Rasaec takes off on a small paved path with his hands linked behind his back, looking more like a general inspecting his troops than an Emperor surveying a garden.

I hear quick steps rushing to the window above and glance up to find Leomi looking down at me with a worried expression. It occurs to me that the reason we're going to take a walk is so that my companions can keep an eye on us. I pick up my body with my energy and float after Rasaec.

“What would you do if I didn't give you freedom?” The Emperor asks without turning when I catch up.

“You cannot give it to me, you can merely agree or disagree.” I correct.

“Hmm, that makes sense.” Rasaec nods. “But what would you do?”

“Right now? Naught. Eventually, I would have to make you agree or kill you.” I explain.

“You're truly fearless.” He exclaims with a small laugh. “But it is admirable you do not reject what you owe to those whose shoulders you now stand on, most do not have this awareness towards those who came before them.”

“How old are you exactly?” I question.

The Emperor makes a thin smile as he keeps walking. I direct my flow to drop me by his side and follow. Rasaec slows to match my speed without a word as he leads us towards a small pond with a marble bench where he sits and invites me to join him. I choose to remain standing.

“I will not lie, I am old.” The Emperor says with a deep voice and a multitude of emotions contained in the last word. “All of this, wars, governing, even drinking now feels... dreamlike.”

I startle at the revelation and don't experience the slightest doubt towards the man. While there is no way to confirm whether he is a Chosen or not, his tone is enough for me to accept he is centuries old.

“No, that isn't the word...” Rasaec frowns as he trails off and shakes his head as he suddenly chuckles. “Hahah, how peculiar. I have not hesitated like this in decades.”

“A result of having too many bootlickers at your side, they wouldn't probe or criticize so you do not have to think hard to choose your words... or reflect upon your actions.”

“If only that was true.” The Emperor mumbles with a strange expression. “I am estranged from most all things.” He bluntly tells me, continuing on the previous subject. “I am no emotionless monster but social niceties are a game I've long grown bored of, what stirs their hearts fleetingly amuses mine as if presented the prospect of doing battle with wooden figurines.”

“Hrm.” I grunt. “I suppose a decrepit old man like you would eventually grow to feel that way.” I mock.

“Krh!” Rasaec chokes on my response and then erupts in laughter while slapping his lap. “Khakahahakha!”

It takes a long time for the Emperor to regain control of himself and wipe a small tear from the corner of his eyes. He turns to me with a grin on his face but a foreboding gaze.

“Old man, I can swallow, but decrepit?!” He exclaims.

“The truth hurts even Emperors.” I whisper as I sigh at the sky.

“You little minx.” He swears at me.

“My height is average and I'm not yet nineteen so I haven't finished growing up, what's your excuse?” I snap back.

“...” Rasaec falls silent while blinking rapidly. “I'm not short, I'm old you vixen!” He erupts. “I was tall in my time!”

“It's okay, grandpa, don't be mad.” I say with a soothing tone. “Look at these birds, aren't they beautiful?” I nod towards a mama duck leading her ducklings towards the pond.

“I'm not senile!” The Emperor snaps as he throws me a glare.

“Hm, hm.” I mumble in mock agreement.

“Rh.” He hawks his voice. “I've heard you no longer consider yourself human.” He casually mentions. I stiffen. Did I say this? Feels more like little sis' style than mine. “Your hesitation is plenty enough of an answer.” Rasaec says. “How interesting.”

“I've no recollection of saying this.” I deny.

“Even more interesting.” The Emperor comments. “From what I know, you are reluctant to lie to the extent where your words could indicate truths you wish to keep hidden. You resemble the Rykz in this way.”

“Are you threatening me?” I coldly ask.

“I've no need to, you're intelligent and know what the lines are so it is no gamble or accident when you cross them.” He dismisses.

“Then what is this about?” I question as a shiver travels down my spine.

