While Leomi steps forth to take a look, I take a moment to think. The Emperor was content enough to welcome us at first, he was casually allowing us to rise out of habit until he noticed I hadn't knelt and from that point on followed my lead.

Rasaec's attitude doesn't appear to be an act, nor does Shayle's, but his tolerance is stunning. They couldn't have predicted my loss of control, and even if they felt it a possibility they wouldn't have relied on this to trap me.

The Emperor has too much power to even need to rely on underhanded tricks and I've broken enough laws to be hanged ten times over, no, it's as if his entire goal is simply to have a conversation.

“Is that...” Leomi trails off with wide eyes.

I raise an eyebrow in interest but don't rise from my seat, aware that my legs would shake were I to do so now that I've relaxed my muscles. It would be easy for him to confirm my right thigh and back are injured if I don't rest a while.

Rasaec looks to me and reaches out to the table, placing his palm on the side. An illusion rises and expands to show a battlefield filled with small silhouettes, siege weapons, and hills.

“What do you think the most important quality is for a warrior, a general, and an Emperor?” He asks as he leans back. Whatever this man's faults, arrogance isn't one of them.

“Being coldblooded?” I throw a guess out, causing Shayle to glare at me.

“Hh.” He chuckles. “Good one.” He comments. “The answer is consistency as the pursuit for perfection is greed that can cause the fall of the greatest.”

I nod in agreement, aware that I've killed plenty of people who were far more skilled than I. It's evident the Emperor is telling me that he's made mistakes but that his results are acceptable.

I turn my attention to the image Leomi is studying. Two armies are confronting each other, one is obviously human while the other is a swirling mass of bodies shifting back and forth as they charge against a seemingly impenetrable wall of sarissas.

“Is this real?” I question.

“Yes, this is happening right this moment in south-eastern Fringia.” He replies.

I smother my surprise at the implication behind this and my bafflement at the cost in flow to study the battlefield. The humans are dug into their positions with a line of phalangites three ranks thick at the center who are repelling the tide of drones.

“You've spread them far too thin.” I utter in dismay, unable to help myself.

“There is no need to defend in depth once the initial charge has been intercepted.” The Emperor dismisses. “Watch closely, they'll rotate soon.”

As Rasaec says this, those at the very front of the Phalanx suddenly step towards their right and then take a single step back. The line of phalangites immediately behind them take a single step to the left and then a strong step forward while thrusting out with their sarissas.

In but a single moment, thousands upon thousands of scouts and warriors who had previously maintained their ground are skewered by the points of these weapons.

More rush forth to fill the gap but it is far too late as the Phalanx has already settled in their new formation. The 'fresh' phalangites who formed the core are now in the very front and fighting with renewed vigor.

Two to three seconds later, with the Rykz drones still reeling from their losses, the Phalanx reorganizes itself again as the middle-ranks switch position with the back-rank where they can rest for a while until their turn comes again.

“Fascinating, but isn't it very risky?” I question.

“It can be.” Rasaec acknowledges. “A single phalangites tripping could trigger a cascade effect that destroys the entirety of the formation but it isn't as if the Phalanx cannot fight in close quarters so it isn't a deadly risk.”

The regiments of archers suddenly release their arrows which fly out to rain down on a troop of Rykz warriors which are charging to fill a gap in their ranks. The drones slow down to raise their shields and block the projectiles.

The volley of arrows isn't followed by a second but it was more than enough to destroy these warriors' momentum. On either side of this battle are ranks of normal troops belonging to the Kingdom, they're currently engaged in a melee with thousands of scouts.

There are also forces of cavalry on each wing led by Templars but neither has moved yet. On the Rykz side, there are reserves of drones stationed in a series of hills that have as many numbers as the tens of thousands engaged in the battle as well as several regiments of Harvesters.

There are also red markers on the illusion which I assume represent points of interest, likely tunnel entrances or locations where Princesses have been spotted.

I glance to Yvonne and Idali, noticing their stiff stances and shaky hands. They're not too afraid but they probably wish they didn't come in with me at this point.

“That battle has been won already.” I calmly comment.

“Why do you say so?” The Emperor asks with interest.

“The Phalanx is entrenched with secure flanks and the cavalry has yet to engage. It doesn't matter how many troops the Rykz have, they won't be able to break through.” Lance replies, attracting Rasaec's gaze.

“The Harvesters could still make a good attempt.” He notes.

“You hope they'll do that.” I correct. “But they won't.”

“Damn.” Rasaec swears and dismisses the illusion with a casual wave of his hand, believing our words without a moment's doubt. “Why?”

“Because the Rykz can smell far more than we could see there.” I say. “Your Marshal hid troops to cover the phalangites' back, the lines are too thin so the mistake is too grave for it not to be a trap.”

“Even if their scouts reported this, they could still inflict heavy casualties if they tried.” Rasaec counters.

“They might take this trade if it were any other battle, but I suspect that their Hive isn't far away and may be attacked if they lose too many drones. It isn't a risk the Rykz will take.” Leomi explains.

