Imperial Throne

Chapter 178 : Celebration of Rebirth

Chapter 178: Celebration of Rebirth

"Monica."

A weary and feeble voice slowly rang out.

"Grandfather, I’m here," Monica quickly replied.

"I feel a bit cold. Add more charcoal," Marquis Visen's voice wheezed like a bellows, each word punctuated by pauses for breath.

Monica glanced around the room at the dozen or so charcoal braziers and the enormous fireplace. Logs and charcoal burned intensely, and the room was already swelteringly hot. Monica had to hydrate heavily and change clothes every thirty minutes just to endure the heat.

"Alright," Monica answered, then instructed the servants to add more fuel to the braziers and the fireplace.

However, the room's temperature was already at its peak. Adding more wood wouldn’t significantly raise it further.

Soon, another team of servants entered and began changing Marquis Visen’s bedding.

The extreme heat had another effect: cold water continuously seeped from Marquis Visen’s body.

This wasn’t ordinary water, but a product of some special bloodline power. While the high temperature hindered its attempt to freeze into frost, it still emitted an intense cold aura. The chilling energy persistently sought to freeze everything in the room, inevitably causing a drop in temperature.

The frost could only be cleared when firewood and charcoal were being added in large quantities; otherwise, the sudden burst of frost would freeze the entire room.

Marquis Visen moved slightly.

But even a minor motion rendered him unable to continue. He could only lie in bed, gasping.

Monica quickly stepped forward and helped her grandfather sit up.

A surge of frost spread from Marquis Visen and swept toward Monica, forcing her to activate her bloodline power and envelop herself in armor to resist the icy attack.

Thankfully, the frost was essentially inert, reacting only instinctively. Otherwise, considering Marquis Visen’s Sixth-Tier strength left him nearly helpless, Monica might have died the moment she touched it.

"Grandfather, are you feeling any better?"

Marquis Visen gave a slight nod.

Even such a small gesture seemed to drain all his energy. Only after a long silence did he find the strength to speak again: "Is it nighttime already? Did I sleep for that long?"

Monica was stunned.

Everyone in the room froze.

Every face displayed disbelief. Some even showed sorrow.

"What is it?" Marquis Visen suddenly asked.

Monica looked at the bright sky outside. Tears welled in her eyes and silently fell. Without a word, she signaled the servants to leave and instructed someone to call her father and Knight Commander Dean Seia.

"It’s nothing. A servant accidentally knocked something over," Monica said, suppressing her grief. "It’s a bit late. Are you hungry, Grandfather? I’ll have the kitchen prepare some food right away."

"If it’s the first mistake, forgive him. Everyone makes mistakes," Marquis Visen said haltingly. "If it’s the second time..."

"Then he must be punished, to understand the importance of rules," Monica continued, picking up his words. "If it’s the third time, the punishment will depend on the severity—from expulsion to hanging, there is always a fitting sentence."

"Yes," Marquis Visen smiled with satisfaction. "This is what my grandfather taught me. I have always taught you the same."

Monica smiled and replied, "Yes."

She said no more, but she knew the Kasein Family had long since abandoned such leniency. One mistake from a servant could lead to expulsion at best—many never lived to make a second.

Soon,

Her father, Tyrot Kasein, and Knight Commander Dean Seia arrived.

As for the other Fourth-Tier bloodline user of the Red Eagle Territory, Wade Kasein, he was not in the Red River Territory at the moment but overseeing fortress construction in the Bayor Territory. That territory served as the granary of the entire Red Eagle Territory—its importance was unquestionable. Monica would rather ruin Bayor Territory’s scenic beauty with a war fortress than regret it later when small Aust Empire units invaded the Red Eagle Territory from the south.

As for other members of the Kasein Family, many had gathered in the Red River Territory, but few were qualified to visit Marquis Visen at this time.

"Who’s here?" Marquis Visen suddenly asked. "It’s too dark in here. Why haven’t you lit more lamps?"

"Father, it’s me," Tyrot hurriedly replied.

Knight Commander Dean also spoke up.

"Oh, it's Tyrot and Dean," Marquis Visen repeated again. "Why haven't you lit more lamps?"

"Father, Knight Eric said your current condition is not suited to a bright environment," Tyrot took a deep breath and said in a solemn tone, "We’ve worked hard to ensure the charcoal fires don’t affect you."

At that moment, Marquis Visen suddenly fell silent.

After a moment, he slowly spoke, "I’ve gone blind, haven’t I?"

