Imperial Capital.
Count Clayton was deep within the vortex, yet like the eye of a storm, he had remained very calm lately.
The Imperial Capital was in an uproar over war merits and the Imperial Legions. Everything had been blocked and brought to a standstill, as if the entire Empire had ceased to function at this moment.
Count Clayton had been watching the movements within the Imperial Palace. Amid this storm, the Emperor must have been deeply conflicted.
"He secured his position as Monarch through war, so he must show his stance for the Empire's war potential. Floyd will certainly support the Empire's military strength."
"From that perspective, what he needs to recognize are those officers, those collateral members of noble bloodlines, and let them receive the war merits they deserve. But the world of nobles is not fair."
"The Emperor needs the Empire's support for war, and the 'Empire' is the nobles. The resources for war are in their hands. The Emperor cannot stand against them."
"He cannot support those officers, nor can he fully support the nobles."
Count Clayton and Count Stirling were discussing the major matters of their future in the study. As bystanders, they too watched the turbulence rising across the Imperial Capital.
"The nobles will not forget you, Leon."
Count Stirling spoke. Because Count Clayton wanted to become the fifth Grand Duke, he had naturally given up all benefits from the war aside from killing Solarian, trading them for the nobles' faint collective goodwill.
That was precisely why they could now stay out of it and become spectators. But that did not mean the nobles were blind.
"While conflict has arisen among the nobles, this is when you should win over more of them."
Count Stirling advised him this way. He did not approve of