Inside the grand Central Hall of the Imperial Castle, where the emperor and the empress often confabulated, a heavy air lingered between them. Emperor Yu Wen sat regally in his golden chair, sipping the tea his wife, Empress Dahlia, had served him. The long, luxurious table stretched out before them, an imposing symbol of their shared rule.
"The announcement of the Crown Prince will be made on the last day of the Newmoon," Yu Wen said, his tone final, as if trying to convince himself that there was no other choice.
"29th day of the Imperial year, 635 Capricorn," Dahlia echoed softly, pouring another cup of tea for the emperor, her movements smooth and precise, her face a mask of serenity.
Yu Wen knew what his words truly meant: the formal crowning of the First Prince, born of the First Concubine. As the emperor's eldest living son, he was the only real option to take the title of Crown Prince, even though he was not Dahlia's child. Dahlia had borne two children—the eldest, her beloved son, had died tragically in battle, leaving only her younger son, now the Third Prince. The Second Prince, born to the First Concubine, was poised to ascend.
Despite the weight of the situation, Dahlia's expression remained unreadable. Even the emperor, who knew her better than anyone, could not discern what lay behind her composed exterior.
"I want you to attend the ceremony—" Yu Wen began, trying to bridge the gap between them.
"The mother of the prince must be the one at his side during the coronation," Dahlia interrupted, her voice calm and devoid of emotion. "I will personally guide Lady Ru in preparing for the occasion. You need not concern yourself, Your Majesty."
Her tone was polite but distant, and Yu Wen hesitated, sensing that Dahlia had already made up her mind. She had changed over the years—no longer the vibrant woman he had fallen in love with. Now, she seemed more ethereal, a distant figure cloaked in her own grief and thoughts, and he could never quite reach her.
"Life is full of uncertainties," Yu Wen mused aloud, standing suddenly. "The best way to face them is to fight them."
He glanced at Dahlia, hoping for some reaction, but her expression remained unchanged, her face as serene and unreadable as before.
"The Palace of Tranquility will always be under my safeguard, as will the royal family against the hungry nobles," Dahlia said, her words intended to soothe the emperor's worry. She knew what he truly feared—that she would no longer be able to fulfill her duties as Empress in the face of the shifting political landscape.
A small, sad smile tugged at Yu Wen's lips. He moved closer, wrapping his arms around her from behind, holding her gently. There was warmth in the gesture, but an undeniable sense of distance lingered between them.
The emperor and empress sat in quiet conversation when the sound of heavy footsteps echoed down the hallway, interrupting their peaceful moment.
"GENERAL OF THE FIRST ORDER REQUESTING AN AUDIENCE, YOUR MAJEST—"
"LET HIM IN," Emperor Yu Wen cut off the guard abruptly.
Moments later, General Castor entered, flanked by his personal guards. The group knelt before the emperor and empress.
"We greet the Sun that never sets, the Emperor, and the Moon that always shines, the Empress of the Empire," Castor intoned with reverence.
"Rise," Yu Wen commanded, his voice cold and authoritative. "What is so urgent that you would disturb our afternoon tea?"
The general, visibly unsettled, hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Please, Your Majesty, forgive me. I have committed a grave error and will accept any punishment you deem necessary."
"Be at ease, General. State your business and raise your head. If this is not of great importance, I do not recommend interrupting the emperor's time," Empress Dahlia added, rising gracefully from her chair to face the group of knights.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Castor began, standing slowly. "The western regions are under attack by shadow knights, dark creatures that have emerged from the abyss. The Western Fortress has deployed its forces to prevent major losses, but the enemy numbers are overwhelming. The Cathedral has sent Holy Knights to bless the borderlines, but their efforts will not hold for long."
As the general continued, Yu Wen's expression darkened. The timing of this attack was all too suspicious. If no crown prince was crowned soon, the high nobles would begin to meddle, proposing one of their own sons for the imperial title. It was a dangerous time for the empire.
