Chapter 166

(166)

The Empire, for all its quirks, remained the strongest nation on the continent.

Back before the Return, when the rebellious prince Justianus opened the borders and let the Infiltrators overrun the capital, if Jeilliris had simply abandoned the capital to regroup the army and then returned, no one could predict the outcome.

In his life before the Return, it took the so-called ‘tyrant’ Jeilliris nearly 25 years to subdue all the Great Lords and secure their oaths of loyalty.

Even then, despite the ravaged state of the empire, once it was unified, it claimed numerous victories against many kingdoms, republics, and the Infiltrators alike.

The wounded giant had proven that a giant was still a giant.

And in this life, ‘Emperor’ Jeilliris had been on the throne for only two years.

The empire had yet to exhaust its strength through civil war. The Great Lords, each tightly holding their own territories, were still strong, and the saint had been born early.

In short, if this time around the oaths of loyalty were properly received, if Jeilliris could sit at the pinnacle of this unified empire, if she could take hold of the reins of this great organism and set it in motion—

Then drying up the seed of the Infiltrators on the continent would no longer be a dream.

Rebellion? Invasion?

Who could possibly dare to raise arms against a united Emperor of Solentarass?

The Brightness Church? The Ivory Tower?

Both would compete in their displays of loyalty to Jeilliris as they check each other’s ambitions.

Certainly, the battle against the Infiltrators would not be easy.

However, they wouldn’t be able to withstand the institutional pressures and the continent-wide offensive.

By incorporating the Brightness Church and embedding its administrative network even into the countryside, by implementing various tax reduction and assistance policies to ensure the populace’s satisfaction, and by using the emperor’s authority to prevent territorial feuds and eliminate the seeds of misfortune—

The thriving Infiltrators, who feed on misfortune, would wither away, and in such a situation, they wouldn’t be able to withstand the combined assaults of imperial Knights, Ivory Tower Mages, Brightness Church Holy Knights, and heresy inquisitors.

In this way, Jeilliris would become the holy monarch who expelled the Infiltrators from the continent.

Her name would be etched in history, to be praised for all eternity.

If only the oaths of loyalty could be secured this time, all this could become a reality.

Thinking about it sent a chill across her heart, as if a cold hand grasped her chest.

Sleep wouldn’t come.

It had been 42 years, counting her life before the Return.

The long-desired peace loomed just before her eyes.

And so she thought.

At any cost, there must be no problems when the Great Lords arrive.

And so, she resolved.

To ensure there will be no issues.

This was why Sererassie’s face had turned so pale, worrying to the extent she did.

* * *

In the old slum square, a concert and performances were taking place.

In a square that once saw frequent gang wars, people now sat with their children, laying out picnic blankets, eating boxed lunches, and laughing.

Former slum representative Konel sat on a sofa atop a six-story stone building, looking down at the scene.

Once an orphan, a disabled person, and the daughter of a criminal, she was now the captain of the slum’s strongest vigilante group, the High Priest of the Amon faithful in the capital, the chairman of the redevelopment association, an investor in many workshops established in the slum, and a councilor in the imperial parliament, starting her own faction.

Cunning and astute, she had her brown hair cut short, wore a black suit, and sported a high-quality metal prosthetic on one leg.

However, her face bore a slightly tense expression due to the man sitting across from her on the opposite sofa, separated by a low, wide table.

“Is the vigilante group being properly organized?”

Valenciaunos, dressed in a white uniform, asked about her well-being.

His yellow eyes, almost mad with intensity, darted unpredictably, his cheeks were even more sunken than before, and his red lips were flaking with white scales.

It was a clear manifestation of the immense stress he was feeling in preparation for the upcoming oath-taking.

Konel, who had become a councilor in just a few months, quickly understood the numerous questions buried within Valenciaunos’ inquiry.

“All members are devout followers of the Amon Faith, and they are extraordinarily loyal.”

She reassured him outright that there was no risk of the vigilante group turning into another gang organization.

