Chapter 22: The Arrival Approaches
The vast majority of people averted their gaze after a single glance, not truly looking at the warrior and his group. With tens of thousands of people flowing through the Imperial Capital's vicinity, who had the time to pay attention to passing strangers? As for the few who did spare a moment of thought, their gazes subconsciously focused on Number Three, Brandon, and the others.
"The God of Might and Justice would never be late. He is always watching over us."
After hearing Joshua's joke, the blonde swordsman immediately followed up with an even colder one. Fortunately, there were no fanatical followers of Xing Zheng around them, or else another commotion might have broken out. After exchanging greetings, Joshua studied the two before him.
Brandon and Verdani were both dressed in formal attire—simple white with black trim, and deep blue, respectively. They had apparently been whispering sweet nothings in front of the Northern portal before noticing the warrior's arrival and coming over. No one else was around them; neither of their two daughters had been brought along, presumably left in the territory under someone's care.
Ever since Brandon had advanced to the Ultimate-rank within the Moldova ruins, he had gained considerably more free time. He could even stay in Moldova for several consecutive months without issue. The Kaos Family's strictness only applied to those who failed to meet their requirements. As a promising genius who never slackened, the blonde swordsman now enjoyed certain privileges—after all, the Legendary Realm could not be reached through seclusion alone.
Since Joshua had already spoken with Brandon and the others before the celebration, they didn't have much more to discuss now. There was nothing left to say—were they supposed to marvel again at how the warrior had advanced yet another rank? There was no point in talking to a chosen one. So, without wasting any more time, the group strolled together toward the mountain, like a tower spirit within a mage's tower."
With that explanation, it became much easier to accept. Many nobles nodded. They had seen tower spirits and formation spirits before; some well-off noble families even had one. These artificial souls were indeed especially close to the family head, as they were key to ensuring the secure operation of certain secret locations or important formations. As for the Northern Count bringing one along even to the celebration, he was probably trying to remotely control the formations of the Moldavia Territory, guarding against any sneak attacks or sabotage. After all, word had it that the Five-Colored Dragon Clan and the cultists had never given up on revenge against the warrior who had ruined their key plans.
Truly cautious. No wonder someone so young could reach the Legendary Realm. The crowd murmured such thoughts.
But unlike the majority, who were considering whether to swap in a younger maiden from their family as a marriage candidate, a noble with apparent Dwarf bloodline and several middle-aged men bearing the crests of Northwestern noble families were struck as if by lightning upon seeing Joshua's figure. They stood frozen, unmoving.
These nobles from the Feltao Family and the Suwode Family had been chatting about potential cooperation, but now all interest was lost. After exchanging glances, they immediately and quietly retreated, preparing to find a secluded corner to notify their family members already in the Imperial Capital to lie low and avoid meeting the Northern Count.
Ordinarily, such a common Spring Celebration would not have lured major nobles and their heirs away from their territories to the Imperial Capital under His Majesty the Emperor's rule. They were long accustomed to wielding authority in their own domains—why would they enjoy playing the submissive role before Israel? But through certain channels, many great nobles had learned that something astonishing might occur during this celebration. Though they didn't know the specifics, missing it would undoubtedly mean falling behind on certain major matters—and falling behind meant staying behind. To prevent this, many major nobles, even if they hadn't come personally, had sent their family's second-in-command or heirs to observe. The Feltao and Suwode families were no exception.
But now that the warrior had appeared, these two families, who had a grudge against Joshua, had no choice but to change their plans. In certain noble estates within the Imperial Capital, some nobles felt the vibration of communication devices in their bosoms. Glancing down, their faces changed in unison. With apologies, they excused themselves from the small gatherings they were attending and immediately departed.
The entire atmosphere of the Imperial Capital had shifted subtly due to Joshua's presence.
Meanwhile, the warrior's group had already entered the Imperial Capital. Aside from those at the city gates, no guards came forward to check their identities—a joke. The next head of the Kaos Family, the Countess of Moldova, and a recently renowned Legendary expert? They would have to be mad to inspect such figures.
"Let's head straight to the main hall of Morlai Palace. We have special seats for viewing the ceremony."
