Chapter 1, The Court

Shagru nodded indifferently, absentmindedly looking at Lady Green, and said softly: "For so many years, the Vant Empire has never failed in war, so you must remember this. Um, regarding our other allies... you should send a formal document requesting them to make slight adjustments to their troops at the border, informing them that I do not need their assistance; just a little movement of their horses will suffice"

Shagru was momentarily taken aback, and a flicker of light danced in his eyes. Lady Green was immediately alarmed, disregarding the three ministers watching nearby, and wrapped herself around Shagru's body, whispering a few words in his ear. Shagru smiled, pinched her cheek, and turned to say: "Instruct Duke Green and the three great lords near his territory that before the imperial army arrives, their private troops must cooperate with the imperial garrison in battle, aiming to inflict as much damage as possible on the army of the Shimat Empire"

The Prime Minister immediately stated: "The Shatuo Province of the Empire requires a large number of volunteers to manage daily affairs. I think..."

The heavy battle sword came to a sudden stop just a finger's breadth from the head, and the light-armored warriors behind let out cries of alarm, while nearby, hundreds of heavily armored knights quickly approached. A tall knight in golden armor from the 'Fierce Lion Brigade' heard the commotion and rushed out of the palace with several other knights, sternly commanding: "Silence, what are you doing?"

The Minister of Defense reported in a slightly trembling voice: "Your Majesty, at the moment, there is no news coming in. Our scouts..."

The pursuing light-armored warrior saw the heavy-armored knight who had struck, immediately halting his rapid advance. He stood at attention to perform the military salute of the Vant Empire. Meanwhile, the heavy-armored knight let out a cold snort and swung his sword towards the soldier clad in light leather armor, who fell to the ground in a disheveled state, struggling to rise.

Shagru casually picked up a pair of white gloves from the desk and forcefully threw them at the Minister of Security, scolding: "Yes, spies, spies... How much funding do I provide you each year? Hmm? How many beautiful women do I allow you to select from the populace each year? Hmm? I even tolerated you being the first to violate those beautiful young girls during their training, as they are all meant to be sent out as spies... However, not obtaining intelligence that the Smart Empire is about to mobilize is already a mistake; you don't even know what they are doing right now?"

The Minister of Military Affairs stepped forward, slightly bowed, and reported in a low voice: "Your Majesty, the Smart Empire has launched an attack against us"

The Minister of Military Affairs was taken aback for a moment, silently cursing under his breath, and then smiled with utmost respect, saying: "Of course, Your Majesty, I will attend to it immediately"

The six guards pondered for a moment, exchanged glances, and swiftly stepped aside to open the grand door. The chief steward of the palace lightly shrugged his shoulders but quickly realized that such a gesture was unbecoming of his status. He then hurriedly took out a golden handkerchief and gently wiped the corner of his mouth, simultaneously concealing his earlier ungraceful action

The ominous news from hetushu.com was swiftly conveyed through tightly controlled channels to the imperial palace. The soldier, who had nearly been killed as a rebel, was already recorded for his military achievements by a senior officer of the 'Violent Lion Corps' on the spot and sent to the military headquarters for rest. Without having received any orders, the mobilization orders for the three major legions: 'Violent Lion', 'Jaguar', and 'Swift Wolf' had already been disseminated, and the state of alert in the entire imperial capital suddenly intensified more than a hundredfold

After Shagru's howl, calm was restored immediately. He asked in a low voice: "Has the war fortress fallen? Damn it, can they directly enter the heart of the Empire now? Who can answer me?"

After muttering for a while, Shagru suddenly broke into a smile: "Well then, let them attack. Although the mages of the Smart Empire are the most powerful on the continent, we of the Vant Empire possess the strongest knight order and the largest army on the continent. Let them come. The Iron Blood Fortress will thwart their schemes, will it not? Those who worship the God of Conspiracy, do they not know that the Iron Blood Fortress is impossible to conquer?" The Iron Blood Fortress will thwart their schemes, will it not? Those who worship the God of Conspiracy, do they not know that the Iron Blood Fortress is impossible to conquer?

However, perhaps the more they fear trouble, the more trouble will find them. A swift horse, drenched in sweat, was desperately carrying a soldier clad in light leather armor as it charged towards the gates of the imperial palace. Behind, about thirty light-armored warriors from the "Jaguar Brigade," responsible for guarding the capital, were frantically pursuing on foot. The horse seemed to have already endured a long journey, thus its speed had somewhat diminished, while those light-armored warriors were all individuals of exceptional skill, so even though they were chasing the horse on foot, they were rapidly closing the distance.

