The Capital of the Chaos Empire — Averlion
A carriage moves forward toward the palace.
Priest:
"Do you think he will agree to this decision?"
Goddess:
"He has no other choice. Otherwise, his entire empire will be destroyed along with him."
Priest:
"I know. Still, he is an emperor. Most emperors are arrogant. He may refuse."
Goddess:
"But he will accept. Because he must. If he is even slightly intelligent, he will make the right decision. Otherwise, we will be forced to resort to other methods to protect human lives."
Priestess:
"In truth, no fool would be stupid enough to overturn the decision of a goddess—especially in times like these. Being arrogant works in our favor. Arrogant people always value their own lives."
Goddess:
"Whether arrogant or not, once he accepts this decision, protecting him becomes the temple's responsibility. Besides, rather than arrogance, he resembles an irritating admirer. I already know he will not turn me away. At the very least, for the sake of human lives, we must do everything in our power to persuade him."
Warrior:
"If he dares think anything ill of our goddess, I will sever his head on the spot. Emperor or not, I would not hesitate."
Goddess:
"Abandon such foolish thoughts. The priority is human lives. No one is to act recklessly. He merely worships me—that is all. Even if he accepts our decision, protecting him is our duty. Is that clear to everyone?"
Priest, Priestess, Warrior:
"Yes, Goddess Lisa."
Priest (thinking):
Our pure goddess… Once he submits and comes to the temple, he will be sold to a neighboring kingdom. Who would bother protecting a burden?
Inside the Palace
The Emperor sits silently upon his throne.
Palace Gatekeeper:
"The Light Goddess of Claritas, Goddess Lisa, has arrived at the palace."
The doors open, and Goddess Lisa enters.
Goddess Lisa:
"I bring my greetings to Emperor Aeth of Chaos."
Aeth:
"It is an honor to welcome Goddess Lisa. You have illuminated our palace with your light."
Goddess Lisa:
"Thank you for your kind words, Aeth. I assume you are receiving guests."
Aeth:
"Of course, Goddess. The gates of this palace are always open to you."
Aeth (thinking):
The very person who never took me seriously and always kept her distance… This visit is certainly not a courtesy call. Goddess Lisa is revered not only in this empire but throughout the world—the Light Goddess of the Claritas Temple. A figure I once admired. What is your true purpose?
Aeth begins coughing repeatedly. He presses a handkerchief to his mouth, notices traces of blood, and quickly clenches it in his palm, hiding it.
Goddess Lisa (thinking):
The rumors seem to be true. He truly appears gravely ill.
Aeth remains seated upon his throne as Goddess Lisa and the ministers begin speaking—behaving as though Aeth were not even present. Lisa quickly realizes that in this country, the true authority lies not with Aeth, but with the ministers. She directs all discussions toward them.
Goddess Lisa:
"There is another important reason for my visit, Prime Minister Gord."
Aeth (thinking):
Just as I thought. The goddess has another objective. I am already being ignored. To people like her, I will always be incompetent—a mere shadow.
Goddess Lisa:
"You are well aware of the times we live in. The demon armies have already invaded your territories. This means that everyone within this empire is under threat. If we fail to find a solution soon, it may already be too late."
Minister Gord:
"If you have come this far, Goddess Lisa, then you must have found a solution. Am I correct?"
Goddess Lisa:
"I do have a proposal—and it is the only viable path forward. I trust you will support me. After all, human lives are at stake."
Minister Gord:
"Of course, Goddess. I trust your judgment. However, this matter must be discussed with the other ministers as well."
Goddess Lisa:
"By all means. We have gathered here precisely for negotiations."
Lisa's Warrior (thinking):
That emperor truly is an incompetent fool. Now it is clear why this country is in ruins. They are deciding the fate of his empire, and he might as well not exist. A mere puppet, placed on the throne so it does not remain empty.
Minister Gord:
"May we hear the solution you propose, Goddess?"
Goddess Lisa:
"Surrender to your neighboring kingdom—the Kingdom of Kravendorn. If you surrender without resistance, no violence will be inflicted upon anyone. The kingdom will protect the people of this land, for they will become citizens of Kravendorn."
Minister Gord:
"Surrender to a kingdom that has been our enemy… This is no simple decision. We have lost many warriors in wars against them—and so have they."
Goddess Lisa:
"I understand. But no war lasts forever. Every war ends eventually. This is not surrender—it is reconciliation. It is the most suitable decision for everyone here. If you fight the demon armies, none of you will survive. Nor do you possess the strength to defeat them."
The debate continues for some time before silence falls over the room. The ministers exchange glances. After a brief pause, Minister Gord steps forward.
Minister Gord:
"I understand, Goddess. But what about our safety? Can you guarantee our lives?"
Goddess Lisa (thinking):
As expected—the people mean nothing to them. They think only of themselves.
Goddess Lisa:
"Rest assured. You may place your trust in the temple. Your protection will be personally ensured by us."
Minister Gord:
"In that case, we will reach a final decision and inform you, Goddess."
Goddess Lisa:
"Very well."
Goddess Lisa:
"I will remain your guest for three days. During that time, deliver your decision to me. If not, I will be unable to offer you any further assistance."
Minister Gord:
"Understood, Goddess. We will inform you of our decision."
Goddess Lisa departs the palace with her companions and begins touring the city.
Ministers:
"What do you think, honorable Prime Minister?"
Minister Gord:
"Survival, of course. Surrendering to Kravendorn before the demon army wipes us out is the logical choice. The temple will protect us—as long as we possess sufficient wealth. After all, we are all nobles."
(He smiles cunningly.)
His words give everyone pause. Ultimately, they all agree. They decide to respond to the goddess after two days—unwilling to appear weak by making an immediate decision.
Meanwhile, Aeth remains seated alone upon the throne, silent and distant from all others. Suddenly, he feels a tightness in his chest and realizes that time is slowly running out for him.
An emperor who lived an empty life… who led an entire empire to ruin… breathes his final breath upon the throne.
Alone.
Unnoticed.
At the same time, Lisa and her companions stroll through the capital's streets.
Mary (Priestess):
"The capital truly feels lively."
Lukas (Warrior):
"Compared to other cities, it really is."
Carl (Priest):
"Because this is the heart of the empire. Most nobles and wealthy families reside here."
Lukas:
"'Former empire' would be more accurate."
(He smiles.)
Mary:
"Even so, it truly is a city worthy of being a capital."
Carl:
"I completely agree."
Lisa:
"Averlion is an ancient city—home to legendary heroes. Yet now, all I see are arrogant nobles."
Lukas:
"This is all because of that cowardly emperor. If he had ruled properly, everything would have been different."
Carl:
"You seem to know a great deal about governance. Perhaps we should negotiate with Kravendorn and appoint you as governor here."
(He laughs mockingly.)
Lukas:
"Joke all you want. But truly, I would govern far better than that coward with no ability."
Mary:
"Yes, yes, Lukas—we all believe that."
Carl and Mary laugh, teasing Lukas.
Lisa (smiling):
"Save your amusement for later. There are still a few places left to visit. After that, we shall return to the palace."
Lukas, Carl, Mary:
"Understood, Goddess Lisa."