Chapter 4: Darkcross Town
"Voting system? But the election happens only once every fifty years. In the end, it's not the wizards who compete for the ministerial seats—it's the nobles and a few influential commoners, isn't it?"
"That's naive thinking." The Emperor's tone was calm but firm. "The wizards aren't aiming for positions—they're laying the foundation to reshape the entire continent's ruling system. Their goal is to gradually replace the nobles with commoner-born wizards—ones they can manipulate at will. Sooner or later, only wizards will rule."
Elise's face darkened as the meaning of his words sank in.
'When that day comes, the Royal Family will be nothing more than a relic of the past. We may not even be able to protect ourselves.'
"So, that's why you want Athena to become a wizard… and to carry the Royal Family's burden when the time comes, right?" Understanding dawned on her face. Although she was a 7th Circle Mystic Walker with impressive talent in spearmanship, she knew she couldn't match the power of the Academy's professors.
"The Academy's influence grows stronger every day," she said solemnly.
"Which is exactly why we must plant loyal seeds within it—take it over from the inside. Even though Allen and I are on good terms, I'm nowhere near his level. If the Academy decides to seize the Empire by force, we won't be able to resist."
Elise let out a deep sigh. "Honestly, this is probably for the best. If you had gone through with killing that infant, she might've grown up with a grudge against the Royal Family—made her harder to control. And Jeanne… Jeanne would've been devastated."
She shook her head, then gave a faint, mischievous smile.
"But according to Garvin, that boy won't live past fifteen. When he dies, Athena will suffer, awaken to the truth, and return broken. In that state, she'll be easier to control. With her swordsmanship potential, she could even become the Empire's fourth Legendary Walker. The perfect watchdog for our sons."
She paused, then added thoughtfully, "Meanwhile, I've already chosen a strong candidate to become Allen's apprentice. I know you want that girl to have a better future, but she's already chosen her path. Let's give this opportunity to our grandson. He has a 'High' affinity with the Water Element—just like Athena. The only downside is his arrogance. Daniel's spoiled him too much. But if we can place him under one of the Academic Professors, he still has a high chance of becoming a powerful wizard."
The Emperor didn't speak for a long moment. Despite her logic, something inside him ached—something he couldn't explain.
"...Let's hope she becomes one of the pillars of the Empire," he said at last. "I'll give her fifteen years to live peacefully with that child… let her experience hardship. That will temper her."
He leaned back on the bed and exhaled.
"Also, I heard rumors. Trouble is stirring in the north."
Elise's gaze sharpened. "The Velvet Eclipse Guild?"
"Yes," Ian replied, his expression grim. "They've started moving in the shadows, creating chaos, scouting for potential seeds. Ever since the United Alliance split into the Order Alliance and the United Council, rifts have formed—not just between the four empires but between other kingdoms as well. Assassinations of royals and high-ranking officials are becoming more frequent. It feels like someone is orchestrating everything from the shadows."
"But why spread chaos here of all places?" Elise asked, frowning.
"You may not realize it, but chaos breeds heroes. Some forces are willing to burn the world to find exceptional talents. And if war breaks out between the United Council and the Order Alliance, neighboring nations like the Viser Kingdom or the Shadow Nation could join in, likely siding with the Order Alliance. If that happens, we'll be forced to support the United Council to prevent an all-out war."
Ian rubbed his temples, then added, "We should send Robert to the Western Fortress. He can monitor the Viser Kingdom—and build his military achievements. Besides, he might be the only one who can keep Daniel in check."
Elise clicked her tongue. "Daniel really needs to learn discipline. But don't forget—they're not children anymore. With all the 'playful indulgences' you've had, more and more so-called geniuses are popping up in the family. Honestly, our sons are starting to look... average."
"I'm doing this for the family—and the Empire," Ian said, pulling her close and kissing her forehead. "Whether Robert or Daniel takes the throne, they'll need at least a dozen loyal, powerful subordinates. Even if they lose the people's favor, they must be strong enough to dominate through force."
Elise sighed into his chest, then warned softly, "Just don't forget the rule of the Royal Family. Even as Emperor, you can't defy the Guardian—'Lord Jorvot.' Unlike other empires, all concubines' children here have equal claim to the throne. And thanks to the Guardian's absurd rule, two thorns have already emerged. The Duke of Crimson Fort backs the first concubine's second son, while the third concubine's firstborn has the Spade Council's full support. If anything happens to you, blood will flow through the Empire."
Ian's eyes turned cold.
"I'm well aware. But don't worry. I've placed safeguards around each of them. No matter where they go or whom they meet—I'll know."
Despite his coldness toward his other children, the Emperor never stopped worrying about the future of his family—or the fate of his Empire.
...
Darkcross Town, Territory of Mirage Woods, Zenith Empire.
Rune Era, Year 1410, August 18th.
In the heart of the vast island continent, nestled within the sprawling countryside, lay the charming town of Darkcross. It was a large town with a population of around 100,000 people.
As the morning sun broke through the mist, the quaint cobblestone streets came to life with the bustling activity of townsfolk.
The sound of a steam engine echoed through the air, announcing the arrival of people and goods from faraway lands. The train station, with its grand clock tower and iron designs, stood tall like a gate to other territories. As the train arrived, thick clouds of steam covered the platform, filling the place with excitement and old memories.
Next to the station, the industrial district buzzed with noise. Tall brick factories let out smoke that mixed with the morning fog. Workers in rough clothes moved around the machines, surrounded by the clatter of gears and hissing steam.
Darkcross's market square was full of life. Vendors shouted under bright awnings, selling fruits, vegetables, and handmade goods. Horse-drawn carriages moved along the streets while people chatted happily and a brass band played in the background.
It was a rush-filled morning for many townsfolk.
The time was around 8 A.M.
A single-storied house with a large lawn next to Alm Street stood steadily, looking more like a commoner's residence.
In the doorway of the house, a young and slender boy, his dark hair contrasting sharply with his fair skin, stood observing the passersby with wide-eyed fascination.
His innocent countenance, framed by a mop of black hair, revealed a round face that bespoke the purity of youth. Standing at approximately 105 centimeters, he appeared diminutive yet possessed a quiet confidence.
The boy's eyes, a deep shade of blue, held a certain earnestness as he took in the world unfolding before him. Clad in a meticulously arranged ensemble, he wore a crisp white shirt and blue trousers, giving off a sense of tidiness and perhaps a touch of formality. Adorning his back was a leather school bag—a symbol of his youthful academic pursuits.
"Raven, did you take the lunch box I left on the table?" A pleasant young maiden's voice echoed from inside, causing his eyes to widen.
"Ohh! I forgot!"
The young boy named Raven hurriedly turned around and ran inside to grab the lunch box. But before he could take a few steps, a 165 cm tall young woman came from inside with a small bag in her left hand and blocked his path. She had the same black hair as him and appeared to be around 18 years old.
At that moment, she wore a dark greenish shirt and matching pants and even held a black umbrella in her hand.
She was none other than Athena.
As soon as she approached Raven, she grabbed him with her right arm and lifted him onto her waist.
"Happy birthday once again. Did you do yesterday's homework, Mr. Perfect?" she asked while kissing him on his soft cheek.
A bright smile bloomed on young Raven's face as he nodded and responded proudly.
"I did everything, sister. I even finished memorizing the thirteenth equation table in the Logistics Calculation subject."
"Good boy." She nodded pleasantly and walked out of the single-story house. Afterward, she turned around while keeping Raven on her waist, locked the door using a metallic latch, and soon left the house.