Chapter 239
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 239
Chapter Title: Imperial Treasury
-----------------------------------------------------------------
From early morning, Jun and his companions strolled down the corridor floored with pure white marble.
They followed for quite some time behind a woman whose every step radiated dignity.
Before long, a massive stone gate came into view.
'Magic?'
Naturally, traces of barrier spells and the like could be found throughout the imperial palace. But even combined, none matched the one before their eyes.
'An incredibly advanced spell.'
Having spent recent time traveling with Ranes, Jun's knowledge of magic had grown considerably. He could sense that the magic here was the work of at least an 8th-circle grand mage.
'Made so not even a hand could easily touch it.'
The stone gate slid open with a soft sound, revealing the scene beyond.
Was "majestic" a word made for times like this?
Towering statues of giant knights supported each pillar. A long red carpet stretched down the center, leading to someone seated far ahead on the throne.
The pinnacle of humanity's sole empire.
The Emperor.
"Everyone, observe proper etiquette."
At those words, Jun and the group slightly bowed at the waist. They bent their right arms forward in accordance with protocol and proceeded down the red carpet.
One step. One step.
Jun couldn't conceal his bewilderment as the Emperor's presence drew steadily closer.
'What is this?'
Last year, at the Bavern praise banquet invitation, he had faced the Emperor and sensed no particular aura.
Just the presence of an ordinary human.
But now, that wasn't the case.
Very faintly... something different was there.
'He's concealing his power.'
In truth, seeing the Emperor as an ordinary human back then was utter nonsense.
Aiden alone carried thick imperial blood.
Dexter and Natalie. Even Javier.
Ranes, whom they'd parted with yesterday, and her younger sister both bore special powers.
Why would the current Emperor be any different?
'But that aura...'
Immensely domineering.
Why hadn't he noticed such overwhelming presence last year?
He glanced at his companions, but none seemed aware of the difference.
'Am I the only one who senses it?'
What had changed?
'No idea.'
Perhaps facing the God of Death and Pommel had sharpened his senses.
Having confronted such mighty foes, Jun's mana now perceived his surroundings with heightened sensitivity.
'If even this Emperor met his end...'
This mere fragment of aura made it hard to even raise his head.
What death had the Emperor met in the game?
'The game said it was from a chronic illness...'
Ranes herself was of considerable age yet had reached the 8th circle and kept a youthful appearance.
An Emperor who seemed at least that formidable didn't strike him as one to die from illness.
There was surely some secret hidden from ordinary players.
'With me as a variable, even the Emperor's death is uncertain now.'
Jun, determined to prevent the Emperor's death somehow, sank into deep thought. But it didn't last.
They had already reached the throne.
"I welcome the heroes who guarded the North."
As before, everyone knelt on one knee at the Emperor's veiled praise.
"The North claims three-tenths of the empire's mining output—a vast land. The countless minerals from there are indispensable to the people's livelihood."
"..."
"You did not merely protect the North's residents. You safeguarded the empire's very lifeblood."
The praise mirrored last year's.
All this would be etched into the empire's history, elevating the White Whale Mercenary Corps beyond measure.
'I can already hear Cloi cheering.'
Lost in such idle thoughts, Jun listened as the Emperor continued.
"Moreover, you splendidly supported the three imperial family members in the recent Blackout. You shielded my children from wicked bands and greatly aided in capturing the enemies' minions."
"..."
"You are exemplars for every Blackout hero. The imperial family must reward such deeds."
The awaited words came.
"I open the Imperial Treasury to you."
"Your Majesty's boundless grace!"
"If nothing in the Imperial Treasury suits you, speak freely. The empire fulfills its heroes' wishes."
It was then, as the Emperor prepared to conclude.
"You. It seems you have more to say."
Aiden, beside him, had raised his head to meet the Emperor's gaze.
He had already conferred with his companions.
Aiden spoke gravely.
"If possible."
"..."
"Instead of the Imperial Treasury, may I request a private audience with Your Majesty?"
"A private audience with me..."
Fortunately, only the Emperor and Heavenly Dragon Knights were present.
Other nobles would have recoiled in shock.
The abandoned prince seeking a private word with the Emperor carried immense gravity.
"Hah."
The companions, excluding Aiden, headed to the Imperial Treasury.
"Hmm, but Captain. Is it really okay?"
Eleanor asked, worry lacing her voice.
About Aiden.
The reply came from an unexpected quarter.
