《A Servant of The Empire》


 Chapter 1: A Handsome Fellow

    I stood tall and proud, looking at the man before me. He has quite an impressive figure if I do say so myself. With a face comprised of the strong, aristocratic features, and a magnificent moustache that sat firmly on his upper lip. The streaks of grey, running through both his moustache and swept back hair, complimented his aged, but handsome appearance.


    Those piercing blue eyes met my own, with a sharp gaze. He is god-like. His hearty belly told tales of all the fine foods that were privy to him, and was a characteristic that many of the aristocratic ladies fancied.


    Dressed in finery, with a black waist coat, buttoned tight, and a light blue shirt beneath. His trousers were close fitting, the work of a master tailor and one that wouldn¡¯t provide their services to just anyone. The polished, pitch-black boots into which the trousers were snuggly tucked were of the same high standard as the rest of the outfit.


    Who is this devilishly handsome man, you may ask. Well, it¡¯s this fellow I see every time I walk past a mirror. I gave the man in the mirror a smile, and he smiled back, with a dazzling set of pearly whites. Time and time again I¡¯m left stunned by his majesty! That smile nearly blinds me each time I see it.


    Running my hand through my hair, ensuring everything was neatly pushed back, I took a final few good looks at myself in the mirror.


    ¡°You handsome, old dog!¡± I chuckled. Truly, I am the envy of the entire noble community. I, Magister Edward Narsis, am not only a man over whom the ladies of the court swoon, but also hold the title of Magister. In my own unbiased judgement, I¡¯d go as far as to say that I far surpass the magical expertise of the other Magisters of the Royal Court.


    ¡°Magister, your carriage is ready. Would you like to depart now?¡± asked a young servant girl from the doorway. She looked at me with that odd glint so many of my servants get, could it be that she too has fallen in love with me? So young, so na?ve. Continue to dream child, one day someone right for you will come along.


    I struggled to tear myself away from the gilded mirror in which I had studied myself for the past hour. The servant girl held her hand to her mouth, desperately trying to suppress what sounded like choking-coughs. Poor girl, she must be feeling poorly! I strode forwards, and placed both hands on her shoulders. My action took the girl surprise and the muffled choking-coughs ceased for a moment.


    Her face was oddly red. Oh dear, my proximity seems to have cursed this young made with a love spell. Damn my innate beauty!


    ¡°Girl, you seem unwell, take the rest of the day off with paid leave¡± I said, ushering her out of the door. I can¡¯t have this serving girl around for some time, lest she becomes as obsessed with my perfections as I am myself.


    Leaving the girl behind, I walked quickly down the hallway to the front entrance of my manor house. The faints sounds of laughter echoed behind me, belonging to the voice of the servant girl from before. The joy I heard in this household each day, brought me such pleasure. These poor saps, destined to live as a peasants for the rest of the days can find such happiness in serving my great self. Although, none of them have ever explained why they laugh. It must be a commoner thing.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    Soon I arrived at the front door, and swiped my dark grey jacket from the coat rack. Throwing it on over my outfit, I quickly made my way out of the beautiful manor. I am someone who appreciates art and splendour! Of course, when I had this home constructed, I paid all the expenses necessary.


    I imported the finest quarried grey rock from the Southern Mountain Kingdom. These beautiful, smooth bricks that the manor was comprised of were said to have once been turned molten by dragon flame before cooling to produce the speciality export of those mountains.


    The garden was equally impressive, with all manner of strange plants here and there, creating this menagerie of vibrant colours. Purchasing these off of those reclusive elves was perhaps even more expensive that constructing the building itself.


    Unfortunately, I could not stay long to admire all the plants, nor the gothic styled architecture of my home, I was late. I mean, it¡¯s not uncommon for nobles to arrive late, but right now I¡¯m extremely late. It won¡¯t be much of a party without me there¡­ There are so many people relying on this old dog to bring some life to those dull events.


    The carriage was waiting on the cobblestone street, the light pattering of rain beginning to dampen the ground. Without a word, I hopped onto the carriage and set off; the driver had knew where to go. It was quite late in the evening now, and the carriage travelled unhindered through the streets of the city. The only sounds were that of the rain and the hooves of the horses.


    This city, whose roads I travelled, was the jewel of The Red Empire. This capital city, also known as Crim, is the centre of human civilisation in this ramshackle continent. The event to which this carriage was heading, was a banquet organised by the Emperor, to celebrate the birth of his new daughter. A momentous occasion indeed.


