈ Chapter 92 - 15-Don't Pretend to Be Friendly.
*
As Emperor Drich von Oxburg entered his carriage, a spirit appeared in the empty seat across from him. Hiding by covering one's body with mana was a skill that only the dark side of the empire could master. Erji, the head of the shadow department who protects the empire in the shadows, asked the emperor he served.
"What should we do with Björn?"
"Attach him undercover. As many as possible. And report his every move without exception."
Even though he gave the order, the emperor did not think the order had much meaning. This is because he encountered a long-standing relationship while talking with Bjorn. Helga Sentle. The person who was the most influential as the head of the secret department and who contributed to making him the current emperor. If he protects Bjorn, it will be difficult to achieve any effective results no matter how much shadow he uses.
Time passes and relationships change. Helga Sentle, who had taken the oath of knighthood, is no longer one of his knights. The crown prince who had left the palace holding his hand tightly was no longer there. Where did it go astray? Lord Sentle was just as he was then. It was he who had changed, the emperor thought.
"If you give me the command, I will assassinate you."
"I kept him alive because he's useful now. If I kill him now, the plan will go wrong. That's why he came to the capital on his own."
You can't assassinate Bjorn. The emperor swallowed the words that rose to the tip of his chin. Erji was loyal, but he was only useful as a piece on the board. In fact, he considered most of his subjects to be like Erji. Idiots who have no sense of political affairs and only follow what they say like parrots. However, there is no need for him to bring such thoughts out loud and undermine his loyalty.
"Time is on our side. I don't know what Bjorn is aiming for, but the words he made the moment he gave me the money were enough to strangle me. That doesn't change the fact that I gave the entire North to me. And what I did today is Even as time passes, it becomes a reason to be accused of treason."
"Then..."
"Bjorn was the grandson of the Duke of von Lorraine. When the time comes, he will join together with the von Lorraine family and purge them. All we have to do is lie back and wait for the digestion to take place."
The Emperor thought of Vienna, whom he had seen for the first time today. Blonde hair and blue eyes. He was a little boy who had barely lost any breast fat. He is a mysterious child who has a cold appearance as he is from the North, but exudes a warm atmosphere beyond that. The emperor recalled the fight he had with that kid the other day. At first, he thought it was a coincidence that he gave the wizard the order to return. The second time I stopped the mercenary, I was lucky. However, looking back on this incident, I realized that everything was played out by that child. How can you push me, the emperor, like this? Even his maternal grandfather, Duke von Lorraine, could not do this. He raised his eyebrows, but at the same time, his heart pounded as if he had met an enemy.
The central region may not be as easy as you think. Please don't fall apart so vainly. After thinking about it, the emperor spoke to the head of the cancer department.
"What happened to the investigation into the situation I ordered?"
"As your Majesty expected, the situation of the war is going more smoothly than the commander reported. The Kingdom's military strength is reaching its limit. You will soon hear news that they have been taken over one by one."
"There is a discrepancy between the commander's report and the actual situation..."
"It looks like the commanders can't stand the wizards' dissatisfaction. And now the situation is starting to turn around, so don't pay too much attention to the report."
The subtle discrepancy made the Emperor's mouth tingle. The imperial army was made up of all kinds of knights, and the wizard was also forcibly taken away, so it was unlikely that anything good would come out. However, this was the only way to abolish the private military system. The goal is just around the corner, as the Lighthouse of Humanity has taken it into its own hands. You can't get bitten here. The problem was finances.
The emperor then gave orders to the head of the cancer department.
"Lead the remaining secretaries and dig up the merchants' backs. It doesn't matter if it's dirty or ugly information. Bring everything that could be a weak spot. We'll convene the Estates General meeting soon."
Ergy's spirit disappeared again from the rattling carriage.
*
Imperial Palace of the Oxburg Empire.
The entire ceiling is covered with glass windows, giving it the nickname 'Glass Palace', a landmark of the empire and a gathering place of power.
It was also nicknamed the palace that captivates people, as people who have laid eyes on the palace even once will spend three days talking only about the beautiful palace.
It was worth it.
The palace, which is an appropriate combination of the Baroque and Oxburgh Empire styles, left an overwhelming and intimidating impression on the viewer.
Marble and gilded decorations that have been refined over time have made the palace a jewel.
"The glass of the imperial palace is special. It has a magic circuit installed to prevent ash from sticking to it. That's why you can see the sky clearly."
"The phrase on that wall was written by the first emperor himself. You can read the ancient language of the Lodal people. My dear, to Homeland. Isn't that a wonderful phrase? From what I heard, the Lighthouse of Humanity is also a player to strengthen their resolve. They say they will make a pact."
