Volten's appearance caused a huge commotion. The commoners of the Empire were shouting, "The Saviour has returned!", "Emperor Charlemagne has returned!", and "His Majesty Ludwig still remembers his subjects!". Large numbers of religious troops, clergy, nobles, merchants, and commoners joined Volten's army and marched towards Brunswick.
It was a great pressure for the nobles of the Imperium. The forty-eight Kurfürsten, representatives, generals, and grand nobles of the Imperium were having a meeting in parliament. The nobles were both scared and panicked. Many of them knew where their titles, positions, and manors came from. Who could claim that they were clean? Who could say that they had no stains on them?
The Empire was different from Brittania. In Brittania, there were gods watching over them. The knights could boast shamelessly that their land was given to them by the Lady. If you don't believe me, you can check the family tree. Her Highness, the Lake Goddess, has verified it. However, it was more difficult for the Empire to prove it.
The most vehement dissenter was Esme III, who had just returned to Brunswick and announced that he was the temporary Archbishop and had taken over all authority. The temporary Archbishop publicly announced that Luther Huss was a heretic and that his army was a "heretic army". Volten was just a liar and his existence was not recognized by God.
However, this was difficult because every clergy who went to announce the Archbishop's decree all swore allegiance to him after seeing Volten's miracles.
What was even more surprising was Volten's experience. When he was only a few days away from Brunswick, he did not rush to march. Instead, he spent a few days slaughtering the Orcs in the nearby Black Forest. After gaining a great reputation among the commoners, he slowly drove into Brunswick.
The tens of thousands of fanatical followers of Vauteng were disappointed to see that the city gate was closed. The guards were trembling in fear. They did not know what to do in front of the "reincarnated emperor" in front of them. They could only keep emphasizing that this was an order from the imperial court. Luther Huss excitedly went up and tried to coerce Vauteng, but Vauteng asked Luther Huss to step back. The young blacksmith just sighed and said, "Fate has extended a helping hand to Karl Franz's Empire. It depends on whether he can seize it."
Volten's arrival further intensified the heated debate in the Empire's court. The rulers were debating whether or not the blacksmith of Smirk Village was the reincarnated Human Emperor.
Seeing this, Ryan smiled bitterly and shook his head. In fact, based on the miracles that had appeared on Wo Teng's body, it was unlikely that he was a fake. After all, if he showed a miracle once, he would be a fraud. If he showed a miracle twice, he would be a fraud. Four or five times? Volten was just a blacksmith in his twenties, but he had the power of the Sanctuary-realm and the Two-tailed Comet Fire that symbolized the Human Emperor. Wasn't it obvious whether he was the reincarnated Human Emperor?
Laing could not help but laugh when he saw that the most vehement opposition was from the Empire's Countess, Emilia.
Emilia still could not see through him.
That's right. My little maid has been plotting her whole life to let my son ascend the throne. Now that Frederick has taken over the throne, all he has to do is wait for Karl Franz to abdicate. Who would have thought that Volteng would suddenly appear out of nowhere!
According to Aurora's report, Emilia had scolded Luther Hus in the Empire's parliament for being a "greedy country bumpkin", a "pretentious liar", a "ploy to overthrow the Empire", and a "b * stard of the Cult of Chaos".
The Empire's court quarreled for three days, and Wo Teng also waited outside for three days. Seeing that the Empire's court was unable to reach an agreement, Luther Huss finally couldn't take it anymore. He intimidated the Rick Guards who were in charge of guarding the city to witness the miracle on Wo Teng's body. Finally, the Rick Guards broke down and opened the city gate. The remaining Rick Guards tried to stop him, but it was too late.
Volten did not blame Luther Hus for acting on his own. Instead, he went straight into the Empire's palace. There, he met Emperor Karl-franz and the other nobles of the Empire, who were half-trying to be brave and half-embarrassed.
Karl-franz was facing the most difficult problem in history.
