The two statues flanking the enormous palace gate glared down at General Tusward. They never failed to astonish him. Their armors majestic and oppressive, bearing the head of tiger, drew a thin smile on his face.

However, that's the only thing here he honored. Oh! And perhaps, his promise with his old friend too.

He marched down the luxurious hallway adorned with ornaments. There's the nation's flag, other statues that paled in comparison to the previous two, and some guards. Sloppy.

General Tusward has returned!"

Two guards shouted. The following two deeper down the hallway echoed, and the next two followed. When the echoes died, Tusward had reached the end of the walk.

The silver gate dragged opened.

Within, two rows of men clad in either armor or red royal uniform flanked the mat leading to the stairs which ascended to the throne. The Emperor sat there. Captain Rudimon stood beside.

As usual, the Emperor had his cheek on his fist. Disinterested eyes staring down at everyone. His lips parted and a deep, echoing voice came out.

"So you're back, Tus."

The general went on a knee. "Yes, your Majesty, Tusward is back from duty."

"What do you have to report?"

The general could already imagine why the Emperor was asking this. The problem was how he should answer.

He stole a peek at Captain Rudimon. Under that neutral expression farce was a subtle smirk. Tusward sighed. "Your Majesty, I have victory to report."

The Emperor nodded and Tusward continued.

I'd like to specially mention Captain Rudimon as he lead a total of three hundred soldiers and won against three thousand foes. He decapitated their leader and rounded up all of the enemy without losing more than a dozen of soldiers."

He wasn't lying. However, he'd left out the most important thing: what happened to the prisoners afterwards. What's worst, he knew the Emperor would approve of it.

Birds of a feather flocks together. He himself was the odd one out.

"I hear you, Tus, very clearly," the Emperor said.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Tusward couldn't help but gasp at what's to come. "I'm very interested in promoting Rudimon to the rank of General of the Left arm. What do you think?"

Tusward almost couldn't believe what he heard. General of the Left arm held the nation's fifth highest military rank, personal to the Emperor, the appointed King, Hero, stood on par with General of the right arm, and only a little below General of All, which is Tusward himself.

Silence rippled through the hall. The courtsmen all stood firm as if already enticipating this event. The generals and vice generals stern-riddened. To Tusward's horror, he couldn't find the only sensible person always presented among them. His old friend, Timaius.

"My apologies, your Majesty, but may I know where is Adviser Timaius?"

A glint of light flickered in the Emperor's eyes. He laid back onto his throne, palm balling into fist, and exhaled a deep breath.

"Imbecile man who spoke of the Kingdom's downfall and the rise of demon lord. He's been dealt with."

Blood drained from Tusward's cheek.

Impossible. Just for that, just because he spoke the core truth with a loyal and courageous heart, he was killed. In addition, there must be something grave enough to warrant him to speak of such words.

Damn it, the Kingdom no longer has any hope.

"You digress, General." Tusward further lowered his head, now inches away from the ground. "My apologies, your Majesty. Your wish is my command.

The Emperor rose. "Very well. The ceremony will be held in three days time."

"Th-three days? But according to the cultures laid down by our ancestor, it should be a we--" Tusward immediately shuts his mouth when he saw the Emperor's expression darkened.

"My apologies. It was a slip of tongue."

"Perhaps you really are getting old," the Emperor said.

So even the ancestor's rule has been disregarded.Tusward watched as the Emperor left through the side door, Captain Rudimon trailing, and the courtsmen and generals all returning to their respective assignments.

As he knelt alone in the hall to the companionship of deftly silence, he could only pray for the blessings of all previous Emperors.

The downfall of the Human Empire is only a matter of time.

*

"I have no idea where is this 'Tokyo' place you've been talking about, Ellie," Miss Lilisess replied.

"Then where the hell am I?"

"The town of Florendo, my dear."

Ellie's brow knitted. "I've not heard of such town in my entire life. . . Fine, perhaps just lend me your phone and I'll check the Internet."

S-S'cuse me? Umm, what may be this inter net you are talking about?"

"Huh?" Ellie almost screamed in shock. How could anyone not know what an Internet is. Could this person be so disconnected from the outside world that nothing reached her ears? Could she be mentally unstable?

She sighed. This was the reason she hated middle age woman. Ignorant. "Fine, just lend me your phone. I'll do from there."

Miss Lilisess bowed. The respect she showed to Ellie was only because it was an order from Tusward. They proceeded to the first floor - Ellie realized she's in a two storey medieval house constructed mostly from bricks and woods - and Miss Lilisess led her to the strange box-like object beside a flower pot.

"W-What the hell? That's a god Damn medieval phone!" Ellie screamed.

Miss Lilisess remained silent. "What's wrong with this place. . .

Am I dreaming or what?" With a grunt, she stomped to the main door.

"Umm," Miss Lilisess muttered. "May I know where will you be going?"

"None of your business."

With that she stomped out of the mansion and headed towards the town a miles away.

Miss Lilisess, on the other hand, had no choice but to leave the care of the mansion to the maids while she tails her.