Episode 187. Imperial Order (4)
“Rubin.”
The dusk hall became much quieter.
It was the Siren who sent away not only the Dark Spirits, but also the vassals of the main family, including Damon. Dorian, who was also of the same Roinen bloodline, was no exception.
“Tell me. The three plans you came up with. If you can convince me and the Dark Spirits, I will gladly tell Your Majesty.”
As Caban Crokison has pointed out, the emperor did not give freedom to new opinions.
However, it was possible for Siren. She was the head of the Assassin’s Blade family and the Emperor’s half-sister.
Above all, it was the most useful assassination sword for the Emperor. She had never failed in an assassination before, and this was the reason why she was allowed to speak.
The problem came next.
Telmah would forgive him for suggesting something new, but if it was an absurd plan, he would surely be even more angry. So if it wasn’t a plan that could convince the emperor, it was better not to mention it in the first place.
Rubin took a deep breath and said,
“Your Majesty and the Dark Spirits. I will stimulate the desires within you.”
“Stimulates desire?”
“I will be the sacrifice.”
I will be a sacrifice. The silence brought about by Rubin’s words. Siren, who was looking at her son, quietly closes her eyes.
Of course, his mother had also considered this move. She just couldn’t bring herself to say it. Rubin thought so as he watched the despairing Siren.
“Of course, it will be important how the sacrifice is made.”
“…Please continue speaking.”
“I will take action on behalf of all the children of the collateral line, including Heukyeong.”
Are you going to enter the palace? Are you going to serve in the imperial army? As if he had guessed Siren’s question, Rubin immediately continued speaking.
“It’s neither the palace nor the Imperial Army. I will carry out my mission whenever His Majesty the Emperor desires. Whether it’s an assassination mission or an intelligence mission.”
The next moment, Siren swallowed her words.
‘You are only thirteen years old.’
Sure, he may be the strongest and most menacing thirteen-year-old on the continent.
“But, Mother.”
“… … ?”
Mother. It was an unfamiliar title for Siren. All three brothers had to learn the word ‘Master’ before ‘Mother.’
Such titles are not a family rule, but a culture that was naturally brought about by the cool family customs.
Of course, Rubin had referred to Siren as his mother in front of others, but this was the first time he had called her that directly.
“I’m not trying to make sacrifices. I’m choosing to grow.”
“… … .”
“I will endure the punishment given by His Majesty the Emperor and raise my level.”
Training alone was not enough to overcome the 5-star wall. As I realized while eliminating Rosenthaler, fighting against an opponent and having that kind of experience is what can lead to growth that surpasses limits.
‘But it’s meaningless if I grow up alone.’
If the request is accepted as intended, Rubin will be given regular missions.
It was also clear that as the number of times I completed them increased, the missions that would become more difficult would become assigned to me.
so-
“Whenever I undertake a mission, I ask that you allow me to choose one of the children of the collateral line as my companion.”
“Not only did you ask to go on a mission alone, but you also want to bring your collateral children with you?”
“Compared to the three options I requested, I don’t think this is anything special.”
“Why is that? Is it to increase the probability of completing the mission?”
“For external reasons, yes.”
“Then what is the real reason?”
“I want to grow myself, while also growing the children of my collateral family.”
“Growing together… … .”
“There are many talented people who will shine in the Assassination Swordsmanship. They are the ones who can push out those selfish dark spirits of today.”
Hamil Kunitli, Blane Krieger, Kun Crokisson.
Of course, Kun still wasn’t sure. Even though he was envious of that great talent, he had to wait and see if he could properly control that guy’s heart.
But there are many others as well. There were many talented children who only heard of their fame in their previous lives.
‘I can’t just stand by and watch those kids fall to their deaths.’
“Don’t you know that the Black Shadow is a force that checks the main family? Do you think that if you raise those children, they will become the main family’s personal guard?”
“Well, I don’t know about the guards, but I would be happy to be the vanguard.”
He was called the ‘vanguard’ because he had to prepare for war with Telmah. Siren doesn’t seem to take that word seriously though.
Siren thought for a moment. Then she nodded slightly.
“Yes, good. Plan 3 and your additional request. There will be many advantages if you take on the mission with the collateral children.”
