"Eblana...?"
At the sight of the figure, Spear grew tense.
Though she was the daughter of a former minister, Spear had never been involved in critical affairs.
Her days were spent either training in martial arts or on her way to train, with occasional visits to the administrative hall to chat and unwind with Eblana.
Yet, her perception of Eblana had always been that of someone with good physical fitness, but like her father, a civil official at heart.
Unlike Spear, Chouri understood Eblana deeply.
He was aware of her abilities, had studied the historical records of the first Draco, and knew full well of her formidable strength—and the ambition that matched it.
Liver had served as a general in the Empire, though generals were plentiful, and he was hardly among the upper echelons.
During his tenure, he had known little of Eblana.
After following General Esdeath, however, he'd overheard her mention in high spirits during a drinking session that she wished to spar with the legendary 'Dragon Duke.'
A pity the duke had been dead for nearly a millennium, his sole lineage having neglected their training, degenerating entirely into a decaying civil official.
Now, he struggled to connect the seemingly just-of-age maiden before him with the decaying official Esdeath had described, yet the pieces refused to fit.
A decaying civil official? Seriously...?
As the draconian maiden on her steed approached them step by unhurried step, Liver felt the blood in his veins freeze solid.
Powerful, overwhelming—it was as if General Esdeath herself stood before him.
But compared to the wild, blazing pressure of the General, the young woman before him was more like the tip of an iceberg on a calm sea.
Unassuming at first glance, yet making everyone instantly aware that there was far more beneath the surface.
"Who are you?!"
Nyau was the first to lose patience, asking through gritted teeth.
"A mere proxy lord, or perhaps the pioneer who ignites a flame long overdue."
Eblana's gaze shifted to him as she answered. Nyau, who had intended to sharply rebuke the cryptic reply, found his breath catching in his throat.
"Your Excellency... We..."
Liver knew they had already crossed paths with both groups. Escape was impossible—the opposing side was fully mounted.
In this situation, he had to find a way to subdue this draconian maiden.
As he spoke, he edged closer to the young woman, aware his plan might be far-fetched, but it was his only recourse now.
"I have no desire for explanations at this moment. Your bravery has been misplaced, but that ends now."
Eblana's voice held no majesty; instead, it was soft, like a gentle woman sharing her heart.
Yet, upon closer listening, one would notice it resembled a whisper gradually encroaching upon the mind—the murmurs that lure prey willingly into a trap.
With no intention of hearing pointless words, Eblana raised the black-shafted, white-tipped spear in her hand, halting Liver's advance.
The smile on her face grew increasingly mocking, as if she had already seen through his thoughts.
"Stop right there, jester."
So she sees me as a clown for her amusement.
Liver's eyes sharpened. A sharp hooked blade sprang from the ring on his finger, and without hesitation, he sliced his thumb open.
"Water Dragon Possession—Black Marlin!"
This was a Teigu capable of manipulating water—and by extension, one's own blood.
Though he had the means to exchange his life for an enemy's by poisoning his blood, he doubted he'd survive long enough to execute such a move against this draconian maiden.
The sharpened blood spike was enough to pierce anyone's skin.
Once it did, he could use his own blood to disrupt the flow within his opponent's body, potentially achieving an instant kill.
Yet, in the very next moment, his eyes widened in disbelief.
The attack he had pinned all his hopes on failed to achieve the expected result—in fact, it didn't even come within half a meter of the draconian maiden.
The blood that should have pierced the enemy's skin ignited and vaporized at its tip.
The familiar intense heat and purple flames immediately reminded him of the strange phenomenon of the guards resurrecting from death.
"It was you...?!"
"Rest assured, your ability will not be buried here. The Empire that betrayed you should be your sworn enemy."
"Esdeath can only grant you the right to retaliate in kind, but she cannot offer you the true revenge that severs the root of your hatred."
"Is your enemy merely the lord who framed you?"
The smile on Eblana's face faded slightly. Facing this doomed man, no matter his sins, they were now but passing clouds.
In his final moments, Eblana made a promise:
"I will grant you a broader perspective, allowing you to see the truth behind your life's ruin, to recognize the reality of being a tool for your enemies."
"Then, I will give you a chance to truly take revenge on those foes."
Liver had lost all sensation, save for the searing heat of the flames and that faint, bone-piercing whisper that remained in his world.
Ignoring the three figures now engulfed in purple flames, Eblana dismounted and approached Chouri and Spear.
"You..."
Chouri's expression was deeply complex.
Though he had tried to estimate Eblana's strength as highly as possible, it had still exceeded his expectations. But what surprised him even more were her earlier words.
"As you can see, Chouri."
Eblana understood the timid, dispirited heart that came with Chouri's age, but she had given him ample opportunity to face reality.
"This is the Empire today—having endured a millennium, it has entered the countdown to its demise."
"What you intend... is not to contend for the throne?!"
Hearing this, Chouri, who had already braced himself, was shocked once more.
Contending for the throne was, in essence, usurpation—a grave crime that would bring him, an old retainer, immense shame.
Yet, even bearing such guilt, he was willing to do it to save the Empire. But... Eblana's words pointed to something entirely different.
This wasn't usurpation; this was seizing the realm by force.
Though she was the emperor's daughter, usurping a throne and conquering a realm were worlds apart.
To conquer a realm meant she would no longer be 'the former emperor's daughter,' but 'The Founding Empress.'
"Chouri, your skill and capability are unparalleled in this world, but your ambition and vision have grown increasingly narrow."
Eblana showed no displeasure at Chouri's loss of composure, not only because he had been her foster father for twelve years, but also because she well understood the importance of his talents to her cause.
Plainly put, she currently lacked capable personnel for logistical support.
Chouri could serve as the starting point for her faction, an assistant in handling affairs, and later, in managing authority as her influence and talent pool grew.
Old man, enough with retirement. You're only fifty—prime age to strive for greatness.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.