Chapter 475

Chapter 475

In just a few days, things changed.

Perhaps due to the return of the Emperor, who had governed the Empire all his life, the chaos in the Imperial Capital was quickly subdued.

The Emperor swiftly reclaimed the power he had once distributed to his sons.

In the blink of an eye, he completely seized military and administrative authority, stabilizing the situation in the Imperial Capital.

He personally led the efforts in the devastated parts of the city, reassuring citizens and hastening the recovery from the damage.

The citizens responded positively as the Emperor, who had been secluded for years, was now actively showing up.

The remains of the proliferated thorny bushes were cleared away, the shutdown protocol magic circles completely dismantled, and the collapsed imperial palace and surrounding buildings were quickly removed.

Moreover, the Emperor announced a swift compensation plan for all citizens affected by the damages.

Investigators were dispatched throughout the city to assess the citizens' losses, and their dissatisfaction quickly dissipated.

And there was more to organize than just these material matters.

All soldiers who had sided with Fernandez were subject to punishment.

Though it was said they were brainwashed by Fernandez, this could be considered for leniency but not as an excuse.

Especially the Aegis Special Forces and the Mage Corps, who had been Fernandez's henchmen plotting treason underground. The Emperor showed no mercy towards them.

"Considering Fernandez's brainwashing, I will not annihilate their families or execute them horribly."

The Emperor, with a calm voice, delivered a fearsome judgment.

"All members of these groups will receive punishments appropriate to the severity of their crimes."

In addition to this, the divided Imperial Capital Defense Force, the 2nd and 3rd Imperial Legions that followed Fernandez but later joined our side, and the Royal Guards who opened their doors to us, were all rewarded or punished according to their actions.

'I told you to choose your side wisely...'

And then.

Such rewards and punishments were not only applied to Fernandez's forces.

There were also matters to be addressed within the World Guardian Front.

***

"To everyone who participated in this conquest of the Imperial Capital, you have worked hard. It was because of your bravery and sacrifice that we were able to save New Terra and all its citizens."

At a gathering of the leaders of various forces belonging to the World Guardian Front.

I showed a genial smile.

"In recognition of your efforts, I intend to provide appropriate rewards on behalf of the Imperial family."

Most of the kings smiled, but a few who detested the Empire to their bones made faces of disgust. Consistency is key.

"Now, first... let me announce those who will receive 'rewards'."

I unfolded the list and started reading the names of the kings written there.

Their initially beaming faces gradually turned grim.

And for a good reason, as the list I was announcing... contained the names of kings who had once betrayed me following Fernandez's orders at the Iris River.

After finishing the call, I casually tossed the list behind me and shrugged.

"The aforementioned individuals will be 'expelled from the World Guardian Front' effective immediately."

"..."

"Thank you for your service. We will pay for this expedition, so pack your bags and head home."

The mouths of the called kings dropped open. Surprised, huh? Pretending to be shocked, you bastards.

During the battle for the Imperial Capital, there was no time for this, and it was necessary to maintain our strength. But now, it was time to cut off the rotten flesh.

'Bastards who could betray me anytime for their own benefit.'

It was good that I had the Emperor card, or else they would have joined Fernandez against me.

What if we were fighting the monsters and the situation turned unfavorable? for new novels

If the Demon King said he would spare their lives if they betrayed humanity, they might have turned the entire front upside down to save their own skins.

I'm petty... no, meticulous, and I don't forget such betrayals.

"Ash, Prince Ash! Wait a moment..."

"I gathered you all for a great cause."

I glared at them coldly and snapped.

"But you were blinded by power, seeking it out and attempting to betray us."

"..."

"The real battle that our World Guardian Front will unfold in the southern wilderness over the next year will be incomparably more brutal and tough than this assault on the Imperial Capital."

I growled at them, now mute as if they had honey in their mouths.

"This time, fighting at the heart of the world, there were at least crumbs to distribute among you. By impressing the Emperor, you might have earned some recognition in your own countries."

"..."

"But in the upcoming war against the monsters, spanning over a year, there will be no such benefits. We will fight solely for survival and to protect all others in the world."

The monster front is where we fight for survival.

