Nico and Sana nodded firmly, then hurried out to prepare for their journey. As the door closed behind them, Arga turned to Ningning, who remained rooted in place.
"Ningning," he called, his voice once again firm. "Have the hundred elite soldiers gathered?"
Ningning snapped out of her thoughts. "Yes, Your Majesty," she replied with unwavering certainty.
Arga nodded slowly and stepped out of the room, heading toward where his best soldiers awaited. His mission was far from over. With each step, he carried the hopes and burdens of the entire Empire on his shoulders.
When he arrived at the hall, the atmosphere shifted. Dozens of soldiers stood tall, the air charged with tension and respect. One soldier stepped forward, his posture upright, saluting perfectly. "Your Majesty," he said with utmost reverence, followed by synchronized movements from the others.
Arga gave a slight nod, his sharp yet warm gaze resting on the man as he patted his shoulder. "Yu Fei, I trust you've read my letter," he said, his tone reflecting complete confidence.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Yu Fei replied, his voice filled with conviction.
"Good," Arga said, his voice growing more commanding. "Let's get straight to it. I am forming a small unit as the spearhead of our expansion. You will operate on the front lines, deep behind enemy defenses. Yu Fei, you will serve as the unit's commander."
The soldiers' eyes burned with fervent determination. Arga continued, delivering precise and tactical instructions. Every word he spoke reflected his experience and authority.
"The name of this unit is 'Vanta Black,' symbolizing that you will remain unseen by the enemy. You will be given new identities according to the prepared documents. My official reports will state that you have fallen in battle. Siferia, Soltera, Alderan, and Riveria—your task is to gather intelligence without acting until further orders."
The room grew even more solemn as Arga carried out the ritual. He raised a chalice containing his own blood, a symbol of oath and loyalty. "Drink, as a vow of allegiance to the Emperor who will always be with you."
The soldiers received the chalice with reverence, drinking its contents as a sign of their oath. Their faces hardened with resolve. "Thank you, Your Majesty. We will fulfill our duty," they declared in unison, their voices echoing through the hall before they departed.
After they left, Arga walked back to his chamber. His steps were slower now, his body felt heavy. His mind kept digging through strategies and possibilities that had yet to be considered. However, his body eventually gave in to exhaustion. In the middle of the corridor leading to his room, his steps halted, and his body collapsed to the floor, shattering the silence.
ningning , who had been following him closely, quickly sprang into action. "Your Majesty!" she cried out in panic, kneeling to check Arga's condition. Her face was filled with deep concern.
With great effort, she lifted Arga's limp body. "It seems Arga is exhausted and overwhelmed with too many thoughts," she whispered to herself. Carefully, she carried him to the Emperor's chamber, laying him on the grand bed adorned with golden silk curtains. That night, ningning decided to stay by his side, ensuring he rested undisturbed, while the weight of great responsibilities continued to loom over them both.
The sun began to rise, casting its warm rays throughout the Imperial palace. The soft light filtered through the large windows, touching the cold marble floors and creating a golden shimmer. In the main hall, several high-ranking officials had gathered. They stood in neat rows, dressed in formal attire, their composed expressions barely concealing their hidden anxieties. This morning would mark an important moment for the Empire. Discussions on expansion and new strategies were about to begin, with decisions that could alter the course of history.
However, despite the preparations in the hall, Emperor Arga still lay in his chamber. He remained in a deep sleep, something rare for a leader usually filled with energy and control. His sleep was profound, as if his body had finally surrendered to the fatigue after enduring days of relentless burdens. The darkness of the night still lingered around him, giving his weary body and mind time to recover.
Inside the chamber, ningning busied herself preparing a special meal for Arga. She knew exactly what the Emperor loved—a dish that not only pleased his palate but also brought back cherished childhood memories. She worked with meticulous care, ensuring every ingredient used was of the finest quality. The fragrant aroma began to fill the room, bringing a soothing warmth. As she cooked, ningning offered a small smile. She hoped that, even if only a little, her cooking could provide comfort to the Emperor amid the overwhelming pressures.
Once everything was perfect, she transferred the dish to a beautiful plate and walked over to Arga's bedside. He was still asleep, his face peaceful yet visibly weary. ningning stood beside him, watching him with great concern. She understood the immense burden Arga carried, and though he never complained, she could feel the exhaustion hidden behind his resolute demeanor.
Gently, ningning touched Arga's shoulder, calling him in a soft and caring voice. "Your Majesty, it is time. They are all waiting in the hall."
There was no response. Arga remained asleep, his breathing steady and deep. ningning sighed softly, then placed the plate on the bedside table. She allowed the aroma of the food to fill the room, hoping it would wake the Emperor without having to force him.
Moments later, Arga slowly opened his eyes. His vision was still slightly blurred, as if trying to return to reality after a long journey in his dreams. He blinked a few times, adjusting to the morning light filtering through the curtains.
"Is it time already?" his voice was hoarse, reflecting the lingering exhaustion, though his spirit slowly returned.
ningning nodded, offering a gentle smile. "Yes, Your Majesty. They are waiting in the hall. I have also prepared your favorite meal. I believe it will help you start the day."
Arga glanced at the plate on the table. The aroma immediately caught his attention, stirring memories of his difficult childhood. A faint smile appeared on his face—a rare sight, but full of meaning.
"Thank you, ningning ," he said in a calmer voice, though the fatigue still lingered deep within. "This... is perfect."
Slowly, Arga sat up on the bed, took the plate, and began to enjoy his meal. Each bite brought an indescribable warmth, a reminder that even in difficult times, small things could provide comfort. ningning watched in silence, feeling relieved to see the subtle smile on Arga's face.
Outside the chamber, the officials were still waiting. The tension in the hall grew; time seemed to move slower. However, within the quiet room, Arga was regaining his strength, preparing himself to face the world that awaited him. For ningning , this small gesture might not mean much, but she knew it could be a source of strength for the Emperor, who always bore the weight of the world on his shoulders.