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Chapter : 46
At that moment.
Against the nightscape of Luikaron, a man sat lost in thought. He was Zenemia, the aide of the Lorensia Grand Duke of the Luikaron Empire.
During the shipwreck, he had been on a different lifeboat than Kaisa and could be rescued immediately. The guilt of returning alone still weighed heavily on him.
Zenemia removed his glasses, wiped them, and let out a deep sigh. Spread before him was the blueprint of a certain ship: a massive vessel secretly built over ten years by the Lorensia family.
“Atlas.”
A project passed down from the previous generation.
They had recruited five Poseidon engineers to construct the ship, which was equipped with portable Poseidon devices—a secret weapon known only to the Lorensia family, not even the imperial court. It was a project that had never succeeded before.
Many had tried to cross the Monster Sea, but all had failed. Now, however, the Lorensia family was on the verge of success. They had planned a trial run with Kaisa, but the sinking of the Blue Pigeon ship ruined all plans.
Zenemia pulled a small key from his pocket—the only key to the ship’s engine room. It paired with the one Kaisa held.
He had been notified just yesterday that the ship was complete. Atlas could sail the seas at any time, and the Poseidon device was fully operational. Since Kaisa had already charged its energy, a round trip to Siern was fully feasible.
The problem was:
“Is he really there?”
If the existence of this ship were revealed, the imperial family might intervene at any moment. Kaisa had to be found and returned immediately. That was why Zenemia hesitated.
He held his head in his hands.
But no matter how he thought about it, Atlas—and Siern—seemed to be the last hope.
Reivan stepped down from the carriage. Thanks to running nonstop, a journey that would normally take two days was shortened to a day and a half.
The capital’s air was different from Kaester Harbor. Instead of the smell of the sea, there was a mix of noble perfumes, horse sweat, and the scent of power. The path to the palace was familiar, traveled countless times since childhood.
‘After our parents passed, His Majesty the Emperor raised us.’
If their grandmother had taken them in, the Emperor had welcomed them. Coming and going from the palace countless times, they had been treated almost like royalty.
Reivan’s steps felt heavy.
The palace gates opened. A servant guided him.
“His Majesty is waiting, Count.”
“Understood.”
He arrived at the Emperor’s office, took a deep breath, and knocked.
“Enter.”
A low, authoritative voice called. Reivan opened the door.
Emperor Serenor stood by the window, eyes glinting with interest despite his age.
“Your Majesty, Reivan Kaester.”
Reivan knelt.
“Rise, Reivan. Formalities are unnecessary.”
The Emperor gestured. Reivan stood, and the two faced each other. The Emperor spoke first.
“I’ve received reports. So, what is he doing now?”
“Before delivering your command, Your Majesty, I came to report. He is currently living his daily life, spending his time quietly.”
“Are you certain he is the Swordmaster?”
The old man sought reassurance. Reivan nodded.
The Emperor gazed out the window, as if looking at something invisible.
“Reivan.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“How long do you think the Poseidons in Zone 1 will last?”
Reivan’s expression darkened.
“…According to the engineers, at most three months. In the worst case, they’ll be fully disabled in under a month.”
The Emperor exhaled deeply, the weight of the empire in his sigh.
“Your Majesty…”
“The neighboring nations are already aware. They know we can no longer protect them. Our alliances are crumbling.”
The Emperor looked Reivan squarely in the eye. Since hearing of the Swordmaster, he had contemplated, held repeated meetings with experts, and reached one conclusion.
They needed to naturalize Kaisa. Reivan and the Emperor shared the same view.
“So, Reivan. We must somehow bring this foreigner, Kaisa, to our side. We need a way to bind him to Siern. What is your opinion?”
Reivan spoke cautiously.
“I agree. Your Majesty, my younger sister, Bella, is currently teaching him the Siern language.”
“Bella? The one who graduated top of her class at the Academy?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. She studied Great Monster Studies and is also skilled with languages.”
The Emperor’s eyes shifted.
“Hmm… Bella…”
He tapped the armrest with his fingers, organizing his thoughts.
“Reivan, be honest. Do you think there is potential between Bella and Kaisa?”
Reivan hesitated briefly.
“Bella… rarely shows her emotions. But recently, she has asked about Kaisa often.”
“Then that means she’s interested.”
“It seems that way.”
The Emperor nodded, decision made. If even one of them had feelings, a connection could form.
“Good. Then do this. Facilitate a union between Bella and Kaisa. We should move quickly toward marriage. I believe it will also benefit Bella. Kaisa is not a bad choice—excellent martial skill, noble origin, and handsome, I’ve heard.”
The Emperor sipped his tea and smiled gently at Reivan. He stood, and Reivan followed.
“Reivan, I know the burden I’ve placed on you and Bella is heavy.”
The Emperor’s voice softened.
“I raised you after your parents died. You are like my own son and daughter.”
“Your Majesty…”
“But this concerns the fate of Siern. The empire takes precedence over personal happiness. I trust you understand.”
Reivan bowed his head.
“I will never forget your grace, Your Majesty.”
“Thank you, Reivan.”
The Emperor placed a hand on Reivan’s shoulder.
After a three-day reward leave, Kaisa reported back to work sharply.
He did not want to break his promise while Reivan conducted important negotiations. Upon arriving, Kaisa was immediately summoned.
Reivan sat behind his desk, alternating his gaze between Kaisa and Bella.
“Class?”
Kaisa frowned. Why bother asking if he couldn’t understand? Bella answered.
“Still… learning the language…”
“That’s not important. Translate, Bella.”
Reivan interlaced his fingers and continued.
“This is on the direct order of Emperor Serenor himself.”
Bella’s eyes widened in surprise as she looked at her brother. Even with her translation, Kaisa remained expressionless.
“Kaisa, your martial prowess has reached the royal court. Rumors are spreading that you are the Swordmaster who has appeared in a century.”
Reivan paused and looked at Bella.
“You are now becoming the hero of Siern. His Majesty has granted you the title of Count Darius. No land yet, but that will be resolved later. Here is the imperial decree.”
Bella’s eyes grew even wider, stunned by the contents.