Obviously, if Volten was the reincarnation of the Human Emperor, then he naturally had the right to take back his Empire. However, whether it was from the interests of the Empire, his family, or his personal interests, Karl-franz could not give the throne of the most powerful country in the old world, the Empire, to an unknown blacksmith. Whether it was emotionally or logically, it did not make sense. Many families and the allies of Prince Franz's family would not recognize Volten.
However, if the Emperor denied that Volten was on the side of Archbishop Esme III, then it was obvious that the Empire would immediately fall apart. Many people would choose to stand on Volten's side. Those nobles with large military forces would not pledge their loyalty at such a time. With the army of the North pressing on the border, the Empire was preparing for a civil war.
Laing narrowed his eyes and nodded. It seemed that no matter which side they chose, the Empire would be torn apart.
This was almost an unsolvable problem. Laing carefully thought of a solution.
If it were him, how would he deal with this "Volten" that appeared out of nowhere?
He continued to read. Soon, Laing was impressed by Karl-franz's political skills.
Kaiser Ka used his political wisdom and decades of palace experience to the limit and very calmly signaled for Volten to talk to him. This blacksmith did not immediately ask the Emperor to pass the throne to him, but he also did not deny that he was the reincarnation of the Human Emperor. He only told the Emperor that he would wait for his decision.
Karl-franz immediately announced that Volten was indeed sent to the mortal world by the Human Emperor to save the Empire.
At the same time, a series of personnel appointments were immediately issued.
He gave the divine hammer Gail Maraz to Volten and announced that Volten was the champion of Charlemagne's Chosen of God, the religious leader of the Empire, standing side by side with the Emperor.
He appointed Luther Huse as Volten's mentor, responsible for teaching Volten.
He announced that with Volten as the core, "Charlemagne's Army" would be formed, and a portion of the Empire's provincial and religious forces would be placed under Volten's command.
He selected an excellent official trained by Brunswick, Matthieu, to be Volten's advisor, responsible for answering all the official's questions and providing all the help he could.
Finally, the "Charlemagne's Army" was to be reorganized and quickly rode to Tara Beheim. That place needed Volten and his army to save.
He then sent Alfred Frey back to Brittany. The Grand Chanter's Holy War was over, and it was time to go home.
"Karl-franz, as expected of my confidant!" Laing could not help but praise.
The Emperor's move was brilliant. He seemed to have compromised a lot, giving away a portion of his power.
But in reality?
The Emperor firmly held onto his base. Not only did his Royal Guards and Regular Army not send out a single person, but he also controlled the religious forces that were in chaos due to the disappearance of Archbishop Vicmar, and did not give Volten any chance to reach out to the existing bureaucracy.
Emilia also said that the Nur artillery would not listen to Volten's command, and then the Empire's Countess left in a huff.
"Interesting, very interesting!" Laing slapped his thigh and laughed.
After becoming a demigod, Laing suddenly felt a change.
His way of thinking began to change. He seemed to be a little … less concerned about these things. The deaths of certain people, the sacrifices that were necessary for victory, seemed to be regarded as necessary evils.
After becoming a demigod, his way of thinking changed.
No, at least not now. Laing shook his head slightly. This kind of thinking was actually very scary.
But this was divinity!
This was also … the logic of Markado the Bearer's rule.
Fill the stomach, empty the heart. Be foolish and be loyal, think and forget!
… I am the dividing line of God's logic …
Just as the Knight King's attention was focused on the South, in the North, along the coast of Lyonnaise.
A huge fleet of Northka longships had broken through the Brittany coastline defense and landed on the Brittany coast. As the cabins of the longships opened, thousands of Skalinese berserkers and hundreds of heavily-armored Chaos Warriors landed on the coast of the Knight King.
The leader was the warlord of Skalinese, Wiglaf Redeye. With the help of a black-robed man, he and his tribe had bypassed almost all of the Brittany privateer patrolling fleets and guards. Now, they had successfully landed on the coast.