"Send the First Order to the west to contain the shadow knights. I will lead the royal ar—"
"No," Dahlia interjected firmly. "The Order of the Phoenix will deal with it. General, send your troops to the fortress to reinforce their defenses. Also, order the Second Order to take the princes to the Imperial Castle for protection."
Yu Wen stared at Dahlia for a moment, realizing what she meant. This attack was no coincidence—it was a ploy by their enemies to delay the crowning ceremony and sow chaos. He knew it had to be the work of one of the twelve lords, those who sought to undermine the empire.
Dahlia, now prepared for battle, left the central hall, her expression determined. She mounted her steed, joined by her loyal Order of the Phoenix. As they rode, she called out to her right-hand aide, Roland Morerl, who rode alongside her.
"How long until we arrive?" Dahlia asked, her eyes fixed on the horizon.
"Two days by normal travel," Roland replied. "But with Melan's spell on the horses, we'll be there in forty-five minutes at full speed."
Melan Despo, her left-hand aide, had enchanted the horses to lighten their burden and increase their stamina, allowing the Order to cover vast distances swiftly.
"ORDER OF THE PHOENIX, FULL SPEED!" Dahlia commanded, her voice ringing with authority.
The knights spurred their enchanted horses forward, galloping at an incredible pace. Ahead lay the vast forests and towering mountains that made the western regions difficult to traverse. Yet, with their swift steeds, they approached the Iron Gates of the Western Fortress in no time.
As they neared, Melan raised the Imperial Seal high into the air, its symbol shining brightly.
"THE EMPRESS ARRIVES! OPEN THE CENTRAL GATE!" a guard in the watchtower called out.
The massive iron gates began to lift, groaning as they slowly rose to allow the empress and her entourage to enter. But Dahlia showed no signs of slowing down. Her steed charged through the fortress, and it became apparent to the guards that she intended to pass straight through, heading toward the battlefield.
"EMPRESS! IT'S TOO DANGEROUS OUTSIDE THE FORTRESS! YOU MUST STAY WITHIN THE WALLS!" a female lieutenant called out, her voice laced with concern.
Dahlia did not respond. Her gaze remained fixed on the next gate, the exit to the western wilderness.
"Roland, open the gate," Dahlia commanded.
Without hesitation, Roland cast a spell, subtly controlling the mind of the guard stationed at the lever. The massive iron gate began to rise, creaking under its weight. As soon as there was enough clearance, the empress and her knights surged forward, galloping out of the fortress with a sense of urgency, leaving the bewildered fortress guards in their wake.
"General McKenny!" the female lieutenant called out, breathless, as the general entered the courtyard.
"Send a squadron to follow Her Majesty—"
"GENERAL! AN ORDER FROM THE IMPERIAL PALACE!" a guard shouted urgently from the watchtower, cutting off the lieutenant. "LET THE EMPRESS PASS. THE WESTERN FORTRESS IS TO STAND BY AND AWAIT THE ARRIVAL OF THE IMPERIAL KNIGHTS!"
General McKenny's expression tightened, his eyes flicking toward the disappearing figure of the empress and her entourage. The soldiers standing by were clearly uneasy.
"What in the world is going on?" the lieutenant muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. "The empress is incredibly strong, but this is far too dangerous, even for her. And yet... we cannot disobey an order from the Imperial Palace."
The general remained silent for a moment, his gaze locked on the horizon where Dahlia had vanished. He knew better than to question the empress's decisions, but the gravity of the situation weighed heavily on him.
"Stand down," McKenny finally said, his tone filled with both resignation and respect. "Her Majesty knows what she's doing. We will follow the Imperial decree and await reinforcements. Prepare the fortress defenses, and ensure we're ready should the situation worsen."
As the lieutenant turned to relay the orders, there was a shared sense of apprehension among the soldiers. They had all witnessed the empress's strength, but the threat lurking in the western region was unlike any they had faced before.