    ~~~


    Finally, I¡¯ve arrived! The elaborately carved, silver gates to the Royal Palace swung open, as my carriage was granted permission to enter. The guards in charge of this task were all dressed up in chainmail armour, and full face helms, the tabards painted with the crimson sword that is the insignia of our great empire. By equipment alone they looked to be far above the common rabble that were guarding the streets of the city, and yet they only manned the gates.


    Such a display of wealth! I¡¯m quite well off myself, but I doubt I could afford to pay even one of these fellows without getting rid of a good number of my current staff.


    The carriage soon came to a stop before the entrance of the palace itself. It resembled a fortress more than the luxurious image one would normally associate with the home of royalty, but that¡¯s to be expected considering the warring history of the empire.


    Jumping out with excitement bubbling up in my stomach, I quickly walked into the building. Ignoring the attendants who rushed to offer assistance, I walked down into the banquet hall and hastily mingled into the crowd.


    The hall was bustling. Ladies and gentleman of the highest pedigree mingled and dined amongst the great arches that supported the carved ceiling, which told the tales of the battles that formed our capital.


    There was drinking and dancing, with the delightful melodies of famed musicians accentuating the already tasteful experience. I soon found myself by the long dining tables that lined the walls, and couldn¡¯t help but greedily eye up the delicacies that had been piled high on each plate. Unfortunately, I¡¯d need to pace myself in order to last the rest of the night.


    ¡°Edward? Is that you?¡± asked a familiar sounding voice. I turned to see that the voice did indeed belong to an acquaintance.

 Chapter 2: A Duel

    ¡°Sera, I see you¡¯re still around.¡± I replied unenthusiastically. The person who had called out to me was a long standing rival after all. Dressed in an elegant, strapless purple dress, she was quite the beauty. Her uncommon, black hair fell into curls at the height of bared shoulders. Her eyes that met mine were the same purple as the dress she wore. Her skin was paler than most, but considering her northern heritage, that¡¯s to be expected.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you normally an energetic ball of blubber?¡± said Sera, an eyebrow rising into an arch. She pursed her lips, absent-mindedly tapping on the edge of her wine glass, with her well-kept, long nails. She looked off into space for a moment, before a sparkle emerged in her unusual eyes.


    ¡°Oh, are you still depressed you didn¡¯t get invited to the Magic Assembly last year? You do know I don¡¯t handle invitations, don¡¯t you?¡± she teased. The woman was being far too familiar for comfort. Certainly we had attended The National Academy together back in the day, but we were never friends.


    Despite her youthful appearance, we were both the same age: 40 years old. I¡¯ve aged well, and become this stunning example for younger nobles to follow, whereas Sera hasn¡¯t aged a day since turning 20.


    ¡°Enough with your nonsense, woman! Do you really think I would be so petty?! I never wanted to attend in the first place.¡± I replied curtly. Such audacity, to think I would¡¯ve held a grudge over that¡­ Well, it was rather rude¡­ I am easily one of the most accomplished Magisters in the Empire, but I don¡¯t even get an invitation to The Assembly?


    ¡°Yeah, yeah. Stop shouting, you old fool.¡± She replied, the corner of her lip curling into a mischievous smile. What an infuriating person.


    ¡°Old fool? Woman, we are the same age!¡± I replied with barbed words. Sera¡¯s cheeky smile froze, and was quickly replaced by a dangerously ambiguous expression.


    Why was she so sensitive about her age? The woman¡¯s a bloody witch, even if the years do go by, the signs won¡¯t show. Why does she always get so offended by these numbers?


    ¡°Yes, we are the same age, but you certainly shouldn¡¯t be proud of that; you¡¯ve yet to bed a woman despite the years creeping by.¡± She shot back.


    Such a low blow! I¡¯ve been keeping my body pure. I certainly won¡¯t apologise for being a romantic; one day the perfect lady will come along¡­ probably.


    ¡°I am a believer in love, and traditions! I know you may have slept with as many men as you have years, but don¡¯t try to force such uncouth behaviour upon your peers!¡± I retorted. I responded in turn with a low blow. Whether there was any truth to what I said is up for debate, but those were the rumours that floated about the court.


    They may have been started by noblewomen who were jealous of her beauty, and I may have propagated said rumour a little bit, but either way she¡¯s still an incredibly unpleasant person.