“True, but there is another reason.” I cut in. “The cavalry contingent is too large and hasn't moved yet, as long as it remains where it is, the Rykz cannot move their Harvesters.”

“They have enough scouts to counter the cavalry.” Rasaec tells me with a frown.

“Most of it, but they know they can't stop your elite which will aim to kill their Princesses.” I note.

“So I should have moved the cavalry.” The Emperor murmurs. “No.” He immediately contradicts himself. “Then, they would have traded their Harvesters for my riders and we would be in the same position but with far fewer mobile forces.”

“Shall I order Marshal Henrik to break off, my Emperor?” Shayle asks.

“No, tell him whittle down their numbers but recall the Templars after the battle to send them south to join the Fifteenth.” Rasaec dismisses. “Order him to fortify his position further and force the Fiery Hive to remain on their guard against him.”

“Idali.” I speak up, causing her to startle and throw me a fearful glance. “You'll have to make the offer, may as well be now.”

“No need, I shall not make peace with the Rykz for the foreseeable future.” The Emperor cuts in. “Not before we've reconquered enough land to make what we've given up for this push to be worth it but leave the terms they've proposed in writing before you leave.”

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

Idali gapes and her right thigh tightens, causing the floorboards under the rug to creak. She's no doubt pissed off that her trip here was utterly wasted. Rasaec throws her an interested look but it doesn't remain on her very long as he turns his gaze to Leomi.

The Emperor reaches up to ruffle his own hair, displacing his golden circlet. The habitual gesture gives me pause, he couldn't take on such a habit unless etiquette meant naught to him. This simple clue tells me the man very rarely meets Nobles.

“I respected your mother, you have my word that her passing won't go unanswered.” Rasaec promises. Lance straightens up with a clenched fist but she remains silent.

“Easy to say after the killers were dealt with.” I coldly utter.

“Some things I cannot do openly, such as undermining the Templar Order by revoking the declaration you took advantage of to kill Elizabeth Vil.” The Emperor counters without rising to my provocation. “I've already passed down my decision that King Cenwalh does not have my support to pass down the crown to his house's heir and that is the most I am able to do in the open.”

“It isn't and everyone knows it.” I utter with a scowl. It would have been fine if he didn't care or didn't promise anything, but I cannot stand his declaration if he isn't going to act in truth.

“Power is a fickle thing, directing it depends on people of differing opinions.” Rasaec calmly tells me. “In theory, I could order a King's death yet few would follow through in execution unless I send a Phalanx to enforce the command.”

“A useful excuse, applicable to any situation.” I counter.

“True.” He agrees with a thin smile without arguing.

“Jessica, what our Emperor did is more than enough.” Lance cuts in but says no more, clearly unwilling to spend any more time on the subject.

“For you, maybe.” I snap.

“What is your wish, exactly, Jessica Freepath?” Rasaec asks with interest.

“Freedom.” I plainly return. “I wish not to be a part of your Empire any longer.”

“How dare...” Shayle begins.

“Sk!” Rasaec cuts her off with a sharp click of his tongue. “We are akin of mind.” He notes bemusedly. “I wish not for you to be under my rule any longer, it's too much trouble. But we can speak of that later.” His calm response startles me because of the threat his words could imply. “I've never heard truer words than yours on the fact a peasant's plow does more for the Empire than any warrior's sword ever will.” I blink in surprise.

“Words you could have spoken if you believe them.” I note with a frown.

“Indeed, among many other declarations I could have made that would have had lasting consequences if they came from me.” The Emperor acknowledges with a smile.

Our expressions grow somber as we realize that, if Rasaec had said this in public, then it may have directly triggered a civil war. Leomi merely clenches her jaw but it's enough for Yvonne to tense.

“So you will not support Izla Meria's new democratic system, my Emperor?” Lance asks, only revealing a touch of disappointment.

“What an olden concept.” Rasaec muses.

“For a class of people to break the shackles of their oppression, they must have power enough.” Leomi argues.

“But I've already instituted the good it can bring to my Empire.” The Emperor notes. “Allowing any more voices will result in uncontrollable chaos.”

“What?” I ask, blinking in surprise.

“Courts already debate their rulers with the input of Exemplars while Marshals convene with their officers and other Nobles. Debates strengthen reasonings and uncover flaws but, ultimately, one must stand at the forefront to make the decisions and that being's orders must stand unchallenged.” Rasaec explains. “Were an elected council to be in charge of making decisions, then how could they sacrifice the defense of a city to save a Kingdom?” He questions rhetorically.

“Sathens was one of the strongest powers that challenged our Emperor Rasaec during His conquest, yet they quickly fell for they were not united. His armies merely applied pressure to the leaders' homes and it was sufficient for each of their armies to split to defend the lands they belonged to, sealing their fates.” Shayle explains with a disdainful sneer.

“These flaws we can overcome by reforming Nobility, my Emperor, and ensuring the powers are split.” Leomi argues.

