Chapter 153

The first Emperor of the Empire, Aphahiel, the Grand General Dant Ser Geiorn, and the Great Magician Bhalsar.

The Aphahiel Empire was the first nation established on this continent by those three, who led countless trials, hardships, and desperate wars against the innumerable monstrous beasts that once ruled the continent.

Countless people were sacrificed in the war against the monstrous beasts. Though there was the legendary knight Dant Ser Geiorn, said to have established the very foundation of swordsmanship by embedding mana—once permitted only to magic—into the sword, the war in which humanity, mere prey, wagered its fate against apex predators was never an easy one.

Yet even so, they fought the monstrous beasts. Warriors and knights who could not even leave a single line of their names in history threw away their lives like straw, all for a future in which their children and descendants could live without fearing death at the jaws of beasts.

Back then, humanity was far inferior to the present age both materially and culturally, but there undeniably existed chivalry—an amalgamation of righteousness, romance, and noble sacrifice.

However, that was no longer the case. The long peace maintained under the name of the Aphahiel Empire gnawed away at people’s hearts, replacing them with ambition. Chivalry fell to the ground, and money and power became everything in this world.

Within those rotten ideals, people continued to belittle the noble sacrifices of the South, where lives were still staked in sweat and blood against monstrous beasts. A paradoxical society, where those scorned for drawing their swords to protect others faced warriors who trained their blades merely to show off.

Despite subtle ostracism and neglect from the noble circles, the South silently continued the unrecognized efforts passed down as destiny from their forefathers.

Then came the Empire’s crisis. When those who prided themselves on nobility and sanctity chose to collude with the times out of fear of losing what they held, Count Valaris, the main pillar of the South, chose desperate resistance, resolved to lose everything.

That resolve, impossible to conceal, was splashed across headlines throughout the land, reaching beyond the vast territories of the Empire to the Capital itself overnight. Count Valaris’s declaration echoed across the entire world.

===

I am Roderick Valaris. As the Lord of Valaris, I hereby proclaim this to all under heaven!

As the Head of Valaris, I have faithfully inherited the mission passed down from His Majesty the First Emperor and have devoted myself solely to the defense of the South until now… Yet in this chaotic age, traitors run rampant, seeking to swallow the Empire whole. As one who has received the grace of Aphahiel, how could I possibly join hands with traitorous scum who have usurped the throne through lies and conspiracy?

Rather than collude with traitors, I would sooner choose death. Valaris shall no longer face the monstrous beasts of the Great Jungle, but the pack of jackals who have usurped Aphahiel. Instead of aligning with them, we shall fight them to the very end—to the final moment, until the day our bones are buried.

If anyone wishes to share this resolve with me, do not hesitate. His Highness the Fifth Prince yet lives. In the near future, he shall lead us.

With his permission, I shall become the blade that opposes the traitors and take the lead in setting this nation right. Join me!

===

The morning after Count Valaris issued his declaration. The steward of the Valaris household came rushing into the Count’s office, his face pale as a sheet, raising a great commotion.

“L-Lord…! The people are in great unrest. From two days ago, when you issued the declaration, until now, the number of people who fled the territory under cover of night has already reached several hundreds.”

Indeed, the atmosphere of the Valaris territory visible through the window was ominous. The people were busy preparing to leave Valaris, which would soon become a battlefield.

“You must take action. As you said, we have neither detained nor punished those attempting to leave, but at this rate…”

“Steward. Do not be shaken. Was this not already expected?”

Receiving the report, Count Valaris replied calmly, as if it were nothing of consequence. The steward, with a heart ready to spit blood, tried to persuade him.

“My lord… Count. How can you tell me not to be shaken in this situation? We must fight the Empire, yet our strength is dwindling! No matter how impregnable Valaris is, one hand cannot block ten. Please, issue the order. If you do, I will step forward at once, strengthen security, and severely punish those attempting to leave the territory to minimize the loss of strength. I will become the villain. Please… just give the order…!”

Though his title was steward, he was in truth no different from the Count’s deputy. It was a heartfelt remonstration. Perhaps his impassioned plea had some effect. After a moment of quiet contemplation, the Count gave his answer.

“Steward. Open the gates. The central dogs may attempt to plant spies, so thoroughly inspect those who wish to enter, but allow all who wish to leave to go. We cannot have the elderly or the weak injured trying to climb the walls at night.”

“P-Pardon…? What do you mean by that…?”

The steward doubted his ears and asked again.

“It is my decision as Lord. At this point, war is unavoidable. That is precisely why I cannot forcibly conscript them. I cannot sacrifice people who lack the will to fight for my own ambitions.”

