CHAPTER 287: MEETING WITH AN EMPEROR

The capital city of the Yanyu Dominion bore the scars of war.

Smoke rose from several districts and the constant sound of hammering indicated frantic repairs to damaged fortifications.

Guards at every checkpoint examined travelers with the paranoid intensity of men who expected attack at any moment.

Grim’s approach to the city gates drew immediate attention. His travel-stained clothes and the bundle of cloth that seeped silver stained from the blood of elves.

"Halt and state your business," commanded the gate captain, a grizzled veteran whose scarred face spoke of decades of military service.

"Grim van Ambrose," he replied, dismounting from his horse. "I sent word ahead through your border patrol. Emperor Yanyu should be expecting me."

The captain’s expression shifted from suspicion to recognition. "Yes, we received the message."

"Is the emperor available for an audience?"

"He’s been waiting for you," the captain said, gesturing for his men to stand down. "Though I should warn you. His mood has not improved since the latest reports from the eastern front."

"How bad is the situation?"

"Bad... very bad."

An escort of palace guards met them at the gate, leading Grim through streets that showed clear signs of preparation for siege. Barricades had been erected at key intersections and soldiers were visible at every major building.

Emperor Yanyu Du Shi Wang sat upon his throne with the rigid posture of a ruler under siege. His ceremonial robes could not entirely conceal the armor beneath, and his eyes held the hard gleam of someone who had been making life-and-death decisions for weeks without respite.

"Lord Grim van Ambrose," the emperor announced as Grim entered the throne room. "Your reputation precedes you, as does the message from my border guards about your... dramatic entrance to my kingdom."

"Your Majesty," Grim replied with a respectful bow. "I apologize for the entering your kingsom without permission, but the situation seemed desperate."

"So I gathered from the reports," the emperor said. "Six guards injured, though apparently with great care taken to avoid permanent damage. And a message about hunting elves for sport."

"I brought proof of that claim," Grim said, reaching for the cloth bundle at his belt.

The throne room fell silent as he untied the bundle and let its contents spill across the polished floor. Thirty pairs of pointed ears scattered across the stone and their silver blood long since dried.

Gasps echoed through the assembled court.

Thirty dead elves represented more casualties than most Yanyu military units had managed to inflict in weeks of fighting.

"Thirty elves," the emperor said, his voice carrying a mixture of amazement and skepticism. "You killed thirty elves in the three days since crossing my border?"

"Yeah, I got bored and thought i’d hunt."

"Slavers," the emperor repeated, his expression darkening. "We suspected, but confirmation is... disturbing."

"Your Captain Zhou can provide detailed intelligence about their operations," Grim said. "Her unit spent three weeks mapping elven patrol routes and supply lines before I encountered them making their final stand."

"Captain Zhou survived?" a military advisor asked with obvious surprise. "Our last communication indicated her unit was missing and presumed captured or killed."

"They fought well, but they were overwhelmed by superior numbers. Without intervention, none would have survived."

Emperor Yanyu studied the scattered ears for a moment.

"Your martial skills are clearly formidable," he said finally. "But thirty dead elves, while impressive, hardly shifts the balance of this war. Our intelligence suggests we face thousands, not dozens."

"Which brings me to my proposal," Grim said. "I offer my services to assist in your kingdom’s defense against the elven invasion. In exchange, I request the release of Lady Lianna Levenhart, daughter of Chancellor Levenhart of the Celestis Empire."

The emperor’s expression grew grimmer at the mention of Lianna’s name. Several courtiers exchanged glances that suggested they knew something Grim did not.

"Lady Levenhart," the emperor said slowly. "The prisoner who was sentenced to execution for espionage and illegal magic use within our borders."

"The same," Grim confirmed. "Though I suspect her current situation has become more complicated than simple imprisonment."

"More complicated, yes," the emperor agreed with evident frustration. "Three days ago, elven forces launched a coordinated assault on the capital’s outer defenses. During the confusion, they breached the prison complex where Lady Levenhart and other high-value prisoners were being held."

Grim felt ice forming in his stomach. "Breached how?"

"Magical assault that created a hole in the eastern wall large enough for a mounted company to ride through," a military officer reported. "By the time our response forces arrived, the elves had taken all prisoners of potential value and retreated to the hills."

