The son of the God-Emperor in Warhammer Fantasy

If anyone remembers, the current Reiksguard before them was once a new recruit when Ryan first visited Bretonnia. When Ryan left, he was assigned to escort him. Rudolph did not fail in his mission. In the battle of the plague at Helmgart, he, along with another new recruit, Wagner, successfully rallied the remaining forces and repelled the Skaven in the Battle of the Temple of Justice. For his meritorious service, he received widespread praise from the Imperial army.

After the Helmgart campaign, Rudolph and Wagner took different paths. Rudolph stayed and became an Imperial captain, while Wagner chose to head to Nuln after encountering Elanore, pledging allegiance to her and becoming an officer and engineer master.

In just four to five years of service, these two Reiksguard recruits rose through the ranks at a rocket-like pace, evoking envy among many Imperial soldiers. However, this was the reality—they were both sons of noble families, naturally enjoying significant advantages in their careers. What made things worse was that these noble scions not only had the innate advantages of family and status, but they were also highly capable in terms of courage and leadership. They had received good family education and military training from a young age. Since the military reforms of Ludwig the Savior, the empire's nobility valued military merit highly; elderly nobles who had never fought on the battlefield were often scorned and ridiculed at banquets.

It was becoming increasingly difficult for officers from commoner backgrounds to rise to prominence.

Obeon Island, always shrouded in mist, lies west of Norsca, across the sea from the Kingdom of Nord and Norsca, and is not very far from the Duchy of Couronne in Bretonnia. The island is inhabited by indigenous people known as the Verbalists, who are not human residents of the Old World but were exiled here from Lustria by the Old Ones. They possess basic magic skills. Due to the island's constant mist, people of the Old World believe it holds relics and heritage of the Old Ones. The empire's Chief Royal Wizard, Cernus Gehrman, recently led an infantry regiment to explore the island. By now, they should have returned, unless Gehrman isn't interested in competing for the Chief Royal Wizard position.

Thus, Archbishop Vikmar, not intending to interfere in the emperor's internal affairs, remained seated on the sofa, staring at the emperor five meters away without speaking.

An ink bottle and a quill pen were pushed in front of Rudolph. The emperor smiled lightly as he sat in his chair, speaking casually, "Did Gehrman make any discoveries?"

"Lord Gehrman almost got lost in the mist with his troops," Rudolph shifted slightly, blocking Vikmar's view of Emperor Karl Franz with his broad frame. "After some losses, Lord Gehrman successfully established a port camp, naming it 'Newland.'"

"Oh, I see." The emperor nodded slowly, pushing a piece of parchment forward. "Let's hear about what Gehrman found."

"There are some relics of the Old Ones on the island and some of their mechanisms," Rudolph wrote on the parchment with a feather quill. "However, due to language barriers and untranslatable hieroglyphics, we couldn't unlock the mechanisms left by the Old Ones."

The Reiksguard wrote quickly with the quill. Emperor Karl Franz, aware of the situation, continued, "So, there's nothing significant? What about the indigenous people? Can they be communicated with?"

"No way to communicate," Rudolph replied bluntly.

"No one knows their language?" The emperor's smile turned somewhat wry.

"No one knows it. The natives seem to distrust anything with two legs. Their magic isn't particularly powerful, but they excel at transforming into birds and fighting in the mist. Lord Gehrman encountered difficulties and had to return empty-handed," Rudolph spoke slowly, contrary to his usual style.

After finishing, Rudolph calmly placed the quill back in the ink bottle and pushed the parchment forward.

The emperor took it, glancing unobtrusively at Archbishop Vikmar, noting that Rudolph had blocked the latter's view. He then looked down at the parchment.

"Scouts report! High Chancellor Otto has gathered a large mercenary force in Bloodpine Woods, including many battle priests and temple knights! Could this be related to the upcoming Chief Royal Wizard competition?"

Karl Franz's hand trembled slightly, his gaze sharp as a sword but quickly concealed. He nodded and spoke gently, "Understood. Thank Gehrman for his efforts in expanding the empire's territory and exploring Obeon Island."

The emperor naturally picked up the quill and made a large check mark on the parchment.

"How long until our High Chancellor of the Fire Academy and his followers arrive?" The emperor handed the parchment back to Rudolph.

"A few more days," Rudolph understood the emperor's intent upon seeing the checkmark.

"So, what does Gehrman want, or rather, what do the soldiers think?" The emperor subtly pushed the ink bottle and parchment back toward Rudolph.

"Your Majesty, the generals and Marshal Helborg believe this is a threat and suggest deploying our Imperial army to eradicate it," Rudolph asserted righteously. "Otherwise, they'll bring trouble eventually!"

Archbishop Vikmar, sitting in the distance, found the situation odd. Emperor Karl Franz usually handled internal affairs decisively and firmly. Why was he hesitant and repeatedly consulting his subordinates today?

However, church non-interference in imperial internal affairs was an unwritten rule. Since the emperor hadn't sought his opinion, Vikmar had no choice but to wait, closing his eyes to rest.

While Rudolph spoke, he continued writing, soon placing another piece of parchment before the emperor.

The emperor took it, glancing once more at Archbishop Vikmar, who was now resting with furrowed brows, and then read the parchment's contents.

