Emperor of Steel [EN]: Chapter 157

Late at night.

Magreta, the Minister of Protocol for the Kingdom of Livia, couldn’t sleep.

It wasn’t because she was working late or indulging in pleasure with the lords and knights who had become her slaves. She was simply pacing her room, lost in thought.

“Something’s not right.”

King Shaikhan’s actions had changed. He had always focused on increasing military power, as if he intended to conquer the Baroque Empire and the entire continent of Rhodia.

But for some reason, he had suddenly changed his policies. He withdrew the troops that had invaded the Baroque Empire and focused on defending the border. Instead of reducing the number of troops, he invested more in magic and foreign trade.

“Magical engineering is an industry for the future. And if the country’s finances are strong, military power will naturally grow,” Shaikhan had said, focusing on internal affairs while spending considerable time in the palace training room.

At first, the vassals were puzzled, but they didn’t object. They had been too focused on war since the kingdom’s founding. Public sentiment was wavering, and discontent was brewing among the nobles. So, they were relieved that the king was finally taking a breather.

‘But there were those who opposed it.’

These were Mitchell and Baintz, as well as the people of Evra County, Shaikhan’s maternal family. They argued that the Baroque Empire was suffering financially, with Emperor Rudolf even looting ancestral tombs for treasures, and that they shouldn’t miss the opportunity to push forward.

Butler and other hardliners in the military agreed with their arguments. However, Mitchell and Baintz, who had insisted on continuing the war, withdrew their claims a few days later. After being summoned by Shaikhan, they would only repeat, ‘I respect His Majesty’s decision,’ whenever asked about their meeting.

Duke Butler was no exception. He also abandoned his stubbornness after a private meeting with Shaikhan, and the military hardliners who had supported him were deflated.

Everyone had questions about this. However, they assumed that Shaikhan, who had been overbearing with the power of the Divine Dragon, had persuaded his vassals and let it go.

Only Princess Magreta secretly suspected something.

“In my opinion, this is probably a kind of brainwashing magic…”

As a descendant of the Arachne Magic Tower, she was skilled in using magic or potions to bewitch others. Therefore, she was more suspicious of the vassals’ sudden change in attitude.

‘But His Majesty is a typical warrior. Even if he knew of such means, he wouldn’t use them because he would consider them despicable…?’

If it were the usual Shaikhan, he would have suppressed the opposition by emitting intense fighting spirit in the great hall without any private meetings. That was how it had been, based on her observations of Shaikhan’s words and actions as his vassal.

And to brainwash Duke Butler, who had reached the level of Sword Sage [a master swordsman], at least a mental magic of considerable level would be required—at least 7th circle or higher.

However, if a mental magic of that level had been used in the palace, Magreta would have been aware of it.

Anyway, the king’s sudden change of attitude was suspicious, but it wasn’t bad for her.

‘If something has changed in his heart for some reason… if he’s changing his position or actions because of that, there might be a gap for my magic to penetrate!’

From the beginning, Magreta had ambitions to control the Kingdom of Livia’s national affairs. She used her beauty and the Arachne Magic Tower’s bewitching magic to manipulate countless lords and nobles.

She had managed to control the nobles, but it was impossible to take control of the kingdom’s national affairs. King Shaikhan was too overwhelming an opponent. When she couldn’t do it with power, she tried to seduce Shaikhan with magic, not fully understanding the power of the Divine Dragon he possessed.

But the result was not good. She had almost incurred the king’s wrath and lost her head.

‘Even now, when I think about it… I really thought I was going to die back then.’

She had almost lost all the foundations she had built, but Magreta did not give up. Instead, she burned with stubbornness and waited for an opportunity.

‘The scary thing about bewitching magic is that it can penetrate any gap in the heart.’

Whether it’s a knight with a righteous character, a priest who has trained for a long time, or a magician, no one is perfect. Even if the effects of seduction don’t appear at first, its influence often remains and later exerts its power.

