#152
Imperial Rebellion (2)
The city of Tarak in the Kingdom of Tulk was bustling with people again today.
The number of monsters coming down from the northern mountain range has decreased, and large forces have begun to reside around the Steel Citadel, so stability is slowly being restored, but…
Since the situation has not yet completely ended, it was easy to see mercenaries and even merchants moving busily throughout the streets.
And of course, Hubert Trading Company, which had grown into one of the largest trading houses in Tarak, was also one of them.
“···Then let’s handle that matter like that. What were the results of the appraisal of the jewels you entrusted to us earlier?”
The office of the president of Hubert’s Company in the large building where the company is located.
Hubert, who had recently returned from long-term care, was looking through some paperwork when he glanced at an executive.
“Yes, I asked Tarak’s precious metals association and the three magic towers for an appraisal, and they all showed strong reactions as expected by the Lord.”
There were already rumors that Hubert had died, but as if to prove that they were all false rumors, he immediately prepared a new business upon his return.
That’s right, distributing the ‘Earth-made synthetic gems’ that I had thought of before.
You might wonder what kind of precious metals are available at a time when society is in turmoil, but for those who originally possessed them, these items were available at all times.
‘Rather, there will be many people who want to organize other assets and hide them by converting them into easy-to-store precious metals, so now is the right time to start this business.’
The synthetic gems he brought were not just superficial imitations like cubic stones.
It was a physically, chemically and optically perfect gem made from high-purity materials in a high-temperature, high-pressure laboratory environment.
As such, it was characterized by having fewer inclusions than natural gemstones and being very clean, and in this Outerica, it was so unusual that it felt foreign.
So much so that the appraisers of the precious metal association were all thrown into confusion.
‘The value of a luxury item is determined by how rare it is. It has the weakness of not being able to be used as a medium for magic, but that too can be a unique selling point.’
As if to prove it, the wizards were also showing great interest in this.
Strictly speaking, they were just pretty stones with no practical use to them, but it was this that actually piqued their curiosity.
No matter how much I checked, it was definitely a jewel, but the properties it contained were so different from anything I had ever seen before.
“···That’s why the Magic Tower and the Precious Metals Association have been actively seeking to purchase it. Although, they seem a bit burdened by its rarity.”
In the end, the first introduction of Earth-made synthetic gemstones was a great success.
I didn’t plan on releasing too much in the first place, but since I was the only one in the world who could supply this in earnest, there was no need to hold it back too tightly.
“You can also expect a promotional effect through them. Since this is your first transaction, let’s negotiate with a small discount.”
This premium product, which will be sold in small quantities, will be a great help in expanding Hubert Trading Company’s scale in the future.
Because originally rare gems were also ideal for bribery.
‘Of course, before that, we will also need to present our gratitude to the Count of Aonia, the owner of this land.’
It was because of Harley, but you’ve been so helpful in many ways, so shouldn’t you show this much sincerity?
The cost of the jewels was not that expensive compared to the benefits they would bring.
“Ah… and Marvin?”
“Yes, my lord. Did you call?”
Just before the meeting ended, a bearded man quickly answered Hubert’s soft call.
He was in charge of the company’s eastern expansion, and had made a small contribution to establishing trade with empires beyond the eastern border through various efforts.
“Please wait a moment, I have something to say regarding the Empire.”
“The Empire… Are you talking about that? Yes, I understand.”
The right attitude for a merchant is to not miss even the smallest opportunity.
Hubert was still working hard today to fulfill his duty as a merchant.
***
The long-running continental summit has finally come to an end.
Of course, not all discussions were over, and this was only the first meeting, but it was very significant that the various forces that had been at odds until then had come together and agreed on a common opinion.
The representatives of each country began to return through the gate of the Great Hall, one by one.
But among them, there were some who received unexpected restrictions from the church···.
It was a delegation led by none other than the Crown Prince of the Azerion Empire, Simon Carte Azerion.
“What are you talking about? Are you telling us not to return to the Empire now?”
“Oh, that’s not what I meant. I just wanted to warn you that it might be dangerous if you go back now.”
“Huh— Our destination is Jerone, the capital of the Azerion Empire. That means Jerone is in danger, but what on earth is your basis for saying that?”
The nobleman who accompanied the crown prince as his aide urged the bishop of the main temple who had stopped them in their tracks.
Since he was the opponent, he couldn’t treat him carelessly, so he just licked his lips while looking at the Crown Prince who was looking at him with annoyance from behind.
“Um, it’s something the saint himself said. I don’t know the exact details, but he said that there might be some changes in the theory.”
“Huh? So, we only listened to one person and then···”
“It is not a man, but a saint. And it is he who received revelation directly from the Lord.”
The bishop’s voice, which had been trying to persuade her in a soft tone throughout, became slightly sharper as he absentmindedly blurted out the absurd words.
It seems that the words I said without thinking had offended him.
“Ahem… Well, what I mean is, if you’re not forcing us, we’ll just go our own way, that’s what it means….”
At that moment, the aide coughed slightly at the unexpected reaction and opened his mouth again.
“I appreciate your concern.”
The crown prince, who had been quietly watching from behind, cut off the conversation with a cold voice.
“I am the crown prince of the empire, and the capital city of Jerón is like my home. If a problem arises, I can deal with it fully, but if something really changes, it is better for me to deal with it myself. I don’t think it is a matter for the religious order to interfere with.”
Crown Prince Simon was not happy with the current situation.
I had already heard reports that the religious order’s interference with the Principality’s dispatched troops had recently become more severe, so their current appearance also seemed to be some kind of political maneuvering.
