Chapter 20: The Immortal Emperor
Jircniv felt that his performance had been flawless. Masking hidden intentions behind a welcoming face was instrumental in his position. He was attempting to discern the intentions of his opponents as usual. The facts that made this occurrence special were the fact that there dragons flying all over the capitol city of Arwintar and that two dark elf children had caused an earthquake that claimed 117 lives. His opponents, the dark elves, didn't give much away. It was strange for children to be used as ambassadors. Ambassadors represented their country and making a poor impression in an undignified manner was a detriment. Lucifer Dracul, despite knowing this, had sent these children anyway. Why?
The bastard probably picked them for their meek appearance to increase the psychological affect felt after that display of overwhelming force. The heavy contrast is supposed to destabilize me. But wouldn't the dragons override such meekness? Dammit, I'm fumbling in the dark here! First priority should be gathering information from these elves. Even so, how did Lucifer trace the workers back to me? Was this attack sanctioned by their master or are they just looking to pick a fight? Lucifer is confident enough to attack the Empire and conquer it with might and fear, a different tactic will have to be used with him.
"Honored ambassadors," Jircniv said smoothly, although he was sorely tempted to use his Medallion of Mental Protection. "I can see you have had a tiring journey to grace us with you presence. Would you like some refreshments?" The moment he said that, several maids entered with drinks on silver platters emerged from the other rooms and began offering drinks. "Please help yourselves." Aura picked up on of the glasses, took a sip, and frowned.
"This is garbage," Aura said coldly as she tossed the glass behind her back which shattered all over the floor. Jircniv was shocked. No one had ever dared to say such a thing in front of him.
Rude little rat. I'll speak with your master about this and make this elf pay for saying such things!
"I'm sorry you feel that way," Jircniv said pleasantly, hiding his true feelings. "But, in reference to what you said, Lord Dracul is displeased and will destroy this country unless he is appeased. I assume that I, as the presumed offender, will be making my way to Nazarick?"
"Obviously," Aura said with glare.
"Then, am I right to assume that the esteemed Lord Dracul ordered you to do this? And on a dragon at that?" Jircniv inquired.
"Y-yes," Mare answered.
"I see," Jircniv mused.
Who is this "Lord Dracul"? Elves? Dragons? There needs to be a common factor between them. The enemy has a way of gaining intelligence from within the Empire, but how? Spies? If so how many and how high up the chain of command do they go? Clearly Lucifer Dracul is a man who carefully analyzes information and is quite cunning.
"Hey! Are you coming or not? If not we'll begin burning down this palace!" Aura shouted.
"Of course I will come to Nazarick," Jircniv said quickly. "Although I have no recollection of sending anyone into Lord Dracul's home, but it is possible one of my subordinates may have acted rashly, in which case I am deeply sorry for the fool's actions."
"Alright then," Aura said with a smirk. "Get on. Let's go!"
"What? Now?" Jircniv asked, surprised by the suddenness. "I can't go just now, I am the ruler of this country and simply cannot leave without making necessary arrangements. I request that I be allowed a few days to get affairs in order and preparations to meet his lordship. Ten days should suffice."
"Ten? That's too damn long!" Aura proclaimed.
"But within the ten days, surely I could find appropriate compensation for your master," Jircniv interjected. "A thoughtless offering would be insulting to Lord Dracul. Additionally, I will need time to scour the Empire for the parties responsible for this mishap." Aura and Mare looked at each other as if they were silently discussing something.
So, at the mention of compensating Lord Dracul, they halted their hostility. They must be very devoted to their master. I should be able to buy some time with this.
But before Jircniv could open his mouth, Aura spoke up again.
"Just kidding! Lord Dracul told me to tell you to come over now," Aura said with a grin. "He also said that "now" is defined as however long you need!" Jircniv resisted the urge to growl. As much as he wanted to spit on Lucifer Dracul, he also felt admiration for such an intelligent opponent.
So he wanted to see how I would react to "now"? Well played Lucifer Dracul, you must be quite the sage to have been able to foresee how this incident would play out.
"Well? Don't you have something to say?" Aura demanded.
"Forgive me, I was contemplating what I could offer if I didn't have enough time," Jircniv replied masking his growing distaste as he thought about Lucifer Dracul. "With all the necessary preparations considered, I should be able to arrive at Nazarik in approximately five days."
