Chapter 208 – Kuruela the Fallen Angel 3 (1/2)
“Hmmm…”
“I will sway the Hero King to give allegiance to the Imperial Family’s side. Father, I know that you also don’t approve of the priests of the Holy Pope’s Office. To keep them in check, appealing to and controlling the Hero King is essential,” Eleanora pleaded, as she knelt before Tiberius.
It was an unthinkable situation from such a headstrong daughter.
Tiberius looked embarrassed.
‘No matter how dire of a situation I’m in, Eleanora is still the next successor in line to the throne…’
The Holy Aperia Empire was unique in that the person recognized by the Holy Sword, Ertia, would be designated as the next Emperor. Up to now, the legitimate, immediate successor of the Imperial Family became the next Emperor, regardless of whether it was a man or a woman.
Of course, in terms of the actual ratio, the chances of a princess being chosen was quite small.
So, when Eleonora picked Ertia, the Holy Sword from Solomon’s Hall, and when the sword accepted her, everyone was surprised.
Anyway, she was the child who would succeed him in the future.
Thus, he had to decide very carefully who she should marry.
‘I have to talk to Granver.’
Swordmaster Granver was a loyal imperial servant who had protected the imperial family since the time of the preceding Emperor and Eleanora’s current mentor.
Tiberius soothed Eleanor and calmed her down before walking her out of his office. He then called Granvert to come into his office.
“You called, your Majesty,” Granvert politely greeted.
“Have you heard the rumors? There’s a rumor that there will soon be a great cataclysm that will destroy the Empire.”
“It sounds like Pope Ignatius’ schemes to agitate the public, but I think there is a need to be careful.”
As a man devoted to the imperial family, he did not immediately believe what came out from the Holy Pope’s Office.
Tiberius coughed and spoke again with a serious expression.
“As a result of some investigation, it seems that it is not an agitation but factual news. The Holy Lady of Prophecy actually said that this event would come.”
“… Then, shall we call upon the Paladins to return to the Empire? There are currently only two Paladins in the Empire.”
Hildegard, Paladin of Flurry.
Ishrei, the Paladin of Freezing.
Both were credited with defeating the Demon King who had been targeting the Empire a while ago.
(Of course, in the case of who took care of Amon, it was actually Woohyuk, but officially, it was stated that Hildegard expelled Amon.)
“Of course, they should be enough, under normal circumstances. However, two Paladins alone are probably not enough to prevent a catastrophe/disaster-level event, at least, according to what the Prophecy Saintess said.”
“… It is dangerous to abandon the northern front right now. We and the elves will take a fatal blow.”
In addition to the Kazak Tribe led by the Thorn Queen, Alice, the Allied Forces of the Demon Kings were also stationed in the Enoa Kingdom.
Most of their ranks were low, but the total number of Demon Kings was quite high, so the five Paladins in the Northern Front were struggling to maintain the front.
If they came back to prevent the expected catastrophe/disaster, the Demonic forces would be able to take control of the Northern Front and come down to the south.
Not only that, but the relationship with the Elven race would also fatally deteriorate, which would lead to serious diplomatic problems in the future.
Since the Grand Duke’s territories were taken over by the Demons, it was not an exaggeration to say that the Principality of Croix was now Elven country.
As Granver raised his concerns, Tiberius quickly spoke, as if he had waited for this moment,
“Then, how about attracting a Hero King? He fought and defeated the three Demon Kings who invaded the Rhine Kingdom, and also killed the Lich Lord, who had recently raised power in the Norton Kingdom. It would be difficult for Hugo, the Paladin Commander, to achieve that level of achievement.”
“… If that person was to help then it would surely be of great help. It is a bit upsetting and annoying that he seems to be close to the Holy Pope’s Office.”
“So, we’ll have to pull him towards us by mobilizing an appropriate contribution.”
“What kind of a contribution?”
“I am going to give him one of my daughters. Who do you think would be good?”
Tiberius’ turned his current concerns into a question.
Granver looked at a loss as he saw the Emperor waiting for his answer.
‘His Majesty is weighing the political value of the Hero King based on my answer. As it is a serious matter, I have to think carefully.’
The marriage alliance would become both a foothold and a shackle.
Moreover, as Princess Eleanora was publicly recognized as the next successor, it was very important to deeply consider who she chose as her spouse.
If he misbehaved and caused controversy, he would give the Holy Pope’s Office an excuse to take over political power and essentially rule the Empire.
‘However, at the moment, it’s hard to find anyone comparable to the Hero King.’
If it was a peaceful era, someone like the Hero King would never be considered.
However, the current Eeth continent was devastated by the Demonic force attacks, and chaos ensued throughout the lands.
At this time, who else was a monarch who fought against these evil forces and continued winning, battle after battle?
Looking at his achievements so far, he was truly an absolute hero.
The main question was, what kind of ambition did he have?
Anyone who would disrupt the Empire’s rule in the future would prefer not to form a marriage alliance in the first place.
After agonizing over the pros and cons, Granver carefully opened his mouth to speak,
“Your Majesty, no matter which daughter you send to the Hero King, it will be interpreted the same way. Thus, how about calling the Hero King and letting him choose himself? Of course, your Majesty will make the final decision.”
“Hmm… so you’re saying we should take a look at what kind of person he is.”
“Yes, your Majesty. It is not possible to hand over the imperial princess to a person who is one-sided or who’s priorities do not align with the Empire’s.”
“That’s a good idea. Then, why don’t you go to the Hero King as an official messenger? If the Pope’s officials know, they may try to stir the pot, so this must be done in secrecy.”
“Please entrust me,” Granver stated as he politely bowed his head.
As he turned to leave, his gray eyes shone sharply.
‘I wanted to meet you at least once someday, so this will be a good occasion to meet you.’
He had often heard the ominous rumors about the Hero King in the public salons.
The opportunity to find out the authenticity of those rumors was given unexpectedly from the Emperor himself.
Curious about the identity of Woohyuk, Granver hurriedly walked out of the estate.
***
They were inside a reception room that was decorated with Valkyrie statues in the Holy Pope’s Office.
Granver was facing a black-haired, black-eyed young man with a stern expression.