Chapter 184
Chapter 184
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 184
Chapter Title: Putting a Bell on the Cat's Neck (3)
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"You idiots."
Rokan spat curses at the fools who had let the Ancient Emperor's corpse slip right out from under their noses.
No matter how specialized they were in stealth and mobility, these were High Masters—losing such a precious material right in front of them deserved every bit of scorn.
Of course, if the Ancient Emperor's body had remained intact, it could have sparked its own conflicts, but handing it over to the corrupted conspirators bent on destroying the world meant its use was all too obvious.
Knowing this, the ones who returned empty-handed shuffled back in silence, unable to muster a word against Rokan. And with that, the grand alliance of races to fell the Ancient Emperor came to an end.
'A shame.'
Watching them scatter, eyeing each other warily the moment the Ancient Emperor fell, Rokan couldn't hide his regret.
He had planned to bide his time and pick off one of them, but the Ancient Emperor's resistance had been fiercer than expected, causing him to miss his chance.
According to the contract they had signed, team-killing before hunting the Ancient Emperor would cause their hearts to explode—but Rokan had a magic heart, and as a Visitor, he could resurrect even if he died.
"See you on the battlefield."
That's why he had no choice but to let the snarling undead High Master go.
But at the same time, he could easily foresee that their reunion wouldn't be far off.
'The era of war is upon us.'
War was coming now. Peace was already shattered.
[Return to the capital and report the proceedings to the Emperor.]
The moment the representatives of the eight races returned to their capitals and made their reports, the war would begin.
If not for that, they might have clashed right then and there.
"Runebook use. To Taimura."
And so Rokan returned to Taimura for the time being. The imperial palace didn't allow Runebook saves, likely to prevent coups.
No need to rush, so he first released his Gale Incarnation state and restored his vitality to a safe level.
Rokan checked his new acquisitions while riding out the aftereffects.
"...What the hell is this?"
His inventory held an unexpected, astonishing item.
[Lion King's Sealed Pauldrons][Set]
Pauldrons used by Lion King Gaokan in life. Most of their power is currently sealed.
-Defense: 1,800
-Durability: 8,000 / 8,000
-Strength +100
-Agility +100
-Vitality +100
-All charge skills' effects increased by 50% via [Lion's Resolve]
'So that's what the humans had.'
It was none other than gear from the Lion King.
How did it end up with them? Obvious—the humans had it.
They had spared no expense reviving the corpse to resurrect the Ancient Emperor at peak condition, outfitting it with the finest gear as well.
'Better hide this for now.'
Rokan, grasping its value instantly, put off equipping it.
Meeting the Emperor while wearing the Lion King's Sealed Pauldrons might lead to it being taken away.
'Just two pieces left.'
Only two pieces of the Lion King's gear remained.
No hints yet, so completing the set was uncertain, but somehow, he felt confident he could.
Once the aftereffects wore off, he used a teleport magic circle to head straight to the Emperor.
"Count Rokan von Regalia, entering."
'What's this mess now?'
Arriving at the palace, Rokan realized things were a bit off.
He knew word of the Ancient Emperor's death would have spread even without his report, but the palace he came to meet the Emperor in was hosting a small banquet.
Even if scaled down, with so many human outposts destroyed by the Ancient Emperor, such extravagance seemed out of place—yet the hall was packed with influential nobles.
They might not grasp the gravity, but since the Emperor himself hosted it, no one could skip out.
"Oh, our hero has finally arrived."
In that atmosphere, the Emperor personally welcomed Rokan.
Not only had he resolved a matter that could decide the continent's fate, but he'd played a key role—naturally, the Emperor cherished him for it.
"You did well. You carried out that difficult mission splendidly."
The Emperor didn't hide his satisfaction, praising Rokan before everyone and declaring he would honor his promise.
"Hear me, all! As promised, I grant the title of Marquis to Count Regalia!"
Marquis! For a user, it was a near-unattainable rank. Beyond high nobility, it came with authority as a feudal lord to govern a region in the Emperor's stead—far above Count.
And now, it was bestowed upon Rokan.
Which region remained to be seen, but wherever it was, the gains would be immense.
