Aaron loosened the cravat to control the growing impatience within him.

This is not the time to be idle.

He looked around the conference room with sunken ashy eyes.

It’s the first time since that incident.

About three years, I suppose?

After three years, the Imperial Palace of Stilreitz was still oppressively stifling.

Golden-adorned walls, murals depicting exaggerated heroic tales of past emperors, sculptures depicting nonexistent gods.

Aaron’s forehead, barely containing the desire to run away immediately, was wrinkled with frustration.

The petty complaints of the councilors exacerbated Aaron’s impatience.

“It was too hasty to make a peace treaty. They’re dragging us into Ferber.”

“We should have killed all the royals from the beginning. If we had, there would be no such damage.”

“The people’s resentment is growing with the story of our Imperial Army’s sacrifice.”

“The economic losses are enormous, and sighs come out involuntarily thinking about how to recover it.”

It was the first defeat for the newly appointed Supreme Commander.

Those who had never uttered a word before now rushed in at this moment.

Of course, they spoke carefully, aware of the Grand Duke’s temperament, but the blame contained within couldn’t be hidden.

“Similar to the Grand Duke’s concerns…”

The manager, who felt a sense of guilt for uttering words he didn’t mean, took a brief pause.

“While I understand the Duke’s concerns well, mercy was shown to those who did not deserve it.”

Aaron leaned his body against the armrest of the chair, tilting his chin.

So that all the petty complaints of the councilors could pass by obliquely.

If only the fleet hadn’t been destroyed, there would be no need to hear such stories.

Since Aaron was in a hurry, he endured and listened.

“But Ferber expedition, is it?”

“Moreover, our army has little experience in naval battles, right?”

“Will there be a chance of victory?”

“Moreover, to recover the war expenses, we have to raise taxes again…”

The incessant complaints of the councilors faded into the distance, and Alfredo’s words vividly came to mind.

Delia said she was taken to Ferber and disappeared.

She wouldn’t have gone to Ferber so willingly.

She must have spent resources to come back to Ioventi.

When they tried to take her to the Empire, just like when she ate the droplet flower and escaped.

She must have risked her life to escape.

She might be hiding somewhere, waiting for help.

Or she might be somewhere, dying.

He had to find her quickly.

With that thought, Aaron became anxious.

He raised his hand to silence the ministers.

He had endured enough until now.

“Well, let’s stop here.”

“Grand Duke.”

The ministers, realizing that their bold advice didn’t work, called out to the Grand Duke like a scream.

Despite their intense reactions, Aaron firmly spoke.

“So, Ferber has provoked our Stilreitz army. Are we going to withdraw like this?”
Dyke and his subordinates, Marrend and the children, and even the ruined Ioventi and Delia.

Recalling what was lost due to Ferber, strength naturally entered Aaron’s voice.

“No matter how they put the Crown Prince forward, Ferber attacked without a declaration of war, sneakily.”

A strong and clear voice filled the conference room.

“They brutally killed the Imperial Army stationed in Ioventi and committed atrocities, massacring civilians. And yet, are you suggesting we remain silent?”

As Aaron scrutinized each point, the ministers fell silent.

“Do the ministers still have the pride of our Stilreitz Empire?”

“But, Your Grace.”

“We must clearly show what happens when someone touches our empire, not only for Ioventi but also for the safety of our troops deployed in other occupied territories.”

A quiet silence fell in the conference room.

The embarrassed ministers sighed deeply, looking at each other.

In the silent meeting room, where no one readily stepped forward, a small friction resonated.

Click, the door opened, and the herald entered the conference room.

“The Emperor is coming.”

The officials in the conference room rose from their seats.

The Emperor leisurely walked towards the top seat at the table, scanning the conference room.

“The sun of the Empire, I greet the Emperor.”

As the ministers saluted, the Emperor nodded lightly.

In the formalized greeting-exchanging atmosphere of the meeting room, there was a presence that did not quite fit.

The Emperor’s gaze shifted towards Aaron, who was sitting awkwardly.

“It’s been a while, Your Grace.”

As the Emperor greeted first, Aaron slowly stood up.

In Aaron’s ashy eyes looking at the Emperor, rough discontent was evident.

If support had been allowed, there would have been no need to waste time like this.

Aaron barely suppressed the fist that wanted to fly towards his brother and saluted the Emperor reluctantly.

Reluctantly, showing the discomfort openly.

“I greet the Emperor.”

The Emperor, as if familiar with Aaron’s insolent greeting, nodded casually.

After acknowledging everyone’s greetings, the Emperor took his seat.

Following suit, Aaron and the ministers took their seats.