Ashes and Kingdoms

A chapter

Break the still freezing silence in the morning and the sound of the hooves. The earth is covered in frost, and the dark hem draws on the vine-colored thin silk at night of departure. Like following it, there was a diseased rider from the east.

The puking breath of a human horse smokes white. The rider raised his face and eased his nervousness when he found a black nodding barracks beneath the disappeared stars.

The sentry noticed this way, but I can tell by the movement. He raised his voice and shouted.

"A decree, a decree! This is urgent news for His Majesty the Emperor!

When I shook up the sealed book bag to show it, the gate opened in haste. Running between the gates, sliding down from the saddle, the hurry ran into the building shortly after resting.

Soon the barracks awaken and the squire runs to the Emperor's bedroom. The letter was safe, in the hands of the emperor, before the tired hurried leg collapsed from his knees.

"... as soon as we lose the Commander, defeat the good fight, allow the crossing of the river and take away Acte..."

Emperor Varys runs his eyes in writing, crushing unconsciously. The light of the lamp illuminating at hand shook with his exhalation. When he noticed the hurry waiting for his life to fall, Varys put in the words of labor.

"I did receive the news. Thank you. Discuss the measures immediately. Stand down for a second and rest."

Finally, he was freed, and the hurrier gave him a courtesy, leaving the room with all due respect. Only the blue emperor and General Glaus rushed out of the next room remained in the still dim room.

When it was just the two of them, Varys revealed his anger and poked the writ at Glause.

"Read it! Some council incompetence can be better understood."

"Has the Second Legion been defeated by Elesia?"

"That's not all. Even though they killed the commander, they managed to build a defensive line based in Deulm, but no one took command of it after that. If they dropped Acte, what if they can't take enough measures to get reinforcements out of the nearest barracks in the north and south to siege them!? Tell the councillors there are many ex-military, what are you doing, those idiots!

Said so angrily, then Varis only made his face even more rugged when he noticed Glaus' gaze.

"Oh, good, don't say it. I know what the fools are doing. I wonder who gives orders under what authority and who and who follows them, dancing around all day on such“ seating "issues. Always leave everything to the Emperor only in times of emergency."

"Apparently you're right, Your Majesty."

Glaus responded sarcastically, going to the window where the light of dawn had been shining, and reading the script.

One of the barracks placed along the Tiol River, the state border, Acte, stationed by the Second Regiment, fell in the wake of a sudden attack by the Roflus Dragon Horse Army. The Second Corps was pushed west as it was and forced to retreat to the barracks of Deulm, he said. Glaus frowned.

"If you go west from Acte and drop Deulm, the rest is in a straight line to the Imperial Capital. I didn't think we were going to make progress at the turn of the year... but apparently Elecia decided that the year would never dawn until she had her revenge."

"Citizens of the Imperial Capital won't be around for the New Year either. I can't say we've just reached an agreement and we're not anxious, but we need you to head east."

"Sure. As you said, the hand that moves soldiers from the First and Third Legions of the North and the South would also have thought about the survival of the Second Legion. But don't make it seem like there's something wrong with that. It's not just about the commander's absence."

Roaring with a difficult face, Glaus returned the writ to Varys.

The First and Third Legions are closer and can move quickly than asking the Imperial Capital for help. It is famous that our adorable cowardly council does not easily send the Imperial Capital Guard to the next level.

Varys also thought with a wrinkle between his eyebrows.

"I wonder if you can't get a preaching order out, or if you saw something at Acte's fall that would prepare you to do nothing from the north to the south. But guess what, it doesn't even start here. Then pick a few of my men from Costom and head to Deulm first. I don't mind the royal capital being bare. I will gather together the remaining soldiers and the soldiers of Lord Nachte, and then I will follow them."

"In addition to doing so, there is little. But... you're anxious, Varys. I didn't know that I had to leave you in the hands of Lord Senato."

"Don't say anything like a mother who cares about a sick child, it doesn't look good on you."

"I'm not saying you're sick or weak. I just..."

"Don't even say it. The danger is mine, too. But as long as Hou intends to take power through adoption and marriage, he will refrain from assassination until the end"

To the emperor, who said his life like any other human resource, Glaus looked grumpy. Shut up often, then blur and twinkle.

"Let Phineas stay."

"... he's going back north."

"Oh, I heard it from you last night. But I don't think there are any other allies here! Did you forget Rufus' warning? Even if I don't hurt you, I'm a man who tries to break my sword. If you stay here alone, you may be poisoned by guards alone. If you can't support this country as an emperor, it's pointless even where you left Elesia!

Though he managed to keep his voice down, Glaus grabbed Varys' arms hard with passion.

"Look, I'll take care of Phineas. Threat me if you have to, but I'm going to let you stay. I'll take care of the haters. So watch your back."

He stared straight into his friend's eyes as he asked him to order. As if I were trying to touch a noble soul lurking behind cool grey brown eyes.

After much silence, Varys sighed quietly.

"... ok. But if you threaten me, give me my name. The imperative of autonomy is the discretion of the emperor, not of the general"

That said, he flashed a laugh of self-derision.

