Gozine

Penelope made that declaration.

But Esteban shook his head as if it wasn’t yet time.

“I still need a little more time.”

“Former Emperor. Esteban von Arkheim. Where do you think you’re going?!”

Esteban shook his head as he watched the girl unleash mana to restrain him.

“You cannot defeat me as you are now. My daughter. Moreover, to bring this story to a close, someone capable of crafting a better ending is needed. You already know this, don’t you? That it isn’t you.”

“That can’t be!”

Penelope gritted her teeth and unleashed lightning, but Esteban had already vanished without a trace.
At that moment, even the demons who had been assisting him looked around in confusion.

— We weren’t told about this!? Wasn’t Esteban already supposed to have lost his mind? This is clearly an unforeseen action!
— Amdusias-nim didn’t mention anything like this either…
— Damn it! That former emperor… He must have been hiding his power from the start! Find out where he disappeared to, now!

‘So even they weren’t part of the plan?’

Penelope quickly made a judgment and gave orders to Robert and Cell.

“Restrain the demons immediately. Keep at least two alive for interrogation.”

“Yes! We receive your command, your majesty.”

Robert leaped forward, and with a slicing noise, he severed an enemy’s head.

Next, Cell’s figure came into view as she cut down another foe at the intersection.

‘Father, I don’t know what you’re thinking. But I’ll stop you no matter what. Even if it means killing you. I don’t care anymore.’

Her resolve hardened further.
Hadn’t she already endured worse situations?

Of course, the fact that she had to kill her own father was hellish, but to ensure more people survived, she couldn’t afford to waver now. She has to give her best.

She couldn’t defend a traitor guilty of plunging the nation into chaos.

This ruthless utilitarian had decided that, and the result was the worst possible ending. Killing her father with her own hands. But there was an existence that had helped her reach this decision, allowing her to remain somewhat composed.

An existence that seemed to carry the weight of the world alone.
Even as an emperor who had endured many hardships, this was beyond comprehension.

He had sought meaning in life through repetition, but his companions had become shackles, and he was trapped in a curse of endless recurrence.

Moreover, no one could end this in his place.

“Nox von Reinhaver. A report of his victory has arrived!”

Penelope’s loyal retainer who reported the wartime update by her side.
Echidna spoke. She continued, barely containing her joy.

“They say he nearly single-handedly crushed the enemy camp and finished the battle. The numbers must have been well over thousands, but as expected, the vessel of talent Your Majesty recognized…!”

“Echidna.”

“Yes! Your Imperial Majesty!”

Echidna immediately bowed her head.
Penelope was deep in thought at this very moment.

“Nox.. What do you think would happen if he were to die?”

“…Pardon?”

“It’s unacceptable, isn’t it? That kind of ending.”

The knights and mages.
Especially Robert and Cell, frowned as they looked at Emperor Penelope.

The emperor spoke in a calm but firm tone.

“I’ve changed my mind. At first, I thought his way was right. As you know, I’m ruthless enough to point my sword at even my father for the empire’s sake. But I can’t accept that for him. No matter how many times I reconsider, the answer remains the same.”

A faint flush appeared on Echidna’s and the others’ faces.
Nox von Reinhaver. The discriminatory views toward him had long since faded.
He had already risen as a hero of the empire. After leading his first battle to victory, he was now moving to engage in another battle. Rumor had it he was advancing with his companions to eliminate the Grand duke-level demon behind this crisis.

In such circumstances, it would be stranger if anyone still distrusted him.

Thus, the emperor’s words predicting his death had dampened their spirits.
But Emperor Penelope wished, no, she prayed for his words to be overturned.
And so, the current emperor declared to all present.

“Nox von Reinhaver. I will save him even if it costs a hundred lives. I stake my honor as emperor. I will use any means necessary. I won’t accept any objection.”

**********

“From now, we will begin a meeting to discuss methods to save Nox von Reinhaver. If anyone has suggestions during the meeting, please raise your hand and speak in order. Your cooperation is appreciated.”

Eleanor’s voice echoed softly through the underground chamber.
Gathered near her were those who could be called Nox’s companions. Maids like Zitri and Rona, as well as Leon, Paracelsus, Iana, and Prim. Those who had stood with him at Eldain or were of his generation.
Naturally, they had assembled in the imperial palace’s underground, where Paracelsus was confined. The reason was obvious. He couldn’t leave.
What if the last Philosopher’s Stone containing a fragment of Baal’s soul were stolen?

