"A ruler must unleash all his cruelties at once, sparing himself the burden of daily acts of cruelty." (Niccolò Machiavelli).

To establish and maintain power, a leader must sometimes resort to force or violence if necessary.

I foresaw this turn of events. Change is hard to accept, especially after living for more than 500 years. I don't blame the elders opposing my reforms; their resistance is expected. Imagine living a lifetime of power, respect, and worship, only to have it stripped away by a dark elf who assigns you a mere job. It's a brazen act. My resolve is set. I must send a clear message to the noble families and lesser lords: rebellion and reneging on agreements will not be tolerated. There is no more effective deterrent than the execution of those they fear. The idea of a Supreme Court of Justice was designed to provoke the elders further, pushing them to the edge without their awareness. Let us deal with them decisively now and justify our actions later.

An elder rose and hurled a chair at me. Swiftly, I retrieved my blade from its sheath and sliced it in two. Leona, Anna, and Eli stood ready for conflict behind me. I turned to them, reassuring Leona, "My dear, fret not over this insignificant pest. Sit back and enjoy your tea."

"But honey, she..." Leona started.

Cutting her off, I insisted, "Relax, my love."

She settled back, visibly discontent.

"How dare you call me a pest?" demanded the elder.

"Let's not waste time. Those who oppose the queen's reforms, step forward."

The chair-throwing elder was joined by eight others, nine in total. Earlier, they had shown approval. What changed?

"Identify yourself, third elder," Elfan demanded.

"I am the third elder. What of it?" retorted the chair-thrower.

So, the very elder who rejected our proposal without consideration was the third elder.

"Ah, you're the one who attempted to assassinate the queen before her coronation," Elfan accused.

"How dare you accuse me of crimes I did not commit!" the third elder retorted angrily.

"Accuse? I have evidence linking you to the Eclipse family, forcing them not only to target my wife but also the crown princess."

"Nonsense!" the third elder shouted, conjuring a [Fireball]. A formidable display for a level 1000 elder, yet weaker than Elmacia's. I swiftly countered with [Quick Draw], slicing the fireball in half. Everyone was surprised except for Elmacia. Leona, witnessing my combat skills for the first time, was understandably shocked.

"What feeble magic. I haven't finished speaking, madam. For plotting against the ruler and the crown princess's death, the royal family sentences you and your allies to death."

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

(To avoid confusion, I'll refer to them by numbers.)

"How dare you!" the third elder cried out.

The first elder interjected, "I know nothing of this!"

The second elder supported her, "Exactly. We are innocent. Perhaps you orchestrated the crown princess's demise."

"Enough debating. Let's kill this disgusting thing," declared the fourth elder.

Nine against one.

To minimize damage to the magnificent building and Yggdrasil, I moved to an open area inside the meeting hall, facing them confidently. "Show me your strength," I challenged loudly.

They encircled me and launched various spells: [Fireball], [Light Dragon], [Water Serpent], [Acid Viper], [Explosion], [Water Bullet], [Holy Lance], [Holy Arrow], [Earth Bullet]. An awe-inspiring spectacle. Holy magic differed slightly in its mana frequency.

"Honey, dodge!" Leona shouted.

The room trembled as spells collided. Prolonged battle could devastate Circle City and Rize. The solution? Instill fear.

Using [Quick Step], I materialized behind three elders. [Catastrophic Hellfire] engulfed them while I cast [Sticky Web] on the three to my right. An invisible barrier blocked the web, indicating they had anticipated this. However, three elders in front of me were not that lucky. [Catastrophic Hellfire] shattered their barrier, immolating them. The six watched in horror as their comrades writhed in purple flames. Two attempted healing spells, [Purification] and [Extra Heal], but only intensified the inferno. Those two elders who approached also ignited. Five elders now screamed in agony.

"Don't touch the flames, or you will also burn," the sixth elder warned the remaining three elders.

"What have you done?" demanded the first elder.

"You are a demon! Elmacia, assist us in vanquishing this threat. If he is allowed to grow even stronger, not only will he be a threat to our country but the whole world," implored the third elder.

"I'm sorry, but I stand with him," Elmacia replied with a serene smile.

The remaining four elders were incredulous, unable to accept the betrayal.

"So, you're all in league!" accused the third elder. The first three charred to ash, their cries fading. The subsequent two suffered burning agony.

"Ladies, leave Elmacia and heed me," Elfan stated kindly.

Two elders fell to their knees, begging for mercy.

"Stand, cowards. Do you expect forgiveness? Stand and fight!" demanded the third elder.

Elfan dual-cast [Quick Step] + [Quick Draw], decapitating the elder next to the third. The third retreated behind the kneeling two. The two burning elders were now ashes, leaving only the third and the kneeling pair. The third attempted flight, but a swift [Quick Step] + [Quick Draw] severed her leg, sending her sprawling. I seized her by the hair, dragging her to the kneeling pair. Leona, wide-eyed, watched in astonishment.

"My queen, any words before I dispatch them to the goddess?" I inquired.

She stepped forward boldly, "Those who defy the royal family shall perish!"

The elders, including the repentant third, begged for mercy. Ignoring them, I unleashed [Catastrophic Hellfire]. Their screams echoed until they crumbled to ash. Thus, the Council of Elders dwindled from 13 to 4 members. Rumors spread like wildfire, attributing the elders' demise to their alleged assassination of the crown princess, and Queen Leona's purported vengeance. Some fancifully hailed her as a savior sent by the goddess. Nonetheless, fear gripped the major families, lesser nobles, and feudal lords alike. They called her the Bloody Queen, while others called her savior.

Reviewing my status, I noted an advancement and a new title.

**Status Update!**

- Name: Elfan

- Race: Elf

- Level: 21000

- Mana: 999999

- Skills: Alchemy Lv. 8, Silence Lv. 7, Swordsmanship Lv. 10, Skill Creation Lv. 10, Mana Regeneration Lv. 10, Poison Resistance Lv. 10, Quick Draw Lv. 10, Mimic Lv. 10, Sticky Web Lv. 10, Identify Lv. 10, Scorching Breath Lv. 8, Catastrophic Hellfire Lv. 8, Infinite Regeneration Lv. 10, Acid Rain Lv. 9, Meteor Shower Lv. 7

- Titles: God of Death, Tyrant Killer, Dungeon Conqueror, Pioneer, Sword Saint, Guardian of the Elves.

Elmacia bore the same title (Guardian of the Elves). Did she also kill an elder to get this title? I thought to myself.

Turning to the four remaining elders, I smiled kindly. "Shall we resume our meeting?"