It was enough to remind them of the soldiers’ desperate situation. As the soldiers tightened their grip on their swords, the Duke’s encouragement continued.

“The more uncertain your safety, the greater the reward. For those who survive, freedom and prosperity will be bestowed upon you. And for those who sadly perish, honor medals will be granted, and your names will be glorified in the grand imperial history.”

“…….”

“As my brilliant loyal subjects.”
The promise whispered into the ears of the strong but dull soldiers was so sweet that, compared to the rewards they would receive, death seemed like nothing.

They willingly prepared themselves to endure the rain of arrows.

“You couldn’t keep that promise.”

However, Hersis cooled down their enthusiasm in an instant.

He blinked his eyes slowly and said, “I said there’s no evidence you desire, not that there’s no other evidence.”

“…….”

“Come out.”

Hersis quietly ordered into the air, and another person revealed themselves from behind the slightly opened mirror.

He walked briskly and stopped one step behind Hersis.

Hersis ordered again, “Show it.”

Then Ishaar, after offering a bow, took a few more steps forward.

Having reached the edge of the platform, he took out a sheet of parchment from his bosom and unfolded it for everyone to see.

“This is real.”

While the Duke scrutinized the document, Hersis said, “It’s a genuine certificate proving that you are not Milos Sun Emperor’s legitimate child.”

“…….”

“Yours is a fake.”

The document had a mystical seal peculiar to the temple, red and vividly imprinted.

Unless someone was a fool, everyone knew.

If a temple’s seal was on all the documents, it was undoubtedly the truth.

The temple, in the name of the gods, guaranteed that Montaner Duke and Milos Sun Emperor were not father and son!

Hersis ordered to show the document to the subordinates, and Ishaar obediently complied.

While the subordinates examined it, the Duke muttered.

“No. It can’t be.”

His eyes had been hazy since checking the document.

Suddenly, his gaze flickered.

“That’s a fake.”

He said with strength.

“Because I never provided an opportunity for such an inspection.”

“…….”

“Who, when, and with what authority inspected something of mine?”

“Ishaar!”

Instead of answering, Hersis called his aide. Ishaar came back just because his name was called, and silently handed out the document.

Hersis clenched the document and went down the platform towards the Duke and the enemies.

“Verify it properly.”

Hersis extended the document and said. Staring at his nephew as if he would devour him, the Duke slowly lowered his eyes to the document.

With a rough breath, his shoulders trembled. In his scarlet eyes, an unknown fear flashed involuntarily. However, despite all this psychological pressure, the Duke suppressed it gracefully and unfolded the document.

For a moment, the pupils that were moving left and right stopped.

His gaze, which had been shifting rapidly, halted.

His red eyes, obscured by the majestic aura of the splendid seal, discovered the name of the client that was not visible.

“Saw it?”

Hersis asked. Without waiting for an answer, he continued.

“My father, your brother, is the client.”
“Have you seen the date?”

He asked himself and answered himself.

“Exactly thirty years ago.”

“…….”

“When you were just ten years old.”

The Duke’s Adam’s apple trembled significantly.

Hersis spoke.

“But even then, he didn’t drive you away. The reason, like whether the blood was mixed or not, wasn’t important to my father.”

“…….”

“You shouldn’t have done that.”

Hersis’s voice was filled with a deep sigh.

It was because of the regret for the benevolent consideration repaid with disobedience.

If his father’s soul were watching this situation, Hersis wondered what he would say. Would he want to kill this man, or would he still forgive him? Hersis was curious. Somehow, he felt like he already knew the answer.

Meanwhile, the Duke’s time stood still at the moment he unfolded the parchment to confirm the client.

His eyes continued to gaze at the client’s name, but he didn’t seem to be particularly focused on it.

He seemed trapped in his own world, cut off from the outside.

Hersis decided to leave him alone and deal with other matters first.

Hersis glanced around.

There were about a hundred soldiers who seemed to have lost their sense of direction.

“Listen to me.”

Hersis said. His majestic voice concentrated their attention.

“If you drop your weapons, your lives will be spared.”

“…….”

“But the penalty for being involved in rebellion must be paid.”

From the rear stage, the elders’ stifled breaths could be heard. The emperor was trying to appease them, but there was still a threat, so they were worried.

However, ignoring their concerns, Hersis continued the proclamation with a calm voice.

“As for that penalty, it guarantees nothing but freedom for you.”

“…….”

“Use the given freedom to live your lives as you see fit. Those who need wealth and honor will acquire them through legitimate means, and those who need a family will meet a suitable partner and establish a home. I will not promise anything beyond that.”

‘If that is unsatisfactory, feel free to do as you wish. Responsibility lies with you.’

There was no need to say such words.

Although they were dull, they knew that they had no better choice.

Clink.

Someone threw a sword. Then the sound of weapons being discarded echoed from various places.

Dull thuds of axes and maces hitting the ground were heard intermittently.

They all put down their weapons and kneeled.

Hersis’s golden eyes scanned them from end to end. Since everyone had put down their weapons and kneeled, one person who didn’t stand out was even more conspicuous.

Hersis looked at the Duke. He still seemed absent-minded, but his eyes were off the document.

‘He might listen if I issue an order.’

Hersis turned to finish the grand ceremony.

That’s when it happened.

Clang.

A heavy metallic sound came from behind.