Axel

Chapter 393: Immediate Return to the Homeland

Added 2025-04-20 15:02:01 +0000 UTC

Princess Axo Axel had only one evaluation for these gentlemen—hypocrites!

Once renowned as one of the Empire’s Three Luminaries, not only was she a pinnacle Saint-rank but also a paragon of wit and intellect. How could she fail to discern that Charlot, High Priest Auguslatin, Vigo, and even the three "Orc Saints" were all riddled with ulterior motives?

Especially Charlot!

In the eyes of many, Charlot was at least a normal person. But in Princess Axo’s eyes, he was a complete anomaly. Every thought of his was incomprehensible, and every action baffling to the extreme. He lived without rules or restraints, exhibiting a mindset even the gods themselves, descending to the mortal world for amusement, would not possess.

The princess shook her head and said, “From now on, do not discuss South Seraph in my presence. I cannot bear to listen to it.”

Charlot smiled faintly and replied, “I shall strictly adhere to Princess Axo's instructions!”

Princess Axo said indifferently, “Since you’ve promised Yansen Lupin to care for my grandchildren, I must also express my gratitude. I hear you’re interested in the Labyrinth God. Coincidentally, I have an artifact said to be left behind by the Labyrinth God in the mortal world. Once I return to Strasbourg, I’ll send it to you.”

Charlot hurriedly expressed his thanks to Princess Axo. The Labyrinth God had always been a lingering concern for him. The day of his destined challenge against Labyrinth God Agmirlas in the Aggras Sea was approaching. Gaining additional insights into the Labyrinth God’s powers could greatly help him escape this fated calamity.

Princess Axo handed a document to Charlot and said, “However, the reason I summoned you is unrelated to that. Your mission with Annie has been completed. My father, His Majesty Julius Axel, orders both of you to immediately return to the homeland. The Lionheart Empire’s diplomatic affairs will henceforth be handled by me and High Priest Auguslatin.”

Charlot scratched his head awkwardly. “So, we’re just sent back like this?”

Princess Axo’s tone remained calm. “Lord Mecklenburg, you’re far too prone to causing trouble. My father likely fears that if you stay any longer in the Lionheart Empire, you’ll create an irreparable diplomatic incident!”

“Also, congratulations, Lord Mecklenburg. You’ve been promoted again.”

Charlot accepted the document and found that his rank had indeed been elevated by one grade, making him a third-tier member of the twenty-second rank. However, his administrative duties remained unchanged.

Charlot, now indifferent to promotions, carefully put away the document and said, “I will escort Annie back to the homeland immediately!”

Princess Axo said meaningfully, “You must stay in Liguria for a few days. Count Bretagne will certainly want to meet the newly appointed Grand Duchess there.”

Charlot caught the implication in the princess's words, gave a slight nod, and withdrew.

...

The next day, Princess Axo summoned Annie back to Cold Spring Palace, where she handed over formal royal documents from the Fars Empire. These included an official decree recognizing Annie as the Duchess of Moldova, a recall order, and a promotion document elevating her to a fifth-tier member of the twentieth rank.

Before their departure, Charlot and Annie purchased sixty carriages, completely depleting Asaburg’s carriage market.

Carriages in this world were never fast-moving commodities. Unlike Earth, where cars could sell by the tens of thousands each month, the demand here was relatively low. Charlot and Annie’s massive purchase quickly became the talk of Asaburg, with countless people marveling at the duo’s “extravagant” feat.

Of course, Charlot never admitted that the carriages were for transporting the Lionheart Empire’s noble gold coins. Instead, he publicly claimed the purpose was to transport the wealth of literary materials and resources gifted by the nobles. These documents, he declared, would serve as a solid foundation for his new novel. He also lavished praise on Asaburg, calling it a city of culture, history, and nobility, using every complimentary term he could muster.

This public statement worked wonders. Even after Charlot and Annie set off, nobles continued to dispatch riders to deliver “resources” to them. This forced the pair to purchase additional carriages mid-journey. By the time their convoy crossed the Lionheart Empire’s border into Moldova, it had swelled to an astonishing eighty-two carriages.

True to Princess Axo’s subtle hint, Charlot stopped in Liguria. Although the royal decree ordered an immediate return, it hadn’t specified how quickly the journey needed to be completed. Besides, Charlot did have matters to address in Liguria.

Upon arriving in Liguria, Charlot first met with the mountain bandits under Yansen Lupin’s command and a group of over a hundred boys and girls, all illegitimate children of Zimourman Axel Robin.

In his past life, Charlot had been a math teacher with formal training in educational psychology. He had individual discussions with each of the children and divided them into seven categories:

Those who wished to pursue education. Charlot promised to send them to Behemoth National Academy under new identities. The educational resources in Behemoth were the best among the cities he controlled. As for Strasbourg, it was out of the question due to the many enemies Zimourman had made. If their true identities were discovered, their safety could not be guaranteed.
Those who no longer wished to study. Charlot arranged for them to join the West Wind Knight Order alongside the mountain bandits under Yansen Lupin’s leadership.
Those who wanted to leave Moldova and sever ties with their past. Charlot facilitated their departure to Cappadocia, where they could join Mani’s fleet or others, venturing to any part of the world. Each departing boy or girl was given ample cash and weapons.
Those who wanted to do nothing.
Those who wished to travel to Strasbourg to reunite with their “mother.”
Those who were withdrawn and self-destructive, living like porcupines.
Those who were rebellious and volatile, akin to explosives.

Charlot constructed a Temple of the Serpent of Fate in Liguria to house the more challenging children as novice clerics. Although they were neither God Pact Holders nor divine emissaries like Charlot, he believed the Serpent of Fate wouldn’t mind.

He didn’t leave these children to fend for themselves but provided them with a large collection of novels to read. Who knew? Perhaps one of them might emerge as a novelist. Even if not, a few skilled clerks would suffice.

Charlot stayed in Liguria for half a month, ensuring Moldova was fully operational. He also awaited the arrival of an “important” figure—Count Bretagne.