“There are many things that do not add up about you, about what my Spy has reported.” Rasaec tells me. “First of all, you wouldn't remain completely in the dark while Elizabeth Vil acted in the light considering your personality so your appearance after the war while she vanishes makes no sense. Especially when one considers the love binding you both to Lady Lance, life isn't a romantic story where the spurred lover fades only to reappear at a dramatic moment.”

I freeze as the man's words clearly imply he's seen through my identities despite all the precautions I took. I try to think of a way to disprove him but it feels like anything I say now would work against me, there is no good reaction to ward him off now that he suspects us.

“The fact you've both appeared in the same place at once is easily solved by the use of accomplices, which also explains how unreliable the reports are on E.Vil's height and body build.” The Emperor speaks up, shattering my first shield. “While your lack of a left arm is difficult to explain because Aisha hasn't revealed much details about the new Rykz parasite, I can still infer that this creature is responsible for this.”

“Why?” I question with a shaky voice.

“It's quite simple, really.” Rasaec muses. “The Rykz had to offer you something extremely tempting at the time and what would be better than replacing your arm?” He asks rhetorically. “It would also allow them to control you and their Queens most assuredly have the capabilities to do this.”

“A wild guess.” I weakly contest.

“An informed one.” He denies with a smile. “Anything smaller than a rabbit would not be able to strengthen you as much as this parasite did, it simply isn't plausible.”

“I...” I scowl and fall silent as I seize the pommel of my weapon to calm the waves shaking my heart as the pain threatens to break my spirit.

“You?” The Emperor probes.

“Shut up for a bit.” Liz snaps.

The Emperor makes a gentle nod as if she'd requested politely. Rage, fury, terror, fear, they all clash within me and it takes a long while for me to regain enough control on my emotions that the pain in my chest lessens.

“My injuries haven't healed yet.” I explain.

“Mhm.” Rasaec acknowledges.

“I am not Elizabeth Vil.” I affirm, unable to stop the trembling of my voice as it resonates with my insanity.

“I believe you.” The man nods with a smile. “Would you allow me to meet her?”

“You have, but that is all she cares to say to you.” I reply, giving up on my facade since Rasaec saw through all of it with far fewer clues than others considering he didn't meet us in person.

“How brazen she is, insulting me with her first and only words!” The Emperor exclaims with a wide smile. “As expected of a woman who could win Vikiana's approval.” He adds with a sigh.

“Since you know, what is to happen?” I ask with a cold tone, securing my grasp on my broadsword.

“You can draw it if you wish.” The Emperor tells me, deflecting.

“If I do, one of us will die here, today.” I utter.

“What personal grudge have you with me?” He asks.

“...” I fall silent.

Is he joking? The man's intelligence is worthy of respect, I should think it through. He's said before that power is fickle, I believe it after wielding it some and witnessing Leomi's troubles.

This means that Izla Meria's incident isn't something I can truly personally pin on him, neither can I blame him alone for Nobility's actions. He is the highest authority but it is impossible for anyone to rule alone. I can resent the Emperor but not the man, is that it?

“None, as far as I am aware.” I acknowledge with a frown. “Yet the issue of your Order declaring my sister an Enemy of the Empire stands between us among many other deaths and insults.”

“My Exemplars were hasty.” Rasaec admits with a thin smile. “Had I known what you... she would say to them, I could have prevented it but it is too late now to act. I cannot reverse the verdict without undermining the Order's prestige and authority, not to mention it is impossible for me as Emperor to pardon Elizabeth Vil considering what she said.”

“She wouldn't wish for it anyway.” I dismiss. “The issue is that your Empire is oppressive.”

“Is it, though?” The Emperor wonders aloud, stunning me. “You've both made such a ruckus yet what true retaliation have you suffered? Those of true power and responsibilities have not acted, even your most driven opponent is currently in Telnur fighting the Lisilese.”

“Cenwalh's aim is clearly to build up his forces for a greater ambition, using us as foils.” I dismiss.

