Children of the Holy Emperor Chapter 410

410. Head Tower (8)

Originally, the Holy Empire’s punitive force should have been out to the distant ocean by now. As soon as we arrived in Cyprus, we were scheduled to join the navy there and set sail immediately.

But for a moment, I was anxious about not being able to send a punitive force right away…

Unlike the first day, the council members began to continue to delay departure. The reason was that serious safety concerns were raised regarding the secret weapon, [Ancient Fire], which was scheduled to be the center of the operation.

First of all, the ships owned by the Cyprus Navy are made entirely of wood, and there are no suitable islands in the distant ocean to which they can urgently take refuge.

However, let’s say one of the ships catches fire due to poor management. Due to the nature of the [ancient fire] that spreads rapidly even on the water, it was obvious that other ships around would also be caught up in the fire.

It would not be enough to drown the large army that had been amassed in the deep sea, and if one were to make a mistake, one would also lose the precious prince and princess of the Holy Imperial Family.

If this actually happens, let alone the loss of the Navy itself, there will never again be a diplomatic problem as serious as this.

“General Lysander. “Isn’t the problem itself of leading the Navy and using chemical attacks that spread easily in water in the first place?”

Logan asked, trying to suppress his nervousness. Even at this moment, when the council’s debate continues sluggishly, the suffering of Cypriot citizens and Ortona refugees continues to grow day by day.

Lysander, who was asked the question, responded with a slightly confused look.

“Other than that, there is no other effective way to deal with the sea monsters, sir.”

Lysander of Helios.

He was the commander-in-chief of the Cyprus Navy, and was a veteran with experience of encountering and subduing sea monsters several times.

“I can tell you that their skin is tougher than that of any other whale in the world, and their fins that scuff the gunwales are enough to sink a fishing boat with a single blow. “It’s impossible to inflict proper damage with just spears and harpoons.”

“… … .”

“Fortunately, they are more vulnerable to fire than our military ships.”

But there was another reason why Logan was really impatient. In his view, the controversy over this [ancient fire] is only superficial.

Logan’s impressions from observing all of the council meetings so far were as follows.

‘It looks good. ‘So it was really unsightly for them to take the ancient fire recipe and set it up on their own.’

‘So what are you going to do? A fight between factions that show off their guts by saying, ‘Are you saying you won’t use our secret weapon now?’

And now the debate is slowly turning into ‘For safety’s sake, share ancient fire recipes with the world!’ Or give us something instead.

‘Who are you forcing this on now? If activity at the upper level declines and fishing operations cease, who do you think will dry out and die first? uh?’ It is showing signs of turning into a confrontation between factions.

This was a problem that resulted from the unique nature of Cyprus as a ‘confederation of cities’ united solely for profit, rather than as a unified country.

Rather than dwelling on immediate fishing losses, it is beneficial for your city in the long run to take advantage of the current situation and gain a relative advantage over other cities.

Naturally, the council members who represent them are bound to be more intent on taking away the handful of land under their feet rather than on the enemies outside the fence.

Logan’s complexion, which had been silently observing the unfolding situation, became paler as the days passed.

“Brother… … .”

Sisley looked up at Logan with a worried face. Because I knew very well how much he tried to suppress his impatience even while leading his punitive force to Cyprus.

But fortunately, Logan managed to maintain his composure in the situation.

“… I have suggested several times so far to hurry up, but there is no good reason to completely persuade them. “It is probably natural to ensure the safety of firearms before setting sail.”

Kuuk.

The hand holding Arjuna’s handle takes strength.

“But looking at the way things are going, it seems like the voices of those centered around Helios are still louder. If we leave it like this, there is a high possibility that we will sail smoothly with Elder Chryses at the center. “If we, as outsiders, try to urge them, we may end up delaying their decision due to unnecessary caution and hostility.”

Logan has long experience leading vocal Republican personnel and actually taking charge of the front lines.

