Chapter 74: Movements in the Imperial Palace

"It is truly an honor to meet Gordon Fabian of the renowned Guidance Mercenary Gang," a lively voice, reminiscent of marbles rolling, echoed through the imperial palace.

"..."

A heavy gaze bore down on First Prince Luon from a towering figure.

"Hmm."

Gordon yawned disinterestedly as he walked past the prince, causing Luon's smooth face to furrow. However, the Chancellor of the Empire Bryn Ennik quickly intervened.

“The power of the Guidance Mercenary Gang is of great importance to us.”

Luon nodded, as if he understood, while smacking his lips. He never imagined they could win the allegiance of such formidable individuals with a simple friendship.

Those guys were nothing more than a common mercenary gang, no matter how great they appeared. They must have come to the imperial palace because they wanted something. All we need to do is to fulfill their desires.

Until now, the first prince had unquestionably held supreme authority over the empire. However, when Kuwell MacGovern sided with Olivurn, the second prince, the situation took an unexpected turn. The greatest Sword Master on the continent, the influence of that name, proved to be greater than expected.

Among the people who can confront Lord Kuwell through force, the only one who can move freely in the end is Gordon Fabian.

The Chancellor of the Empire wondered why the Emperor had secretly summoned the Guidance Mercenary Gang, but he believed this opportunity should not be taken lightly.

"Our visit to the capital was merely to continue the decades of trade with His Majesty. I've heard rumors that he hasn't been in good health lately; now I see why," Gordon remarked, pointing at Luon.

"Jaygun, is there any ogre's blood in the ship's storage?"

"Yes. There should be about three barrels."

"Take one out and give it to His Majesty. It'll be good for his headache. He must live long and well."

"Understood."

Luon's face contorted even further at Gordon’s words. He had never been treated in such a manner before, especially not in the middle of the imperial palace, his territory.

"Ha ha... Captain, you haven't changed a bit."

Then, a low voice emerged from the end of the corridor. A small figure in a robe, an old man, slowly approached and greeted him with a nod.

"Court sorcerer Sir Kadin, it seems you still haven't departed to the heavens yet. The drake's brain fluid I gave you last time must have suited you well."

Gordon smirked and said to him, "It is said to be invigorating as well. What a shame that it has somewhat gone to waste."

Despite the crude joke, Kadin Luer brushed off the comment nonchalantly. The appearance of the court sorcerer, who had maintained neutrality until now, left Prince Luon and Chancellor Bryn Ennik unable to remain unalarmed.

What? When did that guy return from Azor? Did he hear the rumors like a ghost and use teleportation magic? This is precisely why sorcerers...

While rolling his eyes at the Chancellor, Kadin stroked his unkempt beard and chuckled. "Haha... The brain fluid served its purpose well for my magical research. How long has it been since you last visited the palace? How about a cup of tea?"

"Tea, my foot. Alcohol? Maybe, but drinking here would likely turn my stomach inside out. I shall return to my ship to drink."

"We've received some red wine."

Gordon was tempted by the offer. "That does sound appealing. Send a few bottles to my ship then. Sorcerers have no appreciation for the taste of wine, anyway."

Another refusal.

"Ha ha... Very well then."

Knowing that further persuasion would be pointless, Kadin Luer decided to withdraw. There was no need to sacrifice his pride any further.

"And who's that youngster behind you? A new apprentice?"

"He is Lord Kuwell’s son. Recently, during an incident involving spies from the Lurein Principality, he displayed exceptional talent. And when he came to my office he caught my eye. Since then, I have taken it upon myself to teach him a few things,” Kadin replied.

The boy's tidy appearance suited that of a sorcerer, yet to Gordon, even at his young age, he seemed too sharp to be confined to a tower, studying magic.

"I am Tiren MacGovern."

Ah, an adopted son of Kiwell, I see.

Hearing the name, Gordon smirked and nodded.

It seems the Chancellor of the Empire was unaware of this. As expected of a sly old fox.

"So, you're one of Kuwell's sons. I have heard he has taken in numerous orphans. You're one of them?"

"I am the second. And my father does not simply take in anyone. There are five of us in total."

"A rather dull fellow," Gordon remarked, impressed by Tiren's unfazed response.

He doesn't strike me as someone who would be content cooped up in a tower, buried in magic books.

