(Arthur Pov)
Days passed by, and soon, it's been a year since I pulled that stunt that stopped the territorial war and shenanigans during the Imperial session.
A lot has happened since then.. Firstly...
Now I am five years and six months old!
A big man!
But all is not well...
The empire remains in turmoil, with both archdukes confined to their territories. The king of Pirates had launched many devastating raids on the shipments of large merchant alliances, on the Aquila duchy and their allies, while he recruited peasants and, more importantly...
Demi-humans.
The Demi-humans are a humanoid species that is fundamentally different from humans. Across the Eastern Continent, they are discriminated against and enslaved. Classic definition, which I didn't know about.
Their physical strength is superior to humans, so they are forced to fight in wars and are enslaved by those self-entitled people...
Honestly, I didn't even know that, a WHOLE other class of species existed till this point, and that they were discriminated against..
Another cause for vengeance added to the list...
Now, let's talk about some new things that have occurred with me.
First and foremost, there are new classes that specialize in particular subjects or activities like horse riding class, that cursed* language class, Geography class, and religion classes, and all that annoying stuff, had begun since my fifth birthday..
The only class I like is the religion one. A kind old man named Bishop Reinheart Ross teaches me about the Western Sect.
The Empire follows the Religion of Erdvir, which encourages the worship of the God whose name is Raum. The Erdvir originated 450 years ago, originating in the Central Continent, where the Raum's chosen one had descended. His name was Ain Al Bahir, who later on spread Raum's teachings. But when his preaching started expanding, the kings and Emperors grew wary of them. Especially the Kingdoms ruled by Demi-humans were exceptionally harsh on Ain and his followers. They were driven to extinction by the ruling elites of the Demi-human kingdom.
Although the strongest Empire on the Central Continent at that time and even now, the Adracia Empire had adopted his teachings, it was already too late, and Ain had left for the Eastern Continent.
Well, that's what teacher Reinhardt taught me till now.
Archbishop Reinhardt taught many Holy Texts that depicted Ain as the savior of these lands, and before him, the 'godless creatures' used to enslave the Continent. That's a harsh evaluation.
Now, Erdvir Religion is more prominent in the Eastern Continent than in the Central Continent, where it originated..
A big part of it is because of the Demi-human kingdoms, who persecuted Followers of Erdvir, persist to this day...
That's why the Demi-humans are especially despised by the faithful and followers..
But, the Empire was different, at least it was different till now...
The teacher hasn't told me about the reason, but earlier, I had asked Ginny about it.
She had told me that the previous Valgus Empire had indeed broken away from the Holy Religion of Erdvir and formed another sect that is dominant in the Empire today as well. This sect is surprisingly prominent in many countries across the Western part of the Continent.
Oh well, I know Old Man Reinheart will tell me about it sooner or later. But I always 'see' that, whenever he's teaching me, more people are watching me. Not the usual spies, but outside people...
It seems like there are more enemies than I imagined.. I can't contact uncle yet, as he's under constant watch as well.. I don't want to pressure him, yet.
This is dangerous..
Anyway, that's for future Arthur to worry about..
My Horse-riding classes are okay, to be the least. Ginny usually accompanies me on this, while the teacher is a noble named Godwin. He's passive and keeps his distance from me, while also treating me with respect. But I had seen him with the Prime Minister, so most likely he belongs to his faction.
Untrustworthy...
At least he's serious about teaching me.
Then there are those damn etiquette classes, for making me 'noble'. Some noble named Henry Van something teaches me, but in reality, he's just there to mock me. Maybe he finds it 'funny' how the mighty Ignivar Emperor isn't even capable of learning etiquette. What makes this class worse is that, sometimes, even my mother mines it, and mocks my suffering.
That hag dares to appear in front of me! For the last two years, despite being the 'Regent', she had hardly visited me in my Palace. The only bond I share with her is through blood. For me, it'll be better if I never see her again. I don't like her.
Ginny is a better mother to me than she ever will be. I guess the only good thing she did was give birth to me.
Ahh! It's so complex, but she's still annoying.
Nowadays, I am wondering, should I sneak attack and kill both dukes? And then laugh at her face. I am even starting to call her old hag, in my mind.
No.. I can't yet.. If I do that, then Ginny and her family would be in danger..