‘There’s no tree that won’t fall after being chopped ten times. No matter how much power of the Divine Dragon he has…’

Knock knock.

While Magreta was secretly plotting, there was a knock on the door.

“What is it?”

In response to Magreta’s question, the head maid entered and reported politely.

“A palace guard knight has come with an urgent message.”

“An urgent message? At this hour?”

Though puzzled, Magreta went to see the guard knight waiting in the reception room. The guard knight, who greeted her politely, explained the reason for his visit.

“What did you say? His Majesty has ordered me to enter the palace?”

“Yes, Minister of Protocol.”

Magreta’s eyes, which had been bewildered, suddenly gleamed with lust and desire.

‘He called me at this late hour? Oh ho ho! It seems the magic I used before has finally taken effect!’

She had wondered if it had failed, but it seemed the effect had appeared belatedly. Perhaps the king’s actions and feelings had changed because her magic had influenced him.

‘This is not the time to dawdle. If I don’t seize this opportunity…!’

Magreta quickly put on makeup and wore a glamorous dress that revealed some skin, then took a carriage to the palace.

2

Clatter! Clatter!

Except for a few magic lamps lit for security, the palace was shrouded in darkness. The carriage carrying Magreta stopped in front of the main hall. She was guided by a guard knight to the king’s office inside the main hall.

Although she knew where the office was, Magreta didn’t rush. After all, she would be the victor tonight. The guard knight, who had stopped in front of the office door, turned and said politely.

“Please go in. I have been ordered to escort you only this far.”

‘Ho ho ho. Seeing that even the guard knight is left outside, he must be completely bewitched.’

Magreta smiled seductively and opened the door to enter the office.

Squeak!

Shaikhan was sitting behind a mahogany desk. She bowed politely and asked.

“Your Majesty, why did you call me?”

“Sit down first.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Magreta approached the armchair and sat down, making sure her fair thighs were visible through the slit of her dress.

Shaikhan, who glanced at her thighs, opened his mouth.

“The reason I called the Minister of Protocol late at night is because I have a request to make.”

“A request for me?”

Magreta asked nonchalantly, secretly thinking that Shaikhan had indeed fallen for her. His eyes were gleaming with lust under the magic lamps. But she pretended not to notice and played hard to get, knowing it would make a man’s heart ache even more.

Shaikhan swallowed and said.

“I want you to become my loyal servant.”

“Ho ho ho. I am already Your Majesty’s loyal vassal, am I not?”

Magreta covered her mouth and laughed triumphantly.

‘Ho ho ho. Looking at his eyes, his body is very hot. Now, if I pretend not to know and hug him while casting a stronger charm magic…’

It was when she was secretly making a sly plan.

Whisk!

Shaikhan, who had approached Magreta, grabbed her hand and pulled her into his arms.

“Oh my, Your Majesty… if you act so roughly… !”

The moment Magreta was about to act cute, a red and sinister light flashed in Shaikhan’s eyes. Strange patterns like magic circles were floating in his pupils, and every time they spun, Magreta could feel her mana being sucked out of her body and her mind becoming dizzy.

‘W-what is this? It’s dangerous!’

Magreta, barely sensing the danger, hurriedly pushed Shaikhan away and escaped his arms.

“Y-Your Majesty! What was that magic just now?”

Magreta’s voice, full of caution, protested. The magic Shaikhan had just used felt more powerful and sticky than the charm or bewitching magic she was familiar with. If so, it would be black magic, forbidden on the continent, and she couldn’t understand how Shaikhan had learned it.

“What on earth did you do to me? If this fact is known on the continent…”

Clap clap!

Shaikhan clapped his hands, not caring about Magreta’s protest. Then, several people appeared from between the bookshelves inside the office. It was Mitchell, Baintz, and Duke Butler.

“W-why are you here…?”

Magreta looked disbelieving. It was questionable that they were still in the palace at this late hour, and it was also suspicious that they had appeared at a meeting where the king and she were alone. Something must have gone terribly wrong.

