The Varenthis imperial army was structured primarily around 6 different legions. They answered directly to the throne, functioning as the emperor's backbone. Six legions trained and disciplined to the bone. Each legion consists of five cohorts, and each legion was overseen by its respective praetor.
But in the novel "The Kingmaker Chronicles," There was a 7th legion—the legion created by the protagonist Arden. A legion came together from chance, opportunity, and undiscovered talent.
Adrian encountered some of these talents when he started reforming Cindervale. Just like every other transmigrator out there, he started utilizing these talents, earning their trust with time. Adrian formed his own unit occupied with knights, assassins, mages, healers, blacksmiths, and Alchemists. This unit was considered the most balanced unit among the armies of all the successors of the 4 great kingdoms.
With them by his side, he confronted the most dangerous threats, such as the "Necromancer King". But all great things eventually fall apart in the face of the unexpected. Adrian found out that sensitive information about his actions was being leaked.
Adrian was closest to 5 people in his unit. All 5 of them turned their backs and left Cindervale before his duel with Thalia. One could say that their actions were perfectly justified. They believed that the master they served was possessed by an unknown entity that stole their futures. Those people never realized that their lives were far better than what could've been. Were they brainwashed? Did someone mess with their memories? Were their loved ones taken hostage? None of that matters anymore. The lord they served was gone. They were successfully recruited by Reyna, who formed the 7th legion, which was only loyal to her.
After the tragedy in Vermaris, one of the legions was bound to come. The response of the royal family should be immediate. Right now, Vermaris was a treasure trove of mana cores. In the guise of providing assistance, imperial legions occupied Vermaris, building an outpost in the area. It was a strategically perfect location for defense. This exact situation happened in the novel. And this time, Reyna will move her legion, attempting to take over Vermaris before it falls into to wrong hands. After all, there is a wildcard in Vermaris right now. Vermaris was important to her plans.
As for Theon? He knew that the newly formed 7th legion would come, led by those 5 people. And that time has finally come. As Theon and Elara walked towards the town, they saw the flag of the 7th legion, a flaming crown. Cohorts were stationed in front of Draven's manor.
They were all clad in magnificent golden armor. Citizens were staring in awe at the ambience they created. Each soldier was standing straight, disciplined to the very core. It is a scene straight out of a children's storybook.
The Praetor of the legion had removed her helmet and was speaking with Draven. She had long black hair and purple eyes. Her posture, tone, and gaze were filled with strength, elegance, and nobility.
From their body language, it was clear that they were stating that they would occupy Vermaris, and they should comply with them. And Draven? He was standing on his ground. He is the lord of the city. He has the right to refuse. And his reputation would make someone think twice before messing with him. But this is a decree from the royal family. If he keeps refusing, they state that he is rebelling and occupy Vermaris forcefully. So why is Draven doing this?
Because he owes someone a debt that cannot be repaid, and that person should be the one to benefit from Vermaris, not some princesses they have never even seen.
Seeing this, Theon smiled. He had no intention of taking over Vermaris. Not like this. He looked at Elara.
"I have to put some people in their place, love. Do you mind?"
Elara chuckled.
"What kind of mess are you creating this time?
Theon smirked and started walking towards them.
"Halt, this area is off limits to civilians."
Theon's eyes started glowing blue.
.......................................….
"Lord Draven, your people just suffered a great tragedy. As late as we are, we made haste here despite diplomatic complications. And we did not come alone but brought manpower and supplies. Please do not spit on our goodwill."
The person who is currently speaking is none other than the praetor of the 7th legion, Seris Caelstrom. The Caelstrom clan used to be one of the four great clans, five clans back then. She is from a vassal family. One of the few survivors of the "Caelstrom massacre" incident.
The Caelstrom family is famous for their ability to harness lightning. Seris is a prodigy in swordsmanship who reached the Noble rank at the age of 13. Her lightning-fast battle style brought countless victories among her peers.
"I'm just a humble commoner," my lady. I wouldn't dare to go against the intention of the royal family. But pray tell, does it look like we lack any supplies or manpower?"
Draven has been stretching this conversation for a while now, using logic and questions. The praetor or any of the legion has their own behavioral regulations. So far, Draven has not disrespected or attempted any wrongdoing. But this won't last for long.
Accept their help, and they will take over Vermaris. There are goodwill costs and autonomy of the land. Deny outright and offend the royal family. The royal army would look for a reason or falsely create one to take over, no matter how morally wrong it is. That's how things go.
Draven was a former commander of the Imperial army. Other imperial soldiers would respect him, and even the emperor himself would at least listen to him as a courtesy. But those bonds he made, risking his life, do not apply to the 7th legion. Especially since it's under the command of Princess Reyna. In order to even lift their leg in this situation, they would need another prince by their side.
"Lord Draven, step aside now. This is an imperial degree. I will consider this rebellion and _"
Suddenly, the chatter between civilians chilled. There was eerie calmness in the area. Seris sensed someone approaching behind her.
"What is it? I specifically instructed no one to- "
Her words halted when she turned around.
Behind her, the 7th legion, which was disciplined to the core and would not move even an inch unless she gave an order, had parted to the sides. Some of them were struggling to keep standing. A young man kept walking between them at a steady pace, moving towards her. His piercing blue eyes were fixed on her.
Seeing his face, she was momentarily stunned. She instantly remembered all the times they spent together. But the aura of authority he is giving now was different from their time in Cindervale. His face was devoid of that kind smile.
While she was stunned, he made his way towards her. Just when she was about to say something, he passed by her as if she didn't even exist. He stood next to Draven.
"Is this how the imperial army treats its veterans? How embarrassing."
Theon spoke, nodding his head disappointedly.
"Maybe this is my fault. I shouldn't have raised you this way."
Seris, who came to her senses, wiped all emotions from her face and spoke.
"Theo-"
"Actually, it's prince. Prince Theon of the Ignisborn kingdom. Or have you forgotten who I am? Praetor of the 7th legion?"
That's right. This woman was none other than Seris Caealstrom. The person who suffered in the back alleys after the fall of her family. She was discovered by Adrian, who gave her a new life, power, and resources to blossom her potential and trusted her with his life, making her his personal knight. The same woman to defected Cindervale and joined the imperial army under Reyna's command.