Celia struggled to contain her rising frustration and sadness.

  "My grandfather.... no, Gaius Walkland has been murdered."

  The shock of Celia's revelation was palpable, striking both the Emperor and Chancellor. Gaius Walkland was a revered mage, instrumental in the Empire's affairs alongside Durnest.

  "Impossible. Lord Gaius..."

  "This cannot be true! Celia!"

  Both men voiced their disbelief.

  "No, Your Majesty, Chancellor. It is the truth... Gaius Walkland was slain by someone from another world."

  "What... what did you say?"

  "Impossible, Lady Celia... What are you implying?"

  Their denial continued as Celia explained the situation. Time was of the essence, and she needed to be concise.

  "It is the truth, Your Majesty. I witnessed it myself."

  Silence enveloped the chamber until the Emperor broke it with a deep, troubled voice.

  "Why?"

  The Emperor's attempt to control his emotions was evident as he tightened his grip on the throne's armrest.

  "I don't have all the details. There's no concrete evidence or witness. However, based on the circumstances, I have a strong suspicion about the perpetrator."

  "Who?"

  "Lord Gaius was performing a summoning ritual. Considering the murder took place in the summoning chamber and all the guards were killed, I believe the culprit is the individual summoned from another world."

  "Th... that's hard to believe..."

  Durnest's disbelief was apparent on his face.

  "Additionally, we know the individual is currently disguised as a castle soldier. I've tasked Sir Rolf, the Captain of the Guard, and Orlando, the third ranking Court Mage, with forming a unit to pursue them immediately."

  The Emperor's response to Celia's report was immediate and decisive.

  "I authorize the mission!" he declared with conviction. "Since the formal decree will take some time, use my sword as proof of my authority!"

  With a swift motion, the Emperor unsheathed his blade and handed it to Celia.

  "Celia, Gaius was not just a trusted ally, he was my friend and mentor for forty years. He was a cornerstone of our realm."

Stolen novel; please report.

  "Understood."

  "The assassination of Gaius is an affront to the ortomea Empire itself! Track down the perpetrator and bring them to justice. If capture proves impossible, you have my permission to execute them on sight!"

  Celia bowed deeply, her respect evident, before vanishing with a flicker of magic.

  The Emperor let out a weary sigh and turned his attention to the figure concealed behind the draped curtain.

  "Shaldina. Have you been briefed on the situation?"

  "Yes, Your Majesty."

  Stepping from behind the curtain was a young woman, her golden hair cascading over her shoulders. Tall and graceful, with striking blue eyes, she bore a resemblance to the Emperor himself.

  "I have confirmed the details through our intelligence network," she continued. "Gaius's death is unmistakable. Furthermore, a fire occurred in the medical wing simultaneously, and a soldier has disappeared. Celia suspects this missing soldier might be from another world."

  "I see. Shaldina, what is your assessment?"

  "I believe the suspicion about the culprit's identity is likely correct. At the very least, an assassination orchestrated by neighboring countries seems improbable. However..."

  The Emperor fixed a sharp gaze on Shaldina.

  "However? What are you implying?"

  "Unfortunately, the chances of apprehending the culprit are slim."

  "What! Are you suggesting that even Celia may fail?"

  While Durnest did not like the mages unrestrained breaching of the rules and their unruly conduct, he truly understood how formidable a group they were, especially the royal court mages.

  "Lord Durnest, this isn't Celia's failing. Anyone would struggle under these circumstances."

  "And why is that?"

  "Without knowing the face, form, or even the gender of the other worlder, how can we identify him?"

  "What do you mean?"

  The Emperor's eyes widened in surprise.

  "It appears that all soldiers present during the summoning, including Gaius, were killed. After that he was masked under the helmets and the medical staff who moved him were also slain. Thus, we have no description of the attacker."

  "This is a catastrophe... How will Celia locate the assailant?"

  "It's a matter of chance, Your Majesty. If the other worlder is disguised as a soldier, it might work. Even if they change their appearance within the city, their hurried departure might draw attention. There's still hope for gathering some useful information."

  "I see. There is some potential after all?"

  "Yes, but..."

  The Emperor's frustration was evident.

  "Enough! Shaldina, if you understand the situation so well, I command you to lead the search alongside Celia!"

  "Your Majesty? Is it wise to remove Princess Shaldina from your side?"

  Durnest's voice was tinged with unease. Removing Shaldina, the last line of defense for the Emperor, was unprecedented.

  "Enough of this! Shaldina Eisenheit, First Imperial Princess and commander of the Rose Knights, you are to assist Celia in the search for the culprit!"

  "As you command, Your Majesty. I will give it my all, despite my limitations."

  Shaldina bowed deeply and then exited the Emperor's chamber.

  This moment marked the point when the Ortomea Empire officially recognized Silva Schneizel as a formidable adversary.

  Left alone with the Chancellor, the Emperor's mood grew darker.

  "Durnest, this has escalated quickly."

  "Indeed, Your Majesty. We must resolve this matter before it attracts the attention of our neighbors."

  "Just as we were about to consolidate our position and move forward with the eastern campaign, this happens."

  "It is most unfortunate."

  The Emperor shook his head in resignation.

  "There's no choice. Durnest, summon the Chief Court Mage and gather the ministers."

  "Shall we consider appointing Celia for the task?"

  Durnest's tone carried a trace of concern.

  "Though she is young, it appears necessary."

  "Understood."

  Durnest left swiftly, and the Emperor sank into his throne, his gaze distant.

  "Gaius, you fool. Just as my ambitions were within reach..."

  Tears fell onto the crimson carpet.

  It was the Emperor's most profound expression of grief for a friend who had stood by him through many years of conflict.