Sword bearer.
This is an ancient term.
It is so ancient that the younger generation of the empire, whether nobles or commoners, has never heard of it.
But as an archaeologist who has spent half his life in ancient ruins and large libraries, Char is not unfamiliar with this term.
The Foresta Empire was strong because of the eight sworn families, but it was also constrained by them.
At the beginning of the creation of the empire, the alliance between the Eight Oath Families and the Royal Family was still strong.
But as time goes by, perhaps there are indeed oath families that still adhere to their original intentions and remember their original oaths -
But more families have changed.
Whether in Char's past life or present life, the so-called human heart is the most unreliable thing.
...
...
Whether it is the desire for profit or the fantasy of immortality.
Or maybe it was the ambition for power, the rebellion of not being willing to be inferior to others, or the instigation of foreign forces...
These reasons may be reasonable or simply out of personal selfishness.
But in short, the seeds of the disintegration of a powerful empire were sown at the beginning of its establishment.
With the ups and downs of national power and the arrival of foreign enemies, the seed of rebellion began to sprout and grow, and its thick branches cracked the towering building called the "Foresta Empire" one after another.
The imperial family also prepared countermeasures in advance.
"The Vermillion Blood and the Pure White Sword that Protect the Holy City"
This is the covenant engraved on the walls of Camelot, stamped upon the moment the empire was founded.
The scarlet blood represents the sworn family, and the pure white sword represents the "Sword Wielder".
An organization of equal status to the Oath Family.
As the name suggests, he holds a long sword and monitors the entire territory.
No matter whether they are nobles or powerful officials, or even supernatural forces and secret organizations within the country, they are all within the scope of his authority.
This is a sword of Damocles hanging high in the sky.
As long as this sword hanging over our heads exists for a moment, the seeds of rebellion will only sleep in the dust, unable to truly reveal their fangs.
But such a sword edge is destined to be disgusting.
Thus, at a certain point in time when a foolish emperor and a mediocre swordsman appeared at the same time, this term became history forever.
Today, the military, the administrative bureau, and even the inspectors who supervise the various territories in the empire can be regarded as a partial continuation of the Sword Wielder... but they are far from being comparable to the original ones.
…
Xia's eyes slowly swept across Isadella's face.
The ambition of this silver-haired princess is even greater than he imagined.
Although she looked so young, what she pursued was not just to barely maintain the balance of the empire and be a tinker who patched things up and got by for another three years.
What she pursues is to restore the empire to its original appearance.
Even beyond the past.
"First."
Char raised a finger and spoke slowly.
"Your Highness, you are still only the second princess now."
"Although I know that there are indeed many people in the empire who believe that Your Highness can become the winner of the King's Selection Ceremony."
"But most of them are civilians, or middle and high-level officials of the military and the Administration Bureau. If we only look at their strength, they can indeed be called powerful."
"But when it comes to power and influence in the imperial capital, it is far from being comparable to those great nobles in the imperial capital."
There was a slight pause in Char's words.
"As far as I know, it's because of the iron-blooded methods you have shown in the past, Your Highness."
"Among the great nobles in the imperial capital today, the vast majority of them regard you as a thorn in their side."
"And your ideas will never be recognized by foreign countries and extraordinary forces." "For them, a divided and unstable empire is more in line with their interests."
Xia pointed his finger at Diris beside him, causing the girl to look at him in confusion with her innocent eyes.
Of course, after seeing the other party's succubus true form, Xia Ya would naturally no longer believe in her usual "pure" appearance.
"At least, if the identity of President Diris is exposed, Your Highness will definitely become the enemy of the Theocracy."
Isadella nodded noncommittally.
What Char said was indeed true.
Although Isadella has absolute confidence in herself, she is superior to other princes in character, political tactics, and even talent as a beastmaster.
But it is undeniable that the support she currently receives in the imperial capital is indeed not that much.
Several sworn families and great nobles have each chosen their own targets for support, and the princes' alliance and the church will never become her helpers.
"Before the King Selection Ceremony is completed, there will be a price to pay for placing a bet in advance—"
Char waved his hand.
“And the price may be heavy.”
"If the nobles who are following the lead place a bet, then even if they lose, they won't have to pay anything. After all, there are too many interests involved, and even the winner of the king's election will have concerns."
"But for a commoner like me, once I take a wrong step there is no turning back."
Although Char's words remained respectful throughout, they hinted at a hint of rejection.
This was also what Isadella had expected.
As the second princess of the empire, she knew very well how difficult it was to recruit talents.
From the information she knew, Xia Egut did not have a strong desire for power and fame.
In other words, Char does demand power, but what he cares about is only the actual benefits that power brings him, rather than the pleasure of holding power itself.
This also means that the empty promises that successive emperors have used to recruit talented people since ancient times have all lost their effectiveness.
"When we conquer this land, you and I will rule the world together."
"But it seems like there's no point in me having this world?"
Thus, the beautiful story of a wise ruler and his virtuous ministers came to an end.
However, Isadella naturally had her own reasons for coming to see Char in person.
Ceylon.
The origin of the opponent "Winter Flower" and the disaster that destroyed Ceylon.
And the "Scarlet Rose" Borgia family hidden behind the scenes.
Char's past meant that they had the same stance and there was a possibility of cooperation.
After all, the Borgia family is one of Isadella's biggest enemies currently in the imperial capital.
Of course, even so, Isadella was only 50% sure that she could succeed in recruiting him.
For a person with such a grand dream, no one knows how much he cares about his past.
If he really is a saint who is perfect except for lust, then hatred may not affect his choice.
However, just as Isadela was about to reveal Ceylon's last trump card.
The boy's voice rang in her ears again.
"So, Your Highness."
"I mean—"
"It costs extra money."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com