Chapter 69

As soon as Etias used his shadow power, Lancelot’s secretary had fainted and was still unconscious inside the carriage.

The knights and soldiers had come to their senses, but they were still on high alert, glaring at Etias’s camp.

A white table was set between the two sides. Sitting across from each other, Etias and Lancelot began a negotiation—driven entirely by Etias’s demands.

“From this moment on, the ruler of the Oswell Empire is not Deus Carl Clyde, but Etias von Clyde. I declare this to the Duke of Montella.”

Lancelot flinched at the cold tone.

He knew all about Etias—the tragic prince who had been robbed of the throne by his uncle. The current emperor treated him like furniture, freezing his assets and parading him around at court like a beggar.

But when had he gathered such a powerful army?

The soldiers behind Etias looked as skilled as Montella’s elite guard.

And most of all—that shadow ability.

Like a beast hiding its claws… he’s been planning this in secret.

Etias continued:

“From now on, all official documents from other nations must be addressed to me. You, Lancelot Ovier, must sever ties with Deus Carl Clyde. If they request military aid, you must refuse. If you send aid, it will be considered an act of war.”

Lancelot responded cautiously:

“But Your Highness… you are not emperor yet. If I sever ties and you fail to take the throne, I will face retaliation from the current emperor.”

In response, Etias handed him a map of the empire.

Aside from the capital and its surroundings, almost the entire map was marked with bright blue flags—the same color as Etias’s eyes.

“These are the regions where the lords have pledged loyalty to me. About 80% of the nobles support me.”

Lancelot’s eyes widened.

Etias had been stuck in the capital under surveillance, but the revolution wasn’t. His powerful will had flowed like blood through the veins of the empire, stirring up resentment toward the emperor’s greed and incompetence.

“Despite famine and hardship, the emperor’s greed knows no bounds. Before the empire collapses, they’ve chosen my side.”

Much of the credit went to Kamel, Etias’s new ally, who had gone ahead and persuaded them.

“That’s the Lord of Lexar, the Count of Henkel, and over there, the young Marquis of Durandorf.”

Etias motioned to the men behind him, who bowed respectfully.

Lancelot recognized their names and faces. It was clear that Etias was telling the truth.

“Now answer. Whose side will you take?”

Lancelot’s expression grew serious.

This was no longer a budding rebellion—it was a near-complete power shift. The capital was surrounded. The current emperor had sold off even the weapons factories just to buy a mine, likely without realizing a coup was underway.

Chances of revolution succeeding? At least 80%. If the army factory is also in their hands… 90% or more.

After a moment’s thought, Lancelot spoke:

“I, Lancelot Ovier of Montella, recognize you as the new emperor of Oswell.”

He signed the document Etias’s aide handed him.

“And as requested, I will refuse all aid requests from Deus Carl Clyde.”

Lancelot didn’t hesitate—he was a sharp and decisive man. It was better to cut ties with a doomed ruler than go against the rising empire.

“May I ask, Your Majesty—when does the revolution begin?”

Lancelot asked, now with proper respect.

Etias gave a cool smile.

“The revolution has already begun. And it will reach the capital in a few days. The emperor’s ears are blocked—he won’t hear it coming. Even if he does, he won’t be able to respond. He’ll drown in silence, bound and helpless.”

Etias von Clyde—despite his refined looks—had hands as rough as any laborer’s. It showed the painful road he’d walked, hiding his strength all this time.

Though Etias was younger, Lancelot couldn’t help but feel a bit of respect for his patience and leadership.

He has brilliance, decisiveness, and leadership. But the real mystery is—who funded all this?

Etias had no land, wealth, or title. For him to build such a powerful movement, he must have had help—someone wealthy and influential.

Was it Kamel Beatrice? Or Aglia’s Speaker? Or someone even more important?

His mysterious backer would surely be revealed after Etias claimed the throne.

“I believe in your success, Your Majesty. May I ask one more question?”

Lancelot thought of Katrin—and the promise he made to help her flee to Montella.

At first, he assumed it was for political reasons. But now he realized it was probably because she sensed what was coming.

“What will you do with the nobles who support the current emperor? The ones who oppressed you?”

The wind blew gently through Etias’s dark hair.

Without hesitation, he replied:

“Their lives… will become heavier than death.”

A chill ran down Lancelot’s spine.

“They will be exploited as much as they exploited others. They will be oppressed just as they oppressed.”

The young emperor had no intention of showing mercy.

The loyalists of the former emperor had all been purged. The ones now behind the current emperor were corrupt and cruel. No one would weep for them.

The Elemore family will be no exception.

Lancelot’s heart grew heavier.

He remembered the scent of the soft hand that had touched his head.

He had repaid one favor—scamming the emperor into buying a worthless mine—but he hadn’t fulfilled the rest of her requests yet.

Lancelot tapped the table softly, considering.

Then he raised his eyebrows and said:

“As the Duke of Montella, I would like to make a proposal.”

In his mind, he pictured Katrin Elemore, crossing her legs with a smug look on her face, pink hair swaying.

He imagined placing all his power on one side of the scale, and her on the other. She still held weight.

“I will give you Montella’s full annual supply of Alminite.”

The nobles behind Etias gasped.

Alminite—stronger than Eladium, and ten times more flexible—was the most valuable mineral in the empire. Only Montella had it. And its export was banned.

Etias narrowed his eyes.

He knew the price for this deal must be high.

“All I ask… is that you hand over one prisoner from the emperor’s side. Unharmed.”

That didn’t sound like a huge demand—why give away such a treasure for just one noble?

Then Lancelot said:

“Lady Katrin Elemore.”

The name left a strange flutter in his chest.

And as soon as it hit the air, Etias’s blue eyes darkened sharply.