Chapter 95
Chapter 95
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 95
Chapter Title: Blackguard Triumphal Gate (2)
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Two months had already passed since the subjugation of the necromancer. During that time, Cain focused entirely on his recovery.
Thanks to that, he managed a full recovery without any lingering aftereffects. In other words, the injury had been that severe.
Unfortunately, though, no sooner had he risen from his sickbed than Cain had to prepare at once and head to the capital.
'Yeah, better to get it over with quickly.'
A banquet was just a party, after all. He'd go, accept some praise and rewards, and head home.
But those lighthearted thoughts of Cain's vanished like melting snow the instant he laid eyes on the carriage sent by the emperor himself.
It was a carriage made of actual gold. Cain muttered in stunned bewilderment.
"Is this really gold?"
"Indeed, my lord. A carriage forged purely from gold. And far more valuable than any ordinary gilded one, at that."
"Pardon? What do you...?"
"Because the imperial mages personally reinforced it. It's the empire's one and only carriage, reserved exclusively for His Majesty the Emperor."
"... "
So they had sent the empire's sole imperial carriage, the emperor's personal one? Cain let out a laugh.
But the smile on his face held no joy—only a hollow emptiness. Even Cain knew full well
why the emperor was going to such lengths. Excessive favors always hid a motive.
'This isn't just some ordinary banquet. It's going to be way more trouble than I imagined...'
But the bus had left the station; the milk was spilled. With a face full of worry, Cain boarded the carriage.
The golden carriage set off without delay for the imperial palace, under the stern escort of the Dragon Knight Order.
Whether thanks to the dragon horses pulling it or the magic woven into its frame, Cain arrived at the palace in a mere three days.
"It's been far too long since your return."
"Tell me about it."
"Ah, I heard all about your exploits in Blackguard, my lord. You completely cowed the nobles, didn't you?"
"... "
"As expected of a renowned general—such bold resolve and unyielding spirit."
Over-the-top praise could sound like mockery, but Siegfried was genuinely impressed, without a hint of sarcasm.
He'd always pursued relatively lenient policies toward the nobles, but that didn't mean he held them in high regard.
For a surrendered general to openly dominate them like that... He regretted not witnessing it firsthand.
"But how do you plan to deal with the fallout from such an act?"
"They demanded proof, so I provided it."
"Well said... A fine answer indeed."
"Though the noise outside is getting rowdy. What's going on out there...???"
At the roar of cheers, Cain cocked his head and pulled aside the curtain over the window. Then quickly drew it shut again.
Beyond the curtain stood throngs of imperial citizens cheering wildly at the golden carriage.
Yes. Right now, the carriage was parading right down the capital's central boulevard.
"W-what in the world is this?"
"You claimed a great victory, did you not? This reaction is only to be expected."
"Huh?"
"I can't speak for the kingdom, but our empire operates on a different level."
Siegfried didn't sneer at Cain's dumbfounded look. If anything, he seemed pitying.
How badly mistreated must he have been in the kingdom to react like this to a triumphant general's rightful welcome?
Of course, that neglect had allowed the empire to claim a great general named Cain Blackguard, so there were upsides.
'This is insane. Way more people than in Renheim...!!'
He'd figured it for a casual noble gathering—like a company dinner party, where he'd just have a few drinks.
But the empire wasn't so inept as to skimp on honors for subjugating the Demonic Realm.
Emperor Leonis had already resolved to mold Cain Blackguard into the empire's consummate hero.
Thus, erecting a triumphal arch to celebrate his victory was the bare minimum.
'At least I'm safe inside the carriage. If I had to face that mob head-on...'
"Come to think of it, I heard His Majesty commissioned a new triumphal arch to honor your victory, my lord."
"Ah."
His last flicker of hope snuffed out.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The status of a surrendered general was a delicate one. You had to treat them better than before to encourage more defections.
Overdo it, though, and the entrenched elites would push back hard. Balance was key, but
was it worth the hassle? In most cases, no.
Of course, during the 'war' itself, a defector general held real value—but that faded once peace came.
And there was the inherent flaw: surrender once, and what's stopping a second time?
That mindset explained why the empire's nobles had dismissed Cain. The emperor had packed him off to Purgatory, after all.
— Noble "Tsk tsk... Accepting an earldom and lordship just because it sounded good." — Another Noble "He won't hold out long before he crumbles. No need to waste energy on him." But the nobles' predictions went spectacularly awry. One year. Just one year.
In that single year, Cain eradicated all four major factions of the Demonic Realm and conquered it outright.
That dazzling feat left the nobles speechless. Talent was fine in moderation—what the hell was this?
Of course, there was his prior feat of defeating Princess Morgana, but it paled beside Demonic Realm conquest.
The same nobles who'd dismissed even that as exaggeration couldn't deny this.
"Your Majesty! We acknowledge Cain Blackguard's talents, but a triumphal arch is premature."
"He betrayed his homeland as a surrendered general. Is there a law barring the same choice in the same straits?"
Naturally, the Imperial Council sought to curb Cain Blackguard's rising influence.
Yet they failed spectacularly, for two key reasons. First: the emperor's favor.
To Leonis, Cain Blackguard was a heaven-sent gift, vital for continental unification.
With the Demonic Realm conquest as ironclad proof, their justification crumbled.
And in that lopsided fight, the council fractured internally.
If you can't beat them, join them. Even council nobles weren't immune.
— Noble "His abilities are proven. And His Majesty acknowledged him personally." — Another "Blackguard's become a tidal wave. Fighting it would be folly." — Yet Another "We're sitting this out. Planning to invest in Renheim territory..." Plenty of nobles belatedly embraced Blackguard, eager to ride his momentum.
Even united, all nobles might barely hold the line—now the council itself splintered.
No one remained to thwart Emperor Leonis's design. It was done.
But he took it further: he personally marched to the triumphal arch to greet Blackguard.
Thus, the citizens witnessed the glorious meeting of emperor and triumphant general.
And at last, there appeared the triumphant general Cain, astride a massive black steed, boldly approaching the gate.
"For a kingdom turncoat to get such undue honor..."
"Regrettably, we can only observe for now."
"The silver lining... His Majesty's expression is grim. Meaning even he senses the need to rein in Blackguard."
Staring at the emperor's rigid face, the nobles took solace.
Sure, they were powerless now—but once His Majesty saw Blackguard as a threat, things would change.
So they believed. Yet Emperor Leonis's thoughts were worlds apart.
'...Even if dirt fills my eyes in death, I won't give him my daughter!'
Strategically, a political marriage would bolster imperial power long-term.
But... did the world run solely on strategy? Leonis was a father first.
'Ugh, so burdensome. Gonna hurl...'
Not that Cain had given it a thought.