The horse was nearing the grand gate of the palace, but suddenly three afterimages flashed by. A sword light, sharp enough to seem as if it could cleave the very earth, accompanied by a piercing sound of "clang clang," swept towards the horse. This exceptional warhorse, originating from the edge of the northern desert of the empire, stood a full three heads taller than an average person. In the blink of an eye, it was mercilessly torn into hundreds of pieces by the sword light, and amidst the flying blood and flesh, a rain of blood fell within a radius of several meters.

The three ministers bowed and then slowly withdrew.

As for the several ministers of state, after intimidating the chief steward of the palace with a cold gaze, the chief steward, dressed in a sharply pressed gold and red uniform with his hair styled in waves, reluctantly led a few prominent officials of the empire into the inner palace. Of course, no one would see the Chancellor discreetly pull out a glimmering object from his person and place it into the chief steward's palm. After the chief steward casually brushed his hand over it, the glimmering object vanished. Naturally, even if someone had seen it, they would not have truly perceived it. Of course, no one would see the Chancellor discreetly pull out a glimmering object from his person and place it into the chief steward's palm. After the chief steward casually brushed his hand over it, the glimmering object vanished. Naturally, even if someone had seen it, they would not have truly perceived it.

The Minister of State flattered, saying: "Your Majesty, they cannot possibly surpass us; I have this confidence."

Shagru's expression fluctuated for a moment, and he slowly nodded, saying in a low voice: "Well, enough of this trivial worry. Shaks, you need to reorganize your spy network immediately. I want to know the current progress of their army, what exactly they are doing and planning. Did you not tell me that your beautiful spies can ascertain the color of any minister's underwear in any empire? If you cannot gather this intelligence, then you need not return."

In the hall of the palace, a triangular-faced, thin-bodied minister of the Vante Empire, with withered yellow whiskers, was smiling as he held a wine glass, flattering a young and beautiful lady in front of him. Although this lady appeared to be no more than sixteen years old, an age that was more than sufficient for her to be his granddaughter, anyone unaware of the situation, merely observing from behind, might mistakenly think they were a pair of heavenly match made in heaven, given the affectionate way he embraced the young girl's waist.

Of course, these words are something the Minister of War would not dare to utter; he can only fantasize in the depths of his mind about how delightful it would be to embrace Lady Green.

A piercing roar erupted from the study in the palace, the sound so immense that it startled the six guards at the door. Had they not known that the four ministers would never harm the emperor, they would have rushed in long ago. Nevertheless, even in this situation, they still secretly forced open a small gap, disregarding the furious expression of the palace steward behind the door, to observe the situation inside the study.

Shagru murmured, kissing deeply, and vaguely said: "The queen? I do not love her, although she is beautiful; she is merely a tool... As for the gods, our Vante Empire does not worship any deities."

The chancellor let out a muffled grunt, taking a step back, his triangular eyes already flashing with a cold glint, as if he was contemplating some sinister thought. Meanwhile, the Minister of Military Affairs stepped forward, reprimanding in a low voice: "Step aside, you damned creatures, or I will assign you to the northern frontier to tend to horses. I will give you a cup of tea's worth of time to think it over. Hmph, all the military officers from your families must go to the frontier, as for the civil officials from your families..." He glanced back.

Shagru tidied up his clothes and then asked, "Alright, what is the matter? I was discussing the tax issues of the southern territories with Duchess Green, and you all barged in to disturb us. This is a grave offense against the national tax policy. However, I believe you four are important ministers of the Empire, so I assume you would not be so rude as to do this... So, who can tell me what has happened?" I was discussing the tax issues of the southern territories with Duchess Green, and you all barged in to disturb us. This is a grave offense against the national tax policy. However, I believe you four are important ministers of the Empire, so I assume you would not be so rude as to do this... So, who can tell me what has happened?

The three ministers bowed again. Shagru pondered for a moment and said, "There is no need to be too anxious. How many mages can the Shimat Empire send to the battlefield? Well, their warriors are no match for ours. I believe it should be over quickly."

Shagru quickly regained his composure, slightly shaking his head. The palace steward immediately closed the door, pressing his face tightly against it, with his back turned towards the room, thus bracing himself against the door.

The Minister of State quickly interjected: "If you fear His Majesty's reprimand, I can assure you that His Majesty will not blame you. We have very important matters to discuss with His Majesty."