The moment she was about to step back, Shaikhan, with a bitter smile, spoke to his vassals.

“Make sure that bitch doesn’t escape.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

The three men, like well-trained military dogs, rushed to the office entrance and windows, blocking all escape routes.

“Get out of my way! Step aside right now!”

Magreta, arriving late at the entrance, cast a charm spell on Duke Butler, yelling in a fit of rage.

However, Butler didn’t budge an inch.

“Too bad, but your magic won’t work on them.”

At Shaikhan’s sarcastic remark, Magreta retorted as if screaming.

“What on earth is lacking? Why are you resorting to forbidden black magic when you have the power of the mighty Divine Dragon!”

“Well, it’s to get everything in this country, including you, into my hands.”

“What? What are you talking about…?”

Magreta shook her head in disbelief, but Shaikhan had no intention of explaining further.

He extended his right hand towards Magreta and chanted a spell.

“Dark Attract!”

No sooner had he finished speaking than Magreta’s body was pulled towards him, and her collar was grabbed by Shaikhan’s hand.

“Gasp! What are you doing, Your Majesty? You are already the ruler of this country!”

“Hehehe! You don’t need to think about such things. Just offer your mana to me and become my loyal servant.”

“Wh-what did you say?”

What on earth was going on?

Magreta, bewildered, couldn’t help but be startled when she felt an immense dark energy emanating from Shaikhan’s body, something she had never sensed before.

It was not a level that could be achieved by learning black magic in a short period.

This made her realize one thing.

“Y-you’re not Shaikhan!”

The person in front of her clearly had Shaikhan’s face and body.

However, even if Shaikhan had awakened the power of the Dragonian, he was a warrior, not a mage.

And certainly not a black magic user.

Yet, the magic from before, and the person in front of her, possessed a terrifying dark energy that could turn her into a puddle of blood in an instant.

“Hehehe. You’ve finally realized it? But it’s too late. Now, the only path left for you is to become my loyal slave.”

Arsen, who was smiling wickedly, reactivated the brainwashing magic he had used earlier.

“Aaaah! Aaaah! Aaaaaaah!”

Magreta writhed in agony, screaming as if her brain was melting.

She tried to counter Shaikhan’s brainwashing magic by chanting spells and manifesting her own magic, but it was no match.

Arsen’s brainwashing magic was based on 9th circle black magic [the highest level of black magic].

As her mana was being plundered, a part of Magreta’s soul was cut out and absorbed by Arsen.

The moment a part of her soul was taken, the brainwashing through black magic was completed.

Thud.

As he released his grip on her collar, Magreta collapsed to the floor.

Arsen grinned and spoke to her.

“Magreta.”

“Yes, my master!”

Magreta’s eyes, looking up at him, were hazy and unfocused.

“I was going to drain all of your mana, but it seems you’ve learned some useful magic, so I’ve left some of it. Are you resentful of me for this?”

“No, Master. Absolutely not.”

“Hehehe. If that feeling is genuine, then get down on all fours like a dog and lick my shoes.”

At Arsen’s command, Magreta began licking his shoes without a moment’s hesitation.

It was an action that she, who had held her head high as a princess of a nation, would never have done, even if it meant death.

“The brainwashing seems to have worked well. More guests will be arriving soon, so go to the back with the others and wait until then.”

“Yes, Master.”

Under Arsen’s instructions, the brainwashed Magreta went inside the office and hid with the three men.

“Hehehe! Hahahahaha!”

Arsen looked up at the ceiling and burst into maniacal laughter.

Arsen had taken over Shaikhan’s body a month ago.

It took about two weeks to drive out Shaikhan’s soul and gain complete control of the body.

He had succeeded in corrupting the aura and Dragonian power that Shaikhan possessed with dark energy.

Of course, it would take more time to fully digest the swordsmanship that Shaikhan had mastered, or to interpret the still latent Dragonian power.

However, even at his current level, there was no difficulty in seizing the Kingdom of Livia.

