Translator: Cinder Translations
...
In the imperial capital of Gabella, the largest city in the empire, a new dawn once again arrived.
The white Scholar's Tower stood tall, its body bathed in a golden glow from the rising sun. Just like the scholars residing within, it gazed down on the city with wisdom, forever watching over the jewel-like metropolis.
The streets slowly filled with people, and soon the streets became bustling with traffic and voices, a scene of prosperity.
But today was destined to be different from usual. A dense and orderly sound of footsteps made everyone feel on edge.
It was a squad of armored imperial guards, coming from the palace, their faces full of coldness, making their way to the southern part of the city.
As they passed, the crowds scattered, and doors and windows were quickly shut. The citizens of the capital still vividly remembered the last time when martial law was declared due to a prince's rebellion. Back then, the imperial guards were mobilized to patrol the streets and imprison anyone who dared to defy the curfew.
Although no formal martial law had been issued today, the fact that the imperial guards were out signaled that something was amiss, and it was wiser to hide for safety.
Prince Felix had once stirred up a "rebellion," attempting to kill his father to seize the highest power in the empire.
At a crucial moment, another prince, Antonio, stood up. He united those who were truly loyal to the empire and, with thunderous force, crushed his brother's conspiracy.
Emperor Bartley Griffin was deeply saddened by the betrayal of his firstborn, and from then on, fell ill and never recovered. He handed over the matters of state to Prince Antonio and withdrew into seclusion, no longer involving himself in politics.
This is the version known to the people of Gabella.
After Prince Felix's plot was crushed, Antonio decisively took a series of actions to stabilize the capital's situation. However, in distant parts of the empire, Felix's supporters, unwilling to give up, continued to incite rebellion. Meanwhile, far to the north, barbarian orcs from the plains, sensing the instability of the empire, crossed the vast desert and began raiding, occupying several fertile vassal states of the empire.
As the orc army advanced toward the empire's homeland, Prince Antonio personally led an army north. After a fierce battle, the orcs were dealt a heavy blow. The empire's strength forced them to retreat and turn westward toward Aldor to plunder.
With the northern border stabilized, Antonio focused his efforts on domestic matters.
He returned to the capital and held a grand coronation ceremony, placing the crown, symbolizing the empire's highest authority, on his own head.
The crown was placed on Antonio's head by Emperor Bartley Griffin himself. When the long-hidden emperor appeared in public again, those who recognized him were shocked. Once, the empire's people had praised their emperor's "lion-like face," his broad chest, muscular arms, and lustrous hair, but now, the man who appeared before them was an elderly figure, his face weathered, his hair dry, his once majestic figure barely recognizable as the former supreme ruler of Gabella.
The betrayal of his firstborn had dealt a tremendous blow to the emperor—many people felt deep sympathy for Bartley.
The elderly emperor took the crown from the tray held by a servant and carefully placed it on Antonio's head, making sure it was properly positioned. After his son stood up, he inspected it once more.
Bartley placed his hand on Antonio's shoulder, gently patting it, and said, "I know you are destined for greatness, but now that this country has passed into your hands… ha, I hope you'll remember these few words of mine."
Antonio Griffin nodded, "Please speak, Father."
Emperor Bartley Griffin's expression seemed both helpless and sorrowful. After all, he had once been the emperor, wielding immense power, yet now he had to pass it on to another, even to his own son. It was only natural that he found it difficult to adjust—most people who saw Bartley's expression would think the same.
The old emperor said earnestly, "I learned everything from Aldridge. If it is true, the responsibility you now bear might be unparalleled in human history. However, many people will use the weight of their responsibilities as an excuse to wield power recklessly. When their power harms innocent people, they will gradually become accustomed to using their responsibility to excuse or numb themselves. In the past, you only influenced yourself and those behind you. Now that you are emperor, the entire nation is under your control, and you may rise even higher. So…"
His tone held a hint of worry, "As the former ruler, I beg you—use the wisdom in your mind and the power in your hands with caution."
Antonio Griffin solemnly nodded, "Father, I will remember your words." He paused and continued, "And I will steadfastly walk the path fate has set for me."
Bartley Griffin sighed in relief, seemingly relieved of his final responsibility, and then he grasped Antonio's hand, raising it high before everyone.
"Long live the emperor!"
A great cheer erupted, drowning the entire coronation ceremony. The people celebrated the smooth transfer of supreme power, at least within the capital. To let the shadow of Felix's rebellion, disappear quickly.
With the public endorsement of the former emperor, Antonio's legitimacy was reinforced, and the rumors about fratricide, forcing his father, or conspiring with wizards all vanished like foul-smelling trash. They were nothing but baseless slanders spread by Felix's remnants, attempting to undermine the new emperor's sanctity.
After the coronation, the new emperor immediately held a series of military campaigns with his trusted generals—Siegfried, McDonald, and Anbolov—to quell the remaining rebels of Felix scattered across the empire.
Since Antonio took power, the imperial army's strength had greatly improved. Soldiers were well-trained, and whenever there was a battle, morale was high, and they fought bravely. Some elite units were even equipped with better gear—swords sharper than the enemy's and armor stronger than theirs.
Moreover, a new kind of ranged weapon had been introduced. This firearm could launch projectiles over long distances, and upon reaching the enemy's vicinity, it would explode in flames, causing area-of-effect damage. It was incredibly powerful.
It is said that this terrifying weapon originated from the Northwestern Aldor Kingdom, but the original version could only fire iron projectiles. The clever craftsmen of Gabella improved the technology, making the projectiles explode, thereby increasing its destructive power. The new weapon still retained its name—Thunder Hammer—passed down from Aldor.
Ah, the people of Aldor are always coming up with new gadgets, but they never follow through. If anyone truly wants to perfect something, it's always Gabella—people would proudly say this.
Under the suppression of the powerful imperial army, the situation stabilized within a few years. Trade resumed, and cities across the empire regained their former prosperity.
Now, the appearance of large numbers of imperial guards on the streets once again hinted at something ominous. It had been so long—was there another discovery of Felix's traitors within the city?
Amidst the speculations of the people, the imperial guards approached the capital's largest church, the headquarters of the Gabella Church.
(End of the Chapter)
---
Read (FF) on Pa.treon@CinderTL - c857. [+1]
Early Access at $5.
Translated (5) Series, (2.6K+) Chapters, (3.5M+) Words.