"Haha, young Aurelion, you truly are noble as they say. If this is all you wish for, it will be done. I will not let your City down. Tell me, however, how do you wish to participate?" Emperor Argos finally spoke after a while; he was shocked for a bit as well, but did not remain so for long. This was Aurelian, a lad renowned for his simplicity and lack of greed, and mainly, for his lack of desire for power.
"I have brought several Artefacts, such as my Silver Silence Lanterns. They will distort hive-controlled creatures, disrupting their command. I will leave it up to you how to spread them. Next, I have several giant mirrors; Rattakins and Lizardmen will be revealed if they are digging underground within 50 Kilometres. Again, up to your chain of command. As for leading an army..." Aurelion went quiet for a bit; he was unsure.
Leading a foreign army was not a good idea; he was not Severin, someone renowned for leading battles all of his life. The discipline of his soldiers would be in question, as they would not respect him for being a foreigner.
"Leading an army is something I hesitate to do. I am but a foreigner; I cannot guarantee that the men will execute my orders. I would rather participate in battles led by Severin and be within him and Venelus, part of the advisors." Aurelion said as he made the Emperor ponder.
It was not a good idea, not at all. Aurelion was a good general, an excellent one; however, his clear streak relied on his soldiers - people who obeyed, respected, loved and trusted him. They knew his signals, his character. Following after Severin and Venelus as an advisor and a commander was the right choice.
Even if Severin was a foreigner here as well, it was different - he was a War Marshal, equal to Venelus, and his reputation was enough. He would still not have maximum efficiency; however, it would be unlike Aurelion.
"Very well, follow after Severin and let me know if you need something. If anyone disobeys or steps out of line in your way or Severin's, Venelus will ensure that martial law is applied on the spot. Give the artefacts to Valerion, and depart when you deem fit." Argos spoke as he made the correct decision in this situation.
Not staying idle, Aurelion moved towards Valerion and gave him two storage rings. He had many, large enough to store artefacts that were quite pricey...but still, it was worth it, as long as lives could be saved; resources did not matter to him when it came to that.
"Additionally..." Aurelian said as he raised a finger, and a silver spear appeared in his hand; it seemed like it was melting and somehow alive. "I have heard that there will be Dragons. They shall tie up two to three Masters, and some of them will most likely die, while we are disadvantaged in terms of Master availability. Emperor, open your treasury to me, allow me to use your precious Rovanian Godsteel and craft spears that will penetrate through their scales. It is more than possible." The Emperor stood up, shock on his face as his calm demeanour was now gone, as the whole room went into chaos and disbelief.
"SILENCE! Young Aurelion, are you sure that it is possible? If it is so, it would change the course of battle in our favour by a lot! Stay here, we shall put it to the test!" The Emperor stood and gave a sign to his brother, a Master of the Empire, to bring something. He left in a flash, leaving afterimages, his face displaying stress and urgency.
Aurelian stood still, knowing that this was a matter of great importance. Possibly the most important things in the mega-battles that there were to be had. Dragons required 2-4 Masters to be taken down, and they would 90% of the time kill some of them. They were legandary creatures, capable of those feats, and their scales were impenetrable, thus causing the Master to have to go for the eyes - it was a dangerous feat that caused many, many casualties. It was also disadvantageous as Masters were rare on the battlefield, and it would leave the enemy masters free to slaughter and create chaos.
Master Rhaegar Rovan came back in a flash as he handed Aurelian a crimson spear that seemed to drip with blood. This was, however, the wonders of Godsteel. An Armour of dragonscales was also placed in front of him, held on a metal stand, glowing with mana.
Aurelian imbued the spear with great haste and stabbed towards the dragon armour with a simple thrust. A massive crackling sound was heard, as some officials bled from their ears. The spear had passed through the armour; however, it did not go through the back. Aurelian was an Expert, not a Master.
The Emperor's body flashed, as well as the one of his Imperial Guard Captain and Luther's as well. They were all inspecting the point of penetration.
"Young Aurelian, my brother Rhaegar will catch up to you and provide you with all the Materials needed. He will join the army that is now living. This is fascinating!" The Emperor said as he did not hide his happiness. An Artefact was ruined - the armour; however, it was not a high price to pay - dragons would soon fall one by one, and Masters would be armed with such spears!
"Then, I shall depart now. I will await your arrival, Senior Rovan," Aurelion said, after which the Emperor beckoned with a hand, and a man was to escort Luther and him towards an Imperial Army that was now departing the city.
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"So, tell me, advisors. What do you think of our allies?" Argos spoke as he looked towards the council. Each person here, regardless of birth, was someone who played a role in the government. Even Princess Eleonora - she was responsible for some of the agriculture sector.
A man stepped forward, bending one knee as he began speaking, "Your Majesty, the artefacts are precious beyond what money could buy. Their honour was more than what was heard, and the rumours were true. Aurelian is someone who does not hunger for power. However, there is a slight problem."
"Speak, Peter", said the Emperor, his tone hardening.
"Aurelion did not even look at our Princess. The rumour is, he does not wish for a second wife. The problem we are facing is as follows - we may most likely need him in the future; even if we do not, having him as an ally is a must." Peter said, his words gathering more attention.
Another official bent the knee as he asked for permission to speak up. It was granted.
"Your Majesty, it is true. As far as the rumours say, Aurelion does not wish to have more wives; however, there are issues in his homeland regarding Alexstraza Garcia. A marriage may be pushed towards him. His Aurelia is approving of him having more wives; he isn't. His virtue is respectful, and we must tread carefully. I agree; most likely we will need his help. We are building a second wall after all, and reclaiming territory is something we should do in the future. Yet...Your Majesty, consider advising with Emperor Alexander on this matter as well. Aurelia is his daughter. Lastly, there comes another issue. Should we allow our Jewel to be a second wife of anyone, whoever it may be?" The man spoke, causing more and more commotion as his words were worth a lot of merit.
"I see, Gaeus. You wish to speak up, Eleonora? Tell me first, do you like Aurelion? I will not give you to someone you do not want." The Emperor turned towards the Princess as she seemed to want to speak up for herself on the matter.
Princess Eleonora stepped forward, her voice steady.
"Father. I do admire him. Any woman who witnessed his battle against the Immortal Soul would. His loyalty, his honour - even his enemies speak of them. Aurelion is the kind of man an empire trusts in war, whether as a leader or a warrior."
She lowered herself to one knee, not in submission, but in solemn duty.
"If a marriage is ever to be forged, it will not be through affection. It will be through duty. And if such a duty falls upon me, then let me earn his respect first — not as a pawn placed before him, but as a warrior of Rovan."
Her gaze hardened with resolve.
"As for being a second wife, I do not fear it. I do not seek to compete with Aurelia, nor disrupt his home. If this union is to serve our Empire, then I will uphold it with discipline, not jealousy."
She was a warrior of the Expert stage; even if her duties lay in Agriculture, she was still a princess of an Empire that worshipped the War God Arzon. It would be her first war if she were permitted to go - but she did not waver.
Peter raised a hand, requesting to speak, and he was allowed to do so again.
"That does not guarantee success; however, it is a good option, Your Majesty. It would be for the best if a communication is achieved with Emperor Alexander and possibly Aurelia Mograine herself." Peter's words were the final straw, as the Emperor had already made a decision.
"Daughter, you are to take 300 of my personal guards and join Aurelion. If the battlefield is to turn too dangerous, take your leave and return. I shall speak with Alexander and Aurelia herself." The Emperor said as he waved his hands, causing Eleonora to bow in gratitude and depart as soon as possible.