Chapter 104

104.

“Come to the workshop in five days. We’ll be departing from there.”

“The workshop?”

“You’ll see when we get there.”

Nia, winking, snapped her fingers.

The space began to distort gradually, as if paint were running down a canvas.

At the same time, there was a sensation of being pulled.

I complied peacefully with Nia’s dismissal, and in the blink of an eye, the scenery around me shifted to the audience chamber of the Imperial Palace.

“…I should probably get to work.”

Still reeling from the nausea of a space transfer that I hadn’t grown accustomed to, I shook my head.

*

The vanguard team heading north was decided.

Me, Empress Myna, Nia, and Charles.

Charles took on the role of guide.

There was no need to mention his combat prowess—he’d been gathering all sorts of information as the Black Raven and knew more about the north than anyone else.

Because the northern region is perpetually covered in snow, unlike other regions, it was imperative to have a guide.

The problem was the vast territory of the Duchy of the North, so typically one would rely on guides at the northern borders to secure safe paths.

However, with the current snowstorm raging, there was no guide adept enough to navigate through this adverse weather. We had to make do with Charles.

Both Myna and Charles were promptly informed of the departure date and location.

Five days was ample time for the two of them to prepare for the journey.

“These provisions are all you need to take to the training grounds.”

To make the best use of the remaining time, I handed Alberto a piece of paper filled with supply lists.

“This….”

Alberto’s eyes flickered slightly as he read the paper.

“Your Majesty, are you preparing for war?”

“I’ve already mentioned this—it’s just a list of what we need for the north.”

“Most of this seems to be food and medical supplies, so I understand. But the quantity is absurd for personal use, isn’t it?”

Alberto awkwardly flipped the paper in his hands.

Indeed, the quantity was enough to make one dizzy.

On the piece of paper I’d handed him were the supplies for a major city for three months.

“These are emergency measures for the isolated northern cities.”

“Do you plan to move with the transport teams?”

“As I’ve said, the vanguard team for the north consists of myself and three others.”

“So then, exactly how do you intend to handle such a large amount of supplies…?”

“The magician will be helping us.”

Mentioning Nia, Alberto immediately seemed convinced.

The exact principles might be unknown, but if the magician said she would help, things would likely work out. He must’ve been thinking this.

‘She mentioned something about a portable storage.’

Apparently, there’s a bag you can carry on your back, one of her early creations.

It’s about the size to cover your back, but it connects internally to a special space, like Nia’s workshop.

She explained that the space inside was roughly equivalent to a large warehouse.

‘…Is this an extra-dimensional pocket?’

Though the mention of magic items threw my mind into a spin, she confidently assured us that the supplies for a major city for three months would be transported without issue.

With how long the northern cities have been isolated, they’re unlikely to be in good shape.

The supplies we’re bringing will serve as a lifeline.

“In five days, then… we need to hurry. I’ll do my best to arrange everything.”

Alberto left the audience chamber with a resolute expression.

Thus, handing over the supply matter to Alberto, the chamberlain, was settled.

Next, the knights.

I summoned all the knights of the rank of captain to Milene’s study and announced the news to the gathered, tense knights.

“I’ll be absent from my duties for a while. Moreover, Cruel is stepping down from the order for a new assignment.”

“…”

“What… what did you say?”

The knights stared at me blankly.

The revelation of knight captain Cruel’s departure startled even Luniya, a member of the Holy Sword Squad, who blinked repeatedly.

“What’s this about? Master, ‘other assignment’—does that mean he’s leaving the order?”

Luniya looked at Cruel, a mix of confusion and bewilderment on her face.

“How sudden… why?! You could’ve at least hinted at it.”

“There was no opportunity. Everyone was scattered about, weren’t they?”

“That’s true, but still…”

“I, too, lacked the time as I was focused on internalizing enlightenment.”

Cruel’s response silenced Luniya.

After the war, starting with Milene’s awakening, a slight change swept through the order.

The minimum condition for walking the path of superhuman capabilities had emerged—the blue embers within the knights had flickered to life.

The clearest cases were Luniya and Cruel, both captains, and Hekson, who had recently been officially appointed captain.

They had all taken the first steps toward becoming superhumans, and I entrusted each of them with suitable training methods and tasks based on their inclinations.

It was a period where they all needed to focus on their growth, and most of the knights were engrossed in rest and training during those busy days.

Cruel had it even tougher.

In Luniya and Hekson’s cases,

they were immersed in their own unique sword techniques, which fit their talents, so concentrated training was enough for them.

But not Cruel.

Born in the northern slums, he had no training in proper swordsmanship.

To support Cruel’s growth—I felt it was my duty to encourage him—and thus taught him a certain lost style from the era of the former emperor.

‘The Fog Sword of the Raidrick Viscounts.’

A sword style that was once part of the Raidrick family’s secret tradition and had been erased from history during the reign of the former emperor.

The Fog Sword was known for its mist-like, fluid movements and its stealthy nature.

They say that when wielded skillfully by a mana practitioner, it shrouded the surroundings in thick mist, allowing the user to vanish like a ghost.

It was said that the attacks that followed were akin to an ambush by a master assassin.

Since it was an advanced sword technique from scratch, Cruel had spent most of his time training in this style.

‘It wasn’t a setting conducive to conversation.’

