Chapter 53

“Oh, come to think of it, Your Majesty. Where is the Marquis Audas?”

Despite being demoted in rank and stripped of his lands as punishment for defiance, Xian was still a marquis.

Yet, his absence from this gathering seemed peculiar, prompting Fried to ask me.

“Xian has left to carry out a secret mission for me.”

“A secret mission? Ah, as a form of discipline?”

“Well, it’s not entirely without that implication. But, there was no one else fit to handle this task besides Xian.”

“…Pardon? Ah. Then, is Sir Giel engaged in another mission?”

“That’s true, but this is a mission even Sir Giel cannot take on.”

“Even Sir Giel?”

For Fried, it was rare to hear of a mission that Giel couldn’t handle.

Loyalty, skill—he lacked nothing.

Was there truly a task beyond his reach?

“This mission involves the Black Swan.”

“Ah.”

The continent was home to both empires and kingdoms, but not everyone belonged to a nation.

Some roamed freely, traversing the lands as they pleased, while others settled in territories that belonged to no country.

Their nature and scale varied, but they all shared one thing in common—

They were powerful enough that even nations hesitated to provoke them.

To be precise, they could be defeated, but the cost would be too great.

Among them, one of the five strongest Masters on the continent—the Black Swan—was a free agent.

“I ordered Xian to find the Black Swan, defeat him, and recruit him into the Academy.”

“For the Black Swan, that’s a reasonable course of action.”

Duke Fael, who had been listening from behind, nodded.

As an envoy, he had once traveled to Daman, where he was challenged by the Black Swan and emerged victorious. He added his insight.

“If Giel led the Imperial Knights in an assault, they could easily slaughter the Black Swan and his disciples. But that wouldn’t achieve the goal of recruiting him.”

“You’ve fought him recently, haven’t you, Duke? What do you think?”

“If you’re asking about his strength—he was formidable. I won at the time, but the gap wasn’t significant. He’s certainly above Giel. Even a duel with Feltz would be an interesting match.”

“I want him under my command.”

“He’s certainly worth recruiting. You intend to bring him into the Academy?”

“Yes. Didn’t I say that soon, the Academy will become a place everyone aspires to join? The Black Swan has many disciples—making him an ideal instructor. Of course, that’s not the only reason.

In the continent I envision, there will be no more ‘free agents.’

Starting with the Black Swan, they will either submit to me, or if they resist to the end, they will be erased.”

“Amazing. The Black Swan as an instructor? That’s quite the luxury.”

“Isn’t it? If you wish, you can enroll in the Academy as well.”

At my words, Fried stiffened and replied seriously.

“Your Majesty, I am a marquis. The Marquis of Grepha (그레파 후작). Besides, didn’t you promise to grant me a royal title?”

“What does status matter when it comes to learning? Ultimately, aren’t you beneath the Black Swan as well?”

“Well, in terms of rank, perhaps. But in an actual fight, that’s another matter.”

Fried was armed with swords of the highest caliber—legendary blades that, even on their own, could tip the scales of battle. And he wielded several of them through swordsmanship that transcended conventional techniques.

Of course, that strength wasn’t purely his own.

But then again, Fried’s role was not that of a knight or swordsman. He was a noble.

As long as he remained strong, that was enough.

“In any case, I intend to devote myself to building this Academy. Its facilities, its instructors—everything will be the best.If those who graduate from my Academy go on to become the leaders of various nations and pledge their loyalty to me, what could be more ideal?”

If the previous Academy was merely a way to cultivate my personal forces, this new one would be much grander in scale.

Nobles, royals, even talented commoners.

Commoners without status would still be shaped into my personal forces.

As for nobles and royals, they would be overawed by the Academy’s prestige and come to admire the Empire.

Of course, this wouldn’t happen overnight.

Chamber and Haeon might be exceptions, but heirs from Jer and Anon would likely take what they learned back to strengthen their own nations.

But how long would that last?

Kings die. Their heirs, and their heirs’ heirs, will all grow old and pass away.

Yet, I will remain on the throne.

There’s no need to rush.

Slowly, step by step.

Not a forced unification that crumbles the moment the Empire weakens.

But true continental unity, built to last.

***

“Here we are, My Lord Marquis.”

Guided by the Imperial Knight, Xian Audas arrived at the place where the Black Swan resided.