“We’re actively cracking down on minor offenses on the spot. The recidivism rate is sharply declining on a weekly basis, and we aim to match or fall below the crime rate of other electoral districts within the next two weeks.”

She portrayed the vigilante group as efficiently managed, fulfilling its original purpose.

“All former gang leaders and above from the old slum gangs are currently under surveillance, and we can promptly deal with any suspicious behavior.”

She promised not to wait until the situation exploded but to manage it so that problems didn’t arise.

Only then did Valenciaunos’ face regain some color.

Relieved, he breathed a sigh and shifted the topic.

“Good. Now, are there any diaries or official meeting records left behind?”

Even with her sharp insight, Konel failed to discern the intent behind this question.

“Well, they do exist, but if they cause any issues, I will destroy them.”

“No. Organize them into a report format.”

“Pardon?”

“The local Great Lords will also want to meet you. The slum’s revival from the ground up might be a first in history. Every Great Lord will be eager to learn the secrets and methods. The proportion of slum-dwellers relative to the urban population is higher on your side.”

Konel gasped in realization.

“Oh…”

“This is an opportunity to further spread your renown. ……Though, don’t even think about leaving.”

With a gentle smile, she replied.

“Thank you.”

It was fortunate that Valenciaunos still had enough spirit to make a joke.

As he tried to stand with the help of Tenitia, Konel urgently pointed to a map on the wall.

“Your Majesty, this land here, which is scattered among the Royal properties, how can you help resolve this issue?”

Seeing the map briefly, Valenciaunos nodded.

“Judging by this, some royal family member must’ve bought the land before the slums expanded. Very well. I’ll facilitate its purchase at a reasonable price. ……Is this another trick of yours?”

“This is correct.”

With a bright smile, Konel nodded.

Valenciaunos nodded again and, together with Tenitia, descended toward the underground waterways.

Once he was completely out of sight, Konel let out a sigh of relief.

“Your Majesty has become even more terrifying.”

The cheerfulness, carefully crafted with ease, had disappeared, leaving behind only sharp tension.

She called out to her officers and instructed them.

“Keep things quiet until the oaths of loyalty are completed. It’s fine if progress on construction is delayed. Let’s take a slow and steady approach.”

* * *

The Red Mask nervously broke into a cold sweat upon facing the VIP who had unexpectedly arrived without prior notification.

Even through his paper mask, it was clear that Valenciaunos’ gaze had lost its usual sparkle.

‘Has he realized that I’m trying to dip deeper into the tobacco smuggling trade? Or is it about the ledger falsifications last time to siphon off taxes?’

Behind Valenciaunos stood a maid with long, brown hair.

The Red Mask already knew that she was a first-rate sharpshooter skilled with a crossbow and an outstanding dagger wielder.

“What brings you here? Or perhaps it’s about the monthly revenue…?”

Valenciaunos shook his head.

Swallowing hard, Red Mask ventured another guess.

“Then, is it a game…?”

“You’re lucky.”

Valenciaunos interrupted him.

An arrogant and icy silence filled the room.

“?”

“You can dabble in the tobacco smuggling business. On one condition: you secure control firmly, and ensure no troublemakers creep in. If you encounter any suspicious tobacco whose source is unknown, feel free to apprehend and deal with anyone trying to sell it.”

Red Mask asked hesitantly.

“Didn’t Your Majesty previously dissuade me from expanding beyond the Red-light district?”

Valenciaunos nodded.

“Yes. Yes, but times have changed. With the Great Lords arriving, we can’t risk having suspicious tobacco around.”

His voice was dry and tense.

“Of course, the Great Lords will come with numerous retinues. Those retinue members will want to enjoy the capital’s nightlife. Ensure they don’t start fights with each other, and appropriately filter out the common citizens during their stay so as not to cause any discomfort. Manage the hygiene of the staff tightly. Call a priest for a thorough purification if necessary; you understand what I mean?”

