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[FMMIKA] Chapter 99: His Majesty the Emperor—Artorius the First
🕑 Added 2023-07-30 20:25:02 +0000 UTCAfter defeating the Franks, Artorius couldn't wait to turn his gaze towards the ruler of the Western Roman Empire.
Of course, being a Roman general and a provincial governor, the war against Western Rome was not a mere tribal rebellion; it was a civil war.
Once the war was won, Artorius not only sought to become a 'Protector of Rome' like those Germanic chieftains but also aimed to claim the Roman imperial title as the 'Emperor of Rome.'
It was the 'Emperor of Rome', not just the 'Emperor of Romans'. There was a significant difference between the two.
What Artorius desired was an empire that surpassed the territorial extent of the Western Roman Empire, encompassing the British Isles, the Nordic Peninsula, Central Europe, and even vast territories like Poland and Ukraine of Eastern Europe. In short, all of Europe.
At the same time, in name, Artorius sought to inherit the legacy of the Roman Empire fully, becoming an authentic Roman Emperor.
Both tasks were not easy and would require a considerable amount of time and effort to achieve.
Furthermore, compared to the ultimate goal of 'saving humanity and the world,' what Artorius needed to do at the moment was only a starting point.
Of course, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. It was best to focus on the immediate tasks first before talking about long-term goals.
After the war, there was much post-war work to be done.
The most important task was to assimilate the prisoners of war and further enhance Artorius's strength.
This went smoothly, so much so that it left many in a daze.
For example, Gawain, whose severed hand was restored through healing magecraft, couldn't help but mumble, "It's truly unimaginable. It was just... so easy..."
Of course, for those who truly understood the situation, such ease was not surprising at all; it was entirely normal.
In terms of reputation, as a Germanic general, Artorius's standing in the Germanic regions was second only to Clovis of the Franks.
With Artorius's victory and the beheading of Clovis, the hierarchies underwent a complete reversal. Artorius was now the undisputed leader in the Germanic regions.
In terms of power and authority, Artorius was also the strongest. A night attack had toppled the prestigious Royal Guards of Clovis and three elite Germanic berserker units, all with minimal losses on Artorius's side.
The might of Britain's cavalry and Artorius's strength had shaken every Germanic peoples who participated in the battle, leaving them unable to muster any resistance.
Lastly, there were the practical benefits.
Perhaps this was the most crucial point—following Artorius Pendragon meant having enough to eat.
Though Artorius provided nothing more than black bread. It was created without restriction through the infinite magical energy supply of the Third Magic, barely having any taste, merely serving to fill their stomachs.
But so what?
For those knights and nobles, it might be garbage, not even worth a glance. Even Artoria herself had already grown tired of such food. However, for the Germanic peoples who lived daily in hunger and extreme poverty, it was a luxury.
Were they still considered human?
Let alone black bread, they could eat grass, tree bark, and mud.
As for pursuing taste or enjoyment, those were things that the Germanic peoples who had despaired due to famine would never even dare to think about.
Even if they joined Clovis, even if they fought on the battlefield for the ambitions of the Wolf King of Franks, they would receive very little in return.
The food sent to them was barely enough to sustain them, often nothing more than a clear broth with a few grains of wheat. Even this meager food was frequently taken away by stronger and more ruthless bastards.
Upon pledging allegiance to Artorius Pendragon, the generals of Germanic peoples beheaded thousands and wiped out most of the unruly elements in their troops. It was the primary reason for their loyalty.
Meanwhile, inside a tent.
"In terms of reputation, strength, and interests, everything favors His Majesty." Agravain's voice remained calm with a hint of delight, "There's no reason to fail."
"..."
"Yes, perhaps." Awkwardly rubbing his wrist, Gawain spoke to his brother, "But I can't shake this feeling of unreality. Before this, we endured so much hardship, and everything seemed difficult. Now, all of a sudden, it's going so smoothly..."
"There's nothing to worry about." Agravain said confidently, "Fate is on our side now."
After saying this, he lowered his head, focusing all his attention on the nation's affairs.
"Sir Agravain."
"What?"
"It's just that... you seem a bit younger...?"
"It's His Majesty's blessing." Agravain didn't hide it, "In reward for my loyalty and diligence, His Majesty used his magic to rejuvenate my body, restoring me to my prime."
"I see, so now you can continue working late nights without problems." Gawain had a look of sudden realization, which earned him a cold snort from Agravain.
"You wouldn't understand the joy of working overtime if you don't do it yourself." Agravain said without mincing his words, "Assisting His Majesty in managing and controlling such a vast empire, dedicating oneself to such a magnificent endeavor, that itself is unparalleled happiness."
"..."
"Is that so? I can't understand you at all." Shaking his head, Gawain replied, "I still think ordinary happiness is easier to understand... Don't the Germanic peoples think the same way?"
While they conversed, the Germanic peoples were cheering.
Whether they were the first to join Artorius which was the Anglo-Saxons, or those who followed later, like the Franks, Goths, or Burgundians, all were passionately celebrating.
They cheered for their 'Emperor' Artorius.
He stood on a large, black, circular shield. Two of the mightiest chieftains from the Germanic tribes lifted the shield, keeping Artorius high above their heads.
The chieftains, nobles, elders, and strongest warriors, gathered in the inner circle, all raised their fists and weapons, tossing their helmets into the air.
They wanted Artorius to become their leader, their emperor, even more anxiously than Artorius himself.
""Long live the Emperor!""
In the midst of a vast army, the Germanic peoples proclaimed their 'Roman Emperor' with their traditional coronation ceremony.
It wasn't through hereditary succession or Senate election.
It was a more pure form, based on the support of the people and the military. What Artorius had once said became a reality.
Augustus, the one with strength and valor, would be chosen. {T/N: Augustus was an ancient Roman title meaning majestic, great, or venerable.}
"It feels like a dream... I'm not dreaming, right?" Watching the ecstatic celebration of the Germanic peoples, Gawain sighed, "Not long ago, we were enemies. Now, we're all serving the same ruler."
Agravain didn't respond to his brother's words. He merely smiled at the corners of his mouth, a smile that showed both joy and a mocking amusement at Gawain's limited insight.
Though their time following Artorius differed only slightly, Agravain understood their lord better.
Right from the beginning, he knew, he understood, that Artorius would undoubtedly succeed, accomplishing things no one else could ever achieve.
Miracle existed. Artorius Pendragon was proof of that.
"Next, we shall build an empire."
Agravain couldn't contain his excitement. He put down his pen, stood up, and walked out of the tent, joining the jubilant crowd.
"Long live the Emperor! Long live Artorius the First!"
With Artorius becoming 'Emperor', as the first of their family to hold the title, he could now be addressed with the honorific 'the First'. {T/N: Artorius the First or Artorius I}
"The Roman Empire has found its most fitting ruler! Next is to march on to Ravenna! Slay the fake emperor, Lucius! Hahaha..."
Gawain watched his brother Agravain in astonishment, never expecting to see the expressionless him to laugh, and laugh so joyously at that.
