A trace of fanaticism appeared on Michel's face, and a little more longing entered Sidney's eyes beside him.
"Everything will get better?" Elliot narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Yes! His Majesty knows of the Empire's plight and our hopes. As long as this expedition ends in victory, we can have it all!"
"The Empire will cast off all its deep-seated ills and reclaim its former glory! Lady Theresia will protect us!"
"Those greedy, shortsighted fools don't understand the significance of the expedition at all. Once we win, even if they all rebel, dealing with them when we return will be no problem!"
Michel sneered.
Elliot remained silent.
He naturally knew whom Michel meant.
Five of the Seven Holy Bloodlines had already begun quietly banding together, and on this expedition, they were going through the motions without making any real effort.
The Sterling Family was willing to support the Royal Family. Although they were also exchanging overtures with the New Nobility, they were already a rare ally.
But...
Was Michel really so confident? Could they deal with all five great noble houses rebelling?
Come to think of it, Elliot really knew little about the Royal Family's underlying strength. The Seven True Gods corresponded to the great noble houses of the Seven Holy Bloodlines, but the Royal Family was not included among them.
The only forces of the Royal Family he knew of were the Night Watch Bureau and the Executioners. Though their presence seemed to extend throughout the Imperial Capital, he had hardly ever seen them act.
Only when they had sealed off the Imperial Capital had their display of force been truly impressive.
"What if our offensive... fails?" Elliot asked quietly.
"Failure is impossible!" Michel slammed the table, his eyes actually growing faintly red.
Elliot lowered his eyes and said nothing.