This Will Be Highly Praised by History (1)
I'd noticed it from the social settings onward. 『The heir of a great family. In the past, Grandfell's presence in high society was like an oasis or mirage in the desert. He rarely showed himself since he didn't enjoy social gatherings. Yet on the days he appeared suddenly, he drew every eye...』
Back then... what the hell did I even think was cool...?
Greatness that doesn't need to be shown. Influence so profound it shines through even when hidden.
In modern society, where even donations get you hate—such nonsense wouldn't fly for a second.
'And they named them the Four Heavenly Kings?!'
Plus that contradictory naming sense as a bonus.
I gazed at the four living statues before me. Three men and one woman. Their names floated up in my mind.
[Golden Maxima Family]
[Forest Yugric Family]
[Valiant Kansel Family]
[Shuddering Akmond Family]
Names befitting the title of Four Heavenly Kings—grand from the start.
The statues embodying the four families bowed their heads to me. Calling me their master!
In a situation where any normal person would feel burdened or embarrassed.
But my iron mask was too thick for this world.
I spoke calmly.
"I have received your greetings."
Even my tone sounded like a lofty family head.
I swallowed a sigh for a moment. But a personality obsessed with procedure wouldn't stay silent.
"Raise your heads."
Raise your heads.
The reason was simple.
The Four Heavenly Kings... or rather, the reason the statues didn't lift their heads wasn't just courtesy.
Why else would statues stand tall near the mansion? To protect Claudy Territory.
But the statues had crumbled. Meaning they failed their duty.
The Maxima statue spoke as if reporting that fact.
"We have no right to do so."
No right, my ass. If you guys have no right, what does that make me?
'Someone's busting their ass to make up for it.'
If you're more drained than me, we're done for.
So raise your heads. I won't say it three times with my prickly personality.
"This is not your responsibility."
"……?"
"It is merely another weight I must bear."
"……!!!!"
My mistake. Spoken with the purest intent.
Yet the statues' expressions as they raised their heads looked unusually vivid for stone—almost human.
Like they might burst into tears any second.
Whatever. Fine by me.
[Peace, Claudy Territory]
With Primordial Evil knowing its location now.
Who knows when, how, or with what scheme it might try to swallow Claudy Territory again.
Of course, as long as I'm in Claudy Territory, my commands are absolute there.
Thanks to the setting that no one can defy.
'Problem is, I can't camp here forever.'
I needed watchmen to cover my absences.
From dwarves to dragons, and now elves—plenty of Arcana forces would step up at my request.
But the issue was this damn pride.
Would noble pride let me dump family affairs on others?
'In that sense, the Four Heavenly Kings...'
No, reactivating the four families' statues was a huge gain.
Magic dwelled within them, of course.
And unlike the severely damaged mansion, their remains lay intact on the ground.
'Anyway, more work piled up.'
To make Claudy great again. A massive goal.
Claudy Territory needed to reclaim its past glory too.
Just like my ever-present labor-intensive class quests.
I'd have to hop over to Arcana regularly to manage Claudy Territory.
Territory management, huh.
'Not my first time, technically.'
I'd activated the [Authority] function in Yusra Kingdom and Frost.
Problem was, I'd dumped most duties on Hakuna and Harcon Kingsguard, so I lacked hands-on experience.
'If I'm really worried, I could ask for advice...'
Would there be such a thing?
Grandfell, chosen as Claudy heir at age seven.
Meaning he'd taken heir classes since he was seven.
"This is familiar territory for me."
Rebuilding Claudy Territory for a genius-trained Grandfell?
Unlike me, with his sharp mind, it might be a walk in the park.
More importantly.
'The four families.'
Let's recall that grand setting.
I couldn't be sure, but even if Arcana Continent was a wasteland, they'd probably be fine.
No news so far meant...
Like Claudy, they existed faithfully to the setting.
'...But I'm not thrilled at all.'
I just don't want to meet them if possible.
Reason's simple.
I'd die before letting the Four Heavenly Kings call me master!
This is enough as is.
Worried about my next destination already.
'Gotta go anyway.'
Sisli and Claudy Territory visits.
Not perfectly wrapped up, but a new start.
Both objectives settled for now.
Next, per procedure: Antonium.
'Gotta meet Kichi.'
Yes.
The empire's capital.
Where the legend of the Black Dark Dragon Lee Hoyeol echoes.
In Antonium...!
Reality and Arcana Continent differ.
Thanks to Yunak Seus's roaring dragon fear, the emperor and Arcana folk know.
Lee Hoyeol—me—as Akkshan's last survivor.
And the legendary Black Dark Dragon!
So.
"I shall return soon."
I stepped away from Claudy Territory, bid farewell by the statues.
My first step filled with dread.
What fresh humiliation awaited this time...?
*
Reports poured in.
"Your Majesty, the expedition found survivors!"
"We've reclaimed Holdumwood!"