Anyway, immediately after gaining complete control of the body, he changed the direction of state affairs as he wished and focused on brainwashing the key figures of the kingdom.

His plan was to brainwash the core personnel to completely seize the kingdom, and then bring in the black mages of the Veritas Magic Tower.

The first targets were Mitchell and Baintz, Shaikhan’s cousins on his mother’s side.

He had them summoned to the palace under the pretext of a private meeting and brainwashed them, and they fell into the brainwashing very easily, perhaps because they were careless.

The second was Duke Butler, but his case was not easy.

Because the Sword Sage’s mental strength was so strong that he was not susceptible to most brainwashing magic.

That’s why there was a commotion during the brainwashing process.

However, Arsen was no ordinary black mage.

After using Black Bind to weaken Butler’s power to some extent, preventing him from resisting, he eventually succeeded in brainwashing him.

If he could just take care of a few more people, such as Count Felipe, who would be arriving soon, the Kingdom of Livia would completely fall into his hands.

‘Kekekeke! I should have done this sooner! It was too naive of me to rely only on the Magic Tower system, just because I was a mage!’

Arsen regretted that he had been too naive for the past 500 years.

He had only been manipulating things from behind the scenes because he thought it would be cumbersome to run a country directly.

But now that he was directly on the throne and wielding power, it wasn’t so bad.

He thought that if he had broken free from the shackles of the Magic Tower and seized a country, whether it was an empire or a kingdom, it would have been more helpful in realizing his plan to dominate the world.

‘Perhaps this is the effect of gaining a powerful body. Or maybe I gained enlightenment because I was defeated once.’

Perhaps the latter was more likely.

Before that, he had never even considered the need to seek such a change in the past hundreds of years.

“Grind! That bastard Luke has awakened something good in me. Yes, you just wait. I’ll make sure to repay that debt with interest!”

Arsen, glaring menacingly in the direction of Luke’s Symphonia Kingdom, gritted his teeth and vowed revenge.

3

The changed course of the Kingdom of Livia was immediately known throughout the continent.

The most troubled was the Volga Republic.

They had agreed to invade the Baroque Empire in alliance with the Kingdom of Livia, but Shaikhan had suddenly turned passive.

They had at least expected the support for the peasant rebellion to continue, but even that was cut off.

“Tch! That’s why you can’t trust the Baroque imperial family!”

President Vladimir Rekov fumed.

With Livia pulling out, the activities of the peasant rebels were noticeably weakened.

“Your Excellency, under these circumstances, we must also withdraw.”

“No, we can’t. The peasant rebels are a shackle that will continue to hold Rudolf back. We cannot withdraw just because Livia has withdrawn its support.”

The officials were divided on this issue.

Some wanted to withdraw because it was too burdensome and dangerous for the Volga Republic to support them alone, while others argued that they should not withdraw.

The President wanted to continue supporting the peasant rebels.

In addition to the role of a shackle to hold Rudolf back, he had another idea.

“Why did we establish this country? Why did we drive out the king and the corrupt nobles and establish a republic government that is hostile to the continent? Wasn’t it to save the oppressed people and create a world where they could realize their ideals?”

Everyone nodded at the President’s words.

Although the remnants of the class system still remained.

However, the nobles of the republic did not kick away the ladder of social advancement as viciously as the nobles of the monarchical states.

It was difficult to climb up, but the opportunity to climb up was clearly guaranteed.

“If we turn our backs on them because we are struggling, how will the peasants and the people of the Baroque Empire see us? They will surely think that we, too, are using and abandoning them like the nobles of the monarchical states. Then, we will not be able to spread the flames of the republican revolution throughout the continent.”

President Vladimir’s words were extremely valid.

No one had any intention of refuting the revolutionary spirit.

After all, the current leaders of the republic were those who had gone through the republican revolution.

However, the problem was reality.

The Minister of Finance, who was most sensitive to practical issues, spoke up.

