It had been several hours since the banquet had begun. William greeted his brother, as he should at any banquet, and placed him in the head chair. Ernst had buried himself in the food after remarking that William's cooks were very good.William even let him taste a new wine. While tasting the wine, he even told him about how the wine was made and its characteristics."This is the first wine produced in our city. It's called 'Highrock' wine, big brother. Our farmers brought it to me and asked if I could support them, and I must admit I was surprised when I saw the way they did it. One of our gem mines opens into a very large cave, and inside the cave is an almost bottomless lake. These farmers soak the wine at the bottom of this lake, which is why it has such a smooth taste with such a cool and refreshing texture. What do you think, brother? How does it compare to the wines in the capital?" William eagerly awaited the answer to this question. This was his next business move. Wine was a
If we go back a few minutes...Ernst got bored when he saw that everyone in the hall was getting drunk. He was sufficiently resistant to wine because he had been drinking the best wines since his youth. That's why, although everyone fell asleep involuntarily, only his cheeks were red. He got up and went to the balcony of the hall. There was no one there. It was as if they were organizing entertainment in the castle of an empty city. After a while, Ernst got bored of the view and noticed that two people were missing. 'Where are William and Erwin?' he thought. Though he had some unnecessary suspicions at first, he soon dispelled them. 'They must be discussing the war plan.'When Ernst entered the hall again, he saw that the bards were still playing tiredly. Of course, the bards were excited because it was their first time playing for a nobleman, especially the crown prince of the empire. That's why they played until their hands were bleeding.Ernst felt sorry for them. He used the last o
One thousand three hundred and fifty years ago, an enduring legend emerged that still roams in our present day. Many people are unaware of this, especially the lower strata who do not frequent places like schools and churches. Those who are aware of this often share the legend in casual conversations, adding flavor to otherwise mundane chats, and making the time more enjoyable.The most beautiful aspect of this legend is that it hasn't emerged from a single source. It is the child of the eight legends that came before it. Describing those eight legends could take years, but I'll still give you a brief summary of a few of them.Before delving into those eight legends, there's an even older tale from times unknown, a legend of a very ancient event whose occurrence remains shrouded in mystery. It's referred to as the Legend of Extinction, but I believe it could also be called the Legend of Genesis.While people were living happily and peace reigned on Earth, hundreds of meteorites fell t
Dugut Calendar, 738.Today, the sun was scorching the capital of the empire as if there were a colossal cauldron right within the heart of the city. Imperial officials, meticulously tending to the cobblestone roads, were nearly present on every corner. Dozens of barrels filled with water had been placed at every corner, each attended by an official who poured the water onto the roads.People seemed to have no desire to do anything today as if they wished to avoid the scorching heat at all costs. They sought out the shadiest spots they could find, often beneath the canopies of densely-leaved trees, and had taken refuge under makeshift leather shelters, resembling small tents.The interiors of houses and most buildings were still chill because they had been quickly constructed using a newly discovered mud-like substance. They weren't like wooden houses and instead, they absorbed the heat, turning the interiors into chilly lands.Normally, there should have been thousands of people out o
"So, you're offering a bribe and denying it at the same time?" He decided to crank up the amusement, elevating the tension of this dull and stifling day even further. He couldn't help it; he was thoroughly exasperated, and this action definitely aligned with his character.The other imperial guard across the table attempted to apologize and defuse the situation, aiming to talk and then send the young couple away with just a few silver coins lost. However, right at that moment, the voice of the young man echoed throughout the tea house."Enough, I'm tired of this!" As he turned his head, he witnessed the young man's dagger being drawn from his waist at an incredible speed, and in an instant, as if slicing through a straw puppet, the young man easily severed his friend's throat(Imperial Guards friend).In an instant, he saw the splatter of blood from the deep gash on his friend's throat hit his face, and simultaneously, he lunged for his sword. A seasoned soldier with battle experience
Dugut Calendar, 713.Today, the palace was different from its usual state. Servants rushed through the palace's grand corridors, which could easily accommodate a few elephants, carrying trays of food, pitchers of drinks, and various decorations. They were all mostly running to the same place. The throne room.Inside the corridor leading to the throne room, aside from the servants, there was a mother and her son. The mother had brown hair that was braided back. She wore a dress with a wide skirt and a tightly laced bodice. The dress, in a shade of turquoise, had white silk tulle at the bottom that constantly brushed against the red carpet on the floor.The woman's hand was being held by a young boy. Although referring to him as a "young boy" might seem rude, it would be more accurate to call him a beautiful young man. His long hair, much like his mother's, was braided and draped down his back. The only difference in their beauty was that his hair was as white as clouds, unlike his moth
