Chapter 82

Velder received countless memorials from bureaucrats and nobles, but did not read a single one.

The contents were sure to be predictable, and it would be nearly impossible to find anyone defending him.

On top of that, even Duke Illenat was fiercely opposing him, inevitably stirring up further dissatisfaction in Velder.

"Even though he could seize the emperor's authority, why would he refuse it?"

Velder, unable to comprehend any of it, knocked back his drink.

Duke Illenat had always been obsessed with his family's power and had established a solid faction through his connections.

For that reason, he should have been baring his ambitions to the imperial family, yet he was displaying only bizarre actions instead.

"Is he so reluctant to hand his daughter over to me? Or does he think the grand duke's youngest son is so superior?"

Velder refilled his glass and gripped it tightly with his right hand.

Still, it was merely a political marriage, and the partner could be changed at any time.

More than anything, Velder was displeased by the fact that the emperor—himself—was being compared to a mere child of the grand duke's family.

"I am the ruler of this country. I can govern everything—what does a northern grand duke possibly intend to do?"

Velder could not tolerate the fact that the Northern Grand Duke had been entrusted with the command of the imperial army.

Even the supreme commander of the imperial army should command troops only under the emperor's orders.

Yet the Northern Grand Duke, citing the northern region's infestation by demonic beasts, was treating the imperial army as his own private forces.

This was an insult to the imperial family and would ultimately undermine the dignity of the emperor himself.

"The Northern Grand Duke must be dealt with first. Who knows when they might stage a rebellion?"

Velder had always harbored suspicions about the Northern Grand Duke and the other commanders.

The forces in the western and southern regions fell under the imperial family's oversight, so there was little need for concern.

But in the northern and eastern regions, only two families had inherited the position of supreme commander, so it could not be left as it was.

"The northern forces have more troops than the eastern. I can deal with the east later."

Because of the harsh climate and unfamiliar terrain, the northern region was disadvantaged in any battle.

Thus, a larger number of troops needed to be posted, and maintaining the frontlines was fraught with difficulties.

On the other hand, the eastern region had occasional heatwaves, but defense there remained stable year-round.

"Eradicating the household completely would be certain... but I cannot do that. Isn't the grand duke's youngest son too valuable to waste?"

Velder was still conscious of Alter's existence.

He was filled with regret for failing to bring Alter into the imperial service.

Perhaps this was the opportunity to deal with the Northern Grand Duke and bring Alter to the palace.

"If I order the Great Mage, he could be expelled from the society. If he's prevented from learning magic, isn't that enough?"

The emperor's authority was so dignified and supreme that all imperial subjects were bound to obey.

Therefore, not only the commander of the northern army, but even the pinnacle of mages could not defy his order.

Of course, they might refuse, but if that happened, they would be treated as traitors and duly punished.

"I will have everything. An emperor must have nothing less."

Velder quickly emptied his glass, deeply engrossed in his ambition.

For the moment, the bureaucrats and nobles were holding him in check, but it would not be long before they, too, knelt.

Anyone who opposed the will of the emperor would pay the price.

"I am the emperor. Who could possibly bring me down?"

* * *

Alter was in his room, sharing tea with Brillie.

There had been a storm of controversy everywhere about the ninth emperor's ascension and his recent remarks.

The social world continued to keep an eye on the imperial family, and they could not help but have a keen interest in Brillie's every move as well.

"... Alter."

"Yes?"

"You're not worried, are you?"

"Rather than worry, I'm thinking about what should be done."

"But is there really any way?"

"There aren't many ways. That's inevitable."

After quietly alluding to rebellion, Alter glanced sideways at Brillie.

Brillie absentmindedly checked the doors and windows, then lowered her gaze.

"I don't have any confidence. I didn't know things would end up this way."

"It's impossible to always be confident. I'm no different in that regard."

"Hm... But you seem the same as always, Alter."

"Isn't it better than moping around?"

"That's true, but..."

Brillie accepted his words, but could not erase the turmoil in her heart.

Her own family, and Duke Illenat, were joining forces with the bureaucrats to depose the current emperor.

If successful, a new imperial house would rise, but if they failed, the name Illenat would forever be labeled traitor.

Was it necessary to commit such a dangerous act over something as simple as her marriage?

"The emperor did not properly resolve the problems that arose when he was crown prince. And yet, he committed new blunders. At this rate, no one will acknowledge him as emperor."

"I know that too. But... I don't know if this is the right thing to do."

"Why don't you try trusting Duke Illenat? His management of external relations is thorough, isn't it?"

"It's not a question of trusting or not trusting. Everyone could die. Including you and me."

Brillie was tormented by the thought that she might lose everything in front of her.