"Good, we shall inform Lord Dracul," Aura said before a sadistic grin creeped onto her face. ""Have fun digging the bodies out of the ground!" And with that, the elf children took off on their dragon.
"Your majesty?" one of the maids called, still shaken by what transpired. Jircniv let out a sigh before he turned back to the officials who were all staring at him.
"Make the appropriate preparations," Jircniv said as he ran a hand through his hair. "Lucifer Dracul WILL serve the Baharuth Empire."
Six magnificent carriages raced through the rough plains near the Great Forest of Tob closely guarded by Imperial Knights. It had been five days since the events at the Imperial Palace and it was time to meet Lucifer Dracul. In one of the carriages, several maidens had been gathered to be offered as a gift to this mysterious magic caster in order to try to seduce him and tie him to the Empire. Emperor Jircniv, Fluder Paradyne, Roune Varmilinen: Jircniv's secretary, and one of the Four Knights, Baziwood Peshmel, were inside the largest carriage. Jircniv had been discussing the situation in the Draconic Kingdom with Roune when someone opened the carriage door and stepped in. She was a woman with blonde hair that covered one of her eyes and armed with a lance. This was Leinas Rockbruise, another one of the Four Knights, but also the most disloyal.
"Your majesty, the people we sent ahead have [Message]d us," she announced in a glum voice. "Our outriders have made it to Nazarick's perimeter wall and have been instructed by the maids to inform us that they will not open the gates until your arrival."
"Perimeter Wall? Maids? Gates? None of this was in the reports we received concerning the appearance of Nazarick," Jircniv muttered. "I can't figure it out. The forest isn't a place for humans to be dwelling and there's no history on this place either. Tell our people to be careful."
"Yes, your majesty," Leinas replied before adding. "Should the worst come to pass, will you please allow me to take my own survival as my priority?" Baziwood frowned while Jircniv rolled his eyes, completely aware that Leinas was only loyal to one person: hersef.
"Very well, Leinas," Jircniv replied with a wave of his hand. "I doubt Lucifer Dracul would try anything anyway, not with so many soldiers accompanying us. How long until we reach Nazarick anyway?"
"We should be there in approximately one hour, you majesty," Roune replied.
"Good. Now let's see what Lucifer Dracul is trying to sell us," Jircniv smirked.
An hour later, the carriages had arrived at the large perimeter walls around Nazarick. Lucifer had been busy. They had used the metal and lumber they gathered from Tob to construct a massive metal defensive wall around Nazarick's perimeter and the hills that once hid Nazarick from the rest of the world had been removed. Jircniv could only just stare at the strange wall that was now before him. Countries building walls out stone wasn't too uncommon but nobody had ever built a wall out of pure metal. The only part of it that wasn't a metal wall was a lattice metal gate covered in sharp metal spikes put in a thorn-like design. Patrolling around the wall were things neither Jircniv or Fluder had ever seen. Tall, thin, mechanical beings with four bladed arms patrolled the perimeter in groups of six. A beautiful maid with red hair approached Jircniv's carriage.
She's more beautiful that the "Golden Princess" Renner! Maybe I should add her to my harem?
"Good morning, fair maiden," Jircniv said as he brushed his hand through his hair. "Would you perhaps be a servant of Lord Lucifer Dracul sent here to assist us? I must thank him for allowing such a gorgeous woman to pass into our company." The maid gave him a look that said: Whatever fuckboy. "Excuse me miss but what are those creatures you have patrolling your walls?"
"They are called Clockwork Soldiers," Lupusregina said with a grin. "Their design is a Nazarick secret."
"You can't even tell me?" Jircniv asked, giving Yuri bedroom eyes.
"Nope," Lupusregina chirped happily before turning away from him. "The emperor has arrived! Open the gate!" On her order, the massive lattice gate rose allowing the carriages to pass underneath. "Disgusting human," she grimaced when Jircniv was out earshot. Jircniv couldn't help but stare at the entrance to the Great Tomb of Nazarick. It was every bit as foreboding as he had heard. As Jircniv stepped out of the carriage, he made sure his medallion of mental protection was equipped and that he had his Imperial Scepter. Baziwood stepped out with him as it was his duty to protect the emperor.
