Kingdom Building Game: Starting Out With A Million Upgrade Points!-Chapter 150: The Emperor Finally Returns

At the western walls of the Imperial City Castrellon, torches flickered atop the battlements, casting long shadows against the Dawn.

The guards stationed there had spent their shift in relative peace, but when one of them caught sight of a lone rider approaching on horseback, his grip on his spear tightened.

For a moment, there was only silence, the distant sound of hooves striking the earth road echoing through the still night.

Then, as the rider came into view, the flickering torchlight illuminated his unmistakable presence—the dark armor, the flowing imperial cloak, the air of charisma that clung to him like a second skin.

The guards instantly realized who he was.

"The Emperor has returned!" one of them bellowed, his voice echoing across the walls.

At once, the men moved with haste, yanking open the massive iron gates that guarded the western entrance.

The mechanisms groaned as the gate parted to allow passage.

Arkanos rode through without slowing, his black warhorse beneath him carrying him forward, seated before him was Kaela, secure within his arms.

As they entered the city, the streets, although already in the late hours, many could still be seen out.

Some people immediately moved to the sides, instinctively making way for their ruler.

Others raised their hands in greeting.

"Long live the Emperor!" a voice called out, and others followed in kind.

Arkanos said nothing, his gaze set forward, but there was no need for words.

By the time Arkanos reached the grand courtyard of the Imperial Palace, after crossing the palace gates, the knights stationed there were already kneeling in formation.

A hundred men, clad in silver and black armor, their swords at their sides, their helmets lowered in deference.

"Welcome back. Your Majesty," they said, all together.

Arkanos reined in his horse, the beast slowing to a stop with a snort.

He dismounted with ease, his armor gleaming beneath the palace's many lights. Then, turning, he extended his hand to Kaela.

She took it, her fingers warm against his gloved palm, and as he helped her down, she looked up at him with a soft smile.

There was something in her gaze—relief, admiration, something deeper that words could not capture.

Arkanos, ever composed, studied her for a moment. Then, without a word, he turned toward the palace doors.

The palace gates had barely closed behind Arkanos before a blur of motion streaked across the courtyard.

A young woman in a maid's uniform, her dress fluttering with her hurried steps, ran toward Kaela with tears already brimming in her eyes.

"My lady!" Belluwa cried, her voice choked as she threw herself at Kaela. "You're safe!"

Kaela, momentarily surprised, barely managed to steady herself before Belluwa wrapped her in a tight embrace. The maid trembled, her sobs muffled against her mistress's shoulder.

"I was so worried," Belluwa sniffled, pulling back just enough to inspect Kaela's face. "You vanished, and no one knew if you were alive or—"

She hiccupped, wiping at her eyes. "Thank the heavens you're back."

Kaela smiled gently, placing a comforting hand on Belluwa's head. "I'm fine, Belluwa. Truly."

The maid's eyes darted past her lady, to where Arkanos stood surrounded by his warriors.

Abaddon, grinning, stood with his arms crossed, his black and white eyes glinting with amusement.

Ivan, silent but observant, offered a nod of acknowledgment to his emperor.

Sylvana and Utilia stood side by side. And finally, stepping forward came Seraphine, captain of the Imperial Knights.

Seraphine saluted sharply. Her white and gold armor gleamed under the courtyard torches, the mark of the empire emblazoned on her chest plate. "Your Majesty," she said firmly, "welcome home."

Arkanos took a moment to survey his gathered champions before glancing back at Kaela. "I will see you soon."

Kaela inclined her head gracefully. "I will look forward to it."

Belluwa's eyes widened at the exchange. There was something in the way Kaela spoke, something in the way the emperor's gaze lingered on her.

As Arkanos and his warriors turned toward the palace, Belluwa immediately spun to her lady, curiosity burning in her chest.

"My lady..." she began, watching Kaela with narrowed eyes. "It seems you've tied things up quite well with the emperor."

Kaela's lips curled into a secretive smile. "It seems so."

Belluwa let out a playful gasp. "Oh? And what's with that smile?" She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Something tells me you did more than just open your heart to him..."

Kaela's cheeks flushed a deep crimson. "Belluwa!" she hissed, glancing around before nudging her maid in exasperation. "Mind your words!"

Belluwa giggled, pleased with her mistress's reaction. "Forgive me, my lady, but I've never seen you like this before. It's the first time you've ever looked truly... happy."

Kaela hesitated, turning her gaze toward Arkanos as he disappeared beyond the palace doors.

"Is that so?" she murmured softly.

…

…

Inside, Arkanos walked with purposeful strides, his generals flanking him as Seraphine fell into step beside him.

"A great deal has happened in your absence, Your Majesty," she reported. "We have taken appropriate measures against all the houses that stood against you."

Arkanos remained silent, waiting for her to continue.

"Under my orders, by the empress' apparel, the heads of these traitorous houses have been gathered for execution. They are being held in the dungeons below the castle, awaiting judgment."

She said as they entered the grand hall.

The banners of the empire hung high, their sigils swaying gently from the draft that passed through the corridors.

Seraphine, then added.

Seraphine glanced at him, her deep blue eyes steady. "That, however, is not the only thing that has occurred in these last few days."

Arkanos arched a brow, but before he could respond, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the hall.

A woman, draped in flowing silks of deep crimson, came running toward him.

Sephira.

His concubine, her blond curly hair cascading over her shoulders, her face lined with worry.

Without hesitation, she threw herself into his embrace, arms locking around his torso as if she feared he would vanish again.

"Arkanos…" she breathed, pressing her face against his chest. "You have no idea how much I worried. When I heard you had gone straight into that trap, I—"

"Calm yourself, Sephira," Arkanos said, placing a firm hand on her back. His voice was even, but there was a rare softness in it.

"I returned, as I always do."

She pulled back slightly, searching his eyes. "But—"

Before she could say another word, another voice rang out, smooth and regal, yet laced with amusement.

"It seems she was telling the truth. You have grown into a fine young man."

Arkanos froze.

A chill ran down his spine, though not from fear, but from recognition. The voice was very familiar, impossibly so.

He turned his head slowly, his piercing gaze locking onto the figure standing at the top of the grand staircase.

A woman.

Her silver hair went down her back like a river of moonlight, her ears impossibly long and sharp, marking her as something beyond human. Her golden eyes shimmered softly, and the deep green of her flowing gown, with golden accents, only enhanced her presence.

The hall, once bustling with knights and attendants, fell into a hushed silence.

Even Seraphine, evenbinstinctively placed a hand on her sword hilt, eyes narrowing as if bracing for the unknown.

Sephira turned, her expression shifting from relief to shock as she whispered, "No… it can't be."

Arkanos remained still, his mind reeling, yet his expression betrayed nothing. His fingers curled slightly, an old instinct from years of war and deception.

After what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke.

"…You."

The woman smiled. "It has been a long time, hasn't it, my dear son?"

It was none other than Lady Selene Bloodbane.

His mother.

Selene chuckled softly as she quickly closed the distance between them, hovering in the air. She ran a hand through Arkanos' silver hair, a gesture that felt both foreign and familiar to him.

"You've really grown into a fine man," she murmured, her voice carrying both admiration and something deeper—regret, perhaps?

"Your Majesty…" Seraphine hesitated, glancing between Arkanos and his mother. "The previous empress was declared lost over a decade ago. Is this truly her?"

A heavy silence hung over the grand hall. Even Sephira, usually bold, remained silent, watching the exchange with wide eyes.

Arkanos finally turned to face the room, his expression unreadable. "Yes," he said at last. "It is."