The Sword Emperor Transmigrates-Chapter 254

On the day of the audience, Leonard arrived at Declan’s estate, where he encountered the Archduke of Sword dressed in ceremonial attire, which was rather unusual for the typically straightforward Declan.

No nation could impose courtly etiquette on Demigod Tier individuals or those who had reached Class 9. After all, the societal hierarchy of mortals is a fragile construct, and the distinctions between kings, nobles, and commoners could vanish overnight. Thus, such norms held little meaning for the powerful unless they were required to interact with those still bound by such conventions.

However, this time was an exception.

“As with the Founding Emperor Ragna and the three ancestors, there is a sense of unspoken respect between the imperial family and the Three Noble Houses,” Declan explained, standing still for the attendants to adjust his robe.

“Power alone does not define strength,” he went on. “The empress’s role in protecting this world is colossal and undeniable.”

“Is that so? I thought that someone unable to even leave the imperial capital would have little to contribute,” Leonard voiced the natural question that arose in his mind.

The notion that power was not everything became increasingly vague for those in the Demigod Tier and downright meaningless for those who had reached the True God level. With enough strength, one could achieve anything, and Leonard found it difficult to believe that Declan overlooked such a fundamental truth.

Declan’s expression suggested he had anticipated Leonard’s reaction. “Do you remember what I told you before?”

“That Her Majesty is ‘One Beloved by the World’?”

“Precisely. Since the founding of the empire, the bloodline of the imperial family has been imbued with the world’s favor. From minor matters to monumental events, this grace manifests as an unyielding wind at their backs.”

Even Leonard, who had been reincarnated into this world and gained a greater understanding of magic and supernatural forces, struggled to grasp the concept.

It was no surprise.

The power possessed by the Arcadian imperial bloodline was often dismissed as a myth. Historical records even mentioned how, in ancient times, this blessing had incited wars among divine beings, with dozens of gods clashing to claim the individual endowed with such favor.

The ability of the “One Beloved by the World” was deceptively simple.

“In short, they succeed in everything,” Declan said, laughing dryly as though the absurdity of his own words amused him.

“Success in everything?” Leonard repeated, disbelief coloring his tone.

Anyone with even a shred of life experience would understand how preposterous that claim sounded. Life was inherently full of hardship and obstacles—everyone was well aware of that. Finding love, acquiring wealth, earning glory—many people weren’t fortunate enough to achieve any of those things.

But Declan, a man capable of splitting mountains with a single strike, was resolute in his statement.

“The Empress of Arcadia defies that universal truth,” he continued. “Imperial citizens have grown so accustomed to this phenomenon that they barely notice it. But if you examine the empire’s history with even a shred of scrutiny, you’ll realize that this nation is abnormal.”

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“In what way?” Leonard asked.

“For one, Arcadia has never experienced a famine,” Declan said. “Not once in its entire history. Nor has it been struck by any natural disasters.”

Leonard’s face froze in shock as the gravity of those words hit him.

The Arcadian Empire spanned over half the continent. Even the combined territories of the Nine States, the Eight Wastelands, and the Five Lakes and Four Seas from Leonard’s past life amounted to barely forty percent of Arcadia’s vast domain.

One can infer certain truths without any expertise in geography or astronomy. In the north, cold winds from arctic seas would howl; in the south, tropical heat would reign just like at Nanman. Some regions would see torrential rains, while others were deserts or barren wastelands.

Yet, within Arcadia—

Even the most fertile land cycles through periods of prosperity and decline. For nearly a thousand years, this “blessed soil” has avoided that cycle entirely?

Leonard’s mind was racing.

The complete lack of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or typhoons was even more unnatural. After all, such disasters were the world's way of restoring balance.

Demigod Tier beings understood the natural order, and not even they could prevent such disasters, nor could they recreate them. The sheer power required to invoke such disasters was incomprehensible, rivaling the greatest of beings at the True God level.

“This is what it means to be ‘One Beloved by the World,’ isn’t it?” Leonard reflected, his voice tinged with disbelief.

“It’s even more than that,” Declan affirmed.

When Declan first learned of the empress’s abilities, he too had been rendered speechless.

“And it doesn’t stop there,” Declan went on. “Arcadia has never been ravaged by plague. Great villains and traitors either die suddenly or are swiftly dealt with. Crops are always plentiful, and barren lands flourish shortly after being annexed into the empire. Even among the empire’s talents, those with flawed character are rare.”

Leonard stood in silence, stunned.

“This is why the Three Noble Houses have sworn unwavering loyalty to the imperial bloodline. Protecting the imperial family is paramount to safeguarding the empire’s prosperity,” Declan concluded.

Leonard finally understood. This was not merely an anomaly—it was an outright violation of the natural order. The Arcadian Empire’s overwhelming power and prosperity were the direct result of the imperial family’s existence.

“That’s... unjust,” Leonard managed to murmur.

“Of course, this power doesn’t apply universally. Those at the Demigod Tier or higher, as well as external forces like the Nine Hells—born from the ruins of ancient malevolent gods—or the Outer Gods, who impose their True God-level strength upon this world, remain unaffected. That applies to Spriggans, which became servants of Yggdrasil, as well as the Celestials, who were higher races in the old era.”

“Dealing with those exceptions falls on the Three Noble Houses, huh? So the Houses defend against external threats, while the imperial family oversees internal governance,” Leonard summarized.

“Exactly. A sword can fend off enemies, but it cannot rule a nation.”

With that, Declan glanced at the grandfather clock.

