Chapter 340

Charles was a man with black hair inherited from his father and blue eyes from his mother.

From a young age, he had honed his sword skills, becoming highly proficient, and his traits as a heterogeneous race were prominently manifested, making him twice the size of an average person. He possessed the strength to uproot even a sturdy tree by its roots and toss it aside, making him a formidable giant.

As the son of the Governor, he frequently attended various official functions, sharpening his wit. He took the lead in rooting out the dark organizations gaining power within the city and cultivated courage. He also knew a few old secrets of the city, his father, and the former Admiral.

Along with his courteous butler, Charles boarded an unremarkable carriage.

“To the far East Wharf.”

The far East Wharf was a modest port more akin to a fishing harbor, through which there was a secret way to access the Governor’s hidden warehouse.

Loyal to the task, the coachman drove the horses without a word.

“The ancient slumbering entity is here in the front sea, so it seems.”

“They say the merfolk Cariosa of the Empire’s East has become queen. Perhaps we should increase trade with the Eastern region.”

“I’d stake everything on the normalization of trade with the Eastern Continent within ten years. The ships must set sail now; we’ll head to the Nayt Archipelago.”

“The emperor himself has developed a magic tool—”

“Huge investments from the Zahan Alliance—”

“There are sightings of elves in the southeastern forest—”

The southernmost major port city was bustling as ever, filled with voices of people thriving on information.

The butler discreetly listened, while Charles shook his head and pulled the curtain over the window.

The butler stroked his white moustache, offering advice, “Lord, it pays to listen to the whispers of the streets.”

With a sovereign’s grace, Charles smiled and shook his head. “If it’s already reaching the streets, it’s likely outdated news.”

“Still, sometimes amidst the trivialities, valuable pieces of information can be found. Like treasures entangled in octopus nets.”

In the south unlike the east, the octopus was not particularly flavorful, but it was a filling dish for the lower classes with the right seasoning.

“To catch treasures, one must deal with thousands of octopuses. I’d rather focus my efforts and go after the treasure directly.”

Despite Charles clearly showing his intention to decline, the butler pressed on.

“If the treasure’s value warrants the effort of pulling in thousands of octopus nets, would that be agreeable?”

Hot-headed young nobles might have gotten impatient, but Charles, as the Governor’s son, lit up his eyes.

“Anything struck you?”

The butler nodded, pointing at the holy streetlamps currently being installed.

“An item directly commissioned by His Imperial Majesty. The circuits were shared, and they were even dispatched from the capital via river and canal.”

“I see.”

“What could it mean, sending incomplete streetlamps directly from Solentalouon’s new sector?”

Charles soon found the answer.

“Is this place soon to be used for some critical purpose? Trade has already peaked… Ah. It must be war. To suppress the Amirs of the Southern Continent, no doubt.”

“The news of Duke Caesar leading a brutal retaliation against the nomadic tribes must have reached you already.”

“Yes, I’ve heard of assassins sent across the borders. Their audacity baffled me before, but perhaps it was all planned with Solentalouon.”

“Do you now understand why it is necessary to keep an ear out on the streets?”

“Yes, it was quite the valuable piece of information.”

Charles reopened the window.

He began pondering strategies for how the Governor’s family might avoid trouble and earn rewards in the impending war.

Meanwhile, the butler continued to gaze at the holy streetlamp.

“…”

His eyes, filled with suspicion, seemed almost like they were glaring at an old enemy.

***

“We’ve arrived.”

The two reached a secluded harbor outside the city.

A few fishing boats bobbed gently in the harbor, surrounded by rough-looking fishermen.

Seeing the carriage approach, the fishermen picked up their spears and cutlasses, their eyes gleaming.

However, this show of aggression didn’t last long.

“Long time no see, everyone.”

“Master.”

After stepping down from the carriage, they humbly bowed their heads.

They were not actual fishermen but a portion of the private soldiers secretly raised by the Governor’s family under the Emperor’s nose.

The disguised soldiers led Charles and his butler to the far end of the harbor to a natural cave.

“This way.”

“I remember. It was the fifth cavern.”

When the tide was low, one could walk in, and when it rose, the cave became accessible by ship.

The cave was so vast that several large ships could fit inside, and indeed, five sturdy galleons lay hidden there.

At the bow sprits of the ships were merfolk statues. They were gifts from the deceased admiral, enabling the vessels to navigate without wind or crew, thanks to the enchantments powered by the blessings of the sea currents.

“Such an item would surely entice the eastern White Shark to pay an exorbitant amount if they ever heard of its existence.”

“Or she might just deploy an army instead. That’s what I’d do.”

“I think so, too.”

As they conversed, Charles and the butler boarded the vessel and inspected the cargo in the warehouse.

The sacks were opened, revealing heaps of white salt.

Charles shoveled the salt aside three times and discovered a trove of gold coins beneath it.

‘Gold coins, gems, gold coins… these are reagents. This is a magic tool. This must be spirit armor? We should take it.’

By rights, it should’ve been offered to the Emperor’s court, but it was a treasure they had siphoned off over time.

While Charles inspected the treasure, the butler ventured into the adjacent warehouse.

Inside the barrels there were black horns, intricately spiraled and twisted, commonly called ‘spiral black horns,’ a reagent plundered by the deceased admiral from Southern Continent trade ships. Known as the devil’s horn, it was regarded as the best among black magic reagents.

Though not officially recognized by the Church, its circulation was tacitly allowed. A competent infiltration priest could utilize it to draw upon ancient powers.

‘This amount will suffice for the ritual.’

The butler checked dozens of barrels and began pondering how to transport them back to the capital.

He soon composed himself and offered a prayer.

