The interior of the Imperial carriage had not been something Gaius saw for over a thousand years. It’s rugged and old wooden doors, combined with what was supposed to be luxurious items invoked the deepest of nostalgia in the emperor. He sat at the same spot he used to, the table of chess still between the two seats. When he found out the previous emperors had preserved his ancient chosen vehicle of travel, he couldn’t resist but put it to use again. It was in a rough shape, but Gaius never put importance in looks, except for cases where the image of Imperial authority and divine dignity had to be preserved. It was good enough for travel, and that was that.

There was another factor which influenced his willingness to use it. Two, in pure honesty. Gaius couldn’t afford to sleep while riding a horse, a problem the carriage half-fixed. He couldn’t quite take the full 8-hour slumber he desired, but a few short naps, interrupted by road bumps and outside noises to awake him. The other factor, of course, were all the nostalgic memories. At the very last day he spent with his brother, they used this to get from the north to the Imperial Peninsula. More importantly, it was where they would play their chess matches. The board and pieces had been lost to time, but the place it was once held upon still stood. Gaius would often come up with ghost matches in his head, trying to simulate the pieces individual locations, along with what his own and his brother’s moves would be. In all cases, he won, much like it used to be. By then Gaius imagined Brunus simply wasn’t on par with him at the game, but then again, was he even trying to win the damn thing?

Gaius yawned, facepalming his helmet. If his estimates were correct, and the location is given in the mysterious scroll trustful, he should be arriving at his destination anytime soon. The report detailed Venus’ Legion planned on congregating with a detachment of Lupus, later to join the main united wolfpacks led by Arcail. The mere thought of it happening gave a cold shill in his stomach. A gigantic barbarian horde, led by incredibly talented and capable individuals who could count on the specialty, organization, and knowledge of a Roman Legion? It would be a disastrously dangerous enemy for the empire to face. It didn’t matter how powerful Gaius was compared to such numbers. What’s the point of killing tens of thousands when your opponent’s count in the hundreds of thousands? Gaius would give them a very bloody nose but couldn’t win single-handedly. As it happened, not even a God Emperor could rule all by himself. This only became more evident with the capture of Minerva.

Gaius bit his lips, his eyes squinting. Just when he manages to recall some Divine Legionnaires, he lost others. Minerva was a particularly hurtful loss, as she had the knowledge, power and conviction to serve as his right hand faithfully. Apollo would have to step in her shoes for the time being, and hopefully not forever. Venus had betrayed the empire, that much he could piece together, but not the reason why she did so. NPCs were supposed to be loyal to their creator. It was a core reality of the game Impera. Players wouldn’t make such powerful beings if there was the possibility for them to revolt against them.

Perhaps this was the proof he needed. Venus wasn’t the only case showing contradictions to the manner NPCs should behave. Combined with all the other inconsistencies he noticed one by one, and the probability it was all a simulation using Impera as a base diminished. It wasn’t impossible, but less likely. Instead, the most outlandish alternative took it’s conceded place. That being a new reality, filled with living beings and a real world. Gaius chuckled, for no matter how many times he pondered it, it was still too ridiculous. He needed to focus on his assigned task. To rescue Minerva could prove to be very difficult, knowing full well the type of person Venus was. She would try all kinds of metal tricks, illusion spells, deceiving speeches and convincing lies to get her way. She was made to excel in such fields, much to Gaius current torment. If he couldn’t outsmart her, then violence was the only option. They shouldn’t be able to outright kill Minerva at full strength, which could give just enough time to locate and save her. Imagining such a thing happened, what was to be done with Venus?

During his days as the Emperor, treason had only one punishment available. If it was on the part of a Player, he would be executed, expelled from the empire and his property and items seized. If it was an NPC, it would be tortured and crucified publicly, it’s property also seized. A shiver went down Gaius’ spine. Would he need to do such a terrible thing to one of his own Divine Legionnaires? Could he? Imagining one of his creating screaming in pain and its body was mutilated made him almost vomit.

For better or worse, Gaius wasn’t quite the same man he used to be. Those harsh laws were personally introduced by himself at the earliest days of the empire. He even performed those punishments by his own hand when deemed necessary. The state's authority was supreme, and he did everything he could, so it was respected. It proved to be a solid base for his political power back when his in-game character wasn’t as capable as it would end up being. Gaius was greatly feared by everyone he ruled. Such a thing wasn’t disputable in any form. What was disputable, on the other hand, was if he was loved at all.

