Chapter 414: Star, the Prezias (6)

―The Prezia Family is heading to the Imperial Palace, leading a crowd of people!

The news started from who knew where and quickly spread to all of Helath. The parade of merely ten people grew to hundreds of thousands in less than a few hours. Since the news was bound to cause a sensation in the world, the Inspection Bureau quickly took action.

“Shit! The news is spreading everywhere! Use any means necessary to stop it!”

“I-I don’t think it’s possible, sir! Twelve of our planetary branches have already sent us a request to confirm the news!”

“

Ahhhh

! For fuck’s sake!”

It was too late. People respected and praised the Prezia Family more than the Imperial Family for their exceptionality. With the parade already widely advertised to announce the Prezia Family’s demise, the plan to raise the Imperial Family’s dignity was becoming a noose around everyone responsible for organizing it.

Rodos, Meteora, Lalisa, Creta, which was as remote as Eos, and other planets kept asking the main office of the Inspection Bureau to verify the news, putting even more pressure on them.

“We’re doing everything we can! Why isn’t the news dying out?!”

Their biggest problem was that despite doing everything they could do to stop the news from spreading, it still spread like wildfire that would never go out. At the very least, however, they had an idea about the cause behind it.

“Only those Revolutionary Army bastards would do something like this! What in the world happened to the siege on Eos?!”

The Revolutionary Army was so nimble that they remained free despite the Inspection Bureau’s tenacious manhunt. If the Revolutionary Army put their minds to it, they could certainly complicate the situation this much.

Allowing Eos to be conquered was already problematic enough, yet the Inspection Bureau now had to face another predicament.

“

U-uhh

... They’re saying they can’t approach the planet because it’s now the Planet Celestial’s divine ground!”

“

Argghhhhh

! Tell them to open fire on the planet! Slaughter everyone on it if they have to!”

“... The Twilight Barrier is preventing us from doing that. If they attack rashly, a Divine Punishment can befall them...”

“For crying out loud! That fucking Twilight! Twilight! Twilight!!!!!”

[The presence of the Celestial ‘Divine Twilight’ is growing bigger!]

‘Divine Twilight’ was causing even more problems for the Inspection Bureau. They already had their hands full with the Revolutionary Army and Ardrin Tigernmas occupying Eos. Hence, they couldn’t help but be dumbfounded upon discovering that ‘Divine Twilight’ was behind them.

The Inspection Bureau and executive members of the Star Order were well aware that ‘Divine Twilight’ was as powerful as the Zodiacs, the highest-class Star Signs even among the noble Star Signs. No, considering he had likely taken the recently vacated position of a Nine Heaven, they had to be careful. If ‘Divine Twilight’ were to use his power in earnest, he could easily crush the Arcadian Imperial Army that was surrounding Eos.

“Are you not going to do anything about it, then?! The Arcadian Imperial Army exists for a reason! They have to do something!”

Having to come up with a solution to all this was their biggest predicament.

[The holy lord once faced death but returned to this land to save his followers from distress and crisis. He is now taking a step...]

[The Myth of the Celestial ‘Divine Twilight is being written!]

The news about the parade spread further, creating a greater ripple effect. The of ‘Divine Twilight’ trended even though the Inspection Bureau and Star Order had tried their hardest to erase them, which could only mean that the Star Order’s influence over Arcadia weakened while that of ‘Divine Twilight’ strengthened.

The Inspection Bureau and its allies had to do whatever it took to stop ‘Divine Twilight’, a Celestial from the other Worldline, from obtaining power in Arcadia, but...

“The Eleventh Prince has instructed the bureau not to act rashly and wait for further commands...”

“What?”

Everyone in the Inspection Bureau’s main office froze, having heard the last thing they expected to hear.

* * *

[The people of the Planet ‘Helath’ have learned about the nickname of the Celestial ‘Divine Twilight’!]

[The Divine Name of the Celestial ‘Divine Twilight’ is quickly spreading among the people of the Planet ‘Samos’!]

[The accomplishments of the Celestial ‘Divine Twilight’ have greatly shocked the people of the Planet ‘Cavalla’!]

...

“Why can’t anyone do their jobs right? Say something! Have you all gone mute?!” Seamilop, Arcadia’s Prime Minister, yelled hysterically as he slammed the table.

Thump! Thump!

No one in the conference room could speak up.

[The Myths of the Celestial ‘Divine Twilight’ are being imprinted on the minds of everyone in the Arcadian civilization!]

Even as they spoke, messages about the magnitude of the situation kept popping up.

