Swordbearer.
It’s an ancient term, so ancient that the Empire’s younger generation, whether nobles or commoners, has never heard of it.
But Shiayar, having spent half his life imrsed in ancient ruins and the Great Library as an archaeologist, was no stranger to this term.
The Fresta Empire owed its strength to the 8 Great Oath-Sworn Families, yet it was also constrained by them.
At the inception of the Empire, the alliance between the oath-sworn families and the Royal Family was relatively solid.
But as ti passed, while so families might have indeed adhered to their original intentions, faithfully rembering their initial vows, many more changed.
Whether it was in Shiayar’s past life or in the present, human hearts are the most unreliable things. Be it the thirst for benefits or the illusion of eternal life. Or perhaps the ambition for power, an unwillingness to accept inferiority, the seduction by foreign powers... These reasons might be justifiable, or simply stem from pure self-interest. But in any case, the seeds of a powerful Empire’s disintegration had been sown at its very foundation.
With fluctuations in national power and the arrival of external enemies, this seed of rebellion began to sprout and grow, its sturdy branches cracking open one fissure after another in the majestic structure known as the "Fresta Empire."
And the Empire’s Royal Family had prepared counterasures for this in advance.
"The Crimson Blood guarding the Sacred City and the Pure White Sword."
This was a covenant engraved on the walls of Calot, branded there from the mont the Empire was founded.
The Crimson Blood represented the oath-sworn families, while the Pure White Sword stood for the "Swordbearer."
An organization with a status equivalent to that of the oath-sworn families.
True to its na, wielding the long sword, it surveilled the entire territory.
Whether great or minor nobles, influential ministers, or even the extraordinary forces and secret organizations within the borders, all fell within its scope of Authority.
This was a Sword of Damocles hanging high in the sky.
As long as this suspended sword remained, those seeds of rebellion could only lie in Eternal Slumber in the dust, unable to truly reveal their fangs.
But such a blade was also destined to be loathed.
Thus, at a point in ti when a diocre Sovereign coincided with a diocre Swordbearer, this term was forever relegated to history.
Today’s Military Departnt, Jurisdiction Bureau, and even the Supervisory Envoys overseeing various territories could be considered partial continuations of the Swordbearer... yet they fell far short of the original’s influence and authority.
Shiayar’s gaze slowly swept over Isadella’s face.
The ambition of this silver-haired Princess was even greater than he had imagined. She appeared so young, yet her ambition wasn’t rely to precariously maintain the Empire’s balance, acting as a stopgap tinkerer, patching things up to muddle through another three years. What she sought was to recreate the initial visage of the Empire. And even to surpass the past.
"First," Shiayar raised a finger and slowly began to speak.
"Your Highness, you are currently only the Second Princess."
"Although I’m aware that many within the Empire indeed look favorably upon you to erge victorious from the royal selection ceremony."
"Most of them are commoners, or middle to high-ranking officials in the Military Departnt and Jurisdiction Bureau. Judging by strength alone, they could indeed be considered powerful."
"But when it cos to authority and influence within the Empire Capital, they are far from comparable to the Great Nobles there."
Shiayar’s words paused slightly.
"To my knowledge, Your Highness has demonstrated so iron-fisted thods in the past. As a result, the vast majority of Great Nobles in the Empire Capital now view you as a thorn in their side, a pain in their flesh."
"And your ideals will certainly not gain the recognition of foreign nations and extraordinary forces beyond our borders."
"To them, a fragnted and turbulent empire better suits their interests."
Shiayar pointed his finger at Dyres beside him, prompting the girl to look at him with innocent eyes, feigning confusion.
Of course, after having seen her Succubus true form, Shiayar naturally no longer believed in the "innocent" façade she usually put on.
"At the very least, if President Dyres’s identity were exposed, then Your Highness, you would certainly beco an enemy of the theocratic kingdom."
Isadella nodded noncommittally.
What Shiayar had said was indeed the truth.
Isadella had absolute confidence in herself. Whether in temperant, political skills, or even her talent as a Beastmaster, she believed she was superior to the other imperial children. But it was undeniable that the support she currently had in the Empire Capital was indeed lacking.
Several oath-sworn families and Great Nobles had already chosen their sides, and neither the Princes’ Alliance nor the theocratic kingdom would beco her support.
"Before the Sovereign’s selection ceremony is complete, placing your bets in advance cos at a price—" Shiayar waved his hand dismissively.
"And that price might be very heavy."
"If nobles with established backing place their bets, even if they lose, it won’t cost them much, as too many interests are involved. Even the victor of the Sovereign’s selection would be wary."
"But for a commoner like , one misstep ans there’s no turning back."
While Shiayar’s words remained respectful, they subtly conveyed a refusal.
This was also within Isadella’s expectations. As the Empire’s Second Princess, she was well aware of how difficult it was to recruit talent. Based on the information she had, Shiayar Egutt was not particularly desirous of power or fa. Or rather, Shiayar did indeed crave power, but he only cared about the tangible benefits it brought, not the thrill of wielding power itself. This ant that the age-old tactic of monarchs using grand promises to recruit capable individuals was useless on him.
"When we conquer this realm, you shall rule the world alongside ."
"But what use do I have for this world?"
And so, a tale of a wise ruler and a worthy minister would fizzle out just like that.
However, the fact that Isadella had co to et Shiayar in person ant she had her own confidence.
Ceylon. His background with the "Winter Flower," and the catastrophe that befell Ceylon. And the "Crimson Rose" Borgia family lurking in the shadows. With such a past, Shiayar shared common ground with her, creating the possibility of cooperation. After all, the Borgia family was also one of the biggest enemies Isadella currently faced in the Empire Capital. Even so, Isadella was only fifty percent certain she could successfully recruit him. No one knew how much soone with such grand dreams truly cared about his past. If he were genuinely a saint, perfect in every way except for lust, then sothing like revenge might not affect his choices.
However, just as Isadella was about to reveal Ceylon, her final trump card, the young man’s voice sounded in her ear once more.
"So, Your Royal Highness,"
"What I an is—"
"You’ll have to pay extra."
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