The Illenat duchy's position and honor, wealth and private troops, factional ties, family by blood, the fiancé she had promised marriage—

Once her life ended, not a trace of her would remain.

"Brillie, I know what you're worried about... but it won't come to that."

"How can you be sure?"

"There's no one who wants to follow the emperor. The commoners simply accept that the emperor has changed, as if it means nothing. Not all nobles will outright oppose the emperor, but those harboring grievances are growing in number. Even if we're not the ones to start it, it will inevitably happen."

For Alter, rebellion against the imperial family was an inevitable outcome.

The third princess was waiting for her chance, and the emperor had insulted the pride of the nobility.

Therefore, the form of the rebellion had become all the clearer, and it forced everyone into a shared cause.

"Before my father's letter even arrives, the palace will have been overturned. Even if troops are sent for now, gathering them will take time. If we wait, it will be too late; it needs to be finished now, don't you think?"

"Are you... planning to go to the palace too, Alter?"

"Yes. Rather than be called a coward, I'd rather stand by Duke Illenat."

"......"

Brillie roughly understood Alter's position.

Because a political marriage between House Radiant and House Illenat was scheduled, they were bound to one another regardless.

Even if Alter chose not to participate in the rebellion, he would still be considered to have supported Duke Illenat in practice.

That's why, taking everything into account, Alter had chosen to side with the rebellion.

"I don't want anyone to get hurt, but there's no other way. It ends only when one side falls."

"In that case... I suppose I'll have to go as well."

"I don't want to force you. If you don't wish to, Brillie..."

"There's no escaping this even if I try, is there? That's why you're taking action as well, right? Am I wrong?"

"... You're not wrong."

Alter could not bring himself to dissuade Brillie.

He had inherited his family's lineage, and it was impossible to escape his roots.

Thus, he had no choice but to accept and contribute to the rebellion.

"So this is how it turns out after all?"

Despite his regret, Alter steeled his resolve.

If the current emperor was not deposed, he would continue to interfere forever.

The longer the rebellion was delayed, the stronger the emperor's influence would become; they had to act now.

"How can someone who can't restrain his own greed rule a nation?"

A monarch ruling an empire must place reason before emotion.

They must make decisions calmly and not allow even minor mistakes.

If the very foundation of the nation were shaken, it would not be long before the throne itself wavered.

"Even if the third princess becomes emperor, I'm not sure if I'll feel at ease."

There was never a future where the third princess inherited the throne.

Only now, at this moment, was a new future being constructed.

In other words, a huge variable was introduced by the plan that his mother had designed.

"There's no going back. I have to move forward. Right now, all I can think about is making the rebellion succeed."

* * *

Yuria smiled as she faced the city defense commander.

Given the estimated number of troops, this rebellion was destined to succeed.

However, there were still those who had not joined their side, so caution was necessary.

"... Uncle, can I trust you with the guard and the security corps?"

"Of course. I've already taken care of everything on my end."

Satisfied with the answer, Yuria looked down at the palace floor plan.

With her uncle's position, something like this was easy to obtain.

Moreover, senior bureaucrats were supporting her, so their own subordinates would surely follow.

"What about the palace guards?"

"The guard captain is a junior from my academy days. He'll open the gates for us... but the vice-captain is a former soldier, so he might cause trouble."

"He doesn't belong to either side?"

"No. From what I hear, he's steadfast and doesn't accept bribes."

"Is that so? Then there's no chance of bribing him."

"I'm considering eliminating him in advance... will that be all right?"

"Take care of that yourself, uncle. Once we surround the palace, it will count as half the job done."

Yuria carefully examined the floor plan before fixing her gaze on the center of the palace.

The external defense was manned by the palace guards, but inside, the Imperial Knights were in charge.

The Imperial Knights were formidable, and pure numerical advantage alone could not subdue them.

"We could try using the nobles' private soldiers, but can they stand up to the Imperial Knights?"

"In my opinion, since the chain of command isn't unified, it would be difficult to push through. We'll have to handpick the strongest knights from each house."

"... One Sword Saint won't be enough, right?"

"They could fight on equal terms, but don't forget—the Imperial Knight Captain is there. If the Sword Saint falls, the balance will tip against us."

"We've no choice. Let's send the Sword Saint and the Great Mage's apprentice together."

"Are you referring to the grand duke's youngest son?"

"Yes. I heard he performed great feats in the northern region—he should be trustworthy, don't you think?"

Yuria had already identified those who could be considered overwhelmingly strong.

To face the Imperial Knights, worthy powerhouses must be put forward.

Of course, she wished she could involve the Great Mage and the pope in the rebellion as well, but it was not feasible under the current circumstances.

Thus, she intended to deploy all of these knights, as well as those two, at once.

'It's a bit precarious... Couldn't I get just one more person on my side?'