Explanation and Peace Talks

Another military camp beneath the violet moonlit sky.

"Father Emperor." Teres respectfully bent at the waist and offered a salute.

Lei Chan glanced at Teres. "Do you know why I summoned you?"

"Even if Father Emperor had not summoned me, I would have come to find you." Teres's expression was exceedingly earnest. "First, I must beg Father Emperor's forgiveness. As the deputy commander of the southern expeditionary army, the troops under my command suffered repeated setbacks at Warlock Fortress. Even when Father Emperor personally led the campaign, we failed to take the fortress. I have truly betrayed Father Emperor's trust."

Lei Chan shook his head. "George of Warlock Fortress is a renowned general of his generation. Moreover, Empress Shea is personally holding the fort, with Agulie and the others wielding strange powers. Taking it in a short time was indeed difficult. I, too, underestimated the enemy. Besides... you were merely the deputy commander. It is not yet your place to bear this responsibility."

"Then, the second matter I wish to report to Father Emperor concerns Eldest Brother Arux... Recently, rumors have been spreading throughout the army, saying that I attacked Eldest Brother in secret because of the struggle for succession. The more one explains such rumors, the harder they are to explain, so I have remained silent. The truth... Eldest Brother's death was a complicated matter. I will now explain everything to Father Emperor. If Father Emperor wishes to punish me, I shall bear no resentment."

"Speak. I am listening." Lei Chan slowly nodded.

"There are several things I do not wish to hide from Father Emperor. Father Emperor should have been in seclusion at the deepest part of the Dark Furnace at the time. When I emerged from seclusion, the war between Eldest Brother and Second Brother had already