"Otto has received strong support from the Church of Justice, assembling a force of thousands. Should we order Marshal Helborg to mobilize the Brunswick army immediately to encircle and control this force? And arrest Otto?"

The emperor pondered briefly before slowly responding, "Although the natives of Obeon can cast spells, there's no sign of chaos corruption. Despite having some troops, they aren't elite forces and don't threaten us."

With that, the emperor marked a large cross on the parchment and shook his head.

"Will this not make them think the empire is weak?" Rudolph asked urgently. "If left unchecked, won't this damage the empire's and your majesty's prestige?"

"The empire isn't mine alone; it belongs to all its people," the emperor looked at the archbishop resting with closed eyes, then nodded to Rudolph, smiling. "Given the upcoming Chief Royal Wizard competition, let's not mobilize the army unnecessarily. If Gehrman truly needs help, he'll come to me."

"Understood." Rudolph nodded silently, then asked, "Due to the competition, the public order in Brunswick has been subpar. Should we deploy more troops for security?"

"This matter should not be neglected," Karl Franz agreed seriously. "Tell Helborg to take charge of this."

"May I say it's by your order?" Rudolph asked.

"Yes," the emperor nodded, then added, "Also, inform Gelt that his new gunpowder has been gradually equipped. He should ensure soldiers are properly instructed in its use."

"Understood," Rudolph gathered the parchments, bowing before turning to leave. He nodded and smiled at Archbishop Vikmar before exiting.

Archbishop Vikmar nodded back and stood up. "Karl, you have many affairs to handle. I won't stay any longer. Consider carefully about appointing Otto as the new Chief Royal Wizard."

"I will, Your Grace," Karl Franz replied with his usual cheerful smile. "Allow me to see you off."

"No need," Vikmar waved his hand, indicating the emperor need not see him out. He quickly left the study.

Karl Franz smiled as he sat back down, his expression gradually darkening.

He understood why the Church of Justice supported Otto, even sending knights and battle priests and helping him gather an army.

This began with the "Dark Mage" Egrim incident. Otto and Konrad discovered Egrim's corruption. After discussing it, they decided to break with the Royal Wizard College's long-standing principles and sought support from the Church of Justice.

Ultimately, Egrim was driven away, and half of the Light College's wizards were purged by Vikmar. Naturally, the relationship between the new Light College and the Church of Justice reached its peak. Archbishop Vikmar began attempting to extend the church's influence over the empire's wizards. His firm support for Otto now was unsurprising.

Today's events left the emperor feeling deeply humiliated. In his palace, in his study, at his desk, he and his Reiksguard had to communicate in such a manner.

Being the emperor of this empire was truly frustrating!

Karl Franz had no choice.

It was well known that the emperor was elected by the Elector Counts, intended to ensure the empire's safety under external threats and internal strife by choosing a capable leader.

However, over time, the electoral system had changed. Candidates for the throne often had to promise and offer much to the Elector Counts to secure their votes, leaving the new emperor "deeply in debt" right from the start. Over two millennia, the emperor's authority had gradually weakened. Karl Franz could still govern the Reikland province, ruling it as Grand Prince of Reikland.

The old empire fell this way, and the new empire strengthened the emperor's authority and control over military nobles through Ludwig's reforms. During his reign, Ludwig's will prevailed across the empire, but he did not change the electoral system. Once Ludwig abdicated, the Elector Counts quickly reverted to their old ways, and the emperor again faced issues of vote-buying, promises, and brib

ery, weakening his authority.

Many believed the empire was a centralized state, but it was a loose confederation. Whether the Elector Counts acknowledged the emperor's supreme authority depended on their needs and moods. After ascending to the throne, Emperor Karl Franz could only maintain some authority through a series of great military victories and diplomatic maneuvers.

Thus, he couldn't afford to alienate the Church of Justice. Archbishop Vikmar had convinced two other archbishops to swing the vote in Karl Franz's favor during his tight race against Boris Todbringer, securing a crucial turnaround. Even a single vote less would have spelled failure.

In return, Karl Franz had to show immense respect to Archbishop Vikmar and make concessions on many issues. Vikmar was a creditor, and Karl Franz a debtor. Moreover, the Church of Justice supported him; its cathedral was in Brunswick, and it had its own army, wealth, and resources.

"Sigh," the emperor sighed deeply, leaning back in his soft chair, thinking of his recent meeting with Ryan.

He envied Ryan. As a Holy Domain Holy Grail Knight, Ryan had unmatched strength and personal prestige. More importantly, he had the full support of the Lady of the Lake's church.

How did he manage it? Karl Franz was baffled by Ryan's sudden rise. Ten years ago, Ryan was just a common kingdom knight wintering in Marienburg. Now, he was close to becoming a king, commanding the loyalty of the entire kingdom's nobility, merchants, and church.

In contrast, Karl Franz could only rely on the imperial army, limited to the Reikland's forces, and maybe Gelt.

Being an emperor was no easy task!

Karl Franz's eyes darted around, and he called out, "Someone, come here!"

"Yes, Your Majesty, what are your orders?" A close servant immediately entered.

"Fetch Helena and the children!" Karl Franz waved grandly. "Let's visit Duke Ryan at the royal guesthouse! Let the children meet and make friends!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

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