Summon the Twelve Kizuki at the Start!

"Oh? Is that so?"

"Do you still have an older brother? Or a younger one?"

Rivo's eyes narrowed slightly, irritation simmering beneath the surface.

He knew this man wouldn't be honest unless properly reminded who was in control.

"Of course. Even the old man was surprised when he heard about it."

"But I think His Majesty would be very eager to meet his brother."

A twisted smile slowly spread across Honest's face.

This so-called "brother" of Rivo's?

Just something he'd made up on the spot.

But that didn't mean it couldn't become real.

If he could support Rivo to the throne—

He could support someone else just as easily.

"Rokuro. Give the minister a pleasant dream."

"But not too long."

Rivo smiled faintly, not even sparing Honest a glance.

Instead, he looked toward the demon beside him, pouring tea with perfect grace.

"Yes, Master."

"Vampire Art: Incense."

Rokuro gave a thin smile. Her pupils gleamed scarlet.

Without hesitation, she rolled back her sleeve, sliced open her skin, and activated her blood magic.

The scent of blood drifted into the air.

Honest's eyes went glassy—

—and in a split second, his consciousness slipped into a dream realm.

He didn't even realize what had happened.

In front of him was a lavish table, covered in his favorite delicacies.

"Strange... Was I dreaming just now?"

Honest looked around, then shrugged.

He sat down and eagerly began eating—assuming he'd simply nodded off.

His appetite was better than usual.

The food tasted incredible—he gorged himself without hesitation.

But once the entire table had been cleared…

The food appeared again.

Same dishes. Same aromas.

Laid out before him as if nothing had been touched.

"Strange…"

He frowned.

But his hands didn't stop.

Piece after piece of greasy, heavy meat entered his mouth.

Soon, his stomach felt like it would burst.

He tried to stop.

That's when terror struck him—

He couldn't.

His hands moved on their own. His thoughts were not his own.

Even as his body screamed in pain, he kept eating.

Stuffing, chewing, swallowing—

A nightmare with no end.

He felt his belly swell.

His throat burned with bile.

He wanted to vomit—but couldn't.

The torture pushed him to the brink.

He wanted to die.

And for the first time in his life…

He realized gluttony could be hell.

Just as the agony became unbearable—

The illusion shattered like glass.

Back in the throne room, Honest collapsed to the floor.

Legs numb, face drenched in snot and tears, he vomited up bile.

That dream was more than a dream.

It left behind fear.

And not just fear of Rokuro—

But fear of Rivo.

"Minister. Have you forgotten what I told you last time?"

"Don't forget who feeds you."

"You eat not because of your status—but because of me."

Rivo rose from his seat and walked toward him, step by step.

His face was calm, but his presence was crushing.

It was as if the weight of the entire Empire pressed down on Honest's chest.

"If you behave, you'll remain a minister."

"The Empire needs foolish but loyal men—like Budo."

"But it doesn't need pests."

"And if you must be a pest—then be a loyal one."

Rivo stood tall, looking down on Honest like a sovereign judging a worm.

In this moment, he was truly an Emperor.

After months of careful planning…

After taking full control of his power…

Rivo no longer had to hide beneath Honest's shadow.

He could finally put the man in his place.

"Y-Yes… Your Majesty…"

Honest trembled in fear.

He had misjudged the young emperor.

That mistake had just cost him dearly.

And for the first time, he recognized the true weight of the Twelve Kizuki.

A power no less terrifying than Night Raid itself.

"Get out."

Rivo's voice was quiet—but final.

He knew Honest wouldn't submit so easily.

But that didn't matter.

Rivo wasn't ready to kill him.

Not yet.

A man like Honest was still useful.

A shield to hide behind.

A lightning rod for Night Raid's attention.

Even with the power of the Twelve Kizuki, Rivo knew:

He was not invincible.

Let Honest continue drawing their fire.

Let him stay alive—

For now.

As Honest stumbled away, dragging his bloated, trembling body—

Rokuro stood quietly at Rivo's side.

"Well done."

"Remember to clean up tonight."

"The Twelve Kizuki's reputation must remain untarnished."

Rivo leaned back in his chair, enjoying a massage from Sayo and Rokuro.

His expression was serene, but his tone cold.

He wasn't just speaking about Honest.

There were other officials in the court—those who defied him.

They, too, would be purged.

One or two minor bureaucrats could disappear.

The Empire wouldn't notice.

But the message would be clear.

And Budo—if he had any sense—would make his move soon.

Maybe even come begging for Rivo's help.