Chapter 197
Chapter 197
The impossibly towering fortress walls, easily exceeding 30 meters in height.
The seven-colored energy flowing across the surface appeared breathtakingly beautiful only to those unaware of its lethality.
"Whoa...!"
Even among the party observing from a distance, someone couldn't help but gasp in awe.
Yet, unlike the others who couldn't contain their admiration, Logan's expression remained as hard as stone.
Acerian...
The heart of his most loathed enemies.
An impregnable fortress that had never been breached since its construction three hundred years prior.
The continent's largest city—Acerian.
The sheer scale of the crowds flowing through its eastern, western, southern, and northern gates alone overwhelmed even Gran, the largest city in the eastern continent.
Blake, oblivious to Logan's complicated feelings, smiled and spoke beside him.
"You'll be even more astonished inside, Lord Logan. Acerian's interior holds far more wonders."
"I know..."
"Hm?"
"Ah... Haha. I've heard much, but seeing it firsthand is certainly different."
Logan awkwardly laughed, changing his tone.
After traveling together for over a month, Blake had grown somewhat friendly, occasionally striking up conversations instead of sparring requests—under the pretext of explaining imperial culture and customs to Logan, a first-time visitor.
The only problem was...
"Of course. As you can see, Acerian is practically a world of its own—all thanks to the divine grace of His Imperial Majesty."
Nearly every conversation inevitably circled back to praising the Emperor.
Does the Emperor have some brainwashing technique for superhumans?
The thought was absurd, but it crossed Logan's mind regardless.
"I look forward to it."
"I'll accompany you to the end. Shall we proceed?"
"You intend to escort me all the way to the imperial capital?"
"I have some acquaintances to greet while I'm here. Haha."
"Then I'll gratefully accept your kindness."
"No need for formalities."
How should he define this relationship formed over a month-long journey?
No—how should he even process an imperial legion commander treating him with utmost reverence solely because he was the Emperor's guest?
It was too soon to conclude, but at least for now, Blake had been immensely helpful—aside from Luther Kyle's visible discomfort in the background.
"By the way, do you still not know why His Majesty summoned you?"
And Blake's persistence was... relentless.
"No. As I've said many times, I merely worked hard to overcome the kingdom's crisis. Perhaps His Majesty found my achievements commendable?"
The same question, the same answer—repeated endlessly.
But this time, Blake's follow-up was slightly different.
"...Hmm. No matter how I think about it, that doesn't seem likely. Hmm... Do you have any other theories?"
"Doesn't seem likely?"
"His Majesty rarely takes interest in minor nations' affairs—Ah, I don't mean to belittle Grandia. It's just..."
Logan's lips curled into a bitter smile at Blake's underlying imperial superiority complex.
"Ah, haha. It's fine. Naturally, the Emperor of the Empire would think that way."
"Thank you for understanding. Regardless, His Majesty only takes interest in superhumans, which makes this rather puzzling."
"Superhumans?"
"Ah, you'll understand once you meet him. It's not something I can easily explain..."
Watching Blake trail off, Logan pondered internally.
The Emperor didn't summon him because of his actions in the civil war?
He's only interested in superhumans?
Hmm. Could it be because of the weapons?
At this point, not even the 3rd Legion had traces of repeating crossbows. If the imperial war truly happened five years later, Logan suspected they might have been developed even later in his past life.
No. I can't be sure. The claim that he has no interest in the kingdom's affairs is likely an exaggeration. If he truly had no interest, then summoning me personally is even stranger.
His thoughts grew tangled—
Blake, noticing his expression, shifted the topic apologetically.
"Do you know what the seven colors on the walls signify?"
"I think I've heard, but I can't recall clearly."
"I'm delighted to explain. Those seven-colored energies are traces of the Seven Great Magics protecting Acerian—each representing the magic symbolized by the seven towers within the city..."
Reinforced walls, automatic repairs as a baseline.
A grand magic barrier activated in emergencies, a vitality-enhancing life magic for the city's inhabitants—
"These are the four publicly known effects. The remaining three magics are strictly classified—even I don't know them. Among them, one is said to be known only by His Imperial Majesty himself."
Blake proudly listed off common knowledge among scholars—and anyone remotely interested in such matters.
As Logan nodded along, they soon arrived at the eastern gate.
"What's with that giant?"
"A monster?"
"Are they knights?"
A familiar scene unfolded—Luther Kyle drew all nearby gazes, and the soldiers managing the endless queue approached the party.
Blake retrieved a golden insignia from his pocket.
"Blake Evendor, Commander of the Western 3rd Legion! I bring His Imperial Majesty's guest—clear the way!"
The soldiers paled at the insignia as Blake confidently barked orders.
Not long after—
Logan's party cut through the midday crowd—tens of thousands strong—and entered Acerian.
"Please wait briefly. Someone from the imperial palace will arrive shortly. Just a moment."
A high-ranking knight—seemingly only serving as a gatekeeper—bowed repeatedly, almost pitifully.
But the party's attention wasn't on him—it was fixed on the streets beyond the gate.
"Whoa..."
Even Victor, usually unflappable, murmured in awe, prompting Logan to sigh and reluctantly take in the "detestable" splendor before him.
Unlike the uniform structures of Ruspeheim, buildings of varied shapes and colors—each at least five stories tall—lined the wide avenue in a dazzling display.
The central boulevard, easily over 50 meters wide, featured well-tended flower beds and fountains—delighting the eyes.
And the people moving about wore such diverse attire that not a single matching outfit could be seen—each attending to their own business.
Even inland, in this metropolis, nobles and merchants—who in Grandia would only wear silk—casually purchased fresh seafood.
That single scene alone epitomized the Empire's status and Acerian's prosperity.