Gaius’ shook his head in mild embarrassment. Never had he so sincerely desired to have people around who valued him not as an all-powerful leader, but as a friend, or a family member. Brunus had been the only person who provided it for him, but since his departure, there wasn’t anyone left. It, of course, didn’t help how he didn’t even value the one source of happiness he had. Gaius had girlfriends and childhood friends, but nothing he ever gave such a primal importance to. Gaius was alone in a world which didn’t, and overall couldn’t understand him.

Gaius clenched his fist. His anger sprang forth from forgetting such a mistake he was making. He wasn’t all that alone, no matter how much pity he desired to give himself. There was an entire empire of people who counted on him, who knew who he was and laid their confidence on. Their lives were dependent on him, and like it had been showcased more than once, they valued Gaius for it. It wasn’t based out of fear, but from a hope he could lead them to a brighter future. While his duty as emperor was the primary force driving his will to keep going, he forgot to consider the heartwarming appreciation all those people he served retributed him with. And in such a front, they weren’t alone. Brunus’ direct descendent, his great-niece Julia held a special place. While not in all ways, she deeply resembled his own brother, as if his spirit still lived through her. More than once she expressed how much she cared for him, and who could blame the child. He was her last living family member, much like she was to him. One day Gaius would truly be gone, and so Julia would have to assume his position. In the limited time, there was left, Gaius would do as much as possible to get the empire back in shape.

And then there was the matter of the Divine Legionnaires. They were his children, that much Gaius wouldn’t deny anymore. He already lost so many, the proof of his neglect showing through Minerva’s reaction when he came back, or Apollo’s undead form, and most likely Venus’ treason. No longer simply created soldiers, they were his family, sentient beings who felt, thought and acted on their own volition. They needed him, as much as he needed them. Gaius couldn’t ever again say he was alone. In his current conflict, he had to strive in finding a way not to lose those few people he shared a bond with, for if he did, he would truly be isolated of any meaning.

The carriage stopped, it’s flimsy wheels and horses halting on the grassy field. The soldiers outside stopped marching as well. Gaius couldn’t open the windows for security concerns, but it was safe to assume they had reached the camp. A loud horn played, likely a military instrument to signify the arrival of guests in a military base. It was nice to learn some traditions from his days still lived on. The sound of cranky wood screeched from outside. If it wasn’t the gates opening, one of their walls must have fallen. Judging by how they resumed their ride forwards, it must have been the former.

Gaius was now officially within enemy territory. For this mission, he made sure only the barest of crewmembers were taken with him. A few men to drive him there, with a few others to guard against any obvious incidents in the trip. Were it all to end disastrously, beside his own life, it wouldn’t bee to large a hit to the empire’s manpower.

The lively ambiance of a Roman camp was a lovely thing. Legionnaires exchanging conversations, workers building up and repairing sectors, men preparing and eating badly cooked food. All in all, Gaius spent a longer time in such camps than in Rome itself. The life of a conqueror demanded his presence in far too many different places, too far away from home. Even in a hostile environment, nothing was too unusual. Gaius was prepared for the worst and aimed for the best.

“Halt the carriage.” Said an anonymous voice from outside, “Tell your leader to exit it.”

It must have been one of the legion’s officers. Obviously, they couldn’t keep progressing inside this thing forever. Someone knocked on the door, saying “Sir, they desire to see you.”

Until that moment, all was going fine. They weren’t openly hostile to his arrival and seemed interested in talking. Whether they knew it was him inside or not wasn’t very evident. Whoever they thought he was, they must have deemed too important to neglect, and too suspicious to let go. Gaius got up, re-equipping his gladius and scutum. There was the danger of them finding him too threatening, but he couldn’t run the risk of being ill-prepared for a fight. The soldier opened the door, and he stepped out calmly.

There was a column of soldiers standing in front of him, and another one on the other side. They had their weapons drawn and had their eyes fixed on him. Not the friendliest of welcomes, not that Gaius was expecting one. He turned to his men, telling them “Get into the carriage, and wait outside the camp.”

The soldier leading the expedition lowered his head, “… Sir… You would have us leave you all by yourself?”

