Episode 86: The Executioner
The Audience Chamber.
The emperor sat at the head seat, his expression cold and hardened. Around him, ministers and officials seated at the round table wore equally grim faces.
All because of a single letter that had arrived at the imperial palace.
“Was the sender identified?”
When the emperor’s lips parted, a heavy voice filled the chamber. Laced with a hint of anger, his voice did more than convey words—it carried a palpable weight that pressed down on the room.
The chancellor responded,
“No, Your Majesty. We investigated the sender based on the origin, but found nothing. The source was an empty wasteland, and the sender appears to be a non-existent individual within the empire.”
It was a humiliation like no other. A mysterious letter had penetrated all levels of security to reach the emperor himself.
Even the Minister of Magic had personally investigated the matter, but all traces had been erased, leaving the sender’s identity a mystery.
“The only clue is the single letter written on it?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The sole hint was the initial “F” written at the bottom right corner of the letter. Of course, it was of little help.
“However, Your Majesty, according to the investigation conducted by the hounds, the contents of the letter have been confirmed to be true.”
The Minister of Military Affairs cautiously spoke.
“It is indeed true that the traitor Fedelian Rozino has taken refuge in Tenerope and is leveraging their power to plot a coup against the throne.”
The contents of the letter were simple:
The traitor, Fedelian Rozino, is collaborating with the royal family of Tenerope to plan a coup to seize the throne. If action is not taken swiftly, it will be too late.
From the empire’s perspective, it was an audacious claim. Yet, Tenerope was home to elite knights and a Grand Swordmaster like Duke Aegis. The possibility, however slim, couldn’t be ignored.
The emperor furrowed his brows and asked,
“Why would Tenerope assist Fedelian? Surely, they must understand the improbability of such a coup succeeding?”
Though the odds of success were low, there was still an element of uncertainty.
Victory in war wasn’t guaranteed simply by having a Grand Swordmaster.
It required logistics, control of strategic locations, sound strategies, and morale management.
No matter how skilled Tenerope’s knights were, it was a fact that they were no match for the empire.
The stern-faced Chancellor responded.
“If they succeed, they stand to gain much. While the odds are indeed slim, the royal family of Tenerope is already on the verge of collapse. They have little to lose.”
Tenerope had no choice. To avoid inevitable destruction, they were willing to gamble recklessly, even if it meant opposing the empire.
“Hmm…”
The emperor leaned back in his chair, furrowing his brows further.
“Has there ever been a time in Rozino’s history as chaotic as this?”
He felt a deep headache brewing.
The crown prince, whose succession to the throne was guaranteed, had foolishly become a rebel, shaking many nobles in the process.
When the aristocracy wavered, the stability of the nation faltered.
As a result, the economy and industries managed by the nobles were crumbling in real time, and public sentiment was growing restless.
“Your Majesty, it may be wise to strike first before Tenerope makes their move.”
The Minister of Military Affairs suggested, but another minister raised his voice in protest.
“Are you suggesting we start a war? That’s exactly what the traitor wants!”
“Then what do you propose? Do we simply wait for them to declare war?”
“Of course not! First, we should issue a public statement and—”
“Tenerope has no room for such formalities! They’re in a situation where they cannot afford to hesitate!”
As the two ministers argued, others joined in.
“So, do we march blindly? Without a justified cause?”
“The Holy Kingdom won’t stand idly by. They’ll surely spread propaganda and falsehoods.”
“Why should we care about the Holy Kingdom’s opinion? The empire’s core lies in Rozino!”
“That’s not the point, is it?”
The audience chamber descended into chaos. The ministers raised their voices, trying to drown each other out, their faces flushed with heated emotions.
“Enough.”
At that moment, the emperor raised his hand. His single word seemed to freeze the very air in the room.
“…”
“…”
“…”
As if on cue, the ministers and officials fell silent.
The emperor rose from his seat, his resolute gaze sweeping across the chamber.
“Rozino will Announce an emergency declaration, and issue a stern warning to Tenerope. Additionally, I appoint Count Lahart as the executioner of the traitor Fedelian.”
The executioner, appointed by the imperial decree, would be granted full authority to eliminate the leader of the rebellion.
“If Count Lahart successfully executes the traitor, he will be granted a dukedom.”
At those words, the ministers and high-ranking officials’ faces stiffened.
The power of a noble wasn’t solely determined by their title, but a dukedom was different.
Aside from the Grand Duchy of Lenokhonen, which held Imperial blood, the only noble with a duke’s title was the House of Fervache.
As it stood, Yohan Lahart already wielded immense power with his title of “Guardian of the Sun” and his own abilities. Granting him a dukedom?
He would surpass the Imperial family.
“Your Majesty, granting a dukedom…”
“Count Lahart’s power will grow too great.”
The elders, who had been quietly listening, voiced their concerns. However, the Emperor shook his head, refusing to heed their warnings.
“His unprecedented abilities are indispensable. Count Lahart will be the core figure of the Empire. It’s better to empower him.”
Of course, there was a reason for this decision.
If they continued to suppress him and keep him below the Imperial family, it would only foster resentment. It was wiser to strengthen their bond by granting him more power.
Additionally, it would allow the Emperor to restructure the shaky noble society, recalibrate the balance of power between factions, and use Yohan to keep threatening figures in check.
Naturally, many other political calculations were involved.
