Chapter 3: Undercurrents Rising

In the third month of spring, the south was already blooming with flowers, but in the Relkes Empire, winter's chill still held sway. Although the winter snow had begun to melt, a light spring frost still enveloped the land.

After nearly a month of travel, Mels and his party of six finally returned to the capital of the Relkes Empire. Over this past month, under Bagina's meticulous care, "X613" had fully recovered from her injuries, but her memory had not yet returned. To prevent others from suspecting her identity, besides teaching her daily etiquette and manners, Mels and the others gave her a more human-like name: "Emma Ex," and everyone called her Emma.

"Great, we're finally back in the capital! Lina, Aileen, Xue'er, I'm back to see you all!" Sol exclaimed excitedly as soon as the group entered the city gates.

"Sol, you still haven't shaken your old habits. If you keep being such a philanderer, you'll never find a wife!" Rek said.

"Don't jinx it! How is this being a philanderer? Someone as handsome and dashing as me can captivate a whole crowd of innocent young girls wherever I go. I'm sincere to each and every one of them—this is what you call 'spreading the love'!" Sol argued.

"Alright, whether it's philandering or spreading the love, you'll have to put it aside for now. After we meet Uncle Xiulan, you can do whatever you want, and no one will bother you!" Mels, already accustomed to this, smiled slightly and walked ahead on his own.

"Bagina, is this the capital you mentioned? It's my first time seeing such a bustling place!" Emma, who was as close as sisters with Bagina, would ask Bagina about everything along the way.

In truth, she hadn't completely lost her common sense about life—only her memories before the crash. Under the careful care of Bagina and the others during the journey, and thanks to her innate intelligence, she had no trouble adapting to everyday life. Moreover, Mels had discovered by chance that although she didn't remember her past, she possessed considerable martial skills and could skillfully wield various weapons.

"Yes, this is the capital, where the emperor lives. Everything here is more prosperous and advanced than in other cities." Bagina was always happy to answer Emma's questions.

Just like caring for her own younger sister, no matter what Emma did or even if she caused trouble, Bagina would greet her with a smile, never showing the ferocious attitude she reserved for Mels and the others.

Since Mels was eager to report to Xiu Lante about their trip to the Dragon Valley, the group decided to split up. Mels, Rek, Sol, and Akafir headed toward Xiu Lante's residence, while Bagina and Emma made their way to the aristocratic quarters in the capital.

For Mels, whether he received a knighthood wasn't important. The reason he stayed in the capital was not only to rely on the Relkes Empire's intelligence network to investigate the murderer who destroyed the Blue Whirlwind but also, more importantly, because he held a deep fondness for Xiu Lante.

Perhaps for Sol and the others, who had grown up with the love of their families, Xiu Lante was just a kind uncle. But for Mels, it was different. Having lost his parents' affection, even with three foster fathers, he still lacked a sense of familial closeness. For some reason, every time Mels saw Xiu Lante, he felt an extraordinary warmth, which made him want to see him even sooner.

Xiu Lante had originally lived in Duke Bolt's residence. Twenty years ago, after the Duchess left, Xiu Lante, who had been unable to let it go, moved out of the Duke's residence and lived alone in a house on the west side of the city. The Duke had repeatedly asked Xiu Lante to return to the residence or requested Emperor Raelks to grant him an independent estate, but Xiu Lante always refused. Perhaps, as Xiu Lante himself said, everything would only return to normal once he had no more reservations in his heart.

Mels and his three brothers quickly arrived at Xiu Lante's residence. Although Xiu Lante held the prestigious position of Imperial Dragon Knight Commander and was one of the empire's most important ministers, the place he lived in consisted of only three tiled houses and four servants. This explained why Xiu Lante thought so highly of Mels and the others but never invited them to stay at his home.

Mels, visiting Xiu Lante's home for the first time, looked at the old house before him. After repeatedly checking the address Xiu Lante had given him, he finally raised his hand, bewildered, and knocked on the wooden door.