"Well, that doesn't seem necessary to him. Unlike people like us, who have soaked up to their necks in damage accounts and rushes... he still puts value on things like pledges and trust"

There is no reply from Glaus. The two remained silent for a while.

Eventually, Glaus turned his sight out of the window. The sky is brightening.

"... a good young man"

Pompous and Glause snapped, oh, and Varis replied as well.

A few moments later, Finn looked down at the general's knob and was perplexed.

Normally, people rarely lose their heads if they become great. That's why 'humility' counts as a virtue of the powerful, or bowing his head becomes a trump card - Finn, who saw that 'rare thing' continue to stand, had questioned public common sense for a little while.

"Varys also tells me that I'm sorry, that I'm going back north. But please, you're right!

"Stay and protect His Majesty the Emperor,"

Finn withheld his reply with a complicated face and looked back at his buddies. Apparently, more than half of them are willing to accept Glause's favor. Valt, who had the most sinister face, turns away from the general who does not lift his head and roars abominably.

"... well, fight Dragon Horse Elecia, more so"

No one added conditions or complaints. Approximately, it would mean the summation of the troops. Finn nodded and turned back to Glaus.

"Please raise your face, General. If this is what happened, we can't pretend not to look at it either. As the responsibility of the witness, let's take it on."

"Thank you, thank you!

Looking at the bottom of his heart relief, Glaus stretched his hips and smiled.

"The truth is, if you show that Tenryu figure to the Second Legion as well, the soldiers will be able to fight in peace... no, don't look like that. I'm not going to let the dragons fight each other. If you play the two dances of the war, it may be time for the gods to destroy Diatius. It'll be the same over there."

Over there, that means Elesia. Finn nodded, guessing.

"The power of dragons seems to vary, but one thing is certain: they will not burn down an army with that power. If that were possible, the Lord Elesia would have flown all the way to the Imperial City and turned it into a sea of fire."

"Oh right. As far as the writ goes, apparently the Second Corps also lost 'normally'. Then I'll have a chance too."

Glaus sarcastically said, clapping his shoulders. But as soon as he was gone, he stared at Finn and asked him to dive into his voice.

"Be careful. Now that the pact has been reached, neither Marquis Senato nor Vallis want his life... but I don't know what he means. Last night, Rufus warned me. Marquis Senato had an idea of where the snake hole was."

"It was a trap," he said?

"To be sure, it's a neat and uncertain trap," Glaus grinned spicidly. "But if you think it would be good and unpleasant... you're a bad business master at all"

"Is there also a false statement that there was a riot in the West"

Finn whispered with a tough face.

Between the arrival of the Hurricane at Varys and the visit of Glaus to Finn, Senato the Dragon Hou had also received news.

According to Senato, there was also a riot in the west of Nakte, as if to react to the rebellion in the east. It is not certain whether the Ninth Regiment stationed in the West is being pursued by that crackdown, or whether the Regiment itself disobeyed the agreement as dissatisfaction. It was Senato's assertion that the state capital, Nakte, would be in danger if the Fourth Army of Rufus headed east in a general outing, hence it would be difficult to send reinforcements immediately.

Reason goes through, but the question as to why, at this time, is not clear. Besides, no one has seen the hurry that should have brought the reward except Senato himself. To Glaus, who inquired about it, Senato said this without moving as much as a hair.

- My use is not as noisy as touching things internally and externally.

Remembering a rude voice, Glaus chewed his back teeth all the way.

"It would be convenient to buy time and wait for us and the army of Elesia to drain each other. But if there's been a factual rebellion, I can't even tell you to ignore it.... Anyway, whatever happens to him, I have to head east. If it's not a good idea to say Varys, keep your oath of agreement. Please."

Finn silently offered his hand to Glaus, who said and tried to bow his head again. Glaus blinks his eyes, then nods and holds his hand. The moment the hiragans overlapped at, Finn poured light through it.

A strong and dazzling force pours into her body and mind, and Glaus tries to swoop in surprise. But Finn didn't let go with his hand firmly held.

Slightly, Finn let go of his hand and slowly opened his mouth after he felt that he had applied adequate protection to his opponent.

"To be honest with you, I'm not sure which is right, His Majesty the Emperor or Dragon Horse Elecia. If Nornicom says he won't be under the emperor's control, I don't think so. It doesn't tear the earth apart and leave somewhere on the other side of the ocean, because it's there just as before, and things and people keep coming and going. … but now I know that it would be hard if you died"

Glaus still looked at his hands in wonder, but changed his expression to Finn's words and took his tampering.

Finn is right, if Glaus dies now, the emperor's army will be terribly weakened. And the country will be a battlefield in which East-West dragon marches will compete for hegemony, and it will be desolate.

In that case, it is the general public who suffers. Finn understands what life means to be destroyed and what it entails. I went on to say that his voice, as pale, was a little dark.

"So at the very least, we have focused on Lena so that she will not be destroyed by the power of the dragon"

"I mean...?

"Even if you get poked with a spear, for example, that's all you should get. Because if it burns up instantly and becomes ash, as you can see in the inheritance, you can't even handle it."