*hah
Looking at the balcony and the glowing setting sun on the horizon, I only thought about,
'I am not sure what I want to do in the future'..
(Arthur's Pov Ends)
---
Meanwhile, in the Port City of Eden, Aquila Dutchy, a large ship, can be seen docked.
The ship is decorated with many different mural paintings, depicting various mythological events. Other than that, the sails and the flag, on the ship, showcased where it belongs too...
Kingdom of Aaragon..
Sometime after docking, an entourage of people entered the city. Among the soldiers, knights, and the group of gentlemen, a cute little girl can be seen, watching everything with her curious little eyes.
Looking around the port, she marveled at its vastness, architecture, and beauty. But more than that, she found hope...
The kingdom of Aaragon is now caught in an existential crisis, with the neighbouring nation of Pendralis having launched a full-scale assault on the kingdom.
Unlike Aaragon, Pendralis is a theocracy that follows the laws of the Holy Church of Erdvir. The Archbishops rule this nation with an iron fist, with church interference at its peak.
This country is famous for being the place where Ain and his followers first descended, after their flight from the Central Continent. This area would later on be the headquarters for Ain and his followers, from where he would spread his teachings, the name of God, Raum, while also becoming his last resting place.
During the heyday of the Valgus Empire, Pendralis was an autonomous province with a vast church interference. After the creation of the Western sect, this place ceded and became the Pendralis of today.
Currently, the Aaragon Kingdom is facing a devastating war, which is consuming and draining its national reserves at a rapid rate.
That's why they are going to their neighboring countries, to ask for help or an alliance..
The pressure is so high that the Aragon Kingdom is forced to send even children as young as 13 to be baptised on the battlefields.
That's why this envoy was traveling across the nations to even beg for help, but no one answered them. Finally, they have arrived at the decaying Empire, where a five-year-old is the Emperor.
Although it's the last stop, they have no choice but to bite the bullet and ask for help.
"We should start by visiting both Archdukes. And lobby them for an alliance. " One of the main diplomats said.
"Yes, but they would only make a move if we give them something in return... And need I not remind you, our reserves are at the end. What can we offer them? " Asked another one said.
"I'll offer myself! " Declared the young girl.
*bonk
"Don't spout nonsense, Your Highness. " Said a burly man, with sharp and piercing eyes, to the girl, who was revealed to be the princess.
"But Uncle-" Before the princess could even respond, her uncle said,
"I am leading this mission, Your Highness. " He said with authority.
"And my orders are for you to just observe the situation. " He said, folding his hands.
Seeing the downcast expression on his beloved niece, his tone softened,
"You are still a six-year-old kid. "He said, ruffling her hair.
" Don't try to meddle in adults' affairs yet. You will get your chance later. "He said.
'But I doubt His Majesty would even want you to marry someone else. ' He thought.
While not fully convinced, she still nodded with a determined expression. " Yes, Uncle Franz! "
Then suddenly her face turned thoughtful. Then she looked at her uncle and asked,
"Uncle, I've heard that the Emperor of the Empire is also of my age. Can we meet him? " She asked with curiosity.
"We will see about that. " He said, before continuing,
"For now, let's rest for a while. "
---
Meanwhile, inside the Imperial Palace, inside the majestic door, a tall man can be seen calmly sipping his tea as he watches the silver crystal ball in front of him, which is glowing.
Inside the crystal ball, there's a live projection of Arthur, who is currently training with Ginny at their designated spot, blissfully unaware that there is indeed someone formidable keeping an eye on them.
However, what they didn't know was that, among the spies sent by both Archdukes, there is indeed a fourth-stage beginner magician, who specialises in espionage, belonging to Duke Raul. However, he was bewitched into thinking that Arthur was still in his room.
"You owe me twice now.. " The person said, while looking at the training figure of Arthur.
"Ignivar."
This mysterious person is not only incredibly strong, but also has his own agenda.
However, this time, he did indeed help Arthur.
The fourth-stage mage was sent by Karl to especially keep an eye out for Ginny (Luna), while also occasionally monitoring Arthur. However, this person has managed to bewitch a fourth-stage mage into seeing what he wants him to see, that too so discreetly that even the mage didn't suspect any foul play.
"When he gets to the second stage.. He'll be able to open up this door. " The person said, as he glanced behind his chair, only to reveal a massive library that seemed to have no end to it.
---