Chapter 331 The Passion of the Empire
The setting sun slowly sank into the horizon following the wheels of the carriage, and twilight enveloped the Valencian family's manor like a gauze.
This majestic building stands tall and unshakable like the unshakable power of the empire for thousands of years, standing on the outskirts of the Holy City.
Different from Hilfin Manor located on Sage Street, there are no streets and no fashionable house numbers.
The Valencia family is the only door here, and it is said that five hundred years ago, this place itself was a castle. It was not until the Holy City expanded to this area that the Valencia family demolished the castle walls and turned it into a manor.
In the tea room on the second floor of the manor, Albert Valencia and "Regent" Granville Botha were sitting leisurely in front of the tall floor-to-ceiling windows.
There is a silvery tea set on the coffee table, and the rose-colored tea soup is slowly swaying in the crystal clear bone china cup.
Abbott narrowed his eyes slightly and looked at the carriage slowly driving into the courtyard, with some sincere admiration in his tone.
"I didn't expect Prince Colin to be so young. I originally thought that the rumors would be somewhat exaggerated, but I didn't expect that what I saw with my own eyes was even more incredible than the rumors."
The carriage of the Sylfen family ran over the gravel path, making a low and fine rumble sound.
Out the window, the servants in the garden have lined up neatly, waiting respectfully aside, quietly waiting for the arrival of the guests.
Hearing this, Granville chuckled, twirled the teaspoon in his hand with his index finger, and said slowly: "Indeed, platinum-level power is beyond the reach of many nobles who struggle throughout their lives. A young man like him is probably rare to find in a hundred years."
The relationship between the Porta family and the Valencia family has a longer history than the Valencia family's manor, and can even be traced back to the First Era a thousand years ago.
Although there is a slight age difference between Granville and Abbott, there is no barrier between them when they talk, just like close friends.
In fact, it was Abbott's support that made Granville the regent.
Although the Porta family is prominent, it is still far behind the Valencia family. Whether it is the foundation of history or the foundation of extraordinary power, the latter is the absolute T0 of the entire Holy City.
Even though as the head of the family, Abbott himself is not known for his extraordinary powers.
Looking at the carriage outside the window, Granville put down the teaspoon in his hand, paused for a moment and then continued.
"To be honest, a platinum-level man in his early twenties, even if he is shaded by his ancestors, his strength is quite impressive. Even if you tell me that he is Lord Saint Sith's divine choice, I will believe it without a doubt."
"Who knows? It's hard to say. You guessed it right," Abbott smiled softly and continued with bright eyes, "otherwise it would be difficult to explain why he is so perfect...whether it is the nobility of his soul, his elegant conversation and behavior, and the most valuable emphasis on tradition and honor. It is no wonder that the Sylfen family is so interested in him."
"The defender of the traditional noble honor." Granville nodded slowly, with approval in his eyes, and continued, "This is exactly the power our Senate needs."
Today, all forces in the Holy City are competing with each other. The military faction continues to expand its influence among the civilians in the name of loyalty, while the Holy See faction is ambitious and covets secular power.
If the senatorial nobles can establish a strong alliance with Prince Colin, they can at least curb the ambitions of all parties.
The carriage outside the window finally stopped steadily. The servants opened the door respectfully, and the first person to step out of the carriage was a pair of shiny black boots.
The lights in front of the manor's gate also gradually lit up at the same time, making the young and tall figure even more eye-catching, just like the pairs of eyes focused on him.
Glanville and Abbott looked at each other, with tacit smiles on their faces, and put the bone china tea cup back on the tray.
"It's time to greet our guests."
Night enveloped the entire manor, but the arrival of Prince Colin lit a bright light for the road ahead of the Senate.
It's just that this lamp illuminates not only the empire's elders, but also the devout believers who see the invisible light emanating from Prince Colin.
On the terrace of the Valencia family manor, the evening breeze was slightly cool, and the gorgeous glazed chandelier softly cast a warm yellow halo, playing a soothing prelude to the upcoming feast.
Count Cassit Hilfin stood by the carved stone railing, with a gentle smile on his face, holding half a glass of amber wine in his hand, and quietly watching his carriage stopped not far away.
Beside him, a man standing straight and well-dressed looked surprised and praised without hesitation.
"I have always heard people say that Prince Colin is young and promising, and today he is truly well-deserved!"
