In Ark Simulator, why do I always get a tough start?

Chapter 72 Wedding and Bloodshed, Assassination and Demons

"What exactly do these Ursus people want?"

"Do they want to assassinate Qi at the wedding? But what good would that do them?"

Following closely behind this Ursus officer, many guesses had crossed his mind, but he couldn't figure out why Ursus was acting this way.

After all, Qi has made it clear that he has stopped the war machine and will no longer expand outwards.

Even if Ursus didn't want to believe it, they didn't need to start this war during Letania's most prosperous period; they should have waited for Letania to disarm.

Moreover, Ursus's choice to assassinate Qi at this wedding, regardless of whether the assassination succeeds or not, will be considered the most serious insult to Letania.

If Qi were dead, that would be better.

What if Qi hadn't died? Could Ursus really afford the cost of war?

Or is Ursus so confident that they will definitely succeed?

Jian was not a politician, and she did not understand the serious instability in the power structure of the vast empire that Chen Qi had created.

The reason why Letania can still function normally despite containing half of Terra's territory is largely due to the prestige of Chen Qi, who is at the pinnacle of power.

In this empire, the vast majority of the territory was conquered, suppressed, or pacified by his own hands.

As a result, no one in the empire dared to resist or challenge his rule, and almost all power operated under the influence of his supreme prestige.

Such unparalleled prestige destined Chen Qi's death to be a momentous event that would shake the empire to its core.

Because below him, there is no one else who can match him in terms of seniority, ability, and prestige, or even inherit his will.

Chen Qi saw through this, which is why he pinned his hopes on his successor.

He hoped that his future successor would have enough time to transfer these powers from his hands.

Although Chen Qi knew that the one who gave birth to his heir was definitely not Vina.

But Ursus didn't know that.

For Ursus, this is their last and best chance.

If Chen Qi were to die unexpectedly at this time, the only person who could inherit his position would be Viviana, who is not highly respected, is still young, and is not even his biological daughter.

As the woman who held the top position in Chen Qi's harem, Vina must have felt immense hatred for Chen Qi for destroying her country.

With Chen Qi dead, a huge power conflict is bound to erupt between the two, which will cause the entire power structure of the empire to split apart.

This even led to a civil war! And the country split into countless small nations once again.

At that time, Ursus, which has long coveted the fertile western lands, may be able to take the opportunity to expand its territory once again!

The interests of the Ursus Empire compel them to never allow a unified empire that poses a significant threat to the west.

Therefore, they were bound to carry out this assassination.

Although Jian couldn't have thought of these things, she keenly sensed that Ursus's willingness to gamble must stem from their confidence.

Finally, under Jian's watchful gaze, she saw the Ursus officer with her own eyes, nimbly bypassing multiple obstacles with a leisurely and graceful manner.

Finally, under Mace's close watch, she witnessed the Ursus officer deliberately bump into a maid carrying a tray as he passed by.

In that brief moment, he dropped the black substance he had been holding in his glove into his plate.

"--Group A, Group B, proceed to the kitchen area immediately."

Hidden high above, having witnessed everything, Jian quickly raised his communicator and spoke:

"There is an Ursus officer here, suspected of poisoning. Arrest him immediately without delay."

"In addition, notify the Golden Law Guards who are protecting the palace to remove the Ursus people from the wedding venue while ensuring that the wedding proceeds as smoothly as possible."

"receive."

Only after receiving a response from the Gestapo through the communicator did Jian feel relieved and leap towards the maid who hadn't noticed anything amiss.

"Ah!" The mace falling from the sky startled the maid who was carrying the dishes, who cried out in alarm:
"Jian, Lord Jian?"

"Give me the plate of food you have, and tell the kitchen to make another one."

To avoid causing panic, Jian offered no explanation, simply giving the maid a brief instruction.

Even the seemingly trivial matter of pouring out the food had to be done personally, because the maids might serve it carelessly or someone might accidentally eat it and die, thus affecting the wedding.

After taking the dish from the maid, she quickly found a trash can in a corner and dumped the poisoned dish out of her hands.

But, in that very instant...