The sudden movement startled the little child in his lap so much that for a moment, the fear competed with the shame of wetting himself, and ultimately, embarrassment won. Just in time, he managed to restrain himself and looked at his father with fear.The elderly man comforted him by gently stroking his head and began to speak."Enough! Did I gather you all here to fight?" After everyone fell silent, he gestured with his head towards a man dressed in flowing yellow robes, seated in the middle of the table with a bald head and a gentle face.With one hand, he picked up one of the large drumsticks from the table and began to devour it savagely while listening to the bald man.The bald man stood up and started speaking in a voice as delicate as his face, raising his tone a bit. "Today, our purpose of gathering here is to determine the Crown Prince!"When this sentence cut straight to the point, leaving almost no room for debate, everyone in the room pursed their lips. Everyone in the ro
A week later, the emperor's seal appeared at the Palace of the Tranquil River. A eunuch announced that he had brought the emperor's edict and summoned the third concubine and her servants to the garden to accept the edict.The third concubine arrived with a small white-haired child in her arms. Her hurried demeanor and the unfinished makeup on her face showed her anxiety and haste to receive the edict.The concubine bowed, letting her beautiful face face the floor. The small child standing beside her did not understand anything.The eunuch was bald and thin, and his age was definitely over forty, but his skin still retained the smoothness of a much younger person. In his delicate-looking hand, he was holding a parchment with a golden-yellow sheen. As soon as the third concubine arrived, he opened it as if he were in a hurry and read it quickly."From today, the Ninth Prince will be the ruler of Highrock City! The Third Concubine will remain by his side until he is sixteen years old to
If we go back a few minutes...Ernst got bored when he saw that everyone in the hall was getting drunk. He was sufficiently resistant to wine because he had been drinking the best wines since his youth. That's why, although everyone fell asleep involuntarily, only his cheeks were red. He got up and went to the balcony of the hall. There was no one there. It was as if they were organizing entertainment in the castle of an empty city. After a while, Ernst got bored of the view and noticed that two people were missing. 'Where are William and Erwin?' he thought. Though he had some unnecessary suspicions at first, he soon dispelled them. 'They must be discussing the war plan.'When Ernst entered the hall again, he saw that the bards were still playing tiredly. Of course, the bards were excited because it was their first time playing for a nobleman, especially the crown prince of the empire. That's why they played until their hands were bleeding.Ernst felt sorry for them. He used the last o
It had been several hours since the banquet had begun. William greeted his brother, as he should at any banquet, and placed him in the head chair. Ernst had buried himself in the food after remarking that William's cooks were very good.William even let him taste a new wine. While tasting the wine, he even told him about how the wine was made and its characteristics."This is the first wine produced in our city. It's called 'Highrock' wine, big brother. Our farmers brought it to me and asked if I could support them, and I must admit I was surprised when I saw the way they did it. One of our gem mines opens into a very large cave, and inside the cave is an almost bottomless lake. These farmers soak the wine at the bottom of this lake, which is why it has such a smooth taste with such a cool and refreshing texture. What do you think, brother? How does it compare to the wines in the capital?" William eagerly awaited the answer to this question. This was his next business move. Wine was a
For several minutes after William had left, Ernst stared into the tent door. He wasn't thinking about anything and didn't hear any of the discussion going on around him. However, when Erwin called out to him, he realized that there was an argument going on around him."Sir, your opinion is important. Please allow us to issue an order!" Erwin said with tears in his eyes. Most of the people around him didn't care what Erwin said. Most of them watched Erwin with amusement while taking a sip of their wine.Ernst lifted his head and looked around. Then he spoke softly. "Everybody out."Suddenly, everyone in the room ran for the door like a flock of chickens. Instead of having long meetings, it was more logical to go and have a more fun conversation with the commanders."Erwin, you stay." Erwin was surprised to hear his name called and turned around. When he saw Ernst nod, he made sure he was being called, turned back, and waited in front of Ernst for orders."Sit down." Ernst spoke. When h
