Hero of Darkness

Kahn's charismatic figure was now displayed in front of citizens and soldiers of the Verlassen fiefdom alike. And as his announcement regarding the happenings of the battle at the Kaldris region came to an end… majority came to realize the bravery and sacrifice of the warriors who protected their lives.

However… his commending speech had evoked many emotions in the minds of the millions of soldiers stationed at the borders of the six hotspot regions where they had been risking their lives for decades.

Because it was the first time in the past two hundred years that any person in authority had ever applauded or made the knowledge of their heroic acts well known to the masses.

The government before his reign had never even bothered to pay for wages on time or provided them with suitable gears and many knew of the truth about how little did their deaths mattered to those who controlled the old Verlassen mountain range.

Kahn's speech finally made them feel appreciated… made them feel that they too mattered.

"As for the families of the dead soldiers who have lost an important member… mostly the ones whom their future depended on…" he said.

"I am establishing a new system where the capable and suitable member of the family will be helped to get a job in various government sectors. They will be trained and educated regarding those professions and positions if they choose to.

And there will be no partiality based on age group or gender." declared Kahn out of a sudden.

"It was already revealed in the People's Court about how the funds allotted to the families of the deceased soldiers went into the pockets of the corrupted officials instead.

If our soldiers can't even perform their duties knowing that their families won't be looked after their deaths… how will they be able to face the enemy on the front while the people these soldiers are trying to protect are left in the hands of uncertain fate?" he iterated.

"Some people who have never seen or been in a war or lost a comrade act as if they are better for not choosing the path of dying for our motherland.

But let me remind everyone that you're entitled to have such opinions and delusions of being nobler… is because there's this very soldier that you criticize is risking his or her life at the borders.

It's not the soldiers… but the whole empire that's failing to protect our future.

I can not talk about the rest of the Rakos Empire… but in my reign..

I will make sure that no soldiers has to worry about the family they left behind or their future in case they die serving the Verlassen fiefdom." declared Kahn.

After his speech ended… those who had the notions of the soldiers being weak or the military not having enough strength were forced to shut up their mouths.

Because the gigantic body of the Legendary rank monster was more than enough to make a statement. A being that was comparable to a legitimate Saint had caused the deaths of so many people.

And even the two strongest semi-saints of the entire empire like Kahn and Kassandra barely managed to kill it while getting gravely injured.

So for the first time in the history of this part of the Rakos Empire… people had come to know the real truth and the dangerous life led by the soldiers who fought to protect the lives of the common citizens.

Just by bringing this another harsh truth to them… Kahn, who had already become their true leader gave them a sense of assurance that he will always rule righteously.

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The forty-seven million soldiers of the fiefdom who had their eyes glued to the broadcasting screens had a different outlook on this announcement compared to the normal citizens.

For the first time… someone had addressed losing a comrade in war, the sacrifice they made and how they had to worry about the families left behind.

And his new system of looking after the families of the martyrs was something they never even thought of.

A small compensation in the form of money was never enough to give their families a sustainable life. But with this new system, they could at least be relieved.

At the present moment… Kahn had proved himself to be a reliable, competent and honorable sovereign in their eyes.

He not only protected the lives of the people… but he also killed the enemy who killed so many of their fellow comrades.

And him establishing this new system throughout the fiefdom was something they were not even capable of thinking of.

To them… Kahn had now become a ruler worth dying for.

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After Kahn's public announcement ended and the night came… he now sat on his black and golden throne in the main throne hall of the castle.

YAWN!

"How was I?" asked Kahn to Ronin as he yawned.

"If I didn't know any better… even I would be moved by your speech." said Ronin as he praised Kahn's acting skills.

"Gosh… I'm not that heartless you know.

I do feel empathy towards the dead soldiers… but I have too many people to look after and I can't be everywhere at the same time. Plus, it's just something unavoidable at this point. I can protect what I can and won't meddle in if I can't change the outcome." spoke Kahn as he leaned back to rest.

"Now I understand why everyone tries to bury the truth to keep their power." he said.

Due to the weakened state, his body felt like he was drowning underwater but he had no choice regarding the public announcement.

"Still… the reparations you've offered aren't small. And the new system you've declared will give you full support from the military as well.

After all, controlling the officers and strong people is a different thing than having soldiers to fight for you in a war willingly." said Ronin.

Kahn then nodded and ordered…

"Create more than 200 million copies of the recordings of today's announcement and spread it across the Rakos Empire using our money and connections. Don't hold back."

"This is going to cause chaos among the military of the rest of the empire. Even they will try to force the government to make a system such as this and force their hand.

Don't you think we already have enough enemies, master?" asked Ronin.

"Think big, Ronin. This isn't just about me creating a good image in front of the citizens.

We're sowing the seeds in the minds of the people. The plants that sprout will help us in the future. After all…" spoke Kahn with a charming yet sinister smile.

"I'm the rightful Emperor of the Rakos Empire."