Chapter 546 It’s Time to Leave (2/2)
”Are you alright? What just happened?”
Tanya was filled with anxiety over present factors beyond earnest worry. It should be noted that Zero-One was not merely a source of living metals that the runic dwarven craftsmen treasured or a labor for large-scale construction projects, it was most importantly a subordinate of the Legendary liege—the runic dwarves were merely entrusted with its care, while the orders for the aerial battleships was also awarded to them thanks to him. If something happened to Zero-One, he might have to resign despite recently assuming leadership!
”Just hold on, I'll quickly call for the craftsman and let them have a look!” At the very thought, Tanya made a resolve inwardly—turning and prepared to leave and search for the craftsman who was very familiar with Zero-One's body, who was in fact an important character that once delved deep into the elements realm and held intricate knowledge of all foreign species. However, before the young dwarf could leave, a voice that was at once familiar and unfamiliar wafted behind him.
”Bzzt… There's no need—I'm fine, Tanya.”
The dwarf slowly turned in astonishment at the mention of his own name to find the gargantuan Steel Elemental lowering its head slightly and leveling its gaze at him.
”The pronunciation of human language… bzzt… I've learned it,” Zero-One added with a little mirth. ”This is Father's… power!”
The little uproar in the dwarven settlement over how Zero-One suddenly learned the common tongue quickly calmed. Most were unfettered by the bizarreness since most adult elite elemental beings had the intelligence of language, with elder elementals bearing incredible ability of thought that did not lose out to humans. As a Steel Elemental, Zero-One had considerable intelligence even if its species was unique, so it was not too unusual that it would suddenly gain the gift of language.
It was only some of the higher-ups who would remember the unusual phenomenon that appeared over Zero-One's body before it learned to speak, and the 'father' it mentioned.
Did Count Radcliffe attain some new power? Such a seemingly trivial guttural information spread discreetly, collected and compiled by some concerned beings who were dutifully gathering information regarding Zero-One and the Legendary Count, before conveying them to higher authorities and into the hands of their masters.
”The ability to grant intelligence? Zero-One has intelligence in the first place—it's just that it learned to speak now.”
In the Imperial Study within Morlaix Palace that stood upon the Imperial Capital, Israel shook his head and pushed the report before him aside. ”Nash, there's no need for your lot to keep gathering intelligence related to Noble Radcliffe day after day. To learn his abilities, you just have to knock on his door and ask directly with my name, claiming that I must learn what threshold his power had reached for the stability of the Empire. I know him—he would tell as long as you asked straightforwardly, just as I would if he did the same thing. There is no need for some sneaky confidentiality between champions, nor is there any grounds for intrigue beneath the power of Legendary.”
”The Shadow faction should not gather in the North either. It's meaningless, what you should be doing is paying attention to those corrupt southeastern nobles. And I believe that Noble Radcliffe has already learned about your little moments—the reason he did not squash you peeking insects was entirely because he is willing to obey order, and not simply murder my lackeys.”
”Yes… Yes, Your Majesty!”
The cavalier in black clothes and black armor promptly sweated buckets at Israel's words. Having been enlightened, he swiftly realized how dangerous it was to spy on a Legendary warrior—if the target was just a tinge upset with the Imperial Family, he would die ten thousand times before he was spared, which made it even more fortunate that Count Radcliffe was broad-minded and did not fuss over his presence.
Nevertheless, it was not right to blame him entirely over such matters—the purpose of Shadow's existence was to collect any information that could threaten the Empire after all, and what larger threat was there compared to a Legendary champion? Vigilance against an overpowered individual was a reasonable instinct, which was why Israel merely muttered to himself for a while instead of scolding his loyal subordinate too much.
”Nash Worthard. You were once a brave soldier who killed in the battlefield too—it's my fault for having you to stay too long in the Shadow business that grinds away your heart.”
Rising behind his desk, Israel spoke softly as he walked over to the cavalier. ”There's no good death working such a job… When you have finished handing over your post in a few years, come and captain my personal guard.”
With those words, Nash, who was completely downhearted looked up at Israel in surprise, only to sense his impudence and quickly lowering his head again. ”Thanks for your kindness, Your Majesty!” he said immeasurably earnestly.
If it were any ordinary person, they would certainly be puzzled. A Shadow who held leadership over the most important central intelligence agency within a nation would certainly not dull in importance to a typical vice-commander, while his opportunity to meet the Emperor himself at any given moment outshining many other important positions. Therefore, why would Nash be so happy since he was stepping down from that post to become a mere captain of the Emperor's guard? It was a huge drop in position no matter how one thought about it.
Still, that was not quite the truth.
Just as Israel had put it, the leader of Shadows would never meet a kind end. Those nobles whose secrets had been glimpsed upon would exhaust all efforts of get rid of that damned bastard who was aware about most of their scandals. They had such diverse moves that not even Nash could completely evade them all. However, since Israel was willing to have him as his personal guard, it meant that death by vengeful assassination was ruled out—no noble was foolish enough to ambush someone clearly under the protection of a Legendary champion, especially one who could very well arrive at Supreme in days to come.
It was indeed something that eclipsed all treasures, trickery and authority in this world of extraordinary individuals.
”It's alright, you're not off duty yet.”
Giving the cavalier who followed him since the days of the war against the orcs a little kick out of slight annoyance, Israel paused for a while before speaking again. ”But you're right, he must have learned something new again… Nash, go and get someone to find Dimore and Arlwa.”
”Tell them… it's time to leave.”