Though the situation was strained due to the incident with Nia, neither the Imperial Knight nor Xian showed any sign of discomfort.

“You have my thanks, Sir Bie.”

“It’s nothing, My Lord Marquis. I will wait here.”

Leaving the Imperial Knight behind, Xian stepped into the Black Swan’s domain.

This mountain, once known as the territory of “The Red Calamity” Drake, had been renamed “The Swan’s Nest” after the Black Swan hunted him down and claimed it as their own.

The terrain was steep and rugged, but that meant little to Xian, who simply continued his ascent.

“Who goes there?”

Before long, a woman clad in black appeared before Xian, blocking his path.

Her attire marked her as one of the Black Swan’s disciples—it wasn’t difficult to recognize.

“I am Xian Audas. By the Emperor’s decree, I have come to see the Black Swan.”

“…!”

Hearing his identity, the disciple couldn’t help but be startled.

A Hero had appeared out of nowhere?

And by imperial command, no less?

If it had been a mere lost traveler, she would have turned them away.

If it had been an enemy, she would have cut them down. But never had she expected a Hero to come knocking.

By principle, anyone bearing an imperial decree should be sent away.

Her master had no intention of serving under any ruler, including the Emperor, and thus avoided encounters with those in power except in the most exceptional cases.

Yet, as a mere disciple, she couldn’t be the one to dismiss a Hero—not just any messenger, but the very one who had slain the Demon King.

The Emperor’s wrath was one thing, but how could she dare turn away the man who had defeated the Demon King?

“… I will guide you.”

In the end, she had no other choice.

“I wonder why the Hero seeks me.”

“I greet the Black Swan.”

Following the disciple’s lead, Xian finally came face-to-face with the Black Swan.

Since before Xian was even born, the Black Swan had been regarded as one of the continent’s strongest warriors, alongside Duke Fael and the Lion King.

Yet, the person standing before him was a striking young woman with long black hair.

She had reached her peak before aging could touch her, earning her the title of the most beautiful Master.

Xian had heard the rumors, but seeing her in person left a deep impression—after all, she was his senior in every way.

Xian took a letter from his inner coat and handed it to the Black Swan.

The envelope bore the insignia of a violet dragon.

“Hmm… It’s been a long time since I’ve seen this.”

“A long time, you say?”

“Yes. The previous Emperor sent me quite a few letters as well.”

Her words might have been considered disrespectful, but Xian wasn’t particularly strict about formalities.

Before the rise of the Demon King, he himself had merely been a commoner.

Instead of reprimanding her, he found himself curious about the story.

“You mean the previous Emperor sent you letters?”

“That’s right. ‘Come to the Empire. If you do, I will grant you this and that.’ That kind of thing.”

“And you refused them all?”

At Xian’s question, the Black Swan nodded.

“I have no desire for power or wealth, so why would I serve under an Emperor? I am content simply training and teaching my disciples.”

Though her words hinted at another rejection, Xian couldn’t just turn back empty-handed.

Regardless of his personal feelings, he was still a vassal of the Emperor.

It wasn’t loyalty that drove him—it was a sense of responsibility, a feeling of indebtedness.

He had to see this mission through.

“At least, please read it.”

“Well… reading it won’t hurt.”

Taking the letter, the Black Swan began to read.

“…How incredibly arrogant. But I suppose that’s to be expected of an Emperor.”

Reading the letter, which contained no flowery language—just blunt, decisive words—the Black Swan looked exasperated.

Xian spoke up.

“To be honest, I’d prefer if you just agreed to go to the Academy. His Majesty values talent. You and your disciples would be treated with the utmost respect.”

“And if I refuse? True, I’ve been settled here for quite some time, but this land isn’t particularly special to me. I could simply take my disciples and vanish.”

“The Imperial Knights have already surrounded the area. You, Black Swan, may be able to escape on your own, but…”

“Ah, damn it. A Hero resorting to threats against someone else’s disciples—is that even allowed?”

“…I apologize.”

“…Hah. Well, fine. At least the Emperor doesn’t go back on his word.

In the end, all I have to do is defeat you, right?”

“That’s correct.”

“Alright then. Since it’s come to this, let’s see for myself the skills of the Hero who killed the Demon King.”

The Black Swan drew her sword and aimed it at Xian.

Xian likewise unsheathed his blade, ready to meet her challenge.

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