Kingdom Building Game: Starting Out With A Million Upgrade Points!-Chapter 60: Knights And Misunderstandings
Tebltan paused for a split moment, crouched, then suddenly leaped over the western wall, its massive paws landing on the other side with a massive
BOOM,
causing some dust to billow into the air.
Sylvana, standing atop his head, tightened her grip on her staff as she noticed something in the distance, her eyes narrowing.
After a few moments of running through the woods, she was able to make out the figure of the empire’s knights nearby.
She was a bit confused to see them here because when Tebltan ran across the streets earlier, there were no signs of the knights mobilizing, so she was certain only she and Tebltan were supposed to be here.
’Were the knights already in the midst of battle when the explosion occurred?’
She silently wondered.
Her gaze then drifted ahead of the knights, where she noticed a massive clearing had been made as all the dust began to fade and settle.
Hundreds... no, thousands of trees had been cut down in what appeared to be one powerful, clean slash—
as if some great force had swept through the area. No, with her depth of experience and perception, she could easily tell this was done by the swinging of a weapon.
’What in Hastoria is this all about?’
She wondered, her thoughts racing from possibilities of an enemy attack to internal sabotage.
As Tebltan slowed to a halt, Sylvana’s eyes looked around then stopped, her heart skipped a beat. A familiar figure stood in the distance.
Though the figure was too far to discern in detail, their stance and aura were unmistakable.
’That’s the emperor.’
She thought, smiling right after, her thoughts raced further, ’Knowing his majesty, that clearing must have been made by him. Although it saddens me a bit to see so many trees being brought down, I’m certain he must have a valid reason.’
Before Sylvana could think further, the knights began to notice Tebltan, the massive wolf causing them to tense up.
"What is that beast?" one knight yelled.
"It’s enormous! And it poses such a powerful magical aura! A mythical creature, perhaps?" another said, gripping his sword tightly.
"How did it get behind us?" a third asked, his eyes darting between the wolf and the woods.
"Wait... I see a woman atop the beast!" another yelled pointing at Sylvana.
This chapt𝓮r is updat𝒆d by ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom.
"You think she is a hostage perhaps?"
"That dosen’t seem to be the case, she is clearly standing atop it with confidence. I dare say she must be the one who led it here."
"You think she may be part of the rebel forces we’ve been hearing rumors about?"
"Then could she be here for the emperor’s head?"
"If that may be the case then we shall not let her pass, shield up men, prepare for battle!"
Lionel, among the ranks of the knights, tenses up, gritting his teeth, his grip tightened on the hilt of his sword as he thought.
’This may be my first real battle, I must calm myself... Breath Lionel, breath.’
The men’s voices grew louder in confusion and panic as they prepared for a potential attack.
Spears were raised, and shields locked into formation, though the tremble in some hands clearly showed their fear.
Tebltan lowered his head slightly, golden eyes narrowing as he noticed the unease of the knights and as they prepared to attack, he then spoke. "Lady Sylvana, these men intended on attacking us, do I need to act to stop them?"
Sylvana shook her head, "No, Tebltan. Hold your ground. They’re knights of the empire, and their confusion is understandable."
The wolf obeyed, remaining motionless, though its powerful presence kept the knights wary, since it chose to not attack and simply stood there it seemed as though it were wide open, yet prepared to unleash an attack at any time, so they were not completely sure on how to proceed.
Sylvana raised her free hand as she spoke. "Knights of the empire, I am Sylvana, here on official business to meet His Majesty. There is no need for alarm. I mean no harm to anyone."
The knights, however, did not lower their weapons. One stepped forward ans yelled. "Lies! No one comes unannounced to the emperor in such a manner, riding atop a beast that reeks of powerful magic. You expect us to believe you’re here with no ill intent?"
Another knight yelled as well, "If you’re truly here on business, then dismount your creature and surrender yourself for questioning. Otherwise, we’ll assume you’re an assassin here for the emperor’s head!"
Meanwhile, ahead of his knights standing before the clearing, Arkanos suddenly heard their voices as they yelled.
He turned around and noticed the figure of the massive wolf in the distance, and atop it... ’Is that Sylvana? And that beast... It must be one of her summons.’
He silently wondered, the wind ruffling his silver hair, he decided to leave things in the capable hands of the knight captain as he noticed she was already walking towards them after tying the rains of his horse to a tree.
Facing the massive clearing, Arkanos then commanded the system, ’System, I’d prefer you harvest the timber as well as any other resources that got caught in my attack first before you proceed with building the structure.’
