Chapter 35 : The Iron-Blooded Emperor (1)

Emperor Raipen von Bahamut of the Bahamut Empire was in high spirits.

With everything proceeding exactly as he desired, it was impossible for him not to feel good.

If asked who irritated him the most recently, his answer would undoubtedly be “the Kingdom.”

Historical disputes and age-old grudges didn’t matter to Raipen—but the Kingdom had become an increasing annoyance lately.

In truth, he had often been tempted to declare the Kingdom an enemy and prepare for war.

However, the noble faction consistently opposed his plans, blocking his every attempt.

In particular, the influence of Duke Ifrit, leader of the noble faction, was difficult to ignore—even for Raipen.

After all, he owed a significant debt to the duke during the Winter War.

Strictly speaking, both nations saw each other as potential enemies, but there was a vast difference between merely harboring the thought and openly declaring it.

Even as Emperor, Raipen couldn’t overstep.

The Empire’s political structure had developed to check the Emperor’s absolute authority, a legacy of the catastrophic events a century ago.

The Winter of Destruction.

Once, the Emperor wielded absolute power that even challenged the heavens, but that authority crumbled within a single year of the Winter’s onset. Since then, the Emperor’s power had been restrained.

Or more accurately, it had been a justification put forth by Duke Ifrit, leader of the noble faction.

[“One hundred years ago, our Empire was dragged to the brink of hell by a mad Emperor who held absolute power. Your Majesty, let us not repeat history.”]

“Tsk, that damned old fox.”

He wasn’t wrong. Using the slogan “Never repeat the past,” Duke Ifrit had unified the fractured noble faction, forming a coalition strong enough to oppose the Emperor’s authority.

In terms of raw power, the Emperor’s faction was far stronger, but the noble faction’s unity, especially considering their role in the Winter War, was nothing short of remarkable.

However, even the noble faction, which frequently obstructed the Emperor’s plans, would have to relent if tensions with the Kingdom escalated further. Their role was to serve as a check, not to push unreasonable demands.

And if Wolfgang desired vengeance against the detestable Kingdom, Raipen was ready to wage war—even if it meant stepping down as Emperor.

He didn’t care.

He never wanted the throne in the first place.

The Emperor’s throne, the pinnacle of the Empire’s hierarchy, represented supreme authority.

Yet, Raipen, seated upon it, wore anything but a satisfied expression.

People might think he was mad.

But he truly missed the old days.

The days when he roamed the battlefield with her.

Raipen’s nostalgia was interrupted by the present beauty standing before him.

Approaching him with her rough, snowy-white hair swaying like blades of grass in the wind was none other than Wolfgang Leonhart.

With her coarse white hair and her single golden eye, she cut an unforgettable figure.

Raipen couldn’t help but smile as she entered.

“You’ve worked hard, Sir Leonhart.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I’ve come to request your permission for something.”

“What is it?”

“I believe I must briefly visit the Kingdom.”

Raipen’s pleasant smile instantly crumpled like paper. Did I just hear her right? His sharp gaze shifted to Galina standing behind Wolfgang.

He understood that look all too well.

He had felt the same once.

But Galina now wore a serene expression.

After all, Wolfgang had personally invited her along. What did that mean?

‘It means she doesn’t care about anyone else.’

For Galina, this was an opportunity—a rare chance to monopolize Wolfgang’s attention.

Though a few others might accompany them, she felt confident her charm would outshine theirs.

While Galina’s confidence and happiness twisted Raipen’s insides, he found himself utterly baffled.

What had Wolfgang said to make her so calm in the face of this ludicrous request?

Reeling as if struck by a meteor, Raipen pressed a finger to his temple.

There were many things he wanted to say, but one thing came out first:

“I absolutely cannot allow it.”

Who in their right mind would approve this?

The first attempt to gain approval failed spectacularly.

Wolfgang tried to reason with Raipen, but he stubbornly refused to entertain the idea, citing his busyness as an excuse.

As a result, Wolfgang had no choice but to retreat temporarily.

She had expected resistance but was taken aback by the sheer intensity of his opposition.

Not that his reasoning was difficult to grasp.

“I thought he’d at least hear me out.”

“Seriously?”

“Come on, don’t you ever want to hear the most absurd nonsense just once?”

“That’s true, but still, you’re really something, Captain.”

“What are you talking about? I’ve never committed a single crime in my life.”

Wolfgang sighed in frustration as she defended herself.

For now, she had no choice but to back down.

“I’ll have to try again later.”

“Looks like it.”

“In the meantime, let’s make some preparations.”

“I’ve already delivered your orders, Captain.”

If she were to visit the Kingdom, it would be on her own terms, using their methods against them.

However, the main obstacle was her position as the Eastern Defense Army’s commander.

If she were the Emperor and her commander suddenly announced plans to leave for a potential enemy, she would certainly intervene.

Thus, Wolfgang had begun the process of delegating her responsibilities.

She had already arranged for Black, the third-ranking officer of the Vendetta Legion, to act as her replacement.

[“I never agreed to be Commander.”]

[“There’s no one else for the job, Black.”]

[“…With that said, I can’t exactly refuse.”]

Black, whose tactical and strategic skills surpassed even Wolfgang’s, was a logical choice. For additional support, Natascha and Death would remain on standby as reserve forces.

[“Why am I just on standby? I want to go with you!”]

[“Carry. Out. The. Task. Assigned. To you.”]

[“You’re supposed to protest first! Don’t just accept it!”]

Preparations were moving smoothly.

All that remained was securing Raipen’s permission—a crucial step given the political landscape.

Returning to the Kingdom as Wolfgang Leonhart would undoubtedly provoke tensions, potentially leading to war. Her name carried that much weight.

However, she had another name to use: Lana Frost.

An exiled villainess returning as a war hero to settle old scores—it was a compelling narrative.

To further strengthen her case, Theodore was on standby within the Eastern Defense Army.

For reasons she couldn’t understand, Raipen seemed to dislike Theodore immensely.

“This should convince Raipen, don’t you think? It’s not a bad plan, right?”

Resting in the chambers Raipen had provided, Wolfgang laid out her strategy to Galina. However, Galina didn’t appear entirely convinced.

“I don’t think Raipen will ever approve this.”

“What’s the problem? I have a valid reason, and I’ve made sure the Eastern Defense Army won’t be left vulnerable.”

“That’s not the issue here.”

If it were anyone else, they might have a chance. But for those within the Vendetta Legion, it was clear why Raipen would refuse.

‘To Raipen, it’s not about the reason, Captain.’

Wolfgang’s plan had the potential to plunge the Kingdom into chaos—a situation that should be ideal for someone like Raipen, who saw the Kingdom as a thorn in his side.

But no one welcomes the idea of sending their beloved into danger.

The sole reason Raipen ascended the throne was to protect Wolfgang.