"Is it that bad?"
A month ago, the Empire had been at the height of its power. Apart from a setback involving the Blackwatch Legion, it had been virtually unscathed. How had it suddenly become riddled with trouble?
"Our enemies are the entire Ratfolk Clan and the demons, backed by a Demon Lord. There was almost no chance they'd pass up an opportunity to stir up chaos inside the Empire..."
The Eldest Sister and Olmedo had access to more intelligence.
"Has the Old Ancestor stepped in?"
Olmedo shook her head. "No."
"Then there's nothing serious to worry about."
The Old Ancestor was Annan's anchor. As long as she was there, he didn't have to worry about the Empire.
And if something happened to the Old Ancestor... Annan would go save her. If he couldn't, he'd take Maria's surname.
Maybe the Empire is using this chance to purge its own ranks, Annan thought.
Any ruler who wanted lasting stability had to prune the branches that grew wild while draining the tree of nutrients. By Annan's reckoning, it was about time the Empire cleaned house.
"That's what we think too," Olmedo said.
"But if we don't tell the Empire, who's going to the Far North to bring them back?"
"We are."
Olmedo sounded confident. Annan was less sure. "...Can we?"
Olmedo nodded. "Even the Empire might not operate as smoothly as we can in the Far North. They might even get in our way."
Annan glanced at her. She already dared to say the Empire might get in their way. He couldn't imagine what she'd say next!
But if they couldn't count on the Empire, this was their only choice.
Olmedo began issuing orders. After asking an aide where their Airships were stationed, she said, "Recall every Reconnaissance Airship on standby. Focus