After a while, an elderly man nearing sixty, with graying temples, opened half of the wooden door. After scanning Mels and the others, he asked in a hoarse voice, "Young sir, may I ask what brings you here?"

"Excuse me, is this the residence of the Imperial Dragon Knight Commander, Lord Xiu Lante?" Mels asked cautiously.

"Haha, you must be from out of town, young sir. This is indeed Lord Xiu Lante's residence! May I ask why you're looking for him? Do you have an appointment or an invitation?" Seeing that Mels meant no harm, the old man smiled slightly and inquired.

"My name is Mels. I'm actually an old acquaintance of the Lord. I'm here today on official business, but I don't have an appointment or an invitation." Mels politely bowed to the old man and stated his purpose.

After hearing Mels' words, the old man scrutinized him again, then his expression darkened. "Young sir, it's not that I don't believe you, but you have no official documents, no appointment, and judging by your age and attire, you don't look like an imperial soldier, let alone a member of the Knight Regiment. It's very hard for me to believe what you're saying!

If it's not a matter of military urgency, please wait here for Lord Xiu Lante to return. He's currently at the morning court session and should be back within an hour!"

Hearing the old man's words, Mels didn't think much of it, but Sol suddenly spoke up, "Wow, Uncle Xiu Lante always seemed so friendly, but I never expected him to be so high and mighty that we can't even enter the door!"

"Sol, stop spouting nonsense! Uncle Xiu Lante must have his reasons. Let's just wait a little longer!" Seeing that Sol was about to start rambling again, Mels quickly pulled him aside to stop him from saying more.

Sol was always one to speak carelessly, and the only person in the world who could make him shut up was Mels. Seeing Mels' displeased expression, Sol didn't dare say anything more and could only grumble under his breath as he stepped back. The old gatekeeper, hearing Sol's words, wasn't angry either. He smiled at Mels and said, "Thank you for your understanding, young sirs. I won't disturb you any further!" With that, he turned and closed the door, paying no more attention to Mels and the others.

Seeing the old man had closed the door, the four youths had no other choice. They found an empty spot by the wall outside the gate, sat down on the ground, and passed the time with idle chatter, waiting for Xiu Lante to return from the morning court.

About an hour later, Xiu Lante returned to his residence under the escort of two guards dressed in knight uniforms. Mels and the others, who had been waiting until they were almost dozing off, immediately stood up and approached him as soon as they saw him return. "Uncle Xiu Lante, you're finally back!"

Since Mels and the others were sitting by the wall, Xiu Lante hadn't noticed them when he entered. Now, hearing Mels' call, he immediately saw Mels walking toward him.

"Mels? You're back so soon! How was the Dragon Valley? Were there really many magical beasts there?" Xiu Lante grabbed Mels' arm, his face filled with excitement.

"Uncle Xiu Lante, it's so good to see you. I'll tell you all the details slowly!" Seeing the two guards behind Xiu Lante, Mels immediately gave him a meaningful look to stop him from asking further questions. Xiu Lante understood that Mels couldn't tell him everything with outsiders present. He turned and dismissed the two guards, then affectionately took Mels' arm and led the four youths into his residence. Along the way, Xiu Lante remained silent, taking them directly to his study.

After everyone was seated, Xiu Lante smiled and said to Mels, "After you left, I was really worried. I even thought about sending someone to stop you from going to the Dragon Valley, but I was afraid doing so would provoke opposition from hostile factions in the court and put you in danger from schemers. Now that I see you've returned safely, I'm so relieved!

By the way, were there really countless magical beasts in the Dragon Valley? What exactly happened to you there?"

Hearing Xiu Lante's question, Mels recounted their experiences in the Dragon Valley one by one, only omitting Emma's appearance and the mysterious black giants. Although Mels tried to keep his account concise, the long story still left Xiu Lante alternating between shock and joy.

