With Rupert's clear declaration of opposition to Wilhelm, the entire northern region rallied to his cause, stirring unrest around the Imperial Capital. And those who had remained silent until now began to move.
"Sword Marquis Emelt has currently deployed two thousand knights and established a base camp across the river," came the report.
Upon hearing this, Sword Marquis Steyr sighed. The deployment that was made in response to their movements meant that Emelt was an enemy.
"Even though the will of the Chancellor is with us, the fact that they still side with the opposition meant that they were in league with them from the beginning."
As he spoke, Sword Marquis Steyr casted a glance at the one who had delivered the will. The Chancellor had entrusted his will to his most trusted friend and had them escape from the capital ahead of everyone else. Whether the contents of the will was able to influence the overall situation was uncertain. However, possessing the will alone allowed the rebellion to claim legitimacy. For the Empire’s people, righteousness and legitimacy were crucial and this is why the Chancellor entrusted the will to his close friend.
"What should be our course of action, Lord Weitling?"
"The best strategy would be to confront them across the river and buy the rest of the army time, Sword Marquis Steyr."
"Isn't that too passive?"
"Just holding off Sword Marquis Emelt’s forces here is enough. As long as there is a standoff between the Sword Marquis’, it will provoke the people to question who is right and who is wrong."
Edmund von Weitling, a loyal servant who had helped the late Chancellor in elevating Johannes to the throne, now stood by Sword Marquis Steyr with the Chancellor's will in hand.
"It has been a long time since we saw such strife among the Sword Marquis houses. I never thought that the Empire would become this chaotic."
"The Emperor and the most likely heir to the throne have both disappeared temporarily. This is an unprecedented situation, with every noble now watching to see who will emerge as the next power. If there is a demon behind this, it is a clever move. Humanity unites against external threats but not in internal conflicts."
The general understanding was that all the demons had been eradicated by the allied forces. Given this belief, it was difficult for the average noble to suspect demonic intervention and as a result, the current situation seemed merely like a struggle for power.
Gradually, the people's support was shifting towards Wilhelm, so as long as Wilhelm governed well, the support for him would not waver. This was a given, especially with Erik by his side, ensuring that there would be no openings for exploitation.
"Is this current Wilhelm truly a puppet of Erik, or has he been replaced by a demon?"
"Most likely the latter as Erik would not be foolish enough to use a puppet. Moreover, Erik and Wilhelm are more like close friends than brothers so using a fake would be unthinkable for him."
"Then Erik himself must be under some kind of demonic control…"
"That remains unclear. But Erik does not act without purpose."
Edmund had known Erik since childhood. He had done actions that had seemed meaningless at first and often revealed his true intentions much later. In terms of political and military strategy, Erik far surpassed Wilhelm. He was a strategist who planned far ahead so it was hard to believe that Erik would simply follow a demon.
"Is he waiting for the right moment to rebel?"
"One can only hope so, for humanity's sake."
With that, Edmund stood and after a brief cough, exited the tent.
"Lord Weitling, do not overexert yourself."
"There is no such thing as overexertion for me… I bear the will of my friend on these old shoulders. As long as that remains, I will not fall here."
With that, Edmund set out to inspect Sword Marquis Emelt’s camp while accompanied by a few of his followers.
"Is this information true…?"
As Leo led the allied forces towards the Empire, he had learned the current situation of the Imperial Capital from Duke Kleinert of the western region. The information, which was passed through Fine, reached the temporary royal capital and eventually Leo's ears.
"Yes… The Consort Palace was consumed by flames, and Her Majesty the Empress and former Crown Princess Therese were inside until the end. Additionally, the Chancellor was not seen during the escape, meaning he was likely assassinated…"
The shocking report caused Leo to stagger, with Leticia coming over to support him. Googlᴇ search novel(ꜰ)ire.net
"Her Majesty the Empress,Therese-anueue… and even the Chancellor…"
"I’m fine… I’m fine."
Leo reassured her and sat on a nearby chair while taking deep breaths to calm himself. The shock was immense. All three of them were family to him which he held fond memories regarding each of them.
But this was no time to be shaken. A commander on the battlefield could not afford to be disturbed by each death.
"Seal this information and do not let it leak out."
"I know. Everyone has the right to know but if Father hears this, he will never stop. He will go to the battlefield even at the risk of his life, and even I would not be able to stop him."
Leo and Johannes were currently separated for risk management. If one fell, the other would still remain, so they had divided their roles to ensure this.
But if Johannes learned of this news, he would undoubtedly head to the Empire, and he wouldn’t listen to reason. Worse, many of the still wounded would insist on accompanying him.
The deaths of the Empress and former Crown Princess would not go unpunished, so such a sentiment would cause further chaos. To avoid this, the information had to be kept secret…. At least until Leo entered the Empire.
But despite Leo’s intentions,
William burst into the room while showing Leo a piece of paper.
"It has spread from the Empire and it’s already circulating among the people! It states that the Empress and former Crown Princess died in the Consort Palace and that the Chancellor was the mastermind!"
Leo read the paper. It had claimed that the Chancellor, after having obtained an imperial decree, locked the Empress and former Crown Princess in the Consort Palace and set it on fire.
It was absurd, but the people of the Empire had already received the news.
Leo’s worst fears were quickly becoming reality.
"Do you still intend to go?"
While donning his armor, Johannes nodded silently at the Brave Duke’s question.
"By spreading such things, it is clear that they aim to provoke you. Yet you still intend to go?"
"My wife and daughter-in-law are dead, and the perpetrator is rumored to be my close friend. Never have I felt such anger… My whole body is trembling. If I stay here… this anger will kill me… I care not for their provocations… Yet I must go to battle myself… to quell this rage!!!"
With a roar, Johannes started moving. The Dragon People’s medicine was miraculous as Johannes had recovered significantly despite having been gravely injured.
However, the recovery has worked against him this time.
"If you choose to stay here, then stay. I will go alone."
"I have long known the Empress, Lady Therese, and the Chancellor. If you are going, I will gladly accompany you."
The Duke, now equipped with a prosthetic leg and leaning on a cane, still stood as steadfastly as ever.
Johannes nodded and continued walking.
"Those who share my resolve, follow me! To battle!!"