21 Chapter 21 (1/2)

”Gentlemen... what do you think of the military situation of the Empire?” A young man asked, he had a very handsome face devoid of his baby ish features and had spiky blood red hair that he had grown upto his back.

This young man was Alexis who had finally turned eighteen years of age, he was seated in a relaxed position and had rested his chin on his arms that rested on the table...

He glanced at all the old men wearing intricate militaristic clothing.

Make no mistake, these men are the highest ranking officers in the Imperial army and General Titus can never be compared to them.

Titus was indeed a General, but his rank as a 'General' was given because he was in charge of the facility, once the facility was of no use, he would lose his rank!

Alexis still remembers the day when he was informed of it and the look on face made him smile.

”Your highness, if I may?” One of the older Generals voiced out as Alexis nodded.

”The situation is not that bad BUT it is not good either... our soldiers are growing lax. This is bad news considering how detrimental it will be in the future...” he said solemnly and sighed as his colleagues nodded.

”I see... what if I propose something?” Alexis asked them.

”What is it your highness?” The General next to the older one spoke curiously, he had gained the support of all these Generals after he had explained of some of the things he was going to in the future, they were so inclined to be his supporters to the point that they would even revolt against the current Emperor if Alexis had asked them...

There were still a few of them that Alexis knew were too dangerous to be kept around once he had the throne.

”How about some propaganda?” Alexis stated.

”Your highness, I mean no offense but we have already tried such things...” Another General spoke and shook his head sadly.

”Yes, but take a look at this!” Alexis smirked and took out a bunch of military posters that he had prepared and placed them on the table.

The posters were colourful and had very bold words and images of soldiers...

”Amazing...”

”Such patriotism!”

Alexis heard good reviews about his product almost immediately and opened his mouth to speak.

”So... what do you think?” Alexis asked them.

”We would like to buy these posters your highness!” They shouted excitedly.

”But your highness... this is supposed to be a deal is it not? What are your demands?” The older General stated politely.

”I want all the soldiers with bad performance!” Alexis said with a chuckle and looked at the shocked faces with a smile...

”Deal!” All of them laughed and shook hands with Alexis eagerly.

Then they gathered around and poured some wine into their chalice which were brought by a few servants...

”For the Empire!” Alexis said and swallowed the poured wine in his chalice with one quick gulp.

”FOR THE EMPIRE!” The Generals shouted and followed Alexis' actions, they were very happy and their blood boiled in excitement, the only thing remembered from Alexis' speech was something about a great war.

”Send your troops to the entrance of the Kritten heights!” Alexis reminded them with a smile and bid them goodbye.

He then got into his carriage where Florestine was waiting for him.

”Your highness, you smell of alcohol!” Scolded Florestine with a frown on her face as Alexis laughed and informed his coachman to travel back to his palace...

He then sighed and glanced outside, the place where the group met was in the residence of a prominent General who is a supporter of Alexis.

Alexis felt a soft hand pinch his ear with a hard grip and twist it violently, he didn't feel pain and just turned to the only person inside the carriage with him...

”Florestine, what are you doing?” He asked his lover and grabbed her smooth soft hand and caressed it, he then let go of it by giving a gentle kiss.

”Your highness, it is not good to drink so much...” Florestine spoke to him gently and had a worried face, Alexis waved his hand.

”It's no big deal!” He said as she sighed.

”Why won't you ever listen to me?” She asked him with a smile as Alexis closer to her.

”I don't know... you tell me!” He whispered into her ear.

”Your highness~” Florestine shivered and coyly spoke his name.

-●-●-●-

Alexis along with the thousand odd people he had gathered four years ago were moved to the land he had bought in the Kritten heights...

All this was done in secret with the help of the Generals who covered up everything for him so that Aurelius would not get suspicious!

He had been training Marcus, the small kid was now thirteen years old and was very diligent in his work!

”Time to stop fooling around...” Alexis mumbled as his eyes became cold.

He then left Florestine in the palace and teleported to the land where his 'secret' force was being trained...

Currently there were two hundred men and women, following the fighting stances of the instructor, they were aligned perfectly and had very serious faces.

They were dedicated to serving Alexis... the young man who had saved them when they were at their lowest...

'A little brainwashing wouldn't hurt anyone!' Alexis thought as he secretly observed the training, he would expose himself once the group has completed their stances.

Within an hour of shouting, punching and kicking air, Alexis decided to come out.

”SIR!” The instructor shouted and kneeled infront of him as Alexis shook his head with a sigh...