On entering the doors of the royal palace, of which all the stationed guards had been rendered unconscious, a man shriveled in the grand halls, shaking and having fallen backwards at seeing the scene of carnage in front of him.

Oraguth, who had replaced his clothing and ensured that the man did not notice his monstrous appearance, walked behind Troy as his right hand man.

Troy, on the other hand, bravely marched through the halls, and approached the man with the 60 men behind him.

There were a few guards stationed in the hallways, but they were not enough to stop a force of 60 men, so they instead gathered behind the man who had stumbled back.

"Who are you!? What do you think you're doing here in the royal palace!?!?", one of the guards demanded.

Troy, who led the group, turned to those soldiers with a straight face.

"Forgive this rough and disrespectful intrusion. I require desperately to have an audience with the young Emperor. It is a matter of utmost urgency, and as such I had to take drastic measures in order to obtain such an audience. I truly apologize for any offense this invasion may have caused, but at the very least we must force the young Emperor to hear our story."

The man on the ground, who had seen the hundreds of guards fall unconscious from afar but not how it had happened, stood up as his body quivered.

"T-then, this is not an attack?"

Troy gave the man a serious stare, and responded confidently.

"This is not an attack. We are loyal to the Emperor, and to this country. We only wish to discuss a matter which has been hidden from the eyes of the Emperor for a long time."

"Then.... I will inform the Emperor immediately. Could I ask you to wait here?"

"That is acceptable, but if you take too long we will come in on our own.", Oraguth chipped in before Troy could answer. "If the Emperor flees and tries to escape, then we won't be able to say what we have to say, and as such our position would be compromised. I'm sure you understand this. In order to clear up the events of today, we will not leave until we have spoken with the Emperor. Leaving without telling our story would be the same as establishing ourselves as criminals, without any chance for reparation."

"I see..... I understand. I will inform his grace immediately."

The man was a messenger, though he had just returned and was setting out for another city at the moment Troy and Oraguth had invaded the palace.

He trailed off, clearly worried about the transpiring events.

"Will everything really be alright? What if we can't get an audience with him, Oraguth?", Troy asked.

"No, I've done some research on the Emperor and his son. He won't give up a chance like this. He's a hotheaded kid who wants everything to go his way, but his father won't let him go easily if a major event happens in his absence. What would happen if the palace was invaded? Even if the invaders were captured and arrested, the very fact that an invasion of the palace itself happened during the absence of the Emperor would show the displeasure of the people with the young Emperor."

Troy could sense a smile coming from underneath Oraguth's mask. He wondered to himself when he had been able to pick up the slight derivations in the mood of this unreadable monster.

"It would show his weakness as a ruler and inability to maintain a peaceful state. On the contrary, what if he were to grant the invaders an audience and negotiate a peace with them? He would be seen as a wise and caring ruler, who calmed the worries of even those who rose up and invaded the palace. A man who pleased even his enemies. Instead of disappointment, his father would be filled with pride upon return, and the young Emperor would gain allies to assist him when his time comes to take over the throne."

Troy as well as the rest of the mercenaries were filled with shock to hear this explanation.

"Is that really true?"

"Did you plan all this out, Oraguth?"

Oraguth merely chuckled.

"I've told you time after time. My masters would not give me a mission if it wasn't thoroughly planned. We aren't just stumbling in here and hoping for the best, you know. The only people who do that are those who end up failing, not even able to realize where they went wrong, because their entire approach was wrong in the first place."

Indeed, things were just as Oraguth said.

For these exact reasons, the young Emperor had ignored the pleas of Brutus and Longitudinas, and allowed the intruders inside the palace.

Just minutes after they had arrived, they were allowed through the gates of the palace, to the great surprise of the few men who remained in the hallway.

"I can't believe it...."

"We actually made it in...."

"When was the last time a group of commoners was able to get an audience with the Emperor like this? Even if it is the Emperor's son.... this is insane....."

"Just how far ahead have they planned?"

Many people among the resistance forces murmured to each other as the group entered. Troy entered first with Wexus on his left and Oraguth on his right, wearing his mask.

"Make sure to keep yourselves quiet and orderly. No matter what is said, don't butt in, or my plans might fail. Do you all understand?", Oraguth asked while turning back to the others.

"Yes, we understand.", the men replied. After seeing just how well everything had gone so far- not to mention how powerful Oraguth was, they had complete respect for him. Both the rookies and the veterans.

Most of the men were already mostly covered by their hoods and hiding their faces, so Oraguth didn't seem out of place. Of course, this was obvious. Nobody wanted their true identities to be seen if they were pulling off such a stunt.

Upon entering the palace, Oraguth saw a young man.

He was blonde and good looking, and laid down casually on a bench made from what appeared to be concubines, lined up next to each other, bent down on their hands and knees. He even seemed to be sipping on some wine.

The man wore a bathrobe and the leaved crown which symbolized his status as the Emperor. Next to him stood two men who seemed to be older and more experienced in politics, as they both seemed to be very uncomfortable with the current situation.

