Cleaver Of Sin

Chapter 672: Imperial Decree-2

Azaron and Zarek remained still in silence; they did not even acknowledge the departure of the Imperial representative. To both of them, the man was nothing more than a puppet of the Imperial family, unworthy of any further attention once his duty had been fulfilled.

Azaron’s expression remained unchanged as he sat there, composed and unmoved. Although the Emperor’s words might have sounded arrogant to some ears, especially considering their recent conflict with the Wargrave family, that was simply how Imperial decrees were worded, carrying an authority that rarely softened itself for anyone.

Besides, Zolthemir seemed perceptive enough to use the words ”Imperial Throne” instead of ”Emperor” in his message, as though he were being particularly cautious with his phrasing, aware of how easily certain words could provoke unnecessary reactions.

The circulating whispers and unrest that the Emperor had spoken of within the Imperial decree referred to the rumours surrounding his Mind Manipulation ability. Because of this, the Emperor himself understood that if he were to hold the Imperial Assembly at the Imperial Palace, all the nobles would be extremely guarded against him and everyone within the palace, even if they were mere maids and butlers, as suspicion would naturally extend to every corner.

So, the Emperor had no choice but to move the Imperial Assembly to the domain of a Duke, a somewhat neutral ground where all parties could gather without excessive paranoia clouding their judgment. Yet, Azaron could not understand why the Emperor had chosen the Wargrave territory of all places, given their strained relationship.

”Could he be planning something?” Zarek asked as he remained standing behind Azaron, his tone thoughtful, though not overly concerned.

Azaron did not reply immediately. After a brief moment of silence, he spoke, ”I do not think so. With the former Emperor’s recent intervention, I am certain Zolthemir received a thorough warning, so he will not be doing anything dangerous anytime soon. Besides, I am sure he already knows that his father does not have any more favors left to exchange for his life,” Azaron stated with quiet certainty.

Zarek remained silent for a moment, processing the words, then replied, ”I understand, but I will still make preparations,” his stance unchanged. If the Emperor was not planning anything, then there would be no harm done; if he was... then it would simply be dealt with accordingly.

”It seems every Noble Household received an Imperial decree today,” Azaron stated, seemingly unbothered by whatever preparations Zarek intended to make.

”It seems so,” Zarek replied with a nod. He stepped away from behind Azaron and sat on the same couch as him before adding, ”I am sure you have already guessed that you people will be discussing the Vandross Empire. Do you think the Emperor will declare war on them?” he asked.

Azaron shook his head at the question as he spoke, ”I do not think so. Our own Empire attacked the Velkarin Empire about four years ago, although it was on a small scale, just as the Vandross Empire has done to us. The Empires do this to each other once in a while until it becomes only a matter of time before a full-scale, Empire-wide war erupts,” he answered with an indifferent tone, as though such matters were routine.

Zarek nodded, Azaron’s words making perfect sense at the moment, yet a lingering thought remained in his mind.

Suddenly, a thought came to Zarek as he asked, ”Wait, just as you have said, the Empires attack each other from time to time. What if the Emperor orders the Wargraves to retaliate against the Vandross Empire on the same small scale, or perhaps slightly larger, so that he can thin our forces and hope that one or two Wargraves find their graves over there?” he suggested, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Azaron remained silent for a moment as he considered the possibility, seeing the truth behind Zarek’s words. After a pause, he shook his head as he spoke, ”If it comes to that, then I will personally make a move with my siblings while leaving the Great Elders behind. That way, I can release some pent-up anger,” he stated with an indifferent expression, as though his mere involvement would guarantee that everyone would return alive and the mission’s success simultaneously.

”Well, I suppose if you are going, there is nothing to worry about,” Zarek stated, his confidence in Azaron absolute and unshakable.

”Will this affect the Empire-wide competition among the younger generation?” Zarek asked, shifting the topic slightly.

Azaron shook his head as he replied, ”It will not. Every Empire loves to show off its younger generation to prove that they are stronger and progressing better than others. Besides, it is our turn to host the competition this time. Zolthemir will not allow these small-scale battles to interfere with the event; after all, hosting it will bring millions of platinum coins into his treasury as a result of various tourists and other activities,” he explained.

Zarek nodded and said nothing further, the reasoning sound and difficult to refute.

Every Empire was always at each other’s throats. With this in mind, one might ask whether the competition would not serve as the perfect opportunity for multiple Empires to band together and wipe out the hosting Empire.

Yes, such ideas had been considered before, but none had ever been implemented. Firstly, the Empires did not trust one another enough to form such an alliance in the first place. Secondly, even if it were carried out, whichever Empire hosted the next competition would inevitably become the next target, creating a cycle of destruction. Thirdly, there was always a significant risk that organizations such as Emovirae, Sinvairas, or other hidden powers might use the competition as the perfect opportunity to strike, wiping out both the older and younger generations in one decisive move.

In the end, there were far too many variables involved, making the risk far greater than any potential reward. It was far more practical to simply showcase one’s younger generation and then return home.

”Well, since an Imperial Assembly will be held soon, you should inform the maids and butlers to begin preparations immediately. Also, relay the news to Yveric, my siblings, my uncles, and my aunt,” Azaron instructed with a slight nod.

Zarek immediately nodded, then rose to his feet. With the order given, the time to remain idle around Azaron was over. He bowed to Azaron like every butler would to their Sun or Moon and vanished from where he stood. There was no time to waste or delay; it was already night, and the Imperial Assembly would be held tomorrow.

Seeing Zarek leave, Azaron remained seated in silence, his thoughts shifting towards the words of the Imperial decree. Although the Emperor had stated that they would arrive at first light, Azaron knew that the nobles would inevitably arrive late, as they always did.

’I remain a Duke beneath the Imperial Throne, huh?’ Azaron mused to himself. ’Should I change that notion?’ He considered it briefly, then shook his head. ’I will step down as a Primarch and Duke in a few years; the next person can deal with such matters,’ he thought to himself before vanishing from where he sat, leaving the room as silent as it had been before.