Chapter 83: Golden Blood
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 83: Golden Blood
A noble’s tea party was never a humble affair, regardless of the occasion. Even if it meant overextending their means, hosts decorated their venues as lavishly as possible. It was a direct manifestation of the host’s wealth, history, and capability.
Consequently, tea parties held in the Imperial Capital boasted a scale and grandeur on an entirely different level. As a gathering place for the "young blood"—the future lords, knights, and heads of houses—the atmosphere was exceptionally vibrant.
Young lords and noble sons wore crisp formal uniforms adorned with their family crests, while young ladies and daughters of high nobility wore multi-colored dresses that looked like inverted flowers. Everyone had come adorned with the desperate desire to be the protagonist of the event.
Yet, despite such fervent desires, there existed an overwhelming presence in the Empire that reduced them all from blooming flowers to mere weeds in the shade.
Olivia Arken.
With blonde hair and blue eyes, she was a beauty so legendary that rumors claimed she looked exquisite even the moment she woke up. As the Emperor’s daughter, possessing both beauty and intellect, she was the most coveted bride in history.
“Look, it’s Lady Olivia.”
“The rumors that she was attending this tea party were true.”
“How can someone be that beautiful…?”
Exclamations of admiration escaped the lips of men and women alike. Every young nobleman hovered around her, stealing glances while pretending to wander aimlessly. They knew all too well that, given their status, they didn't dare even speak to her.
However, there were always those who firmly believed that a beauty could not be won without courage.
“I greet the Princess of the Empire. As a Guardian of the Golden Dawn and a Blade of the Frontier, I would like to introduce myself—”
“I beg your pardon.”
The person who cut him off was a woman sitting beside Olivia. She spoke with a bright, practiced smile.
“We are currently in the middle of a meeting among young ladies. Only members of the Golden Rose are permitted to join the conversation at this table.”
“Ah, I see…”
“If you’ll excuse us.”
In the end, the man retreated in embarrassment, unable to even utter his own name. The women seated at the table giggled as they watched the loser’s retreating back.
“Another pest who doesn't know his place.”
“Truly. Even the son of Duke Mercel was turned away, yet a mere son of a Marcher Lord has the audacity to try and speak to the Princess of Arken.”
They laughed softly, tearing the man apart with their words. Olivia tilted her head slightly while holding her teacup.
“Still, if he is someone who protects the frontier, perhaps I should have at least offered a greeting?”
“Oh, heavens, there’s no need for that!”
“Exactly! If you don't treat the lower ranks properly, they’ll start trying to climb over you!”
“Oh, is that so?”
“Yes! Of course!”
“Ah, Lady Olivia is truly so pure…”
“I want to protect her forever!”
The young noblewomen fluttered about, practically swooning. Olivia watched them, maintaining her facade of innocence.
Protect me? My foot, she thought.
Olivia knew exactly how beautiful she was. She knew how to use it, and simultaneously, she knew how to protect herself. These "guards" surrounding her were actually people who admired her and envied her in equal measure.
Because the men only have eyes for me.
No matter how many priceless jewels they wore or how many dresses from famous designers they donned, men wouldn't even spare them a glance in the face of Olivia’s overwhelming presence. To these high-society women, her existence was naturally an eyesore.
Shining alone with such haughtiness was a sure way to invite jealousy and resentment. Olivia knew how to handle them. She chose to surround herself with those who envied her, organizing them into an elite social club called the "Golden Rose."
It was a perfect form of symbiosis.
I can protect myself without saying a single word, and these girls acting as my shields get the chance to approach the men they actually like.
Olivia protected her own peace, while her guards screened and snatched up the potential grooms who came flying toward her like moths to a flame. Once a romance began, they had to leave the Golden Rose, but there was no need to worry; the spots would always be filled. It was a social structure where loyalty only increased as the members cycled through.
“As expected of one with the Golden Blood, you are perfect in every way!”
Golden Blood. It was a term coined from the belief that the Arken lineage possessed the inherent qualities required of a sovereign.
