262 Chapter
A large-scale attack occurred in the Imperial Capital.
It was a shocking event unprecedented in historical records.
The Empire began a complete redesign of the defense system of the Imperial Capital and also accelerated its war preparations.
Amidst the chaos, the power players were extremely busy trying to read each other’s intentions.
In such a situation, even a single misstep could result in dire consequences.
History was filled with examples of those who carelessly spoke out during these times and ended up having their families eradicated.
Meanwhile, amidst all this, Teon received a medal at the palace alongside Delun.
Despite not being fully equipped, he was one of the first to step forward and bravely fought against the enemies of the Empire…
And for various smaller reasons, he was hailed as a role model for the citizens of the Empire and awarded a medal.
Teon accepted the medal with mixed feelings.
While he wasn’t entirely displeased, he could clearly see that the medal was more politically motivated than a reward for his actual service, making it hard for him to be overly pleased.
Still, when he thought about how his previously blocked path to success had now been opened, a sly smile crept onto his face.
The Empire held grand memorials for the fallen warriors who sacrificed themselves for the Empire and actively highlighted the heroes who played significant roles in the defense of the Imperial Capital.
On the other hand, the investigation into the cause of the attack and the search for internal traitors proceeded quietly behind closed doors.
This was done to minimize the decrease in morale within the Imperial Army, protect the honor of the Empire, and reduce internal conflicts.
Throughout history, Devil Worshippers always infiltrated and expanded their influence during times of national division.
Though uncomfortable, the Emperor had to suppress internal conflicts within the Empire.
If there was any suspicion that a high-ranking figure from the South was involved in the attack, it might have led to a civil war. However, no such connection was discovered.
Thus, the Empire promoted Michael and Anthonyus as heroes of this defensive battle to dilute any potential regional conflicts.
Anthonyus indeed performed admirably but the Empire exaggerated his accomplishments dramatically before announcing them.
This was because Anthonyus represented both the South and the Church.
As a renowned High Templar from the South and one of the Sacred Maiden’s close associates, Anthonyus was an ideal representative.
Moreover, since his own faction wasn’t particularly strong, promoting him wouldn’t burden the Emperor too much.
In this way, the Empire loudly praised the heroes and declared its intent to avenge those who attacked the Empire.
Currently, most nobles and neighboring countries were bending over backward to assert their innocence and express their willingness to cooperate with the royal family and the Empire.
Even a minor mistake in diplomacy could result in one’s head being hung as an example within moments.
Had the Imperial Capital completely fallen, they might have tried to probe the situation, but that wasn’t the case now.
Amidst the competition for loyalty, the Emperor began preparing earnestly to ‘purify’ the Rubia Kingdom.
While events unfolded methodically amidst the chaos,
the Izhise students were staying in the dormitory, worrying about their families and clans.
Of course, they had another worry beyond their families and clans.
“Shit…”
Verden, seated in a wheelchair and gathered around with other students during a meal, suddenly muttered seriously.
“No matter how I think about it, things seem screwed.”
Just a few weeks ago,
Verden used to unleash a torrent of colorful curses at Ray.
Since Ray’s actions seemed ridiculous, Verden unleashed curses enthusiastically.
Even after hearing rumors that Ray might be a secret instructor, Verden toned down his cursing but didn’t really care about getting on the bad side of just one instructor.
But what if the person he cursed at actually owned ‘that medal’?
“…”
Verden could be buried with just a flick of the tongue.
Seeing Verden’s gloomy expression, Loen, watching from the side, let out a hollow laugh.
“Verden, during my first meeting with Him, I was made to take off my pants in front of everyone.”
“Damn.”
Verden sighed.
While second-tier students debated who among them was more doomed, Sebas and Harvey remained calm.
Sebas and Harvey treated Ray cautiously while inside Izhise.
Although they did curse openly… a few times, their situation was better than most other students.
If someone were to ask Sebas about his relationship with Ray, Sebas would proudly declare that he once picked up soap for him.
On the other hand,
the atmosphere among the third-tier students gathered nearby wasn’t much better.
Jusephin chewed her meat slowly, her expression fluctuating repeatedly.
Her feud with Ray dated back to the entrance exam.
Recalling how she once tearfully denounced Ray, Jusephin broke out in cold sweat.
‘Family…! Clan…!’
One word from Ray, and they’d vanish!
While most power players hesitated due to others’ opinions, Ray could act without restraint.
‘But… He bought me meals…! And… taught me lessons…!’
Perhaps I’ve subtly impressed Ray somehow!
Jusephin cycled through these thoughts, alternating between smirking secretly and stiffening her expression.
The only one here clearly smiling in triumph was Aaron.
Aaron had long abandoned futile resistance and embraced the role of Ray’s follower.
Though he lost some noble pride, Aaron considered it the best decision of his life.
“The water is sweet, sweet.”
What? I hang out with the recipient of the Medal of the Empire?! We eat together! Bathe together! Sleep together! Man, it’s crazy!