“If things go badly, you must report back to Rome. Stand outside and be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. It’s an order.” Gaius said, stressing the last part. The soldiers saluted, getting into the carriage and turning it around. The gates opened to allow their passage. If the worst was indeed to happen, his men would be killed before even being alerted. It was still worth to give a chance for them to flee.

“Follow me.” Said the officer, “The Legate is waiting for you.”

“… Very well.” Gaius said, following the soldier deeper into the camp. He was companied by several other legionnaires, keeping an eye on his back. They passed through many tents, makeshift fortifications and soldiers, eventually getting to a large forum in its center. There were the remaining of the legion, all staring over his arrival in a large square formation. Inside it was a fireplace, surrounded by many benches and people on them. Among those present were succubus and Lupus, the latter of which was the most numerous. Gaius already knew of their deal, but to see Lupus and Romans standing by each other looked unreal.

While Lupus occasionally glanced at him, the succubus present wouldn’t stop staring. It was already unusual to have so many of them there, all the much more so focused on him. In his own legions, he always allowed the men to bring prostitutes of that race in campaigns, but on a more limited amount. They were parasitic Demons after all, and if let have their way would steal all the life essence a person could give, leading to their death. There were incidents like those in some of his wars, the emperor even losing legates to such creatures. Evidently, due to the nature and cause of death, the soldiers never complained to the superiors soon enough to save them. Like all things, succubus should be taken in moderation.

“Over there.” Said the officer, cutting deeper into the crowd. As Gaius followed, the men escorting him dispersed, now exchanged by Lupus barbarians. It had been the closest he ever got to one of their race without attempting to kill it. Passing through the benches, some of the demons would open their mouths, extending their hands forward as if trying to call for his attention, and to say something. They did go through it, shutting themselves before a word was spoken, yet they continued to stare. The last time Gaius engaged with one of their race, he was far weaker and only starting to get the empire going. Since then, he never quite even saw one of their type, apart from noticing them with soldiers. If they were attracted by his power, it was far more of a dangerous proposition than a compliment. If they managed to immobilize him, be it through magic or physical means, to steal his life essence away would be one of the most efficient methods to kill him with. If men, especially humans spent too long at a succubus’ grasp, they would eventually lose all will to resist. Gaius wasn’t as arrogant as to assume he was immune to it. The Sirens’ song proved as much. If they tried, they could get to him.

“.. Sit over there.” The officer pointed forward, towards the fireplace. There was an empty bench beside it, and at it’s opposing side was a female Lupus. Her red eyes and black fur a giveaway of her Alpha Lupus blood. Beside it was yet another succubus but clothed even more scandalously than the others. As he got nearer, there wasn’t any doubt about it. It was Venus, the Illusive Divine Legionnaire.

There was no sign of Minerva anywhere. She wasn’t present at the benches, or in any place, he could visit in the camp. She was the primary objective, therefore Gaius had to do what he could to locate her. He casted a spell, trying not to call attention to it. The Life Detection spell would be very crowded, but the radius wouldn’t need to be as extensive as the last time he used it. The magic’s effect in place, Gaius looked around, trying to detect any abnormally high presences. There was Venus and the female Lupus, both standing out significantly, but nothing beyond them. Everyone else fluctuated from the expected level of a legionnaire, Succubus or a Lupus. There were two possible reasons for it. Either Minerva wasn’t there, or she had been killed. Gaius tried to control his feelings. Had Venus really done it, he would have little compulsions to execute her for such a heinous crime.

He took a deep breath under his helmet, considering a third possibility. Knowing Venus was his equal in Illusion magic, it was quite possible, probable even she hid Minerva’s presence from detection. He could start ravaging the camp in search for her, but it would be an inference solution. There wasn’t any way to know for sure unless getting Venus to admit it. In the end, Gaius obeyed the officer's command and went for the empty bench.

Venus didn’t look as intrusively, yet her eyes didn’t leave his visor. All NPCs were friendly towards him, but this time the atmosphere hinted at another outcome. As Gaius sat in the assigned bench, he said “… It’s been a long time, Venus.”

“… Indeed.” She replied, resting her arms on her crossed legs, “… You remain the same as the last time I saw you.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure….” While she freely looked at Gaius from bottom up, he controlled himself not to return the favor. In words, however, he could afford to do so, “… Unfortunately, I can’t say the same about you.”