As if he had already resolved himself to this much, the Count spoke plainly. At a time when even one person was precious, he insisted on letting everyone who wished to flee go. At this incomprehensible decision, the loyal steward let out a deep sigh.

“Ah… my lord… how do you intend to face the enemy….”

The Count smiled, as if to reassure him.

“Wait and see. There will be good news as well.”

Of course, the steward could not imagine anything good in this situation.

‘Ah… so in the end, is this where one ends up for doing the right thing….’

As the despairing steward lamented inwardly, a knock sounded beyond the office door.

Knock knock knock—

“Who is it.”

“My lord. Guests have arrived from neighboring territories. They are waiting in the reception room. How shall I announce them?”

At the mention of guests, a smile spread across the Count’s lips, while confusion appeared on the steward’s face.

“…They are quick.”

“Guests?”

As if he had already grasped something, the Count gave his order calmly.

“Ensure that there is no lack in attending our honored guests. I will go and receive them personally at once.”

“Yes.”

A brief reply came from outside. The Count rose from his seat and headed toward the reception room, the steward hurrying after him.

“Honored guests, at a time like this…? Did you perhaps have something you were relying on, my lord?”

To the steward’s question, the Count gave only a cryptic answer.

“You will soon find out.”

Soon, they arrived at the reception room and were able to confirm the guests’ identities.

Click—

As the door opened, the figures of several young men came into view.

“…!”

Before the steward could even react in surprise at their faces, the guests surged forward and greeted the Count.

“Ooh…! Your Excellency the Count!”

“It is an honor to meet you, Count Valaris. I am Belfio of the Condarno Viscount family.”

“Thank you, Count Valaris. We have been waiting for someone like you to speak up first!”

The guests were promising Houkijisu participants from neighboring territories—the very people the Count had been waiting for.

“Welcome to Valaris, warriors.”

Count Valaris greeted them with a smile.

Only a few hours earlier, at most a day or two in the past.

“You wretch! At a time like this, you say you are going to the South? And not just anywhere, but Valaris? Have you lost your mind and wish to die?!”

“Father has turned his back on the Empire. Should I not, at the very least, devote my life to serving it? Please do not be so angry. The place for me is not here, but Valaris.”

“You…! With that loose mouth of yours! Do you think what you enjoy is truly yours? Everything you eat, wear, and rest upon was obtained in my name! Even your admission into the White Lion Knights with that lacking swordsmanship was all due to my power! If you leave here and stake your life on that flimsy sword, how many days do you think you would last?!”

“…I thought it strange myself that I was admitted into the White Lion, but when I asked back then, you said it wasn’t so. So it was indeed like this.”

Unseasonal turmoil broke out across the Empire. Lords tried to stop their children, while the children were prepared to abandon everything to head to Valaris.

===

Father. Rather than becoming a lord beneath a pack of jackals, I would rather become a knight like the heroes of the distant past who died on the battlefield without leaving even a single line of their names.

Please forgive me. As the last hope of a foolish son, I only pray that we do not meet on the battlefield. Please take care of yourself.

===

Someone caused a great uproar, left behind only a short letter, and chose to flee by night from land that would one day become his territory. And in another nearby territory…

“My son. Have you heard the news about the young head of Condarno, our neighboring territory?”

“The young head of Condarno… Belfio Condarno, you mean?”

“Yes, that child. Were you not fairly close with him?”

“Yes, well… our territories are close, and we are similar in age. We became somewhat close during the last Southern Subjugation Mission. But why him all of a sudden…? Did something happen?”

“Haha, it seems you do not know. Did not Count Valaris say something strange recently? It seems that Belfio, as if possessed by something, abandoned even his position as young head and decided to go to Valaris. The Viscount of Condarno tried desperately to stop him, but in the end, he chose to flee by night.”

“Ah… so that happened….”

“Indeed. You, however, should not even think of following such a thing. Just follow your father properly, understood?”

“Of course. You need not worry, Father.”

Of course, after reassuring his father, the son slipped out of the territory that very night, joined Belfio, and headed for Valaris.

The Southern Subjugation Mission that concluded the last Houkijisu Tournament. That journey, even including travel time, lasted only about two months—far too short to win a person’s heart. And yet, Yuwon’s sincerity accomplished that difficult task.

Many Houkijisu participants of the Empire had already long since lost their hearts to Fifth Prince Yurion Aphahiel. In these chaotic times, they were merely waiting for someone to step forward and lead them.

At the end of that waiting, Valaris—famous as the protector of the South—finally drew his sword, and this news drew passionate young men toward the South.

It was not limited to the South alone. No, this was only the beginning. Similar events were spreading like an epidemic throughout territories across the land.

Those who threw everything away, trusting in the single name of Yurion Aphahiel. Yuwon’s forces were gathering.

In Valaris.

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