Somewhere in the world, in a deep abyss, Dark shadows gathered around a round table.
They were the Shinsegaedan—a group that dreamed solely of the resurrection of God.
Neither the Demon King, the Emperor, nor any king was seen as a ruler in their eyes.
They believed only God was everything.
The reason for their gathering this time was simple.
The failure of the imperial capital raid.
They had even persuaded discontented nobles within the Empire to aid in their ambush, yet it ended in a spectacular failure.
***
“The raid on the capital has ended in failure.”
“With this, the roots of the anti-Empire factions near the capital have essentially been eradicated.”
“The nobles we recruited are finished as well.”
It was as clear as day that the nobles they had swayed would lose their heads.
That meant overthrowing the Imperial Court was no longer a feasible option.
The Shinsegaedan fell into despair.
The greatest obstacle to God’s resurrection was not the Demon King, nor the small neighboring nations—it was the Empire.
***
“You all spoke well, but since we failed, what do you intend to do now? Can you bring down the Empire? Didn’t we say that the world we desire can only come once the Empire falls?”
The Empire had to collapse to set the stage for God’s resurrection.
“Can I get a drink first? The division of the Empire is just one part of the process leading to His return.”
“Did anyone really think the Empire would crumble in just one attempt?”
One of the shadowy figures thought so.
‘Bringing down a colossus that had stood for 1,500 years in a single strike?’ Ridiculous.
“If anything, those who believed the Empire would collapse so easily were the foolish ones.”
“That is why the Empire must be divided. Only then will we have room to stand, and only then can we draw people into our order!”
“This is just the first step. Do you think a tree that has stood for 1,500 years will fall so easily? However, the fact that the impregnable capital was even attacked is significant.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“The Empire has spent vast amounts of war funds on continued conflicts. Atlerina has suffered internal turmoil due to the succubus incident, wiping out many nobles. The Emperor is utterly incompetent. Though Ashtar successfully advanced into the Demon King’s territory and claimed victory, it was only because he mobilized tens of thousands of troops.”
“Right now, the Empire is shaking. Now, imagine if a war were to break out.”
That much was obvious.
Some of the shadows shook their heads, still viewing the failed ambush negatively.
Yet the one who had spoken remained serious.
“Are you saying there is a force capable of confronting the Empire?”
“There are two swords poised against the Empire.”
‘Two swords?’
“The White King Karl of the Atla Kingdom. And the Hyten Tribe, a subjugated people within the Empire who have recently grown discontent. We must now move them both.”
“Will they move?”
The shadows doubted that a mere kingdom and a scattered tribe could challenge the massive Empire.
The difference in national power was immense.
Even with a corrupt aristocracy, the Empire functioned well.
“Karl, the White King, is an ambitious man. He firmly believes himself to be a just ruler. If we can make him see the Empire as the pinnacle of evil… and if an opportunity to strike presents itself, it is not impossible. As for the Hyten Tribe, if we assume they could align with the White King, we could support them with dark magicians and push them toward rebellion against the Empire.”
“Very well. Let’s see how this plays out.”
In the end, for God to return, the Empire must be torn apart.
Even if this plan failed, it would only slow the process.
Ultimately, Shinsegaedan would emerge victorious.
***
When I arrived at the Imperial Palace, I was greeted by the sight of the Emperor pouting.
I didn’t know exactly what had happened, but the air was thick with the stench of blood.
Surely, it hadn’t been a simple execution—he must have done something exceptionally brutal.
Even the maids smelled of it.
“I’m very disappointed, Taesa.”
“What are you talking about?”
‘What now?’
‘Did he think I was his lover or something?’
I wanted to argue, but knowing him, he’d probably start acting like we actually were a couple, so I held back.
“I mean, choosing Aslan over the Emperor? That’s a bit much, don’t you think?”
‘Was he serious?’
‘Of course, the Emperor took priority, but considering how he had the Assassins’ Guild protecting him, he was hardly in danger.’