“Really?” asked Venus, inclining her head mildly, “I’ve made such an effort to preserve my youth… It’s a little hurtful to hear you say that…”

The game had begun. Venus would say something, and Gaius would strive to decipher any hidden or true meanings beneath the words. The best way to counter what he assumed was her strategy to deceive him, Gaius grounded himself on solid and factual speech.

“It wasn’t what I meant. I speak of your dressings…”

Venus smirked, “… Don't you like it? It is the finest silks one can find…” She held onto her tunic, gently tossing it over her shoulder.

“What happened to your armor set?” he asked, “Your sisters still held onto theirs, so why not you?”

She chuckled, “My… You mean that ancient thing? I haven’t put it on for so many years…” She took a glass of wine from a placeholder, sipping on it, “… It was such a bothersome thing to wear… I couldn’t stand it.”

Was Gaius to take it as the truth, it meant Venus had indeed changed. An aversion to clothing was not among the personality traits he wrote for her to have. It seems she had gradually evolved such a peculiarity. It had been a millennium since his departure, after all. People change if she was indeed a person. He needed to learn how extensive the alterations in her character ran if he was ever to understand why she acted like that.

“That’s enough chat.” Said the female Lupus, “You are getting along a little too nicely for my taste.”

Gaius glanced at the monster, “… And who would you be?”

“Codubia is my name, and as much you deserve knowing.” She sneered, expressing a lot of hostility. It was understandable if an Alpha Lupus hated him, but not why it would hold identity secrets. Either way, one of her blood must have a high position among their people. Coupled with sitting beside Venus, she must be the leader of the Lupus present.

Venus’ eyelids fell, “You are no fun… We were just getting into an entertaining subject, but now it’s business…”

Gaius straightened his back, “If we are to address the subject matter, I aim to be direct.” He starred down Venus, “… Where is Minerva?”

Venus smiled, “Awn… And I thought you here to visit me… I was even expecting some sort of present…” She blinked at Gaius.

She was acting overly lustful. Even from his memories of her in Impera, she wouldn’t ever to be so direct in her subverted intentions. Gaius wouldn’t play it on, as that was neither the time or place to address it. It’s likely she’s only acting like that to distract him, and it was working. Gaius looked away, “I sent her to you in the hope you would join us, but it seems I was being a little foolish.”

“Oh, not at all!” Venus leaned forward, “She made her point in the conversation we had, but in the end, it simply didn’t hold onto what the Lupus were offering.”

“… And what would that be?” asked Gaius, “What is so irresistible you betrayed me, your siblings and the empire for?”

Venus’ pink eyes widened, and she became speechless. There was the sound of something beating. Codubia’s eyes went to her, much like most of those near enough to listen. She broke the silence with a laugh, “Such words… They cut deep, my Princeps…” she blinked, glancing back at Gaius, “I can assure you, I have the Empire’s best interests in mind.”

“Gaius sighed, “… The Empire’s best interests, you say … I wouldn’t mind if you were a little more specific…”

“Of course! But where should I start…” Venus put a finger in her narrow chin. “… I suppose Minerva has already given you a rundown of what happened since you were gone, right?”

“She has.” Gaius nodded, “We didn’t have enough time to go over the details, but I know the basics.”

“Such an unpleasant chain of events to recall…” she drank her cup dry, “… It was a long and drastic fall… We lost all of our lands beyond the Imperial Peninsula, and even our own backyard we could barely hold on to…”

“And what is your solution to that problem?” Gaius asked, “What justifies your actions, in your view?”

“I’m glad you asked!” she chuckled, “You see… The empire is no longer what it used to be. The tactics of the past have become unviable…” she gestured her cup towards Codubia, “An alliance with the Lupus is the only way the Empire can survive.”

“… An alliance?” Gaius asked, “That doesn’t hold up in its own.”

“How attentive you are… Clearly, it is an alliance born out of mutual assistance. The Lupus will help in and support my ascent as Empress, and I will validate their claims to the northwest, providing goods and materials to enhance their livelihoods. It will bring peace to both our peoples!”

“… You wish to become the Empress?” asked Gaius, “I see an unrelenting ambition is among the new traits you’ve acquired…”

“… That is not the only reason.” Codubia said, “The Dragons threaten both of our peoples. If we are to resist their supremacy, only together we can hope to resist.”

Gaius returned to her, “You aim to fight the Dragons with the forces you have? That’s quite foolish.”