Olivia loathed that phrase. If they shared the same Golden Blood, why was she rolling around in this flower bed instead of reaching her hand into the political sphere?
“Yes, well, I suppose so,” Olivia replied, her voice tinged with a hint of bitterness.
The atmosphere instantly chilled. Because of her lukewarm response, the gazes of the noblewomen turned sharp.
“Oh, I-I’m so sorry, Princess! I didn't mean to offend you…”
“My, even if the Young Lady of House Horns didn't intend it, it certainly sounded unpleasant to us.”
“Indeed. How could you bring up such a topic in a place like this?”
The noblewomen chimed in, ganging up on her. The girl from House Horns began to panic. They were intending to bite into her moment of weakness and cast her out.
Snake-like wenches, the lot of them.
While loathing them internally, Olivia responded with feigned nonchalance.
“Oh, why is everyone acting like this?”
“I feel as though I’ve been disrespectful to the Princess…”
“How could that be? I was simply lost in thought for a moment. I should be the one to apologize for not focusing on all of you in a setting like this…”
Olivia’s blue eyes grew moist. Her "loyal guard" panicked and scrambled to fix the situation.
“No! Not at all!”
“Lady Olivia looked so wonderful while lost in thought. It was like a painting.”
The women laughed it off, moving on. Internally, they were undoubtedly cursing her for acting so virtuous. Let them curse all they want, Olivia thought. A mask worn until the very end becomes one’s true face.
Someone changed the heavy atmosphere by bringing up a different topic.
“More importantly, have you all heard?”
“Heard what?”
“The news regarding Regent Ferda.”
Olivia’s hand paused for a fraction of a second.
“I heard he performed brilliantly in Halim recently.”
“Oh, Halim? You mean that impious land?”
“I heard the women there wear such scandalous clothing to bewitch men…”
“Hoho, what on earth are you imagining? It wasn't like that! Apparently, there was an exhibition for Escoleia.”
“Was it just an exhibition? I heard men who go to Halim lose their very souls…”
As was typical of such gossip, the conversation threatened to veer off into trivialities.
“And there?” Olivia spoke up.
Though she had attended many such tea parties, it was rare for her to join in when the topic was a man.
“What happened there?”
“Oh? Ah, well, a Monster Rift opened, and monsters poured out. They say it was seven wolf monsters.”
“My, seven of them?”
“He performed so well that there wasn't a single casualty. Can you believe it?”
“Is that so?”
“Oh…”
The noblewomen blinked, letting out half-hearted exclamations of wonder. It was a topic they had no real interest in, and they didn't understand just how impressive it actually was.
But Olivia was different.
Zero casualties during an ambush… that’s practically a miracle.
She had always been interested in tactics and strategy. Thinking she might one day command an army, she had studied historical records to grasp the nuances of troop maneuvers and consistently researched the enemies they had to face. She knew exactly how significant Ferda’s achievement was.
Did he use black magic?
The lost Shadow Arts of Barbatos flickered through her mind. It had been reported that during his visit to the Empire, the seal had loosened during a fierce battle with investigators, and he had vanished using that opening. That was only how it was reported because Olivia had exerted her influence; she didn't know the actual truth.
Some questions are best left as questions.
That was what Olivia did for the sake of the greater good.
“I heard rumors that he uses black magic.”
Just as she was thinking that, someone voiced the thought aloud. It was the girl from House Horns, who had made the earlier blunder. As the gossip took a sharp turn, everyone pricked up their ears in interest.
“Black magic?”
“Yes. It was such a sudden moment, yet Regent Ferda reacted alone and pierced the head of the creature coming out of the Rift.”
“Isn't it a bit of a stretch to claim he uses black magic just because of his reaction speed?”
“The higher-ups are saying that Regent Ferda himself was the one who caused the Monster Rift. That he pulled a stunt just to look good in Halim.”
The easily swayed noblewomen nodded as if that made sense. Watching their reactions, Olivia felt a surge of internal disgust.
“What do you think, Princess?”
The girl from House Horns passed the baton to her. Olivia blinked her innocent eyes.
