Chapter 1016, About 'Divine Artifacts'

"You... haven't changed at all."

You've aged a lot.

"I heard you're now called the 'Regent'? Your lofty ambitions from back then have finally transcended our antics and you've truly become the regent of the entire empire? Who gave you this power?"

"I don't really want to be this so-called regent. If I could, I'd rather go back to my hometown. But now our new empire has a new war general in charge of the empire's dark side expeditions. He's not our brother, but he has abilities that are no less than ours."

“I’ve met him, and Martins is indeed quite good. But I must correct you, the Empire does not have the position of War Marshal, nor is he one. His official title is ‘Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Dark Side Expedition,’ not some kind of Imperial War Marshal. Speaking of the so-called new Empire, I’d like to see what’s new about it, and how it differs from the Second Empire you created ten thousand years ago.”

"Come on, it's like you weren't part of those ridiculous things back then, 'Commander-in-Chief'." Robert even drew out the last two words.

The two were quite good at bickering, and Gu Hang watched from behind with an unchanged expression; in fact, his smile deepened.

Perhaps this is just how they get along.

Gu Hang didn't mind watching the show a little longer, but the two of them didn't continue arguing. The argument ended when Robert gave Leon a hug.

"It's so good to see you back, my brother."

"me too."

Gu Hang coughed lightly, a hint of regret in his voice, and said, "Let's get down to business. Your Highness, Lionheart, I noticed you wanted to 'see' what this so-called new empire is all about. Let me tell you..."

……

I already knew about the current state of the new empire, its vision, the difficulties it was facing, and the general historical context over the past ten thousand years... all of this, either on the road or when Leon was leading the rebel army.

But when Gu Hang explained the situation to him, he listened patiently and silently, trying to understand.

They were talking about the same things, but they were also very different.

Events, history, context, policies... these are all things that Leon had heard about and learned about on the road.

However, what Gu Hang said to him this time was completely different in terms of its level and depth from what he had heard and seen.

Gu Hang's discussion of the 'new empire' is from the perspective of the empire's rulers and administrators, which is a very different perspective and the content is more in-depth and essential.

He will provide a very detailed explanation of the new empire's current policies, as well as the various trade-offs and considerations behind these policies.

From this perspective, some decisions that Leon initially scoffed at, felt were wrong, or had problems with now seem reasonable.

These strategies may have many problems and hidden dangers, but they are necessary under objective conditions, or the least costly choice under compromise.

Leon had to admit that the so-called new empire was doing quite well.

In some respects, the new empire, though controlling only about half of the empire's territory, is more promising than the lifeless old empire before the cataclysm.

However, the naturally suspicious Leon will not so easily let go of his doubts.

Even after he woke up, and all the information he received from various sources matched up, he still instinctively remained skeptical.

The meeting did not last very long.

Even though Gu Hang, who has come here, is just an avatar, he cannot focus his attention on this place for too long, as it will affect his other work.

And Robert, needless to say, is another story.

The Unyielding Expedition has been underway for quite some time. He is the Regent of the Empire and the Supreme Commander of the Unyielding Expedition, overseeing the entire operation. Even the Empire's covert 'war commander,' Mattins, must report the progress and situation of the covert expedition to him.

He is really busy.

If it weren't for his brother's return, which excited him greatly and was crucial to the future of the empire, he wouldn't have been able to spare such a long time to talk with Leon.

Leon understood their current situation. He didn't waste any more of their time, but he didn't make a decision immediately either.

Although he was indeed to fight for the Empire, his responsibilities to the Emperor and to humanity were not lessened by his ten thousand years of slumber.

He will fight for the empire. As for whether he is actually fighting for this so-called 'new empire', he has already made a rough judgment.

However, there is one more thing he needs to do before making a decision.

"I want to see the Emperor."

……

There is certainly no problem with the Son of God wanting to see the Emperor.

Although the Emperor has long since ascended to heaven, his golden throne remains at the very heart of Terra's palace. Despite being empty, the throne itself is the only means of communication with the Emperor.

Although this connection is highly unstable, very 'religious,' and more like divine revelation requiring interpretation and understanding, in most cases, there is actually no response at all, or the response is completely incomprehensible…

But if one wishes to have an audience with the emperor, this is the only way.

What kind of enlightenment or divine intervention was received depended on the emperor and the individual's understanding.

After a detailed conversation with Yan Xinzhen, the commander of the Imperial Guards, he came before the Golden Throne and knelt on one knee.

……

The audience with the Lionheart lasted for a day and a night.

After he came out, he remained silent and never spoke to anyone about the audience.

His brother Robert had left the Holy Terra and returned to the front lines through the Veil Spirit Gate.

However, the royal guards stationed outside the throne room told him that Gu Hang was waiting for him.

Back in the conference room, he met Gu Hang.

The moment he stepped into the conference room, Gu Hang's somewhat blank face instantly became lively.

Leon looked at Gu Hang with a complicated expression.

Having learned more, he could no longer treat Gu Hang the same way he had before.

After composing himself, he asked directly, "In the new empire, is there anything I can do to help?"

Gu Hang said, "There really is something."

"We discovered that the Angels of Death were gathering abnormally. We were already planning to solve this problem, but your appearance has provided a better candidate to solve it."

"My children?"

"Yes, this matter dates back a long time, but I think you know some of the details even better than I do..."

“We can start by talking about the Death Angel’s home planet, ‘Knight Star,’ and about the ‘artifacts.’”

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

My recent updates have been a bit lackluster, I'm reflecting on that...

It's almost finished; only one last plot point remains, a difficult ending.

(End of this chapter)