“What did you call me!?” asked the angered Lupus, “Watch your tongue. I’ll remind you it’s your tyranny we will deal with first.”

“I see… At least you have your list of suicidal acts in order”

“Why you…” Codubia sharpened her fangs.

“Now… Now... Calm yourself.” Said Venus, “Facing the Dragons won’t be an easy task at all. It’s only right to call it suicidal for now, considering our chances…”

“… What is this about my tyranny, then?” Gaius glanced at Venus, “You plan on killing me?”

Venus’ eyelids fell, a darker expression taking over her, “… It’s all so complicated…” She threw her long hair over her shoulder, exposing the horns in her head, “… My allies wish for your death, and my enemies are deeply dependent on you… It narrows my choices to a very small number.”

“Your enemies? You mean your sisters, or my great niece?” asked Gaius, “Of all enemies you could have, for them to be your family and rightful rulers… I didn’t create you to end up like this …”

Venus, for the first time since he arrived avoided eye contact with Gaius. She sipped on her cup, looking over the burning fireplace. Codubia gladly gave the emperor all the mean looks she could afford, but the mood had sharply fallen. With Venus’ intentions at least partially understood, along with their long-term goals, then little more could be discussed.

“… I need Minerva back.” Gaius affirmed, “I won’t leave without her.”

Venus lifted her head, her gaze meeting Gaius’s, “… What would you be willing to do to get her back?” she leaned closer to the fire, her cup still at hand, “How much would you be willing to sacrifice to secure her life?”

The question was superfluous of meaning. She wasn’t asking for a ransom or a bribe, or any kind of prize to trade Minerva for. Venus was pressing a button Gaius himself feared to acknowledge. Did she desire a truthful answer, or merely to see how he would react to it?

“… I don’t like what you are implying.” Gaius said, putting a hand nearer to his gladius.

“Would you have her die, then?” she asked.

“… I…” Gaius couldn’t finish his sentence. If he was to agree, he would lose one of his own children, never mind at the hands of another one. If he was to deny it, he would agree to his life being exchanged for hers. At the big picture, it simply didn’t make sense to do so. The empire needed Gaius more than it needed Minerva. It was too cruel a choice to make. The Empire, or his daughter in all but name. Venus shouldn’t have the means to damage her elder sister, but she spoke like she did. Was that to be the case, and Gaius couldn’t get to Minerva’s location, he was at the mercy of Venus unless he was to kill her himself. It seemed the only way to get out of his dilemma was to make it even more complicated.

“Well then, what will it be?” Venus asked, drops of wine falling from her recently refilled the glass, “Make your choice!’

“… Don’t make me choose...” Gaius pleaded, looking down, “I can’t accept if saving her requires sacrificing the people of the empire... Or you…”

Venus sadistic face cleared, a faint blush appearing in her, “… Say that again.”

Gaius straightened his back, “… I’ve lost far too much in too little a time… What I still have are my Divine Legionnaires and the Empire that remains… To ask me to decide between them is beyond my capability. Even considering your treason, I can’t bring myself to put you down…”

“… Really?” Venus asked, putting her cup away, “You value the life of your Divine Legionnaires more than your own? As much as the empire?”

Gaius nodded, “I do.” He reclined on his bench, looking at the nightly sky full of stars, “You are both my reason for living. If I were to lose both, nothing else would matter.”

Having been cornered to such an extent, Gaius’ truest feelings rose forth. While in the past he sacrificed his NPCs in exchange for territory or loot, they grew to become the only thing of value, the last remnants of his past self still hanging in this new reality. In the end, Venus was able to play with his emotion quite masterfully, requiring little of her succubus nature to do so. She played the right cards, and all was left for Gaius was conceding.

Venus smirked, “… It seems you have really changed… The Princeps I knew would never do this…”

Gaius sighed, “I’ve had the change of a thousand years funned into me in under a week… One could say this was predictable…”

“So, you won’t do it, then?” asked Venus, “No self-sacrifice, for the sake of the Empire, and no saving Minerva, for my own sake?”

Gaius frowned, “… I still don’t plan to let you hurt Minerva.”

Venus chuckled, “Oh… I get it… My, this re-encounter has been much more fun than I thought it would be!” She looked at Codubia, “It sounds like an agreement cannot be reached, and the Princeps has made his choice… Give them the orders.”