So I knew it well. Let them talk about whatever they want, and it is much better to solve real problems.

“Lord Valerie.”

“Yes, sir?”

“Could you change the order of the church audit that was scheduled? Originally, we were planning to proceed step by step from Helios towards the northwest cities, but I think it would be better to disperse the personnel and audit several cities simultaneously.”

Logan decided to divert the attention of the council members who were busy fighting.

‘you. The plan was to create a sense of crisis, saying, “If you don’t do it properly and finish it, you won’t be given time to properly prepare for the Heresy Tribunal’s audit.”

“Of course, it will be difficult to conduct a high-intensity audit right away with dispersed personnel. So, just set the mood for now. “After we set sail, I will not stop you even if you gather again and dismantle each and every pillar of their church into powder.”

Then Sir Valerie asked back with a very embarrassed expression.

“Why are you telling me that, sir? “There is a separate person responsible for this audit.”

“… … .”

Logan looked at Sir Valerie blankly.

Although he is always teased by Lee Seong-jin for being a pushover, he is not completely oblivious. Every time I listen to the argument between his brother and Sir Valerie, there is bound to be something that comes to my mind.

-Reported to the Inquisition, Sir Valery. What was going around in eastern Anatolia was simply a plague. Don’t just send inquisitors to capture sick people.

-No, why are you telling me that, sir?

-Well, maybe you have a lot of influence in the Inquisition?

-… On what basis do you say that? I am only a junior inquisitor. I am definitely not the person you think I am!

Logan, who is sensitive to emotional changes in Auror, could not help but notice that the red-haired Inquisitor’s disgusted reply was a lie.

‘okay. Sir Valery has more influence within the Knights of St. Marsyas than I thought.’

And Logan’s judgment was appropriate. The very next day after making that request, the priests and inquisitors who had gathered in Helios to give thanks began to disperse to various cities.

“Thank you, Sir Valerie.”

“So you misunderstand, sir. “I have no idea about this.”

lie.

Logan didn’t comment on the matter any further, but simply patted the sulking Inquisitor on the shoulder.

This may be all that Logan can do as an outsider. The next thing to do is to do his ‘personal’ relief work with as much patience as possible until the council members’ feet fall on fire.

In this process, Logan’s increased ‘pocket money’ was used quite usefully.

“Lord, thank you so much.”

“You said you were from Delcross? There are still people like you in the Empire… … .”

“… “Thank you for your help.”

Ortona’s refugees, who received simple groceries, thanked Logan with extremely awkward expressions.

That wasn’t all. Sisley came with several priests and personally rolled up his sleeves. It was the time of a saint who had been doing volunteer work for a long time.

“Perhaps if we bring the paladins of the punitive force, we will be able to heal more people, brother.”

“That must be difficult, Sisley. What moves the paladins is a clear military action. “No matter how much of a relief effort it is for the citizens, if you don’t do it carefully, you will eventually face backlash from the council.”

As he wandered around the city, Logan was sometimes able to pick up information like this.

“Hey, how long do we have to wait for the boat to float? “It’s hard to even get a meal now, so how about we head north?”

“North? “What do you do there?”

“Didn’t you hear the rumor? I heard that if you go to the north, a certain merchant will arrange a job for you. “They don’t discriminate against Ortona refugees and the wages aren’t bad, so I think people are flocking to the north quite a bit recently.”

“huh? What is there to pay so many people? “Which top is it?”

“These days, the famous ‘Bertrand & Lee’ is hiring people. I found out that it was because of a project to repair a large mine shaft. That’s not the end. “I heard they even promised to use the workers as miners once the mine repairs were completed?”

“Miner… … .”

“If you don’t want to go there, a new large lumberyard upstream in the northwest is also fine.”

Every time he heard such stories, Logan couldn’t help but think of Mores, who confidently boasted in front of him.

-okay? This ‘Bertrán & Lee’ becomes a logistics transport passage connecting the northernmost tip of Ortona and the Imperial Capital!