“By the way, I heard an interesting rumor in Azor on my way here. The Gray Training Ground, which not even the sorcerers of the Magic Council could breach, has been infiltrated.”

"..."

Kadin's steps came to a halt.

The Gray Training Ground? The tomb of the Assembly of Seven Elders? So that's why he left the palace in such a hurry.

The Chancellor of the Empire nodded. "Indeed, the seal of the Gray Training Ground has been broken. But the person in question also won the Azor Magic Competition. They may still be an independent sorcerer, but with such talent, they will surely become a force to be reckoned with in service to the empire."

"Is that so? What's the fellow's name?"

"Karyl."

"...!!"

At that moment, Tiren's eyebrows twitched slightly—a change that went unnoticed by others, but not by Gordon.

"Hey, kid. Do you know him?"

"No."

"Hmm."

"It's a common name. There are many people named Karyl across the continent," Kadin calmly interjected.

Regaining his composure, Tiren caught Gordon's fleeting glance.

“Well, I too have had an interesting experience... But hearing your story, it seems unnecessary to share."

Karyl... It couldn't be that boy. He was a natural warrior and not comfortable with magic. It has only been a few months; it is impossible for him to become a sorcerer.

Gordon couldn't help but be taken aback when the court sorcerer mentioned the name Karyl.

"Well then," Kadin Luer stroked his chin and quietly stepped back, with Tiren following closely behind.

Click—

As the two left, Gordon, looking intrigued, casually draped his arm over Luon's shoulder.

"...!?"

"Did you ever wonder why a mercenary is a mercenary?"

Overwhelmed by the pressure exerted by Gordon, Luon staggered. Despite the audacity of Gordon’s words, no one dared to intervene.

"You’ve seen the old man, haven’t you? Always calculating which side to take for the best advantage. It's not just about money. There has to be a benefit. Sometimes, in these grand games, it's about more than just material things."

"..."

"If a tempting offer were to come along, I might even side with the third prince. That's what being a mercenary is all about."

Gordon’s words, though spoken casually, had the potential to unleash a new catastrophe. The third prince, Kromen, had been sidelined in the power struggle for the empire. At the tender age of seven, he was naive and inexperienced. Yet, it was not his age that posed the problem. If they had to contend with a mercenary gang on top of their internal conflicts, the consequences would be dire.

"Haha. Captain, you have quite the sense of humor."

"Maybe.But maybe not."

The Chancellor of the Empire forced a laugh, attempting to diffuse the weight of Gordon's remarks. However, Gordon wore a strangely amused smile.

"Perhaps the Emperor summoned me here to convey just that. Even in his old age, he's the man who built the empire."

With that, Gordon lightly patted Luon's shoulder and bid him farewell. "Until we meet again."

Without another word, they could only watch Gordon's figure recede into the darkness.

***

“You are the Captain of the Guidance Mercenary Gang, aren’t you?”

“There seem to be quite a lot of kids looking for me today. It's quite bothersome, so begone while I still have the energy to deal with you properly.”

“If you wish, I can arrange for you a meeting with the third prince first. I shall wait.”

“...”

Gordon paused just before leaving the imperial palace, intrigued by an interesting boy. A boy, at the age of twelve, had the gall to stop him. Had the boy heard the words he said in the corridor? He could kill him right now if he wanted, but instead, he looked at the boy in front of him and chuckled.

“So, you're Olivurn.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“You seem quite confident. It’s different from the arrogance of your brother, but you're quite bold yourself.”

“If one is of imperial blood, such a demeanor is not uncommon. I'll take that as a compliment.” Olivurn spoke fluently, even in front of Gordon.

“Hahaha. Did you hear that, Jaygun? The prince is quite entertaining.”

“Ah, yes...”

Unlike Gordon, Jaygun, the vice-captain, was fidgety, seemingly on edge since their encounter in the corridor.

“I will serve you some delicious tea.”

“Hahaha! I don't drink tea. Maybe if it were alcohol, I would have, but the court sorcerer already gave me some fine wine, so I'll have that instead.”

“Unfortunately, due to my age, I cannot join you in drinking, but why don’t you give it a try. I assure you, it may taste even more delightful than alcohol."

“...”

Gordon’s interest was piqued.

Where does his confidence come from? I heard he was born of a concubine, but it seems the father's blood runs thicker in him.

A moment of silence hung in the air.

“Well then, let's see just how delightful it is.”