But unlike his companions, Logan's brow furrowed.
Living so well—yet they still launched wars of conquest to satisfy greater greed.
And the Empire had exploited resources from Grandia and other nations, funneling them into its heart.
His expression hardened with memories of his past life—
"Are you uncomfortable, Lord Logan?"
"Ah, no. There are so many unfamiliar sights—I was just pondering them."
"What you're seeing—Ah, the fountain! Street decorations using the waterworks system. The water is drinkable."
"Ah! I see. Truly, the Empire is impressive."
Logan feigned astonishment, raising a thumb—Blake responded with a familiar smile.
"Though I don't know how long you'll stay in the capital, if you get the chance, visit Acerian's central market. They say if it's not there, it doesn't exist in this world. You'll be thoroughly satisfied."
"I've heard rumors—thank you for the recommendation."
"Well, once you enter the imperial palace, you'll be even more astonished. Brace yourself."
The party—busy gawking like country bumpkins—and the massive Luther, drawing glances and stifled laughter from passersby.
Amidst it all, Logan concealed his complicated thoughts, exchanging small talk with Blake.
Before long, a luxurious carriage and a contingent of knights approached from the boulevard.
"Ah, they're here."
"William, Captain of the 5th Division of the Imperial Royal Guard, greets Legion Commander Blake."
Silver armor engraved with a golden dragon.
The knight saluting Blake was unmistakably a top-tier knight—and the thirty knights behind him were all mid-to-high-ranking elites.
The Imperial Royal Guard. As expected.
Even their standard knights were mid-rank or higher—the Empire's strongest known military force.
The only difference from Grandia's Esperanza Knights was their sheer numbers—over a thousand, despite their elite quality.
Like combining the best of Esperanza and Walterheim Knights—the undisputed strongest knight order.
And their commander in the future would be...
Ah, is it not Jerome yet? Who was the commander at this time?
As Logan mentally reviewed his knowledge—
Blake stepped forward to return the greeting.
"William, it's been a while. But today, formalities should be directed here—this is His Majesty's honored guest."
"Yes, I'm aware. Lord Logan MacLaine and his party, correct? Please board the carriage. We'll escort you to the imperial palace."
The knight named William stepped back and bowed.
Only then did Logan snap out of his thoughts, sensing something off.
"It's huge."
The carriage's size—overshadowed by its ornate exterior—was far beyond standard dimensions.
Now it made sense why it required eight horses to pull.
"We heard your party includes Luther Kyle, an Aura User from Grandia. The carriage was prepared accordingly."
"Oh?"
"It's an artifact carriage reinforced with basic durability-enhancing magic. The horses are all purebreds—capable of accommodating Sir Luther."
"Impressive."
The poor superhuman, who had run on foot the entire journey, finally voiced his admiration.
Then, as if struck by a realization, his eyes widened.
"Then this carriage must've been recently made... Just for me?"
"His Majesty is attentive not only to Lord Logan but to all his guests. We'll ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible."
A top-tier knight bowing as smoothly as a merchant attending to customers.
Whether it was the unfamiliar sight or the overwhelming grandeur, even Luther fell momentarily speechless.
Logan tapped Luther's arm and stepped forward.
"Aren't you coming, Sir Luther?"
"Ah, right. Of course."
The giant—who had likely never ridden a proper carriage in his life—finally moved.
"Commander Blake, thank you for your efforts. I won't forget this kindness."
"No need for formalities. I merely fulfilled my duty as His Majesty's loyal servant. I hope we meet again under favorable circumstances."
"Of course."
Thus, the long month-long journey concluded lightly.
Some time after the massive carriage carrying the party rattled away—
The Emperor...
Logan mentally pieced together rumors from his past and present life, Blake's reactions—sketching an image of his greatest adversary.
Then Luther Kyle suddenly spoke.
"Aren't you nervous?"
"Huh?"
"We're on our way to meet the ruler of the continent's strongest nation. Nervousness would be normal—yet you look like you're about to nap."
I was intensely nervous while thinking, thank you very much.
Stunned by the misunderstanding, Logan fell silent—
Luther licked his dry lips and continued gravely.
"Having guts isn't bad—but you should be somewhat tense. The current Emperor is rumored to wield authority unmatched in imperial history."
"Blake's attitude alone makes that clear."
Though it was a bit excessive.
"It's not just that. He's credited with revitalizing the militarily supreme nation culturally and economically. Thankfully, he doesn't seem expansionist."
Logan's eye twitched at the colossal misconception—but he saw no need to correct it now.
"But with such absolute power, he reportedly doesn't tolerate the slightest offense. Whispers say an aristocratic house was annihilated simply because policy advice displeased him."
Logan nearly laughed at the absurd rumor.
"Come on—the Emperor isn't foolish enough for that."
The larger the nation, the more talent it needed.
If he wiped out a noble house over minor displeasure, the Empire couldn't have grown so powerful.
"I don't fully believe it either. But rumors of that caliber suggest he severely punishes challenges to his authority. Just mind your manners and avoid provoking him."
Luther's face was etched with genuine concern.
"Haha. Are you worried about me? Me—practically your enemy? The great Sir Luther Kyle?"
"You're practically Grandia's pillar now. You can't afford trouble. Just a word of caution."
Sincere concern from a former enemy lightened Logan's frustration over the Emperor.
"I'll keep that in mind, Sir Luther. Don't worry too much. Since the Emperor personally summoned me, nothing major should happen—if only for his own authority's sake."
"...I hope so."
Despite Logan's reassurance, Luther's worry lingered.
As their conversation ended—
The carriage finally arrived at the imperial palace.
The stronghold of the Emperor—the mastermind behind the war of conquest.