After glancing at the silent expressions of the knights, I spoke again.

“And one more thing. From now on, the order will actively engage in external missions to solve problems around the empire and gain experience.”

The preliminary groundwork for growth was complete.

Now the time had come to face the world and accumulate experiences on their own. One cannot progress by simply remaining in the cradle of the Imperial Palace forever.

“Everyone, after you leave, please relay today’s instructions to your respective subordinates and prepare for these external missions.”

“Understood.”

Bowing their heads, the knights departed, and I turned to Milene.

“Milene, Vice-Captain, you have another task as the acting captain.”

“Leave it to me. What is it?”

“For the first and last time, expand the ranks of the order. The numbers have dwindled, after all.”

“Reinforcements… Understood.”

Milene, who had been listening with confidence, suddenly gasped.

“Leave the selection to me. Now that I’m also a mana user, it should present no problem, correct?”

“Absolutely. I’ll select excellent individuals.”

I nodded at Milene’s confident blue gaze.

“I will handle the necessary background investigations beforehand, so you focus on picking the best candidates. The order may be in flux for a while, but I entrust it to you during my absence.”

“Understood! As Vice-Captain, I will protect His Majesty and the order!”

Good. That’s the end of what I had to share with the order.

Finally, as I was leaving, I tapped Cruel on the shoulder, who was enduring the barrage of questions from Luniya.

“I’ll observe your swordplay before I leave. Come to the training grounds every night.”

“Understood.”

I plan to appoint Cruel as an imperial inspector.

Collaborating with the Black Raven and the Central Information Bureau, his mission will be to investigate and handle corruption across the empire.

Partnering talented individuals I’ve observed with Cruel, I’m confident he will make significant achievements.

‘Periodic reminders are necessary to maintain discipline.’

Given the vast expanse of the empire’s territory,

it’s important to frequently signal to the nobles and bureaucrats scattered throughout the land that they’re being watched.

Despite wielding the sword last winter, rumors have surfaced that the worms that had been lying low are starting to stir.

The sudden appearance of Inspector Cruel in front of them should make for quite a spectacle.

*

Before I knew it, time had flown, and it was the day before our departure.

Most of the tasks were already completed.

All that was left was to wait for tomorrow in peace.

So I thought I would help Iris in her duties and spend quality time with her before I left.

“…Sigh.”

Rarely did Iris sigh.

She frowned while glaring at the documents in her hands, clearly troubled.

“Iris, is there any problem?”

“Oh, Cain.”

As I approached quietly, Iris looked up.

Her usually calm and cool eyes, now filled with worry, softened into a gentle smile as they met mine.

‘Oh.’

Since that passionate night, Iris’ emotional expressions have become richer.

She remained as frosty and composed in public, but around me, she laughed more often.

Any day, a smile is better than a stoic demeanor.

Thanks to this, despite the exhaustion from our conjugal duties, I was in good spirits. Watching my wife smile gave me strength.

Suppressing my rising grin, I took the documents from her.

“A report from Carlheigh, it seems.”

“It says the internal situation is unstable.”

Though the war officially ended with the execution of King Jade and some nobles, the remaining people have intensified their struggles for power.

According to the report, the alliance is at serious risk of fragmenting.

Since the king and the next in line for power were executed, there is no central authority. Additionally, there is intelligence of secretive movements attempting to meddle in Carlheigh’s fragmentation.

“Things have come to this…”

The empire needed reparations to recoup the expenses from the war and stationed part of the imperial army in Carlheigh to organize the supply of materials.

But Carlheigh itself is on the verge of collapse.

‘The lack of a central authority.’

There would be no one willing to ascend the throne at this time.

The entire alliance is on shaky ground, and the decades-long substantial compensation owed to the empire doesn’t help.

Taking into account the interference from foreign nations who provided support to the Sacred Liberation Army, the situation resembled a poisoned cup—a toxic situation altogether.

It might be better if they simply disintegrate altogether.

‘But we can’t let that happen.’

Considering the immense wealth Carlheigh represents, we couldn’t abandon it.

“Iris. Let’s take charge of Carlheigh’s regency for the time being.”

“I considered that option, but… there’s no one willing to take the job.”

Iris nodded.

It’s understandable that there would be no volunteers.

Who would willingly take charge of a country destined to fall, even if there’s an opportunity to make a substantial profit? With interference from foreign nations practically certain.

Besides, there was no guarantee that Carlheigh would peacefully accept governance by outsiders.

On the surface, it might be silent, but a multitude of obstacles can be anticipated in that role.

‘But if a saint takes the front?’

An appointed ruler, bearing my credentials, would take up the post in Carlheigh.

If the governance of Carlheigh were conducted under a mandate sanctioned by me, there would be minimal resistance from the populace. There might even be active cooperation.

“Iris, will you entrust this task to me?”

I plan to gather the people primarily observed in the Inner Palace and Foreign Palace.

For instance, Lord Greem Wideham, who delivered the decree in Ruben, or appointing Aria as the head of the security force.

She nodded upon hearing my proposal and the recommended personnel.

‘Good.’

It feels like setting up an automatic hunting system.

When I return from the north, many changes will sweep through the empire.

Now I can focus on the north without reservation.

Thus, time passed.

On the fifth day, the departure day.

I left the palace, my heart unsettled because of the shocking news Charles brought.