〘 ⋄ Harvesting processing... ⋄ 〙
...
From the distance, a commanding voice rang out, silencing all the knights. "Enough."
All the knights froze, their heads snapping in the direction of the voice. Stepping towards them was a woman clad in gleaming gold and white armor.
"Captain Seraphine!" the knights called out, standing at attention.
Seraphine’s icy blue eyes lingered on Tebltan’s massive figure before settling on Sylvana atop his head.
She raised her hand to silence the murmurs among her men.
"Ease yourselfs," she ordered. "This mage is with us."
The knights exchanged uncertain looks at each other, their grips on their weapons eased up a bit. One stepped forward hesitantly.
"Captain, with all due respect, how can we be sure? She arrived with this... beast. What if she’s a threat to His Majesty?"
Seraphine shot him a sharp glare that silenced him. "Do you question my words?"
The knight swallowed hard and stepped back into formation, muttering an apology that Seraphine didn’t really care to take note of.
Seraphine turned her attention back to Sylvana, nodding slightly. "Miss Sylvana, why are you in search of his majesty?"
Sylvana smiled faintly, her grip on her staff easing. "My apologies for all the commotion, Captain. This was supposed to be a simple discussion... But when I heard the massive explosive sound earlier I assumed the capital was under attack so responded by arriving with my companion over here."
Seraphine’s gaze shifted to Tebltan. "I see... What a formidable companion indeed. Make sure it stays in line. The men are already on edge."
Tebltan snorted, a puff of mist escaping his nostrils as he tilted his head. "I go where Lady Sylvana commands. These knights have nothing to fear unless they provoke me."
Seraphine revised a brow, as she spoke with a calm tone, "Good. Then there won’t be any problems." She turned back to the knights, her voice rising. "Lower your weapons and step aside. We are wasting time. Let her through."
The knights hesitated for a moment but quickly obeyed, parting to create a path. Their nervous whispers lingered as they moved aside, eyes darting between Sylvana and Tebltan.
Seraphine gestured forward with a sweeping motion. "Follow me."
Sylvana nodded and guided Tebltan forward, the massive wolf padding silently behind Seraphine.
As Sylvana and Tebltan finally arrived behind Arkanos, the emperor stood at the center of the massive clearing, with his calm commanding presence.
Sylvana gracefully dismounted from the massive wolf, her boots making soft thuds against the earth. With elegance, she lowered herself to one knee, a sign of respect.
Tebltan followed suit, bowing his massive head low, his golden eyes focused on the emperor.
"We greet His Majesty, Emperor Arkanos," Sylvana said.
Arkanos, still observing the clearing, took a moment to acknowledge. He received the greeting with a slight nod, but his attention was focused elsewhere. His eyes moved to the system notification that appeared in his vision.
〘 ⋄ Harvesting complete ⋄ 〙 the system chimed.
Arkanos then gave the next command.
’System, begin the construction.’
A confirmation appeared before him.
〘 ⋄ Commencing construction of designated structure. ⋄ 〙
As the system confirmed, Arkanos redirected his gaze to Sylvana.
"Rise, Sylvana. Now, tell me why you are here." He said calmly.
Sylvana was about to speak when, all of a sudden...
VZZZZ
A towering green aura filled the massive space. Slowly, like a dream being materialized, a grand structure began to take form in the clearing. The very land seemed to shift, and Sylvana could only watch in awe.
"By the gods..." she mumbled softly.
Her eyes widened as she witnessed the incredible feat before her.
Arkanos, seeming to sense her shock, waved a hand dismissively. "Pay it no mind, Sylvana. It is my doing. Now, get on with it. Why are you here?"
Sylvana snapped back to the present, her thoughts racing.
’Such power... Is His Majesty really the one doing this?’
The way the landscape seemed to shift so effortlessly under his command... it was as if he were bending the very fabric of reality.
’Such power… it is almost divine. As expected of the emperor, truly a man of divine might.’
She cleared her throat, regaining her composure. "My apologies, Your Majesty. I was lost in thought for a moment. I couldn’t help but admire your godlike power."
Arkanos smiled softly. "Flattery won’t get you far with me, Sylvana."
Sylvana smiled, unruffled. "I am not flattering you, Your Majesty. I simply speak the truth."
She cleared her throat again, her tone growing more serious. "I come with a request, Your Majesty. The farmers and I wish to throw a massive harvest festival in celebration of the wonderful crops we’ve been able to grow. We wanted to make it official, something to celebrate every year, bringing the people together."