Chapter 152
Chapter 152
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 152
Chapter Title: The Audience (4)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"I hope you will become the dawn of the Empire."
"...The dawn?"
Ronan frowned at the word. It was his favorite time of day, but something about it felt off. No matter how positively he tried to spin it, all he could think of was the Dawn Legion that had suffered a massacre at dawn today.
'No way this old man's trying to enlist me, is he?'
A chill ran up his spine. Sure, anywhere would be better than the Penal Legion, but now wasn't the time to rack up seniority. The Emperor nodded slowly.
"Yes. You must know well about the organization that's been rampant these past few years."
"Nebula Clazier."
"The darkness eating away at the Empire. By the way, I heard you were at the scene this dawn. Is that true?"
Ronan twisted his lips. He could still smell the metallic tang of blood every time he breathed. The rainwater flowing down the slope was stained a murky red.
"Yes."
"A tragedy. Though I only read the report, I could understand why Zaifa was so furious. He lost nearly half his men."
The Emperor clicked his tongue. He explained that all the victims would be posthumously promoted two ranks, and their families would receive substantial compensation. He added that a pursuit unit would be formed promptly to capture the perpetrators of the massacre.
Judging by how he treated Zaifa and the victims, he seemed like a decent man. No wonder the nation had lasted a thousand years with people like him at the helm. The Emperor continued in a heavy voice.
"But the real problem comes next. I can't shake the feeling that today's incident is just the beginning."
"The beginning?"
"Yes. What happened today was no ordinary affair. As you know, Mount Bimani—where the massacre took place—is only a five-hour ride from the palace. This is practically a declaration of war."
A groan escaped the Emperor's lips. Ronan nodded in agreement. This incident was a clear departure from Nebula Clazier's usual shadowy operations.
'Did the cult leader change strategies?'
Of course, they wouldn't be foolish enough to wage total war on the Empire. The blessings of the stars used by the cult's members were nowhere near as potent as those of the winged zealots.
Ronan's guess was that if the Empire went all out and crushed them with sheer numbers, the cult couldn't possibly compete. After all, the Imperial Army was the strongest in continental history, backed by heavy hitters like Navardoje and Rorhon who could even take down giants.
But what worried Ronan was if the cult's misdeeds became "ambiguously" bolder going forward. If aggressive raids and schemes like this massacre continued, it might make them easier to track—but the Empire's losses would be far more severe than before.
With only a few years until the giants descended, further casualties here would be problematic. This definitely called for action. The Emperor said,
"That's why I hastily summoned you all. I doubt we'll have any breathing room from today onward."
"I understand. It was that kind of incident."
"Thank you."
Only then did Ronan realize why the Emperor had practically dragged them here. It seemed they were entering a full national emergency. Taking advantage of the brief silence, Ronan spoke up.
"So... what do you mean by becoming the dawn?"
"Ah, I've been long-winded. I've had my eye on you for a while now. Even before this Winter Witch incident erupted."
The Emperor's meaningful words hung in the air as he reached for his waist. He drew a one-handed sword from its scabbard. The ornate sheath, clearly expensive, was engraved with the Empire's name in ancient script.
"I've known for two years that you've been thwarting the cult's schemes. Gran Cappadocia, the Phileon dormitory raid... You even defended the Roma Ira Mountains with Zaifa."
"That..."
"I don't know what grudge you have with Nebula Clazier, and I won't ask. What matters is that you've defeated them every time and saved citizens."
Ronan's eyes widened. He hadn't expected the Emperor to know such precise details. He'd assumed reports were vague since he always had notable allies.
"I've been watching since the first report. You were too young back then to make an offer, but you've grown so splendidly—there's no need to hesitate now."
The Emperor cradled the sword's hilt and tip in both hands, extending it to the stunned Ronan.
"Take it."
"This is?"
"Valon's Sword. It's awarded only to soldiers promoted to general. It symbolizes my authority."
Ronan raised an eyebrow at "general." Come to think of it, his previous life's Adeshan carried something similar. He'd wondered why she lugged it around without swinging it—it was just symbolic.
But this was awkward. It basically meant racking up seniority, and he'd rather be a noble than that. After quick but deep deliberation, Ronan spoke.
"Um... I'm truly sorry, Your Majesty, but I have no desire to become a soldier yet. And I'm certainly not qualified for such a tremendous position as general..."
"Hm? I have no intention of enlisting you."
"Pardon?"
Ronan tilted his head. What was this now? Seeing his confusion, the Emperor chuckled.
"Haha, easy to misunderstand. Don't worry. Valon's Sword simply proves you have the right to wield my authority."