Codubia nodded, getting up, “Finally… This playact is over.” She faced her Lupus companions, “Inform Arcail he can kill Minerva.” The Lupus affirmed the order, saying a quick “Understood.” Before running away on four legs from the fireplace.

“… What!? Gaius got up from his bench, “Arcail is with Minerva?” he drew his gladius, preparing to catch up to the Lupus. The ones who remained blocked his path. For a second he forgot just how surrounded and outnumbered he was.

“Get out of my way, Lupus!” he told them, but none moved. It would seem the time to be violent had come once more. Gaius electrified his other hand, preparing to go all out if need be.

“He is,” Venus said, still calm and collected. He ever sweet voice contrasted with his wrathful mood, bringing it down from high pressure, “His camp isn’t that far away from our own, you know?” she said smiling.

“…. How can that be…” Gaius stared Venus, “I assumed you had used a paralysis spell to get her… How can you keep someone so strong under control at a distance?”

“Oh, yes, I needed to at first.” Venus smiled, remaining on her seat, “It took a lot of Magicka, but I managed to cast a Sleep Illusion Spell strong enough to affect her. When I could feel your arrival approached, we sent her to Arcail’s Wolfpacks. Her fate was uncertain until you made your decision.”

“… A Sleep Spell?” Gaius asked, staring at Venus. He was about to ask her further but was interrupted by a loud “Yes! That very spell! It’s one of my favorites…” she blinked at Gaius. It took a moment for him to realize it’s meaning, everything starting to make far more sense then. He nodded, saying “… I see….” He withdrew his blade.

“It is the end she deserves.” Codubia said, “She has the blood of countless Lupus in her hands. Only through her death can justice be done.”

“Ahh, elder sis… How easily you attract others to hate you…” Venus stretched her arms, yawning “… It’s gotten so late… We need to settle things around here…”

“What is to be done about him?” Codubia gestured towards Gaius, “He seems to have given up. If we can’t physically damage Minerva ourselves, I doubt we can do it to this one.”

“Oh… Him…” Venus got up, smiling at Gaius, “It’s all going accordingly…”

“You never did fully explain the end phase of your plan. What is to be done now?”

“Let’s see…” Venus crossed through the fireplace, her demonic skin invulnerable to the flames, “There is still one last part needing to be done…” She tapped onto Codubia’s furry shoulder.

“… What are you doing?”

“I just wanted to say thank you…” she tightened her grip, “… Without you, none of this would have been possible! Everything went as I wanted, and the best-case scenario luckily came out!”

“Best case scenario?” Codubia asked, “Gaius is still alive, so I hardly think…”

“Exactly!” shouted Venus, “It warms my heart I didn’t need to go as far as to actually hurt my Princeps… Sure, I couldn’t even if I tried, but still!”

Codubia’s face contorted, “What nonsense are you spouting? Get your hand off… Ugh…”

Venus’ smile stretched from each edge, a mocking laughter coming out, “Oh, they never learn not to let me get too close…” She pulled her hand off, the spell already cast. Codubia didn’t move a muscle. Venus turned to Gaius, “Your turn!”

Gaius nodded, “… Got it.” He lifted both of his hands, overflowing in magic. He called on a great spell, stretching far and wide for several meters. The Lupus and succubus weren’t given time to react. They were all paralyzed much like Codubia. The magic didn’t reach as far as the legionnaires, which befell the Lupus, and started to kill them.

“… No!” Gaius shouted, halting the soldiers’ progress, “Take them as prisoners.” While his voice and silhouette were the very personification of authority, the legion turned to Venus for guidance. As always, she replied with a smile, “Let it be! If my Princeps is feeling merciful, we ought to follow his lead.”

“… Understood.” The soldiers saluted, refraining from killing and pushing the living statues off from the area.

Codubia’s body was the only one among them showing any signs of life, twitching her fingers and moving her red eyes. Venus faced her, “Oh, I can’t resist!” she waved another instance of the spell, allowing the Lupus to speak and move her head.

“…Ugh… You… Fucking Roman traitor, I knew you would eventually…”

Venus sighed, “Yes, yes, I’ve heard it all before… I want you to ask how things went the way they did so I can explain my true master plan!”

