Chapter 67: Into the Capital's Slums
Any city, no matter how grand, had its slums. Even the meticulously planned and prosperous Blaine territory wasn't free of them, so the capital went without saying.
After receiving the emperor's order to enter the palace tomorrow, I left the imperial palace right away and checked into a high-end inn. I could have stayed at the guesthouse for honored guests, but I chose the inn deliberately to visit the Dark Shadow headquarters.
Every twist and turn in the labyrinthine slum alleys drew stares from the shadows. My flashy attire stood out like a sore thumb in a place like this.
After getting lost a few times amid the maze, I finally reached my destination.
"Hiding real tight, huh."
It was a rundown tavern. Slums always had spots like this—peddling cheap rum and low-grade swill fermented from beer dregs. No real food to speak of, perfect for broke folks scraping by.
Screeech.
Pushing open the door revealed a quiet interior. A kid was coming over to take my order when I flashed the token Amon had given me.
"……!"
The child's eyes went wide with shock, then they led me to the kitchen.
Through the back door and into yet another alley. After looping around more than seemed necessary, I came face-to-face with a woman.
"Welcome, Master!"
"Master, huh... Isn't Amon your master?"
"Our lord has sworn loyalty to you, so Lord Aron Marquis deserves the title."
"How'd you know I got promoted to marquis?"
"We have excellent intelligence."
Figures, Amon. I wouldn't be surprised if they were the top information network in the capital region, at least.
I was shown to a lavish room.
"Care for a drink? We have beautiful women on standby too."
"Pass. I have orders."
"Anything you say!"
Judging by her flashy outfit, Setia—the branch chief here—must be disguised as a noble lady. In this era, gathering intel was a primitive affair. No spies in the walls or listening devices. It all came down to human networks or sneaking in to eavesdrop and compile.
That's why it took so many people. Amon must have sunk astronomical sums into building this web of informants. And I planned to make full use of it.
"Gather proof that the imperial family is heretical."
"...The imperial family?"
"Yeah. Nobody's squeaky clean if you dig deep enough. Scour every corner and collect whatever evidence you can. But make sure it's ironclad."
"Shall I spread rumors too?"
"Rumors."
At this point, I was already plotting the empire's conquest. Once I crushed the initial events from the novel's early game, I could march straight in. But I needed a casus belli.
Conquering without justification would spark rebellions everywhere. The current emperor had been handling politics decently, so solid evidence would make rallying the masses easier later.
"Do it. Use any scheme you want. I need rumors circulating that the empire is steeped in heresy and the imperial line must be replaced."
"It's a tall order, but..."
She was a sensual woman. Her red lips parted seductively, her eyes promising she'd spill any secret. Not drop-dead gorgeous, but weirdly captivating.
"I'll do my best."
"Good."
I stood to leave. That's when Setia dropped a tidbit.
"Master, Teron Kingdom has fallen. The Dark Lord has emerged after 300 years and is marching on the empire with her undead horde. They might summon you to the palace soon."
"Oh ho, the kingdom's already toast?"
"You knew?"
"Roughly."
Setia nodded. As the lord plotting rebellion against the empire, having other sources made sense. Of course, I knew because I wrote this novel—it was a mandatory event.
"Got it."
"Let's spend some quality time next time!"
"What info could I possibly have for you?"
"I want to serve you personally."
I shrugged and turned away. Setia struck me as dangerous. Best not to get too entangled.
A few hours after leaving the palace, I re-entered.
The empire's heavyweights hadn't dispersed. One of their vassal kingdoms had just fallen, and two million undead from Teron were gunning for the empire. Screw this up, and the whole thing could crumble.
Fire's licking at their heels now.
Laughter bubbled up inside me. The same guys who'd shunned me earlier now eyed me like a savior.
I schooled my face to blank innocence and dropped to one knee.
"I have entered the palace at His Majesty's command."
"Ah, welcome, Marquis Aron!"
I could feel the gods watching. They probably wanted me to squeeze the emperor for all he was worth. Things had been too quiet lately—time to stir the pot.
"But... what is the matter, Your Majesty...?"
"Marquis Aron! Teron Kingdom has fallen!"
"What do you mean?"
I plastered on an exaggerated look of shock. The gods cracked up at the sight.
Just a little lip service. To rake in massive karma, I'd need to smash Death Lord good and proper. Until then, I'd steer the situation with some flair.
"Has the marquis heard of the monster called Death Lord?"
"The demon from 300 years ago who slew a third of humanity?"
"Indeed! She's resurfaced, wiped out Teron Kingdom, raised two million undead, and they're marching on the empire!"
"What?!"
Shock face, take two. Even I had to admire my own performance.
"A terrifying turn. If they hit the empire..."
"We'd lose the western provinces at minimum. Worst case, the empire itself crumbles."
"I grasp the gravity. But what role do you wish of me?"
"Become our commander, marquis! No one else can stop them! Anyone lesser, and fear would scatter the troops!"
"Oh, Your Majesty, I lack such power!"
"Only you can do it!"
"I'm terrified too!"
Murmurs rippled through the hall. By now, nobles and emperor alike knew I wanted something. I hadn't said it outright, but it was clear: no fat rewards, no dice.
Against the emperor, I held back the barbs I'd unleash on lesser nobles. No need to sour the mood early.
"Marquis Aron, I beg you. Resolve this, and I'll elevate you to duke."
"Eek, still terrifying."
"I'll grant part of your conquered lands!"
"This demands my life..."
"I'll detach the eastern empire as a grand duchy and enfeoff you as grand duke! Plus the vacant Ramsel territory!"
Thud!
I dropped to my knees and slammed my forehead to the floor. Time for prime-time theatrics.
"With the empire in peril, for this subject to hesitate would draw the ire of all. Out of loyal patriotism, I shall rise and smite them—fear not, Your Majesty!"
"……."
The emperor and ministers stared in disbelief. What kind of lunatic is this?
I piled on.
"But you must grant clear authority over the central army, rear support, and western levies."
"Urk, the central army?"
"At least 100,000, please. I'll bring 50,000 of my own. Only the empire's full might can stop them. Two million foes..."
I shuddered dramatically.
Two million undead? I could solo them now, though it'd take time. Burn through my karma reserves, and it'd be a cakewalk.
But the emperor and ministers quaked at the thought of doom. Weakening the central army and nobles now would make swallowing the empire a breeze later.
Mahadev had said devour the empire first before the real fun. This would drive the gods wild.
And sure enough...
A smirk tugged at my lips. My eyes met the emperor's briefly. I can just bail if I feel like it. He knew it too, and with doom looming...
He folded.
"As you wish."
"Your Majesty's love for your subjects reaches the heavens. Surely the gods approve."
"Heh heh."
Caught between tears and laughter. The nobles who'd plotted to check me were speechless. If I bailed now? Pure hell.
"Bring the baton."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
The emperor handed me the baton of authority, symbol of command. War prep was lacking, but time was short. I'd have to assemble forces on the fly and march west.
Thus, full delegation.
"Marquis Aron! I appoint you commander of the subjugation army. I grant you 100,000 central troops and western command. We'll support from the rear—save the empire from Death Lord!"
"I humbly accept!"
I took the baton with due reverence. The empire's fate rested in my hands.
Did the emperor sense the rot setting in? Under the deep night, we'd march at dawn.
The central army was mobilizing, nobles bickering over levies, already plotting their post-victory plays.
A grand duchy, huh. Never figured the emperor for that call. Didn't change the plan: topple the empire first.
This war needed masses of troops. Mages would be key. And as territories expanded, their utility grew. To accelerate growth, I needed to harness them.
Time to swallow the Magic Tower.