At the beginning of the 10295th year of the Julian Era.
The area surrounding the capital had all been reduced to barren soil. It’s effects lingered for over fifty years and was far beyond anyone’s imagination. All rivers and streams dried up, and the mountains that created rivers had been reduced to rubble. After the rivers dried up, the population of the capital city began to collapse, communication distraught and the livelihood of the people grew bleak.
Such natural disastrous would be enough to cause the collapse of an entire nation. Fortunately, the royal court and the council were well advised, quickly launching disaster relief measure. The incomparably deep foundation of the Julian Empire showed itself. Most impressively was the response of princess Anna, who had shown exceptional calmness and talent.
The fallout of Margrethe’s true form along with the subsequent battle between Cai Hua and Julia also impacted the Great Dividing Range. The snow accumulated over eons had melted, so much that Phalaris was experiencing the worst flood in its history. Civilians could only hide in their house and let their lower floors become overflowing with water. Even the clergy had all bordered their doors, sighing at the flood.
Phalaris city was the gateway to the heart of the Julian Empire. Though they did not have any saints like Straton and other cities, it had a massive force of bishops second only to the capital. These bishops had been stationed here since the fall of Alexander’s empire and the beginning of Julia’s rule, possessing a deep tradition, and still, in the face of the flood, a large portion of them had to stay inside the churches.
The church towered above the city, even it’s walls, so when night fell, the cold wind would pass through it. The weather of Phalaris was usually tame despite it’s proximity to the Great Dividing Range, but the rays of the sun had weakened. The temperature suddenly fell, and the city prefect, Cassia, worried as she struggled to keep the clergymen warm.
But what was most worrying, was the food supply.
The empire had plenty of grains in reserve, but the city’s main source was still it’s surrounding farmland. The decrease in the sun’s light, and the flooding, meant all agricultural production was forcibly stopped, and Phalaris would face a food shortage.
The various problems could still be solved by sending delegates to the capital. However, Cassia could not consul the empress, as she should.
Because the empress was missing. She had been missing for over a week.
Empress Julia, was a woman who cared only for power and wealth. However, this did not mean she was a tyrant. She was the most powerful individual in the world after Alexander’s ascension, and though she kept a low profile since then, there was no dare who dared underestimate her.
To the rising and ambitious Kaiser to the North, and the legendary Pope, the death of Julia in this disappearance was what they hoped for the most. She had been a threat over the disunited northern lands even before her ascension to the throne.
In fact, there were many ambitious saints over the years who had attempted to assassinate her. But none of these attempts had succeeded.
It was only the immortal than came from the northern continent, Cai Hua, one of only two individuals worthy to be mentioned in the same breath as Alexander, had come, did she face true peril.
His action was so significant that the Pope - who had been silent since his arrival back from Straton - had given him the honorary title of ‘Prince of the North’.
---
The other individual who is worthy of Alexander’s prestige, the Kaiser, was deep in the royal palace of the Cimbrian Empire. The complex had been built five years ago and possessed a vibrancy and life Julia’s palace lacked.
The floors were covered in polished granite and reflected the paintings upon the ceiling, appearing with the utmost dignity. Along the side of the walls were stained glass windows that scattered the sun’s light, hiding the conversation from the eyes of the world.
There was no official summon of the council today, yet the court was filled with nobleman and ministers, and the Kaiser on his imperial curule chair. This was no anomaly, and the council had long grown used to the seemingly boundless energy of the Kaiser. No discontent could be seen among the council, each as disciplined as the guards standing before the throne.
The emperor was dressed in a formal robe decorated with black silk while his hair was hidden tightly within his imperial crown. But despite the formality of his clothes, he possessed leisure before his retainers, yet also an authority that made it as though he was looking down on the world.
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The discussion regarding the realm had already lasted half a day, yet was nowhere near settled.
To the right of the Kaiser was not his wife, as it had been with tradition, but rather the head of his guard, August Hesse. Because of his armour, he was quite conspicuous, but the councils knew he was the Kaiser’s number one aide, and also, the only saint within the empire. The man had a nice complexion, his eyes full of spirit and vigilance.
“Your Majesty, the Prelate of Magdestein has disappeared. There had been no prior sign of his departure and no natural phenomenon to confirm his death. Only the reports of the city wall garrison indicate that an unknown individual had met him before the event exist.
“Why have I receive knowledge of this now?” the Kaiser looked at the official calmly.
The retainer, Ernest Bazna, was the head of espionage in the empire, before then, he was a shoe merchant. He was middle-aged, possessing a skinny face, and worn somewhat long robes. Ernest Bazna’s eyebrows furrowed as he explained, “The Prelate of Magdestein often disappears at random for extended periods of time. The spy had originally thought this was a similar case. Your Majesty, worry not, as I had already punished him for his failures.”