The worst-case scenario was self-evident.
Thus, the imperial family had imprisoned Paracelsus underground to weaken the demons’ power in battle as much as possible.
The place was lined with devices designed to suppress mana.
But his companions considered Paracelsus one of Nox’s most important allies and couldn’t accept his exclusion from the meeting.

Even if Paracelsus himself appeared indifferent on the surface.
He said dismissively

“How do you stop someone who’s resolved to die? Might as well give up,”.

“Your outward demeanor doesn’t match your inner thoughts. Are you aware your legs are shaking right now?”

Eleanor pointed out coolly. Unfortunately for him, her [Genius of Acting] trait allowed her to see through his lies instantly. The truth was, he was genuinely worried about Nox, which was why he was here in the first place.
In a way, it was only natural.

“For the sake of saving the young master…”

Zitri pondered, and Rona followed up.

“Ugh… I can’t think of any solution, no matter how hard I try.”

“What about imprisoning him?”

Thalia was the first to propose a viable idea.
For such a casually delivered suggestion, its implications were enormous. Imprison him? If they had the force to do that, they could’ve stopped Nox from entering battle in the first place.

“That’s impossible. Considering Nox’s…. personality, not only would he never allow it, but we also lack the strength to restrain him,”

Leon reiterated, reflecting on Nox’s nature.

“Moreover, winning against the Grand dukes without him in future battles is unthinkable. The power Nox wields… if he unleashes it fully, he surpasses even the current Sword Emperors and Sages.”

It was a shocking statement.

The Three Sword Emperors.
The Four Sages.

What kind of existences were they?

Among the peerless geniuses born of the continent, they were those who had reached a level beyond the heavens through repeated effort. Yet Leon easily continued as follows.

“The sharpest spear among them is undoubtedly Nox von Reinhaver. At least among humanity’s prepared forces.”

“Honestly, I don’t want to admit it, but I think so too. As a mage, Her Majesty the Emperor, Echidna, and this hermit guy here are the only ones who even barely touch that realm. As a knight… there’s no need to say more, he’s overwhelmingly superior. Someone who can replace Sir Noble? None. I’d have to say there’s absolutely no one.”

Echidna interjected worriedly

“But! If all the Sword Emperors and Sages were gathered, even Grand dukes could be…”

“U, Unfortunately, I think.. that’ll be difficult.”

This time, Iana cut in, raising her hand.
The Sader family of succubi had sent their next head to address this crisis, given its potential repercussions. Through various twists, she’d ended up attending this meeting.
Her decisive role in resolving the recent Paimon incident had also played a part.

“Even among the Sword Emperors… Celcus-nim has already passed. The vacant seat was filled by someone called Luna, a leader of a criminal organization. There’s Theo von Reinhaver and Ulysses, but according to my mother, the two of them alone would be difficult…”

“Is it the same for the mages?”

“…Yes. Honestly, the Sader family’s magic and [Charm] could draw out others’ potential, but the matchup is too unfavorable. It’s dangerous.”

“Besides, Headmaster Noah was left in that state because of Paimon. Even if she fought, she wouldn’t last long.”

Paracelsus added.

The situation was graver than they’d realized. Gloom settled over their faces.
Zitri hesitantly raised a hand.

“What about the other Sages? Young Master Nox has a mentor. A sage called Astrid-nim….”

“Mana with Fire and ice attributes… These two alone won’t be enough against Baal. Even a Sage is better off attacking with their primary attribute that they can control the best. And if Nox is right, Pandemonium’s full-scale mobilization means they’ve prepared counters for all of them.”

“Damn it, this first meeting’s already a mess.”

Paracelsus cursed, and Leon dryly remarked,

“First, let’s hope there isn’t a second meeting, Paracelsus.”

“….You hermit”

“Even if there’s no way, even if the odds are astronomically low.”

Eleanor slammed the table, drawing all eyes to her.
Though unbecoming in a gathering of higher nobles, no one criticized her. They shared the same goal, saving Nox. She scanned the room and declared firmly.

“I’ll do it. Because I don’t want Nox to die like this. Even if I have to stake everything the Rivalin Merchant Group owns, I… I’ll save him. Even if it seems impossible.”

“Lady Eleanor is right. Though I’m just a maid, I’ll dedicate my humble life to saving the young master. I’m prepared to do anything possible.”

“…Why does it feel like I’m being painted as the trash here? Why is everyone so serious?!”

Paracelsus grumbled, but Leon interjected again.