Strangely enough, Ernst was nice to William on the way. It was just the two of them going to the camp. Ernst ordered his soldiers to rest and spend some time in the city. William regretted that his city did not have enough entertainment.Ernst did not realize how advanced the city of Highrock was because he did not examine it carefully. Almost all the people were happy, but he still thought he was in the old city of Highrock. That's why even the real smiles of the people seemed fake to him. He thought that William ruled the people with an iron fist. Besides, Baron Albert was always on William's side, and he was known for his stubbornness and iron blood.While walking to Ernst's tent in the camp, William saw the soldiers training, the equipment they used, and most importantly, the food they ate.In general, their meals consisted of porridge and soup made with lots of bones. William frowned. He could have sworn he hadn't seen a single smiling soldier all the way to Ernst's tent.While h
On their way back to Highrock City, they encountered a big surprise. Goar himself ran and caught them on their way, and hurriedly, breathlessly, and tiredly, he delivered the alarming news."The Crown Prince has appeared at our door with his army!" That was all Goar said, and then he fainted. He rode non-stop for three days and probably would have lost his life if he had not reached William, just for this news.William ordered them to help Goar, and they set up a temporary camp. When Goar awoke, he had a chance to ask everything more clearly.Meanwhile, Goar, looking sadly at his almost dead horse, quickly answered all of William's questions.The crown prince had been trying to take the throne for a long time, and he soon realized that the task was not easy. He had to conquer a land, but he also had to annex that land to the empire forever.Since the number of armies was sufficient, although he won wars and conquered lands at first, he soon began to lose the lands he conquered. The pe
As William had ordered, Albert arrived at the door of the man he had personally investigated earlier. It was an ordinary house with a garden. It had two floors, and the second floor was supported by wooden pillars. Although it looked magnificent from the outside, if you looked closely, all the wooden parts of the house were full of wear and tear and decay caused by many years.There were a few words written on the door in the imperial language, but most of the words were wrong. Albert easily understood what was meant. [Xia's Clinic][All kinds of fractures, dislocations, wounds, and bruises are treated here.]The name of the place and what it did were explained as best as possible, but judging from the grass at the entrance, it looked like it hadn't been visited in a long time. Albert shook his head and walked into the garden.He wondered why William wanted such eccentric people under his command. If he wanted to take the throne, all he had to do was gather the nobles of the realm unde
Maik, Lutz, and Rick from the Assassin team gathered their camp and started walking towards the city, all taking in the view of the city of Vlafport. The entrance to the city was filled with a constant stream of people and the streets were worn out.The city of Vlafport was very, very rich compared to the city of Highrock. The city's harbor was in constant trade with the East, and William was sure that just a few ships could make at least as much money as the city of Highrock.William and the others wore black robes to hide their faces. William especially had his long white hair tied back. Wherever you went in the world, you could not find anyone with white hair except the imperial family.Since William was a city lord, it was easy to arrange a pass so they could quickly enter Vlafport. It was filled with crowds of people like a scene from a fairy tale. People were running back and forth like bees, trying to do business and take money home for a bowl of food in the evening."Albert, st
Three days later, major changes began to take place in the castle, and it was William who gave the orders for these changes. First, he received a military report from Matz.His grandfather's army consisted of very few men, one hundred and eighty men to be exact. What made these one hundred and eighty men important, even though they were few, was that they were all experienced soldiers. Many had fought in smaller wars before and then joined Albert. The remaining minority had gained their experience fighting bandits.Highrock's own army was nowhere near that number. Only 51 men. For years, Albert had underutilized the city's guards, allowing them a comfortable life. Now William gathered all the guards together and made sure that a total of two hundred and thirty-one received the same training. This training, which began with running every morning, was reinforced with various postures. Then, with the help of abundant meat meals and baths, the soldiers began to grow stronger and develop r
When they arrived in the city of Highrock, they were happy to see that nothing had changed. There had been no one in the city for a few days other than Matt, who could be considered a manager, but fortunately Matt had handled everything well.Matt heard a little about what had happened from Goar, and he immediately cleared the entrance and made a secluded path for the group. In particular, the Imperial Guard had gathered in the backyard under the pretense of a banquet, so there was no one on their way, and they came to the castle hall in a way that could be considered secretive.William examined the people around him in the hall. There was no one he didn't know, and after feeling relieved, he spoke, looking at the people waiting for his orders."If even one word gets out about this event, I will kill that person myself." After placing his hand on the hilt of his sword, he looked each of them in the eye, including Albert. Then, thinking that everyone understood, he continued to speak.