Fallen Radiance

Imperial Palace ・ Imperial Study

The morning sun shone through the towering Windows, casting golden light on the ornate carpet. Emperor Ophelia sat majestically on her throne, the scepter lying quietly across her lap. His five sons stood before him, each with a different look on his face.

The emperor's eyes slowly swept over them, and the majestic voice echoed in the hall: "The borders of the empire are no longer peaceful, the harassment of the beast people is increasing, the camp of demons is stirring, and the camp of saints is trying to interfere in our affairs." Such a situation is both a crisis and an opportunity."

The eyes of the five princes flashed with different emotions: excitement, unease, anticipation, even hidden hostility.

"Each of you will lead your own armies to prepare the Empire for this war." The emperor continued, his eyes becoming sharper. "This is not only to protect the glory of the empire, but also to prove your own abilities."

His tone of voice was profound: "The outcome of this war will directly affect the successor of the future empire." I hope you understand your responsibility."

The emperor's words made the faces of the five princes become serious. The question of succession had never been mentioned so explicitly, but they all understood that this was a test for them by their father. War will become the most direct screening tool, the winner wins, the loser loses everything.

Renaud's lips rose slightly into a cold smile. He gently bowed his head and said calmly, "Father, I understand." I will build an unbreakable future for the Empire."

Kane, on the other hand, had a slightly furrowed brow and a complicated look. His voice was low and calm: "Father, are we free to choose our own way of fighting and our own troops?"

The emperor nodded, "Of course. You may choose your soldiers from the regular army of the Empire, or you may employ the best men of all kinds. I do not care about the process as long as it brings victory."

Renault's eyes flickered slightly, as if he had a plan. "Then," he whispered, "I'm going to put together an elite mercenary army to secure the border."

When Kane heard this, he glanced at Raynor and said, "In that case, I will also use mercenaries as the core and flexibly respond to the war situation."

The emperor nodded with satisfaction: "Very good. This war is not just about protecting the empire, it's about showing your talents. I look forward to your performance."

After leaving the imperial library, Raynor quickly assembled his own staff. They gathered in a secret council room with tables full of border maps and intelligence.

"Your Highness," said one of the counsellors respectfully, "are you really going to hire an army of mercenaries for this war? Their loyalty and fighting power may not be reliable."

Renault sneered, his eyes icy: "Loyalty is not important, it is important to win." Mercenaries can provide a flexible way of fighting and are not a drain on my regular army."

He looked down at the map, fingering an area: "Also, there may be some more valuable talent hidden among the mercenaries." If the right people can be found, they can be used not only as tools of war, but also for the future layout."

On the other hand, Kane stood alone in his study, staring out of the window. But in his mind came the figure of the mysterious woman he had met that day.

"Her breath... It's so familiar." Kane muttered, frowning.

Despite their denials, Kane's intuition tells him that the person may be related to Elena. In his tone and manner, he felt a faint connection.

"If she really is Elena..." Kane whispered, with a flash of mixed emotion in his eyes. "Whose side is she going to be on?"

He went to his desk, picked up a quill and wrote an order on the stationery: "Send someone to find the woman and bring her to me at all costs."

When he finished writing, his eyes became firm: "If she is willing to fight for me, maybe, we can change some of the doomed fate."