    The dangerous expression on her face was accompanied by an increasingly red skin tone as her brow began to scrunch up.


    ¡°That¡¯s it, it¡¯s time for you to start burning off some of your blubber. Let¡¯s enter the garden and settle this the usual way.¡± She said coldly. I see, so a duel it is.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    ¡°Lead the way, you hag.¡± I answered.


    Our conversation had seemingly gathered a crowd, and as we walked out to the nearby garden courtyard, they followed. Each time this woman and I cross paths, we end up spitting fire at one another, both in a figurative and literal sense.


    We positioned ourselves across the courtyard from one another. The crowd watched from afar, unwilling to come close to the soon to be battleground. The night sky was illuminated with silvery light of the moon, and everything was still as I looked at my opponent.


    ¡°Are you ready?¡± she asked. I nodded in affirmation, and then we began.


    Chanting under her breath, in some gibberish language of the North, Sera swept her hand in arc towards me. A whip of purple flame manifested in the air, hurtling in my direction. It writhed and twisted like an eel as it grew ever closer.


    Sera was one of the most fortunate mages in The Empire, born with the constitution of a witch. Witches are fundamentally more in tune with their magical abilities, their accomplishments far surpassing the realms that we humans strive for. With powerful magic at their disposal, and lives lasting even longer than the centuries the elven race live, they are quite the unfair existence.


    Being a witch, her purple flame was naturally far more dangerous than what a normal mage could produce. Boasting the accomplishment of fusing flames and poison, she¡¯s famously known for the resultant unique weapon at her disposal. That corrosive flame, famed for its destructive qualities, was what I faced.


    I felt a line of sweat trickle down my forehead, as I watched the writhing purple flame grow closer. Having lost the initiative, I grasped at the short, wooden cane strapped onto the inside of jacket. The dark wood gleamed, reflecting the purple light of the surroundings. With the greatest speed I could muster, I thrust the cane at the oncoming attack.


    With a sharp tug, the flame was wrenched from Sera¡¯s control. Feeling the uncomfortable heat from the blaze at the end of the cane, I flicked my wrist, curling the flames into a ball that I promptly shot back to its creator.


    Sera¡¯s brow scrunched up as the attack returned to her. It sputtered out of existence before reaching its target, with some more nonsensical chanting. Unwilling to give her another opportunity to attack, I pressed forwards.


    Feeling the flow of mana in my veins, I pulled it out of my body and weaved it into the space in front of me. With the hook of the cane, I caught the mana infused space and flung it towards Sera. The only evidence of the attack was a barely visible ripple in the air as travelled.


    Sera was unfortunately also quite quick with her next move, and while the mana infused space was heading towards her, a number of streams of purple flame were converging on me. We gave each other a knowing look, and cancelled the spells. I reached out with my cane, and gave sharp backwards tug, dispersing the space just inches away from making contact. The paths of flame that had been converging on me were also fizzed out.


    The sound of applause came from the nearby crowd of nobles. The entire event was only a few seconds long, but such was the case between powerful Mages; everything was decided in the space of a few seconds. Both of us were untouched at the end, and it was a fine display of control that the majority couldn¡¯t hope to achieve.


    ¡°Well, I think it¡¯s clear who the victor is,¡± called out Sera, as she walked across the clearing towards me. Indeed, it was very clear. I nodded, happy to see that the woman had finally accepted my superiority.


    ¡°Yes, I was indeed the victor.¡± I said rather smugly.


    ¡°What fantasy are you indulging in over there? It was clear as day that my flames would¡¯ve reached you first,¡± said Sera. What a spiteful woman, unable to accept her defeat at the hands of a superior individual. My silent contempt seemed to infuriate her, so she continued to say, ¡°Wipe that stupid grin off your face before I burn off that ridiculous moustache.¡±


    Threats now? How childish. I¡¯ve always considered myself above such pettiness, but this woman truly knows how to push me close to the edge. You don¡¯t see me threatening her loved ones, so how can she threaten my moustache like that. Marvin has been on my upper lip ever since I could grow facial hair.

 Chapter 3: A New Era

    ¡°Enough you two, the emperor is making an announcement in the main hall,¡± interrupted a gravelly voice from the side. I looked over to the newcomer and was pleasantly surprised to see the one and only, Captain of The Royal Guard. He stood to the side, towering above the two of us, at a hulking 6ft8. His dusty brown hair was neatly trimmed in the usual military style, and his grey eyes were deep-set and intimidating.


