Episode 61: Making History #2
“Your Majesty, a letter has arrived from His Highness, the Crown Prince, who departed for Count Ekarsi’s territory.” the chief attendant said, bowing deeply. In his hand was a letter personally sent by the Crown Prince.
“Has the matter already been resolved?”
In the imperial palace.
The emperor, seated in the ceremonial hall and reviewing documents, formed a faint smile. The string binding the letter from Fedelian was golden, symbolizing the success of Rozino.
“It seems the mission was successful.”
The emperor nodded as he read the final line of the letter. With results like these, everything else could be postponed for the moment.
“The court meeting will end here. Everyone may leave.”
The emperor, seated at the head of the table, stood up. Though there were still many matters left to review, none of the officials questioned his decision.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
They merely bowed their heads and accepted the Emperor’s decision without question.
After leaving the ceremonial hall, the emperor glanced toward an attendant and gave instructions.
“I will be in the garden. Summon Raeliana.”
“As you command.”
The emperor leisurely walked to the garden. Without needing further direction, the attendants had already prepared everything for tea time.
Only those with both keen insight and exceptional competence could hold the position of chief attendant in the imperial palace. Such preparations were expected.
“…”
Before Raeliana arrived, the emperor lifted his teacup and closed his eyes for a moment.
The demonic lair had been sealed.
It was a moment that marked a milestone in history, but he did not allow himself to simply celebrate. Instead, he pondered how to maximize the benefits of this achievement.
“If Yohan Harsen becomes a member of the imperial family, the sealing of the demonic lair will be monopolized by Rozino.”
This would further solidify the authority of the Rozino imperial family.
It would also balance the rising influence of the Fervache, one of the Four Great Houses.
Furthermore, the imperial family holding the only power capable of protecting the continent would undoubtedly instill absolute loyalty among those who served Rozino.
“…It seems the decision is clear.”
Clink.
The emperor set down his teacup. It didn’t take long for him to reach a conclusion.
“Yohan Harsen must belong to the imperial family.”
Both now and in the future, the benefits he would bring to the imperial family were substantial. Even if it meant antagonizing the Fervache, this marriage had to happen.
Of course, there was a significant possibility that Yohan Harsen would reject the proposal.
After all, he had a lover.
“But that is not a problem.” the emperor thought, his gaze turning cold.
The solution was simple. He would ensure Yohan could not refuse.
“Your Majesty, I was told you summoned me.” a voice called out.
At that moment, Raeliana entered the imperial garden, offering a respectful bow. The emperor slowly nodded before speaking.
“Sit.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Though slightly tense, Raeliana smiled faintly and sat across from him without showing her nervousness.
“Your engagement to Yohan Harsen has been decided.”
At the moment the emperor’s words reached her ears, Raeliana flinched. His statement meant only one thing.
“…Did he succeed in sealing the rift of demonic Lair?”
“Indeed.”
“I see…”
Raeliana’s golden eyes gleamed. Yohan Harsen’s current value was immeasurable.
“Once the news of the demonic lair’s sealing is announced, the imperial family will proceed with your engagement to Yohan Harsen immediately. You have no objections, I assume?”
With a radiant smile, she replied.
“Of course, Your Majesty. How could I possibly refuse Your Majesty’s decree?”
“Indeed.”
The Emperor nodded slowly, a satisfied expression on his face at Raeliana’s unwavering response.
“But, Your Majesty, how will you handle the opposition from the House of Fervache?”
The Emperor smiled leisurely.
“Forcing the issue isn’t a bad option, but for the sake of maintaining a flexible relationship, we’ll need to offer them compensation.”
To soothe the wounded pride of the Fervache family and to ensure their cooperation, it would be necessary to present both symbolic respect and tangible benefits.
“If the House of Fervache accepts the imperial decision, we will spare no effort in supporting their duchy.”
This would include economic incentives, military aid, and political assurances.
“I see.” Raeliana said, smiling as she nodded in agreement. While her face showed a cheerful expression, her thoughts were quite different.
Truthfully, she doubted Duke Fervache would accept such a proposal.
No matter what support the Emperor promised, it would pale in comparison to the value Yohan Harsen could bring.
And most importantly, Yohan himself was unlikely to agree to the arrangement, nor could it simply be forced upon him.
Still, Raeliana refrained from voicing any objections. From this point onward, it was a matter for the Emperor and the Crown Prince to handle.
“Now that the discussion is settled, we must act quickly before it’s too late.”
Having emptied his teacup, the Emperor stood up, a cold smile playing on his lips.
***
After closing the Demonic lair’s rift, Yohan returned to the imperial capital.
He barely had a moment to rest before being summoned to the Audience Hall at the Emperor’s command.
The golden throne shimmered with radiant light, surrounded by banners intricately embroidered with the imperial insignia of the sun and lion—symbols of the Rozino Empire.
“Raise your head.”
Kneeling on the red carpet, Yohan raised his head to meet the Emperor’s piercing golden gaze.
“Well done, Special-Class Mage Harsen.”
“It was merely my duty.”
“Was it? A mere duty, you say.”
The Emperor smiled faintly and nodded once before accepting a document from an attendant. It was a thick proclamation, adorned with golden trim.
