Chapter 328: The Imperial War (4)

“Urgent report coming in!!”

The imperial capital had been plunged into disarray, with messengers and communication sorcerers constantly delivering reports.

“A battle has broken out at the Ivory Tower in the north! Currently, the Dawn Council is under attack by an unknown undead army created by the Immortal Council!”

“Undead?!”

“What the hell do you mean,

undead

?!”

Amidst the flood of reports, this one, delivered at dawn, left the imperial vassals in shock.

However, Belin Vallention, commander of the Imperial Knight Order, said in a calm and measured voice, “Don’t freak out. We’ve known for some time that the Immortal Council employs necromancy.”

Following the messy struggle for the throne, he had now returned to his role as a knight, witnessing the beginning of war. His many years of experience demonstrated that he was indeed a worthy commander of the Seven Knight Orders.

“Necromancy has its limits,” Belin went on to explain. “The Dawn Council should have no difficulty dealing with such forces.”

“But...”

However, it seemed that Belin’s reassurances didn’t work on the soldier delivering the report. His voice was still shaky, and he was unable to raise his head.

“The Ivory Tower has suffered massive damage, and approximately half of the Dawn Council's sorcerers have fled to the empire. They request a teleportation circle for safety and a contingent of guards for protection.”

“...What?”

The chamber was filled with murmurs of disbelief. The collapse of the Dawn Council meant the loss of one of the empire’s greatest assets—a devastating blow.

“And the Immortal Council...?”

“The forces that attacked the Ivory Tower consisted solely of undead. As a result, they sustained virtually no losses. However, the leader of the Dawn Council, Berchi Blano, reportedly destroyed all the undead with his magic.”

“Are you telling me there were no Immortal Council sorcerers near the Ivory Tower?”

“Yes, that's correct.”

“That’s impossible! Without autonomy, undead require a necromancer to command them. They can’t be controlled from tens of kilometers away,” Kadin Luer shouted, slamming his staff on the floor. He, too, was from the Ivory Tower, and this assault shook him deeply.

“Your Majesty, let me go. I will take the academy’s sorcerers and investigate the situation. We will also work to find a way to defeat the Immortal Council’s undead.”

“I understand your sentiment, Sir Luer.”

Looking at him, Emperor Olivurn raised a hand, signaling him to pause.

“What of Lord Berchi Blano?”

“Well... It has been confirmed that the undead perished along with the light, but their survival could not be verified afterward. However, fortunately, the higher-ranking members of the Dawn Ten were all confirmed to be safe.”

Olivurn turned to Kadin and said, “Lord Berchi is the strongest sorcerer on the continent. I am sure he is safe.”

“But...” Kadin’s voice trembled slightly. “I understand.”

With a sigh, he bowed his head. The war had only just begun. Given the circumstances, it was impossible for the empire’s court sorcerer to leave the capital at such a critical moment.

“What the Dawn Council needs now isn’t the academy’s sorcerers, but supplies and attendants to care for them."

Unlike the others, Olivurn remained unfazed by the attack.

“Chancellor.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Coordinate with the Seven Knights Commander and prepare supplies and young attendants to receive the Dawn Council.”

“As you command.”

“And, as a precaution, dispatch a contingent of knights with them. Make sure they are ready to join the battle immediately upon arrival.”

“I will see to it, Your Majesty.”

The vassals couldn’t help being impressed by the emperor’s composure. Even in the face of such peril, Olivurn remained unshaken, fulfilling his duty as the ruler of the empire with remarkable calm.

“Sir Kadin, gather a selection of sorcerers from the academy to form a unit within the knight order. Do you have any recommendations?”

Kadin Luer nodded. “There is a sorcerer named Serga, who has recently returned from the Ivory Tower.”

“Serga... Is he the son of Sir Juan Serga?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. He is the top student at the academy and my personal disciple, along with Tiren. In terms of magical talent, he is one of the finest in the empire. He also has connections with the sorcerers of the Dawn Council, so it would be wise to entrust the supply unit to him.”

“Hmm... He is young. Are you sure he’s ready to take command?”

“Though Serga lacks battle experience, he is highly regarded among sorcerers. I believe you can trust him with this responsibility.”

“Very well, if you vouch for him. Let him gain experience.”

“I will see to it, Your Majesty.”

As Kadin bowed, the vassals felt a sense of awe. Despite Olivurn being a young emperor, there was no discomfort in seeing him surrounded by the three dukes.

Hearing His Majesty’s voice calms any unease.

He must have a plan in mind.

Those treacherous ones will get what they deserve in due time.

The anxiety stirred by the report of the attack on the Ivory Tower seemed to melt away like snow. Instead, the court felt their determination reignite.

“Is it not amusing?”

Olivurn's voice echoed through the grand hall.

“The empire has yet to begin its war, yet others are already fighting amongst themselves.”

“Though the two major magic societies claim neutrality in continental affairs, it is well known that the Dawn Council has been secretly supporting the empire.”

“Given that their power is expected to play a significant role in this war, such an unexpected assault is indeed alarming.”

Chancellor Bryn Ennik furrowed his brow in response to the soldier’s report.

“That is not what I meant.”

“Oh? Then, what do you mean, Your Majesty?”

Olivurn raised his hand.

At his gesture, soldiers brought forth a large map of the continent and spread it out before him. The map was so vast that four soldiers were needed to hold each corner. It not only showed the land’s geography but also marked the locations and strength of each faction’s forces.

When did he prepare this?!

It even details the enemy forces in Tatur, the north, and the south... This is far more than what the empire’s intelligence would know.

Remarkable...

Even during the Extermination Decree of Heresy under the former emperor, the exact numbers of the enemy were unknown. It was impossible to track the remnants hiding in the shadows.