-Northern Ortona?

-okay! Starting with ‘Bertrán & Lee’, we will gradually make Ortona’s economy self-reliant!

At the time, the guy was explaining so passionately that I could only half-heartedly respond. I was more concerned about whether he could go that far.

‘Yes, Mores. Maybe it really will turn out as you say.’

Of course, it was still difficult to be optimistic like this. Haven’t Logan experienced too many despairing times to just have hope?

It was around that time that council member Ambrose proposed this.

“Looking at the atmosphere, it looks like the punitive force will set sail safely in a few days. Before that, would you like to tour Cyprus with me and see the sights?”

* * *

Ambrose of Helios.

The son of Chryses, a powerful figure in Cyprus, and the youngest member of the council. He is better known to the world as the ‘Prince of Cyprus’.

After being caught up in an unexpected fire that happened not long ago, he showed some strange behavior.

– As an aside, I would like to express my thanks to both of you. If it weren’t for you, would I have survived until now? So, will you please stay at my father’s mansion this evening? I hope you give me a chance to repay this favor in some small way.

The justification seemed plausible. However, his father might not know, but isn’t this a suggestion that a critically ill patient with burns all over his body would make?

There was another strange thing.

In fact, he invited Logan and Sisley, but when the discussion fell through, he did not return to the mansion and continued to stay in the council building.

“Why doesn’t he go back home? Chryses of Helios is the most powerful person in Cyprus. “I’m sure his house has better medicine and better doctors than here.”

Seeing him undergoing arduous treatment in an uncomfortable location, Sisley expressed strong doubts.

“Perhaps it means that his mansion is not very safe.”

Logan’s answer was bitter. Quite a long time ago now. Because I was reminded of the relationship between King Ortona and his close friend Prince Benicio before they completely separated.

“There are cases in the world where parents and children are the biggest political enemies, Sisley.”

“… Yes, I see.”

Sisley’s face also darkens. This is because she recalled the contents of the [Delcross Chronicles], in which she ends up dying at the hands of the Holy Emperor.

Then, Ambrose, who had recovered to some extent, made a suggestion. He asked if I would like to tour Cyprus with him.

As expected, it was an unexpected proposal, but Logan thought it was a good opportunity.

There were limits to personal relief work, and it was not possible to wander around Cyprus alone as a prince of a foreign country.

‘In that case, it would be better to go with Councilor Ambrose and learn more about the situation of the Ortona refugees in Cyprus.’

Sisley also readily agreed.

Of course, a useless insectivore ran amok nearby.

[No, descendant! What have you been listening to me until now? How many times have I told you not to face that insidious person if possible? … !]

Logan easily ignored his words.

Even if Ambrosius had other plans, how could he, who had barely woken up from his illness, pull off such a trick in front of the Sword Master?

In this way, Logan and Sisley, along with Ambrose, took a small cruise ship and sailed down the Breeze River to its mouth.

“Okay, now we’re there. Mr. Logan, Mr. Sisley. “That building is the ‘Tower of the Head’ in Ambrosia, the most famous historic site in Cyprus.”

Ambrose smiled, pointing to the large gray tower.

Although he still had bandages wrapped around his body and had a limp on one leg, he was playing the role of an excellent guide for his siblings today.

The place he chose as the last famous place was the gray, gloomy ‘Muri Tower’.

“There is a ghost story that in ancient times, the heads of prisoners were really piled up. But now it is nothing more than an old and insignificant relic.”

Ambrosius added an explanation casually, but Logan frowned as he sensed a trace of subtle emotion in his remarks.

truth… And lies? What on earth?

That was it! Sisley, who was staring at the gray tower blankly, suddenly began to tremble as if he was startled by something.

“Brother!”

As Logan, startled, helped her up, Sisley grabbed his sleeve with a white face.

“There, there’s a head…” … !”

fantasy,