“Yet it remains the Empire itself hasn't truly acted against you because most of your actions had justifications.” Rasaec notes.

I pause and realize he does have a point. Was the Empire truly an entity that crushed all those that opposed it, we would have been caught long ago. Yet, there are other factors at play.

“It isn't as if I wasn't opposed either, the reason I could make it this far is that I am powerful.” I argue. “Many cannot bear the consequences of opposing me.”

“I agree, but isn't that to be expected? Some hold opposing views to yours, why would they lie down when they believe themselves in the right?” The Emperor questions. “Life isn't so simple, there is truth to your words but the Empire as a whole cannot be qualified as oppressive.”

“Then why are peasants hung for merely protesting?” I question.

“Because life is also unfair.” Rasaec says with a sigh. “The Empire needs grain and iron to survive as an entity, who else would gather resources than those with lesser ambitions or talents?”

His words give me pause. Not only does his tone not contain disdain for those who live more ordinary lives but it is undeniable that even low born can rise in the Empire if they so wish and put in the required effort.

“It doesn't change the fact that Nobility is...” I start.

“More useful than harmful.” The Emperor directly cuts me off. “Their long traditions nurtures a dedication that has protected humanity's civilization for as long as it has existed.”

“As a Noble yourself, of course you believe in your so called inborn superiority.” I spit out with disdain, utterly disappointed.

“Please, what do you take me for?” Rasaec dismisses with a chuckle. “Let not your rage clog your ears, little peasant.”

“Hrm.” I growl angrily but hold myself back because it's true I ignored his words.

“Across the ages, what prodigies of the sword and spear have I not met that surpass me by far? How many were low born?” He shakes his head with a reminiscent look on his face. “Plenty also surpassed my ability in manipulating flow and even more rose as generals with sharper minds than mine at directing battles.”

This show of humility stumps me and I find no words to deny the man. Yet, he doesn't press his advantage and holds his silence as if to give me a moment's time to recover my cool.

I could poke holes in his answer by mentioning secrets I'm not meant to know about the Vault and his plans in using Suxen's work but that would be beyond foolish.

“Do you know the terms the Rykz offered?” He suddenly asks this seemingly unrelated question.

“Have you been contacted by any other?” I question.

“Yes, your friend was sent as a statement rather than a true ambassador.” Rasaec says, waving his hand in dismissal.

“I didn't inquire much, I know they want two centuries of peace.” I reply, feeling bad for Idali and a bit mad at Grikyz.

“Good, you didn't say that they're 'offering' this peace. You realize it is more to their advantage than ours?” He questions.

“Is it?” I return.

“Yes, they have grown stronger and stronger as centuries passed.” Rasaec nods. “We could chase them from the eastern Kingdoms at the establishment of the Empire because they were much weaker than us but they returned stronger a few centuries later to seize the lands back while I was embroiled in a conflict with the Lisilese. Now, they offer a meaningless peace that works to their advantage while refusing to relinquish even a single stretch of land they seized, which means that no borders will be agreed upon and that drone incursions will occur during this peace.”

“Is the blood spilled worth the soil?” I ask with a scowl.

I feeling sick to my stomach at the idea of humans and Rykz killing each other when I know for a fact there is plenty of land yet to be exploited in the Empire. Why am I so weak?! Am I, you?

My sister's question stuns me as it echoes Leomi's words, forcing me to realize that she respects us no less than before. If we were so weak, there would have been signs in her behavior. She may not have acted differently for fear of hurting our already fragile health, but the truth would be reflected in her eyes.

The distance in power between us and the Emperor is so wide it matters not my heart cannot withstand battle as the result would be the same as if I was in perfect health. My roiling emotions abruptly calm down.

“Is it?” I press.

“That's a difficult question to answer.” Rasaec admits. “Truthfully, no, it is not. The Rykz blood we spill in this war buys us a degree of safety for the future, pushing the front-line back is beneficial but ultimately everything depends on the strength of armies.”