"It'll be fine. If it threatened the imperial family, His Majesty would have refused outright. He distinguishes merit from personal ties well enough."
"Ah... I see."
Vener Tobias, vice-captain of the Heavenly Dragon Knights, guided them to the treasury.
Even his reassurance failed to ease Eleanor's mind.
The Emperor might stand at humanity's peak, but he was human still... as were the nobles who would learn of it.
No one could predict the fallout from the Emperor and Aiden's meeting.
Reading her mood, Jun spoke calmly.
"Well, we're past caring about their scrutiny."
"Huh?"
"Consider our position now."
"Ah..."
For starters, the noble faction was powerless.
Javier had officially renounced any throne ambitions.
Dexter thus ascended to crown prince unopposed.
And that was just the beginning.
The White Whale Mercenary Corps' value had soared beyond even the nobles' casual reach.
They had repeatedly saved two imperial heirs from dire peril and notched feats the Emperor himself noted.
Touch them without ironclad justification, and the aggressors would suffer.
The Emperor's favor, plus the Gilenoi Merchant Guild's clout as the corps' public patrons, ensured that.
"So no need for excessive worry. And you heard yesterday why Aiden wants that audience."
"Urgh. True."
"It was inevitable sooner or later."
"Right. Pitiful not knowing his own mother-da."
Maya's words drew a head tilt from Eleanor.
"I don't know mine either."
"Me neither."
"Me too don't know-da."
"Argh."
Eleanor's forehead smack echoed as Tobias finally burst into held-back laughter.
"Laughing at someone not knowing their mom... weird-da."
Maya shot Tobias a pout, but.
"Hahaha! Sorry. Truth is, I don't know mine either."
"Pardon?"
"My family perished in the Merdein disaster when I was young."
"Ah..."
The mood sobered instantly.
Maya answered frankly.
"Sorry-da."
"No need. Wasn't aiming for this vibe. Haha. Better yet, look there?"
"That's..."
"The empire's history, spanning centuries."
Soon, they reached the Imperial Treasury.
Even more intricate magics gleamed than on the prior gate.
"Wait just a moment."
Tobias bit his fingertip, flicking a drop of blood onto the pillar before the treasury. Light erupted between pillars.
"Something with light refraction, they say. Haha, I still don't get it. Curious how it looks to you."
The group transferred to another space. Tobias asked, but Jun offered no reply.
Captivated by the luminous realm, Jun remained entranced until Eleanor's shoulder taps roused him.
"Ah."
"Quite captivating for you, eh?"
"Ah... Sorry. Probably the treasury's safeguard. I shouldn't..."
"Nonsense. Layers of security beyond this magic. The palace isn't so lax. Hahaha!"
Tobias entered first, companions following suit.
Last, Jun stepped inside.
"Wow..."
A boundless expanse unfolded.
A passage seemingly over ten meters wide.
Unique glass cases lined both sides.
Within, armaments and artifacts stretched endlessly.
"Th-this is..."
Eleanor, recalling the Ariclotos Church's treasury, gaped.
Maya's face stiffened, spotting spirits adrift amid the gear.
Jun too stood speechless before the grandeur.
'Not one ordinary. In tiers, nothing under 4th visible.'
Usefulness aside, top-tier performance abounded.
His mind brimmed with item lore, so Jun swiftly scanned his mental list.
'Too many. Even out of sight.'
Then.
"Everyone wears that face on entry. Centuries old, this place. Picking at a glance? Cruel."
Tobias extended a hand into emptiness. His mana summoned something.
"A spirit?"
"Whoa, a real spirit."
"Cute compared to Leader's-da."
Both companions' eyes sparkled with wonder.
The spirit yawned indifferently.
"What manner of spirit?"
"Tell it your needs. Sword? It'll list matches."
Memory Spirit.
Never forgets a sight, shares memories with others.
"Take your time. I'll head out."
"No watch?"
"Haha, extras? Hardly. If easy, why leave?"
"Fair point."
Pure courtesy to browse freely. Jun expressed thanks.
Truly, his picks weren't for casual Tobias chatter.
"So. What do I call you?"
The drifting spirit ignored him.
Amusing form: fluffy sheep-hair, elderly beard, fist-sized spectacles, nodding off.
"Eh, name irrelevant. Let's hunt. First... Eleanor. You choose."
"Me? Ahem. Sure, fine."
"Way too thrilled-da, Eleanor."
"Maya, you've been beaming since earlier?"
Expectant faces turned to Jun.