“Today’s court meeting ends here.”
The ministers and officials rose from their seats and bowed deeply.
As the Emperor left, his eyes narrowed.
“Yohan Lahart, I will invest in you.”
He would become the centerpiece that elevated the Empire’s authority to even greater heights.
***
It was three days later when Francia returned from her mission.
“Where have you been?”
Early morning at the Fervache estate in the capital. Yohan asked, arms crossed.
“Well… a woman’s secret?”
Francia smiled cheekily, scratching her cheek. It was evident from her appearance that she hadn’t simply been on a routine mission.
Her official uniform was covered in dust, her face smudged with dirt. Her usual glossy obsidian-black hair was disheveled and unkempt.
“You know you can’t get away with that answer, right?”
“…”
Francia clasped her hands behind her back and averted her gaze. Her red, beautiful lips stayed stubbornly shut.
“First, clean yourself up. Have you eaten?”
“Just a little.”
“Then you must be hungry. I’ll have a meal prepared for you.”
Yohan gently brushed the dust from her cheek with his fingertips. At his touch, a soft smile spread across her lips, carrying a hint of relief.
“…What are you so happy about?”
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you, Yohan. How could I not be?”
“Even if you try to act cute, I won’t let you off.”
“Hmph…”
As Yohan remained firm, Francia shrank back. Most people would look awkward if they tried such expressions, but even this face of hers was stunning.
“Let’s talk later. Get ready and come back.”
“Yes, yes…”
Francia trudged off to the bathroom, with attendants following her to assist.
Afterward, Yohan instructed the kitchen to prepare a meal for Francia and waited in the dining room for her to return with the food.
It wasn’t long before she appeared.
“Hoo…”
Francia entered the dining room looking fresh and clean.
“Please, take a seat.”
At Yohan’s heavy tone, Francia’s shoulders shrank slightly. She silently took her seat, maintaining a composed demeanor.
“So, where exactly have you been? I know it wasn’t for a mission.”
Even Deputy Commander Ricard, who had final approval over assignments, only knew that she had gone out to investigate, not where she had gone.
Francia averted her gaze, fiddling with her fingers as she muttered,
“Well… I’ve been researching for a paper on artifacts. I got so caught up in it that I lost track of time…”
“…”
Yohan narrowed his eyes. Research for a paper? It was a plausible excuse, but it was hardly enough justification for disappearing for three whole days without a word.
Not to mention keeping it a secret even from him, her lover.
“That’s a lie, isn’t it?”
“…”
“Is it something you can’t tell me?”
“It’s just…”
As Yohan’s lips pressed into a firm line, Francia, fearing he might misunderstand, hurriedly added,
“I wasn’t doing anything strange! I would never betray you, Yohan… Never!”
Francia’s desperate explanation revealed a mix of subtle fear and earnestness in her crimson eyes. Yohan let out a short sigh.
“I wasn’t harboring such misunderstandings. It’s just that you seem to have quite a few secrets, Francia.” he said.
“…”
“Well, even in a close relationship, secrets are bound to exist.”
Yohan smiled softly, locking eyes with her.
“Therefore, I won’t press for details. Just as you’ve come to understand me, it’s only right that I understand you.”
He continued, “However, next time, at least let me know where you’re going and how long you’ll be away. You don’t know how worried I was when you didn’t return after several days.”
At first, he hadn’t been overly concerned, thinking she was out on a mission. But when three days passed with no word, Yohan had been overcome with anxiety.
After all, there was always the lingering threat of the crown prince’s remaining shadows potentially abducting her or Cassis Lenokhonen plotting something sinister.
Even though those scenarios were unlikely, Yohan had waited, trusting her.
“…Thank you.”
Francia lowered her head deeply, her small smile carrying an air of melancholy.
“Eat. You must be hungry.” Yohan said gently.
There was nothing more to discuss on this matter. They could talk about work later; for now, Yohan’s priority was ensuring Francia’s well-being.
Casting him a tender glance, Francia shifted her focus to her meal. Clearly famished, she ate in silence, moving her utensils briskly.
Watching her, Yohan smiled warmly. Her puffed cheeks resembled a squirrel’s, making her look endearing.
At that moment, the head butler knocked three times before entering the dining room.
“My lord, you must come immediately. A Imperial messenger has arrived.”
“…From the palace?”
Yohan tilted his head slightly, puzzled. The fact that they sent a Imperial envoy rather than a letter or decree suggested an imperial mandate.
“I’ll go see.”
“Did something happen while I was away? An Imperial messenger, of all things…” Francia asked, setting her utensils down mid-meal.
“I’ll only know once I meet them.”
“Should I come with you?”
“Finish your meal. I’ll be back shortly.”
Rising from his seat, Yohan gently patted Francia’s head before heading toward the front of the estate.
At the front gates stood an ornate carriage adorned with a lion crest, exuding authority. Knights clad in golden armor maintained a silent vigil, their banners raised high.
“What is this about?” Yohan asked.
“It’s an imperial decree.” replied the knight at the forefront, standing at attention. He then unfolded a scroll with solemn precision, and the atmosphere grew tense with silence.
“In the name of the Imperial Family, Yohan Lahart, you are hereby appointed as the executioner for the traitor Fedelian Rozino. Join the inspectors and eliminate the one who threatens the peace of the Empire.”