21st Century Archmage

Chapter 191: Gods Promise

Translator: Lei

Proofreader: Enigami

“What could be going on with His Majesty…”

“Sigh, a sudden lockdown, followed by summons…”

There were many imperial nobles living in the Imperial Capital of the Laviter Empire. Even if they were lords of small, rural territories, many of the capable ones lived in the capital for most of the year. Their lord titles were inheritable and wouldnt disappear as long as they didnt commit treason, so all that was left for them to do was live the country lifestyle the nobles didnt like. There were few who would dare to take action against the Laviter Empire, so even if it didnt suit their means, the regional lords purchased mansions in the capital and went to party after party, trying to expand their influence so that they might one day be granted a higher title.

However, due to the lockdown ordered by the Emperor, the hundreds of capital nobles were restricted from parties and other similar activities. Upon receiving sudden summons from the Emperor, they chatted with the people they knew as they entered the palace hall, not realizing that despite the sweltering weather, the Imperial Knights standing under the faintly shining magic lamps in the darkness of the hall were still wearing their helmets.

“His Majesty the Emperor is entering!”

Once all of the nobles had entered the massive palace used by the Imperial Family as a place to host parties, the Grand Chamberlains booming voice resounded through the hall.

The Emperor had last made a formal appearance about one month ago. The nobles quieted as they swiveled to look at the doors in the back of the palace where the Emperor would appear.

There, a man appeared. The man with height that was neither too short nor too tall and a head of curly golden hair was donning a crimson, gold-embroidered wyvern cloak that suited him with natural grace. The crown upon his head fit him perfectly. This was the Emperor of the Laviter Empire, Hadveria von Laviter the Third. Wearing a broad smile, he stopped in front of the throne.

“We are humbled to be in thy presence!”

When the Emperor stopped before the throne, the nobles bowed low. Even though the Emperor had such a full smile on his face, most of the nobles knew that he had erased countless people he didnt like through the Imperial Guard. Particularly in the last few years, he had blatantly carried out many bloody acts.

“Haha, it has been a while, everyone.”

Emperor Hadveria sat on the throne with a good-natured smile. The dignity flowing from his body filled the hall to the brim with more to spare.

“Your Majesty, we humble servants are truly happy to see that Your Majesty has been in good health since we last met.”

They were the typical flattering words that were used to greet the Emperor. Marquis Pesocanian, the highest ranking noble among those gathered, spoke with a glitter in his beady eyes.

“Huhu, does it look like that to you?”

“I-It does, Your Majesty.”

For a ceremonial greeting like this, the Emperor would normally respond with something along the lines of “Its all thanks to you, my knights,” or “Thank you for your concern.” However, for some reason, Emperor Hadveria seemed a bit more prickly than usual today. He was leaning one arm on the throne as he cast a crooked gaze on the nobles and Marquis Pesocanian.

“In your eyes, do I look completely and perfectly healthy?” asked the Emperor to the nobles.

“…”

The hall quieted immediately. The nobles knew very well that the Nerman invasion the Emperor had been earnestly pushing forward was delayed due to Kyres blitzes. Everyone realized their lives could be forfeit if they said something wrong and closed their mouths.

“Why isnt anyone answering me? You were all so talkative outside moments ago.”

The nobles paled at his fluid string of words. They immediately became stricken with fear that the Emperor might have heard what they had said amongst themselves while coming into the palace. Despite being an emperor, Hadveria was a skilled knight who had reached Blade Master level. Considering a Blade Masters sensitive hearing, it was certainly possible he had heard them. And even though they thought they were being careful, if Emperor Hadveria was looking to find faults with them, they could be consigned to death on the spot.