Aaron chuckled unpleasantly as he imagined bragging about his greatest achievement to others.
Thus, each student ate while lost in their own thoughts when one of them brought up Ray again.
“But… wasn’t there no official announcement about Him?”
Talks regarding Ray’s identity and achievements.
If there had been plans for an official announcement, the royal family would have already done so by now.
Their continued silence meant they intended to keep Ray’s existence concealed externally, though the students wondered if this truly mattered.
After all, countless people saw Ray holding Moros and entering the curtain.
Even without an official announcement, those who needed to know about Ray eventually would.
As the students sporadically discussed this, Aaron interjected with a question.
“Could He possibly return to Izhise? As a student?”
Pfft, several students sprayed water they were drinking.
Ray returning to Izhise? And then shamelessly resuming his role as a student?
Just imagining it was enough to drive one insane.
Annoyed, a second-tier student threw a cup at Aaron.
“Hey, say something sensible. He has plenty to do; why would He come back here? He might visit briefly to greet us.”
“Hm… you’re right?”
“…Right?”
Still, it was hard to definitively answer.
Students who didn’t know why Ray caused such a commotion in Izhise in the first place felt awkward as they chewed their food.
*
Contrary to Ray’s concerns,
the Emperor readily granted him the royal Dragonheart.
While considering Ray’s contributions, it was naturally something that should have been bestowed upon him, but Ray anticipated that the Emperor might try to test him further.
However, his prediction was wrong.
Through this, Ray believed he had secured everything necessary for Bella and Lea to live safely after his death… until one issue arose.
The Emperor attached a condition when granting the Dragonheart.
Had the Emperor proposed multiple unreasonable conditions, Ray would have contested them.
However, the Emperor set only one condition, and it was reasonable enough.
To avoid any suspicion, Ray had to accept the Emperor’s condition.
Inside the mansion of the Prizzran Clan within the Imperial Capital,
Ernst opened an artifact resembling a jewel box designed for storing important items.
Inside the box lay the royal Dragonheart.
Ernst turned the box toward Ray and spoke.
“The Dragonheart cannot be taken outside the Imperial Capital.”
“Yes…”
This was the sole condition set by the Emperor.
Do not take the royal Dragonheart outside the Imperial Capital.
While the Emperor would not interfere with any procedures involving the Dragonheart, they insisted that it be conducted within the confines of the Imperial Capital.
Ernst continued, observing Ray’s expression.
“Do not misunderstand the Emperor’s intentions. Even if the Emperor Himself were to move it, taking the royal Dragonheart outside the Imperial Capital is strictly forbidden.”
Precisely because of this point, Ray had to accept the Emperor’s condition.
Each royal Dragonheart was, from the royal family’s perspective, an incomparable treasure and lifeline.
Carrying it around casually was thoroughly prohibited.
Only members of the royal family could implant the royal Dragonheart into their chests and leave the Imperial Capital.
Even carrying it in hand was impossible, even for the Emperor, under principle.
The Emperor promised not to interfere with however Ray chose to utilize the royal Dragonheart to prolong his life.
However, moving the royal Dragonheart outside the Imperial Capital was a condition that couldn’t be approved.
The Emperor might have added this condition to monitor Ray, and perhaps such intent was partially implied.
Even without such intent, the Emperor would have imposed the same condition.
Thus, Ray had no choice but to accept the Emperor’s condition.
“Hmm…”
It gave him a headache.
Perhaps he’d need to bring Lea to the Imperial Capital.
Implant the Dragonheart into Lea, and Ray could stage its destruction… Additionally, he needed to confirm whether any magical means existed to track the royal Dragonheart.
‘With Luna’s help from Aptel…’
Could it somehow work?
He’d need to discuss this once back in Phillip’s County.
Forcing a smile, Ray relaxed his expression, prompting Ernst to sigh briefly.
“When do you plan to proceed with the procedure? If you need any assistance, we will provide it without reservation.”
“Hmm…”
Ray stroked his cheek.
Luna created the “Fake Heart Reinforcement Theory” along with Ropheiren.
Using systems like the Resina Record, they relayed it to Aptel, and Ray delivered it to the royal family.
While the theory appeared plausible on the surface, it was unverifiable, allowing the royal mages to be deceived.
According to the fake theory, failure in heart reinforcement would result in the loss of the Dragonheart and the death of the patient.
Ray specifically requested Luna include such content in the fake theory in preparation for when he reached the end of his life and could use the procedure to stage his demise and the destruction of the Dragonheart.
“…”
Did Luna notice anything from the contents of the fake theory Ray requested?
Suddenly worried, Ray lapsed into silence before regaining his composure and answering Ernst’s question.
“…It’s a dangerous procedure, so I’m trying to delay it as much as possible. Failure could mean death.”
“I understand. If you need any preparations for the procedure, we’ll ensure they are perfectly arranged.”
“Yes, thank you, Duke.”
Ray bowed his head respectfully.
Chapter 3: Hometown
