Rowan summoned the Chief Inquisitor Ian and the Cardinal Raymond to his side. Turning to Raymond, he asked coldly,"How goes the collection of evidence against the royal family for their treason with outsiders?"Raymond replied, "Your Holiness, the evidence is complete. Every detail is meticulously recorded, without a shred of doubt."Rowan's eyes narrowed. "Good. It's time. The royal family has betrayed the God of Light. They no longer deserve to sit on the throne. Let's purge them."
Ian, ever loyal and resolute, straightened his back and declared, "I will lead the Inquisition's forces to strike at the royal palace. They will pay for their sins."Rowan nodded slowly, rising from his seat. "I'll accompany you. Today, we end the royal family once and for all."
As Rowan and his party approached the palace, the royal guards stationed at the gates were taken aback by the sheer force of the approaching group. Panic spread across their faces, confusion and fear clouding their eyes. They couldn't fathom why the Pope, so revered and untouchable, would come with such a force to assault the palace.
Seeing their hesitation, Raymond stepped forward and unleashed his divine power. His voice rang out like thunder, echoing across the palace grounds."Emperor Montreli has conspired with outsiders and betrayed the God of Light! All who hear this, lay down your weapons and surrender at once, or face execution for treason!"
His words boomed, sending shockwaves of fear into the hearts of all who heard. Without hesitation, Ian signaled, and the Inquisition's warriors surged forward like an unstoppable tide, charging into the palace gates.
The Inquisitors, grim-faced and armed with deadly blades, showed no mercy. Anyone who dared resist was swiftly cut down. Blood splattered the stone steps, and the cries of battle rang out, turning the once-sacred palace into a scene of carnage and chaos.
Inside the palace, Emperor Montreli heard the commotion and his face drained of color. His heart sank as panic gripped him. He never imagined Rowan would act so quickly, breaking the agreed-upon timeline.
Desperately, he turned to the Radiant Envoy, his voice trembling."What do we do now? You swore the Pope wouldn't dare act before the year was up. How could this happen?"The Radiant Envoy, also stunned, looked at the unfolding chaos. He hadn't expected this either. His brows furrowed as he considered their options, then, after a pause, he spoke through gritted teeth."I'll go and try to stop them. Rowan may be bold, but he won't dare cross me—yet."
Montreli seized the opportunity, nodding desperately."Please, you must do something. If not, we're finished."
Before he could say more, Ian and his forces broke through the palace's defenses, charging in like a wave. Rowan entered with calculated steps, his eyes scanning the scene. He quickly spotted the pale-faced Emperor Montreli standing beside a stranger—the Radiant Envoy.
The Radiant Envoy stepped forward, trying to maintain his composure."I am the Envoy of the Radiant Church. Emperor Montreli is our ally. You cannot harm him!" His voice was steady, but his eyes betrayed uncertainty."You are subverting the throne. Do you not fear the consequences of such treason? You will bring upon yourselves universal condemnation."
Ian, already seething with anger, could hold it in no longer."Condemnation? You come to our lands, meddling with our affairs, and now you stand here lecturing us? Think we're easy prey?"
With a roar, he swung his sword at the Radiant Envoy. The Envoy barely had time to react, raising his sword in defense. Their blades clashed with a sharp ring, sparks flying.
But Ian's fury was like a storm. Each strike was filled with lethal intent, his sword moving with blinding speed. The Envoy tried to block, but Ian's relentless assault overpowered him. Within moments, Ian's blade found its mark, slashing across the Envoy's throat.
Blood sprayed across the floor as the Envoy's wide eyes stared in shock. He crumpled to the ground, lifeless.
Emperor Montreli watched in horror, his body shaking uncontrollably. He collapsed to his knees, his voice desperate."P-Pope, please! It's not what you think! I didn't betray the God of Light! The Radiant Envoy tricked me, manipulated me... I made a mistake, a foolish mistake! Please, have mercy on me!"
His pleas were pathetic, his voice cracking with fear. He hoped against hope that his words might save him.
Rowan stood emotionless, his gaze cold and unyielding."You know your mistake, but there is no redemption for you now."
With a mere flick of his eyes, he signaled to Ian, who immediately raised his bloodied sword and drove it into Montreli's chest. The Emperor's eyes went wide with shock, but no words escaped his lips. His body slumped to the floor, lifeless, as the palace fell silent in the aftermath of his death.
Rowan, having expected more resistance from within the palace, scanned the area but found it quieter than anticipated. The threat had been extinguished swiftly, and the palace was now firmly in their control.
Turning to Ian, Rowan spoke with a calm authority."Take care of the rest. I trust you to finish this."
With that, he turned and walked away from the bloody scene, leaving the palace to Ian and his men.
Raymond, understanding that his time had come, stepped forward, his voice commanding."Listen well, all of you! Round up every last member of the royal family. Leave no one behind!"
The remaining guards, now completely in disarray, obeyed without question, rushing to seize the royal family's members from every corner of the palace.