The Billionaire CEO Becomes the Youngest Emperor-Chapter 19 - 18: Human factory

Damn it...

As soon as we entered the empire, it felt like we were struck by whiplash, overwhelmed by the scene unfolding before our eyes.

A mix of awe and frustration was written all over our faces, and the guard leading us seemed particularly amused by our reactions.

All empires, without exception, concentrated the majority of their power at all levels in the center of their territories—where their capital was located.

As a result, most other regions were neglected, sometimes even abandoned, especially the extreme zones: south, north, east, and west.

But the far south of the 5th empire...

Shit...

I could feel the disappointment in my companions, especially Astrid. The far south of this empire was twice as lively and luxurious as my own capital, and I could only imagine it was the same for the 11th empire.

The streets were lined with houses with shimmering rooftops, facades adorned with intricate sculptures and colorful frescoes, each seemingly competing in beauty and opulence. The people, dressed in fine, vividly colored fabrics, moved about cheerfully, their radiant smiles shining under the bright sun. The markets were bustling, the stalls overflowing with exotic goods, and the air was filled with the lively sounds of bargaining and laughter. The atmosphere pulsed with an almost tangible energy, a joy of living I had never encountered in my own city.

I wondered what their capital must look like...

We walked for about ten minutes, drawing curious glances from the citizens.

It was only natural—the sight of wounded soldiers and the small being walking just behind the 5th empire's gate guard would raise questions.

Whatever...

A hooded merchant momentarily widened his eyes when he saw Lucian's delegation.

"This can't be..."

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"Sir?"

He quickly turned his attention away from the group and back to his customer.

"Ah, sorry, I got lost in my thoughts."

What was that mana?

***

Ah...

We had arrived at the Holy Clergy's branch. At the sight of the golden card, everyone in this gleaming white building treated us with the utmost care.

Astrid and her wounded soldiers were being treated by the branch's priest himself in a room specifically dedicated to healing.

Meanwhile, I was in another prayer room, waiting for the Saint. I was accompanied by Julie, who was lying on a bench, covered with a Church cloth to keep her from catching a cold.

I had expected her to communicate via telepathy, but it seemed she was completely out of it after exhausting all her mana in such a state.

What happened to her? And more importantly, what exactly is she suffering from?

Lost in thought, I heard the door to the room open from the outside. My attention instinctively shifted toward the entrance.

"The Saint is here," a servant of the Church solemnly announced.

The young woman entered, followed by a crowd of people admiring her from behind.

Of course, she's revered. She worked hard for it.

She walked toward me, dressed in her sacred garments of pure white silk, with a veil covering her face. Every step she took carried an undeniable grace until she stopped before me, right at the center of the grand prayer hall.

I remained seated, my expression entirely indifferent, simply watching her.

"Your Majesty," she said in a soft yet icy voice.

"It is tradition to bow before one another as a sign of humility before God."

Ah, look at that...

A faint smirk formed on my lips.

"That would only matter if we actually intended to show humility before this God, wouldn't it?"

If this so-called God was the one who sent me here, pleasing Him would be the last thing on my mind.

"You're quite arrogant for an emperor."

She dropped the act quickly, Lucian thought.

"That's what it takes to rule an empire, don't you think?" I replied with a smirk.

"But is it really worth it if it means ending up last on the continent?" the Saint retorted.

Ah... she has a point.

A cold silence filled the room.

I sighed.

"As you wish. I would like to know the reason why Emperor Lucian has summoned me."

I lifted my left arm, slicing it through the air as I remained seated, my eyes closed.

"My arm? That can be arranged."

"That's not all. You must also heal the other girl."

Hmmm... That bastard knew full well that the card granted him the privilege of receiving personal treatment from the Saint, yet he's asking me to take care of him and someone else as well?

The veiled Saint thought to herself.

Under normal circumstances, I would have refused...

She was still veiled, but one could almost sense a smile forming beneath it.

...But this is an excellent opportunity to put pressure on that stingy emperor of Vandgor.

(Vandgor is the official name of the 5th Empire.)

"At your command, Your Majesty. Please step forward."