Rubin is now attracting the attention of the Imperial Order. Not only did he pass the exam with excellent grades, but he is also active in the Education Committee. He is also much stronger than his age. That means he is at great risk of being targeted.
But if you do it the way Rubin did, you can hide your skills. It will give the Imperial Department time to accurately judge Rubin’s level.
‘This will also establish the justification.’
The main family volunteers to carry out the mission together with the collateral line. This is an opportunity to once again prove the validity of the Assassin Sword Training method.
“Even if you grant permission, it will be conditional. It means that options 1 and 2 are not being discarded. They will be implemented the moment you fail.”
“Even if it’s just a waste of time, I don’t mind.”
“Are you sure you won’t die?”
Siren smirked. Her confidence was endless. When she looked at Rubin, it was like seeing herself, lost long ago.
Emperor Telmach, who was like a light illuminating the entire continent. As his empire and his power grew to perfection, the Sirens, who were beings of darkness, had no choice but to live within the empire’s shackles.
‘But this child is cracking the despair I hold inside me.’
I had no choice but to admit that the plan Rubin had suggested was the best way to protect the Assassination Swordsmanship.
As Rubin said, that would be a driving force for growth and could even convince the dark shadows.
“The Dark Spirits will welcome the fact that I am receiving a mission from the Imperial Command.”
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The Dark Spirits had read Siren’s trust in Rubin. Furthermore, they knew that Rubin’s realm was not ordinary because they had dark affinity. Marek and Diven had also experienced it firsthand.
Another amazing family head could be born to follow in the footsteps of Siren. What if Rubin, who is like that, volunteers to receive the punishment of the Imperial Order?
Heukyeong had no reason to refuse, and in reality, he didn’t want to refuse.
“Rubin.”
Siren stood up from her chair. Then she looked at Rubin. Her decision had already been made. She would accept Rubin’s will.
But then I suddenly became curious.
“What is your goal? Is it to become endlessly strong like the Dark Shadows? Or is it to become the head of the Roinen family, the one I’m sitting in?”
Rubin always had a prepared answer. Becoming stronger and becoming the head of a household were all paths that ultimately led to only one thing.
“It is to protect the family line.”
“From what?”
For a moment, small memories of Rubin flashed through Siren’s mind. Although he was a cold-hearted head of the household, she felt strange feelings toward him.
Rubin was planned and desperate from a younger age than he is now. Haneke’s blade fragments, Tina, Cuse, Capotini… all of these were Rubin’s unwavering decisions.
On the outside, Rubin looked relaxed and confident, but on the other hand, he seemed to be preparing for something. Siren saw right through it.
however-
“What are you trying to protect your family from?”
I couldn’t even guess what was driving that child.
To this, Rubin gave a clear answer.
“My answer is not limited to the word ‘from what.’ I intend to protect the family ‘no matter what.’”
Siren chuckled.
She called to her attendants who were waiting outside the twilight hall.
The door opened. Damon, Killian, and Kuze were waiting for orders.
“Go and bring the black spirits.”
* * *
The dark shadows returned to the twilight hall.
They immediately noticed the changed layout of the Twilight Hall. Rubin was standing right in front of the chairman. And next to Rubin stood Damon, Killian, and Kuze.
Even so, the sight of the two vassals looking down on Rubin created a strange sense of pressure in the Black Spirits.
“Haha, I guess the master has been persuaded!”
Diven shouted loudly. Caban Crokison and Desril Rildens, who usually disliked Diven, grimaced openly.
Even though Devon didn’t shout, everyone was thinking the same thing.
“Rubin. Tell the Black Spirits what you want.”
With Siren’s permission, Rubin revealed his room. The dark shadows waited silently until Rubin finished speaking.
When Rubin finished speaking, Diven laughed heartily again.
“I never thought this would be the plan. If I do this, my family will have to shoulder everything.”
Shakes also had something to say.
“That’s truly a heroic tale. It would make a good story for my next play.”
Marek just scratched his pale face, and Anon just smiled with a somewhat uncomprehending expression.
Lil Jeppard crossed his arms silently, and Caban half-bowed his head and touched his forehead for no reason.
