Sword Saint's Reincarnation

Book 3 Chapter 28: Delegation (2)

Jonathan blinked, then nodded seriously.

“As I thought, that question would be the one on your mind,” the man said. “It makes sense. I doubt a kingdom like Ceotha even had much contact with the previous Emperor, much less with the current one.”

Rylan nodded.

“That’s right,” he replied.

Jonathan took a deep breath, furrowing his brow.

“Very well, I’ll start with this. Why do you think the new Emperor is doing this? What’s your theory?”

Rylan stopped himself just before answering, choosing to give it more thought. He spent a few seconds in silence.

“…I don’t think a simple man would reach the position of ruler of the continent’s greatest nation. I doubt it’s just for the sake of conquest.”

Jonathan frowned and nodded.

“You’d be right. His methods are hateful, but I agree with you about Lucius. Now, how much do you know about this world?”

Rylan blinked twice, caught off-guard.

About the world?

It was a deeper question than he’d expected to receive. He also didn’t know how it was related to the Emperor’s conquest wars. Still, as he looked into Jonathan’s eyes, he could tell the man was completely serious.

“…Very little. Even though I became Damian’s disciple, I never obtained much information about the world.”

Jonathan nodded again.

“That would make sense. What I’m about to tell you isn’t the kind of information anyone in Ceotha would know, even though it’s an ally to our kingdom. You see, Mar has always been an outstanding kingdom, and this became especially true after our queen’s ascension,” Jonathan’s expression softened. “That was why we had contact with the Empire’s previous Emperor. He was a kind man, truly.”

Rylan waited for the man to continue without interrupting him.

“Among the many conversations that the previous Emperor, Gallus, had with our queen, he told her one critical piece of information.” Jonathan looked even more serious than before, his voice heavy. “We are not alone in this world.”

Rylan blinked as the words sank in.

Not alone?

“Our continent isn’t the only one that exists. It is surrounded by something called an ‘ocean,’ and beyond it, there is an unknown number of other lands.”

Silence.

Rylan’s mind raced.

In my previous life, it was the same.

It was the only reason why he wasn’t shocked out of his mind. In Roland’s world, there had been several continents, islands, and everything in between. It was a vast world with all kinds of different races, monsters, and locations. However, this was the first time he had been told this life’s world was the same.

Does Lucius intend to reach out to the other continents?

In that case, the conquest wars would make sense. He was trying to unify the continent before turning his sights to the lands across the seas.

“Unfortunately, that is the extent of our knowledge about the outside world,” Jonathan continued, snapping Rylan out of his thoughts. “Gallus only told our queen that much, maybe because he didn’t want her to worry. Everything I’m about to tell you from now on is only conjecture, but it is what we believe to be true.”

“Lucius wants to unify the continent, right?” Rylan interrupted. “Whether it’s because he wants to conquer the lands beyond the continent or whatever else, he wants to conquer this continent first.”

Jonathan blinked, then belatedly nodded.

“That is our theory. I’m glad you caught on quickly.”

Rylan rubbed his chin as the man went silent. The other four Mages looked dead serious, as well. His gaze moved away from Jonathan’s face.

Truly, dominating the continent before turning his sights to the rest of the world would be the most sensible move, even if the conquered kingdoms would need some time to adjust to the Empire’s banner.

Finally, the picture was becoming clearer in his mind. However, were things truly that simple? Was this everything Lucius was after? He didn’t know, and Mar’s delegation didn’t know either. It was possible that not even Catherina knew.

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There are things only the Empire is aware of.

The fact that Gallus had only told Catherina incomplete information was proof enough. It was likely the same for Mar’s knowledge of Mana Cultivation; they had pieced together what they could, but the Empire knew much more than they did. Rylan narrowed his eyes.

Would it be too much for me to assume the Empire knows about Aura?

The fact that he’d awakened Aura in this life was undeniable evidence that it could be done. He’d only done it much, much quicker than he should have because of his past life’s knowledge and mastery, and likely because of his own personal talent. In that case, with the Empire’s long history, it was entirely possible that some imperial Mage had awakened it, too.

I’ll need to think about this for some time.

Rylan looked back at Jonathan. The man was patiently waiting for him to gather his thoughts.

“So,” Rylan started. “Since it’s only a theory, Mar wants my support to stand against the Empire. Especially because no kingdom would want to deny their history and willingly be conquered by a dangerous man, who might be doing this for different reasons than we think he is.”

Jonathan nodded.

“Exactly. As I said, it’s only a theory. For all we know, Lucius might be going to war because of delusions of grandeur and a desire to dominate everything he can. There’s no way to know without talking to him, and the Emperor isn’t so easily reached, even for Her Majesty. The Gaidar Empire hasn’t tried to force its way into Mar yet, but it might simply be because of Her Majesty’s power.”

