Once he was fully dressed in his royal garments… he grabbed his Crystal Sceptre and the moment he touched it.
[Unique Item recognized]
[Item Name: Valekar Imperial Sceptre]
[Grade: Unique]
[Description: The Imperial Sceptre is the authority core of the Valekar Palace.
It governs and synchronizes all palace rune formations, acting as the central command nexus for the Imperial Domain.
All Imperial Valekar Guards swear their Crownbound Oath to the Sceptre itself.
That oath is preserved and passed down through the imperial bloodline, ensuring continuity of command regardless of succession.
Only the officially recognized Emperor and individuals bearing true Valekar blood can wield or activate the Sceptre.
Any unauthorized attempt to use it results in immediate death from the imperial rune formation.
As a secondary effect, the Sceptre subtly amplifies fire-aspect spells cast by its wielder, increasing stability, control, and output.]
Alexander drew a deep breath in shock and almost dropped the Sceptre from shock after reading the Sceptre's description.
While he did know about the secondary effect and so did everyone, only a select few knew it true use.
He used to think it was a beautiful crystal for show but now he knew better.
But there was one question that he couldn't answer, why did the emperor not know about it?
While he did not know that answer, he knew someone that could absolutely answer him, The Captain Of the Imperial Valekar Guard… Victor.
"Your Majesty, are you okay?" Rose asked when she saw him frozen staring at his sceptre.
"I am fine… While I walk to my office, I want you to bring my breakfast to my office." After a short pause he continued, "Also a big jug of wine."
"Yes, Your majesty." Rose bowed and immediately made her way to fulfil his order while Alexander made his way to his office.
As he walked, he took the time to go through the rest of the notifications.
[New Covert Troop available]
[Imperial Valekar Guard available]
[Troop Name: Imperial Valekar Guard]
[Type: Guard]
[Rank: Intermediate (1)]
[Special Ability: Crownbound Oath(A)]
[Cost: 50 Kingdom Point (KP)]
[Requirement for conversion]
[1. Target must be using Imperial Valekar Guard Technique]
[2. Target must be at least Adept rank]
[3. Target must have gone through basic Imperial Valekar Guard training]
[4. Target must have a minimum of low loyalty]
[5. Target must have all regular requirement to join the Imperial Valekar Guard]
[Crownbound Oath(A): Upon swearing loyalty to the Imperial Crown, a royal rune manifests on the guard's body and bonded armour.
While within the Imperial Palace or its immediate domain, the rune links the guard directly to the palace's authority core, amplifying physical strength, endurance, reaction speed, mana capacity and resistance to mental interference up to the absolute limit of their rank.
This enhancement cannot be suppressed, stolen, or copied]
Looking at the new available option, he could understand what was happening.
As long as he had enough authority over a group and knew enough about them, he could basically convert new members to the Troop.
While 'Convert Troop' did have a lot of requirements, it also cut down the time and cost of training them as well as the kingdom point, which was half what it cost him to Spawn the Shadowbound Reavers.
"Your Majesty, the mission his done and I have someone you might have use for." Alfred voice drifted into Alexander's ears just before he turned the corners.
"Okay stay hidden and follow me" Alexander murmured as he finally turned the corner to his office, Victor was standing in front of his office.
"Your Majesty." He bowed the moment he saw Alexander to which Alexander nodded before pointing at his office and saying.
"Let talk in my office." Alexander said as he motioned to his door which Victor opened for him and stepped to the side allowing Alexander to step in first.
The entire office was spacious and luxurious with painting of the major Emperors since the founding emperor.
The spaces in-between the portraits were filled with Shelves with important ledgers and documents.
His table was filled with documents and report that the Real Alexander had been sorting through… And the pile had increased yesterday that he was asleep.
He could already tell what was happening… The ministers were drowning him in paper works to occupy his time… Now these documents were interconnected so he couldn't have different people sorting through them.
To make matters worse… even if he wanted to have other people go through them, he didn't exactly know anyone loyal to do so.
As for the Imperial Valekar Guards… they were guards not officials and as far as he could tell, while they could all read and write… they were not that advanced.
Staring at the pile of documents, "Yeah I am done playing with these bastards" Alexander said as he pushed all the documents off his table and took a seat behind it.
Alexander's eyes moved to Victor who seemed to be scanning the room repeatedly as if searching for something with his hands gripping his sword.
"Is there a problem?" Alexander asked him.
"No, Your Majesty, but something seems off. The runes seem to be haywire for some reason… Happened yesterday just before you slept but I can't seem to find anything no matter how hard I try." Victor explained still looking closely around the room.
"So, what did you do about it?" Alexander casually asked.
"I went to the spots I was getting the feelings from and attacked it but nothing." Victor said, "At first I thought it was an assassin and had the guards do a thorough sweep but nothing, however we are too under."
"I see… good to know my guards are really doing their job well." Alexander nodded in appreciation, "Well then Victor meet Alfred, leader of my Assassin Legion and Alfred meet Victor, Captain of my Imperial Guards."
Alexander said pointing at an empty space not far away.
Thankfully, Alfred was smart enough to pick up the clue. He appeared in the exact spot Alexander was pointing at with a bundle on his shoulder.
Victor was still suspiciously inspecting them, even Alexander.
Victor took a quick glance at the sceptre in Alexander's hand and seeing him not combust assured him but still didn't completely convince him.
"I know you had Marla check for possession and imposter this morning… Rose stayed at my side all night, but you still arranged extra guards just to be sure." Alexander chuckled seeing his scepticism.
"Just doing my duties, Your Majesty." Victor replied, hands off his sword now but still very much cautious.
"I don't mind and that reminds me why didn't you tell me about this sceptre?" Alexander asked raising the sceptre.
Victor didn't even bother lying or maybe he couldn't, "I was told by your father that, you and your brothers might abandon the throne the moment you realised just how hard it was."
"I was to keep the Imperial family secret, secrets from you until I was sure you wouldn't abandon the throne." Victor explained.
"What would you have done if I had abandoned the throne? As far as I can tell I am the only one who wants it in the family and should I leave, you wouldn't be able to use it to."
"Your father has several illegitimate children hidden outside the palace. My final order from your father was to make sure the bloodline survived even if the empire fell." Victor said.
"I see… smart man… the order stands but until I have my own children and then it is to be passed down to them. Am I clear?" Alexander asked.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Victor bowed clearly surprised by Alexander's order.