Can't Recognize Me?

Imperial Capital, before the Imperial Palace.

At that moment, in the square before the gates of the Imperial Palace, an unprecedented number of Empire Knights stood in rows, sealing off the palace entrance as tightly as an army prepared to face an enemy.

Like a great host of knights holding their ground, every one of them looked as though they had stepped onto a battlefield, their morale soaring.

Such a sight should never have appeared within a nation's capital.

Yet today, not only had it appeared, but an actual enemy force had arrived before them.

Rumble!

Amidst a tremor that shook the ground, a group of Empire Knights mounted on warhorses charged into the square, their thundering hoofbeats rolling through the air.

Boom!

The Empire Knights stationed before the Imperial Palace reacted at once. As if provoked, they all stepped forward together and drew their weapons.

Some raised their swords, while others lifted massive shields. Their defensive formation was incomparably firm, making them seem less like knights and more like a battle-hardened army.

Vaguely visible behind this force of Empire Knights were numerous archers drawing their bows, as well as many mages raising their staffs, ready to cast magic at any moment.

Naturally, the Empire Knights who had charged into the square were not about to be outdone. Each wore heavy armor, sat astride a warhorse, and held a massive lance. They formed ranks within the square and faced the knights guarding the Imperial Palace from afar.

The entire square instantly became like a battlefield, a place where two armies stood opposed.

"F-Father!"

Geno, standing in the center of the Empire Knights' formation, was also present. He gripped his sword tightly, his voice trembling.

Until just moments ago, the eldest son of House Renitra had been wearing a smug expression,