"This is your first time seeing a garden sprinkled with water by magic. It takes five wizards to manage this garden. Not only that, but wizards here and there are working hard to supply clean water to the palace all year round. The old castle of Stemwind is "It has been a long time since it was built, so facilities like this would not have been built, so don't be too surprised."
The person chattering next to me like a tour guide was none other than the owner of the imperial palace, Drich von Oxburg.
After getting off the carriage, he was right next to me and was pouring all kinds of nonsense about the palace into my head.
I have a general idea of the ploy to reassure those around me by expressing intimacy with me.
But isn't this too much?
I'm not good at arguing with annoying people.
Since I'm the emperor, I can't bombard him with sex drips like I usually do.
My hands and feet were tied and I had no choice but to follow the emperor's lead.
No, I had to follow it exactly.
Looking at Runea, who was glaring at me with an expression that said, 'If I could shoot sword energy with my eyes, I would have stabbed you in the back of the head,' I thought it would be better to keep my mouth shut.
Yes, but Lunea is better.
It was nothing short of eerie when Asili, the Mage Tower lord who had come down from the sky to escort her and was walking ahead of her, glanced behind her.
As I flipped her pink hair back behind her, my eyes met hers.
"...Chureup."
Huh? Are you licking your lips just now when you see me?
My body trembled at the horrifying sexual harassment.
Asili, the magic tower, was the only mood maker in the original novel.
Saint Mion, Runea, who became the leader of the Knights of the Holy Cross, Ember, the only survivor of the Human Lighthouse, and many other sweaty men.
Isn't this a combination that takes anyone's breath away?
No matter how authentic it is, a member like this would suffocate all readers.
In such a situation, it was Asili who served as a lubricant for the novel.
Should I call it a lubricant, the only comical element in the play was that she constantly flirted with Mion.
Personally, I really liked this character because of his cheerful personality.
That's why I happily shook her hand earlier.
But it seems that the fate of the world has been twisted and the target of flirtation has changed to me.
That's strange.
There was a gap to some extent between the characters in the work and the characters we actually met in this world, but at least Asili never sped off like a truck with broken brakes.
[It's the same as in the past, when I blink at the sight of a child. Nothing has changed.]
Seeing that Asili didn't react in any way, it seems that Jin has adjusted her output so that only I can hear her voice.
I asked Jin back.
'She likes him because he's cute, right? There's no other meaning, right? Yes?'
[...]
'Why do you stop talking there? Hey!'
Oneshota is a serious crime!
Even in Esteria Electric, where there is no minor law, such developments are truly dangerous!
Feeling a threat to my chastity from the beauty wizard I had never seen before, I avoided her glances.
Meanwhile, we passed through the garden and reached the interior of the palace.
I was greeted by a vaulted ceiling so high in the sky and dazzling armor perched on every wall.
"These are all the armor of the previous emperor. The emperor of the Oxburg Empire wears armor when he ascends to the throne. It is a ritual to remember the empire's destiny of reclaiming Homeland. It is such a famous story, you probably know it well."
I nodded my head in response.
"What a foolish thing to do. What value is that icy land? The reason the Empire abandoned Homeland until now was not because it was afraid of the devil, but because it was useless."
"Your Majesty, it seems you are not afraid of the devil?"
"I heard a rumor that you encountered the Great Devil twice, right? Both times you escaped with your life. I know the rumors about your talent, but if an Intermediate Sword Expert can survive twice, the Empire will be able to overcome the Great Evil. Is there any reason to be afraid?"
"If you actually encounter it, your thoughts will change."
"Is that so?Haha. Devils can't even use their strength properly if they come down below enemy lines, right? The temperature is a bit high. A swordsman and a magic tower lord will kill such a weakling on their own, so how can I face them?"
It was a conversation that showed the emperor's awareness of the devil.
Of course, it contained a political message not to use the devil as an excuse to do foolish things.
In my heart, I want to just leave it to the devil cultists.
After finishing the armor, the emperor stopped the tour guide.
This is because we reached the Peace Room, one of the two huge rooms in the imperial palace.
This was the gathering place of imperial power.
Whenever important events occurred in the history of the empire, nobles gathered here to discuss political affairs with the emperor.
The decisions made here changed the entire empire and influenced the lives of its citizens.
And here today, the fate of the Human Lighthouse will be decided.
When the door opened, the nobles who had already arrived bowed to the emperor.
Among them, the one who caught my attention was an old man with black hair like the emperor.
Without needing an explanation, I immediately recognized who he was.
Duke Philips von Lorraine.
The head of the aristocratic faction, a person who calls for the abolition of the class system and receives the trust of the people of the empire.
A person who served as the de facto prime minister of the empire and reformed the empire into the prosperous and powerful nation it is today.
But to me, it was my maternal grandfather who locked his mother in a cage.
He came towards me.