Shagru suddenly realized and exclaimed, "Of course, of course, it is like this. But before clarifying the military situation with the *Map* Book, how many troops do you need? The entire army of the empire cannot be mobilized at will. You could first send a legion to assess the situation... Well, isn't it acceptable for me to verbally authorize you to deploy the troops you need?"

The Minister of State looked at him with pity, calculated for a moment in his heart, and stepped forward to say: "Your Majesty, it seems we cannot blame Lord Shakes. In recent months, there have been repeated rebellions in the Shatuo Province, and most of the capable agents have already been dispatched there. Therefore, the forces on the southern border are somewhat weakened, which is why timely intelligence has not returned. This cannot be blamed on Lord Shakes... However, it is not a problem; we can make it within seven days to regain detailed information from that area. The loyal subjects of the Empire will also automatically report intelligence to us."

A line of Vant knights, clad in black and purple heavy steel armor and wielding broad-bladed swords, stood guard outside the palace walls, their crimson capes billowing behind them. Today marks the third anniversary of His Majesty King Shagru's ascension to the throne, as well as the auspicious occasion of his queen's coronation. The knights of the "Violent Lion Corps," directly under the royal jurisdiction, were naturally on high alert to prevent any disruption to their sovereign, His Majesty King Shagru's good mood.

The Minister of State quickly pinched the young lady's bottom, then hurriedly approached a few similarly thin old men. The group nervously huddled together, whispering for a while. An elderly man dressed in a high-ranking military uniform also joined them. After about the time it takes to drink a glass of wine, the tall old man, adorned with over thirty military medals on his left chest, strode out swiftly, followed closely by a dozen knights from the 'Raging Lion Brigade' as they rushed out of the palace.

Saks quickly expressed his gratitude, casting a thankful glance at the Minister of State, and swiftly climbed to his feet, rushing towards the main door. He crashed into the palace steward and pushed past six royal guards, demonstrating a strength that rivaled that of a mid-tier knight. Just as the six guards marveled at the abundant power within Saks's large frame, the door closed right before their noses. Meanwhile, the Chancellor and the Minister of Military Affairs regretted missing an opportunity to extend goodwill towards Saks. As the six guards continued to be astonished by Saks's formidable strength, the door once again shut in front of them. The Chancellor and the Minister of Military Affairs felt remorse for having overlooked a chance to show favor to Saks.

The three ministers slightly bowed, and the Minister of Military Affairs respectfully replied: "Your Majesty, I still require your authorization to mobilize the empire's troops."

The chancellor bowed quickly and quietly requested: "Your Majesty, please forgive us. We have urgent matters to discuss with you, but as you are aware, the soundproofing of your study's door is too effective, and we are unable to knock to inform you from outside"

The knight who had struck down the warhorse immediately raised his sword in salute and replied in a low voice: "The battle report: the 'Iron Blood' fortress has fallen, General Shalin has betrayed the Empire... It is likely that the Smart Empire is launching an attack against us"

The court ceremonial officer, dressed in a red uniform, stealthily approached the State Minister, moving slowly and silently like a cat. He leaned close to the minister's ear and whispered a few words. Suddenly, a remarkable effect took place; the minister's face shifted abruptly from the warmth of spring to the chill of winter. He quietly inquired, "Where is the Prime Minister? Where is the Minister of Security? Where is the Minister of Military Affairs? Bring them here... My God, where is His Majesty?"

Everyone fell silent for a moment, and Shagru asked, "So, is there anything else? You all go prepare for battle; who else can I rely on?"

The soldier, seeing the giant sword looming overhead, immediately began to shout loudly: "My lord, my lord, there is news from the border... the 'Iron Blood Fortress' has been breached, General Shalin, he, he, he has betrayed us"

The Minister of State marveled inwardly: "Although only thirty years old, His Majesty already resembles a true sovereign; truly remarkable for one so young... If only His Majesty's demeanor could be a bit more natural and not glance at Lady Green, it would be even more perfect"

Shagru's hand immediately wrapped around Lady Green's waist, and he smiled: "Alright, I will not allow your husband's territory to be encroached upon. Rest assured, I will certainly uphold the interests of your family. I assume Duke Green has already hastened his departure from the imperial capital to return to his own territory? Therefore, we have plenty of time..."

