From the eagle’s vantage point high above the snow-covered forest, the scene unfolded below—a procession of three carts flanked by over twenty horsemen. Each rider wore a heavy coat draped over a steel breastplate, their movement calm and deliberate as they moved beside the carts loaded with goods concealed beneath blue coverings.
The eagle’s gaze sharpened, focusing on the man at the head of the procession, riding a majestic white horse. Beside him rode two figures of distinction. One was a striking woman dressed in a flowing purple gown— Ruth Nethaneel, the famed genius researcher and intellectual pride of the Eternal Imperial City. A monocle rested on her right eye, gleaming in the pale sunlight.
The other was Lucas, a trusted advisor and confidant to the man on the majestic steed. This man was none other than Aaron Nethaneel, the Second Highness!
The soft smile on Aaron’s face hinted at his confidence as his eyes remained fixed on their destination—a snow-capped mountain surrounded by dense trees, several kilometers from the Imperial City.
“I heard Count Asher Ashbourne has fallen,” Aaron remarked as he raised an eyebrow and glanced at Lucas.
Lucas, whose blonde hair was meticulously combed back, smiled faintly. “He killed Archduke Nubis’s son, the one known as the rising star of the empire.”
Aaron feigned surprise, as though the news hadn’t reached him months ago. “I had no idea he was that bold. I wanted him to be a problem for the Count, not the Archduke.”
Aaron shook his head in mock disapproval. Suddenly, his expression turned a bit more serious. “But to kill Slade Nubis by himself… he certainly has the skill of his predecessors.”
Lucas nodded. “His actions, however, lacked foresight. The Archduke sent Black Rose to assassinate him, but the assassin never returned. Now, the county’s regent claims their lord is ill—but I suspect he is dead.”
Aaron exhaled slowly, a contemplative look on his face. “It’s no surprise. I never expected him to last. But he did serve my purpose by removing Count William Tigris out of the way. For that, we shall still reward him posthumously.”
Lucas arched an eyebrow. “Your Highness, Count Williams is already gathering forces in the wildlands to reclaim his territory as we speak.”
“So he’s forming an army of barbarians?” Aaron asked, his tone laced with a hint of amusement.
“Yes,” Lucas confirmed.
Aaron chuckled, his mirth cold and calculating. “I see. How many nobles in the Evergreen Domain have joined my cause?”
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“You have Count Wyvern’s unwavering loyalty. He is ready to strike against House Nubis at your command. Count Adamos, however, remains unpredictable—he is an opportunist through and through.”
“I see. Make sure Count Wyvern knows he has my respect and he shall ascend to the rank of a duke when I finally rebuild the Eternal Immortal Empire from its ashes. Every house will face a choice: submit or die.”
A cold gleam flashed through Aaron’s eyes.
Ruth, her tone soft yet pointed, interjected, “Brother, you forget. The Intis Kingdom, House Nubis and House Mormont all have their eyes on you. The moment you make a move, they’ll march their troops toward the capital.”
Aaron turned to his sister with a faint smirk. “This is why the ruling isn’t your forte, Ruth. The Intis Kingdom is indeed powerful. In fact, they were just as powerful as House Ashbourne at their peak but the king was killed by his own son who now clings on the throne.”
“Now… I do love Prince Reuel’s drive to do anything to ascend to a position he deems rightfully his, but his act has torn the kingdom apart. While he enjoys the support of top powers, there are hidden factions that aim to kill him. Even as we speak, he struggles to consolidate control over the kingdom and rebellion looms over the horizon.’
Ruth’s eyes widened a bit. She had seen Reuel Zaur of House Zaur, ruler of Intis. Reuel was undeniably one of the most strikingly handsome men she had ever encountered during her life as an explorer and his intense willpower shone through his piercing eyes.
Even her sister, a woman of exceptional discernment, had testified that Reuel stood in a league of his own. It was difficult even for a woman of her sister’s caliber to overlook his manly charm. Yet, their brother only saw Reuel as a tool—much like how he regarded Asher Ashbourne.
“But my lord, Reuel Zaur isn’t as insignificant as we thought,” Lucas said with a strange twinkle in his eyes. His words caught Aaron’s attention, prompting him to turn his gaze toward him with genuine interest for the first time.
“Oh? Pray to tell,” Aaron said.
Lucas’ eyes flickered as he leaned forward. “Prince Reuel has revealed his talent and I believe it’s one of the rare talents of the Glorious Age. He’s able to manipulate the minds of others, even those ranked above him, without them even realizing it. His power is able to bring out parts of them they struggle to hide, breaking even a battle-hardened knight from within. Once you’re within line of sight, you’re his prey.”
Aaron tilted his head slightly, ignoring the restless neighing of his horse.
“Is that all?”
Lucas smiled when he heard that. “Actually, I knew you wouldn’t be shocked to hear of that. But there’s more. His talent also allows him to delve deep into a man’s nightmares—and bring them to life.”
The moment Aaron heard this revelation, his eyes lit up. “If his talent is so formidable, it won’t be long before the Intis Kingdom falls entirely in his grasp.”
Lucas nodded. Ruth, standing nearby, felt a mix of satisfaction and sadness. At last, her brother seemed to view Reuel as more than a mere tool now. But she also couldn’t help but feel pity for Asher, who had been discarded like one.
By now, they had reached the mountain and entered a narrow path carved straight through its heart! The craftsmanship was astonishing—it looked as if it was the work of dwarves!
Clip! Clop! The sound of hooves echoed off the cavern walls.
“What about my brothers, Ilios and Aniketos?” Aaron asked, breaking the silence.
Lucas’s demanor turned solemn. “Lord Ilios has strengthened the Sacred Flame Empire, making it a force to be reckoned with. But as always, he is soft-hearted and has allowed merchants to weaken it from within. He wastes time giving out his secrets under the guise of an academy. Meanwhile, Lord Aniketos has been expanding his powerful army.”
Aaron raised an eyebrow.
“If Aniketos is preparing for war, it means the Galvia Empire will strike soon. Judging from the hate he has for mages, their first target will be Nightfire.” Aaron’s eyes flickered. “As for Ilios, he might be soft-hearted, but he’s always prepared. That leaves only me. The Eternal Immortal Empire must rise again.”
He muttered as they emerged from the mountain path and stepped into the clearing dominated by a massive, black-scaled behemoth. The dragon stood proudly, its four powerful limbs and intimidating horns exuding raw strength.
An alluring woman sat gracefully on one of the dragon’s wings, her fingers lightly caressing the beast.
Staring at the divine beast given to him, Aaron closed his eyes and his cloaking spell vanished, revealing his lustrous golden hair.
“Finally,” he murmured, a rare smile gracing his lips. “After thirty years, he’s fully grown.”
Once he conquered and rebuilt the Eternal Immortal Empire, he would march to claim the land his youngest brother Kryos once ruled… the desolate lands!