    This stoic, bear-like man was widely accredited as the strongest swordsman the Empire has to offer, holding countless military achievements from the frontiers. The battlefields were his home, but these days he spent his time guaranteeing the security of our Emperor. He did his job well, but he never was good with these social events. It¡¯s a good thing his best friend is the most popular noble the capital had to offer.


    ¡°Jeffrey! Good to see you again!¡± I laughed jovially. It¡¯s always good to see this guy! I sauntered over and gave him the usual greeting¡¯s hug, which he stood rigidly through. Chuckling, I patted him on the shoulder to show no hard feelings at the hug rejection. Looking past his broad frame, I finally took notice of the evidently absent spectators from before.


    ¡°Stop being an idiot. Let¡¯s go inside already, or do you want to play the fool in front of the Emperor?¡± spat the spiteful witch from the side. I narrowed my eyes, sending a sharp glare her way. Despite her lack of civility, she did have a point.


    We quickly made our way back to the main location of the festivities. As we walked, I made sure to position myself between the improper witch and Jeffrey, so that she couldn¡¯t attempt to seduce him as per usual. Jeffrey¡¯s a good man, and there¡¯s no way I, as his best friend, could let his feelings be taken hostage by that man-eater.


    Ever since the early days at the academy, Sera had been chasing after Jeffrey¡¯s affections. Fortunately, I was always in the right place at the right time to protect the big fellow from the seductress.


    When we finally reached the main hall, the emperor was just beginning his announcement. He stood before the crowd, tall and proud. With sharp, traditionally handsome features, he was someone many of the young noble ladies swooned over. Dressed in the traditional militaristic red uniform that all the Red Emperors of the past wore, he addressed the audience.


    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen of The Empire, today I have an announcement to make. This banquet was not only to celebrate the birth of my daughter, but also to celebrate the coming of a new era.¡±


    ¡°As all of you know, we fight against countless foes on dozens of new frontiers, attempting to establish order in these chaotic lands. Of all our war efforts, it is the continuing conflict in the far east that produces the most casualties.¡±


    ¡°Demons hold rule over those lands. They are a people with monstrous features, but in the past they were of sound mind, much like ourselves. Then their king was murdered on his throne.¡±


    ¡°The culprit was, as you all know, not of this world. They proclaimed themselves a hero after slaughtering the demon king, but in reality they began the hardest fought war in centuries.¡±


    ¡°Today the oracle brought a message from the Gods. The hero who was supposed to help calm these lands, but caused so much death instead, was sent by the Gods.¡±


    ¡°It sounds blasphemous, I am aware, but the oracle conveyed a new message some days ago. New otherworlders will appear. We do not know when, nor do we know how, but if we utilise this opportunity to recruit them into our ranks, then we will quickly put to rest these conflicts.¡±


    ¡°Today I decree that every individual with black hair and black eyes must be thoroughly investigated, and if they are proven to be otherworlders, their allegiance must be swiftly directed in favour of the Empire.¡±


    These were the historic words, spoken by the current Red Emperor. He is still quite a youthful man, having come into power only half a decade ago. As is the case with all royalty, his skin was abnormally pale and both his short trimmed hair and strong eyes were the same crimson colour.


    Truly, we are entering a new era. The otherworlders are returning to these lands once more. They¡¯d come in the past, sometimes few and sometimes many, causing a cycle of redemption and destruction as time slowly crept along. This is an opportunity of a life time! I need to get my hands on one of them, and then I¡¯ll finally have a disciple worthy enough of what I have to offer!The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    It looked like the two by my side had similar ideas, with even the normally blank-faced Jeffrey showing excitement. This is going to be fun. Everyone in The Empire will be in scrambles for a while.


    I may be well known in the Empire, but with the opportunity to take an otherworlder under your wing, I doubt anyone would willing report their sightings outside of their own territories¡­ So what to do¡­ It¡¯s time to brainstorm!


    I grabbed Jeffrey by the arm, and led him to the side of the hallway, outside the reach of prying ears. That pesky woman also tagged along, unable to take the hint. Well, I suppose she may have some input.


    ¡°Jeffrey, you know what this is?¡± I asked the man. He looked down at me in confusion.


    ¡°We have an opportunity to guide the next heroes! We can¡¯t let that job fall in the hands of some self-serving, small-time noble!¡± I paused, to let the big fellow digest the words. He nodded in agreement, his eyes gaining a glimmer of understanding.


