The Second Orc War (Part Eleven)

In the past, Vandy Columbus would have been addressed as a prince. But with the introduction of the marquis system, the status of Imperial House members had plummeted.

Many could no longer rely on their noble blood to secure high positions. A new era had begun, one in which they had to compete for power and status.

Vandy Columbus stood head and shoulders above the rest.

While other members of the Imperial House still basked in the glory of the Columbus name, Vandy had surpassed them through sheer discipline.

He might not have been exceptionally gifted, but he had strengths of his own.

Vandy was a man who rarely made mistakes.

So when he learned why Ryan had come, he immediately frowned.

"His Majesty the Emperor ordered me to guard Winged Gorge Fortress. This is one of the Empire's defensive lines. I cannot leave it unprotected."

Ryan felt a headache coming on. Vandy had neither agreed nor refused, making him especially difficult to sway.

Ryan decided to force the issue.

"His Majesty the Emperor? Which emperor do you mean, Legion Commander Vandy? His Majesty Columbus IV told me I was now the commander of Winged Gorge. Did he give you the same order?"

Ryan gave a cold smile. His friendly manner was gone.

"Or was the order you received from His Majesty Columbus III?"

Of course it was. The commander of the Wyvern Legion was far away in Winged Gorge. Emperor Volvo barely had time for the politics of the Imperial Capital and the war in the North, let alone a gorge so distant.

"My father gave me that order. He told me the Wyvern Legion must never leave Winged Gorge, no matter what. We must hold this fortress."

"I see. His Majesty Columbus III was an emperor worthy of