Holy Empire #2

 

Should I tie it or not?

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

Even though he is a war expert, this is probably his first time experiencing a situation like this.

“Rich isn’t a loser. He came to us on his own two feet. So there’s no justification for treating him like a criminal. We can say we’re on equal footing.”

Julius finally came to a conclusion and gave instructions to his adjutant.

“However, this man is an enemy of the Empire. He’s not a guest worthy of our utmost respect. We must be prepared to subdue him at any moment should the situation change. Therefore, I will personally supervise him.”

So I sat in the back of the carriage, next to Julius, and headed to the imperial capital.

“Don’t do anything rash, Richie. Even when I go to bed, I sleep with my hand on the hilt of my sword.”

Julius warned me firmly, but it was all a waste of time.

I really don’t intend to fight them. I don’t think I’d lose, but there’s no need to waste my energy on them.

“Okay. But is there anything to eat?”

“⋯What to eat?”

“I’m hungry. If you have any snacks, bring them out.”

Julius looked at me in disbelief.

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

“Hey, what are you talking about? You have to eat to live. Oh, so is it okay?”

“⋯Adjutant, bring me some jerky.”

I chewed on the beef jerky the adjutant handed me and looked out the carriage window.

Julius must be feeling dizzy right now, but his subordinates’ faces were bright.

The relief that he was able to return home without shedding blood in vain was palpable.

“Hey, Mr. Richie? Do you need anything to drink?”

The adjutant hesitated and asked me.

“We have orange juice and beer. If you’d like⋯.”

“You! Are you thinking you’re some kind of tour guide? There’s no need to be so desperate to him!”

“Oh, yes!”

After hearing Julius’s scolding, the adjutant scratched the back of his head and backed away in embarrassment.

“Still, I’m glad I met a man I can communicate with. Thanks to you, I’ve saved myself from unnecessary trouble.”

“I have absolutely no idea what you’re thinking, but if you’re trying to persuade me with your tongue, then stop. You’re an enemy of the Empire. I assure you, even if you go to the capital, a pleasant ending awaits you.”

“That empire’s enemy, wasn’t that something Michael decided anyway?”

For a moment, Julius’s eyebrows furrowed.

The generals of the empire are very unhappy with the current situation where they are being manipulated like puppets under Michael’s orders.

Among the generals, there were those who openly declared that the enemy of the Empire was none other than that arrogant little Michael.

“⋯That’s none of my concern, unmanned. And it’s none of your concern either.”

“Well, I guess so. Maybe after a while, it won’t be just someone else’s problem for you either.”

Julius tried to ignore me, but eventually his curiosity gave way and he opened his mouth.

“What do you mean? What do you know, sir?”

“You’ll know without me having to tell you. Well, let me just give you a quick hint—”

I deliberately took my time chewing the jerky. It was made of high-quality meat, so it was quite edible.

“The empire will soon be in chaos.”

***

The Empire needs no other adjectives.

Both the barbarians of the North and the pagans of the South understand what is meant by the mere word ‘Empire’.

A nation blessed by the sun. The continent’s most powerful hegemon and the master of world order.

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

This means that we are now in the final stages of the game.

“Don’t even think about causing a fuss, Richie. Just follow me.”

Julius made a threat.

The fact that I, an enemy of the Empire, was brought here remains a secret to all but a few, even to the other generals of the Empire.

By now, the generals of each region are probably tense and focused on futile operations, unaware that I, the target of this war, have already arrived in the capital.

I could vividly picture him exploding with anger when he heard the news later.

Even deceiving your own allies is truly inefficient, beyond the question of trust. However, this inefficiency was also intentional on the part of the Empire.

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

No nation held as many secrets as the Empire. No, the Empire was the very secret itself.

Crucial information was scattered like puzzle pieces, and only one person had access to it all.

Emperor? No.

Knight Commander Michael. He decided which information would surface and which would remain hidden in the shadows.

“I guess you’re planning to meet me and decide how to handle it. That’s not bad news for me.”

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

These hidden paths, scattered like an elaborate spider web beneath the capital, were known only to a very select few.

Of course, only Michael knows the map with all the paths marked. Oh, and there’s one more person, too.

‘That’s me.’

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

“No matter how many times I come here, this road just never seems familiar.”

Julius grumbled softly. He had taken the wrong path several times and had to turn back.

It wasn’t his fault. It was a maze designed to be lost in the first place. Not everyone can memorize a map like Nana and Michael.

‘You have to turn left here…’

My mouth was itching to chew, but I barely held back.

It is painful to be ignorant of something in this world, but it is even more painful to know something and pretend not to know it.

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

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

Julius pointed to the magic elevator with his finger.

“I’ve told you countless times, don’t waste your time thinking about useless things. 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 know that. No matter how strong I am now, it’s difficult to wreak havoc in the capital on my own.

I wonder if it would be okay if I used a cheat key.

“Besides, even though he’s not my type, Michael is strong. He won’t be taken lightly.”

Could it be my imagination? As he spoke, Julius’s face seemed to secretly hope that I would take care of Michael.

‘Our hero has many enemies.’

I had already guessed, but it became clear that none of the generals had a favorable view of Michael.

Of course. Young, capable, and handsome. That alone would be enough to incur the hatred of his fellow males.

He was in a position where he could control the proud generals and do whatever he wanted, so it would be even more surprising if there was a general who liked Michael.

I took the elevator up to the upper floor. If my guess was correct, this was probably the headquarters of the Imperial Knights of the Sun.

Rattling—

The elevator stopped, and a long hallway covered in red carpet unfolded before my eyes.

For now, there are no visible watchers. However, I feel eyes silently watching me from the shadows here and there.

At the end of the carpet, there is a huge door waiting for me.

“Going in.”

There was no answer.

I opened the door without permission and went in.

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

I’ve seen countless warriors, but this guy was the first one whose aura I could feel just by standing there with his back.

A back view like a work of art that you want to admire endlessly.

‘Michael.’

Finally, I met this guy.

It was a new experience.

‘The force is no joke.’

Even I, who was notorious as the Lord of Death, felt like I was being overshadowed by Michael.

I shook my head.

Let’s not be discouraged. I’m not just some ordinary person who’s so easily fooled.

I am much more amazing than Michael, and I know much more.

I also know that that guy’s terrifying aura is simply due to his passive skills, “Divine Glow” and “Hero’s Momentum.”

And that skill is just something I personally chose and gave to the guy.

‘I created you, Michael.’

Until now, I have been caught up in an unknown anomaly and have been tossed around in the world of “Nine Stars.”

But now I will take matters into my own hands.

“Rich.”

Finally, Michael opened his mouth.

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

Just now I saw Michael and thought he was a work of art.

My first impression was correct. This guy is a statue carved with the skill of a master craftsman.

So, this guy has no human soul. He’s just a perfectly polished piece.

“You must hate me.”

Michael said.

“That’s surprising. I didn’t expect you to come here alone and ask to see me. But that’s all. If your intention was to catch me off guard, you succeeded, but nothing has changed.”

“Still, it surprised me.”

“If you’re satisfied with that, congratulations.”

A cold sneer appeared on Michael’s lips.

“So, what do you want to do now? Whatever you try to do, it’s probably useless.”

“I have a suggestion.”

I smiled confidently.

Strangely enough, a sense of triumph welled up in my chest.

If I were to fight this guy one-on-one right now, what would the outcome be? Would I win?

Calculating, I think it’s worth a try given my abilities. However, I can’t be 100% sure I’ll win.

“I’ll tell you in advance that I will reject any offer. Anyway, say whatever you want.”

“What are you talking about⋯.”

I clicked my tongue and got to the point.

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

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