Chapter 95
Rozwood couldn’t hide his nervousness as he bowed deeply before the emperor. When he traveled from the distant North to the capital, he never imagined he’d meet the emperor face-to-face. To him, the emperor was a faraway, almost mythical figure—nothing like Cassius, who had always been by his side.
The stories always described the emperor as a cold-hearted tyrant who persecuted Istheria and the North. That was how Rozwood and his fellow knights saw him.
‘Why did he call for me?’
It felt like the emperor already knew everything—about Rozwood tracking Count Solovis, and even bribing a servant. His approach had been far too smooth and natural, as if everything was already part of the emperor’s plan.
Carlos watched Rozwood in silence before speaking.
“Tell me about the current state of the North.”
Rozwood looked up in surprise.
‘The North? Why now… What did Count Solovis say?’
As Rozwood stayed silent, clenching his fists, the emperor continued.
“There is no need to be afraid.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
Rozwood took a deep breath. On the way to the capital, he’d been full of tension and fear. But now it felt like those fears were slowly melting away. As he left the audience chamber, he glanced around the room.
He had thought the emperor was heartless, but now he saw a ruler capable of making logical, fair decisions. The real emperor was very different from the rumors.
***
“From now on, you and your men will go to the North. Fight the monsters, and protect the people like the unyielding sword of humanity.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
“Take what the steward gives you and deliver it secretly to the Duke of Istheria. When everything is done, tell the duke to burn all records.”
The knight who bowed was Kellut, the commander of the Third Order of the Imperial Dragon Knights.
Though only the leader of the Third Order, Kellut was known as the Empire’s greatest swordsman. His group was filled with elite and unusual talents—more like a mercenary force than a regular army.
Carlos stared coldly down at Kellut.
‘To fight monsters, Kellut is the best choice.’
Carlos gave more instructions:
“If the North falls and Istheria’s banner is burned, you must retreat and secure the road to the capital. Report on the North’s condition every three days by carrier bird. But don’t report anything secret—you’ll understand when you get there. Go now.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
Kellut didn’t question a single word and left immediately. As Carlos watched him go, he pressed a hand to his forehead.
‘Is this really enough?’
He had already sent messengers to the nobles near the Northern border, ordering them to join the battle against the monsters as soon as they received word.
And yet, he still wasn’t sure it would be enough.
The peace the Empire had enjoyed for years had dulled his senses. He clicked his tongue and looked around the audience chamber.
Not long ago, this very room had been full of nobles demanding harsher treatment t the North—fools only interested in their own gain.
But those fools would stay clueless. They had no idea that the North was like a ticking time bomb. If the North fell, the whole Empire would fall with it.
Carlos let out a long sigh.
***
At that time, in the North—
Despite the tension in the air, things still felt peaceful. While swords clashed in the training grounds and forests, Charlotte, Stephanie, and Theo enjoyed a more relaxed moment.
“Why can’t we go on a picnic in the forest?” asked Theo.
“Because Big Brother said no. That means no,” Charlotte replied firmly. “He said monsters could appear at any time.”
Theo slumped his shoulders.
“I can beat the monsters! Stephanie will protect everyone!” Stephanie declared, hugging Charlotte’s leg.
“No, you little rascal,” Charlotte said, gently pinching Stephanie’s nose.
“Instead of the forest, let’s do something else today.”
“Hmm?”
“Today, we’re having a group lesson with other kids.”
As Lorencia requested, Charlotte had gathered the children of the North. They would one day lead the north when the Charlotte and Cassius’s generation was gone.
But the North had no proper schools. So this was a good opportunity for everyone.
“A lesson?”
“Studying together? That’s not fun! Going to the forest is fun!” said Theo.
“Stephanie agrees with Theo!”
Charlotte smiled and patted their heads.
“But it’ll be more fun than just the three of us. I promise. And if you behave today, we’ll have a barbecue dinner with your friends tonight. How about that?”
“Hmm…”
Theo and Stephanie exchanged looks, pretending to think hard before finally nodding.
“Alright then, let’s go welcome our friends.”
There were going to be a lot of kids, so there was a lot to prepare. Charlotte smiled brightly as she got ready.
Why order, they should do it right away… SIGH, such rude people~