"Last night, the eastern demon king's castle fell!"
It was a reversal.
The legend sweeping the continent had pulled the empire from despair's pit.
The Black Dark Dragon that made dragons wail.
That it was Akkshan's last survivor—unbelievable news.
The emperor smiled.
'Can I feel a bit accomplished too?'
Back as crown prince, he'd hated rhetoric lessons.
Never dreamed they'd shine like this.
Antonium. Far from peaceful.
Even returning soldiers bore wounds great and small.
But unlike before, the people's faces brimmed with life.
First since demons from the Demon Realm appeared.
The emperor seized the chance.
No matter how great the legend, it fades with time—undeniable.
And the foe was demons.
Considering their innate cruelty, they might resume as if fear never struck.
"Rebuilding walls is priority. Naysh William, hear me. I grant you command of the empire's mages. Use Antonium's mages to erect walls in reclaimed areas."
"I shall obey, Your Majesty."
"I also permit access to the underground vault."
"……!"
Underground vault.
The ministers' eyes widened.
Items there were the empire's—and Arcana's—finest treasures.
"Use potions and magic tools as needed for the mission."
The empire's last bastion, untouched even in crisis.
Opening it meant: stake everything on this chance.
Naysh suppressed his swelling chest.
"I will complete the mission without fail, Your Majesty!"
He'd escaped the palace before his respected brother.
No time to think of Bensy William now.
His legs itched to move.
As Naysh curbed his impulse.
A cautious voice followed.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty."
"Speak."
"Please reconsider that decision."
"……!"
Naysh's face stiffened.
What thunderbolt was this? Trying to block my expedition?
Zzap— Naysh glared unwittingly.
But a clear misunderstanding.
Why hadn't Antonium fallen yet? Everyone sacrificed for the empire.
This was another perspective for the empire.
The speaking man gauged the emperor's will.
But he had to be cold.
The empire was always at a clear disadvantage.
"Your Majesty, full-scale reclamation and fortification is unrealistic. Right now, the Black Dark Dragon legend halts demons completely. But as Your Majesty knows, the demon eyes have reopened in the night sky?"
True.
Demon eyes vanished from the sky for a while, now reappearing one by one.
Not condescending like before, but glancing slyly.
"My heart matches Your Majesty's. I too want to save the empire and people ASAP. But haste will endanger Antonium."
Antonium had depleted resources in desperate defense.
Soldiers were a tenth of peak, survivors hardly elite.
"Magic walls are useless without troops to defend them. Deploying Antonium's forces to reclaimed cities leaves us vulnerable to even minor attacks."
"Hmm."
The emperor stroked his chin.
As Naysh fidgeted.
The clincher landed.
"Legends remain legends, Your Majesty."
The emperor's eyes narrowed.
Blaming the empire's limits was fair.
But nitpicking Lee Hoyeol, the empire's benefactor? Unacceptable.
The minister bowed.
"Adventurer Black Dark Dragon Lee Hoyeol—his greatness is beyond words. Yet he remains an outsider. From a wholly different world...!"
No belittlement intended.
As said, without Hoyeol, the empire would've fallen long ago—the man knew that.
Just face reality coldly.
"Since dragons cried his name, none have appeared on Arcana again. Demons eavesdropping Your Majesty's proclamation will think it mere rumor, as ever."
"What do you mean?"
"See? Even legends are just hot air."
"……!"
Yes.
Even if dragons and dwarves proclaimed, and the emperor himself declared.
If no proof, just louder gossip.
"As Your Majesty knows, adventurer Sir Hoyeol's time on the continent is limited. That too fades the legend."
Still, the Black Dark Dragon legend was unparalleled.
But demons were the issue.
They forget fear without context.
"……."
As emperor and Naysh fell silent.
The man clenched his fist decisively.
Speaking firmly.
"I don't deny the legend or refuse rebuilding. I merely suggest sure, small steps, Your Majesty."
Naysh swallowed a sigh.
Regrettable, but logical.
No—coldly rational.
Even a final sway:
"Your Majesty, like Dreadsden villagers in Antonium. Accept rescued citizens here first? Survivors of hell will adapt fast."
Silence followed.
'...Was I too hasty?'
As the emperor broke the quiet to speak.
Suddenly.
"……?"
Darkness shrouded the palace.
Midday. Considering Antonium palace's vast windows.
Impossible.
Naysh startled, muttering.
"......Did they return?"
Dwarves' Iron Castle Ho?
First thought.
Soon dismissed.
No dwarf airship could blot the sun fully.
Then what...?
What could eclipse the sun completely?
The answer came soon—to all.
A colossal being, visible even veiled.
Unspoken, yet undeniable.
The singular existence none could ignore.
"Y-Your Majesty, that's...!!"
Yes. The legend.
No—living legend.
"Impossible."
The Black Dark Dragon crossed Antonium's skies.