Four days later, early in the morning, the emperor received a letter from one of the messengers of the imperial knights. He was sitting in his office accompanied by his two friends, Angus and Edgar, who were sitting on the two armchairs in front of him.

Arthur said as he read the letter.

Angus replied.

Edgar added.

On these words, Gardner stormed into the room, his face as white as a sheet.

he called out, completely out of breath.

Arthur asked, completely confused.

The emperor abruptly stood up from his chair, followed by the Duke and the Count.

he exclaimed angrily.

Angus asked hastily.

The three men looked at each other in disbelief before turning back to the old butler.

Edgar muttered in shock.

Angus added.

Arthur clenched his fists tightly in anger and irritation.

the emperor ordered.

Gardner replied with a bow.

Before moving towards the office door, someone knocked on it.

Arthur ordered.

Lucas Koraxos entered the room accompanied by the young princess. He was dressed in his usual armor.

he greeted with a bow.

the emperor complained.

Luana asked, completely lost.

corrected Angus.

Edgar added.

wondered the young girl.

Arthur suggested.

replied the young knight, bowing.

Before he could finish his sentence, someone knocked loudly on the door of the room.

Arthur exclaimed, enraged.

It was Elion's turn to enter, a very serious expression on his face. He advanced slowly towards the small group before bowing.

he greeted.

he asked impatiently.

Arthur remained silent, completely shocked. He sank into his chair, sighing heavily.

he whispered.

asked Count Taliny.

Elion nodded affirmatively.

he replied.

Lucas said.

Luana murmured.

suggested the young captain.

retorted Angus.

Lucas whispered.

murmured the emperor, massaging his head.

With those words, one of the butlers entered the room quietly before bowing. He was rather young, short and thin with pale skin, chestnut hair and hazel eyes.

he called in a small voice.

Arthur growled, rubbing his temples in pain.

the man replied.

The emperor clenched his fists tightly before slamming the surface of his desk hard in frustration.

he exclaimed in rage.

The Butler stiffened in fear and shivered slightly.

he answered.

Listening to these words, Arthur sighed heavily in exasperation.

he ordered, very annoyed.

The servant bowed hastily before leaving the room and returning a few seconds later, accompanied by a man who wore a long black cloak with a hood on his head.

Once the stranger entered the room, the small group looked at him in great confusion.

Arthur asked impatiently.

The tall man strode into the room before lowering his hood to reveal his face which shocked all present.

he whispered in his deep voice.

The emperor flashed a huge smile when he saw the person in front of him.

he whispered.

══════ ∘◦❁◦∘ ══════

In the city of Avigona, which was miles away from the capital, the atmosphere was rather icy, perfectly reflecting the disastrous state of the city which was once, one of the most beautiful cities in Auvrovaria.

The streets were ransacked, houses destroyed, several innocent bodies lying on the hard, cold ground with no signs of life. A few imperial knights took care of burying them in the city's cemetery.

Around noon, the Imperial Knights gathered in the great hall in an uncrowded inn to discuss their plan.

Their meal was served by the person in charge of the inn who was very grateful to them for having saved his life from the hands of a mercenary.

They chatted together while having their meal.

Eric said as he twirled his spoon in his bowl of soup, having no appetite to eat.

Matthew remarked.

one of the knights said.

another added.

This sentence made a huge click on the brain of Eric who widened his eyes in realization.

he muttered hesitantly.

Matthew, who was sitting next to him, couldn't help but notice the expression on his friend's face.

he asked worriedly.

The young man looked up at his teammates before hitting the table hard with his hand to get their attention.

he asked.

The knights remained silent, completely surprised by the behavior of their leader.

Sir Carter whispered to his teammate.

he exclaimed again aloud which startled the others.

one added.

another remarked.

Eric's eyes widened in shock as leaned his back on the back of the chair, sighing heavily.

Matthew asked, completely worried.

══════ ∘◦❁◦∘ ══════

the young princess exclaimed in disbelief.

Arthur explained.

replied the emperor.

Angus said.

Elion added.

exclaimed the young princess in concern.

the former captain replied.

she asked.

reassured Arthur.

the girl whispered.

Lucas asked.

Everyone was surprised by the words of the former captain.

Arthur asked, completely confused.

Luana gasped in shock as she put her hands over her mouth.

Angus asked.

Angus said hastily.

Arthur ordered.

the butler replied before leaving the room.

Arminel added.

Lucas asked.