The Emperor wisely did not object. He did, however, announce his intention to send an Imperial expedition into the Dark Continent.
Several thousand soldiers would travel with scholars, surveyors, mages, and a full supply corps. Their stated goals were simple: explore the region, create maps, identify resources, and determine whether additional territory could be claimed now that Sloth no longer blocked the eastern passage.
Ludwig read the letter twice before lowering it and looking toward Celine. "Of course he wants to send an army. The moment an immortal monster stops preventing people from entering an unexplored death continent, your Emperor decides he should own part of it."
Celine continued reviewing another stack of territorial reports. "He is an Emperor. Expansion is part of the position."
"That isn't a defense."
"It wasn't intended as one. It is merely the explanation."
