Within the Imperial Capital, at the Elkaras Mansion.
This place was a personal gift from the Empress to the family of Chief Governor [Yila Elkaras], who was supposed to reside here as a hero of the Empire. But now it is surrounded by Imperial soldiers.
The atmosphere is solemn, with the storm brewing, much like the thorny flowers swaying in the wind along both sides of the street.
"Mr. Campbuek, please inform the Chief Governor that his leave has been cut short."
A seemingly high-ranking Imperial general reported to a middle-aged man standing in front of the Elkaras family.
But the man referred to as Campbuek remained blocking the mansion's entrance, speaking with calm and respect:
"Lord Yila is not in the residence; he left the mansion three days ago."
The general, maintaining the same courteous demeanor, made his request:
"Please make way, Mr. Campbuek Elkaras; the front lines are pressing and require the support of the Chief Governor. This is an order from Her Majesty the Queen."
Campbuek naturally did not believe the general who led the soldiers—
The front line? The front lines are nearing a ceasefire!
"Lord Yila is not in the residence." He simply stated.
Faced with this unyielding gatekeeper, the general had no good approach.
Though he was acting on orders, without a formal decree, they did not have the authority to enter the Governor's house.
The atmosphere grew oppressive...
Even the children of the capital could sense the recent shift in the winds.
Thus, the gatekeeper's attitude undoubtedly fell within the category of feigned ignorance.
As the general furrowed his brow, the soldiers behind him dispersed, and a man with circle after circle of patterns on his neck came forward, handing a piece of parchment to the general: "Lord Nathan, this is the Search Warrant."
"Thank you, Governor."
Responding to this man in his early twenties with patterns resembling black spells on his neck, the general glanced at the seal on the parchment...
Something seemed amiss in the design.
"Governor, is this Search Warrant truly authorized by Her Majesty the Empress herself..."
But his response was only silent observation.
The general stated, taking a deep breath, and announced loudly: "This is a Search Warrant! A decree personally authorized by Her Majesty the Empress to thoroughly investigate the Elkaras family! Arrest the criminal Yila Elkaras!"
He expected the gatekeeper before him to resolutely block their path, but to the general's surprise, the gatekeeper willingly stepped aside, begrudgingly adding: "As you command..."
Saying this, the old gatekeeper named Campbuek was already in tears, yet he still firmly declared: "But Lord Yila has never done anything wrong."
But this fact was known even to the three-year-olds in the Empire.
After a moment of silence, the general waved his hand, directing the soldiers behind him, saying, "Search! Conduct a thorough investigation of the Elkaras family, by order of the Empress, ensure the safety of the Elkaras family members."
In unison response, the Empire ushered in its largest purging operation, with the former Chief Governor [Yila Elkaras] being the nation's top most-wanted.
A warrior who fought for the Empire for half of his life, the first [Governor] by profession, who nearly single-handedly turned the tide from disadvantage to balance, initiating a subtle advantage in the [Empire and Monster Battlefield], the legend—
Declared a defector by the Empire!