The same black fragment, emitting an eerie luster, unexpectedly landed at her feet.

What on earth is that?
Just as this question flashed through Jian's mind, something unexpected happened.

Under her gaze, the weeds around the eerie black fragment gradually began to be "assimilated" into the same color as the fragment.

This speed is like... an infection?
I don't know how to describe the mace.

But her intuition told her that she had to destroy these things quickly!

"boom!"

With a whooshing sound, Jian swung his greatsword with all his might, attempting to turn the dark fragment into dust!
But to her surprise, as she swung her greatsword, a deep sword mark appeared even on the grass.

However, the "infection" from the fragment transferred to the greatsword in his hand!
Moreover, the rate of infection this time is many times faster than before!
"what?!"

Her subconscious decision to release the mace prevented her from being infected by the dark energy.

But what she was seeing was completely beyond her comprehension, and it truly made her realize the seriousness of the situation.

But soon, something even more frightening happened.

"Lord Jian, something terrible has happened!"

The communicator suddenly rang, and came the panicked voice of Jin Lufa, the law enforcement officer who had gone to arrest the Ursus officer:
"That Ursus man committed suicide in the bathroom!"

"Furthermore, we found a strange, dark fragment in the bathroom, and we are using the 'Annihilation' spell to eliminate its effects."

“Many of us who are responsible for protecting the area around the palace have also found these dark fragments in various corners.”

"Lord Jian, what should we do?"

"—It's the Ursus! They're using this method to force us to focus our attention on these fragments, thus weakening our defenses of His Majesty!"

Soon, realizing the seriousness of the situation, Jian made the most accurate judgment.

"Don't fall for their trap! Stay where you are and eliminate the effects of these discovered fragments."

"The rest of you, come with me immediately to halt the wedding and protect His Majesty."

"Yes!"

The moment the words left her lips, a sudden chime of bells rang in her ears, causing her eyes to narrow in shock.

That was the sound of the bell at the very top of the tower.

This means the wedding has already begun.

And this assassination attempt against Qi has probably already begun.

……

Your wedding to Vina began with the clear, ancient tolling of bells, loud enough for everyone in Triinttelme to hear.

The wedding will unfold as if it were all pre-arranged. Holding a scepter, with the "Breath of Kings" at your waist and a crown on your head, you will lead Vina, dressed in a wedding gown, down the aisle.

[Until you reach the top of the tower.]

Along this journey, there will be a constant stream of flowers and protection.

From the base of the tower to its highest level, every hundred steps there would be envoys from different countries and territories, each carrying gifts.

As you pass by them, they will all kneel before you and display their gifts to demonstrate your status as a king and their reverence for Letania.

"very nervous?"

As the bells rang, you took Vina's hand and led her slowly down the red carpet into the hall, sensing something unusual about her.

She gripped your hand tightly, her palms sweating profusely. Beneath the white veil, beads of perspiration glistened on her meticulously made-up face.

"...Your Majesty, this is also my first time getting married, so it's impossible for me not to be nervous."

After a year of getting to know each other and working together, Vina, whose boundaries with Chen Qi weren't particularly strong, couldn't help but roll her eyes and say:

"What's more, I also saw Indra and the others there... They seemed to be laughing at my outfit."

"Do I look strange today, Your Majesty?"

"Don't worry, you look beautiful today, Vina."

In this special occasion, you don't want to embarrass Vina, nor do you want her to be overly nervous and cause any mishaps at the wedding.

Therefore, you offered unusual reassurance to Princess Victoria, who entered into a political marriage.

"Although we don't have any feelings for each other, this is the most important day of your life."

"You need to perform well and let the people here, and the people of Victoria, see your composed side."

"From this day forward, you will be second only to the emperor in this country."

"No one will threaten you, and no one will force you to do anything you don't want to do... except me, of course."

"...That really makes me happy."

Vina, who had just been feeling a little touched, rolled her eyes again.

But with Chen Qi's interruption, Vina did become less nervous.

Wearing those unfamiliar white high heels, she dragged her wedding dress, which was over ten meters long, and it didn't seem so awkward anymore.

"Oh dear, Texas, it seems our Queen doesn't hate our Emperor as much anymore."