"Emperor Jircniv?" another maid called to him. "My name is Yuri Alpha. I am here to see to it that you and your people are taken care of."
"Such a beautiful woman! I really must thank Lord Dracul for allowing our paths to cross," Jircniv said smoothly, although he couldn't help but notice the cold gaze she gave him.
Just like the other maid. I wanted to leave a good impression but it looks like that won't be happening. I was sure that I could handle any woman too. Does everyone in this Tomb have an amazing appearance? If so I may as well have come empty handed. And to think I dragged all those girls away from their families for this. I really should apologize.
"I am also here to inform you that preparations for your arrival were delayed," Yuri said, ignoring that last comment.
"I see. Then shall we wait in our carriage?" Jircniv asked.
"No. You will wait here," Yuri stated coldly. Jircniv looked up to the sky. It looked like it was going to rain soon. He glanced back at his men who would usually have been deeply offended that their leader was being treated like this and would've started a scene. But their mouths shut and their eyes focused on Yuri with a look of fear.
What is this? Does he want us to know our place? I came here to apologize so the circumstances were pretty bad to begin with and now Lucifer wants to demean us even more. Clearly he has a bad attitude. And why are my men so afraid of this maid? It must be because of the carnage that little elf caused. You're a hard man to deal with Lucifer Dracul. With a single move you have struck fear into the hearts of the Imperial Army.
"Since they delay originated from our side, we would be poor hosts and in defiance of our lord's commands if we didn't accommodate you properly," Yuri stated. "To begin with, this weather doesn't look fitting. Allow me to fix that." she said as she clapped her hands. Jircniv stared in confusion before the weather started to change. The clouds that foretold the coming of rain dissipated and the sun shone brightly down upon them. Jircniv was absolutely shocked.
"Gramps! What was that?" Jircniv demanded. Fluder was gaping at the sky with a huge grin.
"Weather control magic. It must be 6th-Tier at the very least," Fluder replied laughing in pure joy.
"Begin phase two," Yuri said to no one in particular. In response, seven massive beings stepped out of Nazarick and Fluder screamed.
"No way!"
"Defensive positions!"
"It can't be….."
"Enough!" Fluder shouted. "Calm yourselves, all of you!" Five Death Knights and two Dark Paladins had emerged and were emitting an aura of pure evil. The Death Knights were carrying tables and kitchen utensils while the Dark Paladins provided security. One of Fluder's acolytes fainted and collapsed onto the ground.
"Impossible. Are those really Death Knights!? They're being controlled and in those numbers!?" one acolyte cried out. Jircniv stiffened as he remembered. Fluder had a Death Knight locked up underneath the Imperial Magic Academy! He had been unsuccessfully trying to control it for months! Legendary undead creatures that not even Fluder, the greatest magic caster in history could control and there were FIVE of them right in front of them. Fluder was capable of wiping out the entire Imperial Army and yet he couldn't control a single Death Knight. In a manner of speaking, the creatures here represented more than five times the power of the Imperial Army. Needless to say, Jircniv was freaking out. This was way too much power for anyone to possess. Only figures of legend had ever possessed such power. Could Lucifer Dracul really be like those legends?
"What are those other things?" another acolyte called out.
"Unknown," Fluder responded. "But I can sense that they are even more powerful than the Death Knights!"
"Lucifer Dracul, a monster we can't do anything about. No, that we can't even touch," Jircniv muttered to himself.
Just how powerful is Lucifer Dracul? Those five Death Knights, the Clockwork Soldiers, those things over there, the maids. That can't be all can it? Even with the dragons and those elves added it's still probably not everything! Those Death Knights might've given rise to even more powerful undead! Why is he in this place? Is he hiding from something or…..
Jircniv started shaking as he came up with the most logical explanation.
…. His preparations are finally complete.
"Do not be afraid," Yuri cut in. "The Death Knights and Dark Paladins are created by Lord Dracul himself." Jircniv's mind froze.
Lucifer Dracul can create these creatures through nothing but his own will. To create these things would require resources and effort equal to their jaw dropping power. Either Dracul meets these requirements or he surpasses them entirely. NO! It's a bluff. It must be! If it isn't…
Fluder suddenly started laughing like a maniac. To most, it would be nerve-wracking to witness, but Jircniv knew that this was the real Fluder. Obsessed with magic and peering into the abyss of magic.