While the fortress prepared to hold its position, Dahlia and her Order of the Phoenix were already well on their way to the frontlines, galloping toward the heart of the conflict.
The soldiers could do nothing but watch as the empress and her Order rode out into the wilderness, heading straight toward the heart of the conflict, where shadow knights and unknown dangers awaited.
"Her majesty arrives in the western region" -Grand minister Luke Vangard
"the Empress' Mind is difficult to penetrate as if she had a spell to prevents anyone from entering"
"The Empress is the daughter of the Llereosa family—the Moon of the Empire. The strongest family in the land. There is no doubt, even the Emperor's 'Empathic Accuracy' won't be able to affect Her Majesty," General Castor murmured under his breath.
The emperor, Yu Wen, stood quietly for a moment, his gaze distant as he processed the general's words. "My wife is no longer the woman I once knew," he said, his voice a mix of admiration and frustration. "Her expression changes only when she's dealing with the Second Prince. It's the only time I see a genuine, tender smile on her face."
General Castor nodded, listening closely as the emperor continued.
"Her Majesty is wiser than I," Yu Wen admitted, his tone tinged with both pride and unease. "Not even the Cathedral's Popes could outmaneuver her. Before she left, she requested that the Pope restrain the movements of all churches. She even sent her own Assassination Squad to spy on the Twelve Lords until her battle is done."
The general's eyes widened at this revelation. *The Empress even sent spies among the Twelve Lords?* he thought. *Could she have uncovered a scheme?*
Yu Wen, lost in thought, contemplated his wife's recent actions, piecing together the oddities of her movements. It was becoming clear to him that Dahlia was operating on a level far beyond what even he had anticipated.
"Grand Minister Luke," the emperor said abruptly, turning toward the shadows where his trusted advisor stood. "Order the Dark Fiend Corps to enter the houses of the Twelve Lords. Have them request that the lords give their blessing for the coronation of Prince Deluc."
Minister Luke stepped forward, bowing slightly. "As you command, Your Majesty," he said, before vanishing to carry out the order.
"Heed these orders and send the Fiend Corps as the emperor has commanded!" Grand Minister Luke announced.
As he finished speaking, a few wisps of white smoke appeared—remnants of a teleportation spell. The Grand Minister touched the lingering smoke, his expression neutral.
"It seems my men's teleportation spells are not as refined as the Second Prince's," he remarked, a hint of envy in his voice. He had long been envious of Prince Davey's teleportation magic. Davey's spells were so flawless that not a trace of smoke or dust remained afterward. No one would even notice when a teleportation spell had been cast if Prince Davey was the caster.
*Such refinement in teleportation is inherited only by the name of Llereosa,* the Grand Minister thought.
-------------------------------------------------
"LUCENT BEAM!"
The sky dimmed, and several beams of light descended, scattering across the battlefield and vanquishing the shadow knights in their path.
'These shadow knights keep coming. There must be a magic circle nearby serving as their spawning point. The holy knights' magic barricade won't last much longer. If it fails, the nearby towns will be in grave danger. The evacuation is still ongoing, and this battle is far from over.'
"Melan!" Dahlia called out. "Lead ten knights into the back forest. Find the magic circle and destroy it at once!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Melan saluted, swiftly gathering ten of her best knights before setting off to fulfill the command.
Dahlia turned her gaze back to the battlefield, her resolve unwavering. "I WILL SHOW YOU THE WAY! **BLINDNESS INDUCEMENT!**"
As the spell was cast, a blanket of darkness descended over the battlefield, blinding every enemy in sight. Only Dahlia stood unaffected, her vision sharp as ever.
Dahlia gave Melan and her knights the **Lucent Sight**, allowing them to navigate the battlefield in the pitch-black darkness she had cast over their enemies.