Among the four individuals—the Chancellor, the Minister of State, the Minister of Military Affairs, and the Minister of Security—the Minister of Military Affairs, being of military background, is undoubtedly much stronger than the other three, despite his excessive indulgence in wine and women. After noticing the resolute expressions of the six guards who would not offer assistance, the Minister of Military Affairs took a deep breath and lightly struck the four-meter-high oak door with his fist. With a soft crack, the door frame was broken, and the four ministers immediately pushed the door open and entered.

Lady Green chuckled: "My God, your queen is still in the hall"

The Prime Minister stepped forward immediately and whispered, "Make way for me, is His Majesty inside?"

Walking along the long corridor adorned with oil paintings of scantily clad beauties, the steward stopped in front of a large oak door. Six palace guards stood at the door, weapons in hand, their sharp gazes fixed on the approaching old men

The eyes of the four ministers lit up; this woman, who was so beautiful that she seemed to be dripping with honey, was none other than the wife of Duke Green, the lord of the southern border.

The Minister of Military Affairs took a deep breath, feeling a bit frightened as he glanced at the relaxed face of Shagru. Shagru immediately noticed something was off and promptly asked, "Alright, alright, dear Sidok, tell me, what’s wrong?"

A badge adorned with seven golden larks on the chest, signifying its noble aristocratic lineage, received a rigid response from the guard: "I apologize, esteemed Chancellor, but His Majesty is currently deliberating on national policies, and you perhaps should not disturb him"

The Minister of Defense immediately fell to his knees, trembling all over and too afraid to speak

The tall and handsome palace steward, whose expression was consistently serious, gestured with an air of authority to dismiss the six palace guards. He then blinked and silently stepped back a few paces, positioning himself behind the several ministers.

The Minister of Military Affairs did not dare to respond. Upon seeing the slight retreat of the Minister of State and the Minister of Defense, the Prime Minister had no choice but to step forward and quietly replied: "Your Majesty, General Shalin of 'Iron Fortress' has betrayed the Empire, and the fortress has fallen."

The Minister of Military Affairs nodded slightly, pondering to himself: "Aha, yes, perhaps it is a good thing that Duke Green's territory has been eliminated; at least His Majesty can claim this beauty for himself. However, dear Lady Green would not be pleased, for being His Majesty's lover is certainly not as glorious as being the wife of a great lord"

The Minister of State demonstrated his efficiency in handling national affairs, swiftly picking up a nearly torn women's cloak from the ground and handing it to Shagru, who carelessly shoved the cloak to the woman and began to adjust his own attire without any restraint. The woman, maintaining her composure, quickly donned her clothes, tidied her disheveled long hair slightly, and took out a small sandalwood fan, fanning herself effortlessly, resembling a noblewoman.

The chancellor paused for a moment, fixating intently on the family crest on his chest, while the royal guard gently swayed the sword in his hand, exchanging a fierce glance with the chancellor

Shagru was about to chuckle a few times to express his happiness when the Duchess of Green beside him let out a soft cough. Shagru immediately turned around and looked gently at Lady Green. The lady spoke in a delicate and soft voice: "Your Majesty, I kindly ask you to dispatch the army soon, for after 'Iron Blood Fortress', it will be the territory of the Green family"

As for the girl's father, a count of the empire, he was smilingly mingling among several nobles, occasionally glancing at his daughter, who was almost embraced by the Minister of State, his face adorned with a proud smile

The emperor of the empire, the supreme ruler Shagru, today conferred the title of queen upon a certain individual. He was bare-chested, holding a blonde beauty in his arms, his hands caressing her bare back. The woman's long skirt was nearly slipping down to her hips, exposing her smooth, white skin directly in front of four elderly men and a palace steward. Upon seeing the five enter, His Majesty Shagru, who was about to lift the woman onto his desk, momentarily froze, his light blue eyes filled with confusion.

One of the main figures of the banquet, the recipient of today's grand ceremony to confer the title of queen, the daughter of the noble Duke Glome, the de facto queen of the Vante Empire, is sitting alone on the throne, surrounded by a multitude of palace maids wrapped in piles of silk. However, the highest leader of the Vante Empire, the esteemed His Majesty Shagru, is nowhere to be found

Shagru fell silent for a moment, then quietly commanded: "Prepare for battle, gentlemen. You have always told me that we possess the strongest knight order and the largest legion on the continent. Now is the time to prove your words. Are we truly unable to deal with the ragtag army of the Smart Empire on our own land?"

Shagru raised an eyebrow and murmured softly, "Oh? Half a year ago we were still close allies, and now we are at war? This truly surprises me; indeed, there are no absolute friends. Damn Filin, does he want our southern plains? Hmph, that is our most important grain base."