The Empire's Shadows

Belroza lounges comfortably on the reception sofa in the emperor's private office, even though no one invited him to do so.

Meanwhile, William, forced to accept Belroza's offer, sits before him with a resigned expression.

"Understood. I acknowledge the return of your sister and the Black Rose Fleet. However, for the foreseeable future, you will remain stationed here at this colony, defending the vicinity of the imperial capital. Naturally, under my supervision."

Belroza nodded contentedly in response to William's words.

Considering the other fleets, the nobles, and public sentiment, this is certainly the right decision. Plus, having someone like me—quite the troublesome character—under your command and put to good use makes for excellent publicity. You've truly become a magnificent emperor, sister. I'm so proud of you.

"Don't mock me. I don't wish for any more chaos than this as the imperial emperor. As you yourself said, I don't trust you, sister. That's precisely why I must control you and the Black Rose Fleet myself, out of my own responsibility."

William spoke calmly.

Belroza stared at William, eyes wide with disbelief.

"You really seem to be all right, then."

William raised an eyebrow at Belroza's words.

"What do you mean? You said something similar just a moment ago."

Belroza closed one eye and stared at William with the other.

"What I'm about to tell you is the truth. Whether you believe it or not is up to you—but it's truly the truth..."

"The truth?"

Belroza began speaking matter-of-factly.

"William, you've eliminated countless political rivals—including your brother Fraid—on your way to claiming the imperial throne, haven't you?"

...That's right. Now that I look back, I don't even understand why I took such measures, but the fact remains that I drove Frayd and the others to the brink of death. Even though it will never come to light, I don't intend to escape responsibility for my actions—or the fact that I stained my own hands with them.

Upon hearing William's words, Belroza smiles faintly.

"William, you were misled, manipulated, and made to dance by Lady Ezaria."

"What?...What are you talking about? No, that can't be right..."

It was impossible to accept such a sudden accusation.

"It's Lady Ezaria's ability. Outwardly, the three of you—yourself, Elderan-sama, and Lady Ezaria—possessed the power of 'Domination.' The Domination ability reflects charisma, allowing one to command and control others. Of course, 'Domination' is just a name—it's actually nothing more than a minor power that can merely attract people. You understand, right?"

"Yes."

The third eye ability possessed by heirs of the Rymuria Galactic Empire varies, including foresight, mind reading, domination, and more.

Among these, the ability known as 'Domination' is particularly valued by emperors. However, it is actually nothing more than a minor power capable of merely attracting people. Truly making people submit and exerting control requires not just the ability, but also the leadership skill and capacity to guide others—qualities that must be acquired through exceptional effort and talent.

Just having the ability of the third eye doesn't mean one could serve as an imperial emperor.

"But you see, Sister Elzaria's true power isn't actually 'domination,' but rather 'enchantment.' She enchants her target, bewilders them, and causes them to lose their rational judgment, allowing her to manipulate them at will. That's the nature of her ability. Unlike 'domination,' it doesn't work on large groups, but when used against an individual who can't discern her true intentions, it becomes nearly impossible to resist."

William stares in shock at Bellrosa's words.

"Such... a thing..."

"Princess Azaria, that woman—Azaria—manipulated you, used you to ascend the throne, weakening the empire in the process, all to serve her true goal: establishing the new nation tree. You're not the only one—Elran has also been enchanted and turned into a puppet. In fact, Elran is even more deeply ensnared by that woman's charm, as if her very soul has been completely taken hold of."

Though it's hard to believe, William himself can recall instances that support this.

It is undeniable that when Ezraia was by William's side, she orchestrated every possible court maneuver in order to secure the imperial throne.

Yet, fundamentally, William had been ranked third in line for succession, and at one time, he himself had not desired the throne at all.

He was a cautious man who believed it more appropriate to be a minor lord overseeing a small regional territory, recognizing that he was not fit for the throne and content with the responsibilities within his own limited reach.

However, when the previous emperor died suddenly and succession disputes surfaced, William's circumstances changed dramatically.

The previous emperor's death itself had been a sudden and suspicious one, but William had been entirely uninvolved and knew nothing about it, assuming one of his two elder brothers would simply inherit the throne. Yet, it was at this moment that his sister, Ezra, approached him.

Ezaria said that Elran, the eldest brother, had interest in the imperial throne but believed he should yield it to William due to his duties as commander of the fleet.

However, Frayd, the second eldest brother, disapproved and was attempting to eliminate both Elran and William.

After that, whenever William sought to protect himself, threats surrounding him would vanish—ultimately leading him to sit upon the emperor's throne.

To say the threats vanished is a roundabout way of expressing that countless lives had been sacrificed to reach this point.

Of course, William himself did not personally carry out these actions, nor did he issue the orders.

Yet it was undeniable that William's intentions were reflected in those outcomes, and he had no intention of turning away from them.

As days passed since Ezaria's departure, the fog that had clouded his heart gradually cleared, and a sense of his identity as emperor began to emerge.

Though it was true that all of this had unfolded under Ezaria's control, the more he listened to Bellroza's explanation, the more it made sense.

Regardless, William could be a target of Bellorosa's schemes, but the William of today, who can face reality, is certain that Bellorosa is not behind it.

And with unwavering certainty, an overwhelming sense of anxiety surged up.

What on earth should I do...

An emperor created for the sake of conspiracy.

Moreover, they can't simply step down from that throne.

"What should I do? You're the one who has to figure it out yourself. Your position means nothing to me. Whether to move forward or retreat, for whom to act—those are the responsibilities of someone in charge."

William looked at Belrosa once more.

Belrosa stared back at William without flinching.

"What is your sister plotting... or rather, what does she truly desire?"

Belrosa responded to William's question with a cold smile.

You say you don't want any more chaos, but what I desire is chaos itself. William, don't misunderstand. The words I spoke about protecting you were not lies, but my true nature is the same as Azelia's—I delight in chaos, drag countless others into it, and care nothing for the lives of others. In the end, you and I are practically twins—both abnormal sisters. Well, protecting you isn't a lie, and it may even end up saving the Rimlia Galactic Empire, but if things ever lose their excitement, I’ll vanish without a trace to seek chaos elsewhere. If you’re to be Emperor of the Rimlia Galactic Empire, then show me you can handle someone like me!

William's eyes, watching Belroza speak without the slightest trace of remorse, held no hint of hesitation.