Chapter 775

Chapter 775: Beneath the Apple Tree

In the spring of 1698, the western expeditionary forces of the Empire were fully organized and continued their advance into the heartland of Clancia. Due to the large number of legions involved, the Imperial Chancellor Ideon and Duke Leodo of Red Dragon each led an army, advancing on two fronts.

Duke Leodo led the main force northward, preparing to cross the hills into the old Western Wind region, while Ideon led his troops further west, aiming to completely annex the Vierga region before advancing towards Falcon.

In May of the same year, the two armies engaged in several battles with Clancia’s forces. Despite significant casualties, they managed to secure victories due to their numerical superiority.

By this stage of the war, the Empire’s western expeditionary forces numbered around 2.6 million. Approximately 200,000 were stationed in occupied territories and coastal areas to prevent counterattacks and provide support for the Crescent Moon Parliament.

Ideon led 800,000 troops to lay siege to Hope Lane, starting the assault. The Dragon of Desire led 1.6 million troops in black and red slowly crossing the hills of the Southern Region of the old Western Wind.

On Clancia’s side, 200,000 regular troops and 150,000 reinforcements from Falcon were stationed in Hope Lane, a key port city. Meanwhile, the main domestic forces gathered inland to confront Duke Leodo, totaling about 900,000 troops.

During nearly a year of intense fighting, the Empire suffered about 600,000 casualties, while the Starlight Union lost approximately 300,000. Although the casualty ratio was favorable, the Empire initiated a new round of conscription, expecting another 1.5 million troops to converge southward and join the frontlines by the second half of the year.

According to scholars in Clancia, after this round of conscription, the Crimson Empire still had the capacity to launch one final wave of support, marking the peak of their efforts.

Facing this favorable situation, the older aristocrats who had previously been hesitant began to show interest in participating in the Empire’s western expedition. As a result, many elite battalions led by major nobles emerged among the 1.5 million support troops.

To celebrate and to negotiate the distribution of interests in the occupied regions, the Emperor arrived in the Crimson Heart Province in early July, the heart of the Basca family’s fiefdom, to hold a grand banquet. This event also invited numerous newly ennobled military aristocrats and veteran nobles, aiming to foster good relations and prepare for future military endeavors.

On July 15th, the banquet was held at the Duke of Basca’s residence.

The deep red dragon spread its wings and soared under the sunset, pulling the luxurious rose airship across the sky. Its pale silver metal deck gleamed in the sunset.

The originally smooth metal exterior now adorned vivid and lifelike rose vines, covering every corner and surface of the airship, adding an elegant touch.

The owner of this airship was none other than Yvetina Cang Basca, the youngest daughter of the current Red Duke. Though she lacked the title of princess, she was more like a princess in appearance, with renowned beauty among the southern nobility, though her most famous trait was her capricious and self-centered personality.

Despite her difficult nature, many nobles still pursued her, considering it the style of the Basca family—bold and direct. Many vied for her hand.

The airship slowly descended, and a girl dressed in layers of floral court dresses stepped out, supported by numerous attendants, walking toward the courtyard of the duke’s residence.

Inside the grand hall of the residence, a ball was being held. Noble men and women dressed in luxurious attire danced gracefully.

Under the golden lights, transparent and exquisite wine glasses swayed with intoxicating liquids. The clinking of glasses filled the air, and the guests, mostly wealthy and influential, conversed merrily, laughter echoing. On the high platform, an orchestra played soothing music, enhancing the joyful atmosphere.

“Oh, this seems quite nice,” a wealthy noble remarked, looking at the small speaker playing sounds beside him.

“These are made by those southern mages. Want me to give you a few? I recruited some refugee mages to work for me at my estate. They’re quite obedient,” a blonde man spun a small alchemical device with his fingers.

“By the way, I had them make some ice boxes and alchemical creations that can boil water. They’re very comfortable to use in both winter and summer,” he continued.

