19 Lucius Tiberius

Fifteen days later, at the mouth of the Rhine River, within the Roman camp, Artorius met the current Western Roman Emperor, Lucius Tiberius.

This Roman Emperor was not enjoying the warmth of the Italian court but rather actively engaged in the frontline against the Germanic peoples.

The Rhine River served as a natural geographical boundary for 'Frankish territory'. During the Roman Empire, the Rhine was always at the forefront of resistance against the barbarians in the Black Forest.

By Artorius's side, only Mordred accompanied him as an envoy from Britain to meet the Roman Emperor.

The eunuch guiding them, with inherent arrogance, kept listing a series of requirements for the audience with the Emperor, continuously emphasizing the importance of these matters.

It was as if a slight misstep from Artorius would lead to his execution by beheading.

In contrast, Artorius was more concerned about the soldiers in the camp.

Barbarians, barbarians, and more barbarians.

Within Lucius's camp, there were Goths, Vandals, Saxons, and Franks—barbarian warriors wielding axes, unkempt beards, and clad in chainmail. Their numbers far exceeded those of the Romans wearing lorica segmentata and carrying long shields and spears.

Ever since the Roman Empire suffered heavy losses against the Persian and Hunnic cavalry on the battlefields of the East and West, weapons like short swords had fallen out of favor. The Roman testudo formation still existed today, but the soldiers relied more on long spears than short swords—those things were useless against cavalry.

===

"I dislike this place." Beside Artorius, Mordred whispered, "It stinks here, much worse than Camelot."

Mordred was right. The sanitary conditions in the camp were far from ideal. It seemed that the last remnants of Rome had completely forgotten the strict requirements for a military encampment.

"I rather like it." Artorius surveyed his surroundings cheerfully. "The land where heroes wield their might. Do you understand what I mean?"

"Artorius Pendragon, Son of the King of Britain, here to pay respects!"

Before Mordred could say anything else, the eunuch had already raised his head high and shouted in a shrill voice that an ordinary person could never achieve.

This was Artorius's first meeting with Lucius Tiberius.

He was a young man dressed in splendid garments, adorned with a laurel wreath upon his head. His appearance was remarkably handsome, boasting short crimson hair. His expression conveyed a rebellious nature, reminiscent of a captivating blend between a tyrant and a dandy.

He propped up his legs and reclined on a throne adorned with red velvet, enjoying fruits and wine from the warm regions. Several nobles in robes and armored generals stood on either side. They were all trusted confidants of Lucius.

"Artorius Pendragon," Lucius spoke mockingly to Artorius, "Are you here as a representative of the Province of Britannia, which you people call Britain, returning under the great rule of Rome?"

"I cannot represent Britain." Artorius replied with dignity, "I can only represent myself."

"Tsk... then it's meaningless."

Lucius rolled his eyes. "A hostage, seeking Rome's favor, eh? Your father is truly a cold-hearted man, Lord Pendragon."

"I haven't finished speaking."

"Very well, I will give you another three minutes."

"It won't take that long." Artorius answered, "I can only represent myself and... fifty thousand Saxons, three thousand exceptional Saxons warriors, and two hundred knights of Britain."

"Oh...?"

It was evident that Artorius had successfully captured the attention of the Roman Emperor. "Speak, you spark my interest."

"King of Saxon, this is another identity of mine. And I also have the authority to recruit knights from Britain..." Artorius said respectfully. "The former comes from my great-uncle, Vortigern Pendragon. The latter is a promise from my father, the King. Additionally, I have come here not by the King's command, but on my own accord."

"And... what is the reason?"

"..." Artorius didn't answer immediately, instead giving a meaningful glance.

Lucius waved his hand dismissively, saying, "Step aside."

His attendants and lower-ranking officials around him all left the tent. At the same time, a bounded field was raised, isolating the interior from the outside. Only Mordred remained by Artorius's side, and likewise, only one towering, robust guy stayed by Lucius's side.

"Lord Pendragon, now you can speak," Lucius said in a relaxed tone, seemingly confident that Artorius posed no threat to his safety.

Artorius nodded then said the so-called reason, "Because my father, the King... possesses eternal youth and immortality. Even after he drew the Sword of Selection, for ten years, the King remained as youthful as in his prime. And even after another twenty, thirty, or fifty years, he would still retain his youthful appearance. Your Majesty, do you understand what that means?"

"It means Lord Pendragon cannot inherit the throne?"

"That is correct," Artorius lowered his head. "Britain belongs to my father, in the past, present, and future. Even after my eventual demise, the King will continue to remain young and ageless."

"I love my father, but can there be a prince for forty years? If I were to stay in Britain, allowing jealousy and hatred to gnaw at my heart, perhaps one day I would be unable to resist meeting my father on the battlefield."

"So, you came here?"

"Yes, that is why I came here."

"With expectations for power, wealth, and ambition?"

"With expectations for power, wealth, and ambition."

At this point, Lucius stood up and slowly walked toward Artorius. Mordred became more alert at Artorius's side, ready to engage in conflict with the Roman emperor and protect Artorius if necessary.

But in the end, Lucius Tiberius burst into laughter.

"Guhahaha... Excellent, Lord Pendragon, I quite like you! Hahaha!"

He happily patted Artorius's shoulder.

"Ambition, desire? Of course, no problem! Rome is generous, and so am I! Whatever you desire can be found in Rome and made possible—of course, with one condition."

Here, he lowered his voice and issued a genuine threat.

"You must remain loyal to me, to Rome."

"Of course, my liege." Without hesitation, Artorius pledged, "I will undoubtedly swear my allegiance to you."

"Bring your army here and show your talents, Lord Pendragon. I have a feeling you will become an outstanding Roman."

Artorius took his leave, and at the same time, the person by the emperor's side lowered his voice.

"Your Majesty, do we really have to accept this barbarian? He feels extremely dangerous to me."

"Dangerous? Of course, which barbarian leader here isn't dangerous?"

"But what about his loyalty..."

"It doesn't matter. I don't care whether they are loyal or not, as long as they can be useful to me."

"I will keep an eye on him for you."

"Then I entrust it to you, my dear advisor, Sirius."

===

At the same time, on the way out of the Roman camp, Mordred also had some questions.

"Um, Your Highness..."

"I already told you," Artorius said to her, "When there's no one around, you can call me brother."

"..."

Mordred felt happy with such a statement, and she even almost forgot what she should say next.

But she quickly remembered.

"Brother, are you telling the truth to the Roman emperor? About our father..."

"Half of it," Artorius said. "I won't betray our father. But yes, I do want to make something of myself."

"Oh... okay." Artorius's words matched what he had previously told Mordred, so she didn't doubt it and asked another question, "Well, what do you think of the Roman emperor then?"

"The emperor?"

At this point, Artorius said calmly.

"He can be replaced."