Heavy rain fell throughout the night over the roofs of Dumai Palace. A gray sky shrouded the capital, and the morning mist swallowed the entirety of the defense towers.Three days had passed since that bloody hearing. General Karzath remained imprisoned beneath the palace, but his lips stayed tightly sealed—even after Ardhana ordered interrogations using torture methods of excruciating pain.However, the body has its limits of endurance. If he were to kill Karzath now, Jon Vick would never emerge without someone to open the way for him.That was why, that night, he and Vargan hid within the shadows of the Imperial Trade Council building—a place that had long served as the headquarters for black-market traders supplying weapons to the Left-Wing Division.“Vargan, are you certain this man will show up?” Ardhana whispered from beneath the hood of his black cloak.“Yes,” Vargan replied softly. “Jon Vick’s right-hand man is named Rezan Tuar, a former head of palace logistics. He is the on

The guards exchanged wary glances. Amidst the drizzling night rain, the symbol of the crowned eagle on Ardhana’s hand shimmered under the torchlight—an emblem no sane man dared to trifle with.Instantly, the faces of the Blades soldiers stiffened. The lead commander bowed deeply, signaling his troops to retreat."My—my apologies, Lord High Justice... we were unaware you were on a secret Imperial mission," he stammered. "Please, pass through. We will ensure no one follows from behind."Ardhana remained silent, his gaze unwavering, before giving a small nod to Rezan. The group moved again, cutting through the Jawara city border toward the north.Vargan glanced at Ardhana with a faint smirk. "I almost forgot... you always have a way of commanding without ever having to raise your voice.""When the symbol of the law is sharper than a blade, one only needs to raise a hand," Ardhana replied flatly. "Now, silence. We haven't cleared their patrol zone yet."The carriage lurched forward along

"I have come all the way from the land of Amerta seeking an answer..." his voice sounded cold.'The land of Amerta? Who is he? How dare he come here without a shred of protection?' Jon Vick thought to himself."What answer?""The answer regarding the death of my grandfather, the Great King..."WUUUUUUUUNG!The air seemed to vibrate. Who didn't know the figure of the Great King? A name of great renown as the advisor to the most powerful nation, who had died in the land of Dumai.Sriiiiiiing!All the soldiers drew their swords from their scabbards. However, Jon Vick casually signaled them to hold back."Have you investigated it?""Indeed... I have read all the documents, and all evidence points toward your brother... Jon Diablo. Now, I wish to form an alliance with you..."Jon Vick’s expression did not change at all. He looked incredibly calm, like still waters that run deep.Vargan stood frozen. "S-so when you were hiding the documents...""Forgive me, but I will side with anyone to se

Ardhana smiled faintly.“Their swords may be sharp, but that little dagger won’t affect a victory that has already been planned… Wasn’t it your task to eliminate all the troops of the right-wing division? Now begin…”“That’s right, we’re already here—don’t waste time! ATTACK!” Valsha shouted loudly, prompting all the troops under her command to immediately engage in open sword combat.WUUUUUSH!“The palace is under attack?! CALL FOR REINFORCEMENTS?!”CLANG! CLIIIING!The sound of clashing swords from both sides echoed loudly throughout the palace courtyard. Yet Valsha and Ardhana continued walking calmly. They seemed to enjoy the battle, until Valsha forcefully kicked open the doors of the grandest hall in the capital.BRAAAAAAK?!Silence filled the room. Only Nimira and Emperor Diablo could be seen at the throne.“You bastard, Ardhana?! I raised you to be the Supreme Judge of the palace, and you dare side with my own younger sibling?!”Ardhana walked calmly and took his seat at the S

“Ardhana, even though you now hold the highest authority of law in the palace, his crimes are severe… How can the punishment be this light?!” one of the officials behind Emperor Diablo spoke with irritation.“He even caused Dumai and Amerta to become hostile toward each other… Because of him, our nation was isolated?! Ardhana…!” another added.However, Ardhana calmly looked at Emperor Diablo, who unexpectedly agreed without any intention of arguing.“Even so, he is still the highest authority of law in this palace… Besides, he was the one who forced Jon Vick out of hiding…”Nimira stepped forward toward Ardhana, her smile graceful—like a war angel showing a different side to certain people.“I know you have another plan… Ardhana, I will do it.”Shortly after Nimira captured Jon Vick and Valsha, Emperor Diablo ordered the entire Blades force to eliminate the remaining rebels led by Jon Vick.*Inside the palace hall.“Ardhana, honestly… I truly admire you. I had prepared countless plan