“If His Majesty lost a son, how would he handle it?”
“Oh? But shouldn’t you prioritize me over the prince?”
As if he was actually reprimanding me.
“Seeing as the palace is practically covered in assassins, I figured you’d be fine. Besides, if I hadn’t intervened, Prince Aslan would have been kidnapped.”
“Oh? What do you mean by that?”
He looked intrigued, which only made me more irritated.
As expected, this woman never considered anyone else’s perspective.
The only fortunate thing was that she had no lust for power.
“The dark magicians attempted to take Aslan in an equivalent exchange ritual. Not just kidnapping—he would have been killed.”
“Those lunatics…”
Only now did she seem serious.
“This means that the anti-Imperialists have fully aligned themselves with Shinsegaedan.
By the way, where is my daughter?”
“She said she would meet with you separately later.”
Either Amelia was looking out for me, or the military was in such a rush that they sent me alone to the palace first.
The Emperor pouted again.
‘What does she expect me to do about it?’
“So… did your mother save you?”
“Yeah. But, wow, she really loves playing tricks. She even sent an assassin after me.”
“And?”
“That’s between you two to handle.”
Not my problem.
As far as I was concerned, Saintess Ashtar was only family when she was useful to me.
I had no idea if my sister was getting along with the second prince or not.
Either way, right now, Ashtar’s only purpose was keeping the hero tied down in her territory.
We had no immediate use for him anyway.
***
“Tsk. Even with my imperial authority at an all-time low, how could she be so indifferent toward me? If she’s Katarina’s daughter, shouldn’t she be a bit more affectionate toward me?”
“More importantly.”
“Do you have something to say?”
“Yes. A reward would be appreciated.”
I wiggled my fingers.
At first glance, it might have seemed like an act of extreme disrespect toward the Emperor, but between us, this kind of behavior wasn’t unusual.
She wasn’t the type to care about formalities anyway.
***
“Did you leave money with me or something? Or do you want Aslan? Amelia? Or maybe…”
The Emperor pointed at herself, blushing slightly.
She should be grateful for her noble bloodline.
That was the only reason I hadn’t made a move against her.
“Are you just going to keep spouting nonsense? Anyway, I protected the prince, so shouldn’t I be compensated?”
“What do you want?”
“The title of Mage!”
I would become a mage!
“Wizard?”
“Yes. Honestly, I’m only called Your Majesty’s magic teacher, but I don’t have an official wizard identification. This time, I must get one!”
“I’ve worked hard enough!”
“Especially since the story of saving Aslan must be spreading throughout Atlerina. And since the people of Atlerina saw me save him using magic, this is my chance.”
“Not just the Wizard Order, but I’ve also made a lasting impression on Atlerina.”
With this, the emperor might take the opportunity to personally recognize my achievements and grant me the title of wizard.
“Why are you glaring at me like that?”
“Glaring? No matter how much Your Majesty says so, that’s a bit harsh!”
Finally, my chance has come, you crazy human.
“Uh, can I be honest with you?”
“He looks extremely troubled. Don’t tell me it’s impossible?”
“If he says being a wizard is impossible, I’ll just have to cut off the emperor’s head right here.”
“Yes. What is it?”
“It doesn’t really mean anything.”
“…What?”
“I mean, of course. The moment you became my Grand Scholar and magic teacher, you were practically an imperial wizard already. Didn’t I mention it before? Something about a court wizard?”
I think he said something similar before.
“Huh?”
“Hmm?”
“So… I’m already a wizard?”
Just to be sure, I thumped my chest as I spoke.
‘Wait, is he serious? He’s not just saying that, right?’
“That’s right. Haven’t you noticed that at some point, people in Atlerina stopped telling you to practice swordsmanship or archery?”
“Oh. Now that you mention it, yeah.”
“Yeah… but somehow, I feel annoyed. What is this?”
“So, everyone has already accepted it implicitly.”
“Implicitly?”
“That’s right. Implicitly.”
“What do you mean ‘implicitly’?”
