The Expedition Army's fleet had been assembled only through the entire Empire's utmost efforts. Now, all its ships rested silently overhead, their dark gun barrels ready to fire at a single command.
Phoenix blinked, took a flat metal case from inside his coat, and opened it to reveal a gold-rimmed Monocle nestled in velvet.
He raised an eyebrow, fitted the Monocle into his eye socket, then looked up again.
His view became much clearer. Through the fleet's portholes, he could see expressionless Machine Priests and members of the Royal Knights in white robes, all looking at him.
Farther away, he could vaguely make out two enormous dark shapes, like icebergs floating underwater, with pinpricks of fire lighting up across them.
Looking closely, each tiny point of light was a firing position, aimed this way from afar.
Phoenix withdrew his gaze and looked at the people before him.
Sidney and Michel had come to visit the Abode in formal attire, wearing Coats of Arms that symbolized the Royal Family. Beside them, Elliot held the gear scepter that represented his status as a duke and watched with interest.
A thick tentacle covered in densely packed eyeballs extended from the Rift behind him.
The Royal Guards who had hurried over loosely surrounded Phoenix, their gazes hostile.
Phoenix fell silent.
He returned the Monocle to its case and slipped it back into his pocket, then took out his pocket watch for a glance.
Then he straightened his collar, carefully smoothed the wrinkles in his clothes, and raised both hands. "Hollow Cathedral, you win. I surrender."
"Pfft!"
Elliot could not help laughing aloud.
Sidney glanced at him before turning to Phoenix. "Hollow Cathedral?"
Phoenix sneered. "Third Prince Sidney, do you think I don't recognize you? You've been working with Lillian to hunt me down. I