Chapter 147: Nobles

In the palace, one of the emperor's ministers made his way in the throne room with a heavy emotion discernable on his quite old face.

"Your Majesty!" His voice resounded. Though old, his voice was loud and clear.

"Hmm…" the emperor sneered at the familiar figure while sitting casually in his seat of golden color. In front of him was a pile of parchments. It was quite a hefty day even for himself.

Because of the relentless attack of the demon, many of the families in the lower stratum lost their bread-winner as most of the soldiers were recruited. And he could not neglect them. If he did that, their respect and trust in the royal family would deteriorate.

It was also the reason he decided to reward the promising recruit who did a great feat in the mission. It wasn't only to entice the masses in joining the army, it also added fervor to them and would then become more active and passionate in their respective assignments.

The emperor had many things that needed to consider. One of them was the royal family soldiers. He couldn't let the royal family's force be weakened further than it currently had.

And this minister who administered the empire's treasury was a person who always contracted his decision regarding the expenditures. Well, he could not blame him for behaving this way as the empire's treasury wasn't an unlimited pool of money. Especially now that the empire was in the face of constant war, it was an unwise choice to spend even for a little bit.

Aside from that, he was one of the people who he trusted.

Seeing the emperor's casual attitude, "Your Majesty, please tell me it wasn't true that you plan on rewarding one of the subjugators!"

And this person was the only person who wasn't afraid to question him like asking his younger brother. Well, since he was his older brother after all. There was a reason why he didn't succeed the throne and let his younger brother take it.

"It's true."

"..."

The emperor said without sending a glance to the minister. After giving his reply, the emperor noticed a twitch on the minister's brow.

"What are you thinking, Your Majesty?! You know we are in a dire situation in regards to money! We can't spend a coin on useless things such as giving additional rewards!"

A bead of sweat appeared at the back of the emperor's head as he sought a better explanation within his mind to not further aggravate the minister's mood.

Sigh!

"Well, first... calm down. It wasn't just a thoughtless action, Minister of Treasury, Wilbert," said the emperor after a sigh.

"Heh…"

The Minister of Treasury Wilbert Fortmanibus snorted, but he calmed down and found himself a seat in front of the emperor.

The emperor then slowly explained his reason. He did it to entice the citizens to apply as recruits. Aside from the relentless attack coming from the demon, there were also some areas that they needed to retaken. Bandits and beasts were overtaking those places while the empire was in the face of the war against the demons. And there were also the constant schemes of the great families.

Besides, the Blessed Church was also a potential danger to the royal family. The summoned heroes were honestly helpful in subjugating the demons. However, if this kept going on, the Blessed Church would rise to power ahead of the royal families. And if this was going to happen, there was a high possibility that the palace would become a puppet of the Blessed Church. So, to avoid it, the palace needs more help from the citizens.

Giving additional reward was a must if you wished to seek their favor.

Nonetheless, he also sensed something about that young man. His instinct as the emperor was telling him that the young man wasn't an ordinary person. 

"I see… so the Blessed Church huh," said the Minister of Treasury while caressing his chin.

"So, what about this young man you mentioned?" Asked Minister Wilbert Fortmanibus.

Just then, he noticed the emperor's face turned serious. "That person just awakened recently…"

Minister Wilbert frowned, "wasn't that normal?"

The emperor made a chuckle. "It is. However, that young beat a young man from one of the XIII great families."

Upon hearing the emperor's reply, Minister Wilbert was briefly stupefied but regained his composure a second later

"How can someone do that—" he paused upon seeing the seriousness on the emperor's face. "Is that even possible?" He rephrased himself.

"Hm, usually it wasn't. That's why… I think there was something about him. In fact, the reward he wanted was a piece of land. Haha."

The emperor said and laughed.

Minister Wilbert stood up in haste. "What, a piece of land?" He asked while facing the emperor with a frown. Then he continued. "Your majesty! That reward is too absurd. Especially now that many of our lands are infested by bandits and beasts!" He said, disagreeing with it.

"Haha! Just calm down, Minister Wilbert." He heard the emperor laugh while covering his mouth with his folded index finger. Then the emperor leaned forward and fixed his eyes on Minister Wilbert. "Don't you find it more beneficial to us, Minister Wilbert?" Said the emperor.

"What do you mean, Your Majesty?"

"Wait! Don't tell me…"

The emperor smiled and sank back to his seat. "Yes, we will give him the land infested by bandits."

Said the emperor while tapping his finger on the table in front of him.

Minister Wilbert fell silent for a couple of seconds. "Indeed, this is a win-win…" he said and pondered. Either that person could eliminate the bandits in that place or not, it wasn't the palace's problem any longer. But if by chance that person luckily succeeded in reclaiming the land, the empire would also benefit from it. So, in total, it's a win. He glanced at the emperor and sighed. Looks like he was worried for nothing. The emperor was still capable of logical decisions.

He opened his mouth once again. "I see. In any case, Your Majesty, please inform me first whenever you try to use the treasury. After all, the palace treasury is not just someone's pocket." He said and left the room.

The emperor sighed and whispered. "Good grief…"

"Now then…"

After uttering it, he called one of the messengers and handed a parchment.

"Okay, Your Majesty."

…

Eman and Sol were currently inside a luxurious Inn. In front of them was Dos, one of his 15 commanders. He sent him and his squad to back up the veteran thief.

Although he could use telepathy, he found out that it had a limit. Those outside of his Lord's Domain and out of his perception range could not receive his telepathy.

Because the Gentlewind family manor was far from his current location, he had to send Commander Dos and his squad to act as a backup of Reppo Callidu, and also as the messenger.

So in a sense, he could also enter his Domain if he wanted to have a secret deal with his people. But now he chose to receive the letter in this place.

He had a reason why he chose to receive the letter here. For publicity purposes and to become a normal youth. Although it was a facade only. Actually, this place was where most of the youngsters from noble, great noble, and royal families would come to party.

And he wanted to act as someone like them. But honestly, it wasn't because of him. It was because he wanted to project Sol to be known as a noble young lady. When the time comes, it might be helpful to them.

The three of them were wearing formal dresses. Sol was wearing an elegant black dress. Eman was wearing white long sleeves topped with a black tailcoat, and Dos was wearing white long sleeves topped with a black coat and a bow-tie.

He was quite a good-looking man with medium build body and medium-length brown hair. Also, he was good at Assassination. Maybe because he was a former rat-crawler.

From an outsider's perspective, Eman was like a chaperone of Sol. Whereas, Sol, she looked like in a business meeting with a client, who was Dos. This was how they looked at the moment.

The inn was like a world-class hotel in its former world. It was quite spacious inside. In addition to the melodious music that was being played, the place could only be described as romantic. Though, there weren't expensive auto or cars that were parking outside, just grand carriages.

In front of them were glasses of expensive wine. However, the real boss among them was acting as a bodyguard. So at the moment, he was currently standing beside her. Whereas, Sol and Dos were the ones who were doing the talking. On the other hand, Eman used his telepathy to interject with the two.

And if there was an important matter that needed to be told in secret. They would use telepathy to converse.

Dos stood up after a few minutes. Then he walked outside the Inn. He just finished giving his report regarding the mission given to them by their lord.

A private carriage was waiting outside.

Eman and Sol stayed for a little longer before they decided to leave.