A few days later, a guard entered the Emperor's office, his expression respectful. "Your Majesty," he announced, "a letter from Prince Tatsuo has arrived."
The Emperor's eyes widened, a flicker of excitement lighting his face. He hadn't received news from Tatsuo in nearly a year. "Give it to me," he said, his voice eager.
He snatched the letter from the guard's outstretched hand and quickly broke the seal. He read the contents, his eyes scanning the words with growing excitement.
The letter detailed Tatsuo's well-being and his remarkable progress. He had ascended through the ranks of the Northern Army, now holding the position of 2nd Class Clash Commander, all without revealing his royal identity. He proudly reported leading a brigade of 2,200 men and the conquest of five towns. Now, he was preparing to assault a medium-sized city with 2,500 defenders, a task he acknowledged required additional support. Despite his reluctance to ask for assistance, Tatsuo expressed his gratitude for any aid his father could provide.
A wave of emotion washed over the Emperor. He had yearned for news of his son, and this letter exceeded his wildest expectations. He was filled with pride, joy, and a sense of relief.
He leaped from his chair, a surge of energy coursing through him. "Find Grand Marshal Kasai Ryujin!" he commanded the guards, his voice booming. "And tell them to find him quickly!"
He then rushed from his office, his footsteps echoing through the corridors as he made his way to the Empress's office. He burst through the doors, shouting, "Mie! Tatsuo has sent a letter!"
The Empress, startled by his sudden entrance, looked up, her expression a mix of surprise and concern.
"He's doing well," the Emperor exclaimed, his voice filled with elation. "He's leading a brigade, conquering towns! And he asked for our help!"
The Empress shook her head, a soft smile gracing her lips. She understood her husband's deep affection for their son, an affection he often struggled to express. The Emperor had always loved Tatsuo, even when he was a frail child. He had been devastated by Tatsuo's early weakness, his fall from the tree, and his decision to join the army. Despite his initial hesitation, he had secretly rejoiced at Tatsuo's newfound strength and determination.
"He's making us proud, Mie," the Emperor said, his voice filled with emotion. "He's making us very proud."
Grand Marshal Kasai Ryujin arrived at the Empress's office, his expression composed and attentive. "Hiro," he said, addressing the Emperor, "you sent for me. What is the matter?"
Emperor Hiro, his face beaming with excitement, turned to his uncle. "Tatsuo has sent a letter! He's preparing to attack Blackrose City, a medium-sized city, and he's requested reinforcements."
Kasai's expression shifted to one of focused concern. "Blackrose City? That is a formidable stronghold. What are your orders, Hiro?"
"I want you to lead a squad of ten Wyvern Knights to Yorai City," Hiro commanded. "Meet with Grand Duke Shouwie Shun and request a company of his elite knights. Tell him it's a personal request from me, and it's for Tatsuo's campaign on the border."
"Understood," Kasai replied, his voice firm. "I will depart immediately."
Just then, High Marshal Cheng Hui entered the office, his presence commanding and disciplined. "Your Majesty," he said, "I received your summons."
"Cheng Hui," Hiro said, "I need you to prepare a platoon of twenty Wyvern Knights. You will also join me, along with your personal Wyvern and my own. We are going to Oakhaven."
Cheng Hui nodded, his expression unwavering. "As you command, Your Majesty."
Hiro turned to the Empress, his eyes filled with warmth. "Mie," he said, "I must go. Tatsuo needs our support."
The Empress nodded, her expression a mix of pride and concern. "Go to him, Hiro. He will be glad to see you."
With the Empress's assistance, Hiro donned his armor, the polished metal gleaming in the light. He then joined Cheng Hui and the Wyvern Knights, and they took to the skies, their Wyverns soaring towards Oakhaven.
The Emperor's heart pounded with anticipation. He was eager to see his son, to witness his progress, and to provide the support he needed to conquer Blackrose City. He felt a surge of pride and determination, a father's unwavering devotion to his son's success.
Seven days later, Tatsuo was in his office, immersed in strategic planning, when a commotion erupted outside. Shouts echoed through the town, drawing his attention. A guard burst into the room, his eyes wide. "Your Highness! Wyvern Commanders have arrived!"
Tatsuo's brow furrowed in confusion. Only the Imperial Family and the Massugo Royal Family possessed Wyverns. "My family sent dragons?" he muttered, scratching his head.
He hurried outside, and his eyes widened at the sight before him. A formation of Wyverns, numbering around twenty, filled the sky. Rota approached, his expression a mix of awe and respect.
"Your Highness," Rota said, his voice low, "those are Master's Wyverns. And the largest one belongs to His Majesty, the Emperor."
"What the heck?" Tatsuo exclaimed, his confusion growing. "Why did he come? And why bring so many Wyverns? Isn't that overkill?"
The Wyverns began to land, their powerful wings creating a gust of wind. A palpable aura of strength emanated from them, causing the surrounding soldiers to tremble slightly. One of the Knights, his voice booming, announced, "His Majesty, Emperor Hiro Ryujin!"
The announcement rippled through the crowd, and everyone, save Tatsuo, immediately knelt. Tatsuo, however, walked towards the Emperor, his expression a mix of surprise and mild exasperation.
"Father," Tatsuo greeted him, his voice respectful but tinged with amusement. "What brings you here?"
"You didn't need to bring a platoon of Wyverns, did you?" Tatsuo asked, "Isn't that a bit much?"
Emperor Hiro laughed, a hearty, booming sound. "Nonsense, Tatsuo! It's much faster and easier to conquer a city with Wyverns, hahaha!" He clapped Tatsuo on the shoulder. "Besides, I wanted to see my son in action."
Tatsuo led his father and the assembled entourage to the temporary war room within the town hall. The room, usually a hub of strategic planning, now held an air of heightened significance with the Emperor's presence.
Emperor Hiro settled into the commander's chair, his gaze sweeping over the assembled group. Tatsuo's Rare Commanders, Major Anya, Reeldos, Lady Blackwood (the mayor of Oakhaven), and High Marshal Cheng Hui stood at attention, their expressions a mix of respect and anticipation.
Tatsuo approached his former master, High Marshal Cheng Hui, and greeted him warmly. "Master," he said, bowing slightly, "it is good to see you again."
Cheng Hui nodded, a proud smile gracing his lips. "Tatsuo," he said, his voice filled with genuine warmth, "you have done exceptionally well in climbing the ranks. I am immensely proud of your accomplishments."
Emperor Hiro then greeted each person present, expressing his gratitude for their service and dedication. He paid particular attention to Rota, thanking him profusely for his unwavering protection of Tatsuo.
"Rota," the Emperor said, his voice filled with sincerity, "I cannot express enough my gratitude for your loyalty and dedication to my son. You have been a steadfast guardian, and I am deeply indebted to you."
Rota, his expression humble, bowed his head. "It is my duty, Your Majesty. I am honored to serve Prince Tatsuo."
The Emperor's presence filled the room with a sense of authority and purpose. He was eager to witness his son's leadership in action, and he was determined to provide the support necessary to ensure their victory.