On the way, Brandon said this. He swept his gaze across the Imperial Capital's streets, then shrugged. "As you can see, the city's atmosphere is tense. Aside from tourists, most locals are staying indoors."
Joshua had indeed sensed this. With the celebration about to begin, Israel and Nostradamus had yet to return. Though most people knew His Majesty would surely return before the ceremony started, this lingering anxiety still made them nervous. Moreover, many who had engaged in shady dealings during Israel's months-long absence were terrified. They weren't sure if their actions would be discovered, but if they were, their families would surely face dire consequences.
There was nothing noteworthy along the way. This year's celebration was indeed more subdued than previous ones. Even the tourists on the streets felt the atmosphere and dared not laugh or talk loudly. The warrior's group proceeded directly to Morlai Palace, where attendants led them to the central hall.
The Spring Celebration was actually an ancient ritual, rumored to predate the Seven Gods, originating from a previous era's sacrificial rites to the earth. Back then, people would carve four flawless gems in the shapes of 'seed,' 'sprout,' 'mature plant,' and 'grain,' placing them in the four palms of the Earth Mother Goddess statue. This statue also had strict requirements: it had to be carved from natural iron ore using stone tools, and at the goddess's feet, soil from various regions had to be placed, so that the goddess would bless those lands.
Nowadays, the ceremony was far less elaborate. Most of the time, the Emperor simply ascended the platform and, following traditional rites, made an offering to the earth beneath his feet.
Upon entering the central hall, Ying looked around curiously, while Number Three, who had been well-behaved until now, also turned her head repeatedly, apparently interested in the unfamiliar yet splendid decorations.
"Joshua, why don't we decorate the Lord's Manor like this?"
Pointing at the ornate and exquisite reliefs on one side of the hall, adorned with conspicuous crystal ornaments, Number Three lowered her head and whispered softly in Joshua's ear. "The decor at home is way too oppressive. How can you like that?"
"...Why would my Lord's Manor compete with a palace in splendor?"
Most of the buildings in the Moldavia Territory were designed by clergy under the God of Might and Justice four hundred years ago. Back then, the ancestors of the Radcliffe Family were on good terms with the Archbishop of Saint Lawrence Cathedral, so the Lord's Manor was imbued with the austere religious style of that era. In short, it was exceptionally ascetic and oppressive, filled with solemn yet unadorned sculptures, with ancient weapons hanging on the walls. Due to personal preference, the warrior had also added numerous trophy heads from his hunts in the hall. A stranger entering would likely be frightened by the ferocious expressions of dying beasts and flee in panic—making the atmosphere tens of times more oppressive than the original.
It was a credit to the manor's servants and maids that they had strong wills; otherwise, they would have long since suffered mental breakdowns.
Time was approaching noon. All the items needed for the Spring Celebration ceremony had long been prepared. The hall was sparsely populated, with only about a dozen people, but each was a noble of high status who had received a special invitation, or a powerful professional or spellcaster. While Joshua chatted with Number Three, they all noticed his presence. However, given the current atmosphere, no one felt comfortable approaching for pleasantries. Many resolved to wait until after the ceremony to have a good talk with this promising Legendary warrior and build a connection.
Of course, they could also take the opportunity to introduce their daughters. Many who felt this Legendary warrior wasn't as terrifying as rumored thought to themselves.
Time passed. Accompanied by a series of footsteps from within the palace, several members of the imperial family entered the hall one after another. Through Brandon's introductions, Joshua learned their identities.
The Sixth Prince and the Third Princess, siblings born of the same mother, entered hand in hand. Following them was the Seventh Prince, Alva, with his golden hair and blue eyes, walking slowly, and the seemingly unremarkable Second Prince, Di Mo Er. The atmosphere between these two was not as harmonious as that of the previous siblings. Though not far apart, an invisible barrier seemed to separate them.
—Looks like they're not coming in order. Joshua thought. Next to appear was the Fourth Prince. This tall young man, bearing a faint resemblance to Israel, wore a heavy expression, unable to hide his worries. He kept glancing anxiously at the empty main seat, reserved for Israel.
The Emperor's prolonged absence not only unsettled the nobles of the Imperial Capital but also filled the imperial family with anxiety.
Verdani suddenly spoke up. "Oh, is Empress Edna attending the celebration this time too?"