"So it has a real purpose."
"Indeed. I think it'll be an irresistible offer for you. The 'dawn' I mentioned means a secret agent to counter the rising darkness of Nebula Clazier."
"Secret... agent?"
Ronan's eyes widened. Just hearing the word made his mouth water—it sounded like no ordinary role. As if reading his mind, the Emperor began explaining the Dawn's duties.
"Yes. From now on, bearing my name and the Empire's, you'll confront that wicked bunch. If you encounter Nebula Clazier or anyone affiliated during operations, you have full authority to judge and act independently."
"So you're giving me the legal right to smash any suspicious bastards?"
"Well put. Yes. If they're with Nebula Clazier or colluding, ignore status or rank. Handle them as you see fit."
It was beyond bold—an outright shocking proposal. Sure, he'd crushed Nebula Clazier without hesitation before, but now it was legal. The biggest hassle—cleanup—would be handled for him.
But the shock didn't end there. Finishing with duties, the Emperor moved to privileges.
"First, you'll be treated as an Imperial Army lieutenant general or equivalent to an earl. You can recruit retainers, use military facilities, and even officially mobilize the army if needed for missions."
"...Is it really okay to give that kind of power to me?"
Ronan let out an incredulous laugh. From his perspective, it was worth more than a ducal title.
He could get prime intel from the Imperial Intelligence Agency, and for big targets too tough alone, request backup and smash them together. The Emperor nodded.
"I've noticed you don't realize how incredible your achievements are."
"I just did what needed doing."
"You've earned more than enough merit—don't worry about that. The only one who's contributed similarly against Nebula Clazier is the current Sword Saint, Zaifa."
Ronan shrugged. Zaifa must have racked up quite a body count. Excluding his rocky relationship with the Emperor and his temper, that tiger was decent.
"Your position is top secret. Aside from me and a few key figures, no one knows about this incident. You'll need to be vigilant about secrecy and establishing contacts."
"Don't worry about that. Oh, Your Majesty, one request."
"Hm? What is it?"
"Before starting in earnest, I'd like some reliable retainers. I'll cover their pay myself, but they need to be top-notch."
Ronan said. Noting his suddenly serious gaze, the Emperor tilted his head.
"Of course I can arrange that... Are you recruiting comrades?"
"No. There's someone in the capital I must protect. For her guard."
Ronan briefly explained about Iril. To him, it was as vital as preventing the world's end. The Emperor smiled warmly.
"Naturally. I'll gather trustworthy people soon. We'll cover their salaries too—don't concern yourself."
"Thank you."
"I'm the grateful one. I called it attractive, but it's a heavy burden for one person. All of the Dawn Legion's duties and authority on you alone."
His tone carried worried concern. Ronan shook his head firmly. He genuinely loved this reward.
Compared to the garbage rewards from others, this position was extraordinary. Suddenly, the Emperor's eyes widened as if remembering something.
"Ah, I forgot the most important question."
"Pardon?"
"Ronan. Will you accept my offer?"
Ronan furrowed his brow. For a split second, he wondered if the old man had dementia, but he'd never explicitly said yes.
Ronan chuckled. The answer was set, but formalities mattered sometimes. Facing the Emperor, he dropped to one knee.
"Yes."
"Excellent."
The Emperor chuckled softly. His face turned solemn in an instant. A grave voice issued from his lips.
"I stand here representing the Empire. The thousand years of history etched in the heavens, all life on this land, and the grace of our forebears have made this glorious moment possible."
Adjusting his robes, the Emperor drew the sword. With a smooth shing—like beads rolling on ice—Valon's Sword was unsheathed.
"All present here are mortal, destined to die. Born of dust, returning to dust. Yet by acknowledging our limits, we strive for greater heights."
The pristine blade bore the same inscription as the scabbard. Slowly raising the sword, the Emperor placed the flat against Ronan's shoulder.
"Heeding our ancestors' wisdom that none achieve great deeds alone, I name you the Empire's Sword today."
Ronan kept his head bowed in silence. To a battlefield rat who'd rolled in the muck like mold, it was shockingly fresh. The Emperor laid the blade on his other shoulder.
"Ronan. Will you become our sharpest sword, swearing loyalty to the Empire and me above all? Will you be the dawn for those groaning in darkness?"
No cheering crowds. No knights in armor lined up. The empty audience chamber held only him and the Emperor.
The most modest investiture in the world. Yet it felt neither unpleasant nor hollow. Feeling something boil in his chest, Ronan spoke.
"I swear it."