The Fallen Imperial House

Volvo left to do what he did best—politics—while Ryan turned to Harald, curious to discuss the war.

The Empire's Imperial House was complicated. The vast empire had stood for many years, dating back to the dawn of human civilization.

Over that long history, some members of the Imperial House had risen to supreme power, while others lived like ordinary people, wondering where their next meal would come from despite their imperial blood.

Ryan had little interest in those centuries of history. What interested him was Harald, a Legendary Knight who had lived for more than a hundred years.

Harald would know better than anyone how the Imperial House's standing had changed over the past century.

Harald belonged to Columbus III's generation, but he was old enough to rival Columbus I.

More importantly... Harald could be said to belong to the Enric line.

It was only after Lais Enrique refused the throne that Columbus Enric—later known as Columbus I—had his chance. From then on, the Imperial House bore the name Columbus.

Harald, the "Lionheart King," was a legacy of that chaotic time.

But he had remained far from the Imperial House's center of power.

Despite being a top-tier Legendary Knight, he had failed to secure a place at the heart of the Empire. Ryan was curious what this member of the Imperial House thought of the current Electors.

The two chatted aimlessly about how vast and tall the mountains around Twilight Fortress were, how enormous the war was... nothing of substance.

Harald paid no attention to Ryan's choice of topics until Ryan brought up the Imperial House.

"Prince Volvo will make an excellent emperor. Under his leadership, I believe the Empire will continue to grow stronger."

"We've already defeated the Church of Dawn. There's no one left in this world the