🔊 TTS Settings
Chapter 65
The Emperor lowered his voice even further.
“Hasn’t the temple been carrying out purification rituals on the World Tree all this time? The amount of money poured into it is astronomical. Are you telling me that even dousing it with holy water has had no effect?”
The World Tree’s withering was no recent affair. Though the temple in charge of its care tried to hush it up, it had long since ceased sprouting new leaves.
“That is correct. Animals were turning into monsters, and those monsters in turn birthed yet more monsters. They were corrupted lifeforms.”
The Emperor bit down hard on his lips.
“…Is there no way to reverse it?”
“I was unable to discover one.”
No doubt there had been a reason why the leader of the werewolves had driven Tyburn into that place.
But Tyburn had achieved nothing there. All he could do was grant rest to the corrupted, tormented creatures who lived a wretched existence.
The Emperor rose to his feet.
“…For nearly a hundred years, research has continued into why the World Tree is withering and what effects that causes. If, as you say, the roots of the World Tree are rotting…”
The Emperor paused before continuing.
“If those roots are what’s creating the source of contamination and unleashing monsters across the land, then what comes next?”
Tyburn answered with sunken eyes.
“The source of contamination can corrupt all living beings. I cannot dare to say it will never affect humans.”
His tone was calm, but the meaning of his words was the end of mankind.
The Emperor raked trembling fingers through his hair.
“And what do you think?”
“I witnessed that contact with aura could purify portions of it.”
“With aura?”
Tyburn nodded.
“But I alone was not enough. And one more thing.”
In an even voice, Tyburn declared:
“Before long, contamination will begin to appear outside the North as well.”
The Emperor bit down hard on his lips.
Until now, it was believed that the sources of contamination and monsters existed only in the North. No—rather, the Imperial Court had made people believe so.
Unsolvable chaos could topple an empire.
And now the peace preserved by his ancestors was on the brink of shattering in his reign.
The Emperor rubbed his brow.
“…There are fewer than twenty Sword Masters alive in the world. If we gathered them all, could they enter the source of contamination and purify the World Tree’s roots?”
Tyburn let out a quiet sigh.
“I beg forgiveness, Your Majesty. I merely report what I have seen and experienced. I cannot speak of things I have not attempted.”
He was right. Though Tyburn was a Sword Master who had surpassed human limits, he did not possess the ability to see the future.
But one truth was certain: a time would come when Sword Masters would be desperately needed.
“…I recall hearing you were training your descendants. Have you found any with promise?”
The Emperor searched his memory. It had already been three years since Tyburn departed.
“My first grandson was born with such ability.”
“Lord Carte?”
“No. Heder Katieron. That child.”
Tyburn kept hidden the fact that Heder had already reached the realm of a Sword Master. He would not be able to conceal it forever, but for now, he intended to try.
One could never know how the Emperor might react.
“…Raising successors is important as well. I intend to entrust the training of the Imperial Knights to Sir Silburn. What say you?”
Silburn was one of the three Sword Masters of the Imperial Palace—and the most outstanding among them. His swordsmanship and skill were unparalleled.
People often spoke of Silburn as second only to Tyburn himself.
“If it is Sir Silburn, he will do well. Should a Sword Master arise among the Imperial Knights, it would only strengthen the foundation of the Empire.”
“And I will send letters to every nation. This matter is not solely the concern of the Berbeje Empire.”
“That is wise.”
The Emperor forced a smile.
“Come to think of it, despite your great deeds, I have yet to reward you. Is there something you desire?”
“There is one favor I would beg of you, Your Majesty.”
“What is it?”
“Please never again appoint a descendant of Aites as Katieron’s regent.”
Though he spoke politely, the Emperor could not miss the deep resentment buried in Tyburn’s words. The Emperor gave an awkward laugh.
“Ahem. That could not be helped. You know well that Duke Herden had also gone North…”
“Even so, it must not happen again, Your Majesty.”
“…Are you considering your son’s divorce?”
“If necessary, and if the child desires it, yes. That marriage was forced through by Aites and my late wife. It is time to set it right.”
“…May I ask who you are considering as the next successor?”
The Emperor asked cautiously.
“Heder. That child is the strongest candidate.”
There was no one more fitting to inherit Exilon and lead the house.
“But I hear he is not of the duchess’s blood. He was born of a dead maid, was he not? Even so, will it be possible? You will face resistance from Aites and the noble council.”
“Is it not the right Your Majesty promised me? They cannot overturn my will.”
Tyburn met the Emperor’s gaze.
“So long as Your Majesty continues to raise my hand.”
“That, I promise. I too am desperate to see a proper heir stand in Katieron.”
The Emperor nodded.
“Ah, and there is one more thing I desire.”
“What is it?”
“The emerald mine.”
The Emperor flinched and then gave a rueful smile. It was true he had taken advantage of Tyburn’s absence to dabble with it.
“Ahem.”
“Well, since I’ve already given it away, consider it a gift of generosity.”
Tyburn grinned. The Emperor responded sourly.
“…Thank you.”
“In return, henceforth, Your Majesty must not intervene in any matter between Katieron and Aites.”
“…That as well, very well.”
The Emperor nodded. Though Princess Siela’s betrothal troubled him, what else could he do?
Surely Tyburn would not abandon his own grandchild.
Having heard all the answers he wanted, Tyburn rose to leave. The Emperor patted his shoulder.
“My sincere thanks, Tyburn. Always, and forever. For never sparing your life for the sake of the Berbeje Empire. This time is no different.”
“I will always remain an unchanging blade, Your Majesty. May you bask in glory.”
The Emperor let out a quiet laugh. He recalled advice he had once received when he was crowned Crown Prince:
‘Never turn away from loyal vassals. If you respect them, they will respect you, and they will shield the Empire.’
‘How can I recognize a loyal vassal?’
‘You need not try. They will reveal themselves—if only you keep your eyes clear and pure. Think of who truly places the Empire above all else. Think of who stands at the forefront in times of crisis. Then you will see.’
And Tyburn had always stood at the forefront of the Empire’s crises. Katieron was the Empire’s loyal vassal—and Tyburn, his most loyal man.
To hold on to Tyburn, letting go of Aites was no difficulty at all.
For Aites had never once taken the lead in the Empire’s peril. They were mere sycophants, content only to seize profit.
That was the difference between Aites and Katieron.
“So long as you stand with us, I believe the Empire is safe. Should you discover any anomaly, report to me at once.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“And if ever a problem arises, I shall inform you first.”
“I am ever grateful for your trust.”
Tyburn was no hound of the Emperor. He was a companion, walking shoulder to shoulder with him. And the Emperor never forgot that.
