As the day barely began to lighten, a palpable, indescribable heaviness already enveloped the Imperial City.
From the Knight Camp at the city's edge, since the previous night, fully armed bands of knights had been marching toward the Imperial Palace, streaming through the streets and startling the public into hiding inside their homes, not daring to come out.
Some merchants and businesses, particularly those well-informed or connected with the Nobles, seemed to have received advance notice about the unrest and had chosen to close their shops all day.
Some children of Noble Families even left the Imperial City overnight as if to flee from something—or as if the Nobles were arranging a backup plan—further intensifying the oppressive atmosphere.
Today, the atmosphere in the Imperial City was particularly heavy and sparse of people, a stark contrast from its usually bustling state.
Within and around the Imperial Palace, countless knights in heavy armor were either neatly lined up or scattered about, standing guard with stern expressions, spreading a pervasive air of solemnity.
This news was brought into the Bigusler Family.
Cappelen and Lord Rocque were in the study, discussing today's actions overnight. When they received the message, both their expressions grew solemn.
"Lord Rocque, what do you think?" Cappelen asked.
Without hesitation, Rocque gave his answer, "Throughout history, the reason for deploying troops has only been one—war."
The situation now was no different from preparing for war.
"Does the Poisonous Consort really plan to openly break with us?" Cappelen's complexion turned sour.
She wanted to expose Moro's actions in front of all the Nobles, to impeach and question her.
Instead, Moro had laid out her military might, clearly not caring and ready to wage war.
Rocque's face darkened, but he could understand Moro's reasoning.
"Your Highness possesses the Blessing of the Justice Goddess, and all the Imperial People know this, so Princess Moro is surely aware," Rocque explained.
Moro would certainly not allow Cappelen the chance to publically prosecute her.
Because, having indeed committed those acts, the result of impeachment was clear.
In that case, rather than being disgraced and ousted by Cappelen later, it was better to tear off all pretense and resort to the use of force directly from the start.
This way, if Moro won the war, she would naturally claim it was Cappelen who rebelled, thus bringing the troops to attack the Imperial Palace.
Unless, Cappelen went to the palace alone without her troops to expose Moro.
But, appearing before Moro without troops—wouldn't that be like walking into a trap?
In such a case, Moro might just kill her and eliminate any witnesses.
This was an overt scheme.
"Our only choice is to directly breach the Imperial Palace, defeat Princess Moro, and then declare her crimes to the world," Rocque pointed out calmly.
Cappelen naturally saw this situation as well.
Yet precisely because of this, she felt very uncomfortable.
"All Imperial Knights, yet to have a civil war over the actions of that Poisonous Consort, it's truly…"
Cappelen was pained by this thought.
One must realize, once the war truly began, regardless of victory or defeat, the Imperial Knight Order would suffer damages.
And perhaps, a disastrously severe one.
A civil war was simply a consumption of one's own strength.
Cappelen felt pained about this situation, which was inevitable.
Rocque seemed more open than Cappelen.
"It's their own choice, Your Highness," Rocque looked at Cappelen and said, "They chose to follow the Renitra Family, to follow Princess Moro, to stand against us. As such, whatever the outcome, they must willingly bear the consequences for their decisions."
Among the Imperial Knight Order, twenty percent supported the Renitra Family and Princess Moro—those who must have doubted the Bigusler Family's or the traditional Royal Family's ruling position, or harbored ambitions.
In that case, there was no need for mercy.
"I understand," Cappelen said gravely. "Today's situation has also shown me, many in the Empire have been corrupted by that Poisonous Consort, becoming accomplices to tyranny, so we can't ignore her existence any longer."
If Moro continued unchecked, how many more Imperial accomplices would she corrupt?
If more people chose to support Moro, not just twenty percent but even more, would the Empire have a future?
Thinking this, Cappelen resolved herself.
"No matter what, we must expose that Poisonous Consort today."
As the saying goes, better a short pain than a long one. For the future of the Empire, Cappelen was ready to risk everything.
"I will follow Your Highness."
"I am immensely grateful," Cappelen also nodded, then remembered something and asked, "Won't you need to accompany him?"