After a pause, he couldn't help but say.
"Achieving platinum-level strength at such a young age, even with a prominent family background, is not an easy task... Did he successfully defeat any demon king?"
This person's name is Tuodwen Abor - this name is also a well-known name in Osland.
In addition to titles such as "Leader of the Silver Hand Adventure Group" and "Unfathomable Baron" that are familiar to countless adventurers, he himself is also the president of the Adventurer Guild Association!
As we all know, the Adventurer's Guild is run by the Holy See. In other words, Mr. Tuodewen not only has a baron establishment with the Emperor, but also has an establishment with Saint Sith.
Kasit laughed when he heard this.
"How can there be so many demon kings to fight against, and besides, the continent of Janna has just broken free from the dragon god's barrier... But I have heard that the continent of Janna is a land of barren mountains and harsh waters, with countless dangerous monsters and poisonous insects, as well as primitive lizard people tribes that drink blood. There should be no shortage of opportunities for experience."
Tuo Dewen nodded, agreeing with this statement.
Then, he withdrew his gaze from the terrace and looked at Cassit again, and said with interest.
"You seem to know him very well."
"I don't know much about him, but compared to you, I do have more contact with him."
When he said this, Cassit smiled slightly, with some inner appreciation in his eyes, and said in a relaxed tone.
"Moreover, I am more surprised by his achievements in the field of art than his extraordinary power. The day before yesterday, I learned from Baron Harvey Medea that when he was painting for Prince Colin, he had a discussion with Prince Colin about artistic techniques and genres. His understanding of abstract art...even Baron Medea is ashamed of himself."
"Even Baron Medea is ashamed of himself?!"
Tuo Dewen raised his eyebrows, showed an interesting expression, and continued.
"This... this is too surprising."
As a member of Vanity Fair in the Holy City, although he does not often interact with artists, he has also heard about Baron Medea's miraculous painting skills.
As far as the Pope's own evaluation is concerned, Baron Medea is the only person who can make the canvas come alive like a magic photo with his pure painting skills.
That is art so pure that it reaches the depths of the soul!
In this field, he is the only one!
"That's not all that surprises me," Kassite took a leisurely sip of wine, "In short, both I and His Majesty the Pope are quite satisfied with him."
Art and religion are inseparable. Both are reflections of the human spiritual world, but one is projected onto the canvas and the other onto the scriptures.
Since before the First Era, the Holy See of St. Sith has been the patron of artists in the Holy City. Even until two hundred years ago, artists throughout the Holy City made a living by painting churches.
Including the Imperial Academy of Arts.
So many art schools have only happened in the past two hundred years. Basically, the most well-known painters before that are priests, or people related to priests.
Hence, from the perspective of the Holy See, a family that understands art and values the education of their children naturally has the attribute of piety.
To describe it in one sentence - his character is as perfect as the textbook of the Royal Academy of Arts!
At least in his eyes.
The smile on Tuo Dewen's face gradually deepened, and he said understandingly: "It seems that he is not only powerful, but also quite delicate in mind. Such a person must have great influence on both the Senate and the imperial army, as well as the Or for us, the Holy See, they are all worth fighting for."
Cassit smiled slightly, with a secret and confident light in his eyes: "The Adventurer's Guild must also be interested in this young prince, right?"
Tuodewen laughed heartily and said without concealment: "That's right, Your Excellency, Earl! I have always wanted to talk to Prince Colin about opening an Adventurer's Guild branch in the continent of Janna! The Colin family has a huge power in the continent of Janna. If we can get their support, our work will be much smoother... I wonder if you are willing to do a favor?"
Kassite nodded gently, with a gentle smile on his face.
"Why not? I will be happy to introduce you. I think with His Highness Colin's devotion to Saint Sith, he will definitely not refuse such a thing."
The Adventurer's Guild's expansion of overseas business is something the Holy See would like to see, and he is of course willing to act as a lobbyist to bridge the gap between the two.
Tuo Dewen was overjoyed when he heard this, his eyes showed a hint of excitement uncontrollably, and he raised the wine glass in his hand happily.
"Great! It's up to you to pull the strings, this matter must be settled!"
Kassite smiled and clinked glasses with him, accepting the favor without saying a word.
I think tonight must be a fruitful night...
...
While the people of the Holy See were thinking about how to establish a deeper bond with this young and promising prince, the officer faction of the empire was not willing to lag behind.
