The gods of the Southern Empire primarily consist of the Justice Church, the Life Church, and the Magic Church under the Southern Sect. The southern part of the Empire enjoys a more favorable environment, a habitable climate, and fertile lands, with the Emperor's direct domain also located there. Therefore, the three major churches have the right to vote for the Emperor, while the northern churches do not, further accelerating the division between the Northern and Southern Empires.
After serving as the Emperor of the Empire for fifty years, the "Savior" Ludwig-Frederick removed his crown, announced his abdication, and disappeared. Originally, his brother Heinz had a strong chance to succeed as Emperor; however, Heinz was a devout follower of Yurik. Upon learning that if he were to ascend the throne, he might grant the White Wolf Church the right to vote for the Emperor, the three major churches firmly supported Carl-Franz's grandfather, Leopold Franz Friedrich. Ultimately, Heinz lost the position of Emperor due to a fierce argument.
This deepened the conflict between the Northern and Southern Sects. After his coronation, Carl-Franz cautiously used his political wisdom and diplomatic skills to reconcile the delicate relationships among the gods of the Northern and Southern Empire. Discover more novels at ⓝovelFire.net
"This might be an opportunity this time, My Majesty. Your army just happened to save this White Wolf Knight and, naturally, granted him an audience; no one can object to your noble actions," Gailte immediately suggested. The Emperor naturally adopted the Great Alchemist's foolproof plan: "You're right."
After a day of marching, the well-trained Imperial Army quickly set up camp and deployed defenses. Hundreds of Rick Guards gathered and formed ranks swiftly like swimming fish, their formations continuously adjusting, mesmerizing onlookers as if it were art.
The scouts soon brought new information: "Your Majesty, there are new military reports!"
Carl Franz received the wax-sealed letter from the hands of the Rick Guards. Despite the long march, there was no sign of fatigue on the Emperor's face. A small part of this was due to the gift of his Extraordinary Physique, but mostly it came from his passion for humanity and love for the Empire. Many who had met the Emperor said this Guardian of humanity was like the sun, burning brightly and warming others. Not long after his reign, this battle-born Emperor was deeply loved by the Empire's populace.
After glancing at the letter, Carl Franz slapped his thigh with force. The sound of the clamor resonated from the "Silver Seal" full-body armor, forged by the Dwarf Craftsmen: "Beautiful!"
"What happened, My Majesty?" Gailte approached with his staff: "May I have the pleasure of sharing your joy?"
The Emperor handed the letter to Gailte: "It's that Laine. He killed Bireg in a Champion Duel! The Bearman Tribe has been routed. I never thought there would be such a warrior among the Nords!"
"Then my Majesty, we can slightly adjust our plan. The internal pressure within Nord is greatly reduced, allowing us to reach the northern coast faster and prepare to ambush the Barbarian Army." Gailte responded.
"Gailte, have you heard the story of the First Knight King Arthur?" The success of the battle greatly satisfied the Emperor, as his army could safely resupply at Mijordenhaven and then prepare to ambush the Barbarians on the coastline.
"I have, My Majesty." Gailte nodded. The Emperor took out a few pieces of butter bread and ate them heartily with Bagman Beer, while Gailte only ate meat. The Rick Guards protected their beloved Emperor, and Gailte snacked lightly. Every movement he made with the metallic sounds made the Emperor uncomfortable: "Are you referring to the story of the First Duke of Boldro Marcus?"
"Let me hear Arthur's and his legendary stories together! After the ninth victory, Arthur and his knights rode north. After a few days' journey through the shadows of the Arden Forest, they reached the once Elf City State, now known as the Forest City, Sea Port Longkui." Carl Franz did not answer Gailte's question. He narrated the magnificent epic poetically: "Arthur left some knights to rest while he led the army to engage the Green-skinned Army ahead..."
