Felix Roots Kreutzer, who had invaded the Nohitant Kingdom, concluded discussions on reparations and other matters with Lazarus Edington in Lugau before rushing back to the imperial capital at full speed.
His expression as he strode through the imperial castle was so terrifying it instilled fear in anyone who saw it.
He continued at a brisk pace deeper into the castle and flung open the door to his intended room with force.
Inside the room, Emperor Helmut Roots Kreutzer—the current emperor of the Empire—and Ozwald McLeod, who had become the director of the emperor's direct-controlled Magical Weapon Development Department about two years prior, were in conversation.
The two turned their gazes toward the door.
"Your Highness, this is His Majesty's private office, you know? Barging in without so much as a knock is unacceptable—even for a son."
Ozwald, having confirmed who had entered, voiced his complaint.
"Ozwald? Why are you here when you're always holed up in your laboratory?"
"Holed up? How rude. I work day and night for this country. And I do go out, as you can see—I'm right here, aren't I?"
"...I have important business with Father now. Leave."
"I must decline. I'm in the middle of an important discussion with His Majesty as well. Isn't that right, Your Majesty?"
"Indeed. Since when did you become so arrogant? And what happened to the Lugau invasion?"
The emperor, agreeing with Ozwald, reprimanded Felix with a stern expression.
"...I apologize for my rudeness. But the matter I wish to discuss is precisely the Lugau invasion."
"Haa... So it turned out exactly as Ozwald predicted..."
When Felix mentioned the Lugau invasion, the emperor let out a deep sigh.
"Most regrettable, but it appears so. Your Majesty, what shall we do?"
"W-Wait! I don't know what you're talking about, but please hear me out!"
Sensing from the emperor and Ozwald's atmosphere that the situation was turning unfavorably for him, Felix spoke hurriedly despite his agitation.
"Your Majesty, you must not listen to this man. The moment you lend an ear, he might already be plotting to stab you in the back."
"Wh-What are you...! Ozwald! What have you been feeding Father!!"
"Please don't say such slanderous things. Are you planning to paint me as the villain now that things have gone south for you?"
"Don't screw with me! You're the one who's been the villain ever since you came to this country! Father's change—it's all because of you!"
"What baseless accusations. And that statement insults His Majesty, you know? Ah, but perhaps it doesn't matter to Your Highness, since you're plotting to kill him anyway. My, my—to think you've grown this arrogant. This is partly our failing for not being able to rein in His Highness after he conquered the Western Great Labyrinth and let it go to his head. Your Majesty, forgive us."
"You need not apologize. It is merely that my foolish son's heart remains immature. Felix, this is my final act of mercy. Apologize to Ozwald with utmost sincerity. If you do, I will overlook your earlier rudeness by placing you under house arrest."
"Wha—!? ...Are you serious? Father, please remember! Everything that's been pushed forward since this man arrived in our country! He is... guh, what—suddenly—"
Felix, desperately trying to appeal to the emperor, suddenly grimaced and clutched his head.
Immediately after, like a magical tool that had run out of mana, his consciousness cut off with a snap, and he collapsed.
"...Well done, Philly..."
Seeing Felix suddenly lose consciousness, the emperor spoke words of praise to the one who had reaped it.
The space in the corner of the room began to ripple, and Philly Carpenter—who had been concealing herself with [Hide]—revealed her form.
"Your words are far too kind, Your Majesty."
"Has he now become my loyal servant?"
"No, not yet. He is merely asleep for the moment. From here, I will apply brainwashing to mold him into a puppet that obeys only Your Majesty's commands. Please grant me a little time."
"Very well. I leave it to you."
"Thank you very much."
"For now, the plan has succeeded, Your Majesty. We have eliminated the ringleader of the rebellious elements while gaining the strongest possible pawn."
After the conversation between the emperor and Philly paused, Ozwald spoke with satisfaction.
"Indeed. That brainwashing ability is truly convenient. Continue to wield it for my sake."
"Of course. The supreme joy of my life is for this power to serve as the foundation of Helmut-sama's path to domination. Please continue striding forward on that path with the same dull-witted resolve."
Philly bowed her head at the emperor's words.
On her lowered face, a smile filled with malice bloomed.
"Naturally. I have no intention of stopping until this continent is unified."
The Empire's atrocities, instigated by the Cyclamen Order, had only just begun—