Of course, as long as there is a religious order and a saint, the warning will not be completely empty words.
They must be saying this because they sensed something.
But if he listens to them and stops and hides in a safe place, that would be a bigger problem.
‘It’s different from leaving to attend a summit. If I’m not careful, I could give Riley an excuse.’
Moreover, he had strong pride in his country and was confident in the defense of the capital.
The empire had taken the recent attack on the Great Hall as a lesson and had been putting all its efforts into strengthening the fortress’s defenses.
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No matter how strong the religious order is, the Azerion Empire is truly the most powerful nation in the world.
The size of the territory they practically controlled, the resources they had, and the population they had were on a different level from that of the religious order, and the defense of the capital where their national power was concentrated was virtually like an iron fortress.
‘Yes, even if the opponent is the Immortal King. Unless he brings the entire Immortal Army, there’s no way we can attack him with a small force like we did when we attacked the Great Temple.’
Prince Simon truly thought so, but…
Since my own safety was more important than anything else, I did not completely ignore the warnings from the church.
He requested more security than usual from his country just in case, and even sent additional troops to pressure the Capital Defense Forces to provide additional escorts.
After about a day, when all preparations were complete, we crossed the gate and headed to the Jeron Grand Shrine.
···All that effort too.
But it was already in someone’s palm.
***
[Oh, indeed, it is worthy of being called the capital of the empire.]
Above the sea of clouds spread out beneath your feet.
Hans, covered in darkness all over his body, was looking down at the ground with deep eyes that even absorbed light.
The defenses of the imperial capital, Jerone, which was visible through the “Eye of the Abyss”, were certainly not ordinary.
The central area where the palace was located was densely covered with all sorts of magic, showing just how much resources and manpower had been poured into it. The barriers that stretched out in all directions like spider webs from the center of the area were also by no means negligible.
‘The ability to detect the area around the capital is also greater than expected. If I get a little closer, no matter how much I try to conceal my energy, I’ll be discovered right away.’
The Saint’s detection, which covered the entire continent, could be avoided somehow, but there was nothing that could be done about the concentrated surveillance of a certain area, like the barrier spread across that city.
The aura that the Immortal King possessed was so ferocious that it was impossible to hide it any longer.
‘It’s on a whole different level from the satellite city of Tovea. Maybe that’s why they put more effort into defending the capital. Well, it’s only been a short while since the nearby city was plundered, so that’s to be expected.’
In addition, the warning delivered in the name of the church through Heinrich may have also played a role.
In some ways, it could be said that it was self-inflicted, but Hans no longer cared about that.
‘Anyway, we’ve prepared more than usual.’
Since this is a very important scenario, I have invested everything I have accumulated so far.
Wouldn’t a larger scale be more effective in making a strong impression?
‘It’s almost time.’
Likewise, timing was also a very important factor, but that wasn’t a big issue for him either.
And finally.
‘Shall we begin now?’
Hans, who had been floating above the clouds, fell like a meteorite.
Beep! Beep! Beep!
Ding ding ding ding—!
At the same time, loud alarms blared in the city, but he paid no attention and accelerated even faster.
Woohoo!
A tremendous amount of energy that enveloped and shook the entire city in an instant.
It activated numerous magic spells in the blink of an eye, and the light that spread out as if in a chain reaction beautifully colored the city.
Kwaaang—!
Immediately afterwards, Hans’ body collided with the barrier surrounding the capital.
[Kuhehehe— I was quite careful, but it’s no use blocking this body with a barrier like this.]
He lightly tore through the spark-spinning barrier and stepped inside, looking around.
Beep! Beep!
The first thing that came into view was the huge imperial palace in the center of the city, which had become an iron fortress thanks to the densely deployed magic.
It was a mysterious crystallization representing the dimension of Auterica, where all kinds of supernatural powers, such as magic, sorcery, and alchemy, came together to create synergy.
‘I wonder how much money was put into it… It’s more spectacular than I thought when it’s properly activated. Even Hans would need quite a bit of time to break that thing.’
His original intention was not to directly attack the palace, but…
Wouldn’t it be impolite to come all the way to the capital and just pass by that?
‘I guess it’s only right to say hello.’
That way, they’ll feel like their money was worth it!
So Hans opened his mouth softly, holding in his heart a warm consideration that no one else seemed to recognize.
[Come out, Entrásio, Heratos.]
At the same time, the darkness covering his body began to writhe and engulf his surroundings in an instant…
Within, two huge shadows burst out, tearing through the space.
[Koooooo——!]
[Kyaaaaah——!]
Two bone dragons roaring while creating strong winds.
But they were just the beginning.
[Then Olivia, I will leave the leadership of the others to you.]
[Please leave it to me···. Girl, I will do my best to carry out the King’s orders···.]
One by one, the immortal army officers appear around him…
Kuuung—!
“Eww!”
Phew!
“Get out of here quickly!”
Black smoke rose from all over the city, accompanied by loud noises.
The slaves who had infiltrated beforehand… no, the extras began to act simultaneously at the signal of Hans’ intrusion.
‘It’s started there too. As expected of a capital city, there are more places to raid than Tovea. Well, I guess I’ll have to figure out how to survive once the work is done.’
Of course, even if you survive like that, the only thing left is the future where you will be deployed to the next site, but if you are lucky, isn’t it possible to survive until the end?
Originally, hope was like that.
[Kuhuhu— Ah, good! This is the prelude to destruction! Mortals, remember my name! I am the Immortal King, Hannibal Strauss! Khuhahaha—!]
With a self-appeal that never misses the timing.
Finally, the Immortal King himself invaded the empire’s capital, Jerone.