"Rejoice my students!" Fluder exclaimed as if he was a prophet. "Open your eyes and be eternally grateful that you have been gifted with the chance to lay your eyes upon the highest, most exalted of magic casters! Now that you have seen the end of your journey, you must work towards it!" The faces of every imperial: Fluder's acolytes, the royal guards, and even Jircniv himself turned pale as they heard the legendary magic caster refer to the man they had come to push around as the "most exalted of magic casters". Jircniv couldn't think, he didn't want to think, he didn't even speak. He and everyone besides Fluder were the same, they just stayed silent. They didn't say a word. Not when the Death Knights finished setting the tables, not when they were brought refreshments, and not when they were led into Nazarick.
Not a word.
"And that is my report," Corvo concluded as he kneeled before the cardinals. He had given them Nazarick's location in order to cement his position and earn the cardinals' trust. They would've found out where it was from the Empire in the coming weeks anyway. This way he and his master would at least gain something from their location being revealed.
"You see this?" the Cardinal of Darkness smirked as he pushed his glasses back up. "This is a man who knows how to get results. Gone for not even a week and he's already uncovered more than the Windflower Scripture was able to in two months!"
"Yes," the Cardinal of Light huffed and crossed his arms. "Your little mercenary friend has certainly shown his worth, discovering the location of the Great Tomb of Nazarick."
"I aim to please sir," Corvo stated. "But there is a problem."
"Oh?" the Cardinal of Water spoke up.
"The information pertaining to the home of Lucifer Dracul was acquired from the Baharuth Empire, who we believe is there to forge an alliance," Corvo reported.
"NO!" the Cardinal of Fire exclaimed.
"This cannot be allowed to happen!" the Cardinal of Earth declared.
"It is too late," Corvo said solemnly. "The emperor himself is there speaking with Lucifer Dracul right now."
"Calm yourselves my friends," the Cardinal of Darkness spoke up. "We should wait and see where this goes. Perhaps we can use this to our advantage."
"He's right," the Cardinal of Wind nodded. "Lucifer Dracul has already demonstrated that he has amazing magical talent and attacking him in his home would be suicide. It's possible that if he got more involved in the world he would become much less secretive and more easily tracked. That we can strike when he is out in the open."
"For now we should inform the Archbishop of these developments," the Cardinal of Light said.
Jircniv and those who accompanied him had arrived at a pair of massive double doors that were intricately decorated with demons and gods. Countless ominous-looking statues surrounded them that looked like they were ready to come to life and rip them apart. On their way here they had seen amazing sights. There were architectural marvels, magical wonders, legendary creatures patrolled the halls, and the 6th Floor had its own damn sky! Everyone but Fluder had drawn in their shoulders as they were constantly reminded how puny and insignificant they were. The Great Tomb of Nazarick was a tomb in name only. It was more like a realm of the divine. They couldn't even imagine what its master, Lucifer Dracul, was like. Jircniv stared at the massive doors before him. Lucifer Dracul waited behind these doors. He was a sorcerer who had surpassed every magic caster in history. It would be a safe bet to believe that there would be no equal to him in the past or the future. His magnificent home was beyond human imagination and he had every possible advantage Jircniv could think of.
Why would someone as powerful as him be hiding here? I highly doubt he'll be satisfied with a simple apology. My original plan was to determine his desires and then supply him with what he wants in order to gain benefits for the empire. But after seeing this place, I have nothing he can possibly desire. Wealth is completely out of the question. Military and magic support: why would he want things inferior to his own? Offers of rank and authority would be meaningless. I can't even use those women to tie him to the empire when he has beauties like those maids running around. Can human desires even move his heart in the slightest? There's no way I can overcome him. The most I can hope for is that he doesn't deem me or the Empire as an enemy. How naïve. To think I was expecting a war of words.
