Chapter 120: The Rise of the Southern Expedition

Chapter 120: The Rise of the Southern Expedition

A heated debate was taking place in the Sun Hall of the imperial palace, where the emperor managed state affairs. Ironically, this was because the emperor, who had previously stepped back, had returned to the forefront of governance.

“Your Majesty, will you continue to stand by and watch the southern regions? The Ryeo Knights were annihilated by those barbarian scoundrels.”

The one speaking vehemently and drawing the attention of the officials was Luon, the first prince.

“We must send troops immediately to deal with those bastards.”

“Brother, calm down. The Digon tribe is in the south. If war breaks out, we’ll inevitably clash with them. Regardless of their differences, they won’t just stand by and watch.”

The one trying to calm him down was the second prince, Olivurn.

However, Luon scowled at his words and shouted, “So you want us to sit around doing nothing while our knights are being slaughtered? It’s been months already! At this rate, the empire’s prestige will–!”

“Then who will you send?” Olivurn cut him off.

“What?”

“Of the seven knight orders of the empire, four are entrusted with frontier defense. Among them, the Blue Knights have just returned, and the Green Knights are guarding the principality. Will you send the Wisteria Knights, who are responsible for the southern border, on a subjugation mission?” Olivurn asked sharply.

“Brother, it’s the Wisteria Knights. You know this.”

“...”

Everyone in the Sun Hall knew that the marquis of Vestal, the head of the Wisteria Knights and the empress’ brother, was ill-suited for war. He had been assigned to the southern border because there had never been any conflict with the empire.

The Digon tribe ruled the south, and both sides knew that a clash would result in mutual destruction.

“So you’ll leave the barbarians alone? Need I remind you that the significance of the northern conquest also applies to the south? They’re also heretical scum,” Luon argued fiercely.

“What do you think, Olivurn?”

“...”

Luon bit his lip as the emperor asked Olivurn instead of him.

“This is all my fault. The Ryeo Knights entered the south to obtain Clear Distilled Water based on a report from the Gray Training Ground in Azor.”

“So?”

“Before punishing the south, I’ll accept whatever consequences come from acting without permission.”

Murmurs filled the hall at Olivurn’s unexpected statement. At a time when the two rivals were supposed to conceal their own faults while exposing each other’s, Olivurn instead volunteered to take the punishment.

Titan Shutean looked at him with interest.

“There are reports of a possible war between the Lureins in the principality, but we can’t withdraw the Green Knights.” The emperor’s voice grew firmer.

“Your Majesty, grant me part of the Black Knights of the royal special forces to confront the Digon tribe myself.”

“Digon?”

Olivurn then explained with an ambiguous expression, “I will clean up my own mess without wasting more imperial soldiers, settling the southern issue with southerners.”

The emperor quickly understood his plan. He had already been informed of how the Ryeo Knights had entered the southern fortress without any blood being shed.

It was Olivurn, not Luon, who allied with Digon. Indeed... he’s different from the imperialist Luon.

Despite his calm and friendly demeanor, the emperor was often amazed by Olivurn’s deep, inscrutable nature.

And the Black Knights still remain as neutral. It seems as though he aims to bring them to his side.

The emperor looked at Luon, curious to see his response to Olivurn’s proposal.

“Nonsense. It’s your careless thinking that lost the Ryeo Knights!” As expected, Luon spoke up immediately. “Father, give me command of the Wisteria Knights. I will go south myself.”

“You?”

“Yes, Father.”

But the emperor wondered about Luon’s confidence. Despite being the first prince with the most legitimate claim to the throne, Luon had always been far from the battlefield.

“You must know Sir Azif, the deputy commander of the Golden Knights, who was recuperating in his domain of Berardo. He has expressed his wish to achieve merit before returning to the palace.”

“Hmm... Was Sir Azif injured?”

The emperor looked puzzled, turning to Belin Vallention, the commander of the Golden Knights and the chief knight commander.

“Ahem...”

But Belin only coughed and bowed slightly instead of answering.

Kromen gulped nervously, and in the silence, the sound caught Luon and Olivurn’s attention. As if aware of their thoughts, Gordon Fabian stood next to the weak boy who didn’t even reach his waist.

Damn it...

It was too soon to rejoice.

Although they hadn’t wished for this battlefield, they had to remember that it was not something they had created themselves but a stage set by their father. The Emperor had placed the strongest enemy, Gordon Fabian, in front of their seemingly weakest competitor, the third prince.

To deal with Kromen, I must ultimately surpass that man.

Indeed, they had to deal with this man, who seemed strong enough to rip an ogre’s head off with his bare hands.

If I make a mistake, I’ll be the one to fall.

This might be a trap, not an opportunity. Is Father planning to bury us in the south?

A stifling silence engulfed the hall. The princes stared at each other, their thoughts racing, their eyes betraying their different intentions.

It was only Titan Shutean who smiled brightly.

“Time is too precious to waste. My decision is final. Olivurn, Luon, you will both help your brother resolve the southern matter.”

Having said everything, the emperor stood up from his throne.

“We... we must hurry,” one of the ministers mumbled in a dazed voice.

But then, as if his words had set off a spark, people suddenly started shouting.

“Gather the troops as quickly as possible!”

“Check the supplies immediately!”

All the officials had the same thought.

No matter what, the prince I serve must be the one to solve this issue!

They knew their future depended on it.

The sound of running footsteps echoed through the corridors. In no time, everyone had rushed out, leaving behind the three princes in the Sun Hall. Some people had taken one last glance at them before departing, as if this could be the very last time they ever saw them.

***

“Your Majesty.”

“Sir Yurin, I ask that you go south with Kromen.”

“Pardon me?”

Despite the uproar in the hall, Titan Shutean looked unsatisfied.

“I understand your intentions, but isn’t it too early?” Yurin responded, surprised. “The deadline with Karyl hasn’t...”

The emperor laughed dismissively.

“That boy demanded Kuwell MacGovern in exchange for our deal.”

“...”

“And when we met at the Church, he said he wanted to prevent the Three Kingdoms from suffering any damage when the empire’s troops pass through the south.”

“Yes... Your Majesty,” Yurin replied in a trembling voice.

The emperor had fulfilled none of his promises.

"Isn't he being too arrogant? A mere boy, barely in his teens, trying to negotiate with the ruler of the empire. Since when does the empire concern itself with the welfare of a mere merchant?"

“...Indeed, Your Majesty.”

Why was this happening? Just thinking about Karyl caused Yurin’s mouth to go dry, sending shivers through his body.

No, he knew why.

Your Majesty, Karyl is no ordinary merchant.

In all honesty, he didn't want to meet him again. Yurin could never forget the sight of Karyl at the lair of the Flame Dragon.

He’s... a monster.

In that moment, Yurin felt as if the emperor’s seemingly calculated move was equivalent to a moth diving into the flames.

And to make matters worse... there was not one, but three princes heading there.