I'm reborn As a Trash Emperor [3]

Living the life of the Emperor in the Imperial Palace was more comfortable than Ramon had ever imagined.

For the past two days, Ramon had stayed in a room that would make any hotel of his past life feel ashamed.

In the morning, he heads to the Imperial Library in order to understand this new world further and expand his current knowledge

As anticipated by Ramon, the continent of his reincarnation bears the name Azura.

A continent governed by one golden law, which is the law of the jungle, where the strong rule the weak and control their fate.

Many races have apparently been living peacefully on this continent since the previous war

In the evening, Ramon will lay lazily on the comfortable bed, eating various snacks while reading books that would help him make his plans for the future.

The palace servants treated him with great respect despite he's noticeable change. He didn't want to hide his changes because it's so tiring and boring for him.

But, the best part of it was that no one tried to stick their nose into his work or try to disturb him.

"It will be hard to survive in this world."

Ramon added quietly, after finishing a book summarizing the history of the noble families loyal to the Hanoverian imperial family.

In my novel, 'The Way to the Summit,' it becomes evident that the Grand Duke manipulates the Emperor's authority. Operating as my character's covert agent, he skillfully garners backing from fellow nobles, clandestinely advancing his quest for the throne."

"At present, he has garnered backing from 75 percent of the nobility, placing me in a challenging predicament that demands careful consideration."

"According to his plan, he will make a move against me after two weeks. The Duke plans to rebel during the Empress's selection ceremony."

Ramon's gentle smile adorned his face as he held a glass of red wine, gracefully retrieved from the marble table nestled in the eastern corner of his room.

He felt no pressure at all. He still had time to prepare a counterattack against the duke.

"I've formulated a practical plan, but there's a significant threat that surpasses even the Grand Duke in strength and size. I need to devise a strategy to neutralize this formidable variable."

"Upon reflection, the only strategy I conceived would inevitably lead to significant upheaval within the empire's structure. Is such a consequence desirable?"

With a sinister grin, Ramon contemplated the potential impact of his scheme, his gaze fixed on his reflection in the glass, the wine halfway consumed. He ran his chubby knuckles across his face, musing, "Man, have I always been this evil?"

His personality underwent a subtle transformation upon emerging from the void, evolving into that of a classic antagonist who relishes in meticulous planning and the manipulation of others' lives.

However, Ramon didn't mind his personality changes.

"It's okay, I like my new me. I will give up my previous name and from now on my name is Samuel Hanover"

His lips curled at the corners, imparting a sinister edge to his smile, all while he contemplated a single question that lingered in his thoughts.

"Will the Duke kill me before I kill him? I'm looking forward to seeing the ending."

....

The Griffin Empire, in the past, wasn't just a passing empire in the world of empires, but a sacred land characterized by its splendor, long history and wisdom.

The Griffin Empire viewed the other empires with utter disdain, with some regarding it as the "Ruling Holy Land of the Azure Continent."

However, later in its wonderful history, the Griffin witnessed a tragic incident 1000 years ago, when it collapsed to the bottom in one night mysteriously, the cause of which is not yet known. 

Many individuals and historians tried to uncover this mystery, but they failed to find evidence explaining the roots of this collapse that destroyed everything the empire stood for.

But, because of the absence of clear evidence and information, rumors and speculation about the cause of this devastating fall have increased. 

Some nobles and philosophers doubted that there was a connection between this catastrophic event and other Holy Lands.

Over the course of a thousand years, the griffin has undergone an irreversible decline, sliding from its exalted rank as a sacred land to that of a fallen empire on the verge of disintegration. 

As the course of events evolved and power dispersed, the once-mighty empire experienced a notable decline, marking a chapter in its history fraught with ambiguities and unanswered questions.

In the events of the novel [The Way to the Summit], after the Grand Duke took over the reins of government and ascended the throne of the Griffin Empire, the paths of power and decisions changed radically.

The Duke renamed and proclaimed the Griffin Empire as the "Mackenzie Kingdom" to indicate the new period governed by his vision and political orientations.

Then, following this drastic change in power, the Grand Duke became a loyal dog for the Crown Prince of the Dragon Empire. He tried hard to bond with the new authority, show his loyalty, and offer his services to strengthen his position and develop his new kingdom.