Slowly, the doors opened. Arranged on each side of the crimson carpet were countless creatures. Right next to the carpet on either side were a long line of Dark Paladins and beyond them were countless Death Squads. Each Death Squad was made up of eight Death Knights and a Skull Knight. Dragons, demons, knights, insectoids, elves, and bizarre humanoids all stared at Jircniv's group like they were pests. Jircniv and his subordinates continued to walk down the carpet, doing their best to maintain their composure in front of this primal threat from the dawn of time. The longer Jircniv spent here the higher his threat evaluation of Lucifer Dracul rose. Dealing with Lucifer Dracul was no longer a simple matter of the Empire's survival, but the entire human race. Jircniv looked up when he heard an angelic voice begin to speak.
"All hail the father of all vampires, the master of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, the God of Life and Death, Lord Lucifer Dracul!" Albedo proclaimed. Jircniv's eyes widened as he saw him. Those soulless red eyes that stared at them as if they were ants, the cold smirk that made it seem like everything was going according to his plan, and the pale skin that looked as if he hadn't seen the sunlight in hundreds of years. In his hand was a strange but regal staff that had an aura of death whirling around it. He was death given human from. A god. Jircniv's Medallion of Mental Protection had limits and if he lost focus for even a moment, all he would be able to do is kneel.
Father of all vampires!? God of Life and Death!? Please, tell me those are just titles?
"My love, before you stands the Emperor of the Baharuth Empire, Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix," Albedo said sweetly. Lucifer leaned forward so that he could look down to see Jircniv.
"Welcome, Emperor Jircniv," he said in calm yet commanding tone. "I am Lord Lucifer Dracul."
"Thank you for your most generous welcome, Lord Dracul," Jircniv said, struggling to keep his voice level.
"[Kneel] humans," Demiurge spat. As if forcibly pushed down by invisible hands, Jircniv's entourage were forced into a kneeling position.
"Now, now Demiurge," Lucifer chuckled. "Release the poor fools."
"As you command my lord. [Releasing Control]," Demiurge said, allowing for Jircniv's people to rise. They didn't however, they chose to remain on their knees before this god. Demiurge smirked at the sight. Jircniv was scared. Lucifer didn't seem the type to handle things with brute force and was cunning, so at least he wouldn't just blast the Empire to dust without even talking. He also had the absolute loyalty of every monster here. Jircniv had the sickening feeling that everything that had transpired had gone according to Luifer's wishes.
"I understand that you had prepared some form of compensation for me?" Lucifer inquired. "I admit I am curious as to what you have prepared."
"I acquired several maidens to serve you, Lord Dracul," Jircniv replied, fearing what the vampire's response would be. Lucifer's cold smile was gone, replaced with a slight frown and a look of disappointment.
"Typical, primitive humans," Lucifer said. Uh oh, that's not a good sign. "Is sex really all you think about? It is painfully obvious that you intended to use them to bind me to your empire." Jircniv gulped. He hit the nail right on the head.
"I don't know what to say. I am deeply sorry, Lord Dracul," Jircniv responded fearfully.
"No you are not," Lucifer said coldly with a dismissive wave of his hand, "You're sorry that it didn't work the way you had hoped. Ah, I do not hold it against you. You humans are like squabbling children who have no idea what you're doing. Now I believe you said you were hunting the parties responsible for sending those trespassers?"
"Yes," Jircniv said as he held up an urn that contained Count Femel's head. A short woman with silver hair stepped forward, took it from him, and handed it to Lucifer.
"Thank you, Shalltear," he said as he dumped the count's head into his open hand.
"Of course father," Shalltear smiled before returning to her previous position.
Father?
"I can see that this is Count Femel's head Jircniv," Lucifer said as he glared at the Emperor. "But why isn't it your head? After all, you are the one who manipulated this moron into sending them here in the first place. Do you take me for a fool?" It wasn't a question, it was a statement. Lucifer Dracul knew EXACTLY what happened. Jircniv was absolutely sweating at this point.
"N-no. I just…." Jircniv froze. What he could he say? He wanted to trick this man, this GOD, into becoming his servant? Lucifer leaned back in his throne and let out a sigh.
"[Create Death Knight]," he said quietly. All of a sudden, the count's head began to move and became engulfed in a black sticky liquid. A torso and limbs grew out of the blackness and when it faded it had been turned into a Death Knight.
THE MAID WAS RIGHT! How many more of those things can he create? Don't tell me… an unlimited number as long as he has corpses!? What if he can create even more powerful undead!?
