Chapter 326

A vast plain stretched out before the imposing mountain range.

A river wound its way through the land.

And in the heart of this breathtaking natural landscape stood the imperial capital, Thermes.

Its colossal walls and towering spires loomed so high that only their peaks were visible from a distance. At the base of the walls, a vast moat created by diverting the river encircled the city. Beyond that lay a secondary outer wall, making the capital an impregnable fortress.

Furthermore, the city was fortified with the annoying defensive magic of the Mage Tower.

In its long history, this capital had never been conquered.

"Seeing it in person is truly impressive."

Theo muttered an unfiltered admiration.

The thought of how much blood would need to be spilled to breach those defenses was almost impossible to fathom.

‘I can’t even muster the will to think about attacking it.’

A faint smirk crossed Theo’s lips as he pulled at the reins.

Keeek?

Umbra, startled, turned its head to look at Theo.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

The capital was still some distance away, barely visible on the horizon.

"It's a no-fly zone."

This area was fortified with various anti-flight magic barriers and interception devices. If someone attempted to breach them, the city’s emergency protocols would activate, and airships would be deployed immediately.

Since Theo wasn’t here for war, he steered Umbra downward for a landing.

"Good work."

Theo tossed a chunk of jerky he’d prepared earlier to Umbra. The creature opened its massive maw and caught it mid-air.

Keeek.

Of course, it wasn’t nearly enough to satisfy the beast’s appetite. Umbra gave Theo a wistful glance before retreating into his shadow.

Casting a sidelong glance at Lodbrok, Theo saw that his companion had already camouflaged himself and slipped into a deep sleep. Walking with Lodbrok like this felt akin to dragging a massive balloon around.

Ahead of Theo, a plain stretched out before the city walls, lined with knights standing in formation, their polished armor glinting under the sun.

On their chests, the emblem of a roaring golden lion was emblazoned in gold.

This was the First Imperial Knight Order, the Golden Lion Knights, mounted on majestic warhorses.

At their forefront stood a familiar face.

‘Felix? What is he doing here?’

It wasn’t unusual for the bridges connecting the moat to the land to be lowered in peacetime. However, it was strange, to say the least, to see the Empire’s foremost knight order fully armed and standing at attention outside the city.

‘How much do they already know?’

Theo had flown directly from the Naga Forest to this place. The time to relay any information had been exceedingly short. Yet, the knights stood in formation as if fully prepared for his arrival.

As Theo approached, his eyes met Felix’s. The knight spurred his horse forward, closing the distance until they were close enough to exchange words.

"Welcome to the capital, Grand Duke Theo Ragnar. I’ve been assigned to oversee your formal reception."

Felix did not dismount, merely offering a polite but curt greeting.

‘A formal reception, is it?’

Theo’s gaze flickered across the assembled knights, noting their immaculate formation and the subtle tension in the air that created an almost oppressive silence.

‘This must be Court Duke’s doing.’

Theo had long understood that the military's eyes and ears were tightly controlled within the imperial court. Among those who might have anticipated Theo’s solo visit, the Court Duke was the only plausible suspect. This reception was, without a doubt, the Court Duke’s way of sending a warning.

‘A message to stay in line, is it?’

The Golden Lion Knights’ presence was a blatant display of force. Felix’s sour expression and the full mobilization of the knights outside the city now made perfect sense.

"It’s an honor that the commander of the First Knight Order himself is here to receive me."

Theo extended his hand, and Felix shook it with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

Theo studied the smile, a flicker of emotion passing through him.

‘He looks terrible.’

At first glance, Felix’s face seemed impassive, but Theo could see the weariness in his eyes. The man was clearly exhausted.

"Mount your horse. I’ll guide you to the city."

Felix turned his horse, and Theo followed. The ride to the city walls was marked by silence. Felix didn’t say a single word.

‘This visit must be weighing on him.’

Theo mused that Felix was likely already under tremendous pressure from the Court Duke’s faction. The sudden visit only added to his burdens.

‘Receiving orders from the Court Duke must be galling.’

Though Theo didn’t care to know the details, he felt a pang of sympathy for Felix’s plight.

As they neared the gates, the knights stood at attention and saluted in unison.

‘Up close, each of them is a formidable master.’

Their prowess was undeniable. As expected of knights belonging to the Empire’s elite order.

"The knight order’s reputation doesn’t do justice to their impressive discipline."

"Thank you. Still, we are no match for the Ragnar forces."

"Hardly. In fact, seeing them makes me think I need to push my men even harder when I return."

After passing through the knights, Theo reached a checkpoint where the guards allowed them through without so much as a question.

The sight beyond the gates was dazzling. Clean, well-paved streets and opulent buildings sprawled in every direction.

"His Majesty the Emperor has prepared a palace for your stay, to ensure your comfort during your time here."

Theo held back a snort, responding with a polite smile instead.

‘An excuse to keep me under surveillance.’

Naturally, the Ragnar clan maintained a residence in the capital. Though rarely used, it was well-maintained, with a staff of stewards and servants on standby. Yet the Emperor had chosen to house Theo in an imperial palace, a thinly veiled attempt to monitor his every move.

‘The Court Duke really thinks I’m some naive child.’

Felix’s face darkened slightly, likely understanding the subtext of the arrangement. Theo didn’t envy the knight’s position; the man’s patience was clearly stretched thin.

"Then, I shall graciously accept the Emperor’s hospitality. Shall we proceed?"

Theo’s calm response seemed to cast a heavier shadow on Felix’s expression.

‘He knows everything yet plays along.’

Though carrying out the Court Duke’s orders grated on Felix, defying imperial commands was not an option.

As they passed through the city, Theo’s eyes lingered on the stark contrast between grandeur and squalor. Gleaming palaces stood beside dark alleys filled with refuse and starving eyes.

‘The disparity is glaring.’

The presence of vagrants even in the heart of the capital spoke volumes about the Empire’s failures. Their numbers were a harbinger of the chaos to come.

Felix’s gaze flickered toward Theo, uneasy at the sight. These vagrants represented the Empire’s shame, a scene he wished Theo hadn’t seen.

Fortunately, they soon approached the imperial palace. Theo’s attention shifted to its ostentatious splendor, an overwhelming display of wealth.

‘Excessive doesn’t begin to describe this.’

Even the massive palace gates were adorned with precious gems. It was enough to make one question the Empire’s priorities.

The gates swung open.

"Welcome, Grand Duke Theo Ragnar."

A group of attendants dressed in extravagant robes greeted him with deep bows.

‘They look like clowns.’

Theo couldn’t help but think the display was laughable. It was as if they were openly declaring their allegiance to the Court Duke.

"Thank you for the warm welcome. Then, I’ll be in your care."

Felix spoke again before departing.

"His Majesty has requested that you rest today. You are to meet him tomorrow."

Theo dismounted and handed the reins to Felix.

"Understood. Until tomorrow."

Following the attendants, Theo entered the designated palace. His gaze swept across the hall, noting the array of magical formations embedded discreetly into every corner.

‘Do they take me for a fool?’

Even without analyzing them, he could tell their purpose was surveillance.

"Why are imperial guards stationed inside the palace?"

Theo’s question caught the head steward, Alex, off guard. He hesitated, casting a sidelong glance at Theo.

"To ensure the safety of our esteemed guest, of course."

For a fleeting moment, Alex’s eyes glinted like a viper’s. Theo shrugged and smiled.

"How thoughtful. I’m overwhelmed by His Majesty’s generosity."

His voice carried a faint edge of sarcasm. If Alex noticed, he gave no indication. Theo’s frustration simmered beneath his composed facade as he followed his new hosts deeper into the palace.