    ¡°We were trained in the finest academy the Empire has to offer, and graduated with outstanding praise. Only we can truly lead these heroes on the right path,¡± I said with heartfelt words. The National Academy is easily the greatest educational institute this continent has ever seen. Ultimately the heroes will enter it, but outside of that curriculum it should be us who guide them on the right path.


    ¡°I suggest we work together! If I find a hero suited to melee combat, he¡¯s all yours and if you find one with an affinity to magic, then I¡¯ll be the mentor.¡± I continued. Jeffrey not only has an intimidating appearance, but also has the title and authority to pry out any information the different region lords may withhold.


    ¡°What about me?¡± asked the pestering fly that had been listening to our private conversation. Does she have no shame? I glared at the woman, Marvin quivering with irritation.


    ¡°And what, exactly, can you bring the table?¡± I asked sarcastically. She may have decent fighting potential, and hold a degree of beauty, but the sharp tongued woman had no people skills.


    ¡°Be quiet fatty. Jeffrey, can I join in as well?¡± she asked, her voice initially harsh when throwing an insult my way, but changing drastically to the latter, softly spoken pleas.


    This seductress thinks she can get Jeffrey to break like that? HA! She¡¯s sorely mistaken if she thinks that The Captain of The Royal Guard is some pushover who¡¯ll-


    ¡°Ok.¡± Said Jeffrey. He was looking at Sera with a slightly uncomfortable expression as she grew uncomfortably close with those upturned eyes. Jeffrey, you fool! This was going to be an adventure of just us men! He quickly caught sight of my disapproving glare.


    ¡°Ed. We were all peers at the academy.¡± He explained. To trust someone just because they happened to know you for the better part of two decades¡­ Jeffrey, you have a lot to learn.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look so glum fatty~. Without me, you¡¯d never be lucky enough to actually find a hero on this vast continent.¡± Gloated Sera, spouting some of her usual nonsense. Jeffrey however seemed to take her comment at face value, and looked over inquisitively.


    ¡°The Northern tribes have the ability to predict the future to an extent, although not as accurately as the oracle. I can just go and ask for a favour, and then we¡¯ll have a place to start.¡± She said, eyes sparkling as they looked towards Jeffrey, like an animal in heat, desperately attempting to impress her prospective partner.


    ¡°Well let¡¯s go!¡± I said, with the roaring spirit of adventure burning bright in my soul. I¡¯ve been growing soft in the big city for far too long! I remember those old days fighting on the new frontiers with my comrades in arms. Now those were the days.


    My reminiscing was cut short by the sound of Sera clearing her throat. She looked at me with disbelief.


    ¡°Fatty, we can¡¯t just leave.¡± Said Sera, eyes narrowing as she pondered something.


    ¡°Why not?! Where¡¯s your adventuring spirit, woman?!¡± I replied. This is why Jeffrey and I should have gone alone! This woman never had that raw, primal need for adventure that we men thrive on.


    ¡°Oh, and I suppose you don¡¯t mind Jeffrey being trialled for treason, then?¡± spat back Sera.


    Oh¡­ I suppose the witch does have a point. Jeffrey is in charge of the security of the Palace and The Emperor himself; leaving would be neglectful and essentially a crime against the Empire.


    ¡°Not to mention, I have classes to teach at The Academy,¡± added Sera, in the same condescending tone. Why does she need to bring down the mood like that? Who cares about some silly, little lecturing job, when you can become a name for the History books?


    ¡°I see¡­ Just call in sick¡± I said. I mean, why not?


    All of my assets come from investments, so I don¡¯t exactly have anything I need to do¡­ Actually, I have been taking care of that new plant from the deep wilds of the elven territories. It needs to be fed human flesh every 4 hours or it¡¯ll go on a rampage and seek out its own prey¡­ can¡¯t believe I nearly forgot about that.


    ¡°Fatty what herbs have you been eating? Jeffrey¡¯s never caught a cold in his entire life, and I¡¯m a witch; we don¡¯t get ill,¡± nagged Sera. Herbs? This woman would dare slander me like that? What does she take me for, some common degenerate? My body is a temple, and needs to be fed only the finest foods and drinks. The idea that I would take recreational drugs¡­ SLANDER!


    ¡°Well come up with something better!¡± I retorted.


    All the while, Jeffrey stood awkwardly to the side, neglecting to defend his best friend¡­ Jeffrey, I thought I taught you better than that.