“That single word is about to drive me insane. So basically, I’m already a wizard, just unspoken?”
“Then what about joining the Ashtar Wizard Order—”
“That’s none of my business. But if you want, I could give you a chance to embrace the emperor. Even now, assassins still want my body, you know. Meaning, it’s still quite useful.”
He suddenly stretched out his body as if showing off his chest.
‘Does this guy even remember that he’s given birth to children?’
“I’m fine, thanks. If I wanted a woman, I could just look in the mirror.”
“If I really wanted to do something with a woman’s body, I already have one right here. Syria is nice too, but I have no intention of getting into a romantic relationship right now.”
“If I were a man, I would have taken you as my concubine.”
“Please don’t say such terrifying things, even as a joke. I already have too many women interested in me, and it’s a hassle.”
‘Who would I be a concubine for?’ Absolutely not happening.
“…What?”
“Yes?”
“Women are after you? Who?”
The emperor narrowed her eyes, suddenly on high alert.
‘What’s with this sharp reaction?’
‘Did I do something wrong?’
“Uh, the bear merchant boss, Syria, and the Sword of Light.”
“…This is ridiculous. I don’t know much about Syria except that she’s the next Tower Master, but there’s no way that giant tree of a woman fell for you first. And you, my vassal, are seducing women? Have you lost your mind?”
The emperor suddenly started pointing fingers at me, treating me like some kind of succubus.
“Why do I have to put up with this?”
“I mean, it’s not like—”
“Do you even realize what you’re saying? What is a Grand Scholar? The emperor’s teacher. And more specifically, you are my magic teacher.”
“Yes. That’s true.”
‘So what? He’s not about to use that to lord over me, is he?’
I can’t read his thoughts at all.
‘Is he planning to mentally torture me to death?’
“That means, in a way, you’re the emperor’s person. And if you go further, you’re practically the emperor’s woman. Isn’t that the same as committing treason against the emperor? It’s no different from being an adulterous wench.”
‘Hmm. How should I deal with this woman?’
This is going way beyond playful banter.
Even if what she says is true… considering our ages and the fact that we’re both women, this is just—
“Uh, could you act your age—”
“Isn’t this fun? Where else in the world would you find a monarch like this?”
“Well, right here, obviously. But why am I still not officially recognized as a wizard?”
She’s an emperor, after all.
I hate repeating myself, but couldn’t she just use her authority to make it happen?
If I hadn’t earned any achievements, then sure, it would be unfair.
But I did! I saved Aslan and proved my magic skills.
“It’s because of the Saint title. The status of a wizard is lower than that of a Saint, and in the empire, the title of Grand Scholar holds even more weight than an independent position like a Saint. Maybe if you join the Ashtar Wizard Order, you’ll be recognized as a wizard—at least in Ashtar.”
“I want to be appointed as a Grand Wizard, though.”
“That’s impossible, at least for now.”
“Should I just run away?”
Forgetting where I was, I leaned back and stared at the ceiling.
The imperial palace really is nice.
Not bad at all.
The intricate patterns on the ceiling must have been created with true craftsmanship.
I, too, have dedicated myself to my craft—honing my magic.
“I’d just capture you and keep you by my side forever. But eventually, if you continue down this path, you’ll naturally rise. Since you’ve already demonstrated your abilities in Atlerina, people now see you as a magic user.”
Yeah. I suppose they do.
I slightly lowered my head and saw the emperor staring at me.
If I’m being honest, she’s very attractive.
The only problem is that she’s a complete weirdo.
“By the way, I do have something to say. The princess might bring it up too, but… war could break out. Wouldn’t that be dangerous?”
“It would.”
Good. As long as she’s aware.
I’ve said my piece.
Hopefully, she won’t come complaining to me about it later.
“As a Grand Scholar, I figured it was important to mention. The White King Karl will soon point his sword at the empire.”
“If you’re here, what’s there to worry about?”
The way she’s relying on me makes me worried for this country’s future.