The Arcadian Supreme Council, the central government of the twenty-planet alliance, had become a civilization, surpassing the level of empires. Nevertheless, ‘Divine Twilight’ and the Prezia Family shocked it so much that it was nearly paralyzed today.

It didn’t even matter that it was composed of elites who had influence all over the galaxy of Arcadia, including Great Family nobles who ruled planets, the Star Order’s high-ranking priests, emperor-appointed experts, and Imperial Family members. To make matters worse, they no longer had any more time to waste.

“Say something! Are you all just going to sit and wait for that subversive group to reach the Imperial Palace?” Seamilop roared, slamming the table again.

Thump, thump, thump!

Tension filled the conference room perhaps because of Seamilop’s fury, a demigod who had completed .

Gulp!

After swallowing dryly, someone mustered up the courage to speak. “Why don’t we disband the crowd and put out an order to arrest the Prezia Family’s hea—!”

“Are you serious right now?!” Seamilop threw the first porcelain he could get his hand on.

Clang!

The porcelain crashed into a wall and shattered. The council members immediately looked at the floor in fear.

“Are we supposed to watch them calling him a martyr or something?!”

“...”

“Don’t forget that the pretext of the Prezia Family’s visit to the Imperial Palace is to offer their Dominion Seal! If we treat them with disrespect, we’ll just be giving them the justification they need to take action! We will also ruin the Imperial Family’s glory!” Seamilop’s clenched fists trembled. “Even if the Prezia Family doesn’t do anything, do you really think you can deal with the consequence of attacking them now?!”

“...”

“‘Divine Twilight’ is with them. ‘Divine Twilight’!” Seamilop growled. “Don’t tell me we still have someone among us idiotic enough to belittle him after all the Manipulation we’ve done.”

Unfortunately, ‘Divine Twilight wasn’t affected by . People still talked about the brilliant accomplishments that he made as a mortal around two hundred years ago in Arcadia. Moreover, ‘Divine Twilight’ was known to be stronger now than ever before. If the council tried to stop him, all hell could break loose.

‘When Great—no, when Ruling Celestials fight, they could blow away a planet like this without a trace! I have to stop that from happening!’

Seamilop thought determinedly.

His mind was a mess. Finding a solution seemed difficult. Aside from the huge issues the Prezia Family was bringing them, tension also filled the conference room for another bad reason.

Seamilop turned to the Second Prince and Eleventh Prince’s factions. The eyes of the Second Prince’s people wandered. The Eleventh Prince’s subjects held their heads high, waiting for an opportunity to strike the Second Prince’s faction in this conference.

Considering the Eleventh Prince wasn’t above turning down the Arcadian Imperial Army’s plea to march to Eos, he would definitely use this incident as a pretext to remove the Second Prince from Arcadia’s political scene.

‘What in the world is wrong with this country’s future leaders!’

Seamilop wanted to pull out his hair.

The princes had no regard for the empire’s safety and only cared about gaining more power. Meanwhile, the Star Order, which should be the one reacting most fervently, was taking a passive stance on this matter, seemingly lacking the time to care about it. At this rate, it wouldn’t be odd if Arcadia met its end right now.

‘Considering the Second Prince’s personality, there is no knowing how he’ll react when he’s driven to the edge of a cliff. A civil war might even break out,’

Seamilop speculated.

Regardless, he still couldn’t let the Prezia Family’s parade invade the Imperial Palace. With him and the other council members on the horns of a dilemma, he couldn’t help but think of someone.

‘Your Majesty!’

The Heavenly Dragon Emperor, the current emperor of the Arcadian Empire, was once known as a genius who was as exceptional as the first emperor, but he lost interest in politics after ascending the throne. He rarely even showed up in the imperial court.

Seamilop desperately wished for the Heavenly Dragon Emperor to sort out the chaos with his charisma like he used to in the past. He had even sent a messenger to the Heavenly Dragon Emperor to notify him of the situation.

‘He’ll just tell us to figure it out on our own instead of giving us orders, though...’

Seamilop thought bitterly.

This enormous empire—no, this civilization would soon find itself in mayhem with Seamilop as the Prime Minister. Such a historical incident taking place during his term made him feel ashamed to face his ancestors in the afterlife.

‘Ahhh....!’

his head drooped.

“I come bearing His Majesty’s imperial decree! Members of the Arcadian Supreme Council, please listen carefully!”

“H-His Majesty?”

“His Majesty has given an imperial decree?”

“What are you all doing?! Send the messenger in!”

The eyes of the council members, including the Second Prince and Eleventh Prince’s factions, widened as they panicked due to the unexpected turn of events. They soon went down on one knee and bowed, but they were still confused. Why would the Heavenly Dragon Emperor suddenly do this? This had never happened ever since he ascended to the throne, which only further deepened their confusion.

