The Imperial knights were not facing reinforcements they thought were coming to join but rather a well-trained army.

It was a tactical move made under the judgment that surviving the brutal monster wave required leading the Western army. Count Flache led the remaining Western army and supported the Western Sage securely.

Bang! Bang!

Developed in Perseta where magic disappeared was firepower. Guns and cannons spewed flames straight away.

It couldn’t compare to magic, but the tactic was devised under the judgment that it could at least confuse the Imperial knights.

And it wasn’t just the Western army and the Western Sage. Half of the Imperial Guards, 10,000 strong, followed Countess Plache.

“The one who stole everything from this land!”

Mirene Genesis, brandishing her sword, had a voice full of resentment.

“Attack!”

The deities roared and Imperialle unfolded magic in the airspace. Carlos ground his teeth while looking at the disappearing Eastern coast and Melphias but before he could sharpen his resolve, the attack surged.

Hayden put on a new uniform. The Emperor’s change of clothes was an important event accompanied by the adjutant fussing beside him.

He wore gloves so stiff that he didn’t mind blood splattering. The stiff gloves felt comfortably loose in his hands.

“Your Majesty, we have brought the traitors.”

“Ah.”

Those who entered the Shalera palace finally arrived at the central palace.

Meanwhile, the Emperor, who had shifted the battle from the East to the West, walked out with a smirk. The figure, already imposing and gigantic, looked even larger and more intimidating in the Imperialle uniform.

Lu quietly watched the crumpled shapes of Viscount Svenia and Duke Negret, who had been thrown in front of him. The two were writhing on the palace floor with their swords stuck in them.

“Your Majesty. These people conspired with Nerva, joined hands with our enemy Kalletta, and dared to lead an armed fleet upstream the Mel River to invade Shalera this morning.”

“Oh, really.”

Hayden supported his chin with his hand, murmuring as he looked down at them.

“Handle the traitors after the war. It doesn’t seem like it will take more than three days anyway.”

He glanced at Lu, who was sitting quietly in the corner.
As Ophelia’s curses were consecutively lifted, her injuries gradually healed, and she also succeeded in alleviating some of the spells. When would Carlos reach out to Lu? Hayden thought there wasn’t much time left.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Keep her confined for now. Seize all the properties and titles of Negrete and Svenia, just as we did during the Moiquifel. Arrest their entire families.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

“Summon Minister of Foreign Affairs and retrieve the trade privileges granted to Nerva.”

From the mouth of the young and intelligent emperor, imperial decrees fell one by one. Absolute and unquestionable orders.

The palace steward bowed and accepted the commands. Some of the Imperialale who had not gone to the West and remained were passing through the magic circle heading east.

They would surround Negrete and Svenia, just like they arrested the Moiquifel family.

“Ensure that no one from the traitorous family can escape across the border.”

The two rebels, who heard the ominous news that even their families would eventually be arrested without crossing the border, were led out again without even spreading the curse properly. Hayden turned immediately to his fiancée.

“Lu.”

Now, let’s stay calm. Right now, isn’t Ophelia bombarding Carlos with all sorts of emotions from the West? That’s right.

They were in the middle of a war, and their appearance was clearly visible to those living in Kartat.

While doing so, thinking of indulging in cuteness by watching his fiancée move her toes while sitting alone was insane, to say the least.

Of course, Hayden wasn’t in his right mind, so he laughed while watching Lu examine herself with the chinstrap covering her mouth.

“Huh? Why? Have you recovered too much?”

Did she put on too much weight on her bones? Should she break them again? Before the war, she seriously pondered all her actions.

“That’s unlikely. You could do even better.”

Half honest and half not. Actually, Hayden quite liked the fact that she couldn’t go anywhere without his help.

Of course, it was not pleasant to be cautious all the time, but apart from that, it was very enjoyable that Lu depended on him.

“I might be faster than I thought.”

Having lost his mind, Hayden reached out with a smile, but withdrew his hand after a moment of hesitation.

“Maybe it’s too early?”

Hayden stopped and faced her, lowering himself to match her eye level. Mrs. Freya withdrew quickly enough for the conversation between the two not to be heard.

“What are you worried about the most?”

“That I might be more of a hindrance than help.”

The answer came out immediately. How much was she worrying for it to come out so quickly?

“I’m afraid of losing you.”

A slightly trembling hand covered Lu’s hand on her knee. Hayden was not only calmly considering the impending war.

“Other than that, there’s nothing to be afraid of.”

In fact, he wasn’t even afraid of getting hurt or dying. He wouldn’t die at the hands of Carlos. But if Lu were taken away, he would experience a pain worse than death.

“Do you trust me?”

“Yeah.”

The answer was without hesitation.

“I trust you too.”

He gently placed his forehead on Lu’s hand, which he held with his hand.
“So, let’s promise not to argue about the justification for the imperial power when saving each other. Sacrifices are absolutely not allowed. You have much more to lose than I do, you know?”

As he raised his head and their eyes met, Lu felt an inexplicable pounding in her heart. The gray eyes were resolute. It was a firm determination not to yield on this matter.

He became an emperor just to be by Lu’s side; without Lu, the throne was unnecessary. Lu silently nodded at the simple and unblinking logic. She used to think it was absurd, but now she understood. This is the man she loves.

“Don’t push yourself too hard.”

“Yeah, don’t get hurt.”

Hayden smirked.

“It would be interesting if that guy manages to hurt me.”

“Then make sure to hit him back.”

“I will.”

He nodded with a smile.

“I will win, so please don’t overexert yourself. Think about me a little longer before worrying.”

It’s a typical plea from a lover. Lu lowered her head.

“It’s not a little; I’m thinking about it the most. Your safety, without any harm, is the most important thing to me.”

Despite everyone, including the palace steward, saying that the emperor’s worries were the most useless worries in the world, Lu, who had experienced numerous wars, did not want to send Hayden away.

Nevertheless, she hugged him tightly and kissed him first.

Wishing for your safety.