“It’s time. Let’s head out.”

“Understood.” Leonard rose to his feet, following Declan’s lead.

“We’ll use the spatial portal connected to the imperial palace,” Declan explained as they descended into the mansion’s underground chamber.

The only way to reach the Eterna—the capital and heart of Arcadia—was through the spatial portal located in the estates of the Three Noble Houses. Not even Class 9 Grand Magi were able to teleport directly into the capital.

With their descent, mana rippled violently around the estate before settling into silence.

Just like that, the two swordsmen closest to the Deification Tier had departed for the imperial capital.

* * *

Eterna was the embodiment of magnificence, revered as the heart of the Arcadian Empire solely because the imperial family resided there.

Here, the empress’s ability as One Beloved by the World manifested most vividly, reinforcing the city’s defenses against any external threat. Not even Outer Gods or ancient malevolent gods could sully Eterna’s sanctity.

It was the most prosperous and secure place in the world.

“Hey, Antonius. No matter how I look at it, I can’t help but feel that I’m just a decorative totem here.”

In the heart of this city, within the imperial palace’s core, the girl sprawling lazily on the throne kicked her feet in frustration. The crown teetered on her head as if it might slip off at any moment.

Her neatly arranged attire had long come undone, revealing her inner garments. Yet, no one dared to comment or reprimand her—she had sent away everyone except one individual before the scheduled meeting with her guests. The lone exception was a mage who had lived for over three hundred years and whose mind was as steady as a plant’s.

“...Before I engage in this conversation, could Your Majesty at least put on some shoes or socks?”

“It's stifling! Ventilation and temperature control aside, isn’t my divine body always in perfect condition anyway? Let me enjoy some comfort in private!”

“Then at least keep your toes still. They’re distracting.”

Even this ancient mage, who rarely expressed emotion, couldn’t help but sigh at Empress Laila’s restlessness.

“Listen, I’ve been working day and night for six months, so let me make the most of my day off. Otherwise, I’ll never be able to work again!”

And so, she rolled around on the oversized throne—spanning several meters—with the carefree demeanor of a child. Antonius, who watched her in silence, found solace in the fact that no one else was there to witness this.

Antonius, the second-ranked member of the Pentagon, was a Grand Magus who had reached Class 9 with his mastery over sealing and barrier magic. And yet, he couldn’ help but glance nervously at the clock, hoping the guests would get there already to bring some relief to the chaos.

And soon enough...

“They’re here!” Laila, previously sprawled like a sloth, jumped up just as a ripple of mana burst through the air. As magic was forbidden within the capital, she would know right away if anyone used it. The only individuals allowed to traverse via such means were the heads of the Three Noble Houses.

“I’ll guide them in, Your Majesty.”

“Mm! Hurry up!”

Antonius formed a series of intricate hand gestures, manipulating the labyrinthine structure of the imperial palace. With each movement of his fingers, kilometers of spatial configurations shattered and reformed in an instant.

This level of mastery—creating an impenetrable fortress-like barrier within prepared grounds—was a testament to Antonius’s moniker, the Barrier Master.

Once he established the connection between the spatial portal and the audience chamber, Antonius lowered his hands. The large doors opened shortly after.

“As summoned, I have arrived, Your Majesty. I hear it’s your rare day off.” Declan walked through the doors, wearing a faintly bitter smile.

He exchanged a brief glance with Antonius, as if to say, “It must be tough for you.” Whether Antonius understood his unspoken sympathy was anyone’s guess.

Of course, Laila noticed the silent exchange but paid it no mind.

"Good! I was just making myself comfortable, so you two should do the same! And...”

Her eyes met Leonard’s as he followed Declan into the chamber.

“...I’ve heard much about you, but this is the first time we’ve met in person. Do you know who I am, Leonard of Cardenas?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Leonard replied respectfully, though he couldn’t suppress his astonishment upon seeing Laila in person.

The laws of the world seemed to rejoice in her presence, and just her mere presence seemed to evoke a natural sense of goodwill. This wasn’t some cheap ability trick like charming or enchantment; rather, it was similar to feeling refreshed when you gazed at the clear blue sky, or smiling instinctively when a gentle breeze brushed against your cheeks.

It was a pure, undeniable reaction, and it was completely different from the presence of Outer Gods that evoked fanaticism.

Even the Qi of the Four Symbols and the Dragon Heart within him, forces inherently defiant in nature, merely noticed her presence without any reaction. They showed no signs of resisting the goodwill that welled up naturally toward Laila.

“How intriguing. Declan didn’t regard me this way back in the day, but you truly are a candidate for the Divine Throne.”

“...I beg your pardon.” Leonard bowed slightly as he realized his lapse.

“It’s fine. Grand Magi and Demigod Tier individuals like you usually react like that when they first see me. You could strike me down without hesitation if you wished, but you can’t deny the goodwill itself. However, you... you seem to let even that flow past you like a stream.”

“Interesting,” she murmured, smiling as if genuinely amused. “This is already shaping up to be far more entertaining than I anticipated. I’m satisfied. So let’s get the dull and tedious matters out of the way first. Antonius!”

“As you command, Your Majesty.”

At her call, Antonius stepped forward and extended his palm. “

“There’s news from the Arcane Society regarding the possibility of collusion between the Outer Gods and the Demoniacs, and we’ve determined the most likely scenario. However, we still lack details, so I ask for your patience as I can only share the conclusion for now.”

Declan and Leonard’s eyes widened simultaneously at the unexpected revelation.