Fallen Radiance

The Imperial Study of the Imperial Palace

Renaud Ophelia stood before the emperor, his hands folded behind his back, his silver-gray hair slightly dishevelled, and he could not hide his weariness after his gallop. But his expression was as cold as steel, and his eyes were firm and piercing.

"Father," he whispered with a faint urgency, "we must accelerate the pace of expansion. The border defenses are unstable, the Orcs are harassing more frequently, and the movements of the demonic camp are becoming dangerous."

The emperor sat on his throne, looking at his son with deep eyes. There was no emotion on his face, but the finger that held the scepter was slightly strained, indicating that he was not entirely indifferent.

"Expansion is necessary," the Emperor said slowly, in a voice as heavy as iron, "but you must know that such action has a price. We must face not only the threat of beasts and demons, but also the interference of a group of wild believers in the camp of Saints. Take every step carefully."

Renault nodded and his eyes flashed a sharp light: "Because of this, we need more accurate intelligence." If we can keep track of the movements of these camps while expanding, we can avoid unnecessary consumption.

The Emperor looked at Raynor and thought for a moment: "Do you want to explore the power of those camps in the name of border expansion?"

"Exactly." Raynor replied, "Whether it is the legions of the Ornithians or the hidden strongholds of the demon camp, we need a clearer layout." And..." His voice gave a slight pause, and his eyes flashed cold. "If we can find Elena's whereabouts, the majesty of the empire will be further consolidated."

The emperor's brow wrinkled slightly: "Elena has been wanted for months, why are you still clinging to this?"

Raynor lowered his eyelids and his voice was low but icy: "Her betrayal is a disgrace to the royal family." If we cannot bring her back and punish her with our own hands, the authority of the Empire will eventually be questioned."

The Emperor's eyes rested on Reynaud's face for a moment, then he nodded, "Very well, then proceed according to your plan." But don't let self-interest cloud your judgment, Reno. The good of the nation always comes before the good of the individual."

Renault bowed slightly. "I understand, Father."

Renaud went into his room, threw his coat aside, and leaned wearily in the chair beside his desk. His fingers rubbed gently between his brow, trying to dispel the confusion in his mind.

His plan has been unfolding step by step, but every time Elena's name is mentioned, the mixed feelings that are buried deep in the heart will come flooding back. Love and hate, betrayal and redemption, those interwoven emotions made him unable to be completely calm.

Renaud looked up at the huge mirror in the room.

His tired face was reflected in the mirror, but when he looked closely, he saw that his reflection moved slightly, and a strange smile came into his mouth.

Raynor's pupils suddenly constricted.

'What's the matter? He whispered to himself, then stood up slowly and moved closer to the mirror.

The mirror is no longer a cold face, but with a strange smile, silver-gray eyes with a black light, as if there is another soul hidden in it.

"Renault." The reflection in the mirror suddenly spoke in a low, mocking voice, "Do you think you can fool everyone?"

Renaud took a step back, a hint of shock and unease in his eyes. "Who are you?"

"Who am I? The reflection in the mirror chuckled, and there was a deep irony in his voice. "I'm you, Reno. The real you, the one who doesn't need to pretend."

"No way." Renaud gritted his teeth and stared knife-like into the mirror, "This is an illusion, a demon's curse!"

The reflection in the mirror shook his head, his eyes filled with cold: "No, this is not an illusion, nor a curse." It's just a hidden part of yourself. You can deceive the emperor, you can deceive Elena, you can deceive the whole empire, but you can't deceive yourself."

Renault's fists were clenched and his voice was low and dangerous: "Shut up, I don't need your advice."

"Oh, of course, you never need to." The reflection smiled deeper, "But tell me, Reno, what do you really want?" Is it Elena's death or her return? Is it the expansion of empire, or your own power?"

Renault did not answer, his palms clenched into fists and his chest heaving violently.

"Don't struggle." The reflection in the mirror whispered, in a voice like enchantment, "We all know the answer." You want it all. You want power. You want her. You want her to kneel before you again, but this time, not for love, but for hate."

Renaud closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and forced himself to calm down. When he opened his eyes again, his reflection in the mirror had returned to normal, leaving only his own tired face.

"Elena..." His eyes flashed with pain and mixed emotions.

The palace was silent at night, and Renault sat alone in his room, his fingers tapping gently on the table. His eyes rested on an unopened letter on the table, the information he had received after a conversation with his father.

"Beasts, demons, saints..." He whispered the names of these camps, and a cold light slowly came into his eyes.