‘No way... Your Majesty! Did my prayer finally reach you?’

Seamilop focused on trying to calm his pounding heart.

Creeeaaak!

The door to the conference room swung wide open.

Tap, tap!

A eunuch wearing a golden uniform that signified the Imperial Family’s dignity slowly walked in. With arrogance in his eyes, he looked at the council members, then opened the scroll in his hands. “I will now be reading His Majesty’s decree! Empire’s faithful subjects, lend me your ears!”

“We’re listening.”

“We’re listening.”

“I have heard that you are all at a loss about how to respond to the subversive group, which is trying to engulf the empire in chaos and is now rushing to the Imperial Palace. Hence, I hereby order you...”

The council members kept their heads low as they exchanged glances, thoughts flooding into their minds.

“... to grant the subversive group’s wish to see me. I shall meet them in person.”

“...!”

“...!”

“That is the end of his decree!”

“Hi-His Majesty’s imperial decree shall be upheld!”

“Long live His Majesty!”

Drip!

Seamilop looked up as he cried. The Heavenly Dragon Emperor had finally taken action. Meanwhile, the Second Prince and Eleventh Prince’s factions were busy subtly exchanging glances.

* * *

“His Highness Cardith has asked me to deliver you a message. In recognition of your loyalty to Sir ‘Saggitarius’ and the Imperial Family, all of you shall be appointed to—!”

“Who is he?” Chang-Sun asked Ardrin Tigernmas.

“He said that he’s the secret messenger sent by the Eleventh Prince.”

“The Eleventh Prince?”

“The one who is going up against the idiotic Second Prince. Chiron’s minion,” Arin cynically explained.

“He’s useless.”

“I know, right?”

“Drag him out,” Chang-Sun instructed.

“Happily.” Arin swung her vine whip as she smiled mischievously. She was having so much fun.

She dragged the messenger, who was confidently shouting on his horse, all over the ground. He cursed and shouted at her to let him go immediately, saying that she would receive a Divine Punishment for what she was doing. However, she just kept having fun with him, paying his complaints, threats, and struggles no heed.

[The Celestial ‘Sagittarius’ frowns a little upon seeing you maltreating his messenger!]

Chiron expressed his annoyance, but Chang-Sun just looked at the sky in silence.

[The Celestial ‘Sagittarius’ quickly turns his head in irritation!]

Chiron quietly disappeared, perhaps because he was too busy fighting Sadalmelik to keep watching Chang-Sun. Chang-Sun could already tell why Chiron bothered to send an idiot, anyway.

‘He wants me to watch my mouth,’

he thought.

Chiron wouldn’t gain anything if the deal he made with Chang-Sun was known. Hence, he was probably kicking up a fuss right now because he didn’t expect Chang-Sun to reveal his identity to the public.

‘Fight Sadalmelik harder, then.’

[The Celestial ‘Divine Twilight’ is gaining a lot of Faith!]

Chang-Sun glanced back at the crowd, which was now made of over a million people. Just looking at them was troublesome. Most of them just joined the parade for fun, but that still greatly helped Chang-Sun.

Treville’s cheeks had become rosy with excitement. After all, it was safe to say that they had now revived the Prezia Family.

‘I wonder how the emperor will react. Will he hide or face us?’

Chang-Sun wondered.

If the Heavenly Dragon Emperor chose to face them, then Chang-Sun could attack and take him hostage. He could still strike even if the emperor decided to mobilize his Arcadian Imperial Army since the situation would make it hard for to subdue him.

‘Once they make a move, both Helath and the Imperial Palace will be shattered.’

Since Arcadia was their main base of operation, wouldn’t be able to tolerate losing those two locations. Chang-Sun was basically holding all of Helath hostage.

[Several Star Signs of the Society are monitoring the parade with sharp eyes!]

‘It’s about time we get an answer.’

The parade stopped in front of the large plaza before the Imperial Palace, the gate of which remained tightly shut. The Arcadian Imperial Army had surrounded the area for contingencies.

‘Are they going to keep buying time?’

Half a day had passed since the group had been left to stand in the plaza. Waiting for the crowd to disband on their own due to fatigue would be a shallow move. After all, it could easily leave an impression that the Imperial Family locked their doors in fear of the crowd.

‘I have to create more sparks.’

Thuummp!

Chang-Sun was about to tell Treville to move on to the next plan when he heard the sound of pulleys turning, followed by the tightly shut gate opening up little by little.

Behind the mask, Chang-Sun’s eyes gleamed.

Xerxes and Crom Cruach were inside the Imperial Palace.