Just at the entrance of the main building of the manor, which was crowded with people and birds, two men with completely different temperaments stood among a group of colorful and lively people in luxurious clothes.
They are also wearing noble clothes, but the same clothes are pierced with sharp edges like blades, just like military uniforms without ranks.
One of the middle-aged men with black hair and a resolute face is Marshal Rako Aberg, known as the "Black Iron Eagle". The man with fiery red hair standing next to him is the commander of the Legion, Julian Keller, the president of the "Red Shield Brotherhood".
The so-called "Red Shield Brotherhood" is not an organization like the Adventurer's Guild, but an unofficial club organized by middle- and lower-level officers. The organization draws on the Adventurer's Guild of the Holy See, and the core refers to the large and small "invitation-based" salons in the Holy City.
The purpose of its establishment was originally to help veterans solve their livelihoods in the second half of their lives. Later, as the number of people increased, it naturally developed into a political entity where civilian officers helped each other.
From the standpoint of the aristocracy, this is of course evil. After all, it is only natural for the aristocrats to stick together. It is the friendship between their ancestors and it is for the cohesion of the empire. What do a group of cannon fodder want to do together?
However, although the Senate has criticized and criticized the Red Shield Brotherhood a lot, since these "Emperor's godsons" are under the banner of being loyal to the Emperor, it is difficult for the Emperor's true sons to say anything.
Over time, as the Eberg family with the "demigod inheritance" disagreed with the mainstream nobles, they were gradually squeezed to the side of the young officers. The originally weak military officer faction immediately became a rising force -
They represented the citizens whose voices had been suppressed for a long time.
If the nobles and clergy still had some half-hearted reservations about winning over Roxsay Colin, then they would win him over to their side at all costs.
In fact, they are already doing it.
General Hamelton invested a lot of resources in Deadwood Port regardless of the cost. It was impossible to do it with his own strength and the face of a few letters.
He felt that he was not on the same side, but in fact he was on Marshal Rako Aiberg's team from beginning to end, it was just that the people who used him were not interested in criticizing him.
"…The news from General Hamelton is indeed not an exaggeration," Marshal Laco put his hands behind his back and stared straight at the prince who was getting off the carriage. The more he looked at it, the more he appreciated it, "You already have platinum level strength at such a young age. It would be great if he was the general under me."
Julian laughed and said with a hint of joking in his tone.
"Haha, isn't it too humiliating to ask a prince to be your general?"
"I'm just saying this," Marshal Laco grinned, paused for a moment, and continued with squinted eyes, "There are many young nobles in the empire who have strength, but it is rare for someone with such strength and reputation to be unanimously recognized by all forces."
More than that -
What is even rarer is his loyalty!
Hitchhik Not to mention the nobles who are sucking blood from the empire, even within the officer faction there are a large number of corrupt people who are only seeking profit.
However, this Colin is different.
He does not regard money as dirt like a moral freak, but he also has a strict bottom line and good ethics regarding "what money can be earned and what money cannot be earned."
This is the most valuable thing.
What the nobles of the empire lack most is a bottom line. Their willfulness for power has corroded the foundation of the empire. However, the Eberg family just expressed dissatisfaction with this and was excluded from the circle and was not tolerated by the mainstream.
… According to Hamelton, when he was in Deadwood Port, this prince not only helped the empire solve the urgent supply problem, but also showed extraordinary organizational and management skills. The most important thing is that he is not as arrogant and arrogant as ordinary nobles, and always maintains sufficient respect for the soldiers. Such pragmatic and well-educated nobles are almost rare animals in the empire." Julian couldn't help but admired.
If the nobles of the empire were like this prince, he would not be so disgusted with these hypocritical and pedantic guys.
Marshal Laco saw the bottom line and integrity, while what he saw was pragmatism and respect.
Of course——
The most important thing is the land.
The value of imperial warriors lies in opening up territory for the empire.
Not only that, in terms of practical interests, the vast unenfessed territories outside the vast ocean do fall within the sphere of influence of the "officer faction".
This is also their biggest bargaining chip to compete with the Senate and the Holy See.
Marshal Laco nodded slowly.
"That's why the empire's army does not judge heroes by their bloodline, but only by whether a person is capable and responsible. If this young prince can truly stand on our side, it will undoubtedly be a huge help to the future reform of the empire."
