Chapter 152
Chapter 152
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 152
Chapter Title: The Beginning of Division
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> The Oscar Empire was thrown into chaos.
When Valtre Marquis declared war on Emperor Ruan, creating an atmosphere thick with tension, news spread that the Julius Count Family had declared independence and established a kingdom, leaving everyone bewildered.
What shocked people even more was the fact that the Anscent Kingdom, a holy kingdom that had maintained political neutrality, had formed an alliance with the Julius Kingdom.
The Anscent Kingdom's support for the rebellious Julius Count Family went beyond mere surprise, planting deep questions in people's minds.
The Oscar Empire, which had been peaceful for a century since the great war against the Demon King, was now split into three factions: Emperor Ruan's existing forces, those supporting Valtre Marquis, and the Julius Kingdom, which had declared independence.
On the surface, the emperor held the strongest military power, but neither Valtre Marquis, shrouded in mystery, nor the Julius Kingdom, which had resisted the emperor's pressure, could be dismissed lightly.
As a result, the future of the Oscar Empire was unpredictable.
Among them, the Julius Kingdom's movements stood out the most.
Just one month after proclaiming the kingdom, they had fortified their borders, accepted the residents of various territories, and gradually taken on the form of a true kingdom.
Arthur's office.
Executive meetings were held without fail every single day.
"We've fully subjugated Sedan Territory and Bamon Territory."
At Skevin's words, Arthur asked,
"What about the families that refused to join us?"
"We've given them until the end of this week. They're watching the situation unfold, so I believe they'll make a wise decision."
"Then the territory reorganization should be complete by next week."
"Yes."
Skevin answered confidently.
Arthur turned his gaze to Ban.
"Is the wall construction proceeding without issues?"
"So far, it's going according to plan. However, given the massive scale of the project, I'm concerned about whether we can maintain a smooth supply of materials."
"It's the iron mines causing problems again, right?"
As Ban nodded, Arthur looked at Rasety, the head of the Bentar Merchant Group, who stood opposite him.
"What's the status on materials?"
"If we maintain the current supply levels, we'll run out in three months."
"Is there any possibility of sourcing from elsewhere?"
"With the Oscar Empire's situation spreading across the continents, opening up trade routes won't be easy."
"We have three months at least, so we need to find a way somehow."
Arthur issued several directives related to the kingdom's reorganization.
Afterward, he dismissed everyone except the heirs of each family and Millerph.
Remaining before Arthur were Drakan of the Lanister Barony, Adran, son of the Kandara Count Family, Hekto of the Hexa Barony, Count Antar of the Nova Family, and finally Keda of the Alpha Family from the Nanshar Empire.
They sensed that the moment they had been waiting for had arrived, as Arthur had asked only them to stay.
It was time to reorganize the ranks of the kingdom's families!
Their current titles were based on the Oscar Empire, so revisions were necessary.
All eyes focused on Arthur.
Arthur met each of their gazes in turn before stopping on Millerph.
"Millerph."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The title had changed from 'liege' to 'Your Majesty' in an instant.
Just a change in address altered the atmosphere in the office.
A solemn air flowed through the room.
"Bring forth what you have prepared."
Arthur matched this by changing how he addressed and treated Millerph.
His demeanor carried a heavy authority and dignity, and his speech shifted from informal to formal.
At this scene, everyone's tension mounted as their eyes turned to Millerph.
Millerph brought six scrolls prepared on the table to Arthur.
Arthur picked one up and looked at Drakan.
"Drakan Lanister."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Drakan responded briskly, stepped forward, and knelt on one knee before Arthur.
"Drakan Lanister, as a vassal family of the Julius Kingdom, I have high expectations for you going forward. I hereby appoint you as the First Marquis of the Julius Kingdom."
"……!"
Drakan's eyes widened in shock.
But he quickly composed himself, bowed his head deeply, and replied.
"As long as the Lanister Family exists in this world, we pledge our loyalty to the Julius Kingdom."
"I believe you will. This scroll serves as proof of today's proceedings."
Arthur handed him the scroll.
Drakan received it reverently with both hands.
The next to be called was Adran.
She knelt on one knee just like Drakan and awaited his words.
"Adran Kandara. I hereby appoint you as the Second Marquis of the Julius Kingdom."
And so the title conferment ceremony continued.
Hekto of the Hexa Barony was promoted to First Count.
On the other hand, Count Antar had not yet shown any special achievements for the Julius Count Family, and the disappointment from the Blizan incident lingered.
Thus, he was appointed as Second Count.
Count Antar accepted without objection and pledged his loyalty to prove his faithfulness.
And finally, one last person.
Keda Alpha, the eldest son of the Alpha Family from the Nanshar Empire, remained, awaiting his turn.
"Keda Alpha."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Keda stepped forward and knelt on one knee before Arthur.
Though he was a noble from the Nanshar Empire, staying with the Julius Count Family had taught him much.
In particular, 'Arthur Julius' had personally shown him the path he should follow and what it meant to lead a family as its head.
Despite his young age, to Keda, he was an unparalleled teacher and a respectable king.
