Duanmu Huai had no intention of concealing this matter. In fact, after returning, he immediately informed everyone.
Because Duanmu Huai knew very well that many things cannot be covered up. Sometimes, acknowledging reality is more important than anything else. In truth, most downfalls begin with an inability to face reality.
At present, something had indeed gone wrong in the Royal City. Fortunately, the Second Legion had not encountered any issues. After leaving the Royal City, they made a trip to the border between Herman and the Demon Realm. There, everything remained orderly and normal. The general of the Second Legion even met with them, and when he learned that something major had happened in the Royal City, his shock and astonishment did not appear feigned.
In other words, what had happened in the Royal City was unknown not only to the Inquisition and the Royalist Army, but even to the Second Legion.
No one knew what was happening inside.
"From a magical perspective, if so many corpses are being used, it must be for some extremely terrifying ritual or spell…"
Anne and Guleya studied the situation for quite some time before giving this conclusion. Unfortunately, even Shizuka could not say with certainty whether magic requiring such a massive number of corpses existed in this world.
But no matter what, Anne's reasoning was sound.
Whatever the Council intended to do, the mere fact that so many corpses were involved was already deeply problematic.
"The soldiers are beginning to grow restless."
Urze was more concerned about another issue.
Although they had recruited many soldiers locally, quite a number of troops from the First, Fourth, and Fifth Legions had families living in the Royal City. Now that news had spread about the disaster there, many hoped to return and learn the fate of their loved ones.
"Should we change the plan?"
"The original plan remains unchanged. Reorganize those men into a new unit. They will accompany the Fourth Legion and the Inquisition to the Royal City. The others will continue their current duties."
Duanmu Huai shook his head. The Fourth Legion now numbered nearly one hundred thousand, second only to the Second Legion. With the First and Fifth Legions standing on their side, resistance in other cities had collapsed entirely. In truth, what they faced now was merely the dying struggle of the Council faction. Aside from them, no one else had any desire to fight the Fourth Legion to the bitter end.
Under such circumstances, the Fourth Legion already had sufficient strength to deal with those petty enemies.
If that was the case, then it was time for the Inquisition to take action as well.
News of the Royal City spread throughout the Royalist Army, and naturally the Guard also learned of it.
"Is it true, Captain?"
Upon hearing the news, Lucian nearly rushed straight to Kilty and asked.
"Ah? Mm… yes. We've already conducted an investigation of the Royal City. At least for now, it has indeed suffered an attack—but the bodies are nowhere to be found…"
"How could this be…"
"What's wrong, Lucian?"
Seeing Lucian's face pale with terror, Kilty looked at her in confusion. Come to think of it, she still remembered suspecting that Lucian might be some noble lady of Herman. Judging from her reaction, could her home be in the Royal City? If so, that would make sense…
"...…"
Faced with Kilty's question, Lucian did not answer immediately. After hesitating for a moment, she looked up at Kilty.
"Miss Kilty, I would like to speak with Lord Inquisitor. There is something extremely important I must tell him!"
"...…"
Kilty carefully examined Lucian for a moment, then nodded.
"Of course."
Afterward, Kilty brought Lucian to the command room. Coincidentally, everyone was present. Seeing Kilty enter with Lucian, no one paid much attention—until Kilty spoke.
"Lord Inquisitor, Miss Lucian says she has something extremely important to tell you."
"Oh?"
Duanmu Huai looked up at Kilty and Lucian beside her. Under his gaze, Lucian trembled slightly, but she straightened her back and stood firm.
"What is it?"
Duanmu Huai stared at her and asked. Lucian hesitated before continuing.
"Before that… I would like to remove the transformation spell on me. May I?"
"Of course. Who will do it?"
Duanmu Huai was not surprised that Lucian claimed to be under a transformation spell. Kilty had already told him of her suspicions. She looked like a commoner, but wore high-quality undergarments, and her skin was smooth and delicate—nothing like someone weathered by rural labor. Kilty had suspected from the start that Lucian might be using transformation magic.
Now it seemed Kilty's observation skills were quite sharp.
"I'll do it."
Though her body had grown smaller, Shizuka's magical power had not diminished, nor had her intellect.
