Sword of Salvation-Chapter 108: - Chains of Hell (2)

"It can still be contained for now. However, if Your Majesty does not take action soon, I fear the situation will escalate beyond control."

Zalestino said nothing. There was nothing for him to say at this moment. His eyes shifted to the Minister of Trade. "Explain your situation to me," he commanded.

The Minister of Trade nodded. As the Minister of Defense stepped back, he stepped forward and began his lengthy report. He started with the conditions in other cities before finally focusing on the capital.

Zalestino had been emperor for almost 34 years. He had grown tired of meetings like this. Sitting and listening to his ministers’ reports had become increasingly exhausting. Usually, he would wander in his thoughts while pretending to listen seriously. However, the empire’s situation was critical. Zalestino could not afford to ignore their reports.

"What about the arsonists who burned down the main logistics warehouse?" the emperor asked once the Minister of Trade had finished—his eyes staring intently at the minister. "I have already authorized you to deploy three elite squads for investigation. Why didn’t you include their findings in your report?"

"My deepest apologies, Your Majesty," the minister replied, cold sweat forming on his temple. "As of now, I have yet to receive any updates. After this meeting, I will personally ensure I obtain their findings."

Zalestino could guess that this was also Mariel’s doing. However, he could not be certain, as criminals had been unusually active lately. It would not be surprising if the arson had been their work, acting on their own without being hired.

"Make sure you do," the emperor murmured.

After seeing the Minister of Trade nod obediently, Zalestino turned his gaze to the last remaining minister. He instructed him to give a concise, clear, and to-the-point report.

The Minister of Economy followed the order as best as he could. Midway through his explanation, he blamed the Minister of Trade for incompetence. This led to an unavoidable argument between the irritated Minister of Economy and the frustrated Minister of Trade. The debate escalated, dragging in several other ministers. They began blaming one another for their respective failures.

Zalestino let the argument go on for nearly ten minutes before finally putting a stop to it. The Minister of Economy then resumed his report. He stated that if more than three cities fell, the empire’s economy would decline by 80%. However, due to the incompetence of the Minister of Trade, he claimed, the empire’s economic collapse would come even sooner.

"I have made my decision," Zalestino announced after the Minister of Economy finished speaking and returned to his place. "To prevent further internal conflicts and to ensure the people’s satisfaction, I will personally handle Mangolla’s forces and appoint Athenia to take my place until I return."

None of the ministers were surprised by Zalestino’s decision. It was the most logical course of action. Nearly all of them had anticipated he would make this choice.

"I want you all to inform Athenia of this and support her as best as you can. However, at the same time, I want you to limit my daughter’s authority. Make sure she does not attempt to establish herself as the absolute ruler."

After saying that, Zalestino rose from his throne and swiftly departed—of course, accompanied by his two trusted guards. His destination was the secret chamber where Rahvada resided.

"I want you to eliminate Mariel Allvar," Zalestino declared as soon as he opened the door. He did not even bother stepping inside. "If I return from slaughtering Mangolla’s forces and Mariel Allvar is still alive, I will inform Romero and the four elders that you are incompetent."

Rahvada burst into laughter upon hearing that.

Zalestino snorted and closed the door again. He ordered one of his guards to summon half of the remaining elite troops and prepare twenty thousand soldiers. Meanwhile, the other guard remained by his side as he made preparations for the war he intended to win.

The emperor finally left the palace after more than an hour. He reassured the protesting citizens and promised them compensation once he secured victory. The people accepted his promise and sent him off with full support.

Mariel and Athenia watched the emperor’s departure from the highest rooftop of the princess’s residence. Of course, they could not see him at all. However, a procession of over twenty thousand soldiers was impossible to miss—especially since the princess’s residence was situated on elevated ground.

"The time has finally come," Athenia murmured eagerly—she seemed impatient to take action.

Mariel smiled at her excitement. However, before moving forward, he needed to confirm one last thing.

"The emperor will most likely not return alive. His body may never even be found. Are you truly fine with losing him?" Mariel asked, his eyes fixed seriously on Athenia. "I can conclude that he wasn’t the best father you could have hoped for, but from what I’ve seen, he was fair to his children. He wouldn’t win a ’Best Father’ award, but he certainly wouldn’t qualify for a ’Worst Father’ tournament either."

Mariel did not remember what it was like to have a father. He could not say he understood the turmoil within Athenia. However, based on his observations so far, he was certain that Athenia did not hate her father. That was why Mariel was asking—to ensure Athenia was truly certain.