"I never expected so much to happen in such a short time. Although we don't know why the magical beasts in the Dragon Valley killed each other, at least you've completed the mission and successfully stopped the attacks on the western border. I believe that after I report this to His Majesty, the emperor will surely reward you generously.

Sigh, I should be celebrating your success tonight, but unfortunately, the empire is facing troubled times. I'm afraid I'll have to leave the capital early tomorrow morning and head to the southern border." Xiu Lante sighed deeply, his face showing worry.

"Uncle Xiu Lante, what exactly happened? When we saw you earlier, we noticed you wore a deep frown and seemed unhappy. Did magical beasts appear on the southern border again? Or did something happen to Duke Bolt?" Mels asked.

"Sigh, if it were just magical beasts causing trouble, I wouldn't be so worried! The Duke is highly skilled in martial arts. Although those scheming villains in the court want to bring him down, they don't have the ability! What worries me is the news I received today—the Commercial Cities Alliance has mobilized an army of 700,000 and is advancing toward our southern border!" Xiu Lante said gloomily to Mels and the others.

"The Commercial Cities Alliance? They have at most one-fifth of the Relkes Empire's national power. For over a hundred years, they've never invaded the Relkes Empire. Why would they suddenly declare war now?" Hearing Xiu Lante's words, Mels and the others were stunned.

The Commercial Cities Alliance was a buffer zone between the Relkes Empire and the southern kingdoms. Although it consisted of over seventy cities, politically, it was a loose alliance of multiple small states. Their military unification was only to defend against potential magical beast attacks and invasions from southern bandit organizations. For them, the Relkes Empire, which had never been warlike, was a power to curry favor with and ally with. Their tribute came by cart and boat every year. For the Commercial Cities Alliance, it was already a blessing that the Relkes Empire maintained peace and didn't invade them. Now, for them to suddenly declare war on the Relkes Empire was simply inconceivable. That's why Mels had this question, hoping to learn some hidden secrets from Xiu Lante.

"You might not know that over the past decade, the empire and the Commercial Cities Alliance have had many frictions. I remember about ten years ago, because the empire first strengthened maritime trade with the Fijinando United Kingdom, it reduced many imports from the Commercial Cities Alliance.

At the same time, dissatisfied with the empire's actions, the Commercial Cities Alliance raised tariffs on many goods exported from the empire to the alliance. In response, the empire engaged in a trade war with the Commercial Cities Alliance and increased tariffs on some imported goods.

The empire's tough stance ultimately sparked backlash from the Commercial Cities Alliance, and relations between the two sides began to crack at that time. So, over the past ten years, the empire has chosen to conduct maritime trade with the Fijinando United Kingdom for many southern specialty goods instead of overland trade with the Commercial Cities Alliance.

However, although the two sides had trade disputes, they hadn't reached the point of armed conflict. Unfortunately, about thirty days ago, the convoy carrying the crown prince and princess of one of the main kingdoms in the Commercial Cities Alliance was attacked by bandits near our border. Although they requested reinforcements and rescue from our border troops, the border generals turned a blind eye, ultimately leading to the deaths of the crown prince and princess in the chaos.

This incident completely enraged the Commercial Cities Alliance. Three days ago, they finally passed a resolution formally declaring war on our country. Yesterday, we received news that the enemy army had breached the southern Haitian Pass, throwing our border troops into chaos. The enemy could advance at any moment and penetrate deep into the heart of our country.

The reason the morning court session was extended by over an hour today was because the border troops' defeat shocked the entire nation. His Majesty the Emperor was furious and ordered me to lead the Dragon Knights Regiment and an emergency deployment of 500,000 troops to reinforce the south, not only to annihilate the enemy but also to completely annex the Commercial Cities Alliance!" Xiu Lante slowly explained the ins and outs of the situation to Mels and the others.