Red Mask bowed deeply and responded.

“Yes. VIP.”

Valenciaunos finally smiled with satisfaction.

“Great. Let’s make it a long-term partnership.”

* * *

“Brother! Look at you, you’re about to collapse. When we raided the Infiltrator church a few days ago, you were pale like a failed potion. You should go rest now.”

“Haha. You saying that must mean it’s really serious, huh?”

“Hmm… The sunken cheeks were always there, the occasional wandering focus of your eyes was always there, the dirty look was always there, the obnoxious smile because you know you’re handsome was always there, and upon a detailed analysis, maybe it’s all the same?”

The two had an endless conversation as they walked towards the Ivory Tower.

Valenciaunos frowned like a boy of his age.

“If you’re going to talk like that, at least give me a vial of vitality potion first.”

Sererassie grinned like an upperclassman at an Academy dealing with an incompetent junior.

“There’s no such thing as a vitality potion. What they sell in the Magic Street is just a mix of alcohol, coffee, and various tobacco infusions. The main ingredient is those tobacco infusions, after all.”

Valenciaunos frowned even deeper.

“What kind of tobacco infusions are we talking about?”

Sererassie casually listed them off.

“Soma, peyote, mandrake, blue lotus leaves, luffa peel, that sort of thing.”

A moment later, Valenciaunos swore under his breath.

“What the hell. All drugs! Let me catch those bastards, I’ll send them to the Inquisition and let them burn.”

Sererassie tilted her head slightly in surprise.

“Didn’t you send them to Wyvernfit originally?”

Valenciaunos shook his head.

“Originally, yes. But since the Great Lords are coming soon, I’m thinking about managing public sentiment. There’s a big event coming up, so the executions will be suspended. Only for the Royal Family.”

“You seem very eager despite the lack of discretion.”

Sererassie smirked, and Valenciaunos chuckled.

“Besides, do you know how soaked those guys who make that stuff are in the drugs? We can’t give that to our wyverns.”

Sererassie heaved an exaggerated sigh while looking at Valenciaunos.

“It would be so nice if you could speak as gently to me when you call me sister as you do when you say ‘our wyverns’. Your manners need improvement.”

“Wouldn’t two shocks a day make my words softer?”

“Doesn’t meat become softer the more you cook it?”

“It becomes tough and chewy if you overcook it beyond the proper degree.”

Saying that, Valenciaunos stretched and looked up at the Ivory Tower soaring into the blue sky.

There was a “thud” as his back cracked, and an elegant, fresh smile graced his face.

“Anyway, I feel like I’ll live a bit longer, getting some fresh air without the smell of blood. It was a good idea to walk from the entrance of the Ivory Tower Special Zone.”

Looking at his face, Sererassie smiled faintly.

Even her words were teasing.

“…My legs hurt. My body isn’t made for walking after all. And keep in mind, the reason my legs ache today is your fault.”

“If you trained harder, your legs wouldn’t hurt. And you don’t even say thank you.”

“How can you spout such nonsense? You incorrigible little brother.”

After bickering for a while, the two entered the Ivory Tower and met with several Elders such as Blahorn of the Horned Antlers, Half-Elf Yephize, Frost of Freezing, Gestarte of Lightning, and Crios of Bloodline, to convey the Royal Family’s message.

“Various Great Lords will come to purchase magic tools. It’s a great opportunity to hoard gold, so if you want to make money, stock up on magic tools. The Gremonas family mines have produced various minerals including silver, black iron, and platinum, all available at low prices through the Royal trade company.”

“We request that during their stay in the capital, you refrain from experiments involving the fifth circle and above, or experiments related to infiltration.”

Sererassie poked Valenciaunos’ ribs as he spoke condescendingly.

On his way out, Valenciaunos tried to bite off the finger that had poked him.

* * *

“Are there any other places you have to visit?”

“Yeah. It should be a bit easier this time.”

Little did he know, this was a misconception.