'Oh? So that's the infamous Senator Brutus. This should be.... fun. Just how will he react to the very resistance which he has been fighting in the shadows showing up on the doorstep of the Emperor, demanding an audience and exposing his corruption?? Well.... my master has already shown to me the simulation of what will happen, so I already know... but it will be wonderful to witness for real this time. Heh heh...'

Stepping forward, Troy genuflected before the Emperor, bowing his head. Wexus and Oraguth followed this action, and soon every single one of the men in the palace were showing their respect for the young Emperor.

Of course, Percius was filled with delight at this.

"Oh?? What's this? So.... let me go over what just happened. Longitudinas, Brutus... I want you all to take a good look at what's happening here. Their dress aside, does this situation look even one bit like one in which I am endangered? Does it appear to you as if arresting these people by force would have been the better decision? Haha! I don't think so. As soon as I heard that the invaders 'Demanded to have an audience with the Emperor', I knew that something was up. If these people were out for my head, would they even take the time to demand an audience with me?"

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"But your grace, even if these people kneel before you now, they could still be harboring ill intentions-"

"Shut up, Brutus. What did I say before?? I'm the Emperor right now, so my word is law, and your word means NOTHING. Besides.... aren't you the one who has hidden intentions here? Why exactly should I listen to the man who is trying to take my place as Emperor?? If you hadn't said anything, I might have just stayed quiet and escaped, but as soon as you spoke up- you, the man who has been spreading rumors about me so as to take my place as the heir to the throne, I felt that something was off and gave it some thought."

The young Emperor looked over to Brutus, who had a face of shock.

"Y-young Emperor!! I would never-"

"Did you think I wouldn't notice? I'm not my father, you know. My father is a peace loving freak, so he might have sat back and endured your presence.... no, perhaps he didn't even notice. But you know what? I have ways to get information."

The young Emperor stroked the head of one of the women he was sitting on as he said this.

"I can assure you, young Emperor, that I have done no such-"

"Ah, quit the act. As a matter of fact, why don't you just be quiet? I'm going to listen to these guys now, whether you like it or not."

"But young Emperor!! Regardless of whether you trust me or not, they are criminals who have broken into the palace!!! Allowing them an audience will set a precedent for future-"

"Do you really think something like this is going to happen again? There is a man in front of me powerful enough to knock out 500 guards with just a small unit of 60 men under him. As for me, I am more interested in getting this man on my side than I am in worrying about his actions."

"But young-"

"Shuuuuut up already!!!"

"I will inform your father of this!!!"

"Great. I hope you do, because whatever transpires here and now is going to benefit me- not hurt me. Now be quiet. If you speak one more word, I will strip you of your title as Senator."

"You don't have the power to do that!!! When your father returns I am going to report this to him!"

"Cheh. Well, I suppose you're right about that one. I can't have you stripped of a title, else my father will likely rebuke me when I get back. But either way, you have no choice but to let me hear these guys out. Or perhaps there is something which you don't want me to hear?"

Brutus didn't know for certain, but he had a feeling that he knew of these people in front of him.

At the very least, he knew of Wexus- the man who was sentenced to death but barely escaped execution after having his hands cut off.

'These people are likely the members of that resistance that has been bugging me recently!! Why would the young Emperor give them the time of day!?', Brutus thought.

Yet right now, he could not say anything to stop the young Emperor. While it was true that the young Emperor did not have the power to strip Brutus of his title, the young Emperor did have the power to inform his father of anything that occurred, and so while Brutus could do the same thing, he had to watch his step.

He couldn't demand that these people leave, or those loyal to the Emperor would begin to suspect Brutus of his own crimes.

Even so, this was problematic. Brutus didn't know which was more important. To avoid further conflict with the young Emperor, or to drive these resistance members out of the palace.

His men were gathered now, but they only numbered at 50. Of course, they were elites, so at his order he would be able to eliminate every person here. But if he did so.... especially without the order of the Emperor.... suspicions would only be further created.

Should he let the young Emperor listen to the pleas of Wexus and the group gathered, and then claim that they are nothing more than lies? Or should he attack them here and now, and then claim that he was merely trying to restore order to the palace, even if it meant directly disobeying the young Emperor?

No. He couldn't afford to directly disobey. He would instead deny any claims against him. After all, there was no way they could have any proof.

"Forgive me for my outburst, my liege. I was merely concerned about the order of the palace, but if you have deemed it to be acceptable to listen to these invaders then I will say no more."

"That's more like it. I see you've learned your own position, Brutus. That's right. If you stay silent and don't interrupt me, then I won't bring up matters any further."

All the resistance members seemed to grin with delight, and held in their smiles at seeing that even the young Emperor was clearly on bad terms with Brutus.

'He seemed about to remove Brutus from his position then and there! One more push and perhaps we'll be able to make it happen!'

Troy then raised his head, as if to ask the young Emperor for permission to speak.

"I'll grant you my audience.", Percius stated. "Under one condition. My father is soon to arrive back from his trip. Would you not prefer to speak with him later? I will convince him one way or another to have a meeting with you later as well, in exchange that you come and work under me as my subordinate. You're the leader, right? What's your name?", Percius asked Troy.

