Hearing Rosetta's answer, Ferdinand fell into thought. It seemed a long time before he finally raised his head and saw the ruler of Typhon standing there with a tranquil expression, calm as still water—perhaps calmer than he had ever been.
Yet beneath that calm exterior, Ferdinand sensed a force poised to erupt—a force that had been gathering for many years. Many had believed it had faded away with the passage of time, but at this moment, Ferdinand suddenly realized that it was still there, never diminished in the slightest.
Rosetta Augustus was both a cautious strategist and a startling gambler—his nerve was still as great as it had been back then.
"This may turn into a tremendous gamble," Ferdinand could not help saying. He was not trying to dissuade him; he merely wished to state his own view. "Your Majesty, once the balance slips out of control, we and the entire Empire will be doomed beyond redemption."
"We are already on the road to ruin—not because we are seeking a gamble, but because all hope lies within this gamble," Rosetta suddenly said with a faint smile. "This is a crisis that was bound to come, and now that it has arrived, we should find a way to turn it into an opportunity."
"...Then I will do everything in my power," Ferdinand said after a brief silence, lowering his head. "And to make amends for and wash away this humiliation of mine."
"You know this was not your fault... but yes, that is indeed what you would say."
Just then, a knock sounded from nearby, interrupting Rosetta and Ferdinand's conversation.
Rosetta looked toward the door. "Come in."
The door to the Magic Laboratory opened, and Winsor Mapel, the dignified president of the Royal Mage Association, appeared in the doorway. She looked