"So that's what happened. No wonder His Majesty is furious! The people of the Commercial Cities Alliance are overestimating themselves, challenging the Relkes Empire with such limited national power. I really don't know what they're thinking!" Sol nodded indifferently after hearing Xiu Lante's words.

Unlike Sol's indifference, Mels noticed a deeper worry in Xiu Lante's eyes. Mels asked, "Uncle Xiu Lante, with your abilities and equal military strength, I believe you should be able to achieve victory. So why are you still so worried? Is there something else you're not telling us?"

"Haha, you're still young. Many things aren't as simple as you imagine. The Commercial Cities Alliance isn't ruled by a single dictator like our empire. Although they are militarily unified, they are still a loose alliance of small states. Even if the crown prince and princess of one kingdom were killed, it's unlikely that all the states would agree to invade our country!

Why they launched this war against us is already food for thought. Moreover, they are currently staying near the border with no intention of advancing inland, which is completely incomprehensible from a military perspective. I think, no matter how arrogant the enemy commander is, they wouldn't wait for our empire to mobilize its forces and then engage us in a decisive battle. After all, it's well-known across the continent that the Relkes Empire has over three million combat-ready troops. Even if the enemy conscripted civilians into their army, they couldn't equip them sufficiently to fight a decisive battle against our forces in such a short time! The actions of the Commercial Cities Alliance truly leave me baffled!" Xiu Lante gave a bitter smile and voiced his doubts.

Hearing Xiu Lante's words, Mels and the others fell silent. Indeed, as Xiu Lante said, the Relkes Empire's strength was one of the strongest on the continent. Even if all the southern kingdoms united, they might not be a match for the Relkes Empire, let alone a small alliance like the Commercial Cities Alliance! Launching an invasion so easily—the reasons behind it were truly worth pondering.

"Uncle, then what do you think is the reason they launched this invasion so easily?" Mels asked.

"There are only three possible reasons: First, they have the support of the southern kingdoms. Second, the Commercial Cities Alliance has mastered a technological weapon we don't possess, and the enemy generals are confident they can annihilate our forces even after we mobilize on a large scale! Third, they have anticipated that our empire will be unable to mobilize large-scale forces to engage them in a decisive battle!

If it's the first reason, then the Fijinando United Kingdom likely wouldn't be among those supporting them. Since our empire strengthened maritime trade with the Fijinando United Kingdom, both sides have gained substantial benefits. Abandoning the huge profits from trade with our empire for the sake of unnecessary territory isn't a normal course of action. I don't believe the emperor of the Fijinando United Kingdom would make such a foolish decision!

And if the Fijinando United Kingdom doesn't send troops, it means the Kingdom of France wouldn't dare to send troops lightly either. So, the likelihood of this reason being valid is very low.

If the enemy possessed powerful weapons, our intelligence agencies wouldn't be completely unaware. I've been responsible for monitoring foreign military forces for five years, and in that time, I haven't heard any reports about super-powerful weapons—not even a hint of such developments. Powerful weapons don't just fall from the sky for the enemy to use, so the likelihood of this reason being valid is also virtually nonexistent.

Finally, there's the possibility that the enemy anticipated our empire couldn't engage them in a decisive battle! Our country is currently peaceful and prosperous, with balanced military forces across all regions. If necessary, within forty-eight hours, we could mobilize over a million troops. Unless..." At this point, Xiu Lante stopped speaking, as if unwilling to continue.

Hearing Xiu Lante's words, Mels thought for a moment, then his expression changed drastically. Lowering his voice, he said to Xiu Lante, "Uncle, do you mean that in the near future, the empire might face an unexpected situation where it cannot mobilize a large army to counter foreign enemies?"

"Mels, you must remember not to say such things outside. Otherwise, at best, you could be charged with spreading rumors, and at worst, you could be accused of attempting to overthrow the empire!" As soon as Mels finished speaking, Xiu Lante immediately interrupted him loudly.

