Chapter 91: The Holy Empire #2

Chapter 91: The Holy Empire #2

Should I bind her, or not?

Julius pondered for a long time about how to treat me.

Even for a war veteran, this was his first time experiencing such a situation.

“The Lich is not a defeated enemy. She came to us of her own volition. Therefore, there is no justification to treat her like a criminal yet. We can say we are on equal footing.”

Julius finally made his decision and instructed his adjutant.

“However, this person is an enemy of the Empire. She’s not a guest to be treated with utmost respect. We must be prepared to subdue her at any moment if the situation changes. Therefore, I will personally monitor her.”

And so, I headed towards the Imperial capital, sitting in the back seat of the carriage, next to Julius.

“Don’t do anything rash, Lich. I even sleep with my hand on my sword hilt.”

Julius sternly warned me, but it was a futile effort anyway.

I truly had no intention of fighting them. While I didn’t think I would lose, there was no need to waste my strength needlessly.

“Is that so? But do you have anything to eat?”

“⋯Food?”

“I’m hungry. Do you have any snacks?”

Julius glanced at me with disbelief.

“You’re not human, are you? Do you need to consume food?”

“Hey, what are you talking about? I have to eat to live. So, do you have it or not?”

“⋯Adjutant, bring me some jerky.”

I chewed on the horse jerky that the adjutant handed me while looking out the carriage window.

Julius’s head was probably throbbing, but his subordinates’ faces were bright.

They looked relieved to be able to return home without shedding needless blood.

“Excuse me, Mr. Lich? Do you need anything to drink?”

The adjutant hesitated and asked me.

“We have orange juice and beer. If you wish…”

“You! Do you think you’re a tour guide now? There’s no need to fawn over this person!”

“Ah, yes!”

After hearing Julius’s reprimand, the adjutant scratched the back of his head and retreated sheepishly.

“Still, it’s fortunate I met an understanding gentleman. Thanks to you, I didn’t have to go through unnecessary trouble.”

“I have no idea what you’re thinking, but if you’re trying to persuade me with your sweet talk, give it up. You are an enemy of the Empire. Let me be clear, even if you go to the capital, a pleasant outcome will not await you.”

“That ‘enemy of the Empire’ thing was decided by Michael anyway, wasn’t it?”

For a moment, Julius’s eyebrows furrowed.

The Empire’s generals were very displeased with the current situation, where they moved like puppets under Michael’s command.

Some generals openly declared that the true enemy of the Empire was not anyone else but Michael, that arrogant brat.

“⋯That is not something I, a warrior, should concern myself with. Nor is it something you should concern yourself with.”

“Well, I wonder. Perhaps soon, it’ll not be a matter of indifference to you either.”

Julius tried to ignore my words, but his curiosity eventually got the better of him, and he opened his mouth.

“What do you mean? Do you know something?”

“You will know without me telling you. Well, to give you a simple hint-“

I deliberately paused and slowly chewed on the jerky. It was made of good quality meat, so it was quite edible.

“The Empire will soon descend into chaos.”

***

The Empire needs no other epithet.

Even the barbarians of the North and the heathens of the South understand the meaning of the short word ‘Empire.’

The nation blessed by the sun. The strongest hegemon on the continent, and the master that determines the world’s order.

I have now entered the capital, the heart of the Empire.

This means we have entered the final phase of the game.

“Don’t cause any unnecessary commotion, Lich. Follow me obediently.”

Julius issued a stern warning.

The fact that I, an enemy of the Empire, was brought here is still a secret to everyone except a few individuals. Even to other generals of the Empire.

By now, generals from all over the country, unaware that I, the target of this war, am already in the capital, are likely engrossed in their operations with heightened tension.

I could vividly imagine their anger when they hear the news later. It’s not just a matter of trust; it’s truly inefficient to deceive even one’s own allies.

However, that inefficiency is also intentional on the Empire’s part.

Sometimes, intentional inefficiency, rather than precise efficiency like a machine, becomes the secret to operating an organization.

No nation had as many secrets as the Empire. No, the Empire itself was a giant secret.

Important information was scattered like puzzle pieces throughout, and only one person had the authority to access all of it.

The Emperor? No.

Knight Commander Michael. He decided which information to bring to the surface and which to bury deep in the shadows.

