Just as everyone thought that today’s royal council was about to conclude, Aurek’s voice suddenly turned cold.
"These past days, I’ve been hearing some unpleasant words."
The moment he spoke, Winston, Heimerdinger, and the rest of the ministers all assumed grave expressions.
"It seems you are already aware of these rumors."
Aurek’s gaze swept over them. At that instant, Winston stepped forward and said,
"Your Majesty, I have indeed heard certain whispers. In recent days, the students of Hyrule War Academy have neglected their classes. Instead of studying diligently, they have been misled by malicious influences. Day after day, they spread slander against the Empire."
"For this matter, I have already sent people to investigate. I believe it won’t be long before the truth is uncovered."
Yet Aurek’s expression did not ease in the slightest.
"Investigated? Do you truly believe such things can be investigated clearly? Even if you discover the culprits, what difference does it make? These brats behave so recklessly because they lack fear, because no deterrent restrains them."
"I never expected that after being nurtured and sheltered by the Empire, they would repay it by slandering it so openly."
"Since these ingrates show no gratitude for the Empire’s care, I see no reason to tolerate them any longer."
"My followers do not need a pack of ingrates."
Aurek raised his scepter with a casual flick. A chill seemed to seep through the hall. The ministers felt as if a cold wind brushed their backs.
The young Emperor before them had long since proven with his actions that he was no weakling.
And now, the behavior of those students amounted to nothing less than courting death.
The only real question was how Aurek would deal with the Hyrule War Academy itself.
But knowing Aurek’s temperament, it was doubtful he cared much for the academy’s attitude at all.
Finally, Aurek announced his decision.
"Since they insist on making trouble, then we will handle it according to imperial law."
"If killing a hundred as a warning is not enough, then kill a thousand. If killing a thousand is not enough, then kill ten thousand."
The words fell like thunder.
The chamber fell into silence. Every minister felt a chill race down their spine.
So it was true—His Majesty really meant to kill.
Even if those students were backed by Hyrule War Academy, Aurek would not stop.
On this matter their views differed, but one point was beyond doubt: Aurek’s boldness, his decisiveness, his sheer imperial talent, far surpassed that of any emperor in living memory.
It was terrifying. But it was also awe-inspiring.
And truth be told, perhaps Aurek could not be entirely blamed.
The empire’s very heart had just endured a brutal purge. Now was precisely the time when stability was most vital.
And yet the students of Hyrule War Academy chose this moment to stand up, to vilify the royal family, to even dream of overthrowing the Empire itself.
Such arrogance, such reckless audacity, deserved only annihilation.
No wonder Aurek resolved to strike.
None knew better than Aurek himself that behind the students’ rebellion lurked many hidden hands, pushing, fueling, encouraging the chaos.
But Aurek did not concern himself with these shadowy backers.
Under the watch of the Elemental Assassins, every name had already been recorded.
What remained was simply a matter of timing. One by one, Aurek would eliminate them all.
And the target he had chosen for this round was none other than the Manhattan Legion.
It had been they who had stirred their subordinates, the Leap Mercenary Corps, into provoking trouble.
Since they had lit the fire, Aurek alone would decide how the blaze would end.
As for Hyrule War Academy, Aurek knew full well what would follow.
The academy’s influence stretched far beyond the Crossbridge Empire. Its name and authority held weight across the eastern empires as well.
So it was inevitable—whatever Aurek did, the academy would spread denunciations of him far and wide.
The neighboring empires would join the chorus, calling him a tyrant.
But Aurek cared little for such things.
Even if they painted him as a ruthless despot, a villain steeped in every crime—what of it?
In the face of absolute strength, such words were meaningless.
If those students could not serve the Empire with loyalty, then they would repay it with their lives.
The Crossbridge Empire now stood at the edge of peril.
As for reputation, Aurek thought, what use was reputation if the Empire itself fell to pieces?
Right now, after immense effort, he had finally restored order.
The one thing that mattered above all else was stability.
And stability must be defended at any cost.
Even if it meant crossing Hyrule War Academy, so be it.
Aurek’s gaze turned toward Commander Gaia.
"Gaia, I grant you command over a portion of the capital’s garrison forces. You will have authority over the city guard."
"I have but one requirement: any student who slanders the Empire must be arrested and, by law, sentenced to the gallows."
"If anyone dares to obstruct this, kill them as well."
The words dropped like stones into a deep pool, and the entire chamber went silent.
Faces grew heavy with hesitation and dread.
Everyone knew: if Aurek carried out these orders, Hyrule War Academy would be irreversibly offended.
The consequences might deal a grievous blow to the Empire itself.
Heimerdinger could not remain silent. He spoke quickly, anxiously.
"Your Majesty, I urge caution. Hyrule War Academy maintains many branch schools spread across different empires. If we strike the academy here in the capital, it may provoke a chain reaction far beyond our borders."
Aurek only nodded faintly.
He had already considered all of this long ago.
"There is no need to overthink it. Whoever causes trouble will be dealt with according to imperial law."
Commander Gaia dropped to one knee.
"Rest assured, Your Majesty. I will execute your command without hesitation."
"Good. That will be all for today. This council is dismissed."
Aurek rose from his throne, turned, and left the chamber. The ministers filed out one after another.
But Winston, Heimerdinger, and a few others lingered, unwilling to depart.
They wished to speak privately with the Emperor.
For deep in their hearts, they knew—this course Aurek had chosen carried risks beyond reckoning.