Xiu Lante slowly stood up, turned his back to Mels and the others, and spoke again, "Regarding this matter, I'm only speculating. I have no concrete evidence. If I rashly present my concerns to His Majesty now, it wouldn't be of any use. Instead, it would give those treacherous ministers in the court ammunition to use against me and make His Majesty suspicious of me!

Sigh, it's just that I have to leave the capital tomorrow, and the Duke left for the northern border inspection half a month ago. Although I sent a carrier pigeon today to notify the Duke to return, given the current situation, even if the Duke returns immediately, it will take at least half a month! If there really are people in the empire plotting a rebellion, by then, it will be too late!"

Looking at Xiulante's melancholy expression, Mels felt a pang of sympathy. He stood up and approached Xiulante, placing a hand on his shoulder before saying, "Uncle, you don't need to worry too much. The Relkes Empire has stood firm on the continent for thousands of years. It will never crumble because of minor setbacks or the underhanded tricks of some treacherous villains!"

"Thank you, Mels. I know you are a promising young man, destined to become a pillar of the empire one day. But the current internal situation is not as simple as you imagine. Well, though it might be boring for you, since we have nothing else to do, I'll tell you a bit about the power struggles within the empire."

Comforted by Mels, Xiulante's mood seemed to improve. He led Mels back to his seat and addressed the four youths, "You all know the Relkes Empire has a history of thousands of years, during which military coups or attempts to overthrow the court have been rare. This is because the empire has a commander-in-chief who oversees military affairs, but this commander does not directly control troop deployments. The mobilization of forces has always been in the emperor's hands!

Normally, the four regional marshals—east, south, west, and north—directly defend their respective territories. When large-scale troop mobilization is needed, His Majesty the Emperor hands military authority to the commander-in-chief, who then commands the four marshals. This practice ensures military power is mutually constrained, making it impossible for any single person to command the entire army and usurp the throne!

However, in recent years, because the Left and Right Prime Ministers have repeatedly slandered Duke Bolt to His Majesty, the emperor has grown wary of the Duke and has gradually replaced the four marshals he personally selected. The replacements are precisely the confidants of the two Prime Ministers! By now, aside from the 170,000-strong Capital Guard Army in the royal capital and my Dragon Knights Regiment, even the Imperial Guard Knights are filled with their confidants! The Duke's power has been suppressed to the bare minimum.

Yet, the Left and Right Prime Ministers are not arrogant fools. They understand many in the Imperial Guard Knights are nobles' children who entered through connections, so their combat effectiveness is far inferior to the Dragon Knights'. Therefore, they have always viewed the Duke and me as thorns in their sides, scheming to either eliminate or transfer us!

Most court officials are now under the wings of the two Prime Ministers. Whenever major events occur, they unite to oppose the Duke and me! In earlier years, His Majesty could still distinguish loyalty from treachery, but now... sigh..."

After hearing Xiulante's words, Mels finally understood that while the Relkes Empire appeared calm, turbulent undercurrents were swirling within, and a situation that could overthrow the dynasty might arise at any moment. Although Duke Bolt was the head of the military, he had essentially been stripped of real power. For Xiulante to try to turn the tide single-handedly was truly a case of having the will but lacking the strength.

"Uncle, to be honest, are you worried that after you leave the capital, the treacherous officials led by the Prime Ministers will attempt to seize power and usurp the throne?" Mels suddenly straightened his expression and spoke loudly, voicing his thoughts.

Seeing Mels' serious expression and that he disregarded the earlier warning, Xiulante immediately understood Mels must have a plan in mind!

After a moment's thought, Xiulante nodded seriously. "Exactly. What I fear most is that by the time Duke Bolt returns, His Majesty will already be under those treacherous officials' control. Even if I return triumphant after pacifying the south, the Duke might have already fallen victim to their schemes!"

"Hmm, if that's the case, then I have a plan. We can do it like this..." Mels leaned close to Xiulante's ear and whispered.