'I've been using my powers for four hours already. The Phoenix Order is exhausted, and the Imperial Army is yet to arrive,' Dahlia thought, concern weighing on her mind.
"Everyone, retreat to the barricade!" she commanded, her voice resolute as she began to survey the battlefield.
"How many are injured?" she asked, seeing Roland healing the remaining troops.
"These are the only injured knights we have, Your Majesty!" Roland replied.
"I am relieved," Dahlia said, her tone softening for a brief moment. As they began retreating, four shadow knights manifested in front of them. Unlike before, these knights were larger, wielding enchanted swords. One of them raised its sword, poised to strike.
Before Dahlia could react, Roland stepped forward. "**DISPERSING CHAIN!**" Seven glowing links of chains shot out, wrapping around the four shadow knights, dragging them away from the group. It was one of Roland's signature spells, the **Chains of Judgement**.
"Your Majesty, we must retreat at once!" Roland urged, his voice strained as he grabbed Dahlia's hand. "Melan will soon locate and destroy the magic circle, but we need to stay safe until then!"
Dahlia took a shaky breath, sweat dripping down her face. Suddenly, she stumbled and fell, gasping for air. She could feel her energy slipping away as several shadow knights charged toward them.
'These knights are fighting the newly arrived troops and seem unaware of our presence. How did they pinpoint my location so quickly?'
A hunch hit her. Dahlia quickly manipulated the gravity around them, disarming the shadow knights and halting their attack. She knelt to the ground, feigning exhaustion, testing her suspicion that someone was watching their every move.
Despite her seemingly weakened state, Dahlia's stamina was far beyond that of ordinary knights. As the **Moonlight Empress**, her reserves of mana were vast, able to replenish her strength tenfold. She had more than enough power to continue the fight, but she needed to confirm if her every move was being monitored.
"Take this opportunity to behead the shadow knights! My spell won't hold them for long, so act with haste!" Dahlia commanded, her voice firm and urgent.
The fortress knights sprang into action, striking down the immobilized shadow knights. Meanwhile, Dahlia reached out, placing her hand over Roland's eyes.
"Forgive me, Roland, but endure this pain for now," she whispered in her mind. Dahlia possessed a unique ability—when she touched someone, she could imitate their powers. Since Roland's gift lay within his eyes, allowing him to control and transfer his vision to those he saw, Dahlia needed access to it. Though Roland's gift was still undeveloped, she could unlock its full potential.
As her palm rested over his eyes, Roland gritted his teeth, a sharp pain searing through his head. But he trusted the empress, knowing she wouldn't harm him without reason. He braced himself, understanding the gravity of their situation.
"**ANCIENT APPARITION!**" Dahlia invoked the spell, her voice resonating with an ancient power. She lifted her gaze toward the full moon that hung overhead, casting a silvery light across the battlefield. In that moment, Dahlia transferred her consciousness to the moon itself, tapping into its divine essence.
Now, with the moon as her vantage point, she could see everything within the world. Her consciousness expanded, granting her an omniscient awareness of the battlefield and beyond. The moon's lucent light grew brighter, enveloping her in a protective aura that captivated everyone around her. The knights and soldiers marveled at the radiant glow as the **Spirit of the Moon** descended, wrapping Dahlia in an ethereal embrace.
With her newfound omniscience, Dahlia saw every detail, every hidden enemy, and every plot unfolding. The battlefield was no longer a mystery; it was an open book in her hands. The light of the moon shielded her and Roland, creating a sanctuary amidst the chaos.
Dahlia focused her gaze on the battlefield, her omniscient vision sweeping over every corner. As her sight roamed, she discovered four watchers positioned on a mountain to the east. They were observing the battle, likely orchestrating the chaos from afar.
In addition, she noticed Melan and her squad still searching for the elusive magic circle. With her newfound power, Dahlia pinpointed its exact location. Without hesitation, she sent a **Lucent Light**, a radiant beam, directly toward the magic circle to guide Melan's troops to it.