Shizuka stepped forward and extended her hand. Soon, a glow of magic enveloped Lucian. Under everyone's watchful eyes, Lucian began to change. The ribbon tying her hair loosened, her hair cascading down and shifting from black to a radiant golden hue. At the same time, her once light-brown skin turned porcelain-white and delicate, and her dull gray eyes transformed into brilliant emeralds like precious gems.
"Eh… ahhhh?!!"
At this sight, Kriorev's eyes widened in shock. Rolex gaped, pointing at Lucian speechlessly. Even Krim stood frozen, staring blankly at the girl before him.
"Your Majesty…?!"
The magical light faded. Standing before them now was no longer the former slave girl, but a young woman with dazzling golden hair and emerald eyes, her features noble and beautiful.
She exhaled softly, then looked at Duanmu Huai and lifted her skirt in a formal gesture.
"Greetings, Lord Inquisitor. It is a pleasure to meet you. I apologize for concealing my identity until now. I am the Emperor of the Herman Kingdom—Shira Herman."
"......"
Everyone present was stunned.
This slave girl… was the Emperor?!!
Even Kilty, who had long harbored suspicions, was utterly speechless. At most, she had thought Lucian might be the daughter of some noble house—but never had she imagined she was… the Emperor?
Good grief. The Emperor infiltrating the Royalist Army—who would have thought?!
"Y-Your Majesty!!"
Krim immediately dropped to his knees, too frightened to speak.
"Well, this is certainly surprising."
Compared to the others, Duanmu Huai was only mildly astonished.
"However, you didn't reveal your identity just to exchange greetings, did you? What is it?"
"Yes."
Shira nodded firmly.
"The reason I fled the Royal City… was because of something."
She then recounted, in full detail, the reason for her escape.
According to Shira, one day Stisser came to her chambers, smugly telling her that he had obtained power sufficient to conquer the entire world. He even produced a small box, declaring that it was the key. Once activated, it would unleash a power unmatched by anyone. At that point, the entire world would fall into Herman's grasp, and he would become the King of the World.
Terrified upon hearing this, Shira made a desperate decision—to steal the key and flee the Royal City. She planned to deliver it to the headquarters of the AL Church. Though she didn't know exactly what it was, if Stisser intended to use it to dominate the world, then sending it to the AL Church seemed the safest course.
Fortunately, her maid agreed to help her and obtained transformation potions. After drinking them, they switched appearances. Shira took on the maid's appearance, while the maid became Shira. Following the maid's instructions, Shira secretly left the Royal City with the box.
"Then how did you end up as a slave?"
Duanmu Huai could not understand how an Emperor could become a slave. Shira lowered her head dejectedly. According to her, she had obediently followed the maid's instructions and traveled to a village near the border to find the person the maid mentioned. The maid had assured her that this person would send her safely to the AL Church.
It turned out that person was a slave trader.
…Well, judging from that, it seemed Shira had been thoroughly betrayed by her maid.
"Do you know what Stisser was referring to?"
"I don't."
Shira shook her head.
"Stisser was very cautious. He never told me any details."
"So, after hearing about the Royal City, you suspect this is the trump card he mentioned?"
"Yes."
As she spoke, Shira took out a small box and handed it to Duanmu Huai.
"This is the key."
"It looks like just an empty box."
Duanmu Huai took it and shook it. Nothing inside. Completely empty.
"I said the same thing at the time. But Stisser insisted a great secret was hidden within…"
"A secret, huh…"
Duanmu Huai examined the box carefully.
"Well, that's simple."
"Simple?"
"Yes. If this thing is a key, then… we just destroy it!"
As he spoke, black flames ignited in his hand. He clenched his palm tightly, and in the next instant, the box shattered. With a sharp, piercing wail, a humanoid shape burst out from within—only to be instantly engulfed by the black flames and vanish without a trace.
"Well, it seems a soul was sealed inside. As for whose soul it was… since it's dead now, there's no point discussing it."
"Uh...…"
Shira was utterly speechless.
Duanmu Huai dusted off his hands and looked at her.
"Well then, Your Majesty, since you're already here, why not come along with us?"
(End of Chapter)