The disturbance in the capital subsided. It was thanks to the timely appearance of the emperor, who was said to have been in seclusion due to poor health. The mere presence of the emperor, the father of all people, was sufficient to immediately vanquish the confusion in the imperial castle and the capital. The fleeing nobles and officials immediately returned and prostrated before the emperor, and the royal guards were reassigned from protecting the imperial family to stabilizing the security of the capital. There were quite a few nobles who chose not to return for fear of the emperor’s wrath, but no one paid much attention to them. Anyway, the cowardly deserters would soon face their demise along with their families. Once that happened, what would happen to the power and wealth they held? It would obviously be handed to those who kept their places and those who quickly returned to lay down before the emperor. In other words, the return of the emperor didn’t simply signify the calming of the chaos. Rather, it provided new opportunities to nobles seeking to go higher up the chain.

“Sirs, focus on stabilizing the capital as soon as possible.”

“Send messengers to the cities and villages under the empire’s direct control. Inform them that I will punish anyone who dares to act rashly.”

“Summon the commanders of all the legions to the imperial castle.”

“Send a messenger to the third prince. Tell him to disband his army immediately and report to me. I will not hold him accountable for anything he has done until now, nor will I question him for it. The escort of the third prince will be left to the soldiers of Maren’s King.”

The emperor’s commands were timely and impactful, but his last command was especially shocking. If nothing else, the nobles...