‘Lord of Unity, the day draws near. Soon, true freedom shall be yours.’

He tucked two black horns into his robe.

***

While Charles was at the harbor, Carlon and Charline headed toward the mansion’s rear garden.

“Let’s catch up with our guests.”

“Yes, father.”

The rear garden of the mansion was as clandestine as the treasure warehouse Charles had just visited. Though it didn’t hide gold beneath its grass and stone, it served as the only place for royalty fleeing the Empire to breathe fresh air outside their enclosed quarters.

Clang! Clang!

The sound of swords clashing greeted them.

Two male royals and two female royals were sparring, with one watching and offering advice.

The moment they noticed Carlon and Charline, they sheathed their swords and greeted them.

“Governor.”

“His Highness, Lichtenion.”

Carlon bowed to the man they called Lichtenion.

Lichtenion was notably taller than ordinary men, with a robust and dignified demeanor. His azure hair and the gold eyes characteristic of the dragon-blooded royal lineage signified his noble station. Historically, he stood within the top twelve in the line of succession and possessed both the strength and dignity befitting his rank.

He returned the bow gracefully, careful to maintain the dignity of his royal bearing.

The protectors of the royalty did not seek pitiful favors but found satisfaction in safeguarding such noble individuals.

“I am always grateful to you, Governor, for treating us so generously even after we lost everything.”

The Governor dismissed such gratitude with a wave of his hand.

“It is simply my duty as a loyal servant to the Imperial Court.”

“A world where so many fail to perform their duties properly… Once I have reclaimed my rightful position, I will repay you greatly.”

“Your acknowledgment alone humbles me. For now, I urge you to conserve your strength and await the opportune moment.”

Upon mentioning conserving strength, Carlon’s eyes sparkled.

It was a gaze filled with anticipation.

Lichtenion understood what Carlon yearned to witness and gestured to the four people.

“Ho.”

“Hmph.”

“Hoo.”

They opened their palms, closed their eyes, and recited incantations with force.

Soon, golden mists emanated from their bodies, gathering into thick rings atop their palms.

Uuuuugh!

It was the power of the sacred dragon words, capable of altering the course of the world.

Even the young prince managed to form a proper ring, and the long-haired woman wielded two rings freely while Lichtenion created an impressive three.

“How do you find this?”

A satisfied smile spread across Carlon’s face.

“I am moved to witness the growing strength of your majesties.”

Lichtenion knew power was meant to be wielded.

He decided to offer Carlon what he wanted to hear.

“If there is anything we can assist you with, please let us know. We will go anywhere and do anything for you.”

Carlon smiled broadly.

“Indeed, Your Majesty.”

It was exactly what he had hoped to hear.

“???? ????? ????”

“My daughter, I must return to prepare for the voyage. Autumn has almost faded. Tonight, I will go out with the royals.”

“Yes, father. I’ll take a short stroll in the breeze before I come back in.”

Carlon returned to the mansion, but Charline stayed back in the garden.

As soon as her father left, Charline approached Lichtenion in a corner of the garden.

The other royals discreetly excused themselves or retreated indoors to prepare for the voyage.

In the corner, a lush wisteria vine formed a natural vault, and beneath it stood a table and a couple of chairs.

Purple blossoms covered the vine, creating an intimate, secluded space.

“Charline!”

“Lichtenion!”

Without a word, they embraced passionately, locking their lips together for a long moment.

The gentle breeze of early autumn swept through, scattering the wisteria petals.

With a soft sigh, Charline spoke.

“My father intends to use you.”

Lichtenion nodded as if he had long expected it.

“I consider it a trial of love. When I reclaim my position, I will welcome you as my empress.”

It was a sweet, albeit far-fetched promise, one that Charline yearned to hear.

Navigating the complexities of reality was her forte.

So, at the very least, she wanted to hear such sweet words that allowed her to dream.

“My father wishes to secure the loyalty of the admiral. You see, since she is of a different race, she can’t go against the pinnacle of dragon words.”

“Hmm.”

“And he plans to use that power to gain a title.”

“Charline, are you asking me to betray my benefactor, the deliverer who helped us and the father of your own?”

She nodded confidently.

“Yes.”

The wind blew, lifting her golden hair.

“You secure the loyalty of the admiral.”

After hesitating for a moment, Lichtenion nodded.

“I shall do it.”

He continued in a tone filled with responsibility.

“I also pledge my word. This is not out of ambition. It’s solely to make you my empress.”

Charline giggled.

“It sounds good, Lichtenion.”

With an enigmatic smile, Lichtenion extended his right palm.

Uuuung!

He effortlessly produced five rings.

***

Carlon prepared for departure at the port.

Officially, it was another visit to meet with the admiral and patrol the nearby waters of the region.

Five royals, along with loyal private soldiers and crew members, boarded the ship.

The butler gave his usual advice with a respectful bow.

“Governor, you must secure the loyalty of the admiral. Like Cariosa, perhaps even the throne could be yours.”

His voice was calm, yet Carlon’s eyes began to darken.

“I know. I just fear the wrath of the Holy Emperor.”

“Being a mediator would help you avoid such wrath.”

“Mediator?”

The butler smiled slightly as he continued.

“Yes. A great facilitator bridging the Southern Continent and the Empire, humans and heterogeneous races, infiltrators and the Church. All such boundaries.”

Carlon’s eyes flickered momentarily.

“Infiltrators?”

The butler nodded resolutely.

“Yes. The Sect shall become a significant force, a powerful ally for you.”

Carlon finally nodded with a completely darkened gaze.

“I understand.”

The ship set sail, carrying four people’s distinct dreams: royal Lichtenion, Governor Carlon, his daughter Charline, and the butler.