"All prisoners?" Grim asked, though he already suspected the answer.

"Twenty-three individuals, including Lady Levenhart and two of her companions," the emperor confirmed. "The elves seemed to know exactly where to strike and which prisoners to prioritize."

"Inside information," Grim said immediately. "Someone provided them with detailed knowledge of your prison layout and prisoner locations."

"Our investigation reached the same conclusion," the emperor agreed darkly. "Which has created additional complications regarding trust and security within the palace."

Grim stared at the scattered ears on the floor, his mind racing through the implications.

"Where would they take her?" he asked.

"Unknown," the military advisor admitted. "Our scouts have found evidence of several temporary camps in the eastern hills, but the elves move frequently and use magical concealment to hide their main bases."

"The eastern hills," Grim repeated. "The same direction Captain Zhou mentioned for their slave caravans."

"Likely the same operation," the emperor confirmed. "The elves appear to be consolidating all valuable prisoners before moving them to permanent locations outside our territory."

"Then time is critical," Grim said. "If they succeed in moving her beyond your borders, retrieval becomes exponentially more difficult."

"Indeed," the emperor agreed. "Which brings us back to your proposal. You offer assistance against the elven invasion in exchange for Lady Levenhart’s release. But I cannot release someone I no longer hold."

"Then I modify my proposal," Grim said without hesitation. "I offer assistance in locating and rescuing the captured prisoners, including Lady Levenhart, in exchange for their freedom once recovered."

"And what assistance can one man provide?" the emperor asked. "Our military forces have been searching for three days without success."

"Your military forces move slowly and announce their presence to anyone within miles," Grim replied. "I move quickly and quietly, and I have demonstrated strength against elven forces. More importantly, I have personal motivation that goes beyond political or military concerns."

The emperor was quiet for several moments, clearly weighing the potential benefits against the risks of trusting a foreign cultivator with such a critical mission.

"What specific assistance do you require?" he asked finally.

"Intelligence on known or suspected elven positions in the eastern hills," Grim said immediately. "Maps of the terrain, information about their typical camp layouts, and any other operational details your scouts have gathered."

"That can be provided," the emperor confirmed.

"I also want authority to act with imperial backing when dealing with other forces in the field," Grim continued. "If I encounter Yanyu military units during my search, I need them to cooperate rather than interfere."

"Reasonable," the emperor agreed.

"And I want a guarantee that Lady Levenhart and her companions will be pardoned for their previous charges once rescued," Grim finished. "This operation serves both our interests, and they shouldn’t face continued imprisonment after risking their lives in your service."

"Their service?" the emperor asked with raised eyebrows.

"Anyone the elves consider valuable enough to specifically target and capture is someone with intelligence or abilities that could benefit your war effort," Grim explained. "Lady Levenhart’s knowledge of imperial politics and trade relationships alone makes her a valuable asset."

Emperor Yanyu considered this argument while studying the scattered ears that represented proof of Grim’s abilities. The throne room remained silent except for the constant sound of water flowing through the palace’s decorative channels.

"Very well," the emperor said finally. "I accept your proposal with the modifications you’ve suggested. You will have full imperial authority to locate and rescue the captured prisoners, with all charges against them dismissed upon successful completion of the mission."

"Understood, Your Majesty," Grim replied with satisfaction.

"However," the emperor continued, "I should warn you that this mission may prove more dangerous than simple combat against elven raiders. Our intelligence suggests the forces operating in the eastern hills include high-ranking elven military officers with considerably more skill and resources than the slavers you’ve already encountered."

"I expected as much," Grim said. "But I’ve found that superior skill and resources mean little when facing opponents who fight with personal stakes rather than professional obligation."

"Indeed," the emperor agreed with what might have been approval. "Report to General Chen in the military headquarters for detailed intelligence briefings. He will provide maps, scout reports, and tactical analysis of known elven positions."

"Then I leave within the hour," Grim said, gathering the scattered ears and retying them in their cloth bundle.

"Lord Ambrose," the emperor called as Grim prepared to leave the throne room. "Bring them home safely. Lady Levenhart’s father has been... difficult to manage since receiving news of her capture."

"I will, Your Majesty," Grim replied with quiet determination.