"Please grant me the Satan's rifle," Eren's words echoed through the festive palace, causing gasps of surprise and concern among the nobles present. The request for such a powerful and dangerous artifact raised eyebrows and sparked murmurs of uncertainty.
The Satan's Rifle.
It held a place of great significance in the history of the Mauryan Empire, and legends even suggested it had ties to a high-ranking demon. The nobles couldn't fathom why Eren would desire possession of such a relic with its dark origins.
However, as the murmurs spread, a smile crept onto the Emperor's face, revealing a sense of anticipation. It was as if he was expecting Eren to say that.
"You want the satan's rifle? Eren. I guess you are aware of the weapon's value," Instead of refusing him the Emperor responded, addressing his desire with a curious tone.
"Yes, I know it's a valuable asset for the Mauryan Empire, your majesty," Eren acknowledged with respect.
The Emperor nodded, his satisfaction apparent. He then revealed his true intentions, emphasizing that receiving the Satan's Rifle would come at a cost.
"You are aware. Then you must also know that you have to give something when you receive something," the Emperor explained, paving the way for his unreasonable request.
"Eren Pendragon, I want you to pledge loyalty to the royal family."
Though a significant demand, the Emperor had the authority to make such a request, given the unique value of the weapon being bestowed.
Kaiser Von Brittan didn't refuse Eren's unreasonable request outright because he saw a potential advantage in accepting it.
The Satan's Rifle, while historically significant, had proven to be more of a decorative piece than a usable weapon, as it required a specific type of energy to wield it effectively. Countless men had tried to use that weapon since it was obtained from the nanda kingdom but none succeeded.
They didn't know the reason but it was because, to use the Satan's rifle one should have the ability to wield demonic energy or something more superior like the energy of the death god which Eren possessed.
Ans since no was able to use it, the satan's rifle was stored in the royal museum unlike the other weapons which were actually stored there because they hold too much power like the Heaven Obliterating Gunlet's for example.
Nevertheless, from the Emperor's point of view the satan's rifle was just a decorative piece in the royal museum, refusing to give that to Eren wouldn't be any different as it would stay as such. But what if he accepts? There was much to gain from it.
If Eren were to swear his loyalty to the royal family, the Emperor would gain a powerful ally comparable to the influential Duke families. Of course, the current Eren was only a 14-year old kid but it wouldn't be the same as the time passed. As the future successor of the Pendragon family, Eren would one day lead the Pendragon Family.
Swearing loyalty to the emperor instead of the royal family. At first glance there was no difference, but when one considered it carefully, there was much to matter.
Upon reflection, the distinction held significant implications. Pledging loyalty to the royal family would bind Eren to serve not just the current Emperor but all subsequent ones, which might mean a lifetime of servitude. On the other hand, by swearing loyalty directly to the Emperor, Eren's allegiance would end with the Emperor's reign, granting him more freedom and independence in the future.
The Emperor is currently healthy, but he is getting older. It wouldn't be much longer until he would give up the throne to one of his successors and considering that Eren was still a 14 year old kid. By the time he would reach his peak, the emperor would already have stepped down from the throne and Eren wouldn't have to risk fighting on the battlefield.
It would be a gain and gain situation for Eren.
Without thinking further Eren decided and said with a sense of conviction, "I, Eren, swear eternal loyalty to your majesty."
"..."
Some nobles frowned. In particular the face of the crown prince, Nox von Brittan. His face distorted, filled with anger. He realized Eren's intention and couldn't help but be angered at the implication of his words.
Eren was indirectly saying that he would only serve Emperor Kaiser and his loyalty would be restricted to him.
Nox couldn't accept this and was about to raise his voice when the Emperor's voice was heard.
"Good!" the Emperor affirmed, acknowledging Eren's oath of loyalty.
To the Emperor's credit, he did not take offense but rather saw the wisdom in Eren's choice. Kaiser was still in good health despite being in his forties and had ambitious dreams to achieve. He found no issues with Eren's declaration and responded with a smile.
"Eren Pendragon will be granted the satan's rifle in addition to all the mentioned rewards."
The Emperor decided to grant him all the rewards along with the satan's rifle.
On this day at the festive palace.
The Emperor and Eren, both of them made connections with each other with their own intentions. Which one of them will make the most of this relationship is yet to be known.
—***---
Mass Release (1) ~