At the point when the endless and ceaseless wars came to an end, the social circles of the Newton Empire were more tumultuous than ever before. It was due to the constant influx of gossip within the Newton Empire.

With the sudden disappearance of the commander and the chaotic return ceremony of the imperial army, along with victory celebrations without a hero, the growing confrontations between the imperial family and the noble faction became more intense.

Even after the war had ended, there was no peace in the Newton Empire. Power struggles to gain greater influence within the empire were rampant.

Everything started with the absence of Duke Gwendhil, who played a central role in the imperial family and the noble faction.

“Did the Duke really die?”

“Oh, there were rumors that he went missing.”

“That can’t be true. Her Majesty wouldn’t have spared a traitor.”

In the midst of the impending return ceremony, Duke Gwendhil, who was rumored to be executed for revealing a rebellion plot to the noble faction, became the center of attention everywhere.

Newton Empire never had a quiet day even after the war. Power struggles to seize greater authority within the empire were in full swing.

“Lord Fusch, I heard you had an audience with Her Majesty today. How was it?”

“Did you still order a search unable to let go of resentment towards the traitors?”

“Yes! It’s only natural to search for the hunting dog that was like a limb to the owner of the imperial throne.”

“Hahaha, that’s right!”

In the elaborately prepared meeting hall within the splendid banquet venue, discreet conversations were taking place. It was a scene of overly extravagant and low-grade greed exchanged in whispers.

In the midst of it all, a conspicuous noble with a languid and gentle atmosphere shook a wine glass slowly.

“Well, you might not feel it yet.”

The reddish-brown eyes visible beyond the red wine were as intense as blood.

“You might feel fear, confusion, and worry…”

All the nobles at the table listened in silence to the words of the conspicuous noble.

The noble with the reddish-brown eyes slightly lifted the corners of his mouth.

“Admitting it would make it easier for you.”

Conspicuous, and with reddish-brown eyes, Darian Briden, sipped wine leisurely.

In contrast to the lips adorned with a gentle and soft smile, the eyes were cold and cruel, gleaming ominously.

The nobles, who were observing the leader of the noble faction, Darian, exchanged glances and burst into laughter.

“But you’ll give up soon. How long can you endure when the loyal shield, the hunting dog, has disappeared?”

The Newton imperial throne, apart from its bloodline, was not particularly special. It was ruled by an ordinary person without outstanding talents in magic or swordsmanship. Nevertheless, in Newton’s long history, the bloodline that ascended to the imperial throne never changed.

There had been rebellions in the distant past.

However, there had never been a case where a rebellion succeeded.

‘Like a spider.’

The owner of the imperial throne, ruling the Newton Empire, had been cunning and crafty for generations.
Ruthless to enemies, and the title of “Holy Emperor” was only a part of the compliments for the Emperor of Newton; he was a strategist who excelled in persuasion, tactics, and schemes placed judiciously.

Utilizing the whip and carrot effectively, he pretended to respect the nobility while keeping them under his control and skillfully managed the distribution of power within the imperial family.

“Moreover, he even built a symbiotic relationship with Gwendhil.”

In short, there were no loopholes.

The nobility, resentful of the emperor, had been humiliated for a long time. However, they finally developed the courage to face the emperor on equal terms, having endured years of disgrace by somehow catering to his whims.

“How do you think Her Majesty feels now? The Duke, who returned unharmed from countless battlefields, suddenly disappeared from the world overnight. It must be inconceivable.”

“Well, it’s more desperate than inconceivable. The situation now calls for us nobles, who have been scorned all along, to plead for mercy.”

“All of this is thanks to Lord Briden.”

The nobility praised Darian in a subtly respectful tone.

Darian tasted the wine without any noticeable reaction.

Then, the nobility began to express their inner thoughts more boldly.

“Anyway, the Duke was also a human. It’s said he had only one weakness—a thigh injury.”

“He didn’t know a thing about people. Whether it was due to arrogance or being enchanted, he never expected to be attacked.”

“We thoroughly prepared for it. We sent expensive sorcerers and assassins, pushing relentlessly.”

“It’s only now that the poison we researched for years due to Gwendhil’s cursed constitution is seeing the light.”

Hahaha.

Although they lowered their voices, in the crowded banquet hall, the nobility showed no restraint.

The balance of power had already shifted. How many were there trying to resist the flow of power changing once again?

“…”

However, Darian was not complacent.