“Count Esland surely knows how to enjoy life. You’ve got me interested too. Unfortunately, my fief is in the north, so I missed out on that opportunity. But these alchemists are indeed useful,” the wealthy noble played with the small sound amplifier.

“Of course, making money is good too.”

“I should find some alchemists to serve me in the future, to add some flair to my household.”

“Status? Haha, aren’t they just craftsmen fiddling with trinkets? What status do they need? Letting them live in the Empire is already a favor.”

“Don’t they resemble gardeners and stonemasons who build houses? These lower-class people think they’re superior just because they learned a few skills. It’s quite immature and amusing.”

“Honor and noble blood are everything.”

After an hour of festivities, as the atmosphere heated up, several pairs of red-robed attendants descended the internal staircase. Despite their youth, they were rare and elite extraordinary beings, all above Sequence 5.

“The Emperor is here!”

The sharp and clear voice of the court attendant echoed, and the music stopped. Everyone respectfully stood aside.

Many knew the Emperor would appear at the banquet, but many still felt excited.

A young man dressed in a luxurious gold-red robe walked down the stairs, holding the hand of a beautifully dressed noble girl, entering the hall.

This was the current Emperor, Ansel, and the youngest legitimate daughter of the Basca family, Yvetina. They had met as children and knew each other. Since the head of the Basca family was not at the fief, Lady Torentsha hosted the guests, while Yvetina accompanied the Emperor.

If the Emperor married into the Basca family, it would stabilize the political situation within the Empire.

Upon entering the hall, the Emperor briefly spoke, praising the great expedition, the splendid situation, and the glorious achievements.

“For this, I want to specially commend a general, that is Marshal Darsi of the Blood Lance Knights,” the Emperor raised his ornate military sleeve and pointed to an officer nearby. The neatly dressed man looked resolute, and despite the praise, his demeanor remained calm and steady, inspiring respect and trust.

“Congratulations!”

“Congratulations to General Darsi.”

Loud applause erupted. While many nobles still despised Darsi’s lowly origins, they were wise enough not to contradict the Emperor openly. Some far-sighted nobles understood that the Emperor was giving hope to soldiers and officers of common birth, allowing the expeditionary troops to believe and feel secure.

If a commoner like Darsi could rise through military merit to the upper echelons of the Empire, why couldn’t others?

Compared to the past, the new Emperor was generous in rewarding meritorious service, which is why many legions supported him.

The banquet continued, and the Emperor first danced with the Basca family’s legitimate daughter in the dance hall, then exchanged pleasantries with many southern nobles.

As the sky darkened, the Emperor walked quickly to a secluded garden near the ballroom. He had removed his hot and cumbersome coat and cloak, now wearing a simple and breathable shirt. Several red-robed royal guards followed behind him.

Suddenly, he stopped.

“Alright, let’s stop here, Ronald. Ideon must have something important to report to you,” he turned to look at an officer behind him. This officer was Ideon’s trusted aide.

The officer surveyed the surroundings and saw no one, then spoke softly.

“Sire, Prince Ideon asked me to remind you of some matters.” He leaned close to the Emperor’s ear and whispered.

“Duke Basca led the main force northward, integrating his troops along the way. Once he conquers large territories of Clancia, the aftermath…”

The Basca family was a branch of the royal family. If they ended up with heavy troops and vast territories after this expedition, it would be hard to ensure they wouldn’t harbor any ambitions.

After listening, the Emperor looked at the distant orange-red sunset, silent for a moment. “I understand.”

Seeing the Emperor’s motionless back, Ronald hesitated but left, adhering to the principle of doing less wrong.

“Prepare the royal Golden Scale Red Dragon for Ronald, so he can return to the Chancellor quickly,” the Emperor instructed before leaving.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the royal guard bowed and left quickly.

Looking at the remaining ten or so guards, the Emperor continued, “You may all leave. I wish to take a walk alone in the garden.”

“This…”

Captain Derosa, one of the few guards currently at Sequence 7, seemed hesitant. The middle-aged minister gave him a look, glancing at an apple tree inside the garden.

The Emperor nodded and waved, signaling him to continue.

