Chapter 188
Chapter 188
"Announcing His Excellency Count Christiang Molang, Special Envoy of the Ares Empire."
Thud.
With the knight's proclamation, a dozen people strode into the Grand Hall. Among them, the most striking figure was a middle-aged man with black hair and yellow skin.
"Look at his skin color..."
"A genuine imperial noble..."
Black hair, black eyes, and yellow skin were the hallmarks of the imperial family. These distinct features, starkly different from the fair skin common among most people of the continent, were a source of pride for imperial nobles—the more pronounced these traits, the closer their bloodline was to the imperial family.
Christiang Molang was no exception. As the murmurs among the ministers grew louder, his smile deepened.
"Christiang Molang of the Empire greets His Majesty, the King of Grandia."
Instead of kneeling—the highest gesture of respect—he merely bowed at the waist. It was a deliberate display of imperial nobility, refusing to show excessive deference to a foreign king.
"Very well. What brings an envoy of the Empire to such a distant land?"
The King's expression was stiff, clearly displeased. And for good reason—the envoy's very address had already rubbed him the wrong way.
"Your Majesty."
That title was reserved for imperial princes or emperors. For the King of Grandia, a sovereign nation unaffiliated with the Empire, the proper honorific was "Your Royal Highness." Naturally, this slight was infuriating.
However—
"Though belated, I come to congratulate Your Majesty on your ascension and to deliver gifts sent by His Imperial Majesty."
The moment Christiang Molang gestured toward the presented items, the King's displeased expression melted away like snow.
"The first gift is a rare elixir known as the Elixir of Moonlight, found only once every decade in the Empire's northern polar regions."
At Christiang's signal, a servant stepped forward and placed a transparent case on the table. Inside was a small vial containing a blue liquid that radiated an ethereal glow, captivating all who laid eyes on it.
"As those who know will attest, consuming this entire vial can preserve one's youth for twenty years. It is a treasure that cannot be replicated through alchemy or magic—a gift of nature itself."
"Ooh!"
"Such a priceless item?!"
Gasps erupted from all corners.
And rightfully so—the Elixir of Moonlight wasn't something money could buy. It was a treasure even the Empire prized highly, yet here it was, presented as a gift to a foreign king.
But that wasn't all.
"The second gift is an artifact crafted with utmost dedication by the Imperial Royal Magic Tower—Elohim."
Another servant placed a case containing an ornate golden necklace.
"A Class 5 artifact, embedded with magic that aids metabolism, relieves fatigue, clears the mind, and supports overall health."
Every noble present shared the same thought:
What an absurd waste.
A Class 5 artifact—something only a supreme archmage of the 7th Circle or higher could craft using extremely rare materials—was being used for mere health benefits?
But Logan's concern wasn't about the waste of resources. His expression hardened for a different reason.
If they made that as a gift...?
The King, whose face had stiffened again, unknowingly answered Logan's silent question.
"It seems the Empire has produced a supreme archmage. Should I offer my congratulations?"
The 6th Circle, often classified as transcendent, was further divided into Beginner, Expert, and Master levels. The difference between each stage was said to be as vast as heaven and earth—a realm of dreams, yet also an insurmountable barrier.
The emergence of a supreme archmage who had surpassed even that was nothing short of a national treasure. For neighboring nations with a history of conflict, it was akin to the birth of a monster.
"Unfortunately, that is not the case. However, our Royal Magic Tower's finest mages recently completed a secret technique allowing them to craft artifacts just below that level. This gift is the result."
Despite Christiang's explanation, the King's expression remained sour. If this technique could overturn existing artifact-crafting formulas, it would directly translate into national power.
But Logan, hearing this, let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Ah, right. That was a thing.
The gifts Christiang presented were a show of force.
While the technique he mentioned did exist, the resources required were so exorbitant that it had effectively become a discarded art in the Empire.
In his past life, the Empire had abandoned it in favor of mass-producing cheaper artifacts under Croune's methods—buying them in bulk at lower costs.
But I've already taken Croune's research. Even if Master Clayton fails, the Empire won't be able to exploit it.
The thought brought a faint smile to his lips.
Meanwhile, Christiang, observing the murmuring nobles, grinned and introduced the third gift.
"The third gift is the diamond known as the Eye of the Continent. I believe some of you may have heard of it."
A servant removed the cloth covering a transparent case, revealing a blue diamond the size of a fist.
"Ooh!"
Unlike before, awed gasps filled the hall instantly.
The finest diamond discovered thirty years prior, mined by one of the Empire's top ten merchants and presented to the imperial family. Its estimated value at the time—
"That's the billion-gold diamond?"
"They said it would never appear again... And it's being gifted?"
"Such imperial generosity..."
Amid the exclamations, Christiang Molang smiled and bowed deeply toward the King once more.
"His Imperial Majesty hopes for everlasting friendship between the Grandia Kingdom and the Empire, hence the diamond. The elixir and artifact are gifts wishing Your Majesty a long and peaceful reign. We hope they meet your approval."
The sheer extravagance of the gifts overshadowed even the slight condescension in his words.
The King struggled to maintain his composure and could only nod.
"We are grateful for these precious gifts and likewise hope for amicable relations with your nation. That said, having received such generosity, we ought to reciprocate..."
