Victory Palace, imperial study, secret chamber.
This secret chamber had originally been piled full of all sorts of clothes Louis XIII used to disguise himself when he secretly slipped out of Victory Palace to hunt for beauties. But after Holy Light I ascended the throne, the chamber underwent a complete transformation. Thin mithril plates had been set into all four walls, engraved with countless scenes from the Dawn God's daily life, while at the center of the ceiling was a huge relief depicting the Dawn God seated upon his chariot of the rising sun.
Holy Light I sat in a large chair in the corner of the secret chamber, quietly watching the flickering light screen before him.
Too many messy things had happened in Berely these past days, leaving Holy Light I feeling utterly drained. As the Empire's emperor, he had to tighten his control over every stir of wind and blade of grass in Berely. Thus, without any of the external ministers knowing, Holy Light I had secretly formed a brand-new Mage Corps loyal to him alone.
Twelve eye sorcerers dressed in scarlet mage robes embroidered with black-eye patterns stood in the secret chamber, watching Holy Light I respectfully. They were eye sorcerers, and all of them were Saint-realm eye sorcerers secretly wanted by the Church. Yet with a Dawn Temple pardon and the title of high-ranking clergyman, Holy Light I had brought them under his command cleanly and decisively.
"In the distant East, there is an old proverb that speaks true: merit too great shakes the ruler." Holy Light I spoke calmly in fluent Eastern Common. "Marshal Beian's achievements are illustrious, and he enjoys immense prestige in the military. Moreover, to ascend the throne, I had no choice but to rely on his strength to eliminate the other