“I am not saying you are wrong but you wish for results in a year when I witness them in decades.” Rasaec tells us with a bleak tone that chases any doubt I held that the man isn't an old monster that's lived through centuries.

“But...” Lance starts.

“How long do you think it took to unite the Empire? For all humans to feel as they are part of it?” He questions her while sending me a wink. Does that mean he knows I'm not human or does it indicate he knows the statement untrue? “You see the state of the Empire and believe change is too slow. I do not disagree, but it took centuries to establish the Administration and for the various Kingdoms to accept the centralization of power. These changes you wish for will happen, perhaps not during your lifetime, but they will.”

“Will you hinder her?” I directly ask.

“Of course not.” The Emperor directly denies, causing my fiancee to relax a bit. “But I will not lend you my influence for these aims, my attention shall remain on conquest for the decade to come.”

I narrow my eyes but hold back from speaking again since the Emperor seems to be holding many things back for later. Besides, being silent ensures I don't say something crazy.

“You need armies, my Emperor, and we need gold.” Leomi directly states.

“Ah, no you do not.” Rasaec playfully contradicts. “Soldiers are raised with bronze, armies with silver, Empires with gold.”

“I could use some of that silver.” I note. “But I'll just make Telnur cough up the coin.”

“Hahaha.” The Emperor laughs. “Shayle, what moniker would you give her if she joined the Shades now that you've met?”

“Regicide.” The old woman responds with a chill in her voice as she glares at Rasaec.

“High praise, there has only ever been one.” He tells me with a chuckle.

“She isn't trustworthy enough to claim the name.” Shayle denies.

Their exchange gives me pause as there should be no reason for Rasaec to reveal the woman as a Shade, and one high ranking enough to name their recruits no less.

“I'll not give you silver, honorary Duchess, but a voucher for your expenses that Shayle here will arrange.” The Emperor says, shifting the subject once again. “The Templar Order will provide the coin you require to raise your army to defend Telnur but I shall remind you that the Hospitaliers are your personal force and the Empire will not be party to funding it.”

Perhaps there was more to this exchange between them, maybe I had none to do with it. From the woman's answer, perhaps Rasaec was obliquely asking her what she thought our goal was and she told him we aim to kill Cenwalh through saying 'Regicide'.

“Thank you, my Emperor.” Lance says with a prideful bow.

“Lady Yvonne Shipwold.” Rasaec speaks up as he turns to my best friend. “Do you have any requests of me?” He asks with a gentle smile.

“I wouldn't dare, my Emperor.” Yvonne responds with a shiver to her voice.

“Why not? Jessica has dared far more.” The man says with a shrug, his carelessness intensified by the fact the circlet on his head is askew.

“Then, I will merely beg for your forgiveness were they to offend you in the future.” Yvonne politely requests.

“That is quite likely indeed, such foresight and such an admirable character.” Rasaec smiles. “Granted, I shall not be offended next time Jessica is disrespectful.” I grunt at him.

“Has Exemplar Siegfried made his report to you, Emperor?” I cut in to pass on this matter that has weighed on me.

“He has, but not enough is known of these creatures to make any decisions at this time.” Rasaec says, turning more serious. “They came once so they have the capacity to come again unless their skyship arrived here by accident, which I find unlikely.”

“That's it?” I ask with a scowl.

“What more can be done? We know naught so naught can be done.” The Emperor returns. I can't help but grimace because he isn't wrong. “Were they to invade with a consequent force, then I shall make peace or ally with Lisilese and Rykz to fight them back.”

I startle at how casually the man speaks of allying with the Empire's ancestral enemies if the situation demands it but, at the same time, it also reassures me as to the Emperor's competence. He doesn't let emotion guide him.

While I am mad enough to refuse to ally with Nobles even if it becomes the only solution to survive, I remain aware of what the sane correct choice would be for a ruler in a similar situation.

Rasaec extends his hand out and passes the palm over the small table, causing the illusion to appear once more. The battlefield expanded as the Empire's cavalry forces engaged with the Rykz' reserve troops. The Emperor sighs as he dismisses the image.

“It seems like neither side will emerge with a decisive victory.” I comment.

“Indeed, but the Rykz cannot sustain these losses so their Princesses will be forced to fight soon enough.” He replies as he turns to Shayle. “Keep them company, Jessica and I shall go for a walk in the garden.”

I frown and almost refuse but the Emperor hops off the couch with no regards for his status, making the old woman frown which makes me smile. Rasaec then heads straight for the window at the back of the room and opens it to jump off without waiting for me to follow.

Amused, I let my flow seep out of my reserve and seize control of the surrounding air. I fly up and out of the window to find the Emperor waiting for me below. There are two dozen Exemplars in the garden but they're far away. I drop by his side.

“Enough games, old monster. No one has that much tolerance for me, not even my fiancees do.” I speak up. “What is it you want?”

“I've told you before, I want to talk.” Rasaec tells me with a laugh, utterly unshaken by my insult.