Mikhail sat in the Emperor's private study.
His legs were crossed. His elbow rested on the armrest, chin propped against his fist. He stared ahead, lost in thought.
The Southern Kingdom of Blackfen. Kingdom of magic, swamps, and the power of undead.
In the game, Ren and his party traveled south. They found... interesting things there.
I suspect I could find something related to the core.
The Emperor, who had been sitting across from him in silence this entire time, finally spoke.
"Mikhail. You've been sitting here for half an hour without saying a single word." His tone was measured, patient. "What are you thinking, son?"
Mikhail glanced at him briefly.
"I'm always thinking, Father. When have I not?"
The Emperor leaned back in his chair.
"How are you doing with Gwenllian?"
"I've decided to let her stay. She needs a lot of training. Maybe one day she can stand where Hilowat once did."
The Emperor nodded slowly.
"Good. Do you want to ask me anything?"
Mikhail's expression darkened.
"What about your Angel of Death?"
The Emperor raised an eyebrow.
"The High Commander? What about him?"
Mikhail's jaw tightened.
"I... despise him. I don't even know why. It's like someone from within is screaming at me to kill him the moment I see him."
The Emperor studied his son carefully.
"He's a fanatic with his beliefs, I know. But he is loyal to the Empire. Don't worry about him."
Mikhail's eyes narrowed.
"...Right." He paused. "And what about the Demonic Kingdom? I'm sure you already know that—"
The Emperor cut him off.
"That they were behind the Orc invasion. I do. I've personally sent people to keep watch on the Forbidden Forest." He paused. "But you can't fight an enemy you can't see."
Mikhail's voice was cold.
"But they can see us. And we wouldn't know until our heads are on the floor."
The Emperor's voice was firm.
"That will never happen."
"How can you be so sure?"
"I just know."
Mikhail smirked.
"Don't tell me, Father... you have some kind of secret connection with them. While you scream they're evil, you keep a relationship with them."
The Emperor's expression didn't change.
"No one is completely evil, son." He paused. "And about the connection... my lips are sealed on that matter."
Mikhail smiled faintly.
"You never cease to amaze me, Emperor."
The Emperor leaned forward.
"Let's drop the small talk. Tell me the real reason you came to see me."
Mikhail met his gaze directly.
"I want to go south. To Blackfen."
The Emperor tilted his head.
"Why would you want to visit the kingdom that hasn't sent us a single letter in a decade? Why go among those swamps and that undead witch of a queen?"
Mikhail leaned back casually.
"Come on, Father. You hated me when I used to slack off. Now you hate me when I go around forming good relationships with other Orthodox kingdoms."
The Emperor laughed—short, sharp.
"Good relationships? By manipulating everyone?" His smile was knowing. "I know you see everyone as tools for your own use. Tell me the real reason, son."
He paused.
"Is it the black core?"
Mikhail went still.
Then he let out a breath.
"So you knew all along."
The Emperor smiled.
"Who do you take me for? I'm the Emperor. I know everything about you."
Wait. Does he know about Maximus too?
Mikhail pushed the thought aside.
"It's decided then. I'm going to Blackfen."
The Emperor shook his head, almost amused.
"Fine. How many knights do you need?"
"None. I'm going with my bodyguard and my wife."
The Emperor raised an eyebrow.
"Wife? The Sword Saintess?" He paused. "You call her your wife, yet you haven't thought about marrying her. Even though I know you have a good relationship with her."
Mikhail smiled.
"Oh, I'm just keeping my options open. In case some king would like me to marry his daughter."
The Emperor shook his head slowly.
"Your mind is dissolving light, son. Sometimes I don't know who you're becoming."