CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 672: Imperial Decree-2

Azaron and Zarek remained motionless and silent. They paid no heed to the Imperial representative’s departure. To them, the man was merely a pawn of the Imperial family, deserving no further attention once his task was accomplished.

Azaron’s countenance was one of composure; he sat unperturbed. Though the Emperor’s message might have sounded haughty to some, particularly given their recent clash with the Wargrave family, such was the customary formulation of Imperial decrees, imbued with an authority that seldom yielded.

Furthermore, Zolthemir had wisely opted to reference the “Imperial Throne” rather than the “Emperor” in his communiqué. This subtle caution in his wording indicated an awareness of how certain terms could incite unintended friction.

The murmurs and disquiet that the Emperor mentioned in his decree pertained to the rumors surrounding Azaron’s Mind Manipulation ability. Consequently, the Emperor recognized that convening the Imperial Assembly at the Imperial Palace would render all nobles exceedingly wary of him and everyone within the palace walls. Suspicion would inevitably permeate the entire establishment, from high-ranking officials down to the humblest attendants.

Therefore, the Emperor found himself compelled to relocate the Imperial Assembly to a Duke’s domain, a more neutral locale where all factions could convene without the suffocating shroud of excessive paranoia. Yet, Azaron couldn’t fathom why the Emperor had selected the Wargrave territory, of all places, considering their fraught history.

“Could he be hatching a scheme?” Zarek inquired, his voice laced with contemplation, yet free from undue alarm, as he stood behind Azaron.

Azaron did not respond at once. After a brief pause, he stated, “I believe not. With the former Emperor's recent intervention, Zolthemir surely received a stern admonishment and will refrain from any rash actions for the time being. Besides, I am confident he is aware that his father has exhausted his influence and can no longer bargain for his life,” Azaron declared with quiet assurance.

Zarek fell silent for a moment, absorbing Azaron’s words. He then replied, “I understand, but I shall still make preparations,” his posture unwavering. If the Emperor harbored no ulterior motives, no harm would ensue; should he prove otherwise, the matter would be handled then and there.

“It appears every Noble Household received an Imperial decree today,” Azaron observed, seemingly unconcerned by Zarek’s intended preparations.

“Indeed, it seems so,” Zarek concurred with a nod. He moved away from behind Azaron, seating himself on the same sofa, and continued, “I’m certain you’ve already surmised that your people will be discussing the Vandross Empire. Do you foresee the Emperor declaring war upon them?” he queried.

Azaron inclined his head in negation and remarked, “I doubt it. Our own Empire initiated hostilities against the Velkarin Empire roughly four years ago, albeit on a minor scale, much like the Vandross Empire’s actions against us. Such skirmishes between Empires are not uncommon, eventually escalating into a full-scale, Empire-wide conflict,” he explained with an air of detachment, as though such events were habitual.

Zarek nodded, Azaron’s reasoning appearing sound. Nevertheless, a persistent thought lingered in his mind.

Suddenly, a notion struck Zarek, prompting him to ask, “Wait, as you’ve just said, Empires engage in intermittent hostilities. What if the Emperor directs the Wargraves to retaliate against the Vandross Empire on a similar, or perhaps slightly larger, scale? This could serve to deplete our forces, with the hope that one or two Wargraves might perish there,” he posited, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Azaron remained silent for a beat, contemplating the plausibility, recognizing the validity in Zarek’s assertion. After a brief pause, he shook his head and responded, “Should such a situation arise, I shall personally take action with my siblings, leaving the Great Elders behind. This will allow me to vent some of my pent-up frustrations,” he stated with an impassive expression, as though his mere involvement guaranteed the safe return of all and the mission's success.

“Well, I suppose if you are going, there is nothing to worry about,” Zarek avowed, his faith in Azaron absolute and unwavering.

“Will this impending event impact the Empire-wide competition amongst the younger generation?” Zarek inquired, subtly shifting the focus of their discussion.

Azaron shook his head, responding, "It will not. Each Empire delights in showcasing its younger generation to signify their superior strength and progress compared to others. Furthermore, it falls upon us to host the competition this time around. Zolthemir would not permit these minor skirmishes to disrupt the event; after all, hosting it promises to infuse his treasury with millions of platinum coins from tourism and other associated activities," he elaborated.

Zarek gave a nod, offering no further remarks as the logic presented was sound and offered little ground for dispute.

Given the perpetual animosity amongst the Empires, one might ponder if the competition wouldn't present an ideal opportunity for several Empires to unite and annihilate the host Empire.

Indeed, such notions had been contemplated previously, yet none had ever materialized. Primarily, the Empires lacked the requisite trust to forge such an alliance from the outset. Secondly, even if enacted, the Empire selected to host the subsequent competition would invariably become the next target, initiating a destructive cycle. Thirdly, there always loomed a significant peril from organizations like Emovirae, Sinvairas, or other clandestine powers, who might seize the competition as the opportune moment for a decisive strike, eradicating both the elder and younger generations simultaneously.

Ultimately, the multitude of variables involved rendered the potential risks far exceeding any conceivable reward. It was far more pragmatic to simply display one's budding talent and then depart.

"Well, seeing as an Imperial Assembly is imminent, you should instruct the maids and butlers to commence preparations without delay. Additionally, convey this news to Yveric, my siblings, my uncles, and my aunt," Azaron directed with a subtle inclination of his head.

Zarek immediately complied with a nod before rising. With the directive issued, his time spent idly by Azaron's side had concluded. He bowed to Azaron, as any butler would to their celestial guide, and vanished from his position. There was no room for procrastination or delay; night had already fallen, and the Imperial Assembly was scheduled for the morrow.

Witnessing Zarek's departure, Azaron remained seated in quiet contemplation, his thoughts turning to the words within the Imperial decree. Although the Emperor had indicated their arrival at first light, Azaron was aware that the nobles, true to form, would invariably be tardy.

'I remain a Duke under the Imperial Throne, do I?' Azaron mused inwardly. 'Shall I alter this status?' He briefly entertained the thought, then dismissed it with a shake of his head. 'I shall relinquish my roles as Primarch and Duke in a few years; the subsequent individual can manage such affairs,' he concluded internally before vanishing from his seat, leaving the chamber as tranquil as it had been prior to his presence.