Chapter 840: Hannah's Story - Prize

Chapter 840: Hannah's Story - Prize

MEMORY FRAGMENT

Imperial Gardens, 31 years ago.

It was the second time that Abelle had been to the imperial gardens. The first one was at the age of twelve, when her father had brought her along to show the emperor what a prodigious daughter he had.

Abelle remembered the emperor being incredibly tall and far more powerful than anyone in her family could be.

Two bladerers made of moon platinum accompanied her along the path of sapphire tiles. It was said that the garden never kept the same appearance twice. From what Abelle could see, that seemed to be true.

As they walked, a small orchard moved from one side to the path to the other, revealing a small mountain made entirely out of moss. If this had happened anywhere else, Abelle would have thought it was done to intimidate her. In this case, that couldnt be true: the emperor didnt need any help in making people fear him.

If it isnt little Abelle, a clear male voice came from the distance. Its source was too far away to be seen, especially with all the trees, bushes, and other plants, but there could be no doubt who that was. Youve grown quite a bit.

On cue, the bladerers turned back, leaving Abelle in the middle of the path. Plants moved in soon after, leaving her only the option to move forward.

Internally, Abelle swallowed. With each step she took, she felt more and more anxious. The path led straight forward into a forest of giant reeds. Walking through them was almost like walking through a battlefield of swords: visibility was limited and, at any moment, one expected a series of surprise attacks from all directions.

Halfway through, the reeds suddenly shot into the air, merging together to create an arch of living plants. The normal reaction was for Abelle to go for her weapon; her self-control was stretched but managed to keep her from committing an unacceptable offense.

Told you she wouldnt fall for it, the emperor said, a few hundred feet away.

Standing over seven feet tall, the ruler of the empire was trimming the branch edges of a massive tree with such speed that for the inexperienced it would seem that his hand was merely passing by the branches. A short distance from him was another figurean old man dressed in a decorated purple robe.

The archmage, Abelle thought. She had never seen the man in person, despite his many visits to the imperial palace, but even she could tell who he was.

Dont worry, youre not in trouble, the emperor said, as if reading Abelles mind. Quite the opposite, rather.

Familiar with both noble and legion etiquette, Abelle instantly fell down on one knee. As a countess, maybe she could have gotten away from a curtsy. Right now, she was an officer of his legions, and as such, had to know her place.

We heard of the sacrifice you made in order to join the legion. The emperor kept on trimming the branches. That would make you the only person to do so since I took the throne.

I live to serve you, Emperor, she said without hesitation.

The archmage sighed.

It must have been difficult to give up your nobility and awakened powers, the emperor continued. Especially since you didnt have to. The Order of the Suns would have taken you in. Theyre always on the lookout for talent and you would have fit the bill perfectly.

You honor me with your praise, Emperor.

The girl had no idea what the Order of the Suns was, but was certain that they had never approached her. The only ones who had tried were some of the guilds of the imperial capital. Technically, she was still a member of a few, but given that Abelle no longer had any relations to her family, its possible they had discreetly kicked her out.

Killed any chainlings?

Three, Emperor.

If you had taken things into your own hands a week ago, they would have been four. The rulers tone suddenly shifted. You had the superior skills and the better tactical knowledge. Why didnt you take things into your own hands?

No! Abelle shouted.

The two attacks moved towards each other. Even now, she could see that they were going to miss each other, reaching their targets. Abelles strike was going to hit the bladerers torso again, likely finishing it off this time. Its attack, though, while missing her, was going to slice the entire garden and parts of the palace beneath it.

Frantically, the lieutenant performed another line attack in an attempt to counter the constructs. Before she could, purple filled the sky, like a thin layer of glass emerging above the garden.

Two massive bangs followed. Destroyed by the second strike, the bladerer burst open like a firework. Simultaneously, the layer of purple shattered, though not before soaking up the entire force of the aerial attack.

Terrified, the girl looked in the direction of the archmage. She had expected him to have cast the spell. Yet, the person who had his hand extended was the emperor himself.

Getting a bit slow in your old age? the emperor asked, looking at the archmage.

My apologies, Emperor. Ive never been one for combat spells.

Which is precisely why we insisted on your being protected. The ruler then looked at the garden. Despite surviving the worst-case scenario, there still were metal bits and pieces scattered throughout it, not to mention multiple blade fragments. Seems well have to redecorate. He lowered his hand. You could have done a lot better. It had seventeen openings you could have used to destroy it before it left the ground.

M-my apologies, Emperor, Abelle could only say. She hadnt seen one. Possibly the emperor forgot that she didnt have the ability to see magic.

We suppose it was to be expected since youre no longer an awakened. Still, you did as I asked. Ill leave you two to iron out the details.

When a person said Ill leave you it usually meant that they would be the one to go. With this being the ruler of the empire, both the archmage and Abelle quickly got the hint and started walking away, all the time keeping their faces towards the emperor.

Not a bad fight, the archmage whispered once they had entered the ride forest. I expected youd be a lot flashier.

Flashiness as for awakened, Abelle said. I need to be efficient.

Thank the Moons. The last one kept on fighting for an hour, desperate to display all the skills he had. Its a wonder that the emperor didnt throw him out.

What happened to him? Abelles curiosity got the better of her.

He was made lieutenant of the palace guard, Adzorg said with a snort. I guess he saw it as a promotion of sorts.

Bushes and trees filled the path as the two kept walking back, blocking the emperor entirely from view. Even so, they kept to the palace protocol. Nobles had been known to spend decades in prison items for less.

What about me? Abelle asked.

You heard the ruler. Youre my captain now. The man gave her a pat on the back. It felt strangely warm, as if done by a close friend.

The emperor was right, though, the archmage added. You could have killed it off faster. Whole clusters of magic threads were entirely exposed. When we get to the archives, Ill make you a trinket to see

No, Abelle interrupted. No trinkets. I cant afford my skills to rust.

Tools dont always make you weaker. Just like your sword.

Maybe, but I prefer to rely on my own strength for now.

Oh? The man smiled. Is that all you have to say?

Sir, Abelle added. I prefer to rely on my own strength for now, sir.