“Why abandon the south to the Lisilese?” I ask.

“Because their northern Hordes have their own internal troubles and two clans from the Lisilese Grassland are currently at war which means they will not be able to attack the Empire this generation.” The Emperor answers forthrightly.

“So this is why you chose to provoke the Rykz.” I mutter.

“Would you follow me if I agree to your freedom?” Rasaec suddenly asks with a curious expression.

“Wouldn't it be contradictory?” I question with a raised eyebrow.

“As an equal.” Rasaec says, stunning me. “I trust you can become a force that can satisfactorily settle the conflict for a time, enabling a worthwhile peace with the Rykz.”

“Are you mad?” I ask seriously.

“Possibly, I'm told that those who are do not realize it.” He replies.

“Rubbish, even the mad can see the world as it is and know that they are as insane as it is.” I dismiss. “I do not know you enough to trust you but even if I did, my sister and I are loners.”

“A loner with a myriad of followers and two exceptional fiancees.” Rasaec murmurs with a grin, causing me to shiver.

He knows? How could he know? Aisha, obviously, but... no, maybe the Rykz? I shake my head and settle my heart. It is less worrying he found out about Celyz than it is he knows about all those who pledged themselves to me, it means the Empire has kept an eye on everything without intervening.

That can mean only one thing with the damage I inflicted on Nobility, the words I've spoken, and the secrets the Emperor holds. Rasaec isn't as nearly supportive of Nobility's continued existence as he pretends to be. If I had to guess, I would say his plans are similar to Leomi's.

“No.” I refuse without giving an explanation.

“How regretful.” The Emperor says with a sigh. I tense, wondering if my denial will cause him to act against me but naught happens as the man's eyes remain on the pond. “Do you know why no Kingdom has ever challenged me?”

He said 'me' specifically, not the Empire or Emperor. Why is that important? It may be, it may not be. It would be a more powerful statement to say that he as Emperor was never challenged since the Empire's establishment but he didn't say that. Indeed, he did not. But he isn't a vain man either so it isn't proof of anything.

“Because you hold too much power.” I venture a guess.

“Yes, but more specifically.” Rasaec encourages.

“Because they've never had the opportunity?” I ask, less sure of myself.

“You're wrong.” He says with a grin.

“Oh?” I say with raised eyebrows. “Were you ever weak enough to be overtaken?”

“Personally, yes. Overall? Yes, less often, but still yes.” He tells me with a nod. “There was a time when I lost control of a few Marshals after being defeated by the Lisilese and forced to agree to forbid the enslavement of their kind, Nobility could have overtaken me at the time yet they banded to force these rebels to stand down.”

“History doesn't speak of it.” I note.

“Hm, the Shades purged these records.” Rasaec dismisses casually. That's not a simple task at all, no matter how you make light of it.

“What is your point?” I ask.

“I invite challenges, I've told every newly crown Queen and King that they are welcome to take control of the Empire if they have the capability to defend it against its enemies for the duration of their life.” The Emperor continues as he turns to me. “I would even grant them the Vault.”

“My Emperor!” Shayle's yell reaches us from afar. I shift to glare at Rasaec who is frowning, feeling trepidation at the idea the old woman knows my identity.

“She read my lips.” The man explains as he looks to the war-study on the first floor of his Palace. “She already knows details by your own fault, Shayle, I won't allow you to act on this.”

There is no answer but the authority of his expression by itself is enough for me to be almost certain the old woman won't defy his command. I find myself admiring this man for his steadfast behavior towards me when he has truly no need to be.

“The fact is that I am the most powerful human being that has ever existed and likely ever will because the era of dynasties will come to an end when my life does.” Rasaec tells me as he turns to lock gazes. “I am the foundation of this Empire.” He affirms without a hint pride, the conviction is his eyes is as hard as steel. “Nobility is flawed but, as a group, it will not act to sabotage the Empire or humanity.”