Chapter 99
Chapter 99
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 99
Chapter Title: Blackguard Triumphal Gate (6)
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Valkyrie had given Cain a rough rundown of the situation, and only then did it finally click for him. Everything had its reasons after all.
The number of nobles who actually held territory in the Empire was surprisingly low. This stemmed from the Duke's Rebellion in the past.
Emperor Leonis had stripped every last plot of land from the nobles who joined the rebellion or aided the rebels.
On the flip side, he'd guaranteed territories for those who stuck by him to the end—or even rewarded them handsomely.
As a result, unlike other nations, the Empire had become a highly centralized state, almost unprecedented in its strength.
That also meant a massive wealth gap between nobles who owned land and those who didn't.
'Now the puzzle's starting to come together... To them, I'm a young, promising noble—and a lord to boot.'
Cain was finally grasping his own value, but it didn't change much for him.
If anything, he found the Empire's nobles revolting as they flipped their attitudes on a dime.
They'd bullied him hard at first, and now this sudden switch? No way it looked good.
"Lord Blackguard, if you're amenable, why not visit our estate after the banquet..."
"I appreciate the offer, but duty calls—I've no time to spare. My apologies."
"N-No, not at all."
Once Cain knew the score, he started turning down the other nobles' invitations without mercy. No hesitation.
They were the ones who'd started with the "sweet when tasted, spat when bitter" act first. Why shouldn't he?
Of course, he wasn't just sitting back twiddling his thumbs. He'd realized his worth.
If I play that right, I could turn a profit. Maybe even put my plans into action.
He was wandering the banquet hall with that in mind when the mood suddenly grew heavy.
The Dragon Knight Order, guardians of the imperial family, and the Emperor's attendants entered the hall. The implication was clear.
"His Majesty the Emperor enters! All honored guests, pay your respects to His Majesty and the dragonkin!"
"......"
Even as a white-haired old man drained of all color, the Emperor's presence dominated the hall the moment he appeared.
Following him came Crown Prince Siegfried, Loren, and Morgana.
The nobles couldn't even meet the eyes of that radiant golden hair and piercing crimson gaze. All but one.
'Why do these super dignified folks barge into my break spot and cause a scene? What the hell...??'
Cain was still salty about losing the one chance to rest before the banquet kicked off.
But he had to wipe that pout off his face fast—the Emperor was heading straight for him.
Cain dropped to one knee in a hurry, bowing his head low. The utmost respect for His Majesty.
Emperor Leonis watched with satisfaction as his lips parted, booming with overwhelming authority.
"I have seen the merits you earned through blood and sweat for the Empire."
"You overpraise me, Your Majesty."
"Who among those gathered here would dare belittle your feats?"
To be frank, Emperor Leonis appointing Cain—let alone to such a heavy post—was a massive gamble.
The Empire had entered a stable era, with no clashes despite ongoing tensions with the Alliance.
In other words, coasting quietly would cement Leonis as a legendary ruler in imperial history.
Yet this same Emperor suddenly elevated a scruffy kingdom-born captain,
handing him not just the weighty role of Lord of Renheim but command of an army. Gamble enough already.
What if Cain harbored ill intent and defected to the Alliance? He'd surrendered once—why not twice?
"Even after proving your ability beyond doubt, there were those blinded by jealousy and greed who slandered you."
"I am humbled, Your Majesty."
"If anything, I thank you. Unlike them, you proved yourself through quiet action."
That's right. Emperor Leonis had won a colossal gamble. Not just a jackpot—a grand slam.
The Empire, neck-and-neck with the Alliance in master-class power and even edged out in territory, surged ahead in one go.
And snagging wyverns—a powerhouse card against the Alliance's naval might?...
If the Alliance ruled seas and rivers, the Empire now owned the skies.
The Alliance was in panic mode. No more spectating imperial incursions from afar;
now they were scrambling to woo kingdoms, desperate to close even a sliver of the gap.
"Forcing damage on the enemy without direct assault... Truly worthy of the undefeated general title."
"Your grace humbles me, Your Highness."
Cain, oblivious to the Alliance's moves, had no clue what the Emperor meant.
He just mumbled polite responses and bowed. "Stay quiet and you'll hit the middle," or so they say. Spot on.
Except... he overshot the middle. Emperor Leonis scanned the hall and bellowed,
"Cain Blackguard has proven his worth. If any here disagree, step forward and speak."
No noble could stand tall under that imperial glare.
Strip away envy, and Cain's feats were history-book material anyway.
Plus, no one wanted to catch the Emperor's ire here.
"With no one daring oppose your merits, it is fitting I reward you accordingly. First, I raise Lord Blackguard, Earl, to Marquis."
True to Valkyrie's guess, he got the marquisate first. Probably came with more perks than earl.
The nobles seemed to expect as much—no real backlash. But the real kicker was next.
Most figured extra land or tax privileges, standard imperial noble perks.
But Emperor Leonis's follow-up blindsided even Cain and the nobles.
"Furthermore, I appoint Marquis Cain Blackguard as Commander of the 12th Army, now vacant."
"Your Majesty! That's...!!"
"How can you hand imperial military command to a non-Empire native?!"
This time, the nobles had to protest. Before, there was the "Princess Morgana commands" excuse.
Sure, Cain Blackguard ran the show, but on paper, the Princess outranked him.
The troops dispatched to Renheim with Cain had originally been under her banner, after all.
But now? No excuses—this was straight-up handing over military authority.
Command of the entire 12th Army, no less. At least 100,000 strong... maybe more.
His merits warranted it, sure. But... he was kingdom-born.
"Fear not—the concerns you voice will never come to pass. This feat has reaffirmed it for me."
"Lord Blackguard has already proven his skill and loyalty through blood and sweat. Who else could?"
"......"
Morgana's timely backup left the nobles speechless. Plenty of arguments existed, of course.
Legitimacy, pure imperial blood—valid points aplenty. But Cain's feats...
Perfectly crushing the Magic Realm's four great powers and annexing most territory? Denying that was like blocking the sky with your palm.
They had no choice but to shut up.
'Commander of the 12th Army... Does that mean even bigger forces under me? That's a bit much.'
But it wasn't as daunting as it sounded. With his experience, he actually felt confident.
Other rewards flowed—gold, jewels, etc.—but nothing topped marquis and army command.
Not immediate, though; proper ceremony once preparations were set.
Thanks to that, Cain endured nonstop noble harassment until the banquet wrapped.