The Northka people were densely packed like locusts. Most of them were shouting the holy names of Khorne and Nurgle. These northern barbarians couldn't wait to go all out. The divine voice of the God of Darkness had descended. This was the era of blood and destruction. Anyone had the chance to obtain the highest reward — to be promoted to champion, Chosen One, Great Lord, or even Demon Prince!
The invasion of the Northka people quickly attracted the attention of the Brittany. Under the careful planning of Laing and Lauren, the army was immediately mobilized. The flag of Lyonnaise with a red lion on a white background fluttered on the plains. The armies of the three northern Brittany duchies gathered together to resist the invasion of the Northka people. At the same time, messengers were sent out. As long as they could hold on for long enough, reinforcements from Le-Angoulan would arrive. If they could hold on for long enough, reinforcements from Muxillon and Colona would arrive.
The ancient catapults were activated. The serfs of Lyonnaise were operating the antiques that had been around for hundreds of years. After the Knight King's kingdom was gradually equipped with cannons and muskets, the three northern duchies still had a large number of catapults. They used to be their pride and were believed to be a gift from the Goddess. Since the Goddess of the Lake had never ordered them to give up on the catapults, the Lyonnaises would not give up on their pride.
Yes, Duke Adahad of Lyonnaise thought so. That was why the duchy of Lyonnaise still had a large number of catapults and bows.
In fact, defending the northern territory was not Adahad's priority. However, the duke believed that he had a duty and obligation to protect his people. Therefore, when he received the news, he immediately rushed over with the knights and nobles. The duke believed that this battle would be the starting point of his military exploits and all his glory. Therefore, when Adahad ordered his personal guards and the proud knights of Lyonnaise to charge towards the Army of Chaos, the young and hot-blooded rangers were the first to respond. Then, the Lyonnaise White Lion Infantry Regiment were the first to respond. These freedmen who longed for the title of knight and the chance to enter the Old Guard raised their weapons.
"For the Lady and the King, for Brittany!"
"For the Lady, for the glory of Lyonnaise!"
Arrows fell like raindrops, and the boulders thrown by the catapults blasted large holes in the Skalinese formation. The battle cries of the Nosians drowned out the roars of the Brittany. The Northerners, who lacked war machines, could only advance through the rain of arrows and catapults. The first Northerners to charge forward all fell, but more and more longboats approached the shore.
The Lake God's prophets stood behind the frontline and began to cast magic. Scorching light beams, flocks of crows, and bolts of lightning swept through the filthy flesh of the Northerners, burning the monsters and forcing them to flee in all directions. The Northerners were slightly hindered, but the warlord of Skalinese, Wiglaf Red Eye, did not care. He only signaled for more Nosians to follow.
The sound of drums and battle cries did not stop. The roars for Khorne and Nurgle grew louder and louder.
"Damn it, why are there so many enemies? How did the Northerners bypass our defense line? " Duke Adahad of Lyonnaise angrily questioned his subordinates. "Why didn't I receive any news?"
"We don't know either, my Duke," his subordinate replied.
"Damn it, send orders to the first, third, and fourth battalions of the duchy. Press forward!" Duke Adahad's heart was burning with anger. He should have been hiding behind the castle and waiting for reinforcements, but he knew that he could not do that. Hiding behind the castle walls? That was not the responsibility of a knight, and it was not the responsibility of a duke.
Therefore, Adahad ignored Laing and Lauren's orders to fight together and avoid charging recklessly. He was more willing to see this order as a lack of chivalry and to prevent the nobles from obtaining their own glory. If this was the end of the world, if this was the end of fate, then he, Adahad, would use his weapons to let the Northerners know that the glorious Lyonnaises would never surrender!
There were too many Northerners. The battalions of axes and spears were gradually overwhelmed by the Nosians and raiders. The serfs and archers fled in all directions and gradually approached the Duke's position. Seeing this, Duke Adahad nodded slightly.