But in the end, his extreme greed caused his downfall.

Inside the Emperor's private office, Samuel sat atop a black desk with an elegant design and printed with the Empire's griffin flag.

Samuel quietly tapped his fingertips on his own desk as he read the reports and rumors surrounding the Grand Duke.

Due to his skillful and deceptive performances, Duke Mackenzie skillfully cultivated a positive public image by generously contributing to charitable causes. As a result, a majority of the capital's residents hailed him as a benevolent figure, often referring to him as a saint.

"He demonstrates remarkable intelligence by actively cultivating a positive public image, a strategic endeavor aimed at mitigating potential opposition following my demise. Moreover, this astute approach serves as a shrewd deterrent against any insurgent activities, leveraging public sentiment as a safeguard against potential threats to his leadership."

Samuel smiled calmly as he set his first goal in this world.

"It's time to visit the Magic Tower. I have to convince a neutral party like the Magic Tower Master to support me."

Samuel's first target is Magnus Pierce, the head of the Imperial Magic Tower and one of the Duke's greatest enemies.

He is also a pawn that Samuel currently needs, a great seven-star magician who has the power to destroy a small-sized city with a wave of his hand. 

For his plan to succeed smoothly, he must recruit Magnus and the Magic Tower to become part of his special forces.

Fortunately, it's not that difficult. Samuel has a golden card that will enable him to deal with the old magician.

He will also be doing him a great service by fulfilling his life's wishes.

- Tak.

Samuel opened the door of his office, quietly calling out to the knight standing next to the office door.

"Sir Eden."

An old knight, over 60 years old, who pledged his allegiance to the owner of this body out of gratitude to the late emperor.

Unlike his cold behavior, he has taken care of Samuel's original body owner since his childhood.

Through the highs and lows, he has provided steadfast support, earning the title of a second father from Samuel's original body owner.

"Yes, Your Majesty. "

Eden responded with a cool demeanor, upholding the proper etiquette expected in the relationship between a knight and his master.

"Please inform Emilia to ready the carriage as I plan to visit the Magic Tower. Additionally, dispatch a message to the tower, notifying them of my imminent arrival."

The knight nodded with composure, aware that his Emperor had a penchant for visiting the Magic Tower, albeit with a regrettable tendency to stir up trouble. He then spoke, acknowledging the Emperor's inclination.

"Your command."

Sir Aiden hastily departed, leaving Samuel alone in his chamber to delve further into reports concerning the Imperial Council, over which Grand Duke Jeremy held sway.

...…...

In the middle of a vast laboratory in the Imperial Magic Tower, an old man with wrinkled skin and a dirty white beard sat on a plush sofa.

If anyone stared at his patched clothes, he would judge him as just an ordinary vagabond.

He wore an angry expression on his face as he looked at the young man with black hair and purple eyes kneeling in front of him.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, Master, the Imperial Palace has sent a message that Emperor Samuel is coming within an hour."

-Sigh

The elderly man let out a deep sigh, his weathered hands moving to massage his furrowed brow. With a stern tone, he exclaimed sharply,

"Damn it, is that youngster truly determined to test my patience relentlessly? It hasn't even been a fortnight since his last visit. Must I always play the role of a babysitter for these nobles?"

Magnus Pierce, the chief magician of the imperial court and the only 7-star magician in the Griffin Empire, suppressed his anger and then added:

"Aaron, clean my office and tightly lock all the labs next to it, so we can avoid another disaster."

"Yes, teacher."

Magnus's student Aaron, a 5-star magician, lowered his head out of respect for his teacher.

-Wosh-

And used the teleportation spell to disappear from the room, leaving his teacher unhappy.

Magnus fixated his vibrant blue eyes upon the Imperial Capital, standing on the fiftieth floor of the Imperial Tower. In a hushed tone, he murmured,

"Harold, I fear that the legacy of your bloodline may cease in this era, my dear friend. Despite my commitment to supporting your family, your son's lack of intelligence and bothersome nature poses significant challenges."

Magnus's smile widened as he gazed out the window into the vast expanse of the blue sky.