Codubia gruntled, her feral teeth trying to reach Venus face for a bite. As she couldn’t move her neck, it was a futile affair, “Awn… Won’t you ask it? C’mon…”

Codubia’s anger only increased at the provocations thrown at her. She calmed for a second, letting out a great howl, many times louder than the horn played when Gaius arrived. Venus and Gaius put their hands over their ears, along with many of the legionnaires.

“Ouch… Stop that!” Venus fully paralyzed her once more, shutting her obnoxious animal screech, “Damn Lupus… And here I was thinking about working with you…”

“I feel like you owe me a full explanation if you can’t give it to Codubia.” Gaius said, walking towards her, “This has all been an elaborate scheme formulated by you, hasn’t it?”

“Yup!” Venus faced Gaius, walking to him to an uncomfortably close distance, “How would you rate my plan? Did you like my performance?”

“… It was effective, I would say… It fooled me right until the end.”

Venus giggled, “It’s good to hear I haven’t gone rusty…”

“Using a spell that doesn’t exist as a way to inform me of the whole thing was quite creative. Given how the Lupus have little understanding of magic, they couldn’t check if it was real or not.”

Venus rolled her eyes, “Oh… Believe me, this Lupus tried a lot to be sure it was a thing. I had to go as far as casting a doppelganger spell in one of my troops to pretend it was Minerva. After then she was convinced it really was her which they sent to Arcail….”

“But did you?” asked Gaius.

“Oh no, don’t worry about it. I had a scouting party who dealt with the two Lupus carrying the fake Minerva. Arcail won’t be hearing of what happened here until it’s too late!”

Gaius glanced at Codubia, “… I see one of your intentions was to capture her as a valuable hostage…”

“Yeah! That’s why I wanted to see her personally. It would have been far easier if she had just visited me personally in Tioch, but, well… I guess I really am not very trustworthy…”

“… You were the one responsible for the message too, right? You made it really ambiguous on whether or not it was a trap…”

“I wrote it myself! I hope you liked my handwriting… It’s a little rusty, I know… Haven’t done much paper work recently…”

Gaius crossed his arms, “… There are some things I don’t understand about it, though…”

“Hmm? Like what?” Venus tilted her head.

“If the intention was to capture Codubia, why didn’t you inform me of your plan in the scroll? Why bother leaving me out of the loop until the last second? What was the whole deal and drama you generated, if it didn’t serve any purpose?”

“Oh… That…” Venus narrowed her vision. She put a hand over Gaius’ chest plate, where the Imperial Eagle was displayed, “… I wanted to check a few things…”

“… Like what?” he asked, a bit nervously.

“Well… When I first heard of your return, from Minerva no less, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. It had been so long since you left us to the Unconquered Lands, I thought you didn’t hold any attachments to use anymore…” her voice lowered, almost like a whisper, “… I thought you didn’t care about us….”

Gaius sighed, “… It’s starting to make sense…” he facepalmed, “This whole thing, involving Minerva’s capture and the questioning. It wasn’t all about deceiving Codubia you were loyal to the alliance, but about drawing me here and test how I truly felt about my creations…”

Venus slowly nodded, “… Yes, that’s it…” she slid her hand over the plates, reaching his neck. With her other arm she made a firm grip on the emperor, “You have no idea how happy I was to learn you cherish us so much…”

Gaius by that point was getting uncomfortable. The last time a girl got this close to him had been her girlfriend, an experience he didn’t have ever since he started to play Impera, that is t say, several years ago. There were the prostitutes from the game, but he didn’t count them. As far as real living beings went, this was part of his life he neglected in favor of his career as the Emperor online. Things weren’t made better by the fact Venus looked so into him. Since when had she such an obsession? Was it only her succubus race playing the part, or were there real emotions beside passion beneath it all? In the heat of the moment, Venus looked to be going for a kiss. As saying no was too rude, and saying yes not what he wanted, Gaius let the moment go. The feeling of something hard pressed against his leg’s plates was the last straw.

“Venus, this is…”

Gaius’ words were cut short by a nearby tent’s curtains being torn open. The would-be-couple's heads faced the source of the noise.

“… What was that?” Gaius asked, “Are there still Lupus resisting?”

Venus sighed, letting go of Gaius, “…No… That tent is…”

“… Is that Minerva!?”

She was moving very fast, but it was indeed her. In rush to their location, she had her spear trusting the air into their direction.

“… Minerva! Wait!” Gaius shouted, waving his arm in the air. It prompted her to stop her momentum, carving large holes in the ground in the abrupt landing.

