Aixi let out a slight sigh of relief.
During this time, she had seen far too much deceit and scheming in the imperial capital. Between the harem concubines, among the ministers, and between the great families, countless conflicts unfolded, all seemingly filled with self-interest—naked, undisguised self-interest. Aixi had ultimately remained rather detached from those interests, watching them fight. The main reason was that Dole was strong enough; a Level Eight Wizard Tower was intimidating enough.
What Dole had said back then was right. Why bother worrying about anything? Nothing mattered more than increasing one's own strength. Only with greater strength could one have enough say. If Dole were now Level Eight, then he would have even more authority. What was a mere imperial son-in-law worth? A Level Eight Dole would be the king among kings.
Just as the thought ended, she sensed a stir beneath the Wizard Tower and extended her perception outside.
What she saw gave her a jolt.
Below the tower, a squad of soldiers was approaching from afar. Their strength was astonishing, their blood and vitality soaring into the heavens. Looking closer, Aixi was shocked.
These were the elite among the Imperial Guard, the Flying Sky Army, known as the invincible camp.
The Imperial Guard itself was not what mattered. The most important person was the man at their center.
Emperor George.
Surrounding Emperor George were the empire's highest-ranking officials—military affairs, finance, transportation, commerce, internal affairs. Nearly every chief official had come. What was going on?
Everyone inside the Wizard Tower had gathered at the windows and looked down.
Aixi was astonished. Even Elreya inside the Wizard Tower was beginning to panic. What was happening?
Aixi glanced at Dole. Dole was calmly straightening his clothes, utterly unruffled.
Aixi suddenly understood. Dole had known about all of this.