After hearing Mels' words, Xiulante's face tensed, and he remained silent for a long time.

Rek and the others nearby, though unaware of what was said, understood that Mels never spoke carelessly and wouldn't offer an immature plan at such a critical moment! Everyone in the hall waited for Xiulante's decision.

"Your method is indeed risky, but given the current situation, it's not a bad approach! For the Duke's sake, I would sacrifice my life, let alone lose my position! Alright, let's divide the work and cooperate. Let's see what tricks these treacherous villains can come up with!" After deep thought, Xiulante finally decided to use Mels' method to strike back against the rebels first!

Seeing Xiulante's agreement, Mels immediately began discussions. About two hours later, Mels and the other four left Xiulante's residence for the noble guesthouse to reunite with Bagina and the others. Following Xiulante's instructions, at three o'clock, they would accompany him into the imperial palace to receive rewards from His Majesty.

It was already past one in the afternoon when they returned. After a hasty lunch, Mels and the others barely had time to rest before guards sent by Xiulante arrived to escort them to the palace. They had previously been summoned outside the palace. Although they knew this visit was merely a formality, everyone was still nervous. They put on their best attire, their hearts filled with unease.

Throughout history, imperial palaces were built in the northern part of the capital, symbolizing "facing south from the north, bringing peace and stability to the world." The Relkes Empire, having weathered millennia, with the capital expanded multiple times, had a palace built on a mountain that was exceptionally majestic, exuding an aura of ruling the world.

After climbing the long stone steps, they finally reached the palace gates. Looking ahead, they saw a magnificent complex of jade-like buildings. Tall walls carved with dragons and phoenixes, roofs of colored glazed tiles, massive brass gates, and countless palace guards. Although Bagina was accustomed to luxury, she was stunned by the palace's opulence, let alone Mels and the other inexperienced youths!

Sol, gazing at the unimaginably splendid palace, said sincerely, "It's so beautiful! If I could live here for just one day, I'd willingly shorten my life by ten years!"

"Heh, dream on! Haven't you heard? Serving the emperor is like serving a tiger; one careless move and you lose your head. If you really lived here, you'd worry every day if your head would still be on your neck the next morning! I wouldn't want such a life even if you begged me!" Rek loved to argue with Sol and immediately mocked him.

"Pah! Do you think I'm an idiot? Of course I know that, which is why I only asked for one day!" Sol retorted.

Just as the youths were admiring the scenery and teasing each other, the tightly closed palace gates suddenly swung open. A man dressed in eunuch attire emerged, leading several palace maids, and announced loudly, "By the oral decree of His Majesty the Emperor, summon the Empire's Probationary Knights Mels, Rek, Sol, Akafir, and Bagina for an audience!" Hearing their names, Mels and the others stepped forward and followed the eunuch inside. Along the way, he briefly explained the etiquette for meeting the emperor and informed them of some taboos. Judging by his amiable attitude, he was surely a trusted confidant selected by Xiulante.

The hall where the emperor summoned them was located in the northwest part of the palace. Though not the grand hall where officials gathered, it was still imposing, magnificent, and solemn! The eunuch led them to the side hall door, then signaled them to stop. He alone proceeded inside.

A moment later, following announcements echoing from within, Mels and the others were guided into the side hall.

Perhaps because they were too nervous, the moment they entered, they forgot to kneel and pay respects. Instead, they fixed their gazes on the elderly emperor seated high upon the dragon throne. The ruler of the Relkes Empire, Ivan V, was an old man over seventy. His pale face was covered with wrinkles, and his long hair had turned completely silver. Despite his age, the aura of an emperor remained undiminished. His imposing gaze, which commanded respect without anger, slowly made them lower their heads.

"How dare you! You face the Emperor and fail to kneel! Guards, drag them out and behead them!" Just as Mels and the others were stunned, an angry shout erupted from among the officials on both sides!