Chapter 122 : Chapter 122

Chapter 122 : For Tayon (8)

Of course, Rodos's words were a joke.

If a few members of the White Dragon Knights and three of the Twelve Swords of Adjak could conquer the Empire, we wouldn't be worrying about war.

But it was not a common sight for an external military force to suddenly appear in the middle of the capital.

Eventually, a commotion even broke out as the Imperial Army was dispatched.

However, the leader of the White Dragon Knights, Pasion Adjak, seemed accustomed to this kind of situation and responded nonchalantly.

“A child from our family is giving a speech, so I came to hear what he has to say. There will be no armed conflict, so don't worry.”

“Ev-even so, if you enter so suddenly, we will be in a difficult position.”

“Why would the Empire be in a difficult position? Are you afraid of our knights, who are but a handful? It shouldn’t be a violation of Imperial law either.”

Pasion’s words were correct.

There was no law stating that a knight order from another faction could not appear in the capital.

A festival called the Knight Games, where different knight orders competed against each other, was held in the capital every five years.

The next Knight Games was set to take place in a month.

There was no basis for them to pick a fight that wasn’t in the law just because we had come early to secure a place.

In the first place, the Empire had never even thought of making such a law because of their confidence that they could easily suppress any force besides their own.

Moreover, the Imperial Army had rushed over due to a sudden commotion.

The Imperial Army official in charge, who was of a lower rank than Pasion, couldn't stop Pasion, who was speaking so nonchalantly.

This was because Pasion had won the Knight Games at the age of 20, even defeating the knight orders that the Imperial Palace was so proud of.

Afterward, he had quietly served as the leader of the Adjak family’s knight order, and his appearance in the capital was a major event, but there was little they could do.

“*Ugh*… you must not cause any trouble.”

“Don’t worry. If I had intended to cause trouble, you wouldn’t be talking so peacefully with me.”

Pasion even added a slight threat.

However, after the Imperial Army had retreated, the Pasion who greeted me only wore a benevolent smile.

“It's our first time meeting. Polarin Adjak.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. It’s an honor to meet one of the Twelve Swords of Adjak.”

I respectfully greeted not only Pasion, but also Balua and Akuhata.

Balua, who could not speak due to a damaged vocal cord, only nodded.

He had a gentle nature and was so shy that even when he was in charge of the Coming-of-Age Ceremony supervision, he had a hard time looking at the faces of those who came to participate.

For such a Balua to come all the way to the capital to support me was an extraordinary event.

He was also a member of the Beastkin Alliance, one of the few organizations that could proudly oppose the Empire's tyranny, so his presence alone was reassuring.

Akuhata’s history and appearance were also very unique.

She was a member of the race that the Empire called barbarians of the south and looked down upon.

She was over 2 meters tall, had dark skin, and her face was covered in battle tattoos.

Not only her height but also her build was almost the same as Kiyot’s, so she was very imposing.

She spoke in a slightly broken common language.

“You. Fought alongside Tayon until the end. Great warrior. I acknowledge you.”

“…Thank you.”

In reality, these three people had come to support my speech, but I still felt a sense of regret.

If they were people who could come just to see a speech, couldn’t they have helped Tayon when he was struggling alone in Myeolji?

If they had, Tayon would…

“We were too careless. The Adjak family only thought of each of us becoming a hero, and we never properly united.”

Had he noticed my regret? Pasion said as if apologizing to me.

“Although we were bound by the name Twelve Swords, we were all scattered and working hard in our own places. We believed that those efforts would make the family strong and that it was the way to reach our ancestor, Lord Adjak.”

“…”

“We were wrong. I apologize to you. We knew you were fighting the Demons of Myeolji alone and trying to stop the Empire’s war, but we only watched.”

At that moment, to my surprise, Pasion knelt before me.

I was very flustered because I never thought that a knight who had made a mark in history by winning the Knight Games at a young age would kneel before me.

“Please, no. I’m fine. Please get up. People are watching.”

“I’d rather they see. You are no longer just a junior member of our family. We will support you to the fullest.”

Akuhata also supported Pasion’s words.

“So you can be a hero. We will help.”

These were words that showed their sincerity. I expressed my gratitude to all of them.

And to prepare for the speech the next day, I unpacked my things at the inn Rodos had guided me to.

* * *

A single eagle was circling in the high, blue sky.

The weather was so nice that I thought it was perfect for giving a speech.

Knock, knock, as soon as I heard a knock on the inn room door, I, who had already finished my preparations, stepped outside.

“Did you have a good dream?”

“I did. I dreamed of the capital being covered in cheers.”

Renwood had come to pick me up.

I grinned and handed him my Imperial Merit Points plaque.

I had collected them just for this speech.

Renwood said that everything was already prepared and I didn't have to do this, but I wanted to follow the designated procedure.

I stepped out in front of the inn to go to the Plaza.

Not only the members of the White Dragon Knights in their shining armor, but also Pasion,

Balua, and Akuhata were waiting for me.

“Am I too late? I’m sorry.”

“No, we came early. We couldn't sleep.”