“Your Excellency, I apologize, but a revolution also requires money. Please do not forget that the fairies, including Mr. Brat, supported us when we launched our uprising.”

“Of course, how could I forget? I have no intention of ignoring reality.”

“Then…?”

“We need to find a new partner. There will be countries that are not happy with the stabilization of the Baroque Empire.”

At the President’s words, the Foreign Minister quickly listed the candidates.

“We will try to make contact with the Symphonia Kingdom.”

A mutual defense treaty had been secretly maintained with Symphonia since the days of the Milton Kingdom.

Moreover, Luke de Rakan, the king of Symphonia, had a lot of resentment towards the Baroque imperial family.

So, they expected that he would definitely help.

However, as a result of magical communication, those expectations were dashed.

“Your Excellency, we have received a reply from Symphonia that it is difficult to provide support.”

“What is the reason?”

“They say that they have not yet recovered from the damage they suffered during the last attack by the black mages. Moreover, they are focusing heavily on cracking down on and managing black mages…”

“Ugh, so they’re tied up with that?”

President Vladimir nodded in agreement, but there was one fact he was unaware of.

That was Luke’s expedition to the Southern Continent.

Since the king was already away, the Symphonian officials were refraining from any rash external activities.

This was because if his absence was known to the enemies, they could be attacked again.

“If Symphonia is not an option, then the remaining country is…”

“The Holy Artenia Empire. They are the traditional rivals of the Baroque Empire.”

At the Foreign Minister’s words, the President sighed.

“I know that, but… will Princess Reina, or rather, Pope Veronica, listen to our request?”

Princess Reina was a princess who had been driven out by their revolution and had suffered as a royal without a country.

It was known that he had no particular feelings towards the Volga Republic, but it was questionable whether he would be so favorable as to accept their request.

Moreover, there were widespread rumors that the Pope was surrounded by former Volga Royal Knights such as Victor and Firestorm Belik, who were former officials of the old Volga Kingdom.

“If it’s them, they’ll oppose it with all their might. No, Belik will probably rush to our country right away and make a fuss about cutting off Duke Dimitri’s head.”

Duke Dimitri was the one who fought Belik the most during the Republican Revolution.

The grudge Belik held was by no means light.

He had lost his country, family, and fellow knights due to Dimitri’s betrayal, who had supported the Republican Revolution.

“But there is also a justification for moving the Holy Empire.”

At the Foreign Minister’s words, the President’s eyes sparkled as he asked,

“A justification?”

“Yes, didn’t the mad Rudolf go around looting the tombs of his ancestors to gain wealth? It is said that many temples have shed blood in the process.”

Tomb of royal or noble families are usually managed by temples.

The tombs of the Baroque Imperial Family were managed by several temples, including the Elcasel Order.

Rudolf’s Imperial Guard not only committed tomb robbery but also plundered the treasures offered to the temples, and even massacred the priests who protested.

“This fact is enough to enrage the Holy Empire. Moreover, tomb robbery is a crime strictly forbidden by any religious order.”

“Indeed! Let’s use that justification to incite the Holy Empire. It would also be good to use our spies there to stir up public opinion.”

“Yes, Your Excellency! I will order it to be implemented immediately.”

It was when the officials bowed their heads at the President’s command.

The conference room door burst open, and a knight rushed inside.

“Your Excellency! The Razette Barony has sent a secret letter requesting to surrender to our nation.”

“What!”

The Razette Barony was one of the territories close to the Volga Republic, located north of the Irtysh River, where President Vladimir had previously made a territorial division agreement with Shaikhan.

Located in a basin surrounded by rugged mountains, this territory was quite wealthy among the northern territories, possessing vast farmlands, silver mines, and copper mines.

“It is said that they are being heavily exploited by the Emperor because they are wealthy.”

“That’s insane. Are they now even exploiting the territories that should be guarding the border?”

The President, who had been chuckling, soon wore a suspicious expression.

