Chapter 895: Gathering of the Twelve Suns

Name:Leveling up the World Author:
Chapter 895: Gathering of the Twelve Suns

Called on my wedding day, Dallion grumbled internally as he walked through the streets of the imperial capital.

Even with the void threads gone, the place remained an alluring den of treachery. The only difference was that one sort of thread was replaced by several others. Among them, Dallion easily recognized the music skills of his own family. The Elazni were out in full force, it seemed, and now thanks to news of his victory over the Azures in the east, Dallion had given them a helping hand. One thing concerned Dallion, though. If the whole city was aware of the latest news, why hadnt the emperor summoned him?

Are you sure theres nothing you can tell, Adzorg? Dallion asked within his realm.

Not a thing, dear boy. And I can assure you that I havent made a Moon vow on the matter. The emperor simply has been occupied lately.

Occupied with what?

If I knew that, dear boy, Id be on the other side of my lavish cell.

Nobles of no consequence greeted Dallion as he walked by. Now that he was no longer seen as the bastard Elazni child, they had opened up a lot more. In terms of the capital, that meant that they had actively engaged in the expected ass-kissing-for-favors routine.

Welcome back, count, an overseer emerged a step away. Please allow me the honor of accompanying you.

Here we go again, Dallion thought. Despite the new appearance, he could tell that one of the archbishops copyettes had come to have a word with him.

I didnt know it was necessary, he replied as arrogantly as possible.

Its just a courtesy. The duchess requested it.

My great-grandmother? That was surprising and alarming in equal measure. Most people would fear the power that came with the title. Right now, what Dallion most feared was that he had gone through with a marriage that she had expressly forbidden. Does she want me to go to her?

She would be delighted, Im certain, but she only wants to ensure that you get an escort to where youre going.

Not cryptic at all.

Dont worry, families are like that, Vihrogon said in a dismissive fashion. She probably just wants to give you some life lessons on what it means to have a family.

Thats what Dallion was worried about. Furthermore, it was unusual for an overseer to convey the message and not her trusted servant Taem.

In that case, can you get me there faster? Dallion kept up the act.

My pleasure, Count.

A bubble or reality formed around Dallion and the overseer as they sped through people, streets, and buildings straight to the Zodiac building. It was only at the front door that the overseer returned reality to normal. Annoyingly, he also chose not to disappear.

Are you escorting me inside? Dallion raised an eyebrow.

Of course not. That building is beyond my purview. Im only to ensure that you enter it safely.

Im a level one hundred noble. What could possibly happen to me? Dallion tilted his head in mock anger.

My task is only to obey the orders of the imperial family, not to make judgements. The overseer smiled. If I were to venture a guess, Id say you were called on a rather important matter if such care was to be taken.

To the untrained ear, that sounded like a lot of nonsense. After his undercover work for the Order of the Seven Moons for so long, Dallion had learned to easily identify messages within messages. In this case, it seemed that the reason for which Dallion had joined the Twelve Suns might well have come into effect.

With a sigh and shrug, he walked up to the door. A doorkeeper bowed and quickly opened the door for Dallion to enter.

Normally, this was the point at which his personal guide would appear, but to Dallions surprise, he found several other members there. A quick glance revealed that one of them was holding a scroll that seemed identical to what Dallion had received moments ago.

Night gathering? Dallion wondered.

I heard what happened, the woman said in a firm voice.

Which part, Duchess? Rumors have a tendency to

All of it, she cut him short.

There was no denying that she believed so, but Dallion doubted that she was aware of the half of it.

You married her against my wishes.

That better not have been you, Adzorg! Dallion thought while maintaining his calm faade. The only other potential source was the Order of Seven Moons. It was very possible they maintained a hidden relationship with Duchess Elazni, given their past history.

The Alliance no longer exists, Dallion said calmly. Whats left belongs to me now.

Which is why many consider you to become the new archduke, as youve probably heard.

Some of the rumors have reached my attention, yes, he admitted.

Youve forgotten everything I tried to teach you. The duchess allowed herself a sigh. What did I say about rising too fast? Her voice had become so faint that even with all of Dallions traits and skills, he could barely make it out. Your grandparents didnt listen and look what happened to them. The same is happening to you.

Im not like him. Im better

Prepared? Traces of pity formed on the womans face. That man also said the same.

There wasnt a war back then. If I fall now, the nymphs will gain a foothold on this side of the continent.

There were wars back then. Not as serious as now, but it didnt stop people whispering in the right ears. Why do you think a hunt was organized right after you managed to obtain an army? Why do you think you and Tors were explicitly invited to take part?

Dallion suspected he had made enemies within the capital, but that sounded too far-fetched. There was no denying that the coincidence was quite appropriate, but still to organize such an elaborate way of killing him, and at this time, was less than likely.

The strength youve amassed equals that of a province. Three archdukes outright despite you, the remaining dont want to have a threat in their midst. Ive instructed Tors to assist you, but Im afraid whoever organized this might be aiming for the fall of Elazni.

Youre wrong, Dallion thought. As the archbishop had told him, there was a target, but it wasnt Dallion. Abla was the greatest threat. If anything, Dallion suspected he was sent there to protect the noble.

What do you think, Adzorg? Can someone be targeting me?

Its always a possibility. Taking on archdukes used to be fair game at one point. As the rules go, its up to the high levels to guard their spot. If you can be taken down by something as trivial as an assassination attempt, you werent the right person for it.

So much for the game of intrigue and politics.

Despite what the nobles of the capital claim, the war has gotten them nervous, and nervous people tend to go for a more straightforward approach.

Ill keep my guard up, Duchess. Dallion forces a smile. Ill come back from this alive.

If I didnt think there was a chance, I wouldnt have bothered coming here. Remember, you might be the only full skill member, but you dont lead the hunt. Abla makes the decisions.

Ill be sure to keep that in mind.

The comment earned him an annoyed look.

What exactly are we going on a hunt for? Dallion asked. No one I asked seemed to know.

Dragons, Duchess Elazni said. The Academy has come across a dragons nest and the Orders task is to clear it.