The kaiser showed the most conspicuous of smiles, but only August had noticed it, as no one other than him dares stare at the Kaiser’s face directly. Lacking any reaction toward Ernest’s words, the Kaiser said, “Compare to the matters of the Pope and the Empress to our South, the Prelate’s disappearance is indeed less significant. However, the gains we can from annexing his lands is far more immediate. Due to the delays of your subordinate, the remaining bishop in Magdestein has already regrouped their forces… how do you propose we deal with this?”
Suddenly, August stood up and saluted in respect. With a cold voice, he said, “Your Majesty, the clergy of Magdestein had grown complacent under the protection of the Prelate of Magdestein. Though their forces are numerous, they lack authority and could be described as an army without a general. If your Majesty personally besieges the city, the annexation can still proceed.”
“Well spoken. Very well, I shall begin the campaign the following day,” the Kaiser said lightly, yet his commands were as loud as thunder. The court scribes quickly copied his commands while the nobleman soon departed to their fief to raise their retinue.
After the withdrawal of the noble, the Kaiser had August follow him into his private quarters. The Kaiser’s retainers were well used to this sight; they never even imagined receiving the same privilege. In this world where saints could destroy entire armies, August could be considered at least half of the Kaiser’s rising yet stable foundations.
Deep inside the Kaiser’s private quarters, where even the empress had only seen once, the Kaiser and August sat opposite of each other.
The Kaiser raised his goblet and took a sip. As if unhappy with the taste, he smashed the cup into pieces before August. The wine splashed onto August’s pants, though he could have dodged it with ease. Unlike previously, the Kaiser’s voice was exceptionally cold and crushing, “Don’t think I’m not aware Ernest is your man. I allow you to take influence in the empire, but don’t be so brazen as to hinder my plans.”
August pretended not to notice what just happened, still smiling, he answered respectfully, “I dare not hinder your grand ambition, your Majesty. The Prelate has indeed gone missing many times, and only now could I confirm this disappearance was permanent.”
The Kaiser gave a light smile. Suddenly, his eyes flashed, “Is that woman back after so many years?”
August gradually raised his head. He opened his mouth but didn’t speak until moments later. “Indeed, I can sense that she finally came back.”
The Kaiser rubbed the bridge between his noses as if tired. “That woman’s existence is something that cannot be permitted. Spend no efforts to stop her from reaching her old power base.”
“As you wish,” August respectfully complied.
“Has that wayfarer from the North truly disappeared?”
“Yes.”
“And that phoenix?”
August replied with respect, “Although it is impossible to tell who killed Margrethe, the natural phenomenon that occurred truly signifies her death. Considering that Cai Hua is now gone, it is safe to say his disciple disappeared along with him.”
“Very well. We still have yet to finish our discussion regarding my heir. Let’s continue it,” the Kaiser leaned against the arm of his chair as if taking a rest. He then asked, “For you to uncover her location, you will likely depart for over a year, as will I disappear on the campaign. To ensure the stability of the empire, it is best for the heir apparent to act as recent for the time.”
August smiled, though it was unsure if was due to the Kaiser’s trust in him or some other reason. But his eyes, full of life, was as still as an ocean. “Even after so long, your Majesty has failed to produce a qualifying heir. While your Majesty’s child with the empress is rather lacking in talent, for legitimacy reasons, it is best for him to act as regent.
The Kaiser said quietly, “That won’t be an issue. Although Rudolf is unskilled in mana, he is popular enough with the nobles. As long as he doesn’t do anything, the empire will stay on the right path.”
“Your Majesty is still young and can sire still many children,” August added.
“Of course, but I had already consummated with all the female talents of the empire,” the Kaiser sighed. “Perhaps we should now put an end to the South’s raids.”
The last sentence seemed to have brought up a painful memory in both of them; they became silent.
Suddenly, August said, “After this is done, I will leave your service.”
The Kaiser straightened his posture. After what’s done with?”
“The business regarding Theresa, your Majesty.”
The Kaisers’ tone suddenly became heavy. “She is a cunning character. Even after so many years, her influence still sleeps within the world. The owner of North Weave and the Prelate is both royal to her after so long. Despite your process, you must be careful.”
“I dare not accept your concerns.”
Having finished what he needed to say, August saluted the Kaiser and took his leave.
---
The Cambrian Empire was looking for that fairy everywhere, mobilising every resource the empire had. Countless bishops and nobles were lurking between the major roads or patrolling the cities north of the Great Dividing Range. However, no one would expect that the figure that could even alert the Kaiser was in an abandoned complex near the royal palace.
The capital was built only a few years before the royal palace, possessing the same youthful energy as the empire itself.
A woman wearing an oversized hat that hid her face was quietly watching the prelate cook, as if very interested in what he was doing.
The prelate used a sharp and heavy knife, and as it hacked down, meat residue would fly everywhere and the thick chopping board would shake.
The Prelate finished cutting and placed all the meat into a pot.
“The meat would taste better if you soak it in seasoning.”
She looked at the Prelate and spoke. Her words still possessed a solemn nature, but no longer as complicated as before. However, even still, her words gave the feeling of awe, a desire to worship her.