“My Lady.”
“Yes, Princess.”
“Regardless of the circumstances, I believe it is wrong to brand someone a black mage when they saved the people without any major injuries.”
“Pardon? Oh, well…”
The girl from House Horns began to flounder again. The atmosphere, which had been ready to tear into gossip, reversed in an instant.
“Indeed. You really have no tact, do you?”
“To think a noble lady would speak such ill of a hero… shouldn't we hold her properly accountable for this?”
They showed more blatant hatred now than when they had first ganged up on her. There would be no recovering from this. She was effectively exiled from the Golden Rose and would spend the rest of her life as an outcast at tea parties.
I bear no ill will.
This was a grave she had dug for herself, and she would have to lie in it.
Regardless, the Regent is moving forward smoothly.
Since his declaration to conquer the Land of Demons, Iorga had supported him, and now he had performed a feat in Halim. No one would be able to stand in the way of that hero’s momentum now. He would undoubtedly succeed in creating the Second Capital.
I need to do something as well…
In contrast, Olivia had made no progress. What she needed to establish her power in the Empire was to become a Saintess. Yet, all she did was maintain her figure, engage in useless chatter with noblewomen, and fill her head with empty formalities she didn't care about.
The taste of the tea, how the biscuits were kneaded and baked. The status of a Princess was stifling.
This is so far removed from becoming a Saintess.
Even monks who dedicated their entire lives to devotion often failed to become Saints or Saintesses. How could it be possible while enjoying such a luxurious life?
But I must do it.
If only she could become a Saintess, she too would truly possess that damned Golden Blood.
* * *
Upon his return, Ferda first checked the progress of the town’s construction. The scene before him was different from the future he had envisioned through Isabella’s reports.
“A lot of progress has been made.”
He had been away for about three weeks. The previously chaotic atmosphere had settled, and several buildings had already gone up. Enough space had been created to dismantle all the tents that had served as temporary shelters.
“Indeed. It has exceeded our expectations.”
“How far ahead of schedule are we?”
“Two months.”
“That’s more than just 'exceeding expectations.'”
The blue-haired Dragon Spawn and administrator, Isabella, adjusted her glasses. While such a statement would usually wound the pride of those under the Aspect of Knowledge, Isabella explained calmly.
“The speed of the existing laborers was within parameters. Of course, we had to consider labor desertion and supply issues, but this was a variable as unexpected as a bolt from the blue.”
Isabella wasn't just trying to save face. Ferda knew this and asked her, “What is this variable?”
“They call him the Armored Knight.”
“An Armored Knight?”
Isabella nodded. “Yes. He seems to be a wandering knight, but the laborers call him the Armored Knight, perhaps because he has taken a Vow of Silence.”
“Hmm…”
Ferda looked over the recorded personal details and the payment ledger. The personal details were merely the maximum amount of information that could be gathered from outward observation. Looking at them, Ferda realized something.
“It’s not a Vow of Silence.”
“Is that so?”
“Usually, someone under a Vow of Silence carries a plaque with their name and affiliation. It signifies that even if they don't communicate, they will at least reveal their identity.”
Ferda knew this well, coming from a knightly family. While someone under a Vow of Silence might lead a wandering life, performing manual labor at a construction site didn't fit. He checked the payment ledger to see if the man was being paid an exorbitant amount.
“He is already receiving more than twenty times the amount of the other laborers.”
He was receiving 2 silver coins, equivalent to 200 copper coins. However, Ferda frowned.
“That’s too little.”
Isabella nodded in agreement. “In truth, he is a talent for whom even 30 silver coins would be insufficient.”
“And the reason for not paying more?”
“He seemed content. As if he felt it was strange to even receive money, he refused to take anything more than 2 silver coins. Why should we insist on paying more?”
“Hmm…”
Considering a knight’s salary and value, what was the worth of 2 silver a day? It was exploitation so severe that the man would be justified in putting a sword to his employer’s throat immediately. To work at a construction site where one’s pride is ground down, and for such low pay—his character had to be greater than that of most saints.
