The Shifted Tide

Just as Gloria III had declared, ever since that noble assembly, none of the Empire's many nobles had seen Gloria III again.

No matter what happened, the only one handling affairs was the Steward temporarily appointed by the Emperor. Even the many princes and princesses could no longer catch sight of him.

As this situation continued, countless rumors of uncertain truth began circulating through the nobles' private gatherings.

Some claimed that Gloria III's unusual behavior was due to injuries sustained during the sudden battle at the Heads of State Meeting, forcing him into seclusion to recover.

That naturally invited speculation. As a Ninth Rank Expert standing at the pinnacle of the entire Empire, what kind of injury could force Gloria III to shut himself away to heal?

Others believed that the Emperor was merely putting on an act, using his need for recuperation as an excuse to deliberately ignore the conflict between the Four Great Families of the Empire and the many Marquises.

This theory seemed plausible as well. After all, everyone had witnessed the confrontation between Duke Carlras and the many Marquises.

Although Gloria III's abrupt announcement that he was withdrawing to recover had left the meeting without a conclusion, the conflict between the two camps was far from over.

These were the two rumors most widely accepted in private and spread most broadly.

There were also many more sensational whispers—for instance, that the current Gloria III was actually a substitute and the real Emperor was already dead, or that he was using recuperation as a pretext while secretly attempting a Breakthrough to Legendary.

However, such rumors circulated only in certain secret clubs. As for the truth, perhaps only Gloria III himself knew it.

Meanwhile, Duke Carlot found himself in an awkward position.

The many Marquises had unusually banded