abcnovels
Chapter 457
Chapter 457
Chapter 457
Noon.
Upon my arrival in the capital, no one was there to greet me.
Our carriage strolled boldly down the main street.
People were engrossed in their everyday life. There was no triumphant return. Since I was sent back due to failure, there was no need to notify the citizens. The citizens probably only felt a nobleman's carriage passing by.
"The capital seems busier than before."
"Indeed, a year is enough time to rebuild. This is the Emperor's home turf, after all."
"From your tone, are other places still struggling to recover?"
"The superficial recovery is probably done. But it takes time to truly return to the previous state. A building returning to its original shape doesn't mean that recovery is complete."
To say that recovery is complete, the vitality has to return, the people's comings and goings have to return, the wounded hearts have to heal, and various other things have to be overcome. The reason why the capital's recovery is quick is because people's traffic is active. If you stop, you'll be left behind.
That's why people are resilient and quick to rise again.
Busy days make you forget about sadness.
"Even just rebuilding the structures, the Empire is impressive."
"Indeed. The provinces are still far from catching up in terms of buildings. Well, the damage due to tyranny is more significant than the damage due to war, which is the main cause."
"Whatever is hastily built will crumble in an instant when it falls. The provinces, under Emperor Traugott, will slowly rebuild without rushing or panicking. There's no use comparing it to the Empire."
In response to Finne's words, Mia and I nod.
Each province has its own pace.
Whether the province can stand as a country during Traugott's reign is the level of problem we're dealing with.
Of course, the Empire will support them.
Having a province on the northern side makes it impossible for the Empire and the Kingdom not to be vigilant.
It's enough to just stand on the side of the Empire. That itself becomes pressure.
The Imperial Army may invade through the province. If you think that way, you need to expand your defenses.
As I was thinking about these things, our carriage arrived at the castle.
Upon getting off, there was no one around.
"Oh come on, no welcome? That guy..."
"Wasn't it conveyed?"
"Could it be? Finn came, yet Leo didn't get the message?"
As I was about to say, I cut my words short.
A guard was running towards us.
"Prince Arnold. The Emperor summons you."
"So soon..."
So, this was the reason for the lack of welcome.
He wanted to call me out quickly for a lecture. What a fine hobby he has. With that thought, I bid farewell to Finne and Mia and headed towards the throne room.
Led by the guard, I headed towards the throne room. Nothing has changed in the Imperial Sword Castle in a year. Just before the straight path leading to the throne room. That's where the guard stopped.
"What's wrong?"
"My lead ends here. You'll proceed alone from here."
"What? I've never heard of a guide stopping at a place like this?"
"Today is special."
Saying so, the guard left. I wonder what's going on. Sighing, I walked down the straight path. And I soon understood why the guard had stopped guiding me.
"Good grief..."
I muttered and kept walking.
Ahead of me were knights with white cloaks. Unlike the guards from earlier, these cloaks had designs. Only the captains of the Imperial Guard Knights are allowed to wear these. There were thirteen of them. They stood divided to my left and right.
"Is the full cast of Guard Knights' captains present? Is my father about to lead a campaign himself?"
No one answered my question.
Having no choice, I took a step forward, and at the end of my sight, the Knight Commander Alida, muttered.
"Draw your swords."
All of them drew their swords in unison.
Then they placed the tip on the floor and all thirteen knelt.
Finally understanding the meaning, my eyes widened.
This was a ceremony.
And it's the highest ceremony conducted by the captains of the Imperial Guard Knights.
Captains seldom kneel.
Because they are knights directly under the emperor.
There's a ceremony where such guards kneel with their swords.
The Imperial Guard Sword Salute.
A ceremony performed for a hero who has saved the country, or someone of similar stature.
"We celebrate Your Highness's return."
Everyone chimed in unison.
Whose idea was this? Unsettled, I moved through the ranks of the Imperial Guards. And then, at the very end, I muttered.
"Is this your doing?"
"Of course it's not."
For a conversation we're having for the first time in a year, it was quite terse.
Elna, who was kneeling, sighed as if exasperated.
Well, indeed, no matter how much Elna would request for it, permission wouldn't be granted.
"Can you explain? Captain Alida, who prepared such an uncomfortable ceremony?"
Moving through the ranks of the Imperial Guards, I asked the standing Alida.
As Alida sheathed her sword, she put her hand on the door to the throne room.
Usually, it's not the role of the captain of the Imperial Guards.
Because there are dedicated Imperial Guards at the gate.
Every single thing is top-class treatment.
What's going on?
"A letter has arrived from His Majesty Traugott."
"Trau nii-san?"
"The seventh prince, Arnold, has made significant achievements in the vassal state and has accomplished maximum efforts as a chancellor. These achievements will bring benefits to the empire for a long time to come. We request the highest level of welcome as a vassal king."
"That person..."
Seeing me mutter, Alida smiles faintly.
And then,
"The Emperor is waiting for you."
As she spoke, the door was opened.
The throne room.
At its deepest part.
On the throne sat my father.
Next to him was Chancellor Franz.
And in front of them were two princes, looking at me.
"---Thank you for your hard work on the mission. You did well to return, Arnold."
While sitting on the throne, my father declared.
And then he smiled wryly.
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