Thus, he inwardly vowed time and again to serve him with utmost loyalty.
Arthur met Keda's eyes.
"Keda Alpha, I thank you for the courage you have shown while with us. Though you are a noble of the Nanshar Empire, I hereby appoint you as the Third Count of the Julius Kingdom."
"I, Keda Alpha, shall become a loyal vassal who never betrays Your Majesty's trust!"
Keda shouted loudly, suppressing his overwhelming emotions.
"I expect great things from you."
After conferring titles on all five, Arthur turned to Millerph.
Millerph bowed as low as he possibly could in utmost respect.
"Sir Millerph, I highly commend your lifelong devotion to the Julius Family. I hereby appoint you as Duke of the Julius Kingdom. Additionally, I grant you the position of the kingdom's guardian mage, with authority to form a mage corps. You must lead the way in protecting the kingdom."
"Your Majesty's words shall be etched into my bones and never forgotten."
Arthur nodded and addressed them.
"I hope you will form the foundation of the kingdom, making it unshakeable no matter what hardships come."
They bowed their heads in unison and replied.
Clang!
***
As soon as the titles were settled, Arthur went straight to find Ban.
Entering the forge, he was met only with hot steam and the sound of hammering metal.
Until recently, it had been bustling with employees hired by Ban, but they had fought to the end against Pareon's mage corps and met their fate.
They were the true heroes who had protected the Julius Count Family.
Ban stopped hammering as someone approached and looked up.
"Who's there?"
When Arthur's face appeared through the steam, he quickly stood to greet him.
"Young Master."
"I came because I need to talk privately. Can you spare some time?"
"Of course. Let's go over there."
Ban led him to where a table was and sat facing Arthur.
Arthur glanced around and asked,
"What about the employees' funerals?"
"They were hit by magic attacks—nothing left to bury. I just went to the coast and poured out all the liquor they loved."
Ban spoke calmly, but he couldn't hide the sadness on his face.
Pretending not to notice, Arthur continued.
"What about their families?"
"Who'd want to live with guys who handled scrap metal all day and drank like fish? Some had aging parents, but they're struggling with the sudden loss—though time will heal it, so no need to worry."
Arthur's expression grew heavy as he placed a leather pouch full of something in front of Ban.
Ban's eyes widened.
"What's this?"
"Normally, I'd visit them personally to offer condolences, but I don't have the time right now. So, I want you to look after them. Nothing can replace the grief of losing a child, but make sure they lack for nothing in life. If money runs short, come to me anytime."
"Young Master……."
Ban was so moved he could barely speak.
In truth, he had planned to take over supporting those with aging parents himself.
He couldn't provide as abundantly as they deserved, but selling his house would allow minimal aid to all.
He had felt uneasy about it, but Arthur stepping in like this filled him with gratitude.
"They'll be overjoyed."
"I'm truly sorry I couldn't protect them."
Arthur's quiet voice conveyed genuine sorrow.
The more Ban looked at him, the more he saw the qualities of a true sovereign.
According to the saintess of the holy kingdom, his liege was the 'great hero' mentioned in the scriptures.
Not limited to the Oscar Empire—perhaps he was born with the vessel of a 'king' encompassing all five continents.
Given that he had inherited Tehran Julius's legacy, it wasn't impossible.
He had to do something for him.
'Besides fortifying the borders, there must be something to make the Young Master shine even more……!'
Suddenly, he remembered something he had meant to report to Arthur but had completely forgotten.
Just as Ban was about to speak with a meaningful smile, Rasety entered the forge.
"Ban, you in there?"
Arthur had planned to visit her after Ban anyway, so seeing her with him was perfect timing.
Rasety was startled to see Arthur there too.
"Oh, I'll come back later."
"You arrived at just the right time. I was heading to the warehouse after this."
"You have something to say to me?"
"Sit down first."
Arthur indicated the seat beside him.
Rasety smiled faintly and sat next to him.
She had heard from Millerph earlier.
He had bestowed Julius Kingdom titles on the heirs of each family.
So, he was no longer a count but a king.
One might expect him to assert authority and display majesty, but there was none of that.
'As expected, he is different.'
Rasety smiled at the corners of her mouth and said politely.
"If there is anything I can do to assist Your Majesty, please tell me."
"Your Majesty?"
Ban was briefly puzzled, then recalled how, after the meeting ended, Arthur had asked only the family heirs to remain in the office.
It must have been about settling the kingdom's titles.
Ban felt exhilarated seeing the barony—no, the kingdom—rapidly taking shape.
The Julius Kingdom led by Arthur Julius!
Even amid war with the current emperor, watching him brought no anxiety or fear.
This too must be his ability.
His joy surpassed satisfaction, filling him with ecstasy.
He couldn't stop his lips from curling up to his ears.
"Uhahaha!"
Ban burst into hearty laughter.
Rasety, sensing his feelings, joined in with her own laughter.
Hearing laughter from people for the first time in a while, Arthur smiled.
"Looks like good news. I don't know what it is, but in celebration, I'll laugh too, hahaha."
Their cheerful laughter echoed out of the forge.