Even with spies among the enemy, such precise information could not be gathered.

The vassals were astonished by Olivurn’s extensive intelligence.

“At present, the greatest concern is right here.”

Olivurn pointed to a specific location on the map, and all eyes turned to that spot. It was the territory of Marquis Vestal in the south. The chancellor and the three dukes sighed, already suspecting what was to come.

“Tell me about the empress.”

“As we have reported, she has rallied the remaining forces of Marquis Vestal and raised a rebellion,” Bryn Ennik answered promptly. “However, her forces are weak, and I do not believe they pose a significant threat. We should focus on the front lines with Tatur.”

“Hmm. Tiren, do you agree?”

Olivurn turned his head slightly, looking down from the throne.

The vassals were surprised to see two young individuals standing close to the emperor, in positions not even the dukes could occupy.

First, it was Kuwell MacGovern, and now Tiren MacGovern? The MacGovern family has stood beside the emperor for generations.

What is His Majesty thinking, keeping him so close? The enemy we must soon face is none other than his other son.

What if he starts conspiring with the enemy?

The vassals’ gazes were filled with distrust. However, their sharp looks didn’t seem to affect Tiren.

“Indeed, Your Majesty,” Tiren began confidently. “I also believe the greatest concern is not the battle that looms ahead, but the rebellion stirred by the empress.”

His clear voice echoed throughout the Sun Hall, drawing the attention of everyone present.

Titan Shutean had bound Tiren and Randol, sons of Kuwell MacGovern, to the academy as students and knights—not quite as hostages, but nearly.

However, Tiren’s exceptional abilities had quickly set him apart at the academy. It was the court sorcerer, Kadin Luer, who recognized that Tiren’s brilliance lay not just in magic, but also in his sharp mind, especially when it came to governance and strategy.

“Nonsense!”

“Marquis Vestal’s remaining forces barely number two thousand. Do you really think they pose a threat to the empire?”

“Hold your ground. We mustn’t jump to conclusions without evidence.”

Despite the sorcerer’s high regard, many among the vassals, particularly given Tiren’s youth—only nineteen years old—thought his position as the emperor’s advisor was undeserved.

If the previous emperor were still alive, this upstart wouldn’t have even been appointed.

It’s absurd that we’re letting this kid direct tens of thousands of imperial troops!

Why would His Majesty entrust such an important role to someone so young?

Their faces showed both doubt and envy. But Tiren, aware of what their looks implied, flashed them a cold smirk.

“I agree.”

Yet, despite their misgivings, Olivurn nodded at Tiren’s assessment, dismissing the vassals’ concerns.

Since ascending to the throne, Olivurn had undergone a transformation. He was no longer the quiet, reserved figure everyone had known. Now he displayed the demeanor of a true monarch. The vassals had initially been taken aback by this change in Olivurn, but they had soon come to embrace it, remarking that he was truly the son of the Conquering King.

Kuwell McGovern, however, was aware of the truth. He knew Olivurn had essentially killed his own father with his own hands, yet he remained silent. Kuwell’s faith in Olivurn was unwavering, but ever since the incident in Heim, he had secluded himself at his residence.

Meanwhile, the vassals kept a wary eye on the McGovern family, noting that Tiren now stood by Olivurn, as though in Kuwell’s place.

“But why...?”

The chancellor voiced the question on everyone’s minds. However, Olivurn did not respond directly, instead gesturing toward someone else—the man standing next to Tiren.

“Do you know the reason?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the man responded without hesitation. His face was rather plain and unremarkable, but there was something oddly captivating about his presence.

“Speak, then.”

The eyes of everyone in the hall shifted to the man. Surprisingly, he was the one destined to be among the seven strongest in the empire, a figure Karyl had once coveted in his past life.

“Bran Gamunt.”

At Olivurn’s command, Bran nodded.

“As some of the vassals have pointed out, the empress’s forces are not capable of inflicting significant harm on the empire. However, Marquis Vestal’s territory is close to the south. The issue is not one of battle, quite the opposite. If they were to flee to Tatur... or if Tatur were to gain control of the empress’s fate, then the empire would be faced with a far graver problem than losing the Dawn Council.”

“And why is that?”

“Justification.”

Bran’s eyes gleamed.

“Though the succession to the imperial throne has been recognized by all the vassals, the deaths of both Titan Shutean and Prince Luon have left the people in turmoil. I’m sure Your Majesty has heard the rumors circulating in the streets.”

“They call me a demon who has devoured his own father and brother,” Olivurn uttered the words casually, but they nonetheless cast a dark shadow over the vassals’ faces.

“The people are foolish and weak. In this state, the empress becomes the perfect figure to spread those rumors. We must not forget that the soldiers who make up the empire’s mighty army are, at their core, just common people.”

“You’re saying the empress’s words could stir unrest among the people?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“We cannot allow that, especially with such an important war looming ahead.”

Olivurn’s gaze turned cold.

“Tell me, what would be the best course of action?”

“The empress’s forces are small. We must secure her before Tatur can endanger her.”

The chancellor’s reply was prompt, but Olivurn’s interest seemed to lie elsewhere. He continued to look at Bran.

“Uhm... Well...”

Bran hesitated.

“We must silence her, Your Majesty,” Tiren spoke up, and Olivurn turned to him, satisfied.

However, Bran glanced at Tiren, clearly uncomfortable with him answering in his place.

Thud—

“The first battle will take place here.”

Olivurn placed a piece on the map.

“Whoever claims the empress’s head will gain the upper hand. The empire cannot afford to let her fall into Tatur’s hands.”

The piece rested on the territory of Marquis Vestal, where the empress currently resided.

“Bring her back to the empire at all costs,” Olivurn commanded in a soft voice. “Dead or alive.”