“… Princeps? Are you alright?” Minerva asked, “I heard you were heading here, but only now I managed to break off from…. Venus’ spell…” She glanced at her little sister, “… I see you have already her at your custody. What shall be her punishment?”

“… Punishment? Well… Things haven’t gone exactly that way… It’s a little complicated.”

“It means you should apologize!” Venus told Minerva, “You just wrecked my favorite tent! You better prepare to start fixing it… Or else you want to be paralyzed again?”

“You insubordinate little… I don’t what happened for Gaius not to have taken your head off already, but it sure isn’t enough for me to forgive you.” She rested her spear on the ground, placing the shield on her back. She glanced at Gaius, “… So then, Princeps, have you been informed of Venus’ aspirations to the Imperial Throne?”

“… I have.” He nodded, eyeing Venus, “… And I’m still to hear an explanation as to what that was all about.”

Both Gaius and Minerva stared down Venus, whose face began to blush, “… I… I was just having fun, that’s all! It was part of the disguise to fool Codubia…”

“… I’m not quite sure if I buy it.” Gaius said.

“I am,” Minerva added.

“… Anyway… Even if I am not to be the empress by force, there is another way to get that title…” she smirked at Gaius, licking her lips. His face went red under the helmet, wanting to take a step back.

Minerva chuckled, “… It seems I was right after all… This was all about Gaius, wasn’t it?”

“Shut it!” Venus demanded, “You don’t need to know the details…”

“I’m not sure about that. I’m still very lacking in information…”

Gaius overcame his shame and awkwardness, mustering the ability to speak, “… I’ll give the details later… For now all you need to know is that Venus is loyal to our side, and Codubia has become our prisoner.”

Minerva’s elven years lifted, “That is… Very good for us. It seems a lot of progress was made while I was away…”

“For sure… A lot of things happened…” Gaius looked at Venus, which Minerva followed on a glance.

“… Are you sure we can trust her?” Minerva asked, “She has betrayed two different and sides in a single night… What is preventing her from doing it again?”

Minerva raised a good point, Gaius thought deeply on it, but overall couldn’t come up with anything solid.

“… I don’t know…” he said, eyeing Venus.

“… Ok, I’ll do it. I’ll show both of you…”

Venus walked off, standing atop her bench at the fireplace.

“All legionnaires, eyes on me!”

The soldier, busy with dragging the Lupus into their cells and Succubus maids in a safe place until the spell wore off were called upon. They let go of their tasks and focused on their legate.

Venus pointed to Gaius, “This man is Princeps Gaius, the rightful emperor, and conqueror of the world! He has returned once more to our realm, seeking to bring forth a new age!” She saluted him, “I, Venus Elagabalus once again pledge my loyalty to my creator and master!” she took a deep breath, “… Ave Gaius!”

The soldiers were indifferent at first, but one after the other raised arms, saluting and joining in the “Ave Gaius!” proclamations. Soon, the entire legion was chanting it, raising their gladius out along with their arms and voices. Thousands of men pledged their arms in his name.

Venus jumped off the bench, “… The 20th Legion vows to serve you. You can count on their unwavering support, as well as mine, my Princeps…” she smiled, her tail waving in the air.

“… Thank you for your support.” Gaius said, “With a fully dedicated Legion back in our command, the Empire can breathe much easier…”

“It’s about time we recovered these man to the central state’s power…” Minerva said, “But now it remains to be decided on what we will we do next. With the Lupus horde so close we could attempt to formulate a surprise attack, opening with a strong Obliteration Spell.”

“Ahh, we are jumping right into the fun!” Venus laughed, “I could try to personally infiltrate their ranks to assassinate some of their leaders. A wolf can’t bite with its head torn off the body…”

Gaius thought on the matter. It would be wise to use their advantage in information as wisely as possible.

“… We won’t attack Arcail’s forces, not yet… We must replenish the capital with these legion’s men and supplies. Once we have a strong and fortified capital to work from, we can start planning a way to defeat the barbarians. Negotiating behind strong walls and armies is always an advantage, especially so with a valuable captive in the mix.”

“I see,” Minerva said.

“Got it!” Venus affirmed.

Gaius walked away from both, facing the men of the legion. He cleared his throat, raising his voice with a rarely seen vigor, “… Soldiers! Pack up, for we are going home!”