Closely following Chen Qi are Lappland and Texas, dressed in clothing with a distinctly Syracusan style, who act as his bodyguards.

Of course, there's also Liselotte, who is his personal maid.

Texas, unusually in a good mood, responded to Lappland's attempt to strike up a conversation with her with a slight smile:
“If it’s true, that’s certainly a good thing, but don’t let your guard down, Lappland.” “…”

However, Liselotte, who remained silent with her head down, listened to Vina, who seemed to have somewhat let go of the hatred for the destruction of her country within that year, and felt a pang of sorrow in her heart.

Why are these people who clearly have national and personal grudges against Qi Ming suppressed by him to the point that they dare not resist, or that they no longer hate him as much?

Viviana is like that, Hildergard is like that, and even this Vina is like that...

Does this mean I really have no chance at all?

From now on, will Letania forever be shrouded in the shadow of this tyrant?
While Liselotte was lost in thought, she had unknowingly walked a hundred steps.

Vina and Chen Qi met the first presenter.

"Fremont, representative of the Sarkaz, hereby presents a Sarkaz gift to the Emperor of the Holy Empire of Letania."

[At the announcer's reading, Fremont, holding the already opened gift box, knelt before you for the first time with the respect due to a subject.]

"This is a congratulatory gift from the Sarkaz clan, an oil painting personally painted by the Demon Queen Theresia."

"The oil painting depicts a scene where His Majesty the Emperor fought side by side with my Sarkaz clan, sharing weal and woe."

"To signify the eternal alliance and lasting friendship between the Sarkaz and the Holy Empire of Letania."

"—Get up, Fremont. I'm not used to you being so proper all of a sudden."

Listening to Fremont's resounding recitation, Chen Qi couldn't help but smile and wave his hand, indicating that there were no reporters at the wedding and no need for formalities.

"Hmph, do you think I want to kneel down to you, brat?"

“Even someone as proud as Herhunzoren could never make me kneel, but you are the first one, kid.”

Fremont stood up irritably, then carefully examined Vina before revealing a rather satisfied expression.

"Putting everything else aside, the Victoria family's genes are really good. The girl is really beautiful. You're lucky to have her."

"To be honest, I never expected that you would actually get married. I thought you were like Helhunzoren, focusing your energy on the country and your ambitions."

Fremont couldn't help but sigh a few more times when he mentioned his old friend who had been dead for a long time.

When his gaze fell on Chen Qina's long horns, which were almost identical to those of the Witch King, a subtle hint of reminiscence appeared in his eyes.

Helhunzoren, I wonder if you will be able to witness this scene in that "desolate land".

The kid I've chosen has surpassed your achievements and led Letania down a completely different path.

My old friend, if you can truly witness this scene, then depart in peace.

"—Alright, chatting with an old man like me is pretty boring."

“The Ursus envoy is right behind you, kid, be careful.”

Fremont's expression suddenly turned serious as he gave the instructions:

"Although I couldn't sense anything strange about that box."

"But, do not let your guard down, I have a bad feeling."

"...Thanks, Fremont, I'll be careful."

Fremont's warning still makes you a little more cautious.

As you approached the Ursus envoy, you silently released Liselotte from her restraints.

"What if something unexpected happens then?"

"Remember, protect us first, Liselotte."

"……Yes."

[You subtly and coldly reminded Liselotte beside you.]

[But when you led Vina to the Ursus envoy, you once again displayed a composed smile.]

"Your Majesty the Emperor of the Holy Empire of Leitania."

"I have been entrusted by His Majesty to demonstrate to you the sincerity and determination of the Ursus Empire to establish friendly relations with you."

The Ursus envoy, who usually maintains a tough diplomatic stance, appeared extremely apprehensive in your presence.

As the gift box in his hand slowly opened, Vina, Lappland, and Texas beside you all became extremely alert.

But, to your surprise, the gift box didn't contain any dangerous weapon.

It was a strangely shaped helmet that looked very familiar.

"This is the most refined and mysterious crystallization of our Ursus technology!"