Satisfied, she shifted her focus and used her ability to send a **Lucent Whisper** across vast distances. This whisper reached her son, Prince Davey, instructing him to teleport to her location. With her current state, Dahlia could communicate across half the world.
As she deactivated the **Ancient Apparition**, the glow around her faded, and everything returned to normal. A wave of dizziness briefly washed over her, but she quickly steadied herself, her resilience kicking in. Roland, however, felt noticeably weaker from the strain of having his gift temporarily used.
"Rest, Roland," Dahlia said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder to console him. "You did well. I want you to retreat with Davey once he arrives."
"What do you mean, Your Majesty? Prince Davey? The second prince must not come here! The prince must remain safe. He is likely their primary target!" Roland protested, his voice tinged with concern.
Dahlia's expression remained calm. "I urge you to keep your concerns to yourself for now, Roland," she said in a measured tone. "However, there's no need to worry. No one can harm my son."
Just as she finished speaking, Prince Davey appeared before them, the air shimmering from his graceful teleportation. His arrival was swift and silent, as if he had always been there, yet his presence radiated strength.
Without a word Dahlia took Davey's forehead then teleported together to where the four watchers on the east side of the battlefield.
After teleporting Dahlia ordered Davey to get Roland evacuated.
"For strangers to set foot on this land and cause harm, the reward awaiting you must be a promising one. Only high-class magicians could afford such a futile pursuit," Dahlia said, her voice cold and steady. She eyed the four cloaked figures in front of her, each wearing black, expressionless masks. "I suppose you're scholars from small cities or kingdoms scattered across this continent."
Dahlia's gaze sharpened as she continued, "Your masks seem to be restricting your ability to speak. Let's take care of that first, shall we?"
As she raised her hand to act, the magicians moved with startling speed. They leaped back, distancing themselves at least four feet from each other, taking tactical positions to encircle her.
'A calculated move... they plan to gang up on me. These magicians aren't easy to deal with.'
Suddenly, one of the magicians summoned a powerful gust of wind, hurling it in Dahlia's direction. Two more prepared to strike from her left, while another positioned himself to the far right.
'I can't counter their spells. If I do, I leave myself vulnerable to another attack. Evasion is my best option.'
Dahlia deftly leaped to a nearby rock, but just as she landed, she sensed a sudden presence behind her. One of the magicians had closed in for a strike, his blade flashing toward her neck.
'A close-combat magician!'
She narrowly dodged the blow, but as soon as her feet touched the ground, a restraining array flared to life, binding her in place.
'A trap... and created so quickly. These magicians are skilled, more than I anticipated.'
"Her Majesty won't last much longer against us," one of the magicians sneered, stepping forward. He was the tallest of the group, his aura much stronger than the others. He appeared to be their leader.
As he approached, he pointed a finger at Dahlia, a focused beam of light gathering at its tip.
"If Her Majesty had just stayed in her lavish palace, she might have lived a little longer," he taunted, his voice dripping with malice.
A grin crept across Dahlia's face as she realized the magician before her must be tied to high society—only someone with such connections would dare speak to her like this. Her anger flared, burning with the knowledge that the high nobles had gone this far.
To threaten the people of the western regions for someone's ambition? Outrageous. To disturb the order of the empire and endanger its people? Unforgivable. I will make sure the lord behind this loses his head.
"Goodbye, Your Majes—"
The magician's words faltered, his voice dying as his eyes widened in shock. Above them, a colossal clock appeared, its magnitude vast enough to cover the entire sky.
'A time magic circle on this scale!' the magicians thought in unison, rethinking their actions. This kind of magic was beyond comprehension. Only the highest tier of magic practitioners could even attempt it. Not even the Chairman of the Soul Land Tower had mastered time magic of this magnitude.
Time magic— the most powerful, the one that defies all known magical laws. It shapes reality, controls other magic circles, and stands invincible in its power.
