Hidden Dangers, Signs

The nobles from the far South gradually arrived at the Imperial Capital. The atmosphere in this heart of the Empire was far from pleasant.

The Emperor's funeral, the struggle between the electors—an invisible gloom hung over the Empire.

Grand Duke Fleming had no choice but to return from the South alongside his father, Old Grand Duke Fleming.

They represented a large portion of the Empire's nobility.

"Father, the Empire's nobles all hope Volvo can become Emperor."

"Prince Freud has already fallen behind."

"And Count Clayton has not come to visit the estate. It seems he has decided to break away from Fleming."

"The Council of Elders is trying to seize power. The royal family's intentions are simple: whoever becomes the Empire's new Emperor will be their loyal Monarch."

"The nobles want to know the stance of our Grand Duke Fleming Family."

Feredias Fleming spoke beside his father. He had already realized that his old grand duke father was not as frail as he appeared.

Ever since news of Emperor Columbus III's death had spread, Old Grand Duke Fleming seemed to have regained his vigor. He no longer looked like a man in his twilight years.

Was he avoiding Columbus III's authority? After all, back then, only the four old grand dukes in the Empire had been capable of arguing with the Emperor.

Old Grand Duke Fleming sat upright in the carriage, looking out at the silent Imperial Capital. His tone was calm and mocking.

"Volvo will be the victor of this farce and become the Emperor of the Empire. But Floyd will not lose so completely."

"They ultimately failed to complete the entire path an elector was supposed to walk. Once Volvo becomes Emperor, Floyd's prestige will not simply disappear. More importantly, after becoming Emperor, Volvo will have no way