Harvis had instructed Rocque to unconditionally support that person.
However, Rocque sighed.
"He doesn't need my company."
Rocque said this expressionlessly.
Cappelen thought for a moment and could only smile bitterly.
Because, it was true.
That person really didn't need Rocque's company.
By his side, was already one of the strongest in the world.
"Then let us prepare to leave."
Rocque picked up his greatsword and followed by Cappelen's side, leaving the room.
Meanwhile, over at Shane's location, everyone was up early.
Holding the sleepy Lilith and leading Tielle, Shane turned his head towards Lasha.
"You just stay here, Lasha."
Shane instructed Lasha.
In today's situation, bringing Lasha would not only be unhelpful, but it might even be a burden on her.
Lasha surely understood this reasoning.
"I will continue to take care of Miss Lani."
Lasha stated this indifferently.
Shane's expression eased, but he couldn't help glancing toward the direction of the bed.
There, the little girl who had been rescued a few days ago was still lying in deep sleep.
"It's been so long, I didn't expect her not to have awakened yet."
This was indeed very strange.
By all accounts, since Lani had not been injured or subjected to any magical restraint, she should not have been asleep for so many days without waking up.
"It seems she was greatly traumatized."
That was the only conclusion Shane could draw.
At the same time, he felt a slight regret.
After all, Lani had some sort of connection with Moro and likely harbored some secrets.
If they could uncover that secret, it might pose a great threat to Moro.
In that case, their efforts would be saved.
Unfortunately, Lani had remained unconscious, whether due to the heavy trauma or some other reason.
Thus, the secrets within this young girl lost their effect.
Shane pondered for a moment then said to Lasha, "Pay close attention and see if anything unusual happens to her."
Shane always felt this girl might be the key to something significant.
Lasha did not show any extra reaction, her expression remained cold.
Seeing this, Shane wrestled with his thoughts for a while, and finally, biting his lip, he quickly kissed Lasha on the face.
"Well... we should be going."
Leaving behind these words, Shane, along with the taciturn Tielle and the drowsy Lilith, exited the room.
It seemed Lasha either didn't feel it or was used to it, as she watched Shane leave before she suddenly spoke out.
"Aren't you going to follow them, Lady?"
Lasha turned to the side.
"...Do you want me to help your lover?"
Laischa's voice was filled with grievance as she suddenly appeared.
"I did not intend to overstep."
Lasha replied succinctly.
"But that damned Hero has overstepped," Laischa said with the same tone of grievance, turning to Lasha and complaining, "Why did you not protect yourself better?"
Clearly, Laischa was very annoyed.
She truly couldn't understand; Lasha knew her own situation, so why did she let that man have his way?
Was that not making trouble for oneself and creating a bigger problem for others?
Lasha seemed unaware of it.
"I am no match for Mr. Shane."
That was all Lasha said.
It was almost as if she was admitting that she tried to resist, but unfortunately, it was unsuccessful.
If Shane had been there to see this, he would definitely have cursed out loud.
You obviously just presented yourself on a plate!
I didn't even notice!
Of course, Laischa felt just as lost.
"That damned Hero...!"
Laischa clenched her teeth in exasperation and deep frustration.
Watching her , Lasha silently apologized in her mind.
(I'm sorry for this desperate measure, Lady.)
It was also for our own benefit.
The connection between that man and us has already become fated, alas.
Outside the gate of the Bigusler Family residence.
When Shane and his group emerged from inside, the area was already filled with people.
There stood the intimidating Female Knights of the Broken Blade Knights.
There were the Knights of the Imperial Knight Order emitting a chilling aura.
Cappelen, Lord Rocque, and Tilly gathered in front of several war horses.
They were preparing to ride out and confront the others directly.
The arrival of Shane and his companions immediately drew their attention.
Gazing at everyone present, Shane, carrying Lilith and leading Tielle, stepped forward.
"Prepare a carriage for us."
Shane said indifferently.
Cappelen nodded immediately.
Before long, a large group of people and horses majestically advanced towards the Imperial Palace.
In their midst, a carriage moved along, making the sound of wheels turning while carrying the key to the outcome of this war forward.