The heart of the Empire lies in Paltennoia. The most fertile granary in the center of the Empire. This land is not under the control of any Elector Count but is solely subservient to the Imperial Palace.
Paltennoia is an independent territory where the ambitions and interests of the Elector Counts are intricately intertwined. Since the Emperor is not a hereditary position but elected by the Elector Counts who hold dominion over their respective territories, the Empire’s capital has a peculiar characteristic.
Every time a specific Elector Count ascends to the throne, moving the capital to their domain causes massive administrative losses. Therefore, the current Emperor chose a completely neutral zone, untouched by any Elector Count’s influence, as the capital.
Long ago, Paltennoia was the meeting place of the Empire’s predecessor, the ‘Tribal Federation.’ From the Grand Tribal Council emerged the Elector Counts’ Assembly, and the Great Tribal Chief began to be called the Emperor, marking the beginning of the nation’s form over a thousand years.
Throughout that long history, Paltennoia has never once been exposed to enemy hostility. It is a sacred city, the cradle of civilization, the final ark…
-It’s a lie.
Faijashi sneered on the rainy plains. The northwestern granary of Paltennoia was drenched in the early summer drizzle.
‘Yes, it’s a lie.’
During Empress Rene Philippa’s reign, Paltennoia burned three times. Beyond the northern border of the territory lies Guir, a blessed trading port. In peacetime, it was a prime location for trade profits through a rich maritime network, but…
-It was a region too suitable for northern invasions.
When the dark Erik began his southern conquest, Count Tremule abandoned defensive support for almost all regions except Guir. While Guir itself remained safe, the surrounding maritime areas were stained with blood.
And some northerners, ignoring Guir, eventually succeeded in invading Paltennoia.
‘And then, Karadskar.’
During Karadskar’s great advance, Rene Philippa’s family, the Principality of Carvelier, heavily invested in the battle that took place in the wilderness. If they lost the war in the Great Wilderness, Karadskar’s advance would inevitably head straight to Ribue.
Rene Philippa couldn’t ignore her family’s request. Almost all of the Empire’s forces headed west. And at that time…
-Duke Bülrang…
At the moment when the Empire’s administrative power and authority hit rock bottom, Antoine de Sephor, the Grand Duke of Bülrang, declared independence. It’s the same situation now, though at least 50 years early. The Grand Duke of Bülrang still coveted the throne.
-Swoosh…
The rain began to pour. Fernandez felt the rain pouring under his helmet, breathing in the humid summer air.
The wet metal mixed with the smell of blood created a strange stench. The soldiers, drenched in sweat and excitement, couldn’t feel the coolness in the rain, their blood boiling.
-Boom! Boom!
The war drums echoed. Beyond the mist, Duke Bülrang’s forces slowly revealed themselves. There were many. No empty space was visible within the plains’ range.
-They’re spread out.
‘They know our forces are few.’
The battlefield’s view differs from that on a map. The commanders and soldiers see a stark contrast between a flat and a three-dimensional perspective.
The commanders would think it’s a fight worth taking. Though the enemy’s forces are somewhat superior, defensive forces inherently have significant advantages over attackers.
But from the soldiers’ perspective, it’s different. The enemy’s forces seem endless. Beyond the mist, flags bearing Duke Bülrang’s crow emblem were everywhere.
-They’re trying to intimidate us.
A concentrated formation is solid. But a scattered formation can disguise itself as a larger force. Even with the naked eye, the soldiers’ morale is easily shattered enough to be threatening.
But…
“Raise your spears! Raise them! Don’t be afraid!”
The officers shouted, stirring up the camp. Fernandez chuckled. Duke Bülrang is no fool. He’s a great ambitious man, who once opposed Rene Philippa and burned Paltennoia in a past life.
Paltennoia has burned three times in the past thousand years. Once by a northern invasion, next by the powerful military commander now advancing, and the third time…
-We must show them.
Faijashi Wildcast’s forces. At that time, it was said to be the achievement of the ‘Spear of the Crimson Duke.’ Fernandez smiled at his words and headed to the command center.
“Duke Sephor’s forces total sixteen thousand, with fifteen hundred cavalry.”
Bernard spoke heavily. As the Cavalry Captain, he sensed the impending defeat.
“We have seven thousand. More than half less than them. Damn it. I didn’t expect all support requests to be denied.”
“Did you really not know?”
“……”
Bernard couldn’t answer Erbe’s words. The Imperial Palace’s authority had plummeted, and most forces that could respond to the Emperor’s call were holed up in their own territories.
While the eastern regions of the Empire burned due to the Dane Kingdom’s advance, Count Tremule was severing the Emperor’s limbs, sometimes through politics, sometimes through direct combat.
In this chaos, there were no more pro-Emperor Elector Counts left to send support to the Imperial Palace. They were all saving themselves, perhaps even hoping for Duke Bülrang’s victory.
The pro-Emperor Elector Counts, not attacked by Dane or Tremule, remained silent, unable to distinguish friend from foe. Guir’s betrayal had already held a funeral for the Imperial Palace’s authority.
“Even in this situation, the Emperor is nowhere to be seen.”
“His Majesty is quite busy now.”
Pierre, the Imperial Palace’s Chief Secretary, spoke softly. He had the warm and gentle demeanor typical of a wealthy administrative noble.
Pierre was sent to represent the Emperor’s position. But no one here saw him as just a spokesperson. There was a strange atmosphere… icy cold, and somewhat twisted.
“What could possibly be so busy? Is he looking for an escape route?”
“Haha… Duke Carvelier. His Majesty would never abandon the Empire’s capital.”
Fernandez quietly stood behind Kirhas, watching Pierre.
-A vampire?
‘It’s daytime.’
-Could be a Day Walker.
‘A vampire of Richter’s caliber wouldn’t settle for being just the Emperor’s subordinate.’
To overcome the sun’s curse that vampires bear, one would need the abilities of a clan leader.