Or he has a secret of that magnitude.
A dark past, or perhaps he had killed someone. But if he had such a secret, it was strange that he refused to take more than 2 silver coins.
“In what way exactly is he helpful? Does he know construction methods?”
“No. He’s a complete novice with no basic knowledge of construction, but by taking on tasks that are easily solved with sheer strength, we were able to finish the buildings far ahead of schedule.”
Superhuman strength. Hearing that, Ferda thought of a certain individual.
“That Armored Knight.”
“Yes.”
“Did he happen to look so thick and heavy that it took your breath away?”
Isabella thought for a moment before answering. “No. He wore half-plate armor, like common wandering knights.”
“I see.”
Ferda had thought it might be the "Walking Fortress," Alberdo. Given that there were still no sightings of him, it seemed he was moving stealthily despite his massive frame.
Sheer strength…
A man who had moved the schedule forward by two months with power alone.
“If you are concerned, shall I conduct an investigation?”
Ferda shook his head at Isabella’s suggestion.
“No, leave him be for now. There’s no need to make him flee by showing signs of an investigation.”
Only a fool would kill the goose that lays the golden eggs.
“However, his value cannot be overlooked. Think of a way to ensure we can keep utilizing him.”
“A wise decision.”
If someone was a talent beneficial to the Archduchy, they were to be recruited by any means necessary. If they couldn't be recruited, they were to be put in a position where they had no choice but to be recruited.
And if even that fails, we milk them for all they’re worth.
He would turn the man into nourishment for this rising city, down to the last drop. That was the proper course of action for this town being built for Valdrova.
“That reminds me,” Isabella asked Ferda. “What will you name the city?”
“Isn't the name Valdrova enough?”
Isabella’s tone dropped. “That is already the name of this castle and the name used to refer to the Archduchy. If it is spoken too casually, its dignity will naturally erode.”
“And if that is the intention?”
“Even I, as a spawn of Iorga, cannot allow that. I will firmly reject that proposal, so I ask for your understanding.”
Ferda decided to give up after hearing her words. She, who usually respected the Regent’s wishes, had used the word "firmly." This matter clearly held great significance among dragons.
“Then we must choose a new name.”
“I have already gathered some proposals.”
As if she had been waiting, Isabella pulled a sheet of paper from her folder and handed it to Ferda.
“Several good names were mentioned, but it has been narrowed down to two. Diarine, meaning the 'Frontline of the Land of Demons,' or Alterios, because it is like a 'Light that Pierces the Darkness.' What do you think?”
Diarine and Alterios.
“Diarine sounds too gloomy, and Alterios sounds like it’s related to the Alte Faith.”
“It is indeed intended to target that demographic. Since ninety percent of the Empire are Alte believers, it wouldn't be a bad move.”
A strategy to attract immigrants. While it had strategic advantages, Ferda didn't particularly want to go that route. He had been annoyed by entanglements with the Alte Faith more than once. The Alte Faith was merciless toward heretics. When he was found to have a Red Circle and his aptitude test resulted in "Darkness," they had been desperate to kill him.
Thus, he hoped for a name that didn't evoke the Alte Faith as much as possible. Was there a better name? Suddenly, Ferda recalled something from the past.
“What was the name of the project I was working on to save my fiancée?”
“Do you mean Project: Hestia?”
“Hestia…”
It was the name of a woman from ancient times who guarded the fire. It wasn't commonly used now, and she was a fleeting figure rarely covered in history lessons.
A woman who guards the fire. Not bad.
“How about Hestia?”
“I prefer a heavy and solemn atmosphere… but something lively isn't too bad either. I will reflect that and proceed.”
Ferda repeated the name several times.
Hestia, Hestia…
It rolled off the tongue well, and he liked the meaning. Valdrova was the Master of Fire and Power. This place would be a city and a bastion for those who guarded the fire.
So, I’ll have to squeeze as much as I can out of that Armored Knight fellow.
He would do everything possible until the man changed his mind. That was Ferda’s resolve.