Then suddenly, a burst of applause caught everyone’s attention, and it was Benik Benard.
Benic stood up and looked at the other dark figures with an expression that seemed to exude a sense of victory.
“This is a decision that would put an old man to shame. Even if Your Majesty chooses a child from our Benar family as his first companion, I will send him off without any regrets.”
“Benik, don’t go ahead. The Emperor hasn’t given you permission yet.”
Caban’s voice was filled with irritation.
“Anyway, the Dark Spirits are all in favor, right, Caban Crokison?”
“… … .”
“If the Emperor knew that all eight of the Black Shadows agreed, he would be much more lenient.”
As expected, there was no opposition among the black shadows. Some might even have secretly cheered.
“Now all we have to do is wait for tomorrow when Lord Rulfo returns.”
But then-
“No, you can prepare to leave in advance.”
Siren spoke with a confident expression. The dark figures all looked surprised.
“…yes?”
“Your Majesty despises hesitation. As the head of the Imperial Department said.”
“then…….”
“Since the Black Spirits have all agreed, is there any need to delay any longer? Above all, it is unbearable that there is a Grandbird wandering around the Roinen Mansion. I will personally go to the head of the Imperial Order Department, together with Rubin.”
If the Emperor refused, they would have to fight with the Dark Spirits again over Plan 1 and Plan 2, but Siren was confident that Plan 3 would be accepted.
She was bolder than before the family crisis, and no one in the Dark Hall knew why.
It must be because of Rubin’s influence. The family is inspired by their son’s courage and pride.
Although it was not announced, this place was practically showcasing Rubin Roinen as the next head of the family.
“I’ll be back soon.”
Rubin bowed to the eight lords. Then the black spirits greeted him as well.
From Heukyeong’s perspective, not only was there no damage, but the main family was left to shoulder the entire crisis, so it should be considered the most satisfactory outcome. However, somehow, the aftertaste was bitter.
Because it was a moment when the pride I had held as a black shadow for a long time was crushed.
And this was also another effect Rubin intended.
Thud thud.
Rubin left the Twilight Hall with Siren, and the door slammed shut. The dark figures remained silent for a long time, standing there dumbfounded.
* * *
Saaaaah.
A single Roinecrow flying through the foggy wall surrounding the Roine Manor.
Red-eyed Roinecrow Roho.
Siren was on top of it. Rubin was holding the handle tied to Roho’s leg.
Even with two people on board, Roho’s wings flapped powerfully.
A moment later, another Roynecro flew in next to Roho with a flapping sound. Siren glanced into Tina’s mint-colored eyes.
“Tina.”
“Hello, Siren? It’s been a while. Even though Roho is the strongest Roinecro, wouldn’t it be difficult to take him all the way to Rubin? It’s a one-person ride, right?”
Siren laughed as if it was ridiculous.
“I gave you an excuse because your destination was Grandbird. You seem to be less fearful than before.”
“You weren’t afraid to begin with? Well… I guess I’m becoming more and more reckless as I live as your youngest son’s Royne Crow.”
Rubin and Tina exchange glances. As Tina adjusts her wings and flies below Roho, Rubin lands on top of her.
Wheeeeeek. Wheeeeeek.
Two Roynecros soared toward the clouds. Tina whispered through the sound of the strong wind.
“Rubin. Is it okay if I don’t notify Rulfo’s Grandbird in advance?”
“There’s no need for that.”
“What if the Imperial Guard mistakes us for intruders and attacks us?”
“The pants I was hoping for.”
Tina opened her beak to say, “Well then, that’s right,” and let out a croak.
And so, before we knew it, we were in the skies above Grandbird. Fortunately, no one seemed to have noticed. This was because we had deliberately chosen to fly higher in order to avoid being detected by Grandbird.
“Get down, Rubin.”
“Yes, my lord.”
Tina’s beak pointed down. She folded her wings and began to rush towards Grandbird. The wind in the sky was torn apart, revealing Grandbird’s massive body.
Only then did Granbird notice Roinecrow’s approach and let out a loud cry. Rubin inwardly braced himself.
‘Telmach, let me go inside your mouth myself. I hate sitting still and waiting.’
