saiki

68

From Crossroad, situated at the world's farthest south, to the distant north.

The central part of the continent. Here, one could say, lies the heart of the world.

The capital of the Everblack Empire - 'New Terra' boasts its colossal magnificence.

This city, embracing a vast harbor reaching the inner sea of the continent, is the global hub for trade and logistics. People pour in relentlessly, indifferent to the day-night cycle.

The ever-expanding size of the city has already matched the territory of a small nation.

In the heart of this most prosperous and colossal city, a corner of the imperial palace, also known as the Thornbush Castle due to its row of black spires.

Inside the office located in the tallest tower on the west, a man was reviewing documents.

“...”

Gleaming in his tantalizingly bound black hair was a faint red aura, and inside the frameless glasses perched on his nose, intellectual red eyes sparkled.

He is the second son of the Emperor and the de facto leader of the Everblack Empire, entrusted with administering the empire's affairs.

Fernandez 'Ember Keeper' Everblack.

His desk was piled high with various documents.

Reports awaiting his seal were ceaselessly pouring in from every territory of the empire.

As he was engrossed in scrutinizing the mountain of pressing issues, an aide approached from behind.

"Your Majesty."

"What is it?"

Fernandez, without turning around, inquired. The aide carefully began.

"Your younger sibling has requested reinforcements again."

"Ash?"

"Yes. They say the monster invasion on the southern front is intensifying daily, and immediate reinforcement is needed."

Fernandez, who was rubbing his weary brow after removing his glasses, asked.

"How many times has a request for reinforcements been made now?"

"This is the third time."

"Hmm."

Fernandez seemed lost in thought for a moment but eventually shook his head.

"Dismiss it."

"But, Your Majesty, the situation on the southern front really doesn't seem ordinary."

The aide unfurled another paper in his hand and read it.

"According to our spy's report, the level of the monster invasion is unprecedented in recent decades, and it's getting worse..."

"I said dismiss it."

But Fernandez was unmoved.

"We're currently concluding the war with the Bringar Duchy on the western front. We have no troops to spare for something like the southern front."

"Although that's true..."

"The subjugation of the Duchy is our priority. If a real problem arises in the southern front, we can still handle it later."

Immediately after, Fernandez grumbled quietly.

"That Ash, always whining. Well, he always has been..."

"Pardon?"

"Nothing. Instead, what's the situation on the Bringar Duchy front?"

"Currently, our First Army is directly attacking the Duchy's capital. We expect to receive news of its fall within this week."