Chapter 24 : Empress Maker-4 Part-1

In ancient times, there existed numerous reasons that enabled the empire to exert dominance over its surrounding nations, yet one specific military unit was frequently highlighted as the primary factor:

The Iron-Blooded Hounds.

This military faction epitomized the ferocious image of relentless dogs savagely attacking their foes until the battlefield was awash in blood, establishing themselves as the empire’s foremost catalysts for triumph.

Unwavering in the face of death, perpetually positioned at the forefront of battle, and unhesitant in their willingness to eliminate adversaries, the Iron-Blooded Hounds secured their reputation as fearless and formidable warriors.

Their enemies, when confronted with their piercing gaze, would frequently find themselves immobilized by fear, with some even hastily retreating in terror.

Upon learning about their infamous notoriety, one could be led to believe that they were a group that reveled in reckless acts of violence wherever they roamed.

In truth, they displayed a level of kindness towards their fellow compatriots that surpassed that of anyone else.

This was largely attributed to the fact that their commander happened to be the esteemed leader of the Imperial Knights, which stood as the empire’s most formidable and influential military presence.

Commander Melinda, the renowned knight leader, was a figure that many imperial soldiers looked up to as she always led from the front.

With a wealth of experience, having fought in more than a hundred battlefields, she was respected and admired by all who served under her.

Surviving the most perilous wars through sheer tenacity and seizing victory, Melinda emerged as a symbol of hope and courage for all who witnessed her feats.

Despite her possession of overwhelming strength, it was her unyielding bravery that ultimately paved the way to triumph.

“I often heard people say that the tide of war would shift the moment she appeared on the battlefield.”

Even the emperor, who was known for his love of war, did not underestimate her importance.

If she could be convinced to join them as an ally, success was guaranteed.

That’s why Ariel made an effort to reach out to her early in the conflict.

Unfortunately, the attempt was unsuccessful.

After her retirement, she disappeared without leaving any clues behind, making it extremely challenging to locate her.

In an effort to fill the vacancy left by her departure, her former subordinates were approached for potential promotion, however, they turned down the offers without any hesitation.

“Even Armin tried something similar and failed, so I thought we’d never see her again…”

And yet, there she stood, the legend herself, now making her presence known on the battlefield, taking charge and leading her former comrades into battle.

This accomplishment was something that neither Ariel nor Armin had been able to achieve, but now it had finally come to pass.

“I still find it hard to believe, but… there’s a possibility that makes sense.”

If the mentor Siyoon mentioned was indeed her influence, it is possible that Melinda decided to join the war because of him.

Ariel silently watched and took note of Siyoon’s gestures and movements.

Currently, Siyoon was positioned in front of Melinda, obstructing her route and engaged in conversation with her.

“It’s been a long time, Master! Have you been well?”

“Oh? You’ve grown a lot since I last saw you, little—no, my disciple.”

“Pfft! Commander, are you really still calling a grown man ‘little one’?”

“Shut it! I’ll call my disciple whatever I want!”

“Honestly, your affection for your disciple is as excessive as ever.”

“Who are you telling? She even dragged us all here just because he asked!”

Melinda’s subordinates shook their heads in a manner that suggested they were exasperated.

However, despite being brought into a war against their will, none of them appeared to be particularly displeased.

Some of them twitched restlessly as if they were excited, while others openly grinned with anticipation.

Even in their post-retirement years, the rabid dogs still carried within them the memories of triumph and the intoxicating scent of blood.

Each member of the pack was a seasoned warrior with scars and stories of facing the brink of death.

Every victory won and every drop of blood shed had left an indelible mark on them, shaping them into fearless and relentless fighters, even in the twilight of their lives.

“Master, did you really come here because of my letter?”

“Yes. You, who never asked me for anything, suddenly had a once-in-a-lifetime request. How could I ignore it?”

“Thank you for granting my unreasonable request. What I wanted to ask of you is—”

“Before that, disciple, what happened to your left arm?”

“Ah! If you mean how I got this prosthetic, it’s a long story, so I’ll explain later—”

“No, that’s not what I meant. I’m asking how your perfectly fine arm ended up gone in the first place.”

Melinda exuded a formidable, deadly aura that seemed to spread in every direction she turned.

Those who were in her presence reacted in various ways – her once upbeat subordinates now wore forced smiles, clearly affected by the intense energy she emitted.