Lucian leaned back on the bench.

"You're asking a superior to come to you? You're not messing with me, are you?"

"Then I shall come to you."

There's no point in getting emotional over this brat. Either way, he's done for... or at least, his so-called 13th Empire's finances are.

She descended the small steps and approached Lucian, who remained seated on the bench.

"Very well. I shall begin, if you permit."

Lucian gave a slight nod.

Honestly, I was skeptical. Is it really possible to regenerate a severed arm?

She placed her hands over the mutilated area and began chanting incomprehensible words.

"####???######????####"

As she continued, the room gradually filled with a golden light.

Shit... So this is sacred magic?

Lucian was in awe—just before passing out under the effects of the light.

Then, the radiance faded, and miraculously, Lucian's left arm was fully restored.

"Too bad you had to cross paths with me, kid."

A dark energy, in complete contrast to the golden light from before, seeped from the Saint's hands. She placed them on Lucian's chest—right where his heart was—and the black energy sank deep within him.

Of course, Lucian, still unconscious, had no idea what was happening.

There's nothing more satisfying than controlling the minds of these fools.

After that, they become my playthings, handing me lovely "little gifts" until they're completely ruined. Men are so easy to manipulate.

"Isn't it amusing?" she suddenly whispered, a satisfied smile on her lips.

"YES, IT'S HILARIOUS!"

The Saint screamed—but only in her mind.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

She had just heard a voice echoing from the depths of Lucian's subconscious. But that wasn't what truly shook her to her core.

No... what truly unsettled her was the overwhelming sensation that followed—as if she had just dared to toy with a god. No, it was even greater than that. She now felt as insignificant as a speck of dust drifting in an infinite cosmos.

Her face twisted instantly, contorting in sheer terror, as though she had glimpsed something she was never meant to see.

She was screaming internally, yet no sound escaped her lips. All she could do was gasp for air, trembling violently, her gaze unfocused—lost in an abyss she couldn't escape.

"Huh... huh... huh..." She struggled to breathe.

At that exact moment, Lucian's eyes fluttered open.

"Ah... What happened? Did I pass out?" He ran his left hand over his forehead as a sharp pain pulsed through his mind.

"Wait...!"

His gaze snapped to his arms—both of them. A tidal wave of joy crashed over him. He had never felt this level of happiness before.

His arm—the one he thought was lost forever—was back.

"Is this real?! This is insane! My arm is back!"

His eyes sparkled with pure exhilaration. Overcome with excitement, he turned toward the Saint.

"Saint, how did you—"

But his words stopped dead in his throat.

She was motionless.

Why was she reacting like that?

She was curled up, trembling uncontrollably, as if she had just witnessed something beyond human comprehension.

She looked like she had seen a ghost. No... something far worse.

Lucian couldn't see her face behind the veil, but one thing was undeniable—she was absolutely, utterly terrified.

He raised an eyebrow but quickly shrugged, dismissing her reaction. He had more important things to focus on.

"Ah, whatever. Must be some Saint thing."

A smirk tugged at his lips as he waved her off.

"Heal the girl already, I'm in a hurry." Then, with an ironic chuckle, he added, "I don't know what's wrong with you, but honestly? After all your arrogance and nonsense, seeing you like this is kinda satisfying. Heh."

...Though, to be honest, this is a little unsettling.

Am I the reason she's like this?

The Saint violently shook her head as if snapping out of a nightmare. Her hands still trembled.

"Y-Yes... yes... I... I'll do it right away...!"

I need to leave. Now.

She forced herself to her feet, nearly stumbling. Her hands quivered as she approached the unconscious girl lying on the bench.

Without hesitation, she poured every last drop of divine energy she had left into the healing.

Good... It's done.

But... I wish I could have seen it Though, I suppose I'll never get the chance.

And that person... is not someone you can find simply because you want to.

"Azrael Itharion..."

...

"You!"

"So, you knew I was following you?!"

I quickly turned my gaze toward the voice echoing behind me.

There, in the shadows of the room, sat a hooded figure. Their presence was... unsettling.

My walking factory... he's here!