"Now, let us talk," Dahlia said, her voice cutting through the air like a blade. With just a flick of her finger, the array binding her feet shattered.
"From this point on, I control your lives. Even death itself holds no sway here. As long as you are under this sky, your very existence depends on my judgment," she declared, her tone regal and commanding. "I am Dahlia Margaret Llereosa Avaleon, the Moon that Always Shines over this Empire, wife of Emperor Yu Wen, descendant of the Llereosa family—strength and mind of this continent. My gift is the Power of Time, the ruler of all magic!"
With every word, gusts of wind pulsed through the air, growing stronger with each invocation. The magicians trembled, struggling to stay on their feet, their breathing growing heavier. Sweat trickled down their faces, the weight of Dahlia's magic pressing down on them.
They realized with horror that even death would not save them. Dahlia could rewind time, resurrecting them to face her judgment again. There was no escape. The only option left for those trapped under her magic was to submit to her will.
At that moment, a voice echoed in Dahlia's mind, sharp and urgent.
[Mother, a high magician is heading your way. Their aura is stronger than even the emperor's. Get the seals of those four magicians and vanquish them at once. We can't risk any more lives on the field—the shadow knights are gone. These four magicians before you are merely pawns of a far stronger opponent waiting to strike. If we face this foe head-on, the battle will be catastrophic! Our only strategy is to avoid it entirely.]
The sound transmission was from her son, Prince Davey, a gift granted to him by the God of Wisdom. As Davey's words resonated in her mind, Dahlia felt the presence of the approaching magician herself.
Who are they?
Her thoughts raced, but time was on her side.
"SEALING SAINT!" Dahlia invoked the spell, and the souls of the four magicians were swiftly extracted, transforming into glowing, egg-shaped spheres. With a deft motion, she collected them, sealing their fates. These souls, now bound by the "Sealing Saint," were locked in a state where reincarnation was impossible—held in perpetual death by the caster's power.
As she undid her magic, the colossal time circle above them vanished, and everything returned to its natural state. In that instant, Davey appeared before her, and together, they warped back to the Western Fortress.
The battle had ended, and the land was calm once more, but within the Imperial Castle, a tense and puzzling situation was unfolding.
Everything seemed normal on the surface, but the subtle undercurrents of unrest were palpable, as though the empire itself was holding its breath, waiting for the next storm.
Inside the Throne hall where all the Imperial Family is present including the general and minister
**Grand Minister Luke** furrowed his brow, his eyes narrowed as the messenger of the Western Region finished his report.
"You mean there's an outsider involved in this madness?" Luke asked, his voice low but sharp with suspicion.
"Yes, my lord. Upon investigation, it's been confirmed that the magicians defeated by Her Majesty, the Empress, belonged to the Soul Land Tower—located deep within the Forbidden Forest," the messenger replied, laying out the evidence collected. "The Lord of the Western Region is currently focused on rebuilding the defenses, but this infiltration runs deep."
The tension in the Throne Hall was palpable as the ministers and officials reviewed the reports and assessed the damage.
"What about the casualties?" Emperor Yu Wen, seated on his throne, asked.
"Your Majesty, the western forces suffered only minor losses, thanks to the swift intervention of the Imperial Army, the Cathedral's reinforcement, and the timely arrival of the Order of the Phoenix. What could have been a prolonged, devastating battle was contained and ended in a matter of hours."
The room fell quiet as the Emperor processed the report. Parchments filled with evaluations and damage assessments were passed around the hall as the ministers discussed how best to respond to the situation.
Suddenly, **Lady Ru**, the Emperor's first concubine, broke the silence. "The coronation must take place sooner than anticipated."
The sudden declaration sent a wave of outrage through the hall, especially from the more conservative ministers.
"We cannot rush such an important event!" snapped the **Minister of Finance**, his voice rising with frustration. "To hastily proceed with the coronation in the current situation will only create more chaos, not just among the high noble houses but also within the Imperial Court itself!"