“Pardon?” Jaygun couldn’t believe his ears. As far as he knew, Gordon Fabian had only ever drunk tea once in his life—when he first met the current emperor, Titan Shutean.

***

“If news of me has reached here, it means that there are other tribes besides the Warriors here. Where are they?” Karyl scanned the inside of the tent.

Then, as if on cue, he said, “You've made a wise decision. I’ve heard that this location is occasionally used as a meeting place for the three tribes, excluding the Flying Bow Tribe.”

The chiefs of the Lahu and Risu tribes stiffened. Karyl glanced at them, a low chuckle escaping his lips.

"From your expressions, it must be you two. Isn't it a bit petty how the three tribes competing for dominion over the Great Plains to gather here so quickly just because I've arrived?"

Karyl pointed at the man on his left and continued, “Of course, excluding the Lahu Tribe. They have already lost their influence in the competition, so it’s only natural for them to attach themselves anywhere they can.”

“You...!!” Growled the man on the right in a deep, menacing voice,

"Ah, so it's not that side, but this one? Well... I’ve heard that the Lisu tribe isn't in a much better situation either.”

“The courtesy extended to a guest ends here. If you're here to stir up more disputes, then leave. Otherwise, I’ll hang your head on the roof of this tent. We southerners do not welcome Imperials.”

“But I have struck a deal with the Flying Bow Tribe.”

“Those are people who've forsaken the pride of the south to live by trading with the continent,” Tunan interjected, his thunderous voice causing Mikhail and Aidan to flinch involuntarily.

“Isn’t it the same for you? You survive by selling the corpses of demons that come out of the dungeon. I wonder if you’ve heard that I own Tatur.”

“Tch...”

“It's not just the Flying Bow Tribe that deals with the black market. Who else would buy the demons’ corpses? It's the work of the deranged nobles of the empire.”

“Are you using our dealings with Tatur to threaten us, just as you did with the Flying Bow Tribe?” The chief of the Lahu Tribe asked Karyl.

For the three tribes, which were heavily reliant on demon hunting, trade with the black market was vital.

“You react too quickly for someone who speaks of Southern pride."

“...”

The chief's face turned red, and he turned away, his reaction revealing the gravity of the situation.

“I told the Flying Bow Tribe the same, but I have no intention of dealing with you through such petty tactics. Mutual trust is necessary, right?”

“And?”

“I am aware that the biggest problem for the southern tribes, especially those on the Great Plains, is food.”

“...”

“If you lend me your strength, I will ensure you have new arable land for farming. Not only that, I’ll also provide you with farming methods and the necessary tools.”

The chief scowled at Karyl’s proposition.

“Is there even any land left in the south? Not to mention provoking the five major families in the Abyssal Rocks, and the Digon tribe is suicidal.”

“It seems even the chief of the Warrior tribe, known as the bravest in the Great Plains, harbors fears. Don't worry. Those two will be dealt with in due course, but that doesn’t mean I want the southerners to fight amongst themselves.”

“Then...?”

All eyes turned to Karyl.

As if he had been waiting for this, he spoke slowly, each word carrying tremendous weight. “We will venture into the Central Region.”

“......!!”

At that moment, the gaze of the three chiefs wavered.

“How about looking upwards, beyond the south? I will give you a fifth of the imperial lands. Of course, your lands in the south will remain untouched as well.”

Aidan felt an urge to slap his knee in admiration.

He's offering the Great Plains to the Flying Bow Tribe and the imperial lands to the other three tribes...

It sounded unbelievable.

But this is indeed a brilliant plan.

It was the only way to satisfy what each party wanted. And he genuinely thought so. Venturing into the Central Region was something every tribe of the Great Plains had considered at least once, a dream they all aspired to.

“You’ll give us a fifth of imperial land? Are you saying you’ll conquer the empire?” However, as much as it was a brilliant idea, it was also outrageously bold.

The three chiefs did not easily fall for the words of a twelve-year-old.

“So, yes.”

“You are crazy...”

“If the Great Plains support me, then even the five major families are within reach.”

“What about Digon?”

“I have something in mind for them, but I can’t share it without hearing your decision first,” Karyl shrugged.

"How will you prove you're capable of doing so?"

“Well, they say, when in the south, do as the southerners do. There’s something you do to prove your strength, isn’t there?”

The faces of the chiefs and their tribesmen hardened.

“How about we start with the Great Hunt?”