“Isn’t it because you’re actually trash?”

“Hey, this herm…”

“My family’s retainer often says those who complain about their treatment should reflect on their behavior.”

“….”

Paracelsus fell silent. What could he say?
Leon had a point.
Still.

“Eug. What are you doing?”

He felt like punching someone head to vent.
As Leon clutched his head, Rona also clenched her fists.

“I’ll return to the family and ask the Family head and Head Butler Rodwell for help. There might be more Black Sword Knights we can mobilize.”

“I’ll watch over the young master on the front lines. When he regained his memories, I felt something indescribable enter me. It might help…In the first place, I’m uneasy being apart like this.”

“Looks like you two have your plans. What about the rest of you?”

Paracelsus asked. This time, Eleanor answered.

“I’ll divert all Rivalin Merchant Group funds to supply knights and mages with provisions and various magic tools. I can also prepare a few giant ballista imbued with divinity to stall demons attacking Nox.”

“…Certainly, that would indeed help block the demons’ movements, even temporarily,”

Leon nodded. Prim suddenly cut in.

“…Honestly, I dislike my master. But since everyone’s contributing, I’ll strategize from the rear. Though it’ll only possible if someone listens to a young beastfolk.”

“Next is you, Paracelsus.”

“I will protect this stone. That’s the first duty I must fulfill. But I actually think staying here right now isn’t a good idea. No matter how much anti-magic surrounds this place, this is the Imperial Palace. It’s the place most likely to be attacked by enemies.”

“I feel the same way.”

Prim spoke politely, not in casual speech. Recently, he had started showing respect toward Paracelsus, who had risen to his position not as a noble but as a commoner.
Ears twitching, he added,

“At the very least, we need to confuse the enemies about Paracelsus-nim’s location.”

“But how?”

At Eleanor’s question, Prim grinned.

“By joining the battle. But the important part here is choosing the safest battle. Where no demons are nearby or where someone can handle them.”

“…Is that possible?”

“Paracelsus-nim, where do you think is the safest place in the current wartime situation? The Imperial Palace? By Her Majesty’s side? Or the southern front where the army is gathering? No. Honestly, it’s irritating, but…”

“Nox von Reinhaver’s side. Ha. You got me. Fine. Much as I hate to admit it, it’s the safest place, and that guy’s a monster against demons. Be it Grand duke or whatever wouldn’t stand a chance. He can even use magic.”

“Right. Master… That man’s side is the safest.”

“That makes sense.”

Leon nodded. Paracelsus, as if things were already decided, stretched and stood up, and then asked Leon,

“Hey, what about you? You’ve just been listening to us talk without saying a word about your own plans. Say something at least…”

“Ah, did I not mention it?”

Leon scratched his head as if just remembering.

“My apologies. I’m not used to this. I usually think and act alone…”

“So”

Eleanor folded her arms.

“What’s your choice, Leon von Marvas?”

“Hmm, it’s not grand, but… I plan to annihilate the southern front alone.”

Everyone reacted with shock at Leon’s words, staring at him as if wondering what in the world he was talking about.

Did he even know how many troops were gathering there?

“No..You know how many troops are coming toward the southern part of the Imperial Palace right now?”

“Around seven thousand, I believe.”

“…And you’re seriously saying you’ll handle that alone?”

Eleanor sounded incredulous, but Leon stood firm.

“Hmm, there seems to be a misunderstanding.”

With that, Leon lightly let his mana flow into the floor.
Like drops of black paint, it spread out in a circle around him, and then suddenly something began to surge upward. They were indescribably grotesque creatures. Leon von Marvas.
His companions were reminded of something they had momentarily forgotten. As they watched the shadow rise like clay, taking shape and transforming into multiple human forms, Eleanor murmured quietly. This was…

“Undead…? But how come their mana is this strong?!”

The explanation came from an unexpected source. A woman from one of the three great dark families.
Iana von Sader.

“It seems even among the Marvas family’s necromancers, Leon-nim is peerless. To think you can now create undead where each individual is of Legion-commander level”

“It just happened.”

Leon revealed a total of six undead Legion commanders.

One bore the form of a silent skeleton, another was an alter-ego that looked exactly like Leon. Then there were two female figures and two male figures. Each one possessed absurdly immense mana.

“So he’s not the only lunatic.”

Paracelsus’s rough curse earned nothing but nods from everyone.

It was the moment they realized that Leon’s claim of holding the southern front alone was, at the very least, not a mere bluff.