"Grandfather." Monica finally couldn’t hold back her sobs.

"You are already the Marquis of the Red Eagle Territory. Why are you crying?" Marquis Visen took a deep breath and said firmly, "Be mindful of your status and identity."

A powerful aura suddenly erupted from Visen Kasein’s body.

The frost surrounding him and the extreme exhaustion that had gripped him were instantly suppressed by his aura, and he was no longer gasping for breath but spoke with sharp clarity.

"I’ve only been back from the front lines for fifteen years, right? That’s half of what I had expected. I thought I’d have thirty. The Bourbon Family once had a famous saying—I had forgotten it, but now I remember... They said, ‘You never know whether tomorrow or an accident will arrive first.’ It seems my accident came first."

"Father..."

"My Lord Marquis..."

"I am no longer the marquis, Dean," Visen Kasein shook his head.

"No," Dean said solemnly, "In my eyes, you will always be my Lord Marquis!"

"Hahaha." Marquis Visen laughed heartily. "In truth, it might have been better had you stayed in Grom’s army. Following me actually stifled your potential."

"That was a wild wolf that could never be tamed," Dean sneered. "Without you, Marquis, he wouldn’t have his current position. ...During that battle, if his reinforcements hadn’t arrived a day late, you wouldn’t have been so gravely wounded!"

"Say no more," Visen shook his head. "The royal family is dispatching the Southern Region border troops to assist the Western Region in resisting the Aust Empire’s invasion. That news came from him. That’s why I told Monica to build a war fortress in the Bayor Territory as quickly as possible. When full-scale war breaks out, the Aust Empire will definitely push south. Without the fortress, if they gain a foothold in Bayor Territory, the losses to the Red Eagle Territory would be catastrophic."

Bayor Territory’s economy was sustained by its grain and slave trade. The annual grain production not only covered all expenses for the Red Eagle Territory but also supplied over half of the Southern Region’s grain exports.

Back when the Bourbon Family controlled the Red Eagle Territory, their emphasis on Bayor Territory even exceeded the current Gem Territory.

Thus, if the Aust Empire entrenched themselves in Bayor Territory, they would no longer face food shortages. If that intelligence were reported back, the Aust Empire might even shift their strategic focus and launch a full offensive on Bayor Territory. Hence, building a war fortress there became the central priority for Monica after inheriting the Red Eagle Territory. She had to finish it before war escalated dangerously near.

"Dean, I must trouble you to look after Monica in the future."

"My Lord Marquis." Dean's expression darkened.

But Marquis Visen could no longer see.

He looked forward and said again, "Tyrot, Monica is your daughter. You should know what needs to be done."

"I understand, Father," Tyrot nodded.

"Hans, Wade, and Arsen—did they not come?"

At Marquis Visen’s question, Monica, Dean, and Tyrot were all momentarily stunned.

Hans Kasein had already fallen in battle. There was no way Marquis Visen would forget that, yet he still asked for Hans—what that meant was obvious.

Monica’s eyes reddened instantly.

"Wade is overseeing the fortress construction in Bayor Territory, so he couldn’t come. Arsen is managing family affairs in Eaglehead Territory. Since I’m here, someone with weight must stay there. No one knows what those clan elders might do otherwise."

Joshua Kasein was Arsen Kasein’s son, and Arsen had long believed it was those elders who caused his son’s death, making his relationship with the current elders of the Kasein Family extremely strained. In fact, he shouldn’t have been assigned to Eaglehead Territory, but since his grandson John Kasein was receiving family education there, he insisted on watching over him personally.

"Hans... also has a secret mission to carry out." Ultimately, Tyrot concealed Hans’ death.

"They’re all busy. That’s good. Very good," Marquis Visen nodded in satisfaction. "It means our Kasein Family continues to grow stronger."

At that moment, no one spoke.

Everyone silently watched Marquis Visen, their faces grief-stricken—for it was clear that his memory was now completely disordered.

"Monica."

"Grandfather."

"The Soderbell Family is in White Mountain Territory. Once I’m gone, that old fool Shuvaric will definitely retaliate. Some things may be unspoken, but they’re understood. Before the Southern Region border troops are officially mobilized, the Red Eagle Territory may still face another war," Marquis Visen said gravely. "I’ve sacrificed too many vassals who once swore loyalty to our Kasein Family. So remember, you must never abandon or sacrifice White Mountain Territory or the Soderbell Family."

"I understand, Grandfather," Monica nodded. "If the Fertile Plains launch an attack, I’ll organize a counteroffensive immediately."