The King glanced around as if troubled. Logan and the Sword Duke exchanged puzzled looks.
"Ah, His Imperial Majesty does not expect reciprocation. However, unrelated to these gifts, he wishes to extend an invitation to the young hero who recently resolved the kingdom's crisis—Count Logan MacLaine—to visit the imperial capital. With Your Majesty's permission, I would like to hear his thoughts."
What?!
A bolt from the blue.
Logan nearly shot to his feet in shock but forced himself to remain composed under the sudden weight of everyone's gazes.
The Emperor wants me?
His mind raced, scrambling to make sense of the unexpected development.
The primary enemy the Grandia Liberation Front had targeted in his past life.
Yet, in that life, he had never once laid eyes on the man—not when he was Emperor, nor when he retreated into seclusion as a retired sovereign.
The conqueror who had waged war against the Empire and subjugated the kingdom.
He had wanted to see him at least once—to judge him for himself.
The problem was the timing.
"...I accept."
Logan exhaled and added belatedly,
"However, since this is an audience with His Imperial Majesty, I will need time to prepare. Might I request some leeway?"
"His gracious Majesty anticipated this and has allotted ample time. The spring festival in the imperial capital, Acerian, begins next year. Would that timeframe suit you?"
Logan's expression stiffened.
They've already set a date?
Traveling from the kingdom to the Empire's capital, Acerian, would take nearly three months if done leisurely.
And the year was already nearing its end.
Even if he rushed, Logan had barely a month or two to prepare.
"...Understood. I shall prepare accordingly."
It was practically a surrender.
Christiang's face brightened.
And then—
"Very well! Now, prepare a welcoming banquet for Special Envoy Count Christiang Molang. To honor the friendship between our nations, all ministers must attend."
With the King's proud declaration, the Grand Hall proceedings concluded.
***
"Here is His Imperial Majesty's invitation."
Before the banquet began, Count Christiang personally handed Logan an ornate invitation embossed with a dragon insignia.
The golden dragon emblem—symbol of the imperial family.
The craftsmanship alone, just for the sealed cover, must have cost hundreds of gold.
"This invitation has been enchanted. Merely presenting the cover will grant you conveniences throughout the Empire on your way to the capital."
"Thank you."
He couldn't exactly frown while accepting it.
But—
"Then I shall see you at the banquet."
"Ah, I must return to my territory to settle affairs as soon as possible, so I likely won't attend. Please enjoy the festivities."
With only a month or two to wrap things up, attending a banquet to laugh and chat was out of the question.
"Oh? What a shame. To have so little time to converse with a hero even His Imperial Majesty acknowledges. Might you seek me out when you arrive in the capital?"
"If the opportunity arises, I would be glad to."
"Haha. Thank you. I shall look forward to that day."
Though they held the same rank of Count, Christiang's courtesy was unusual given the disparity between the Empire and the kingdom.
The gifts, too, were something Logan didn't recall from his past life.
Whether it's the First or Third Prince, the Emperor wouldn't care enough to send these. It must be related to my invitation.
But racking his brain now wouldn't yield answers.
First, I need to handle urgent matters.
After seeing Christiang Molang off, Logan immediately headed to his master's residence.
***
"You're leaving right away? Without even attending the banquet?"
"Yes. The timeframe the Emperor allowed is tight. There's also work to be done in my territory."
"Hoho. Why the rush? Things will proceed fine without you."
"That's precisely what worries me."
"Oh? What's got you so uneasy?"
"Master, forgive my bluntness, but I'd like you to keep an eye on His Majesty while I'm away."
"What?"
The Sword Duke's smile vanished instantly.
"I thought you two had reconciled...?"
"I wish that were the case. Hence my request. Of course, I'll take precautions as well."
"Hmm..."
The Sword Duke studied his disciple's eyes before nodding gravely.
"I see. There's something you're not telling me. Very well. But know this—I won't interfere if His Majesty exercises his rightful authority. That's all."
"Ah... Of course. My only concern is His Majesty's excessive hostility toward me."
"Good. I'll mediate that much."
Logan exhaled in quiet relief at his master's assurance.
"But Logan, the envoy's attitude was nothing if not friendly. Do you still believe the Empire will wage war?"
"Yes, without a doubt."
"How can you be so sure?"
"The gifts alone tell the story."
"The gifts?"
The Sword Duke looked at him quizzically.
"An elixir that preserves youth. An artifact that aids health. A decorative gemstone so famous it can't even be sold. Which of these truly contributes to national power?"
"...So that's how you interpret it."
"Master, preparing for war is one thing. If war doesn't come, nothing could be better. But failing to prepare..."
"...Would mean the fall of the kingdom. Understood. I'll remain vigilant."
"I leave it in your hands, Master."
As Logan turned to leave, the Sword Duke added,
"Ah, since we're on the topic of the Emperor's invitation, I'll assign you an escort for your journey."
"An escort? Why would I need one?"
"Call it a master's concern for a disciple walking into a tiger's den."
"Very well. I'll accept gratefully. But who did you have in mind—?"
"Hmph. I'll keep that a secret for now—makes it more fun."
Though his master's grin was slightly unsettling, the offer wasn't unwelcome.
Leaving the Sword Duke's residence, Logan immediately spurred his horse toward Taren—every moment counted.