When Finn answered with a slight clap of shoulder, Glaus pounded for a moment, then smiled bitterly and shook his head to say he was in.

"Right. No, thank God, now I can safely confront the goddess of vengeance. And then, Phineas, I have nothing to say to you if you hold fast to His Majesty the Emperor. During your stay in Quanos, enter the room I've been using. It's the Emperor's neighborhood."

…………

Not realizing Finn looked complicated, Glaus continued looking around at the indoor faces.

"I can't ask you to escort the Emperor any more than there was before the building called neutrality. As always, the Emperor's quarters are guarded by guards, but keep your eyes open. Varys will look nasty, but he shouldn't complain."

Or disapprove, or let your face shine in honor, and everyone nods. When Glaus made sure of it, he caught his eye on Oandus.

"Oandus, was it? You're Phineas' father."

Surprised that he had been remembered by his first name, Oandus answered briefly, "Well. Glaus also glanced at his wife right next to him.

"And, Fauna. I heard you two have common service for the troops. Since this case will take the form of a request from the Emperor, we will have all the expenses necessary for protection here. Don't be too unscrupulous, but don't hesitate to charge the emperor for the cost of clothing, etc."

Next to Oandus with his eyes rounded, Fauna replied softly "Yes". That voice shows a sense of commonality and helpfulness. Glaus set aside for a moment and raised his eyebrows before turning to Finn again.

"Bye, Phineas. We'd like to see each other safely and again in the Imperial Capital, but you have no obligation to hang out that far. If reinforcements head east, you can head north from here. I'll leave you to your discretion."

"Thank you"

Finn was polite and told to be careful. Glaus nodded, during the bundle, still doing so saying something, but in the end he turned his heels back silently, thoughtfully.

As the General's footsteps moved away the hallway, Mac removed Finn's jacket from the costume cabinet.

"Apparently, this" Dragon Marquis Clothing "is going to be my brother's as it is."

"... it seems so"

Oandus, still a little grumpy, said to Finn, who smiled bitterly.

"I'm getting great. I still can't believe the day will come when you will ask the Emperor or the General to do you a favor and we will take it too."

"On the bottom," Valt snorted. "These are the times. Emperors can be roadside beggars in a day, and bandits can be commanders."

"- Valt"

Oandus breathes small and faint. Valt waved loudly and continued his words toward Finn.

"Not at all, I don't like it. That's a go. After all, we treat the Emperor like he's offering us. Don't get lonely, because what do you say? I thought you wanted to be a real nobleman."

Finn shook his head and retreated, poisonous words for just a taste.

"No way. You saw what I was doing yesterday. If you wish to be born or honored, you have made an oath of allegiance to His Majesty the Emperor."

"If you don't feel like it, you should probably do the same. Disciplined," It's the responsibility of the witness "or something, and that's why they put it in there."

Fool, and Valt throws a word at him with a frivolous flair. Finn clapped his neck just to avoid it.

"Instead, you wouldn't have used the threat over there either, would you? You idiot, you're being honest and disciplined, 'cause you don't just lose money."

To an unexpected dialogue, not only Valt, but Nellis and Mac have been blinking for a while. Finn showed them, tilting his neck to ask if he hadn't noticed.

"We would have asked the emperor for autonomy on the north side. On that occasion, I received verbal forgiveness, but that was not a pledge, nor was it in writing. I can withdraw it at any time. Even if I didn't really feel like it, I could have simply used it as a negotiating note. But the general didn't - I mean, the emperor didn't even smell like he was talking about autonomy if he didn't cooperate. You don't have to do that because you know I'm gonna do you a favor, but thanks to you, I couldn't help it at all."

Wouldn't you, no? - That's what I said. To Finn's expression, Valt flashed and opened his mouth pompously. Nellis puts his face on the frigid smell.

"Brother, are you deliberately pretending to be fucking serious?

"No. That's not why you use that word, Nellis. Even if it wasn't an act, if they kept telling me all around, I'd be as disciplined as I am. But sometimes things are carried in your favor. Like this one."

Finn looked at everyone as a rare dust when he said that to his true face.

"I don't know how many more days it will take, but if we send the Emperor out safely, let's wave the big players back north. That's how we build a town where everyone can live in peace."

During the bundle, everyone lost their words.

And.

"Agree!"

Nellis smiles and screams, and Mac also responds by poking his fist up. Each of those who lost their homeland looked at each other and spread a hopeful grin.

"I can't help it, one more job to stomp on!

Valt also responds to a bitter laugh, and one of his men says, "But I knew you wouldn't be the mayor," and he stabs the nail in the sink.

Once upon a time, such a story would have been a dream story. But not now. There was a dragon marquis with the power to retreat from the darkness, and the dragon marquis drew the word of permission from the emperor. It hasn't materialized yet, but I see a path to realisation. Even if you have to walk on your own, there's a long way to go, and there's a way to go.

Dragon Hou Phineas - they themselves, clearly, did not realize that their presence was giving hope and a future. Now, not yet.