The Billionaire CEO Becomes the Youngest Emperor-Chapter 12 - : Fucking MC

"Safe travels, Your Majesty," Chris said politely, offering a slight bow. His weary expression was made even more apparent by his graying hair, which seemed to have grown even more silver — as if the weight of his responsibilities aged him faster.

Seated comfortably in his imperial carriage, Lucian glanced at the time. It was 10 a.m., exactly thirty minutes after his last meeting with the nobles.

"How long do you estimate the journey will take, Chris?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

Chris pondered for a moment before answering. "I'd say anywhere between four days to a week — it depends on the availability of the teleportation portal."

Lucian responded with a thoughtful "Hmmm."

This was way too exciting... Even if this world was seriously lacking in scientific development, the magic here more than made up for it. It was fascinating — and impressive.

Honestly, he was more eager to test out a teleportation portal than he was to get his arm back. An absurd thought, maybe — but it was the truth.

To put it simply, in this world, the so-called Evaluators were the equivalent of the UN. They had introduced teleportation portal technology to link the nine ranked empires, making large-scale travel much easier. But the cost of using these portals was astronomical — even for relatively short distances.

As for the North — the territory of the four lowest-ranked empires — they shared a single portal, but the situation there remained tense.

Damn racists.

Still, at least the shared costs had cut their empire's expenses in half.

"Well, let's get going. Try not to die before I get back," Lucian said, settling in for the long journey ahead.

Chris sighed quietly. "Understood, Your Majesty."

Lucian's imperial delegation consisted of his royal carriage and ten knights from the empire. They set off toward the teleportation point, their final destination being the Fifth Empire.

...

...

As the carriage rolled forward, Lucian gazed out at the ever-changing horizon. It was his first time leaving his empire, and he couldn't help but be enchanted by the view. The landscapes were both strange and beautiful — a stark contrast to the rigid architecture and cobblestone streets of the capital. Towering mountains loomed in the distance, while vast stretches of dark forests and golden plains stretched endlessly across the land.

The shifting colors of the sky — deep blue blending into soft pearl-gray — only added to the surreal beauty of the scenery. Every curve of the road revealed a new painting, every new sight a promise of adventure.

Having spent his entire life trapped in the capital's web of politics and intrigue, this brief journey felt like a breath of long-lost freedom.

It's... beautiful.

---

Time passed faster than I'd expected. An entire day had already gone by, and we were now well into the second day of travel. According to the guards, we'd finally reach the teleportation portal today.

Just a few more hours.

Seated in the carriage, I pulled the golden card from my pocket, absentmindedly running it between my fingers. My gaze lingered on the elegant inscriptions etched into its surface, my mind drifting into thought.

Officially, I was heading to the Fifth Empire to get my arm restored.

But beyond that obvious reason... I had another objective. A far riskier one:

To lure out that man.

---

The sun was beginning to set when, around 4 p.m., a massive silhouette finally emerged on the horizon. As we drew closer, the contours of an enormous white building became clearer. Its pristine facade gleamed under the golden light, and its imposing structure — a blend of elegant columns and intricate mystical carvings — looked like something straight out of another era.

This was the administration that managed the Northern teleportation portal.

The place was empty — unsurprising, really. Teleportation was so prohibitively expensive that only the wealthiest could afford it, even with its unparalleled convenience.

Without wasting time, I stepped out of the carriage, my guards following closely behind. At the entrance, a calm yet professional voice greeted us.

— "Salutations to the Thirteenth Emperor."

The young woman who bowed before me had graceful features and long black hair neatly tied back. Her sleek, dark business attire reminded me of the office uniforms I'd seen back on Earth.

— "Good afternoon," I replied simply.

— "Have you come to use the teleportation portal?"

— "That's right."

With a nod, I signaled one of my guards. He stepped forward, presenting three sacks overflowing with Velts.

— "A billion?" she blurted out, clearly shocked. "You must be planning quite the journey."

How the hell did she figure that out so fast?

— "Yes, I'm heading to the Fifth Empire."

— "Ah... there's actually—"

She hesitated, a faintly awkward sigh escaping her lips.

— "Just do your job," I cut her off, my patience wearing thin.

— "But there's—"

Whatever she was trying to say, I didn't care. I was far too excited to experience the teleportation portal. Without waiting for her permission, we pushed ahead into the building.

She followed us in silence.

After the necessary paperwork was completed, she finally led us to the famed teleportation gate.

Holy...

Earth had absolutely nothing on this. Not even close.

Before me stood a massive arch of black stone, its surface covered in glowing symbols that pulsed softly — almost like they were breathing. At the center of the arch, a shimmering veil of energy rippled gently, radiating both raw power and an air of mystery.

— "Please step into the portal."

Hell yes.

Holding my breath, I stepped forward, certain this was going to be an unforgettable experien—

— "AAAAAHHHHH! PROTECT THE EMPRESS!"

— "Why the hell are black wolves and wyverns attacking at the same time?!"

A thunderous roar shattered the air.

...

...

Huh?!

Lucian and his guards stood frozen, eyes wide with identical looks of sheer disbelief.

I did not sign up for this.

As far as I knew, teleportation portals were supposed to take you directly to another white building — one exactly like the one we'd just left. Even our carriage was supposed to be teleported with us — that was guaranteed.

But instead... we were in a forest. In the middle of nowhere.

And that wasn't even the worst part.

Two towering black wolves — each over two meters tall — and five ridiculously oversized wyverns were charging at a group of about ten people. Judging by their uniforms, they looked like soldiers or knights.

Hahaha... what the hell.

— "PROTECT THE EMPEROR!"

My own guards immediately closed ranks around me, forming a defensive circle.

Meanwhile, I...

— "F**K YOU, HAMILTON!!!" I screamed, rage and adrenaline spiking in equal measure. "WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?! I DIDN'T SIGN UP FOR THIS!"

My anger reached new heights.

The most uptodate nove𝙡s are published on frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓.

— "I came here for medical treatment — not a damn suicide mission! I demand a refund, you white-building scammers!" (Yes, I was talking about you, Miss Elegant Administrator.)

Thankfully, the monsters hadn't noticed us yet.

...Yet.

— "HOLD THE LINE! BUY ME TWO MINUTES!"

The commanding female voice sliced through the chaos like a whip.

— "YES, YOUR MAJESTY!"

— "NO OPENINGS! STAY IN FORMATION!"

— "ROGER THAT!"

Within seconds, four soldiers fell, their bodies hitting the ground with sickening thuds.

And then... I saw her.

A figure clad entirely in gleaming armor stood tall amidst the battlefield. Even with the armor obscuring her features, her slender, elegant form left no doubt she was a woman. The majestic lion emblem on her chestplate marked her as someone of high rank.

In her arms, she carried an unconscious girl — no older than seven or eight.

That's when it hit me.

In every novel I've ever read, there's one unshakable rule:

No character gets more attention or screen time than the protagonist.

And Empire Wars... was originally a n

ovel.

Which could only mean one thing:

This crazy woman — this disaster magnet hurtling straight toward me — with that damned lion emblem...

Was obviously the main character.