"Go get in line," Lucifer said coldly to the bowing Death Knight, who did as it was instructed. Lucifer turned his glare back to Jircniv, who stiffened as those eyes rested on him.
"Get out," was all Lucifer said. Jircniv froze.
"I'm sorry?"
"Get out!" Lucifer boomed in his true, horrible voice as he stood up from his throne. "You are not the first mortals to come invade MY Nazarick! In the past I have let countless fools who have invaded live out of some misguided notion of pity," Lucifer lied. "But no longer. This incident was the last straw! It is clear to me that you mortals can't be left to your devices. I have lived longer than your kind have even existed and do you know what I see every time I leave Nazarick? Mortals' stupidity. You keep making the same stupid mistakes over and over and over again! It's time someone put you all on the right path, whether you like it or not." Jircniv's heart sank as he heard that declaration. Lucifer Dracul had essentially just declared war against the Baharuth Empire, no, the ENTIRE WORLD!
Impossible! He can't be that crazy can he? No, he's not crazy. If what he's saying is true and he's lived as long as he says, then I'm just limited by my comparably small amount of experience that makes it hard to face the facts. He has the personal, military, and economic strength to rule the world!
Lucifer Dracul was a man who could do what he said.
That scared the shit out of Jircniv.
What should I do? Should I kneel to him here and now for the sake of the future? No, there will be no pleasant fate if we are left at the mercy of a vampire! He might just kill all of us and turn us into his unholy kind! I only have one chance….
"May I propose an alliance?" Jircniv asked hopefully. Lucifer's eyes narrowed and his cold smirk returned as he sat back down.
"Are you confusing us with you lackeys!? Ow!" Shalltear exclaimed as Aura kicked her in the shin. "Why you little…."
"You're making too much noise. Quiet down," Lucifer commanded as he waved his hand majestically. Immediate silence followed. Jircniv's alertness level went through the roof.
Such a regal bearing can only come from ruling longer this place than a human can even live!
"Jircniv, I don't believe that plan holds any benefits for you," Lucifer said as he gazed uncaringly at Jircniv.
"You were right about what you said before, Lord Dracul," Jircniv said, hoping to salvage the situation. "I have been foolish and I have wronged you. I would like to help you establish your own nation as a chance of making amends," he lied. Lucifer stared at him for a few moments.
"Very well Jircniv. I will give you this chance," Lucifer said, bringing a hopeful smile to Jircniv's face. "But if you betray me, well, I don't give second chances." Jircniv was surprised. He had prepared dozens of answers for when Lucifer demanded fealty from him. Jircniv didn't know what he was up to. When battling a stronger opponent, the arrogance of the strong was the weak's only advantage. But if the stronger opponent wasn't arrogant, then there would be nothing the weak could do to him. Jircniv became more and more aware that the sheer terror that accompanied Lucifer Dracul didn't just stem from his matchless power but his unfathomable intellect.
"I will not let you down, Lord Dracul," Jircniv lied as he began formulating a plan to kill this monster. "Is there anything we can do in the meantime?"
"We will start by exchanging embassies," Lucifer stated. "Since my subordinate, Demiurge, was rude to you earlier, we will have him take up the task of coordinating with you people."
"I will do as you command my lord," Demiurge stated with a smirk.
He checkmated me right from the start! The fact that he's so overt about his schemes is proof of his insidious nature. He's going to send this demon to use mind control on my people to get what he wants and steal Intel! Clever bastard. I've never seen such masterful exploitation of an opportunity. I don't think anyone, not even the Eight Greed Kings or the Evil Deities, were ever as much of a threat to humanity as he is! He is a monster! A demon! The Antichrist!
"Wonderful," Jircniv said with false enthusiasm.
"It is a glorious day to forge an alliance!" Lucifer laughed as he shot a grin of pure evil towards Jircniv.
"Yes… alliance…"
Lucifer sat at his desk with the Floor Guardians assembled before him. He was VERY pleased with himself. Albedo was the last to arrive after chewing out Jigsaw for not knowing how to any birthing procedures that involved the baby being alive.
"Father," Shalltear was the first to speak. "Why did we not simply just conquer them?"