When he said this, he paused for a moment, with a faint smile on his face, and continued.
"Since the man is already here, let's not chat here. Let's go and chat with him directly."
Julian thought the same and nodded happily.
However, just as the two were about to step forward, they saw two familiar figures appearing under the gate of the main building of the manor.
I saw the owner of the manor, Albert Valencia, and the "Regent" Granville Botha walking side by side, with friendly smiles on their faces, and they actually welcomed them out of the banquet hall door.
This move instantly caused whispers from the surrounding crowd.
Marshal Raco raised his eyebrows and chuckled: "I didn't expect the people of the Senate to be so proactive. It seems that our Prince Colin means a lot to them."
But it's a pity -
They didn't know that Prince Colin had been theirs for a long time.
Julian smiled faintly, but his eyes fell on Count Sylfen and the leader of the Adventurer's Guild who were also walking down the stairs, with a hint of amusement in his eyes.
"I thought they would be more reserved. It seems that tonight's banquet will be more lively than we imagined."
Three waves of people walked towards the carriage parked at the gate of the manor at the same time, and a loud welcome floated into Luo Yan's ears from a distance.
「Your Highness Colin!」
Luo Yan adjusted his cuffs slightly, with a calm and reserved smile on his lips, and his eyes fell on the regent Granville Botha who was standing in the front with a graceful manner.
The Regent of the Empire!
The first person under the emperor!
However, what is somewhat different from the knowledge he learned at Demon King Academy and what Teach said is that this Granville is not so much the spokesperson of the emperor, but more like the spokesperson of the Duke of Valencia next to him.
His Royal Highness the Regent came up, with a sincere smile on his face, and extended his right hand to Roxey Colin in front of him.
"Welcome, Your Highness Colin. Your great achievements and outstanding contributions in the continent of Janna have been spread throughout the empire. On behalf of the Os Empire and the emperor who is unable to come in person, I would like to express my most sincere respect and welcome to you!"
"Welcome home!" Changchi said: "It is a great honor for the Colin family to receive such high-level courtesy from His Highness the Regent. As a member of the Ossian Empire, I can return to the Emperor's side and contribute my humble efforts to the Empire. I believe that my father will be proud of me."
Luo Yan's words won the appreciation and applause of the guests around him, including political opponents who were not against Granville.
At this moment, he represents the empire, not an individual or the Valencian family, and no one will dismantle him.
Prince Colin also expressed his surrender to the empire on behalf of the Colin family... This is in line with the core interests of everyone present.
But Luo Yan knew very well that the next step was the highlight.
The naked eyes could no longer suppress the desire in their hearts, eager to get the biggest piece of cake from him.
It's just that they don't know who they are making a deal with while bathed in the holy light.
Luo Yan responded to every greeting with grace and grace, from Count Cassit Hilfin, who had already contacted him, to the Grand Duke of Valencia, who had a profound historical background, to Marshal Laco, who represented the officer faction, and his right and left hands.
He memorized each of their faces, and relied on his rich past experience to read the desire hidden behind the mask.
What the Senate desires is not the glory of the nobility at all, but to return the empire, a wild horse that is increasingly out of control of the nobility, back to the golden age when the nobility has the final say.
And those officers are not noble either. Although they never deviate from the emperor and always say they are loyal, this is just to cover up their shame.
They don't want to end the war with hell at all, they just want to become the new nobles. It just so happens that the people of the empire also think so, so it seems that they represent the citizens of the Holy City.
If they really win, it will definitely be the biggest disaster for the ordinary people in the empire. At most, the senators will just not take the civilians to play, but they may really take the young men of the empire into hell to "make achievements".
As for the priests, they were the most severely corrupted. Luo Yan even suspected that among the people shaking hands with him were the servants of Karamos.
Reason?
There is no need for a reason to identify the servants of Calamos, just to give him goosebumps.
As for the scene words they each said, they were just in name for outsiders to hear.
The next thing he has to do is to feed everyone at the banquet as much as possible, and maintain a neutral position in the process.
The Colin family has just arrived, and they don’t understand the interests of the Holy City. They don’t want to rush to take sides. "Roxey Colin" hopes to get to know you better.
We can talk about cooperation first, and then talk about ideals.
I believe that those big shots who are unwilling to force him into the opposite camp will give him time to understand the rules of the game.
The banquet itself is also prepared for this.
(End of this chapter)