21st Century Archmage

chieve the feat in a short period of time.”

“Dwarves and elves… so that information was true.”

Emperor Hadveria nodded at Lukences words. He had been informed in advance about this through the empires information network. Not only had the dwarves and elves come out of hiding in the territory, but they were actively helping Nerman. The dwarves and elves that appeared only in legends would probably be dismissed as a tall tale by regular commoners, but every empire, kingdom, magic tower, temple, and countless other places were craning their ears to determine the truth or falsehood of that information. The demihumans had hidden their whereabouts because they had been defeated in the past war with humans, but politicians and mages alike knew that dwarves and elves possesed tremendous abilities. And Nerman, a territory receiving the active support of such races, was an extremely dangerous existence.

“In addition to that, it is said that there are even beastmen in his service. And they are magic swordsmen beastmen capable of 5th Circle magic at the least.”

Lukence revealed important knowledge he thought was exclusive to him.

“Huhu…”

However, the Emperor was already aware. The fact that the Second Prince had almost lost his life to Kyre because of beastmen was a secret that only the Imperial Family and high-ranking nobles knew.

“Do you have the confidence?”

After a brief chuckle, Hadveria suddenly asked Lukence whether he had the confidence.

“What does that…”

Lukences head whipped up with a dazed expression at the Emperors sudden words.

The master of the Laviter Empire, Hadveria von Laviter the Third… was an absolute ruler regarded as a god by all of the nobles and knights. Not a single person dared to oppose the Emperors authority or say anything irreverent. No matter how wise a king was said to be, politics was a field where nobles inevitably had complaints, yet not a single person dared to express them. That was simply how much respect and fear the emperor commanded.

Lukence felt that he could finally understand how those nobles felt. The emperor looking down on him was a little ordinary in appearance, but in his gaze, one could feel an invisible, suffocating power of mana, an aura that only a person of true strength could exude.

Lukence made himself small and awaited the Emperors next words.

“I shall give you the power, so do you have the confidence to occupy Nerman.”

“!!”

The Emperors tremendous proposal made Lukence exclaim wordlessly in shock. That the Emperor would give him power was a statement more impactful than any other. Moreover, by asking Lukence if he had the confidence to occupy Nerman, it was akin to granting him the responsibility of a commander, a position only a noble of at least count or higher could assume.

Thud!

Lukence kowtowed with a loud thump.

“Your Majesty! If Your Majesty would do me the benevolence of believing in me, I will devote all my life to bring destruction upon Nerman!”

Lukence had thought it would be good enough if he could relieve his grievances, but the world had granted him a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He had kowtowed so heavily that blood flowed onto the ground.