"Lord Dracul has already explained this to me," Demiurge replied on behalf of his master. "The Empire will join us willingly by the time the year is out. Remember, Lord Dracul was adamant that if Jircniv betrays us, he will pay. That will be when Jircniv gives up the Empire."
"I want to build an empire of unrivaled efficiency that will last eternity," Lucifer informed his Guardians. "Causing damage to every country we devour will cost us in the long run. We must always make ourselves out to be the heroes. Our first battle will be with the Re-Estize Kingdom, where I will demonstrate my superior strength. In doing so, the Kingdom will fragment eventually sparking a civil war, which we will deal with at a later date."
"I see," Albedo smiled. "But how do you expect the Emperor to attempt to betray you? It is obvious he doesn't have the power to do so."
"Humanity is a threat, even to us, if they are united," Lucifer said with a sinister smirk. "Jircniv will attempt to unite the surrounding countries to fight us and try to turn you, my Guardians, against me. But we will make it appear that his offer of an alliance is actually a trap he laid out on my orders. This will sever their trust and turn them against each other. As for him trying to convince you to betray me, does that even need an explanation? We will turn man against man until no empire but mine remains."
"There is one matter that still needs to be discussed," Sebas spoke up. "Our lord's title as ruler and the name of our country."
"M-merciful King Lucifer Dracul?" Mare stuttered out. "H-he is really nice to us."
"Power King Lucifer Dracul!" Aura proclaimed.
"Wise Emperor, perhaps?" Demiurge offered.
"Vampire King!" Shalltear shouted.
"Sorcerer. King," Cocytus said.
"Supreme King Lucifer Dracul!" Albedo declared.
"Our lord wishes to create an empire that will span eternity," Sebas spoke up. "He is immortal so he will be an Immortal Emperor of an Eternal Empire."
Better than Supreme King or Power King. I already hold the title of Father Blood so Vampire King is redundant. I like the whole Emperor angle though.
"Very well, Sebas," Lucifer said as he rose from his set. "We will demonstrate what happens to the fools who stand in our way in the battle with the Kingdom and I will crown myself the Immortal Emperor Lucifer Dracul!"
"All hail the Immortal Emperor! Glory to the Eternal Empire!"
Bonus Story: Arche's Revenge
Arche, Hekkeran, and Imina were outside Arche's parents' estate. They were accompanied by a Dark Paladin that used to be Roberdyck. They still called him that, but it broke their hearts that upon his rebirth as a vampire he didn't remember them or even who he was. All he knew was that he must serve his master. Still, they could se bits and pieces of the man he used to be. It was raining heavily and they had received permission from Lord Dracul to take care of personal matter since they currently were not needed in his plans. For now.
"Are you sure you're up for this Arche?" Imina asked. Arche nodded with a grim expression on her face. Hekkeran put a hand on her shoulder.
"We're right behind you," he said in an assuring manner.
"Thank you," Arche muttered as they walked into the house.
"Arche?" her father looked up as he watched her enter. He had been speaking with the same man who had threatened them at the inn.
"Where are my sisters?" she demanded.
"Sorry girl," the man said grimly as held up a piece of paper with her father's signature on it. "Your dad just sold them into slavery. Sorry." Arche was fuming.
"You bastard! I'm out risking my life to make money that you waste away and now you try to sell my sisters!?" she screamed.
"We have an obligation to keep up appearances when we become nobles again!" her father exclaimed. "Stupid child! You have become so arrogant just because you're making money! Do you realize-" he wasn't able to finish because Arche ran forward and plunged a knife into her father's abdomen making him scream in pain. Ignoring his screams, she stabbed him again and again and again and again and again.
"Arche!" Imina cried out. Arche stopped and looked down at her blood covered hands. She turned around to see Hekkeran and Imina standing over the corpse of her mother and the bastard her father was about to sell her sisters to. She didn't know what to do so she just cried. Imina ran up to Arche and wrapped her in a hug.
"I don't mean to end the touching moment here," Hekkeran interrupted. "But we need to grab your sisters and get the hell back to Nazarick before someone comes to investigate."
Almost to Katze Plains! I don't know if the bonus story turned out right but damn was it satisfying to write about an angry girl killing her prick of a dad!
HAIL AND KILL!