"Above the Lady, above the Schiluff! Please bestow strength upon your people! " The White Lion Knights pointed their lances at the sky. A thousand knights, squires, and rangers roared in unison. Their ferocious roars overshadowed the battle cries of the Nosikas. The ferocity of their voices made up for the disparity in numbers.
The Duke personally led the charge. The sound of hooves belonging to the sons of Lyonnaise once again rang out on the plains belonging to the knights, bringing destruction and death with them.
The Nosians saw the roar coming from the south to the north with their own eyes. The collision of steel against steel caused the Nosians to suffer heavy casualties. A forest of spears tore through the flesh of wolves and battle mastiffs, piercing through armor. The knights' swords cut through limbs and throats, crushing the Nosians under the iron hooves of the knights.
"For the Lady, for Schiluff, for the glory of Lyonnaise!" Duke Adahad charged at the front. The crazy Duke pierced deeply through the shield wall of the Nosians. The powerful impact caused him to go too deep into the barbarians' territory. Now, he was facing a group of heavily armored Warriors of Chaos and the warlord of Skalinth, Wiglaf Red Eyes.
Wiglaf Red Eyes looked at his prey with interest. He recognized the Duke's flag and knew that this person in front of him was the leader of the cowardly Southerners, a valuable enemy. The warlord signaled for everyone to move aside. He wanted to enjoy the glory of hunting down the Southerners alone.
The Duke also saw the warlord of Nosians. The battle between the champions had begun.
Wiglaf's axe attacks were so fast that Duke Adahad couldn't block them at all. The axe split open his shoulder armor. Adahad was forced back, spitting out blood. He used his shield to block Wiglaf's axe and then pierced the Nosians' chest with his sword.
The knight's sword pierced deeply into the Nosians' chest. Wiglaf groaned in pain.
It hurt, but it wasn't fatal. The power of Khorne blessed him. His heart was on the right side.
Then, the axe fell, and Duke Adahad's head was split open from the middle. The Duke smiled before he died. This made Wiglaf feel that something was wrong!
Duke Adahad of Lyonnaise had died on the northern coast.
Seeing that the Duke had died, the Lyonnaises began to retreat in panic. Wiglaf Red Eyes wanted to give the order to chase, but the pain from his wound became worse and worse. White smoke rose from his chest.
The knight's sword had the purification blessing of the Prophet of the Lake!
"Ugh!" The warlord of Skalinth clutched his chest and knelt down on one knee in pain.
He missed the chance to completely defeat the Brittany. As the horn sounded in the distance, Duke Taubert of Le-Angoulin and hundreds of reinforcements arrived.
"Adahad! No!!! "Duke Taubert took the lead. He and Duke Adahad were close friends.
However, someone stopped Duke Taubert who was bent on revenge. A black-robed man appeared with a team of Taubert's Chosen Warriors in bluish-purple armor. With a smile on his face, he raised his hand and released a stream of molten metal. Hundreds of streams of molten lava fell from the sky and flipped Duke Taubert off his warhorse. It also blasted the knights, squires, and rangers of Le-Angoulan into smithereens.
As soon as Duke Taubert landed on the ground, the man in the black robe gently pointed the staff in his long sleeve. The nearby gravel and all kinds of molten metal that had just cooled down completely buried Duke Taubert's body.
Another Duke fell. The Brittany collapsed and fled in all directions.
The man in the black robe laughed.
You humiliated me, you looked down on me, everything you took from me, I will take it all back from you little by little! Laing!
I, Taubert's Demon Prince, Hundred-Eyed Demon Lord Banda, am here to collect my debt!
Wiglaf Red Eyes begged the Demon Prince Banda to save his life, but Banda only watched as the warlord of Skalinth died. Just as Banda was about to march and bring destruction and torture to the Brittany, a sudden change occurred!
In the ocean near the coast of Le-Angoulin, huge waves surged!
The seawater that was dozens of meters deep separated from the middle. A person stood in the middle of the two sides of the seawater and coldly looked at the Hundred-Eyed Demon Lord, Demon Prince Taubert.
"It's really been a long time, dear Banda ~"
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