“Can we really trust them? What if it’s a scheme to trap our army…”

“You can trust them. According to the intelligence department, the public sentiment in the Razette Barony is very bad, and the lord is said to be in a state of anxiety.”

“Then we need to move quickly.”

The Razette Barony was not only a wealthy territory but also a military stronghold.

However, it was quite difficult to occupy.

This was because it was fortified with double and triple walls inside a basin surrounded by rugged mountains.

That’s why when the Volga Republic army invaded a few years ago, Razette only licked its lips and gave up.

But if they could get their hands on a base like Razette, the occupation of the northern part of the Baroque Empire would proceed much more smoothly than planned so far.

“The problem is manpower. We are already attacking other border areas, and we are supporting the peasant rebels in the Empire, so we don’t have any troops to support Razette right now.”

The Volga Republic army is currently invading the Baroque Empire.

They had slowed down the invasion speed, hoping that the Kingdom of Livia and the rebels would eat away at the Empire’s power a little more, but it was clear that they did not have any spare troops.

“Then let’s send the Crimson Knights and the Capital Defense Forces.”

“What? The Crimson Knights and the Capital Defense Forces?”

At the President’s words, the officials’ eyes widened.

Duke Dimitri strongly opposed it.

“Your Excellency! The Crimson Knights are Your Excellency’s newly formed personal guard, and the Capital Defense Forces are the last bastion to protect the capital.”

If these two forces were deployed and failed, the foundation of the Republic might be shaken.

The President said that he fully understood Dimitri’s concerns.

“But if we don’t seize this opportunity now, we may regret it later.”

With Shaikhan changing his policy, the alliance with the Kingdom of Livia was virtually broken.

In such a situation, if they attacked the Baroque Empire carelessly, it would be worse than not doing it at all.

Perhaps now is the last chance to strike a blow against the Baroque Empire.

“Immediately organize a support force and send it to the Razette Barony!”

“Understood, Your Excellency.”

No one could object to the President’s strong decision.

That day, Duke Dimitri immediately mobilized the forces in the capital to form a support force, and he personally led them to the Razette Barony.

4

Dimitri is coming!

The Baroque Empire’s northern army, which had been blocking the sporadic offensives of the Volga Republic, was thrown into chaos by an unusual piece of intelligence.

This was because if he, who was known as the strongest swordsman of the Volga Republic and had risen to Sword Sage, joined the front lines, there would be no one to stop him.

“Damn it, when will His Majesty send reinforcements? It’s more important to stop the Republic guys than the rebels right now!”

To Count Omar, the commander of the Empire’s northern army, who was asking in an annoyed tone, his adjutant cautiously replied.

“A magical communication came from the Imperial Palace a little while ago, saying that they would send three Sword Masters from the Imperial Guard as support, so please hold on a little longer.”

“Three Sword Masters? That’s not enough to stop Duke Dimitri!”

Even ten Sword Masters cannot stop a Sword Sage.

And it’s not like the current northern army’s strength is superior to that of the Republic.

Fortunately, the enemy’s current offensive is sporadic; otherwise, they would have allowed them to penetrate deep into the northern region and would have lost many territories.

“His Majesty said that if we hold out for a week, he will wipe out the rebels and come.”

“Ugh! Then there’s no choice.”

If there are no teeth, you have to use your gums.

Omar, with an expression that he had no choice, decided to do his best to stop Duke Dimitri.

He deployed even the reserve forces to the front lines and prepared for the Republic army’s offensive.

But the moment the battle broke out, something absurd happened.

The Razette Barony, which was in the rear, suddenly betrayed them.

Because of that, the northern army fortresses near the Razette territory were attacked from both the front and the rear.

Boom! Bang!

“Don’t retreat! Stop the Republicans!”

“If you hold on a little longer, His Majesty the Emperor will send reinforcements! Hold on until then!”

“Long live the Baroque Empire!”

The northern army of the fortress resisted fiercely.

But they didn’t last long.

