Two Emperors Reunited-Was It Really That Simple? (Please Subscribe and Vote with Monthly Tickets)

Meanwhile, in the Imperial Palace of the Eternal Day Empire, Emperor Charles was discussing important matters with several trusted ministers in the Council Hall.

A gilded candelabrum cast flickering halos over the center of the long table, with documents and maps covering its ebony surface.

The finance minister was reporting on the disbursement of military pay along the border, while the chief steward quietly described recent unusual movements among the nobles.

An unrelenting gloom lingered between Charles's brows. Not the slightest whisper of what they were planning could be allowed to escape.

Just then, someone knocked on the Council Hall's heavy, carved wooden doors. Without waiting for a response, Layton, commander of the Imperial Guards, strode inside, his silver armor gleaming coldly in the candlelight.

He walked straight to Charles and bent down to whisper. Though his voice was quiet, everyone in the silent hall pricked up their ears.

"Your Majesty, the Papal Guard requests an audience."

Charles abruptly froze and looked up at Layton, a barely perceptible flicker of startled suspicion passing through his eyes. "The Papal Guard? The one who wiped out the Blood Demon Society a few days ago?"

"The very same." Layton lowered his voice further. "He came alone. He's outside the palace gates right now."

In an instant, the hall fell so silent that a falling pin could have been heard.

The ministers exchanged glances as the air suddenly grew thick with tension.

The Pope's Personal Guard had appeared without warning at such a sensitive moment. Was it a coincidence, or had His Majesty, secluded deep within the Papal Palace, already noticed something?

The destruction of the Blood Demon Society had demonstrated the Holy See's unrivaled military might. Was this visit a warning, a reprimand, or a deeper probe?

Countless dark suspicions churned in their