Rylan slowly nodded back. It was clear that the Empire had no issues with going to war to conquer a kingdom. He agreed with Jonathan’s assessment.

“And as I said, you’re extremely valuable. No one knows how powerful you can become, as the one who might be the continent’s greatest genius. As long as we have you as an ally, we can extend our conflict with the Empire as much as possible, all so you can have time to grow,” Jonathan continued. “Of course, we’re prepared to offer you as many benefits as we possibly can. We only ask that you help us if we need you.”

Rylan tilted his head.

“What kind of benefits?”

Jonathan shifted his weight as the Mages behind him traded glances, grinning. Were they happy because the conversation was heading in the direction they’d expected? Rylan had no trouble with that.

“For starters, Her Majesty has told us that she can guide you in whatever way she can, including when it comes to magic and mana. As you know, she far transcends your current master, objectively. Mar also holds domain over several higher-level Dungeons and territories, and we have a wide network of allies, all of which would be willing to help you with resources.”

Rylan nodded. So far, it was what he’d expected. Still, he appreciated Catherina’s willingness to guide him.

I’d have a teacher who’s a generational genius.

It was highly likely that her perspective on magic was entirely different from Damian’s, even though the old man was still a powerful Mage. Part of him couldn’t wait to hear her talk about it.

“Nevertheless, we’ll also be able to offer much greater protection to your loved ones. You’re currently Ceotha’s strongest fighter, but our kingdom can offer you protectors who are even stronger than yourself. This is especially important because you won’t be able to stay by your loved ones’ side if you want to Level up and become stronger,” Jonathan continued.

Rylan smiled.

That’s what I wanted to hear.

He couldn’t be in two places at the same time. If he delved into a Dungeon to become stronger, his family and friends needed to be protected. In Ceotha, there was no longer anyone capable of doing it – the imperial Mages were simply too powerful. This was part of the reason why he’d only delved into the Arid Wasteland and focused on teaching everyone he could.

But with Mar, that’s different.

He looked at Jonathan. A Seventh Circle Mage. Rylan didn’t know if he could beat the man, but at the very least, it would be a hard fight. With someone like that protecting his loved ones, he could go Level up without worrying, especially because the Empire didn’t seem to want to create an all-out war against Mar just yet.

To him, this was the most attractive part of taking Mar’s extended hand. His loved ones were this life’s greatest treasure, something he had spent almost a century without in his past life. In the end, even Theodore had turned his back on him. No matter what, he needed to keep them safe in this life.

And staying close to Mar and Catherina will allow me to have access to a much greater amount of knowledge, including everything they know about the outside world.

He made his decision.

Rylan extended his hand for a handshake with a smile on his face.

“It’ll be my pleasure to have an ally as dependable as the Kingdom of Mar, Jonathan,” he said. “I only hope you’ll stay by my side to the end.”

Jonathan blinked before breaking into a wide smile. The Mages behind him followed suit, with two of them even laughing out loud, their laughter filled with relief. Jonathan firmly shook Rylan’s outstretched hand.

“I swear we will,” the man replied. “As long as you don’t betray us and our agreement, we’ll never turn our backs on you. Her Majesty is actually quite eager to get to know you.”

Rylan nodded, keeping his smile. Of course, he didn’t fully trust the Kingdom of Mar. Even though their offer had been a great one, he wouldn’t do so until he personally got to know the people in power, especially Catherina, the most significant one. If, at any point, he got the feeling that Mar could be dangerous to his family and allies, he would break the alliance with no regrets.

Still, I have a good feeling.

Mar was desperate. They needed help against the Empire to survive and keep their sovereignty. It was the kind of desperation he could trust, especially because of what he’d lived through at the start of his previous life.

The desire to survive and protect something personal is among the greatest ones.

He doubted they would turn their backs on him, whom they considered to be the key piece they were missing.

“Thank you, Rylan,” Jonathan said after a few seconds of silence. “Thank you for trusting us.”

Rylan smiled at him.

“What now?”

Jonathan took a breath.

“Now, it depends on what you want to do. We’ll stay in Ceotha, if you would have us. The decision comes down to whether you want to stay here or head to our kingdom to meet Her Majesty and start becoming stronger under her wing and guidance. Regardless of your decision, I’ll stay here to protect the kingdom, especially if you decide to leave. Of course, you can also bring your family alongside you to our capital city and place them directly under our protection.”

Rylan rubbed his chin in thought. Both possibilities were great, but they presented different futures.

“I’ll stay here for now,” he replied after a couple of seconds. “There’s still a lot for me to teach. Once I feel this kingdom is in a good spot, I’ll talk to my family and friends about going to Mar.”

Jonathan smiled and nodded.

“Of course.”

Rylan took a breath, his mind racing with the possibilities. Once he finished granting as many people as he could a foundation in Mana Cultivation, he would head to Mar.

I wonder what kind of person Catherina is.

He couldn’t help but feel curious.