“I understand, Your Majesty. I will wait at the garden exit for your summons,” the man adjusted his sword hilt and led the guards out of the garden.

Once everyone had left, the Emperor took several deep breaths before leisurely walking among the flowers.

This was a relatively remote part of the Basca residence, not the most popular garden, with many flowers and varieties dating back to the last century, now unpopular among the fashionable young ladies. However, as it was the residence of the duke, it was still maintained by gardeners.

Picking a light pink rose, the Emperor sat on a long bench, looking up at the sky where the red clouds reflected the flowing clouds, relaxing.

Though he appeared wise and powerful, decisive and strong-willed, he was still a young man in his twenties. His glory and honor overshadowed this fact.

With the management of this vast empire, countless matters required his decisions and actions, leading to occasional weariness.

The Basca family’s legitimate daughter was indeed charming, but Ansel felt no particular emotion, even less than when he first visited the residence at age nine.

That year, he and Ideon, Ansel, and Tesselin visited for the celebration of the eldest son’s wedding.

Reflecting on it, nearly sixteen years had passed.

Time was truly merciless; he felt nostalgic for those carefree days of childhood.

Ansel rested his eyes for a moment, then stood up and continued walking deeper into the garden.

He stopped beneath an apple tree, curious about what was above.

“Still not coming down?” Ansel noticed the faint skirt hem peeking between the branches.

“Wah!” came a nervous and surprised cry from above.

“Who are you? How did you find me? I just wanted to pick an apple, but seeing so many people, I got scared,” the girl said softly.

“Hehe, I actually came out because I found the ball boring. Also, are apples tasty? Can I have one?” Ansel suddenly didn’t want to reveal his identity.

“They’re pretty sweet, better than what I have at home,” the girl threw a bright red apple.

After catching it, Ansel wiped it with his sleeve and took a bite, unconcerned about any potential danger.

Seeing the noble young man eating the apple she threw, the girl felt more at ease. At least they were now accomplices.

“How did you climb up? I see the Bascas don’t like outsiders in their garden,” Ansel observed the girl, whose appearance clearly wasn’t that of a descendant of the Dragon of Desire.

“Well, I was just curious, since the ball was boring. We’re not big nobles, and those ladies are all impressive. I couldn’t keep up, so I came here to relax.”

“And then you saw the apple tree?”

“I have decent strength. I graduated from Emanas,” the girl said proudly.

“Emanas graduate, stealing apples in the garden?”

“It’s not stealing! You really don’t know how to talk!”

“Just picking apples and sitting in the tree for shade.”

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, landing on the girl’s caramel hair, highlighting her youthful and charming face. Her light pink and white dress accentuated her slender figure, evoking a sense of innocence and purity.

“Oh, are you really from Emanas? I don’t believe it. Let me test you,” the girl’s white stockings swayed slightly as she moved on the branch.

“Alright, let’s start. If a 100-pound object is placed on a beam with only one column supporting it, 20 inches away from the joint, how much stress would the adjacent column experience?”

“Ahh, this one, let me think, it’s pretty simple,” the girl tilted her head in thought and gave a number.

After hearing the answer, Ansel asked a few more questions.

“Ugh, why do you always ask math problems? It’s tiring,” the girl pouted unhappily after listening.

“No, no,” she seemed to discover something and shook her head vigorously.

“Are you saying I’m heavy? Why do all the questions use my weight and height?”

“Ha, you only realized now?” After teasing the girl, Ansel felt a peculiar sense of satisfaction and relaxation.

“You jerk,” the girl jumped down from the tree, ready to stomp on the arrogant young man below.

Unfortunately, Ansel was quick and easily dodged, catching the girl as she jumped down.

Feeling her proximity and breath, the girl became flustered and uneasy. What if this noble young man meant her harm?

Looking at her close face, Ansel gently asked, “What’s your name?”

“I… I’m Lily Aisote.”

In the summer, the young man’s face seemed to blend with the blue sky behind, beautiful and reassuring.

(End of Chapter)