“Very well. In recognition of the Special-Class Mage Harsen’s contributions, the imperial court has decided to reward you accordingly.”
Unfurling the document, the Emperor proclaimed in a resonant voice:
“By this decree, Yohan Harsen’s achievements shall be forever etched in the Empire’s history.”
The Emperor’s voice echoed throughout the Audience Hall. All eyes turned to Yohan.
The ministers and members of the Senate held their breaths in silence.
This declaration was not merely a commendation. Everyone present understood that it signified the Emperor’s intention to bind Yohan closely to the imperial family.
“In the name of Rozino, I bestow upon Yohan Harsen the title of Count and grant him a territory in the eastern part of the Empire.”
The hall fell into silence. The ministers and senators bowed their heads deeply in reverence to the Emperor’s decision.
No one dared to question or oppose the reward for Yohan’s monumental feat of closing the demonic lair’s rift. His achievement transcended all debate.
“Furthermore, the Imperial Treasury will provide you with unlimited support, and I confer upon you the title of Guardian of the Sun.”
At this, the atmosphere in the hall grew even heavier.
The title Guardian of the Sun carried immense significance. It was the highest honor under the Emperor’s name, reserved only for the most distinguished individuals.
“You shall rise to become one of the most esteemed nobles of this Empire.”
Yohan remained silent, his lips pressed tightly together. He fully grasped the weight and implications of the rewards being bestowed upon him.
It was an honor, yes, but also a heavy shackle binding him to the Emperor’s will.
“This proclamation is not merely a reward.”
The Emperor’s deep, commanding voice reverberated throughout the hall, as if shaking its very pillars.
“Yohan Harsen, your actions have not only closed the demonic liar’s rift but also safeguarded Rozino’s stability and brought unparalleled glory to the Empire.”
The ministers remained bowed, and Yohan met the Emperor’s gaze directly amidst the solemn atmosphere.
“Thus, your name shall be immortalized in the history of the Empire.”
The Emperor folded the document.
“This concludes the proclamation.”
The room erupted in applause, the sound of clapping hands filling the hall.
“I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty’s grace.”
Yohan bowed his head respectfully, expressing his gratitude.
***
Yohan Harsen, the Imperial Bureau’s Special-Class Mage, had sealed the Demonic Lair.
This news spread across the empire in a single day. From nobles in the frontier territories to the poorest peasants who couldn’t afford newspapers, and even to distant foreign lands, the story traveled rapidly.
Naturally, it also reached the Fervache.
“…Sealed the demonic lair?”
A white breath escaped the duke’s lips.
This was the North—a land where the biting cold wind pierced to the bone. Winter’s chill shattered life, leaving behind barren branches and a desolate silence across the fields.
The cold wind swept over the gray plains, and a single snowflake drifted down, resting lightly on the duke’s shoulder.
“Yes, my lord. This news has thrown the entire empire into an uproar.” reported the knight who had come to deliver the news.
“They say Yohan Harsen has been granted the title of Guardian of the Sun, along with the rank of count and a fiefdom.”
“…Hah.”
A faint breath escaped the duke’s mouth. To be honest, he could hardly believe it. Demonic Lairs shrouded in mystery for so many years, had been sealed and it was done by the fiancé of his daughter, Francia.
“What news is this?”
The commander of the Fervache knights wiped the blood of a beast off his face with the back of his hand and asked.
“…It seems our prospective son-in-law, who is engaged to Francia, has sealed the demonic lair.”
The duke was inspecting his territory with the Fervache knights, dealing with the flooding of beasts and securing resources and food. In the midst of such busyness, he hadn’t had time to hear the news. Meanwhile, this fox of a man had achieved overwhelming feats.
“…What? That’s impossible!”
“The Imperial Court announced it, so it must be true.”
“Hah…”
The knight commander’s jaw dropped in shock. It wasn’t just because the news was so sudden, but because the idea of sealing the demonic lair seemed utterly unbelievable.
“Wait… Did you say son-in-law?”
“Yes.”
“Do you mean the one Lady Francia brought home…?”
“Exactly.”
Anyone working in the Fervache family would have been well aware of Yohan Harsen. After all, Francia had firmly declared that he would be her husband.
“…First, he shocked us by becoming the Special-Class Mage in just a month. Now, he’s left us utterly speechless.”
The Duke stroked his chin, still in disbelief. To him, Yohan Harsen was merely a talented mage.
But now… he had become someone beyond anyone’s reach.
While this was certainly good news for Fervache, which had been suffering from the demonic lairs, it wasn’t as joyous for Francia’s father, who had already accepted Yohan as his son-in-law.
“…It seems we’ll have to move the engagement date forward.”
The duke’s voice was low and resolute.
“The engagement we planned for next year?”
“Yes.”
The duke had intended to wait, giving more time to resolve issues in the territory and to ensure Francia’s feelings remained steadfast. But now, there was no time to wait.
If that emperor was involved, he would surely propose a marriage arrangement to secure Yohan Harsen for the Imperial family.
If they delayed any longer and the Imperial family made the first move, things could become far more complicated.
“I will go to the capital.”
It was time to address everything that had been left unattended.