She looked at the last to arrive—a slender woman with silver hair and golden eyes—and lowered her voice. "That's strange. She hasn't attended a similar celebration in at least twelve years."
"With His Majesty delayed, she has to come out and steady the situation." Brandon found nothing unusual about it. He muttered to himself, "Looks like the Fifth Princess and the First Prince still aren't coming. That's not surprising. April is also the assessment period for the Sky-Piercing White Tower, and that Duke from the Eastern Province's little schemes must have the First Prince running ragged."
Joshua didn't think that far. After memorizing their appearances, he stopped paying attention. But even if he didn't focus on them, they focused on him. The warrior, accompanied by Number Three and Ying, had his presence greatly reduced by his own suppression, but with only a dozen people in the hall, most couldn't help but glance at this low-key Legendary expert during their wait.
"Has he come in person?" Some nobles were already growing restless. They all knew the power of a Legendary expert's true body. Though the warrior's control was trustworthy, and Morlai Palace surely had countermeasures in place, their own lives were at stake, and they couldn't help but worry.
The princes, princesses, and even the Empress who had arrived last all noticed the warrior nearby. Empress Edna's gaze swept normally over Joshua and Brandon's group before she took her seat and waited for the appointed time. The Seventh Prince, Alva, and the Second Prince, Di Mo Er, both shot the warrior a strange glance but said nothing, quietly closing their eyes to rest. The Fourth Prince, like Empress Edna, glanced over once and then ignored him, though he subtly moved a few steps away from Joshua. The Third Princess and the Sixth Prince whispered in a corner. As these individuals stood in the hall, they, along with the surrounding nobles, subtly divided into factions.
"So Count Radcliffe hasn't changed his allegiance despite his advancement in strength... He's still with the Kaos Family crowd. Strange." This was from the Third Princess.
"Don't talk too much. Someone who can achieve the Legendary Realm is beyond our measure... Regardless of his allegiance, getting on good terms with him as much as possible is never a mistake." This was from the Sixth Prince, his voice so soft it was barely a lip movement, likely only audible to his sister. "My advisors and I have studied him thoroughly. As long as you don't provoke him, this Count is easy to deal with. Send plenty of gifts, build some goodwill, and keep your subordinates from challenging him or offending anyone from his territory—actually, just don't provoke anyone from the North. He'd kill members of the Feltao and Suwode families for his own people."
Their exchange was very discreet, hard even for an Ultimate-rank expert to detect, but to Joshua, it was as clear as if spoken in his ear. He glanced sideways at the two. He could even guess that they had deliberately said it for him to hear.
Perceptive people were indeed great. A credit to imperial upbringing. But he hadn't come today to build relationships with a few youngsters.
He looked up toward Empress Edna's direction. Sensing his gaze, the Empress also raised her head and met the warrior's eyes.
Empress Edna... This woman was definitely not simple. In his past life, it was precisely because of the legacy she left behind that the Seventh Prince, who originally had no chance of inheriting the throne, became one of the strongest contenders. But in that life, she had mysteriously disappeared after Israel's death, for reasons unknown.
Though rumors spoke of her dying for love, or being assassinated by someone, the warrior felt neither was correct. The first was completely impossible—even now, Joshua could see the ambition suppressed within this woman. As for the second, there was no need to mention it. As a Legendary warrior, he could tell at a glance that she was an Ultimate-rank expert. In the entire empire, aside from Israel and Master Nostradamus, there might not be anyone capable of killing this seemingly fragile Empress.
Time ticked by, second by second. Noon was approaching. Seeing that Israel had yet to arrive, even the assembled dignitaries, seasoned as they were, began to stir with unease.
But whether it was Empress Edna, or Joshua and Brandon's group, all remained calm and composed, showing no sign of concern.
True VIPs were always the last to appear.
Clang, clang. The great bell of Morlai Palace tolled. Noon had arrived. The hall was already showing signs of disorder, let alone the commoners and tourists waiting outside.
But Joshua looked up.
In his perception, the sky above the entire Three Mountains Holy City was filled with an unmistakably intense spatial-temporal fluctuation. This fluctuation was so vast and yet so familiar to him, filling the warrior with an extraordinary sense of closeness.
It's here.
He thought.