The Ursus envoy said with a proud expression:
"The helmet worn by the 'Emperor's Blade,' the most elite armed force in Ursus, possesses extremely strong defense and is a top-secret technology that can isolate mental control, external pollution, and even interference from Originium Arts."

"Today, on behalf of the Ursus Empire, I present this item to His Majesty the Great Emperor."

"—That's very thoughtful."

The sheer "sincerity" of the Ursus Empire only deepened your suspicions.

However, whether you look at Liselotte or Fremont, who is still watching intently from a distance, both of them shake their heads in response, suggesting there's nothing strange about it.

But you were still uneasy and gave a cautious reply.

"The gifts from the Emperor of Ursus were extremely generous."

"If it doesn't bother me, may I take the gift box and examine it carefully?"

"I dare not disrespect you."

However, the Ursus envoy readily agreed to your request.

Finally, at your signal, Texas and Lappland together accepted the tray from the envoy's hands.

Meanwhile, at your prompting, Liselotte also placed her hands on the helmet and slowly raised it...

"stop!"

"Pray! Put that thing down!!"

Just then, a piercing, terrifying sound, so familiar yet so unprecedented, came from the other end!
As the mace charged into the palace, no one dared to stop it. The pupils of Liselotte contracted as she looked at the helmet she held up.

Unfortunately, the warning from Jian came too late.

The moment Lizart raised the helmet, several black fragments emitting an eerie glow came into everyone's view!
"This is—a fragment of a demon!?"

At that moment, Chen Qi, Liselotte, and Fremont, who immediately sensed the familiar aura when the helmet was lifted, all changed their expressions.

They may have considered the possibility of assassination.

But they never expected the Ursus Empire to be so insane!
In order to eliminate the greatest threat in their hearts, they actually brought out this absolute taboo that should have been kept secret from everyone on the continent of Terra!
"The Emperor of Letania!"

At this moment, the Ursus envoy, whose conspiracy had finally succeeded, responded to Chen Qi's guess with a ferocious laugh.

"Hope you like this! Ursus presents you with this wonderful gift!!"

"And then, goodbye!"

[Amidst the fluctuations of the envoy's Originium Arts, the demonic fragments, sensing something, seemed to instantly receive a response.]

The fragments of the demon gradually assembled into a strangely shaped short sword, which lunged towards your chest!

At that moment, time seemed to stand still.

[You almost reflexively used all your strength to shove Vina aside, protecting her from the sudden assassination attempt.]

Both Lappland and Texas were greatly alarmed and immediately drew their weapons, thrusting them towards the Ursus envoy!

Fremont's expression changed drastically. He instinctively gathered his magic, intending to cast "Exile" on the short sword made of demonic fragments in the Ursus emissary's hand.

Sensing danger, Liselotte immediately activated her Originium Arts, but due to her own scheming, she did not intervene to protect you.

She merely shielded herself from the corrosive light, watching helplessly as the short sword drew ever closer to you...

"puff--!"

[Soon, a flash of blood appeared before your eyes.]

[But you didn't feel any pain, and your clothes weren't even wrinkled.]

Because that demonic blade did not pierce your body.

It pierced only the one woman who sacrificed herself to shield you.

"...Tick-tock."

Fresh blood dripped slowly down the shoulder of the mace.

Panting heavily, Jian could feel the corrosive sensation his body experienced the moment he was pierced by the demon's blade.

The demonic invasion accompanied her flesh and blood, immediately surging into her brain, causing an unprecedented fear and trembling to take over her consciousness.

Even the awareness of "self" is gradually disappearing.

It was as if if she relaxed even slightly, a dark curtain would shroud all her memories, emotions, and will in darkness, making her unable to find herself again.

But Jian didn't want to give up.

A belief etched into his very bones still sustains the mace, enabling him to resist this terrifying erosion!

Her hands were still gripping the demonic blade that was trying to pierce her body.

Her body remained firmly in front of Chen Qi, blocking his way.

She had no armor.

They also didn't protect their Originium Arts like Liselotte did.

There was nothing that could stop the evil spirits from eroding her consciousness.

She simply protected the only pillar in her heart with her actions and her own body.

They did not retreat even a single step.

(End of this chapter)