The Ember Dragon Chapter 424: Once Again, an Audience - Novel Cool

Chapter 424: Once Again, an Audience

Continuing toward the city center, they arrived before the Isdalia Grand Altar. The ground rose sharply, forming a towering cliff that lifted the entire altar high into the sky—like the legendary Sky Garden of myth. Navin had spotted this structure from afar, and it was precisely this impossible sight that had made him doubt his own eyes. Such a marvel simply couldn’t exist in reality.

But now, standing before it, he finally understood: this was no natural formation. It was the work of magic—undoubtedly the handiwork of a spellcaster of unimaginable power, capable of lifting the land itself.

"A miracle of construction… extraordinary weapons… a legendary-level spellcaster. This is beyond what any fledgling nation should possess."

"Could they be the inheritors of some ancient empire’s full legacy?"

Or… was there, behind the scenes, a divine power on par with the revered Amanata herself?

"The Empire of Ashen… what secrets does it truly conceal? Their ambitions must stretch far beyond Anzeta."

Navin lifted his gaze toward the sky-piercing cliff, his heart heavy with concern for Cassander’s future.

Suddenly, a voice broke his thoughts—sharp, clear, and unmistakably Tiefling in tone.

"Lord Navin, we’ve arrived."

"Please, ascend alone for the audience."

The Tiefling Captain of the Guard extended a hand, gesturing politely.

"Thank you."

With nerves taut and heart pounding, Navin began his ascent along the smooth, spiraling staircase carved into the cliff face. The altar stood high above, and it took him nearly twenty minutes to reach the summit.

But Navin was no ordinary man—he was a priest nearing the threshold of the supernatural. Bathed in sunlight, his constitution far surpassed that of the average mortal, allowing him to endure the climb without gasping for breath.

"Once again, Navin."

The familiar voice echoed from the altar’s peak.

Navin snapped upright, tensing instantly. But instead of the massive Red Dragon he had braced himself for, he saw a young noble—dark-haired, golden-eyed, clad in a crimson golden silk robe, crowned with a lavish headdress studded with gems. His face was strikingly handsome, and his pale gold eyes were so deep, so intense, they stirred an instinctive urge to worship.

He lay casually upon a throne, one arm draped over the backrest, yet every movement carried an aura of undeniable authority—like divine power made flesh. There was no way to hide it.

—This was Kai Xiusu, in his human form manifestation.

"He… he seems even more regal than Lord Otis."

"More… like a god."

A reckless, almost blasphemous thought flashed through Navin’s mind—so audacious that uttering it before Otis would have meant certain death.

Navin shuddered.

Only then did he fully recover from his shock, realizing the true identity of the man before him.

With a deep bow, he lowered himself to the ground.

"Your Majesty, Kai Xiusu, forgive my lapse in manners. I was… overwhelmed."

"I beg your pardon, but I must explain: Your empire’s grandeur, Your Majesty’s majesty—it seized my thoughts, and I forgot myself."

Kai Xiusu idly conjured flickering flames in his palm, then turned to look at him, his voice calm.

"Enough. I care not for such formalities."

He chuckled softly, his tone laced with quiet amusement.

"Let me congratulate your Lord Otis—he’s once again defended the Holy City, and held the sacred symbol of Imperial Authority over Fedran firmly in his grasp."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Navin replied. "I come on behalf of Lord Otis—"

"I already know why you’re here," Kai Xiusu interrupted.

The flames in his hand coalesced into glowing red beads, then vanished like smoke.

"I’ve said it before—I am a leader who loves peace. And now is the time for the Empire’s growth. For at least the next year, the Empire of Ashen will remain neutral. We will not join the war between the kingdoms of Fadalan."

Hearing those words, Navin exhaled in relief.

The Emperor of the Ashen Flame had spoken it himself. There was no room for doubt.

This meant the Empire of Ashen would not become a military ally of the Kingdom of Thrace.

The worst-case scenario had not come to pass.

With renewed resolve, Navin pressed forward.

"Your Majesty, Lord Otis has said—if you would form an alliance with us, he is willing to—"

"Let’s not talk about that," Kai Xiusu cut in again.

He fixed Navin with a piercing stare, his voice oddly calm.

"Tell me, Navin… do you really think I’m the kind of dragon easily bought with gold coins?"

Navin broke into a cold sweat. He immediately bowed his head.

"N-No, of course not, Your Majesty."

"I’ve traveled from the Anzeta Corridor all the way here. I’ve seen your people, heard their words. They speak of your wisdom, your foresight, with genuine admiration."

This was no mere flattery. It was truth—something he’d witnessed firsthand. Even while posing as a merchant passing through the cities, Navin had been struck by how widely these praises spread. After the Emperor’s legendary “National Inspection Tour,” the Propaganda Department had unleashed a relentless campaign of glorification—publishing popular tales like The Grace of King Kai Xiusu, painting him as a near-divine figure.

Now, in the hearts of peasants, merchants, and common citizens alike, the Emperor’s image grew ever grander. He had become more than a ruler—almost a living symbol of the Empire.

"The Emperor’s stance is clear."

"So… I must disappoint Lord Otis after all. It seems I truly cannot bring the Empire into alliance with us."

Seeing Kai Xiusu’s unwavering resolve, Navin sighed deeply within, burying the idea beneath layers of silence.

But this visit had one more purpose.

Navin took a deep breath, then cautiously glanced at the man on the throne. When he saw no change in expression, he lowered his head and spoke again.

"Your Majesty, there is one more matter… I’m not sure if I should mention it."

"Speak."

"In our battles with Thrace’s forces, we discovered weapons resembling those of the Empire of Ashen."

"So… you suspect the Empire is aiding Thrace?"

A hint of irritation edged into the question.

The tone sent a chill down Navin’s spine.

He waved his hands frantically, fear in his voice.

"No, no! Not at all! It’s just… Lord Otis was curious. He wanted to know the origin of these weapons—"

"Ah," Kai Xiusu said, a faint smile curling his lips. "You’re not wrong. Those weapons are from the Empire of Ashen."

Navin froze, stunned.

But Kai Xiusu continued, unfazed.

"However, this is not aid in any sense. It’s simply the most ordinary form of trade."

"They pay gold coins. We provide weapons. That’s all."

"Wait… you mean… these weapons can be sold?"

Navin was speechless. Even more staggering—these weapons were being sold to a potential enemy?

"Your kingdom of Cassander," Kai Xiusu said, "has no right to question our trade with Thrace, does it?"

"No," Navin replied earnestly. "Our Empire of Ashen has always championed free trade."

"Pay enough gold, and you can obtain such weapons yourself—perhaps even more advanced than those given to Thrace."

A subtle, almost imperceptible curve touched the corner of Kai Xiusu’s mouth. But Navin, too busy trembling with excitement and reverence, did not notice.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Navin exclaimed, his voice trembling with joy.

A wild thought surged through him—Perhaps this journey will change the course of the war after all.

(End of Chapter)

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