Lady Ru's expression hardened. "Our enemies attacked knowing the coronation was imminent, intending to disrupt the ascension of Prince Deluc. If we delay, we play into their hands. We must counter by moving forward, showing strength, not weakness. Postponing will give them more time to prepare another strike, while the Imperial Family appears indecisive."
The ministers erupted in debate. Some agreed with Lady Ru's assessment, while others feared the consequences of accelerating such a crucial event. Amid the clamor, the Empress, **Dahlia**, watched quietly, her sharp eyes taking in every argument and the shifting balance of power.
**Prince Davey**, standing beside his mother, suddenly raised his hand, pointing at the Minister of Finance. Without warning, a beam of light shot from his finger, obliterating the post behind the minister. The entire room fell silent, stunned by his sudden outburst. Even the Emperor and Empress looked at him with surprise.
"Your Majesty!" the **Minister of Internal Affairs** exclaimed, his face pale. "Why would you act so rashly?"
Davey's expression remained calm, but his voice was laced with authority. "The Minister of Finance does not understand the gravity of this situation. He's speaking out of self-preservation, not for the good of the Empire. The presence of a Crown Prince threatens the balance of power between the high nobles and the Imperial Court. Ministers like him, aligned with those nobles, fear for their positions once the Crown Prince takes charge. They know he will scrutinize their loyalties and performances."
Davey's words sent a chill through the hall, as many of the ministers now realized his warning was more than a personal reprimand—it was a statement of intent. His piercing gaze swept across the room, making it clear that those who served both the Imperial Family and the high nobles would soon face difficult choices.
"The Imperial Court must remain loyal to the throne," Davey continued, his voice firm. "Those who serve two masters—both the Imperial Family and the high noble houses—will find their loyalties divided. This is unacceptable. The Crown Prince will ensure that such divided loyalties are eradicated. The Empire's future rests on the unwavering allegiance of its officials, not their pursuit of personal gain or noble alliances."
The hall remained deathly quiet, as the ministers and officials took in the gravity of Davey's words. It was clear that his statement wasn't just a defense of Lady Ru but also a lesson for his older brother, **Prince Deluc**. The eldest prince, though strong, still lacked the sharp political instincts that Davey was demonstrating.
As Davey's gaze softened, he concluded, "The Imperial Family must always view the high nobles as competitors, not allies. Those who claim to serve both the Empire and the nobility must choose, or the Crown Prince will make that choice for them."
The ministers, even the most senior among them, were left in awe of Davey's wisdom. His insights were far beyond his years, and in that moment, many in the hall realized that the young prince would not only be a formidable ally but also a dangerous opponent if crossed.
Dahlia, observing her son's brilliance, allowed herself a rare smile. This was the future of the Empire—the Moonlight Empress's son, shaping the fate of Avaleon.
"Grand Minister Luke and Prime Minister Sima, heed my command!" the Emperor's voice resonated through the Throne Hall, his tone firm and resolute. "Pass down my decree to all twelve houses—the Crown Prince's Inauguration will take place the day after tomorrow, on the 20th day of the Imperial Year 635!"
At once, the officials assembled in the hall moved with precision, positioning themselves at the center of the room, facing the Emperor. Seated upon his golden throne, the Emperor exuded regal authority. Empress Dahlia, serene and composed, sat beside him, her gaze unwavering. Below them, to the right, sat the First Concubine, her presence adding to the gravity of the moment. To the left, the princes were seated, their expressions reflecting the seriousness of the occasion.
The atmosphere in the Throne Hall was thick with anticipation, as the Emperor's decree set in motion a pivotal event for the future of the Empire.
The Grand minister and the Prime Minister then knelt in front of them together with the Ministers behind them.
Minister of Finance
Minister of War
Minister of Internal affair
Minister of External affair
Minster of Diplomatic relations