Carl Franz came to the Griffin Duke's Domain with his own considerations in mind. After a series of victories and pacifications, he had finally secured his position as Emperor. However, to realize his ideal of commanding the entire Empire, he needed to gain more support, with the Griffin Knight Order being one of the most crucial forces among them. Original content can be found at novel•fire.net
The Three Great Knight Orders of the Old World are the Holy Grail, Griffin, and White Wolf. However, these three have strong independence. The Holy Grail Order is obvious; without orders from the Lake God Witch or direct commands from the Lake Fairy, the Holy Grail Knight Order does not accept any direction, not even from the Knight King. The White Wolf Knight Order is somewhat better, but they also prioritize the commands of the White Wolf Archbishop.
Similarly, the Griffin Knight Order is loyal only to the position of the Emperor, rather than Carl Franz personally. Therefore, the Emperor specifically came to the Griffin Duke's Domain in his spare time after the Winter Festival, intending to communicate more with the Griffin Duke.
The current Griffin Duke is named Ivan Ferdinand, over ninety years old. He is a friend of the Emperor and one of the notable powerhouses of the Old World. This Grand Master of the Griffin Knight Order was a late bloomer. He received guidance from renowned teachers from a young age, excelling in swordsmanship and riding skills. He pursued military education and even studied at the Imperial Royal Engineering College, and at the age of twenty-nine, he traveled to the World's Roof Mountain Range to learn extensively from the Dwarves, enriching his practical experience.
Not until he was nearly sixty was Ivan ennobled as an Imperial General, beginning his military career. After the death of the old Griffin Duke, as the first-in-line heir, he smoothly inherited the title of Griffin Duke, actively engaging on the Empire's battlefields as the Griffin General and Grand Master.
Despite being over ninety, Ivan shows no sign of aging. As a Holy Sanctuary Grand Knight, he can live for several centuries, and in terms of overall lifespan, he has just recently entered his youth.
Such a powerhouse is someone the Emperor must win over.
The Emperor himself comes from a military background, having received outstanding military education. He is a Legendary Tier powerhouse. He bent his bow, and the exquisite bow gifted by the High Elves sparkled with magical luster. The feathered arrow shot in a straight line, accurately hitting a deer which fell with a wail.
In the sky, a gigantic Griffin let out a roar, flying over the heads of the Emperor and the Griffin Duke. It was Carl Franz's mount, Death's Claw, the largest Griffin in the Old World, here today.
"My Majesty, excellent archery." The Griffin Duke approached slowly, smiling: "Looks like tonight's banquet will have a richer variety of dishes, all thanks to Your Majesty."
"Won't my Grand Master show me a skill?" Carl Franz had Death's Claw grab the deer and send it to the rear, jesting with the Duke, in good spirits.
"I'll pass. The Griffin's duty is to soar in the skies. If a Horned Eagle Beast or Scorpion-tailed Lion appears, I'd be willing to intervene." Ivan smiled and shook his head, clearly expressing his reluctance to act.
The Emperor's gaze shifted; he understood that the Griffin Duke was expressing dissatisfaction. Nobles involved in the northern wars and local pacifications had gained benefits, yet the Griffin Knight Order's proactive request to fight was rejected by the Emperor, and he didn't allow them to quell rebellions either. Naturally, these mightiest knights of the Empire had opinions.
"Sometimes the Griffin may fly lower than a chicken, but a chicken can never fly as high as a Griffin, my Duke." Carl Franz noticed a Rick Guard approaching with a letter, so he patted Ivan's shoulder and took the letter from the Rick Guard.
The Emperor's words moved the Griffin Duke. He understood the reason for the Emperor refusing their deployment, and upon hearing this, his previous dissatisfaction dissipated.
Ivan considered that this current Emperor was indeed excellent; perhaps under his leadership, the Empire would experience unprecedented prosperity.
"Oh! Asking for something and it comes right away." Carl Franz read the request for aid from Marinburg and handed it to Ivan: "It seems the Goddess of Fortune always blesses you, my Duke."
"What happened?" Ivan took the letter.
"A massive Green-skinned Army is gathering at the Ginter Mine, and Marinburg is calling for our assistance!"