Reborn As Noble

Chapter 1436: A Dark, Calculating Light ( 1436 )

That night.

The Other Continent.

Orthosia Empire.

Thaddeus sat lazily on his throne, his fingers drumming against the armrest as he stared down at Julius with a bored, impatient expression. His rings glinted under the light, and his heavy robes pooled around him like a sea of silk and gold.

”So? What’s your next step, Julius?” Thaddeus’s voice carried a sharp edge of impatience. ”I’ve given you everything you asked for. Women, money, the best locations for your headquarters, and all the freedom you wanted to enjoy yourself. And yet, I’m still sitting here, waiting for results.”

Julius smiled, his expression calm and confident. ”Aw~ Come on, just wait a little while longer, Your Imperial Majesty. I’m sure you’re going to have your fun after this. I promise you those lands will be conquered, just like the other small nations that are now under your empire.”

Thaddeus let out a scoff, leaning forward with a cold glare. ”Hah! You do know I hate waiting, Julius. Those lands on the other continent, I want them more than I wanted those small territories next to our continent. They’re richer, more resourceful, and they have something those other lands don’t. A challenge.”

Julius’s smirk widened. ”I know. Don’t worry, Your Imperial Majesty. I can guarantee you that within a few months, everything will be set in motion. The invasion will begin, and those lands will fall.”

He paused, his eyes glinting with a dark, calculating light. ”Just don’t forget the promise you made to me when that day comes.”

Thaddeus smirked, leaning back on his massive throne. He pulled out a heavy pouch of gold coins and tossed it casually toward Julius, who caught it effortlessly with one hand. Julius smiled, kneeling before the throne with his fist pressed against his left chest.

”Thank you for your generosity, Your Imperial Majesty.”

Thaddeus let out a satisfied grunt, his eyes gleaming with amusement. ”You know, Julius... I’ve always wondered why you weren’t summoned under my empire. Why did you end up under that shitty Garreth and his pathetic Divinity Nation? A man of your talents deserves to be under a real ruler, not some soft-hearted fool who still clings to outdated ideals of honor and diplomacy.”

He rested his cheek on his knuckle, his elbow propped on the armrest, his expression shifting into one of mild irritation.

”And those heroes under Maekaria... they have no respect for me. They strut around like they own the place, looking down on me as if I’m just some fat king sitting on a throne. They forget who gave them resources, who gave them shelter, who gave them everything they needed to grow stronger.”

His eyes narrowed, fixing on Julius with a cold, commanding stare.

”You are their Supreme Leader. The leader among all the summoned hero parties. I expect you to handle your subordinates. Keep them in line. Remind them who they serve. If they step out of line again, I won’t be as forgiving next time.”

Julius stood casually, glancing up at Thaddeus, who sat lazily on his throne. A confident smirk played on his lips as he crossed his arms.

”Your Imperial Majesty doesn’t need to worry about them. I will make sure they listen to me.” He paused, his smirk widening. ”Even if I was summoned under Divinity, I am not bound to anyone. I serve only my beautiful goddess, Zeyrinda, and whoever profits me the most. That is the only loyalty I recognize.”

Thaddeus let out a low, approving chuckle, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

”This is what I like about you, Julius. You’re not like those other heroes, clinging to their pathetic ideals of honor and duty. They prance around acting like righteous saviors, pretending they’re above the pleasures of the flesh, while secretly eyeing every pretty face they pass. But you? You understand how the world truly works. Power, wealth, and pleasure. That’s what matters. And you’re smart enough to know who to align yourself with.”

He leaned forward, his voice dropping into a mocking tone.

”Those other heroes, they talk about protecting the innocent, about justice and virtue. But in the end, they’re just as greedy and lustful as anyone else. They just hide it behind pretty words and noble posturing. You, on the other hand, don’t pretend to be something you’re not. You take what you want, when you want it. And that’s why I like you, Julius. You’re honest about your vices.”

Julius gave a humble bow, his voice smooth and practiced. ”Your Imperial Majesty flatters me. I am not worthy of such praise. I simply understand that in this world, loyalty is a currency, and I choose to spend it where it yields the greatest return.”

Thaddeus smirked, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. ”Good. Then make sure the preparations to conquer that continent are on schedule. I want the first batch of noble soldiers ready to deploy within the coming weeks. Go meet with my advisors and ensure the artillery cannons are prepared, the supply lines are secured, and the transport ships are loaded and ready to sail.”

He paused, his voice dropping into a more commanding tone. ”And send a message to Vane. Tell him to secure the forward base in Amazarak and have it fully operational before our forces arrive. No delays, no excuses.”

Julius smiled, bowing slightly. ”As you command, Your Imperial Majesty.” He straightened, his smirk returning. ”Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have much to prepare.”

Thaddeus gave a lazy nod, already losing interest, and Julius turned, his smile fading as he strode from the throne room.

Soon... I will get what I want. With the full support of Imperial King Thaddeus, I can finally claim Celine. She’s been hiding from me for too long, running behind her father’s schemes and her own stubborn pride.

Ah... Celine~ You won’t be able to run from me much longer. My men are already hunting you, tracking every possible route you could have taken. They will capture you and bring you to me. And when they do, you will finally be mine. You won’t be able to escape from me anymore~.

He walked along the grand hallway, his footsteps echoing off the marble floors. Outside, his horse awaited, surrounded by a group of beautiful attendants who bowed gracefully as he approached.

I should send a letter to Vane as well. I need an update on the Jaigar and Gorak, who were sent to investigate Armand. The last report was vague, and I want to know if they’ve uncovered anything useful about that nation’s defenses.

He mounted his horse with practiced ease, his attendants falling into formation behind him.

And I wonder... has my special unit arrived at the other continent yet?

The ones I sent to find Celine and bring her back to me. Vane’s report said she was headed toward Dwarven Nation, but I want confirmation. If they’ve found her trail, I want her captured and delivered to me immediately. No delays. No excuses.

Because she is mine. And no one will keep her away from me. I will have her, whether she comes willingly or in chains. Her body, her pride, her defiance... I will break them all and reshape her into my perfect possession.

And I will kill anyone who dares to stand between me and my prize. I’ll slaughter every last one of them and leave their corpses to rot as a warning. Celine belongs to me, and I will burn this world to ashes before I let anyone take what is mine.

And anyone who stands in my way will taste true Ultimate Power. The strongest among all. And that man named Garius that Zeyrinda mentioned?

I will prove to the world that he is NOTHING!

( End Of Chapter )