[FMMIKA] Chapter 298: Two Confident Emperors

'This is not an illusion right...?'

Nero exclaimed inwardly with confusion in her eyes.

'Seriously, the rebel leader came here all by himself?'

Nero blinked, then squinted his eyes, carefully examining the newcomer, finally nodding in confirmation.

'Umu, umu, this man is that Artorius Pendragon, no doubt about it.'

His real appearance matched his portrait by about ninety percent, with the remaining ten percent being an upward improvement.

With his platinum hair, towering figure, majestic posture, and a mix of gentleness and unwavering authority; no one else was like him in the world except for the Dragon Emperor, the unparalleled ruler.

Swallowing hard, just like everyone else witnessing Artorius for the first time, Nero couldn't help but be mesmerized.

But, of course, even if she appeared as a cute young lady, thinking Nero was a fool would be a big mistake.

She had seen all kinds of chaotic and gruesome things in the bloodthirsty and treacherous Roman court. She had been through countless nonsense in her life. She even served his own mother a poisoned drink, sending her to the afterlife.

So, if she were to let herself be manipulated just because Artorius was handsome, that would be the real foolishness.

After the initial shock, Nero fell into deep thought.

'Could it be that he's not afraid that I could give the order, and my five hundred Praetorian Guards would rush over to turn him into minced meat?'

'Well, he's so good-looking; I don't think I could bring myself to kill him.'

'But locking him up and launching an attack on his territory is something I can do without any hesitation.'

'Though it may lack in righteousness, I am an emperor, and he is a rebel. So, I won't have a single ounce of mercy.'

'Umu, umu, that's right.'

Thinking like that, Nero looked at Artorius with a dangerous glint in her eyes.

'Everything is for Rome.'

'Worst case, I won't kill him; I'll give him a position.'

'After all, it's a shame to kill someone so handsome. Keeping him in the court and looking at him every day is also a good option.'

'Alright, that's the plan!'

With that in mind, Nero had made up her mind and was ready to summon the Praetorian Guards—yes, the Praetorian Guards. It had been a tradition in Rome for several generations to select elite warriors from foreign lands as the emperor's protectors. This tradition had been upheld by both the Eastern and Western Romans, and it would continue.

"Guards!"

"If I don't return on time, my empire will be handed over to the Macedonians."

However, in the next moment, just when Nero was about to order the execution, Artorius preempted her, causing her desire to execute him to fade away.

"..."

'Is this man for real? Do his generals follow his words just like that? Will they quickly switch sides to the Macedonians just like that?'

'Can't be... they were fighting tooth and nail against the Macedonians before. All of their seized territories were from the Macedonians after all. Will they really give it all back? Can this man's generals and troops trust Alexander once they're in his hands?'

Although Nero had witnessed the resurrection of a deceased Roman emperor before, she still couldn't believe that this Alexander was the same Alexander. After all, among the Greeks, there were plenty of people named Alexander.

'Damn it, if only we could send an envoy and some spies to check out the territory this man governs right now...'

'But in such a short time, even if I send Roman envoys, it's unlikely they can establish contact with the generals under his command.'

'If that's the case...'

Nero pondered the situation intensely, but due to the scarcity of information, she couldn't make a firm decision, leaving her in a state of uncertainty. She stared earnestly at Artorius, hoping to find a crack in his confident facade.

Yet, there was none.

Artorius's face exuded nothing but handsomeness and confidence. The longer she gazed, the more she felt her face flush and her heart race, but she couldn't glean anything from it.

'Damn him, he's indeed a tough nut to crack.'

Surprisingly, it was Nero who appeared disheartened, flustered, and restless. Artorius knew he had succeeded.

"So, can we discuss this in detail, Your Majesty?" Artorius asked with a confident smile as if he had already won.

"..."

"The reception room!" After uttering these words, Nero stood up and turned to leave.

Artorius followed the young lady, with the watchful eyes of the Praetorian Guards on them, as they proceeded together toward the reception room.

Without absolute certainty, Nero had given up on using violence to deal with Artorius's problem. This decision had saved her life and spared her from being beaten and brought down to the ground and became a 'sheath' for his 'spear'.

Outwardly, she maintained her composure and regal demeanor, showing no sign of being a sovereign on the brink of defeat with an enemy army at her gates.

"Your courage is commendable."

As they walked towards the reception room, Nero, who was a head shorter than Artorius, held her head high, displaying confidence and authority.

"Even though you are a rebel leader, I should give you credit." Nero spoke with confidence. "For now, let's forget your status as a rebel leader and forgive your transgressions."

"Of course, this is only temporary." At this point, Nero grew serious and cold. "Once you leave this city, we become enemies. If you don't repent promptly, I will personally lead my army to crush your rebellion and take your head."

"Hahaha, if that's the case, I'll only have myself to blame."

Compared to Nero, Artorius's attitude was more relaxed and casual, showing no fear or worry.

This was because he had the strength to back it up. If negotiations fell apart, he could simply overpower her and make her yield. What was there to be afraid of?

"Um..." Seeing Artorius's complete lack of fear, Nero felt a bit discouraged.

By the time they finished their conversation, they had arrived at the reception room.

This room wasn't like a palace's grand audience hall. It was a place where they could take a seat, have some fruit, and enjoy a drink.

"Before we discuss official matters, let's savor some Roman hospitality." Nero suggested, readjusting her mindset. After sitting down, she cheerfully said to Artorius, "Perhaps this will be your last opportunity to enjoy Roman-level entertainment."

Nero oozed confidence, trying to win over Artorius with the luxury and decadence of Rome, as opposed to the strictness of the Eastern Roman Empire. 

After all, the original Roman Empire was not the same as the Eastern Roman Empire. The Eastern Roman Emperor, though powerful, was not the sole ruler; there were also co-emperors.