"If you wait until then, it’ll be too late," Marquis Visen shook his head. "Start now. Mobilize the guards from Eaglehead Territory. The Red River Territory is immovable, but Red Soil Territory forces can be mobilized... Monica, you’re lacking in military ability. Listen more to your father and Dean."

"Yes, I will, Grandfather," Monica responded tearfully. "I’ll follow their advice."

"Remember, I’ve already borne some of the blame and infamy for you. Once you officially inherit the Red Eagle Territory, you must immediately purge all the flawed policies I deliberately left behind. Do you understand?" Marquis Visen said solemnly. "And you must form a marriage alliance with the Soderbell Family. Bind them to our interests completely. Understand?"

"I understand," Monica nodded. "Angelina is already engaged to Aches."

"Angelina? Who’s that?" Marquis Visen was puzzled. "Do we have a child by that name?"

"She’s Lukas’ daughter," Tyrot explained.

Angelina Kasein was Hans Kasein’s granddaughter, making her Tyrot’s grandniece.

Tyrot had a closer relationship with Hans than with Wade or Arsen, who had the Berserk Ape Bloodline. So naturally, he favored Hans’ descendants. Especially now that Angelina was engaged to Aches Soderbell. If Tyrot’s daughter bore a girl, their faction would be fully united with the Soderbell Family, greatly enhancing their influence within the Kasein Family.

Yet Tyrot’s words only deepened Monica’s sorrow.

When Angelina had come from Eaglehead to Red River Territory, she had lived there for a year and interacted frequently with Marquis Visen. Yet in the end, he hadn’t remembered her.

Her sadness stemmed not only from seeing her grandfather decline but also from his inability to remember Angelina.

"Monica," Marquis Visen suddenly grabbed Monica’s hand. "The Kasein Family is now in your hands. Even if you can’t expand it, you must not let it weaken. Do you understand?"

"I understand, Grandfather," Monica sobbed and nodded. "I will never let the Kasein Family decline in my hands! I’ll give everything I have to keep it going!"

"You’ve endured a lot," Marquis Visen seemed to want to raise his hand to stroke Monica’s head, but just as he lifted it, he abruptly realized he could no longer see anything and let it fall again.

At that moment, Monica suddenly reached out and grasped Marquis Visen’s hand.

She held it tightly, as if trying to prove something.

Marquis Visen was momentarily stunned.

A hint of hesitation crossed his face, but in the end, he didn’t say what he had originally intended. Instead, he spoke, "After I die, don’t announce it immediately. There’s no need to hold a funeral either. That should buy you at least another year... If a year passes and war with the Aust Empire hasn’t broken out yet, then even if no funeral is held, that old Shuvaric will suspect something. But if the war has begun, then at least until the conflict with the Aust Empire ends, Shuvaric definitely won’t send troops against the Red Eagle Territory."

"Father!"

"Grandfather! This won’t do!"

Tyrot and Monica vehemently objected to Marquis Visen’s suggestion.

As the former commander of the Southern Border Army of the Tyrella Kingdom, Lord of the Red Eagle Territory, a kingdom marquis, and a Sixth-Tier bloodline user—Visen Kasein’s name might not have been renowned across the entire kingdom, but within the noble circles of the Southern Region, it was widely known. So once he died, countless eyes would be on the event. If they kept it secret and couldn’t even hold a proper burial, others might not mock the Kasein Family, but they would certainly mock Visen Kasein.

"Do you think I need that kind of reputation?" Marquis Visen suddenly laughed. "I’ll be dead—what does reputation matter? Being looked down upon or underestimated means nothing. As long as you’re the one who ultimately wins, you can laugh at everyone else... Being mocked doesn’t cost you anything. But if we go to war with the Fertile Territory, we will suffer heavy losses!"

"Monica, remember, all sacrifices must yield results. If something is destined to bring nothing, then being mocked doesn’t matter. What matters is striking back powerfully later," Marquis Visen said solemnly. "We don’t have deep foundations, nor do we have many burdens to consider... If others laugh at the Kasein Family, so be it. We’ll settle the score in the future. Neither I, nor you, nor our next successor has the right to demand honor."

"Monica, you must remember, the Kasein Family cannot afford to act on emotion right now. As long as something benefits us, we can try it. But if it doesn’t... no matter what promises others make, you don’t need to pay them any mind!"

Monica bit her lip, her expression filled with reluctant frustration.

