A demonic force was spotted at the Empire, this news spread like wildfire. The demon race that has stayed dormant for over three hundred years- since the Black Death where the demon race was last seen on human continents. Of course, this doesn't really warrant as that huge a threat. A single demon attack force that slipped through the human continent would be at the level of A-class at most.
The threat was what if there were hidden threats planted all over the continent? Right now, every kingdom on the entire continent of Soaring Eagle prepared, the council who were planning to launch another attack at Kai was occupied, they all split apart and defended their respective areas with only one S-class being the exception- Kai.
Right now, Kai was told to go on a mission to travel to the Empire at the request of the Empire's empress for help. Right now, the Empire's S-class, one that isn't a member of the council was at the neighboring continent, Ethereal Moon. Seeing as how the Alteria Kingdom had two S-class, they requested reinforcements and would provide proper compensation if the request was agreed to.
It was quite the move for both parties. The Empire was defenseless yet they actually invited an S-class from another kingdom while the Alteria Kingdom actually had the guts to weaken their attack force during this type of situation.
Of course, Kai wasn't alone. During his stay here in the Empire, he had the crown prince Kazuki with him. Erina, Amelia, and everyone else was left behind. Yoko's training would be taken over by Amelia.
The Garnet Empire, though the 'Garnet' in the name is all but forgotten due to the words of the previous empress. The past empress cast away the name 'Garnet' from the name, many disagreed with her choice but most agreed with her choice. In the end, it was simply referred to as 'The Empire' but nobles and many others who still have knowledge of the past empress' reign still called it The Garnet Empire.
It was a matriarchal empire that had many under its banner because they wanted a sense of unity. Although they maintained a neutral relation with all kingdoms, it was only for the reason that befriending all the kingdoms would never work, especially in times of war. It was said that the past empress was a softy while the current empress was a cunning fox who would do anything to succeed, she took advantage in every situation she had ever been whether they be trades, diplomacy, or wars. This was the reason the Empire was very successful.
Kai passed through the ruins of the Kuroshi Clan on the way but had to cut his visit short due to the urgency of the situation. Since then, a little less than a week had passed and they finally reached the Empire's capital. Kai healed the horses and took care of them. They only stopped at night to rest on villages or at camps they've set up. The soldiers didn't complain because Kai had also healed them.
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The Empire's Capital
"Alteria Kazuki, crown prince of the Alteria Kingdom greets the Empress."
Kazuki bowed his head while Kai who was by his side had one knee on the floor. In front of them was a woman sitting on a throne with a veil covering her face.
In Kai's other life, he had more than a few interactions with this empress in front of him and their relationship was closer than most but he didn't like dealing with her.
"This Empress welcomes your arrival, Prince Kazuki. We thank you for responding kindly to our request."
(A/N: The empress talks in the royal we so she uses 'we' instead of 'I'.)
"Not at all, our kingdoms must help one another in our times of need."
Though the empress and Kazuki were very close in age with the empress only being two years older. The previous empress, her mother had passed away and she was forced to take the throne at the tender age of fifteen. Naturally, this was a heavy burden on a young girl but the previous empress' aides were very loyal and supported her all the way. The three generations of empresses had all put their trust in a single man who is also the most influential person not within the royal family. Though his position wasn't high, the current empress and the two empresses before her had all put their trust in the old man who should already be ninety or so.
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For the current empress, the old man was like a grandfather figure to her.
Kai closed his eyes for a few seconds before opening them.
That's why it's going to affect her state of mind greatly once the old man dies in three years.
In the original timeline, Kai had met with the Empress about a year from the current time and had since then had several interactions with her much to the displeasure of Amelia. The old man died just as the war started but it was of natural causes, it was to be expected since he already lived very long but the empress was greatly affected by his death and took an active role in the war. She turned all her sorrow into a blade against the demons but even then, she still looked for support, a person to stand by her side.
Thinking all this, Kai stood up and greeted the empress with a bow.
"Kai, captain of Alteria Kingdom's third princess' royal guard pays respects to the Empress."
"Ah yes, the S-class dispatched from the kingdom. You're so young yet so talented, We will be relying on you."
"My pleasure."
Exchanging pleasantries was over, Kazuki was about to begin the talk but before he could, the empress interjected.
"Prince Kazuki, Sir Kai, We would like to talk about this matter over some food since it is already midday, you and your soldiers must be hungry from the trip, We have already prepared a feast for them while We will talk this matter over with you in the dining room, is this acceptable?"
"Yes, I thank you for your consideration."
Kazuki bowed once more as they were led to the dining room by a maid.
There was a large rectangular table that was at least 25 feet long and 3 feet wide. Most kingdoms also held the same tables but the Empire's table was made of special wood that almost never rots and is extremely sturdy. The table was at least five generations old yet there wasn't even the slightest scratch on it.
Sitting on one side of the long table was the empress and on the other was Kazuki, Kai was sitting by his right side.
"We apologize for using such a large table for talk such as this but our mother had told us to always maintain a certain distance from men unless We intend to wed them, this is simply respecting her wishes."
Normally, a long table would be used for these kinds of talks but the one they were using was for ceremonies with over a dozen people.
"I understand, shall we get down to business then?"
Kazuki said while several maids set plates of food in front of them.
"Two weeks ago, demons were spotted near a village called Cyne. The information took time to receive and We could only deliver the message a week after so We are afraid that the demons have already hidden. We have not received reports of any attacks but We can't simply ignore the threat that demons possess. We are not asking you to hunt down the demons, Sir Kai but We hope that you will stay in the palace in hopes that you'd protect the capital until our own Empire's S-class returns."
Normally, one would speak to the person with a higher position but the empress talked to Kai directly. An S-class had as much influence as a king so this was only natural.
"We heard that the Empire's S-class was sent out on a mission to Ethereal Moon and would return in a month or two, is this correct?"
Kazuki asked.
"That is correct. We would also like to invite you to stay in the Empire but you've already sent word that you're only here for the duration of a few days before returning to the kingdom."
That meant that Kai was going to be left alone inside another kingdom's territory. Normally, an asset like Kai would be left guarded but the royal family trusted Kai and knew he wouldn't turn to another kingdom, especially not when he left his lovers.
"Yes, there are certain matters I need to attend to. Kai and my father have already talked and he will stay till the Empire's S-class arrives. Until then, you can treat him like your own subordinate."
"We wouldn't dare. Just his presence alone in the capital is reassuring, We wouldn't make him go on errands. We will give the Alteria Kingdom proper payment, this is a deposit and the final amount will be given to Sir Kai at the end of the contract."
The Empress' gaze met with a maid at the side of the room.
The maid walked up to Kazuki and gave him a black gold card placed on top of a pillow. It was a black gold card membership to Superbia, it didn't mean that the Empress was giving the prince her account, money was left inside the card and it could be used to withdraw the funds from almost any Superbia branch, just like a check.
"Then, I'll be touring the capital for my remaining time here. Kai, do as you wish."
Kazuki gave Kai permission.
"Yes, Your Highness."
Those were the only words Kai had spoken during his entire time in the dining room save for his introduction. Fortunately, the strife between Kai and the council wasn't made public, otherwise, there would be some problems since Warlock had stayed in the Empire for a while.