[Unbelievable feat! You are the first to receive the title of Marquis.]
[You are the first acquirer of this title.]
[First][Marquis][Unique]
A Marquis is a great noble of the human world and a regional feudal lord who governs a set area and its nobles in the Emperor's place.
Bear the duties and responsibilities.
[Effects]
-Command nobles of Count rank and below
-Form a [Faction] by recruiting a certain number of nobles
-Grant titles of Baron and below
-Use [Ruler's Aura]
'Jackpot.'
The Marquis title's power alone was incredible. Disregarding the rest, being able to grant Baron-level titles meant 'title trading' was viable.
Of course, recipients would automatically join his 'Faction'—both pro and con—but if he had no intention of running one, it didn't matter.
He could kick them out after a set period if needed.
'No party members yet... but it applies even in solo play.'
Plus, learning Ruler's Aura, which buffs allies in range, was a huge gain. A diluted version of the Emperor's Aura, but affecting himself too made it plenty appealing.
"And the region the Marquis shall govern... will be Kazantia."
"......!"
"Y-Your Majesty!"
At those words, the nobles celebrating Rokan's promotion mid-banquet paled.
Not due to faction clashes—the reason was that Kazantia was the most iconic and brutal frontline.
Humans, the weakest in the Golden Lion faction, handled lighter defenses elsewhere, but Kazantia was different.
It housed two of humanity's rare High Masters, plus thirty Masters.
Placing a new Marquis—Rokan—there carried heavy implications.
'A test.'
First, it was a test for Rokan.
Kazantia had lacked a governing Marquis for ages. Even a Duke would struggle to command those proud High Masters.
Countless nobles had fled, unrecognized amid the battlefield's harsh aura.
But what about Rokan?
A mere Master level, yet he'd synced with High Masters and matched them—couldn't dominate them, but maybe earn respect?
The Emperor clearly wanted to see.
"Y-Your Majesty, that would be tantamount to declaring war on the Black Dragon Legion..."
"I know. I am declaring war starting now."
And another reason—pure provocation.
A Marquis meant more budget and troops, sure to rile the enemy.
Worried nobles raised voices and bowed heads, but the Emperor was resolute.
His eyes blazed, vowing to achieve with his own hands what the Ancient Emperor's revival had thwarted.
'It's started.'
Seeing that gaze, Rokan was certain. The era of great war had begun.
If even the 'weakest' humans thought this, what of the others?
No sooner had the thought crossed his mind than a knight burst in from behind, panting.
"Y-Your Majesty! Disaster!"
"Speak."
"The trolls... the trolls have raised a great army!"
Thunderous news to some.
A thick smile crept across Rokan's lips. The stage was perfectly set for some fun.
"I shall obey and move out at once."
Before the banquet hall's chaos and fear could fade, Rokan took the lead.
He rose, straightened proudly, exuding Marquis dignity as he scanned the nobles.
"What are you lot doing? His Majesty commands: return to your lands, muster soldiers for the front, gather wealth for supplies!"
He roared with mad fervor.
The nobles flinched. Hesitant at first, they soon scurried off to their domains under Rokan's sharp rebuke.
The Emperor looked at Rokan with satisfaction.
"Go. I trust only you."
"Yes, sire!"
The extravagant banquet had been called precisely for this—to rally the nobles and whip them into action.
With Rokan executing it perfectly, deeper trust filled the Emperor's eyes.
He promised full palace support as he saw Rokan off.
[You have been granted governance of the Kazantia region.]
[You may now use governance functions beyond estate management.]
[You can now execute summary judgments on nobles in the managed region.]
[Remember: with great power comes great responsibility.]
"Ha... this is something."
Emerging from the palace, Rokan examined his Marquis powers, lost for words.
Setting aside the title effects, assuming the Kazantia Marquis role ballooned his personal lands, and under 'governance,' he could interfere in all regional estates' internal affairs.
He could even decide major troop deployments, conscriptions, labor—virtually kingly power.
"Then I should strike first."
Having pored over every function and the estates under Kazantia, Rokan grinned wickedly.
The great war era's curtain rose.
But among users, Rokan alone could properly mobilize forces.