Anzu might call Mariel more of a demon than demons themselves for manipulating others. Others might call him evil for treating people as mere pawns on a chessboard. However, once again, Mariel insisted that he was not a wicked individual. No matter what, the outcomes of his actions always benefited others.

This time was no exception.

Although Mariel had chosen Athenia as a piece in his game, he did not wish harm upon the princess. Mariel wanted to see Athenia’s dreams come true. But he also wanted to ensure the princess would not live with regret. Mariel wanted Athenia to achieve her ambitions without carrying any form of remorse.

"I have prepared myself, Mariel," Athenia said, tilting her head back. "When I recall the moments we three shared when I was little, I might regret this. But I know I won’t dwell on those feelings for too long. Just like my mother, the emperor was bound to leave sooner or later. So, I will consider his departure as a gift to help me realize my dreams."

"Very well. If your resolve is that strong, I will not ask again." Mariel extended his hand. "Now, let’s go," he invited. "From today onward, you will be the ruler of Moskvallha Empire."

Athenia nodded and took Mariel’s hand. He led the princess down. Her two bodyguards immediately approached them. The four of them then sped toward the palace in a four-wheeled carriage.

"We were just about to search for you, Your Highness," the soldiers said as Athenia arrived at the palace. "The ministers ordered us to find you and escort you to them. They said His Majesty the Emperor has appointed you as the acting ruler until his return."

Athenia was surprised to hear this. Even Mariel was slightly taken aback. Athenia was shocked because she had not expected the emperor to choose her. Mariel, on the other hand, was surprised because the emperor had chosen the most rational option despite knowing that he and Athenia were behind everything.

"Thank you for the information. I will go to them immediately."

With that, Athenia entered the palace at once. Mariel walked beside her. The two guards followed behind.

"This will be easier than the initial plan," Mariel remarked.

Athenia nodded. "I know they won’t stay silent," she said, referring to her siblings. "But they have no choice but to submit to me. As for the problems behind me, I leave them to you, Mariel. But don’t take any drastic measures. I want them to experience my utopia as well."

"I won’t be staying here for long," Mariel responded. "As soon as the empire stabilizes under your control, I will leave." 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

"Huh? But won’t you see me realizing my ambition?"

"That’s right. But that doesn’t mean I’ll stay here. I’m a mercenary. I move from place to place. I also have plans to go to Southern Continent soon. I’ll only visit here occasionally."

"So, you’re really going to leave me...."

"That’s why you can’t keep relying on me. As per our initial agreement, I’ll provide the resources to achieve your goal. Whether you succeed or not, it all depends on you."

"But you said that with a strong individual by my side...."

"I never said who that person was, did I?"

"That..." Athenia furrowed her brows. "That’s not fair, Mariel. You can’t just leave me like this. After witnessing your abilities all this time, I can’t think of anyone else to fulfill those words."

"I’ll introduce you to the ruler of the criminal underworld in the capital after this," Mariel responded. "He’s trustworthy. I’ve relied on him to achieve our goal. With his help and your authority, you’ll be able to control this nation more effectively. He’s also quite strong."

"But..."

"But what?" Mariel glanced at Athenia from the corner of his eye. "Are you trying to say that you’ve grown too comfortable with my presence? That you’ll miss me when I’m gone?"

"W-What?! O-Of course not! Why would I miss you? Don’t get ahead of yourself, Mariel. I’m not a woman who’s easily swayed. I just... hm... I just feel like everything will be fine as long as you’re by my side. I mean, I really appreciate your strength and intelligence."

"In that case, there’s nothing for you to worry about. Remember, I never said I’d help you achieve your ambition. You have to rely on your own intellect. And as for strength and other matters, the person I’ll introduce to you will provide all of that."

"Fine!" Athenia huffed. "But, Mariel, you have to visit me from time to time, understand? At least once every three months. If you don’t, I’ll be mad. And you’ll never know what I might do when I’m angry."

"In other words, you’ll miss me terribly if I don’t visit at least once every three months?"

"I—"

"I was just joking," Mariel cut in with a playful smile. "I understand. I’ll check on your progress from time to time. For now, let’s focus on making you the ruler and savior of this nation. Finish your meeting with the ministers quickly. After that, I’ll take you to meet my contact, and we’ll begin our next move."

Mariel’s words ended their conversation. And a moment later, Athenia stepped into the throne room.