The Imperial Guard Takes Action

Gabella, the imperial capital and the largest city in the empire, welcomed a brand-new dawn once again.

The pristine Scholar's Tower rose high into the sky. The rising sun gilded its walls with a layer of golden radiance. Like the scholars who lived inside, it gazed eternally upon the pearl-like city with wise eyes.

The streets gradually came to life. Before long, carriages streamed past and voices filled the air, painting a scene of prosperity.

But today was destined to be different from usual. A dense, orderly march of footsteps put everyone on alert.

It was a unit of the Royal Imperial Guard clad in armor. They came from the direction of the imperial palace and marched toward the southern part of the city, grim-faced and murderous.

Wherever they passed, the crowds scattered and doors slammed shut. The residents of the imperial capital still clearly remembered the martial law imposed after the Crown Prince's rebellion. The Royal Imperial Guard had been deployed then as well, patrolling the streets and throwing anyone who dared violate the martial law into prison.

Although no formal martial law had been declared today, anything that could bring out the Royal Imperial Guard was certainly no good. Everyone thought it best to hide.

Crown Prince Felix had once launched a "rebellion," attempting to murder his own father and seize the highest authority in the empire.

At the critical moment, another Crown Prince, Antonio, had stepped forward. He united those who were truly loyal to the empire and crushed his brother's conspiracy with thunderous force.

Emperor Bartley Griffin had been devastated by his eldest son's betrayal and had fallen gravely ill, never recovering. He entrusted state affairs to Prince Antonio and secluded himself within the imperial palace, never involving himself in politics again.

That was the version