But Marquis Visen no longer continued the topic and instead suddenly turned toward the window. "Why is it so noisy outside?"

"Father, today is the Celebration of Rebirth."

"The Celebration of Rebirth... Is it a new year again?" Marquis Visen’s voice was suddenly filled with nostalgia. "That’s wonderful."

Marquis Visen suddenly coughed lightly.

Puffs of cold mist escaped from his mouth.

Immediately afterward, frost began rapidly seeping from the pores of his skin, condensing into ice across his body. In an instant, most of Marquis Visen’s body had frozen into an ice sculpture.

Monica, Tyrot, and Dean cried out in shock.

But Marquis Visen seemed not to hear them. He only stared out the window, a faint smile on his face.

"So, it’s morning..."

...

"First, let us warmly welcome the arrival of two guests at today’s Celebration of Rebirth banquet."

Cynthia, seated at the head of the long dining table, rose. She tapped a fork lightly against her wine glass to draw everyone’s attention before smiling and speaking.

"Baroness Anna Billy, Lord of the Gem Territory, and our eternal ally from the White Mountain Territory... Let us toast to Baroness Anna."

Anna rose with a smile, nodding politely to everyone.

The others raised their glasses in unison, offering congratulations and words of welcome before downing their drinks.

Today, Cynthia sat at the head. To her left sat her husband, Yam Soderbell, followed in order by Sherry, Sien, Borm, Roda, Kalel, Yorles, and other Bloodline Knights. To the right were Ion Soderbell, Jinna, Aches Soderbell, Angelina Kasein, Cindy Soderbell, Akar Soderbell, Anna Billy, and Liam Soderbell.

Originally, Cindy was not meant to sit there, but she insisted on sitting beside Angelina, and the others let her be.

In fact, everyone had long grown accustomed to seeing Cindy seated next to Angelina.

"The second guest is Miss Angelina Kasein, our young Master Aches’ fiancée."

Angelina’s face flushed red at once.

Still, she took a deep breath and bravely stood up, raising her glass of juice—only she, Cindy, and Liam had juice; everyone else had wine—and thanked everyone before downing it in one gulp.

She drank too quickly and choked slightly.

Aches reached out to help, but Cindy was quicker, patting Angelina’s back to help her breathe.

Aches could only awkwardly retract his hand and pretend to scratch his head.

The Bloodline Knights and Yam, sitting across the table and observing Angelina, immediately noticed Aches’ awkwardness, and everyone burst into good-natured laughter.

Cynthia also smiled helplessly and shook her head.

She often worried about her daughter’s behavior, but there were things best left unsaid. After all, Aches and Angelina’s relationship had only just begun to warm yesterday—any ill-timed comment might ruin their budding connection.

"I never imagined I’d be giving a speech at the Celebration of Rebirth here."

"I still remember the last Celebration of Rebirth in the White Mountain Territory. The one who spoke then was my father, Baron Ster."

"Like I once said, he might not have been a good father, but he was a good lord. Under his rule, the White Mountain Territory never missed a single Celebration of Rebirth. Unlike me... It’s taken all these years of governance to finally hold my first one."

Yam reached out and gently held Cynthia’s hand.

Cynthia turned her head and returned a smile.

"I know none of you want to hear me ramble. Like my father used to say, during a festival, there’s only one sentence you need to say—and that is: ‘Let the celebration begin.’ So I won’t say anything more."

Cynthia raised her wine glass.

"But I must say this one thing... I sincerely thank each of you for your efforts and dedication over the past year. Because of you, the White Mountain Territory has finally felt a peace and stability long absent. I sincerely hope that in every year to come, we can gather here again for the Celebration of Rebirth."

Then Cynthia drained her glass. "Let the celebration begin!"

"Oh!"

Everyone burst into joyous cheers.

Yam looked around at everyone reveling.

He watched as Akar and Anna exchanged glances, quietly holding hands. He was even glad there were no outsiders or servants in the dining hall right then.

He watched as Aches and Angelina shared a glance, and Aches picked up some mild vegetables for her.

He watched as Cindy placed a honey-glazed meat cut on Angelina’s plate.

He watched Angelina blush, looking conflicted, before Aches swapped plates with her, prompting Cindy to wail in protest.

He watched Liam gorge himself and, thinking no one was watching, sneak a sip of wine, only to stick out his tongue in reaction.

He watched as laughter and joy filled the dining hall.

Yam felt deeply moved.

"The Soderbell Family has successors."

"How wonderful."