In the face of this immense crisis looming over the world, we must set aside race and self-interest to unite our strength.

If we cannot adhere to this basic principle, it's better not to join at all.

It's better to rid ourselves early of those who would only hinder us. Good riddance to those who were filtered out this time.

I growled.

"I have no need for bats like you on this path."

"..."

"Pack your bags and leave. I'm saying this nicely."

As I turned to leave, coldly uttering these words,

"Y-you promised to forgive us, Prince Ash!"

The next room was a dining room with a large table, where five familiar gamblers were playing poker.

Gambler's Club.

Luckily, all of them survived.

The other four had minor injuries, but Violet was badly beaten up, covered in bandages.

Apparently, she got a thorough beating from Rayna in the rain.

"So, we risked our lives entering the Imperial Capital for the operation..."

The gamblers whispered among themselves as they shuffled the cards.

"Where's the gold and treasure?"

"Did anyone manage to grab something valuable?"

"Like we had the time for that..."

"Hey, be thankful we all survived without dying in that chaos. Thought I was going to meet my maker."

Violet grumbled.

"Really thought I was a goner! Especially when that enemy mage almost made me lose everything."

"The mage tried to crush your hand?"

"No? Tried to scratch my pretty face. This is my bread and butter."

The rest of the gamblers snickered. Violet, despite being wrapped in bandages, seemed to be in good enough spirits to joke around.

"Damn it, fold!"

Violet declared, throwing her hand of cards onto the table.

"Anyway, seriously, once I get the reward promised by the prince, I'm washing my hands of this game for good...! I won't even come near a gambling table again!"

Violet was essentially saying, in a roundabout way, that she'd leave this game forever.

I smiled wryly and quietly passed by the room. The Gambler's Club still needs to be used effectively in the future. Sorry, but retirement is not an option.

I walked through the corridor and entered a spacious warehouse. True to a Merchant Guild building, the warehouse was massive, housing the airship Geronimo.

Kellybey and Hannibal were busily repairing Geronimo. I waved at them as I approached.

"Didn't I tell you to rest? And yet, here you are working again?"

"Oh, you're here? What's the use of just sitting around? Just a bit sore. Fixing this guy after the tough battle feels more rewarding."

"Your Highness has arrived!"

Kellybey had piloted the airship himself during the battle, performing remarkably.

Though he had strained his back again, he seemed sturdy enough not to warrant worry.

Hannibal and the spirit summoner party, although brought along, were kept in the rear during the entire battle, so they didn't have to fight humans.

I brought these members of the Half-Blood community to enhance their standing by giving them credit, not to make them commit murder.

We talked about various things, then discussed upcoming plans.

"Since everyone is still recovering, we'll rest a few more days at Crossroad before slowly heading back."

"Yeah, since I've come this far to the Imperial Capital, I want to steal... I mean, learn their airship technology and apply it to Geronimo."

Kellybey coughed, and at that moment, Hannibal cautiously asked.

"Your Highness... but is Crossroad okay?"

"Of course. Who do you think was left there?"

My most powerful knight duo remained at Crossroad.

Evangeline had her exclusive equipment and [Snow White] armor perfectly set up, and Lucas was also in peak condition with excellent farming on his first skill.

Though I need to get them new armors soon.

In addition to the original Crossroad defense forces, various other heroes are also stationed there.

It's not a boss stage; regular stage monsters won't even come close.

"I stake my middle name on it being completely safe!"

I pounded my chest confidently.

That's when it happened.

"Your Highness-!"

Serenade rushed over urgently. A large hawk... a courier hawk was perched on her delicate shoulder.

"I-it's urgent news!"

"Huh? Urgent? What's happening?"

It must be news brought by this courier hawk.

Serenade, pale and breathless, ran up to me and took a moment to catch her breath.

"I-it's... that is..."

I swallowed hard. What news could be so shocking that it has Serenade this flustered?

"C-Crossroad..."

Then, following Serenade's words,

Not only I, but Kellybey and Hannibal also gaped in shock.

"Crossroad has been overrun by monsters...!"

"..."

A moment of silence.

After a hellish pause, I barely managed to speak.

"...What."

It was almost a scream.

"What kind of nonsensical bullshit is that-?!"