Chapter 153

Chapter 153

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HEL SCANS

[Translator – Peptobismol]

[Proofreader – Demon God]

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“I swear.”

Strangely, the voice echoed loudly. The single vow reverberated in the grand hall. After a moment of silence, the Emperor removed the sword from Ronan’s shoulder.

“...Raise your head.”



Ronan obeyed. The Emperor was looking down at himself with a solemn expression. Ronan’s own reflection in the pitch-black eyes bore a similarly solemn expression.

“You are now the Sword and a new Dawn of the Empire. As you wield power, you must always be wary of succumbing to evil. Shadows only emerge in the presence of light.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

“Now, rise and accept the sword.”

Ronan stood up. The venerable Emperor offered the Sword of Valon. With effort to maintain dignity, Ronan accepted the sword with both hands.

‘It feels... light. I can’t use this in real combat.’

It was his first impression as the Dawn of the Empire. Despite any joy, it lacked a sense of reality. Time would resolve these issues, but it seemed more time was needed to grow accustomed.

With that, the ceremony concluded. The grandeur that filled the air was gradually dissipating. The Emperor, observing Ronan quietly, chuckled.

“You’re quite stiff. Now that the ceremony’s over, carry on as usual.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“Good to hear. Since a covert operative can’t wander with that sword, use this instead.”

Rummaging through his pouch, the Emperor retrieved a round metal plate. It shimmered like a subdued sun and was as large as a woman’s palm.

It was as thick as three gold coins stacked. Etched on both sides was an eagle spreading its wings wide. Ronan raised an eyebrow.

“What’s this?”

It was unfamiliar, different from insignias worn by soldiers or palace guards. The Emperor handed it to Ronan.

“The Dawn Emblem. It’s an ancient artifact, indeed.”

Explaining that despite having to face different adversaries, the Dawn, as a covert operative, existed since ancient times, he mentioned that even this emblem was crafted during the Bloodshed era. Ronan chuckled in amazement.

“It’s unbelievably light.”

It was hard to believe holding it. If cut to the same size as Lamancha, it might resemble it. The Emperor nodded proudly.

“Because it’s made of Blood Mithril.”

“Aha.”

Ronan nodded in understanding. If it was Blood Mithril, that would make sense. Though an entirely different metal from Mithril, it earned its name due to its rarity and strength.

‘I never expected to see it in physical form.’

Hard and lightweight, it was treated like a mythical metal, yet was genuinely hard to come by. Rumor had it that only the Valon Royal Family could acquire and handle Blood Mithril, but its authenticity remained uncertain. A meaningful grin crossed the Emperor’s lips.

“Even when you don’t have money, it’s perfect as a source of financial support. No matter how little, you’ll be able to obtain enough wealth that the next three generations of your family will not have to lift a finger.”

“Can I really sell it?”

“Of course, only if you’re willing to commit a major crime in the Empire and seek asylum in another country. If caught, you’d rot in an underground prison for life.”

Ronan found himself inadvertently chuckling. The man indeed had a sense of humor. Ronan tucked the Dawn Emblem into his pocket.

He knew. It would have been more convenient not to bring it up. The truth was, it should have been mentioned before becoming the Dawn. But even if it was belated, it was a point that needed to be addressed. He couldn’t feel uneasy while undertaking a duty that would last for at least a few years.

‘Considering the course of events so far, it’d be understandable to be cautious.’

At least, if he were the Emperor, that would be the case. Ronan was a figure who could be considered a walking storm, getting involved with Nebula Clazier and various incidents wherever he went. Since his early years.

Though all the outcomes were positive, making him appear exceptionally talented, a bit of thought revealed there was no one as suspicious as him. The momentarily taken aback Emperor spoke up.

“You’re thoughtful. Not a great quality for the Sword, but an exceptional quality for the Dawn.”

Ronan didn’t respond. An awkward silence settled. The Emperor, suddenly turning his head, looked toward the throne.

“...Once you sit there, things that aren’t usually visible become apparent.”

“Really?”

“In particular, it reveals a person’s inner self. Dealing with various individuals as an Emperor, even a brief conversation allows you to understand them naturally, to know what kind of person they are. It’s amazing.”

Ronan followed his gaze. The backrest of the eerily long chair had changed where the buttocks rested. It was a seat permitted only to the one ruling the Empire.

The Emperor must have greeted countless people from that seat even before Ronan was born. People with their own intentions, good or bad, coming to him. It made sense, now that he thought about it. The Emperor spoke up.

“You despise Nebula Clazier, more than anyone. Am I wrong?”

Ronan’s eyes widened. It was an indisputable deduction. He nodded slightly.

“No.”

“The fire within you has no other purpose but to consume Nebula Clazier. You’re simply waiting for the opportunity to burn them down. I won’t deceive you by manipulating that blind hatred.”

The Emperor began scrutinizing Ronan from top to bottom. Perhaps due to hearing about inner motivations, his gaze felt like it pierced right through his being.

“But if you ask whether I recruited you solely for that reason, it’s not the case. As I mentioned before, you should realize your own greatness.”

“That’s...”

“Regardless of the intentions, you’ve been doing good. You’ve fought against evil and saved the innocent. That’s a known fact, and it’s enough. Your background or the reasons for your intense hatred towards Nebula Clazier are not of importance.”

Each syllable he uttered was imbued with might. Despite the substantial height difference, Ronan felt overwhelmed.

Was this the majesty of a ruler? The Emperor, who had just looked down to his chin, met Ronan’s eyes again and continued.

“I am the Emperor of Valon. My eyes aren’t yet blinded to the point where I can not distinguish between light and shadow.”

With that statement, the conversation came to an end. Ronan nodded slowly. The clear response felt pathetic, realizing he had asked an unnecessary question. The Emperor, smiling again, tapped Ronan’s shoulder and said,

“Well then, now that we’re done talking, let’s move along.”

“Where to?”

“We should at least congratulate the heroes who brought forth spring, don’t you think? You, the main character, weren’t planning on leaving, right?”

The Emperor mentioned that this banquet might be the last celebration of the year. Suddenly, memories of jesting about what drinks and snacks would be served at the imperial palace during his time as a member of the Punishment Squad resurfaced.

They used to joke about how instead of excrement, they might serve gold. It was a good opportunity to check. Ronan chuckled softly.

“Sounds good.”

They headed out of the throne room toward the venue of the banquet hall. Faint sounds of people chatting and the clinking of glasses could be heard from the other end of the long corridor. It seemed like people were enjoying themselves to some extent.

[TL/N: Remember boys: be cautious around women with big bo... ahem, hearts]

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HEL SCANS

[Translator – Peptobismol]

[Proofreader – Demon God]

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