"I am Troy, my liege. And...."

Taking a glance back to Oraguth and receiving a slight nod, confirming his response, Troy then turned back to the Emperor and exclaimed:

"I accept your proposal."

The resistance members underneath Troy were filled with excitement at hearing this.

Not only did the young Emperor clearly hold distrust toward Brutus, but Troy and the members of the resistance were now working underneath the future Emperor. Their faction was no longer led by Troy, but instead by the young Emperor, who held much greater political weight.

Did Oraguth and his masters anticipate all this? If so, then they must have an amazing system of intelligence, and incomprehensible prediction abilities.

The young Emperor adjusted himself, kneeing one of the women as he did so. While she seemed to wish to scream out in pain, she held in the sound as if her life depended on it.

'A chair doesn't speak.', was what the young Emperor had told her before.

"Wonderful. Then, I'll listen in on your reason for being here."

Brutus seemed to be boiling with rage and concern, but held his tongue as he gave Troy and Wexus deadly stares.

"My liege, I will tell you everything. I am the leader of a small scale resistance that was formed 3 years ago. However, we are not a resistance against the Emperor or his rule- but rather against that man!! Senator Brutus, who stands by your side as we speak, has been performing treacherous acts against the Emperor for a great time now, and his corruption has seeped into every corner of the Empire without the knowledge of the Emperor!! If you have noticed this as well, then the conversation becomes all the quicker! Take a look at this man!"

Troy motioned over to Wexus, who's hands were missing.

"Wait just a moment!!", Brutus shouted out.

The Emperor looked over to Brutus, annoyed, but decided that if these men wanted to accuse Brutus of something that he should at least allow Brutus to defend himself.

"What is it, Brutus?", The young Emperor asked while filing a nail.

"You cannot trust a word that comes out of the mouths of any of these criminals!! I have no idea what they are about to accuse me of, but to claim that I have performed acts of treachery towards the Emperor is nothing more than slander!"

"Is that all you have to say? Listen here, Brutus.... what if they hold evidence? Or are you telling me that you're not even willing to listen to these people, for fear that they do hold evidence? Well? If they don't have any evidence, then you shouldn't have anything to fear, right? If you haven't done anything wrong, then no matter what they say, you won't have any issues with it, right?"

"That's..."

"But if they do hold evidence..... well, I think you should understand where things will go from there. This will escalate to my father, and he will be the one deciding your fate. Not me. But I have the power to hide this from my father. So watch your tongue around me."

"My liege...."

"Now, continue. I would like to hear it. What is Brutus accused of?"

"My liege, Brutus has performed many political actions that go directly against many of the laws and policies in which your father, Percius IV has established. We would like to provide you with but a few scenarios in which he has abused his power, and hidden things from the eyes of the Emperor which should have been brought directly to him."

Troy held his hand out to Wexus, introducing him.

"To begin, each and every man here is a victim of the ruthless corruption and treasonous acts performed by Brutus and those underneath him. The first person among us to be subject to his unfair judgement was this man here, a former Captain of the military, Wexus. He witnessed soldiers under Brutus in the industrial sectors of the Capital illegally taxing the people of their wages, only to pocket the money for himself and use it to fill his storehouses!! Without the permission of the Emperor!! This is nothing less than treason."

Brutus became indignant at the accusations, but even so Troy continued.

"When Wexus was pressured by his superiors not to say anything, he took it into his own hands to right the wrongs. After giving food from the storehouses which Brutus managed back to those who had their wages stolen, he was caught and illegally tried. Under the law of this country, if there is a dispute within the military then the offender has the right to be brought before the Emperor, so that the ultimate and infallible decision may be made, however Captain Wexus was given no such trial!! His hands were cut off and he was sentenced to execution- at which I was assigned the position of executioner!!"

Troy seemed to bite his own lip in rage as he recalled his own past.

"As a guard under orders, I was unable to disobey my superiors, yet they too were unable to disobey the leader of this facade- Brutus!! This Senator took matters into his own hands, and ensured that the Emperor never heard of such an execution, for fear of his own activities being found out!"

Troy was getting fired up at this point as he explained the situation to the young Emperor, who listened intently.

The young Emperor turned to Brutus, and asked him directly.

"Hm. I see. Brutus, what do you say to this?"

"It is all nonsense, my liege. Surely they have no proof to back these statements."

"No proof!? The proof is this man in front of you!!! Look at his hands!!!"

"He could have lost them otherwise."

"How would he-"

"It could have been some sort of industrial accident, or he could have lost them in battle.", Brutus stated coldly. He clearly intended to play the innocent card and pretend as if nothing had happened, so long as there was no definite proof of him doing anything wrong.

"Then why would we even be here to accuse you of these things!?"

"Somebody could have paid you off. Someone who desires my position could have told you to go and accuse me of such things. If there is no proof then there is no further reason to listen to you."

Brutus victoriously waved the group off with a smirk, though under his hood Oraguth was smiling deeply.

'Thus far, everything is going according to plan.'