"But Arthur's wishes fell apart. This great port was attacked by the Northern Barbarians, forcing the knights left to rest to launch a storm-like strike. The battle went on day and night, thousands of Barbarians were killed or driven into the Great Sea, but these cruel enemies were undeterred. They continued to fight madly and cold-bloodedly, seeking only the attention of their bloodthirsty Evil God. In despair, Marcus, the Lord of Boldro, stood up. He pointed at the Champion of Chaos, Svengar, the Fallen Lord of Skalings, challenging him." Gailte was also familiar with this epic and continued: "Defeat me to claim victory, or leave now!"
Carl Franz nodded. The Emperor continued: "For honor, Svengar could not refuse the challenge. Many brave warriors had died under Svengar's blood-drenched hands, but there was no fear in Marcus's heart. He knew the Lady was with him. The warriors met on the tower of the lighthouse, the Brittania people fought on foot. Clouds roared, storms raged, heaven and earth seemed to cheer for the duel, and even the Elements secretly assisted, displaying strange lights on Svengar's dual hammers. The two fought into the twilight, and the clash of metal was so distinct even those below the tower could hear clearly. Eventually, Marcus broke through the enemy's defenses. With a mighty blow, they both fell to the rocks below. Svengar fell, and the Norsca people had no choice but to return to their cold homeland by ship. This marked the tenth great victory."
"How similar it is to that magnificent epic of years ago. I have a premonition that this is the beginning of a series of legendary stories for this young man." The Emperor finally summarized: "If we're lucky, we might see that young man tomorrow."
The next day, the elite Imperial Army arrived at Mijordenhaven, witnessing people filled with pride and hope, along with Count Albert, who came out of the city to greet them. The Count's army suffered heavy losses, and everyone was wounded, yet they were filled with honor and faith.
The Emperor did not see Laine in the crowd: "Where is the Nord hero who won the Champion Duel? Please have him come out, I wish to meet him."
"I'm afraid not, my Emperor," Albert shook his head.
"No, he was only slightly wounded, nothing serious. After last night's victory banquet, Mr. Laine had another mission to handle. He boarded a passenger ship heading toward Marinburg at night," Albert explained.
"Marinburg... is that so." Carl Franz thought about how Marinburg was not far from the Empire's capital, and it was a quick journey down the Rick River: "Seems that my luck is out."
After a few days of marching, the Imperial Army was stationed in this city.
That night, under a sky full of stars, the Great Alchemist Gailte, wearing his Golden Cloak and leaning on his Magic Staff, walked deep into the manor. Concerned that the Emperor might come in harm's way due to the Magic Energy, Gailte politely refused the Emperor's request to accompany him.
New residents had arrived at the manor, and Gailte's arrival quickly gained them "enthusiasm." After encountering the ghouls charging at him, the Great Alchemist gently waved his Magic Staff, turning all three ghouls into dust statues.
Looking identical, Gailte quickly discovered an entrance to a hidden underground chamber.
The sight of a destroyed Ancient Saint Relic is all that he found.
Was it a relic of the Ancient Saint that got corrupted?
Sensing an intense aura of danger appearing behind him, Gailte reached into his cloak without hesitation, pulled out a Scroll, and tore it open. A flash of gold appeared on the intruder's body, and the hound didn't even have time to whimper before turning to dust: a towering figure materialized.
Carl Franz looked over and continued: "For honor, Svengar challenged not decline. Many brave ones have perished under the blood-soaked hammers of Svengar. Yet, there was no fear in the hearts of Marcus and the others, as they rode alongside him fearless into battle. Their plan was simple yet genius; it required absolute faith in the Lady, which Marcus had in abundance. With righteous might, the hammers clashed with wicked weapons, and the battle echoed loudly in the night. In the end, Marcus broke through the defenses of his enemy, achieving his tenth legendary victory as the Norsca people fled back to their icy homeland, defeated."
"How akin this is to the story of that magnificent epic, I have a feeling that it's the beginning of a series of legendary stories for this young man. Perhaps, if we are fortunate, we shall meet him tomorrow," the Emperor concluded.