“I won’t worry you.”

I looked around.

I was looking for Hike and Agamben.

They had agreed to meet me in the capital on the day of the speech, so I thought they would have arrived by now.

But I couldn't find their faces among those who were gathered here.

“They’ll be here before the speech.”

Pasion seemed to know who I was looking for.

“Yes, thank you. We’ll depart immediately.”

I started walking with an awkward expression.

On the way to the Plaza, I was cheered on by not a few citizens of the capital.

Those cheers gave me great courage.

I didn't think I received this support because I was so great.

Many people were wearing the Crow masks they had made themselves.

It was an opportunity that Tayon had created for me.

‘For Tayon.’

I entered the Plaza, chanting that spell so as not to miss this opportunity.

The huge Plaza located in the heart of the capital.

Many citizens of the capital were already waiting in the wide Plaza, which was located in the middle of the cobblestone roads and old-fashioned buildings that branched out in all directions.

There were not a few Crow masks that I saw on the way, but the number of people already waiting in the Plaza was even greater.

The Plaza had statues of the first emperor, Oriandeus, and several heroes of the Empire.

The face of Adjak was also there.

I went up to the circular stage in the Plaza.

In front of me were the citizens of the capital, and behind me were the people who supported me.

The members of the White Dragon Knights also took their places among the nobles of the

Western Noble Coalition and the priests of the Holy Order.

And I also found Hike and Agamben and bowed my head to greet them.

Agamben, who was wearing a Tello uniform, waved at me as I, wearing the same uniform, went up to the stage.

Hike also gave a slight nod.

If Hike had given this speech, she would have been able to create a much bigger stir than I could.

Even now, many people were craning their necks to look at Hike rather than me, who was on the stage.

Still, I knew too well that this was something I had to do.

Without hesitation, I greeted the people who had gathered in this place.

“Citizens of the great Oriandeus, I thank all of you who have joined us here today.”

Applause erupted from the crowd. I waited for the applause to die down.

“My name is Polarin Adjak. I am honored to have received the moniker Five Morning Stars from the Empire, and I am also an Apostle of the Holy Order and a disciple who received a Special Recommendation from Lord Tayon Adjak.”

At the mention of Tayon's name, the enthusiastic atmosphere suddenly became quiet.

I also saw the heads of those wearing Crow masks drop.

“And as my name says, I am a member of a family that the Empire should be eliminating.”

Ooh! A reaction erupted once again at my direct words.

“I hear the Empire is about to make a major decision. They say they want to subjugate the forces outside of the Empire to restore its glory.”

“…For the glory of the Empire.”

“No, that's the wrong thing to do!”

“Are the enemies of the Empire the humans outside of the Empire? Or are they another enemy besides humanity?”

I raised my voice as I looked at the citizens who were on the verge of being swept into the vortex of war.

“The enemies of the Empire are not them. The beings the Empire should fear are the Demons.”

I no longer controlled the tempo of my speech or watched people's reactions.

“We have fought against the Demons for a long time. The Empire also knows that fact well. However, the Empire’s sword is not pointed at the Demons, but at those who do not obey them.”

“…”

“Today, I want to speak to you from this stage. It is time for us to join forces. No matter how

weak the power in my hands may be, our fists must be aimed at the Demons.”

I stepped down from the stage. It was a risky move.

There might be spies from the Empire mixed among the citizens.

“We have the right to design our own future. The future I want is not one where humans shed each other’s blood. We must break the long-standing conflict between the Empire and other forces! Let’s cooperate! And let’s unite our strength to conquer Myeolji!”

Those who were looking at me extended their hands.

I tried to hold everyone’s hand as much as I could.

I didn't stop speaking while doing so.

“We must prepare for war against Myeolji. No matter how hard we prepare, we cannot guarantee victory. As Lord Tayon did, anyone could be dragged into Myeolji.”

- We must save Lord Tayon!

- Conquer Myeolji!

“We can make a choice. There is no need for us to be at odds with each other. Let’s unite our strength. Let’s go to war. Let’s wage war not against other humans, but against Myeolji!”

- Waaah!

“Let's walk the path of glory that we pursue. I believe in you all. If we unite our strength, we can conquer Myeolji. Let’s not shed each other’s blood. Let’s gather together!”

The reactions of those who listened to my speech and held my hand began to intensify.

A huge cheer and applause echoed through the Plaza.

“Let’s make our own choice. Let’s stop the Empire from waging war against humanity. Let’s declare war against Myeolji!”

I had said almost everything I wanted to say.

Passionate expressions were reflected on people’s faces.

I felt a belief that at least most of the people here would support me.

At that moment, a scream erupted from one corner of the Plaza.

People wearing armor with the Emperor’s crest on it burst in.

They entered the Plaza without hesitation, as if threatening the citizens who filled it.

“The Third Prince is arriving!”

“Everyone, bow your heads to the Third Prince!”

Anger surged within me.

They must have had some sense; they should have been able to read the political situation of the continent well.

It was difficult to understand why they would deliberately interfere.

I put my hand on Maron.

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