This was because the Crimson Knights and the Capital Defense Forces, considered the best elites in the Volga Republic, had joined the battle, and the betrayal of the Razette Barony was too devastating.

In the end, before three days had passed, the walls of each fortress collapsed, and when the Volga army’s giants rushed in, the northern army, unable to hold out any longer, raised the white flag.

Having thus pacified the area around the Razette Barony, the Volga army marched proudly into the territory.

The territory’s residents, who did not know what was going on, were terrified.

This was because there was no guarantee that the Republican army would not commit murder and plunder here.

However, they quickly regained stability after seeing President Vladimir’s proclamation, including tax exemption clauses.

The Volga Republic rejoiced at this victory, but the Baroque Empire groaned.

Although sporadic skirmishes with the Volga Republic army continued, they had never imagined that the northern front would collapse so quickly.

Blatter City, where Emperor Rudolf’s direct army was staying.

High-ranking nobles, including the Emperor, were gathered in the lord’s castle office.

The atmosphere was somehow unusual, and it was because of the shocking news from the northern front.

That the northern army, which had been blocking the Volga Republic, had been defeated and the front line had collapsed.

“What on earth is going on?”

Contrary to what they expected, a cold question flowed from Emperor Rudolf’s mouth, who they thought would be furious.

However, the surrounding officials, including Count Voltaire, thought it would have been better if he had been furious.

This was because a terrifying murderous aura was emanating from the Emperor’s body.

The murderous aura was so fierce that the scribes who were recording the imperial conference dropped their pens and fainted.

“Are you not going to ask what happened? Do you want me to repeat the same words twice?”

It seemed like a bloodbath would occur if they stayed still, so Count Voltaire stepped forward.

“According to what I have investigated, Dimitri’s participation and the reinforcement of the Republic’s elites were involved. But the decisive factor was the betrayal of the Razette Barony.”

“The Razette Baron betrayed us? What was the reason for the betrayal? Did the Volga guys catch him with a weakness?”

“That is, I am sorry to say, but… it is said to be due to the severe exploitation from the center.”

“What?”

Rudolf wore an expression of disbelief.

Although the finances were so depleted that they had even dug up the imperial tombs, they had never exploited the territories that had to guard the border.

Rather, they had provided food and military supplies to help them stop the Republic.

‘But for this to happen… it must be because the rats in the middle were acting on their own accord.’

The corruption of the Empire had been going on for a long time.

In the past, Rudolf often turned a blind eye to the corruption of the nobles, even though he knew about it.

Sometimes, the corrupt nobles were his close aides, and if he left it alone, it would later become a justification for purging them.

In fact, he had also purged some nobles who opposed him by finding fault with them.

However, that was only the case when the country was at peace.

As the Empire was divided into three and the organization’s discipline became lax due to the ongoing war, the corrupt nobles and officials ran wild.

Since the imperial family and high-ranking nobles were distracted by other things, they further exploited the local territories and the people to enrich themselves.

That is why the peasant rebellion seemed to end but did not end.

‘I was foolish.’

He inwardly shook his head and looked back at Voltaire, who was in charge of the Empire’s intelligence department again, and opened his mouth.

“Count.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Please give your orders.”

“Find out in detail what the situation is. And arrest all the guys who are related to or caused this incident.”

Rudolf had no intention of just cutting off a few heads and ending it.

He was planning to arrest all the rats that were eating away at the country and his foundation and punish them as an example to others.

Only then would he be able to establish internal discipline and fight against external enemies.

However, it was uncertain whether the purge would be carried out as Rudolf intended.

The cause of everything that had happened so far was none other than him.

As long as oppression and war continued, the people, driven to their limits, would rise up for survival, and even those with good intentions would turn their backs on the imperial family.

The only people left to him were the rats who had their mouths full of oil, or the bystanders who were silent out of fear and pretended not to know the rats.

The tidal wave had not yet arrived, but the great Baroque Empire, with its hundreds of years of history, was crumbling like a sandcastle.