‘He intends to assess me after meeting me. This is not bad news for me.’

I silently followed Julius, walking through the secret underground passages of the capital.

These hidden paths, spread like an intricate spiderweb beneath the capital, were known only to a very select few.

Of course, only Michael knew the map showing all the paths. Ah, but there was one other person.

‘That would be me.’

If Michael, the player character, knew, it was only natural that I, who controlled him, would also know.

“No matter how many times I come here, I never get used to these paths.”

Julius muttered softly. Julius had taken wrong turns multiple times and had to backtrack.

It wasn’t Julius’s fault. It was a maze designed to get lost. Not everyone could memorize the map in their heads like me or Michael.

‘I should turn left here…’

My lips itched to give him advice, but I managed to hold back.

In this world, being ignorant of something is painful, but having to pretend ignorance when you know is even more painful.

After wandering for over an hour, we finally reached our destination.

“If you go up, you should be able to meet Michael.”

Julius pointed to a magi-tech elevator with his finger.

“As I’ve said many times, don’t have any unnecessary thoughts. Even if you kill Michael, this is the heart of the Empire’s capital. There are plenty of people who can subdue you.”

I already knew that. No matter how strong I’m now, it would be difficult for me alone to cause a ruckus in the capital.

Unless I used cheat codes.

“Besides, even if I don’t like him, Michael is strong. He won’t go down easily.”

Is it just my imagination? But Julius’s face seemed to subtly hold an expectation that I would defeat Michael.

‘Our hero lord has many enemies.’

I had already guessed, but it became clear that none of the generals thought highly of Michael.

Of course. He’s young, competent, and handsome. That alone is enough to incur the hatred of his male peers.

Moreover, he holds proud generals in his grasp and controls them as he pleases, so it would be more surprising if there were generals who liked Michael.

I took the elevator to the upper floor. If my prediction is correct, this should be the headquarters of the Empire’s Sun Knights.

Clunk-

The elevator stopped, and a long corridor with a red carpet unfolded before me.

There were no visible guards in sight. However, I could feel eyes quietly watching me from the shadows.

At the end of the carpet was a large door, waiting for me.

“I’m going in.”

There was no answer.

I opened the door and entered without waiting.

A knight in armor, wearing a white cloak, stood by the window.

I had seen many warriors, but he was the first person whose mere back exuded such an aura.

A back that was like a work of art, one I could gaze at endlessly.

‘Michael.’

Finally, I met him.

It was a moment of deep emotion.

‘His aura is incredible.’

Even I, the Lich, notorious as the Lord of Death, felt my presence dwarfed by Michael’s.

I shook my head vigorously.

Don’t be intimidated. I’m not an ordinary person either.

I’m far greater than Michael, and I know far more.

I also know that his terrifying aura is merely due to the passive skills “Sacred Radiance” and “Heroic Presence.”

And those skills were merely bestowed upon him by me.

‘I made you, Michael.’

Until now, I had been swept along by the inexplicable anomalies within the world of “Nine Stars.”

But now, I will set destiny right myself.

“Lich.”

Finally, Michael spoke.

Michael slowly turned his head and gazed at me. His gaze was beautiful, yet empty.

Just moments ago, I thought Michael was like a work of art.

That first impression was accurate. This guy is a sculpture carved by a master craftsman.

Therefore, he has no human soul. He’s merely a perfectly refined carving.

“You must hate me.”

Michael said.

“Unexpected. I didn’t anticipate you coming alone to request a meeting. But that’s all. If your goal was to catch me off guard, you succeeded, but nothing has changed.”

“Still, you surprised me.”

“If that satisfies you, then congratulations.”

A cold sneer flickered across Michael’s lips.

“So, what do you want to do now? Whatever you plan, it’ll be futile.”

“I have a proposal.”

I smiled confidently.

Strangely, a competitive spirit flared within me.

If I fought him one-on-one right now, what would be the outcome? Could I win?

According to my calculations, with my current strength, it’s a fight I could take on. However, I cannot be 100% certain of victory.

“Let me tell you in advance, I will refuse any proposal. Anyway, speak your mind.”

“What a mouth…”

I clicked my tongue and got to the point.

From now on, the final plan to clear “Nine Stars” begins.

“Let’s divide the world. You and I, together, can do it.”