The griffon can be considered one of the most intelligent beasts. If captured in their youth and given proper training, they will become extremely loyal mounts. If well-trained, they can even be taught to execute a wide variety of commands. For this reason, griffons are the top choice for many heroes when selecting a mount, whether in Ossuan or the Old World.
The Emperor's mount, "Death's Claw," is the largest griffon in the Old World. With the Emperor's exemplary actions, many Prince-Electors also take pride in having a griffon in their stables. However, capturing and gaining a griffon's approval is an extremely difficult task.
Thus, the Griffin Knight Order, as the strongest knight corps of the Empire, greatly intimidates surrounding forces. This knight corps, as the Empire's trump card, was personally established by Savior Ludwig after the Great Holy War. Ludwig selected a hundred of the most elite knights to form the Griffin Knight Order. During the Empire's campaigns, the terrifying power and decisive effect showcased by the Griffin Knight Order demonstrated Ludwig's foresight; the Empire needed such a force capable of instantly determining the outcome of the battlefield. Official source is novelFirｅ.net
One hundred and fifty years after the establishment of the New Empire, the membership of the Griffin Knight Order has expanded to three hundred. Not only did the increase in numbers not lead to a decline in quality, but the corps became even stronger by selecting outstanding talents from across the Empire. As of today, nearly thirty knights within the Griffin Knight Order have become true "Griffin Knights," and the remaining two hundred knights also ride half-griffons in combat.
For this reason, today the Emperor has specifically come to the Griffin Cliff, the station of the Griffin Knight Order, located within the Griffin Duke's territory. Unless unexpected events occur, Carl Franz will spend the next two days here.
The Emperor's entourage is small, with only seven or eight fully armed War Court Guards and Rick Guards following from afar. This area is relatively safe, and as a strongman himself, the Emperor is left to roam freely, strolling and hunting in the cold-tinged forest.
Accompanying the Emperor is a tall man clad in a set of dark gold plate armor. The Golden Griffin Knight's Badge adorns every corner of his outfit, and the resplendent patterns speak to the armor's extraordinariness. Three Holy Seals indicate that it was blessed by the Churches of Justice, Life, and Magic. The value of this plate armor is comparable only to the Dwarf Treasure, the "Silver Seal" armor personally worn by Ludwig, which the Emperor dons.
The man has parted black long hair, a handsome and distinguished face, and, like the Emperor, blue eyes indicating his pure Aachen lineage. The Griffin True Silver Holy Sword is hung at his waist, and a white dragonhide cloak flutters behind him. His appearance suggests he is in his thirties, and his fluent High Gothic Language is impeccable: "My Lord, it's surprising that we're not being deployed to suppress the rebellion. Some knights have expressed their opinions; they feel it is time for the griffons to stretch their wings."
This person is the Duke of Imperial Griffin, Grand Master of the Griffin Knight Order, Ivan Ferdinand.
Fully armed, Carl Franz walked on the rock-solid forest ground, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying a moment of peace. After hearing the Griffin Duke's complaint, Carl Franz chuckled, "My Grand Master Ivan, if even putting down a rebellion by some Counts and Viscounts requires the Griffin Knight Order, then what would be the purpose of having me as Emperor."
These words were piercing, and the Griffin Duke found it difficult to answer. He could only smile and say, "Of course, those rebellious nobles are certainly no match for Your Majesty."
After annihilating the barbarian landing forces in the Northern Nord, Carl Franz immediately led his army back to the Imperial Capital. Upon returning, His Majesty the Emperor publicly declared that all nobles who refused conscription in the war against the Northern Barbarians were rebels. They would face penalties ranging from demotion, and land redistribution to total confiscation of their territories.
Many nobles, already dissatisfied with the Emperor, were in uproar and, in anger, raised banners of rebellion, declaring their defiance against the Emperor's rule while seeking support from other Prince-Electors. They even brazenly demanded a re-election of the Emperor.
But the outcome disappointed these rebellious nobles. Due to Carl Franz's great victory on the Nord coast, the Prince-Electors recognized the Emperor's strength. Facing the rebellious nobles' calls for help, the Prince-Electors collectively remained silent and stood back, watching the situation unfold.
Thus, after Carl Franz returned to Brunswick with his army, he did not disband the troops. Taking advantage of the winter off-season when soldiers could serve for long periods, the Emperor directly led his army to suppress the rebellions. The unprepared rebellious nobles were defeated, killed, or captured in large numbers. With ruthless measures, Carl Franz swiftly quelled the rebellion, consolidating his rule. The territories of rebellious nobles were directly confiscated. The Emperor annexed a portion for the treasury and distributed the rest to nobles and generals who actively responded in this war.
As a result, everyone was delighted, except for those traitors who were suppressed and lost their lives and lands. However, no one cared about their fate, and everyone enjoyed a comfortable Winter Festival.
The prowess, shrewdness, and excellence in the new Emperor's psyche are evident.