Chapter 53
“Speak your command.”
Though Emmett had once thought he would do anything for Emperor August’s sake when pledging his loyalty, most of August’s orders involved harming others. Having resolved to commit no more meaningless evil acts, Emmett feigned composure. Soon, August’s command fell upon him:
“Retrieve an artifact imbued with ancient sorcery from the Duchy of Lartman.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Fortunately, it was neither wicked nor overly difficult, retrieving an object, requiring no harm to others. Moreover, if that object resided in the Duchy of Lartman, it would be all the easier.
August had tasked Emmett with matters concerning ancient sorcery before.
According to legends passed down in the Holy Church, ‘artifacts imbued with ancient sorcery’ referred to objects containing divine power. They earned that name from ancient sorcerers who had studied harnessing such powers, now extinct. Their research records had survived to the present day, monopolized by August himself.
August utilized these artifacts to display miracles, protecting himself from his enemies. Based on their power, he claimed divinity stood by his side.
Though reluctant to provide anything aiding August’s authority, Emmett had already delivered several such artifacts before, so this task seemed manageable without issue. In fact, lacking any need to harm others left Emmett greatly relieved by this relatively innocuous command.
* * *
“Ho ho, have a safe journey, Liv.”
“Sister, I will write you letters.”