Siyoon, who directly faced her unwavering gaze, felt a chilling sensation as if his mouth had suddenly gone dry, giving him an unsettling feeling in the pit of his stomach.

“I was careless…”

In the past, when he was faced with no other option but to offer up his left arm as a sacrifice to the emperor, Siyoon was meticulous in making sure that this information never made its way to his master’s knowledge.

Throughout his correspondence, he made a point to only depict his days as tranquil and harmonious, providing reassurances to her that he was thriving.

Melinda, having stepped back from her role and retired, had grown disinterested in the empire’s happenings.

She held the firm belief that her disciple, Siyoon, did not need to attain any extraordinary military accomplishments.

“I thought you were training outside the battlefield to become a knight commander.
But instead, you lost your arm and had already retired from the front lines…!”

“S-Sensei, I haven’t retired. I only stepped away from the battlefield to serve as the princess’s guard.”

“That’s the same as retirement! Babysitting the princess is no different!”

Siyoon found the reasoning presented to him by the other person to be completely illogical and irrational, but he refrained from expressing his disagreement out loud.

He was acutely aware of the repercussions that could arise if he were to antagonize her, especially when she was feeling upset or irritated.

Instead, he made the decision to carefully and calmly respond to her inquiries, ensuring that his answers were straightforward and that he maintained a demeanor of courtesy and respect towards her.

“Who was it?”

“…Pardon?”

“Who did this to your arm?”

“The emperor.”

Why bother hiding it when the truth was already plain for all to see? Siyoon, unburdened by the weight of deceit, fearlessly revealed the facts without a second thought.

The emperor, having passed away, left no need for secrecy or deception in the matter at hand.

So Siyoon spoke with clarity and honesty, unafraid of the consequences, knowing that the truth would prevail in the end.

“Indeed, there wouldn’t have been anyone other than the emperor capable of taking your arm. I’d like to hold him accountable, but from what I’ve heard, the emperor is already dead, isn’t he?”

“That’s correct! So, wouldn’t it be best to let go of your anger?”

“Then I’ll just have to hold his children responsible! I know you asked me not to reveal that I am your master, but how can I just stand by when my disciple has ended up like this?”

Siyoon was taken by surprise when he realized that Melinda’s anger was not directed towards him, but towards another target.

As he watched his master tighten her grip on the reins, a sense of dread washed over him and he couldn’t help but think that his fate was sealed.

Melinda was known for her unwavering determination once she had made up her mind, and there was no turning back for her.

In that moment, all Siyoon could do was divert her sword away from Ariel, knowing that he had to protect those around him from the fury of Melinda’s wrath.

“Her Highness the Princess accepted me even after I lost my arm. If you must hold someone accountable, I’d prefer you direct your anger at Crown Prince Armin.”

“I’ll decide that for myself after seeing things with my own eyes. So, how exactly did you lose your arm?”

“I made a critical mistake during my first mission as a knight, and I had to take responsibility for it.”

“You? Got arrogant and reckless? If that’s the case, losing just one arm was actually a light punishment—”

Melinda came to an abrupt halt in her speech as her gaze fixed on the sight before her: a knight, accompanied by a vast army, was making their way towards her from the very direction she had been staring at.

Despite being fully aware of the potential danger, Melinda noted that the knight did not exude any immediate hostility.

On the contrary, the knight who was leading the charge seemed to be in high spirits, a warm smile adorning his face as he approached.

“Could it be…? Are you the former Knight Commander, Melinda?”

“…Who are you?”

“Haha! I am Theonar von Pendence, the current Commander of the Imperial Knights. It is truly an honor to meet a living legend of the empire!”

Theonar gracefully dismounted from his elegant black stallion, his polished riding boots hitting the ground with a soft thud.

Approaching Melinda with a respectful bow, he greeted her with the utmost courtesy, his warm smile revealing perfect teeth beneath his neatly trimmed mustache.

As he straightened up, it was evident that Theonar carried himself with the poise and grace befitting of a man of noble birth.

His chiseled jawline, piercing blue eyes, and effortlessly styled chestnut hair all hinted at a life of privilege and refinement.

In stark contrast, Melinda stood tall and strong, her brown hair pulled back in a practical ponytail.

Her weathered hands and sturdy armor told a different story – one of hard work, determination, and perseverance.

Despite being a commoner, she had risen to the esteemed rank of knight commander through sheer skill and dedication.