Imperial Capital, Before the Imperial Palace.
A massive number of Imperial Knights, unprecedented in scale, stood in formation before the main gate of the Imperial Palace, like an army ready to face an enemy, completely blocking the entrance. They stood firm, their morale high, like a knightly army defending its position.
This scene shouldn’t appear in a nation’s capital.
But today, not only did this scene appear, but an actual enemy army arrived before them.
“Rumble…!”
With a thunderous roar, a group of Imperial Knights on horseback charged into the plaza, their hooves pounding the ground.
“Boom!”
The Imperial Knights guarding the palace reacted instantly, stepping forward in unison and drawing their weapons.
Some raised their swords, others their massive shields, their defensive stance firm and resolute, more like a seasoned army than knights.
Behind this Imperial Knight army, archers could be seen nocking arrows, and numerous mages raised their staves, ready to cast magic.
The Imperial Knights charging into the plaza were equally imposing, clad in heavy armor, mounted on warhorses, and wielding giant lances, forming a battle formation, facing off against the knights guarding the palace.
The entire plaza transformed into a battlefield, a scene of two armies facing each other.
“F… Father…!”
Geno, in the center of the Imperial Knight formation, gripped his sword, his voice trembling.
Until just now, this young master of the Renitra family had been smug, shouting commands among the Imperial Knights, seemingly enjoying his authority.
But now, he seemed intimidated by the opposing Imperial Knights, his smugness replaced by nervousness. Clearly, this young master had never been on a battlefield, never witnessed such an intense confrontation.
Saliro, standing beside Geno, felt ashamed of his son. Under normal circumstances, he would reprimand Geno severely.
However, today wasn’t the time.
Saliro suppressed his disappointment and calmly looked at the opposing army, slowly walking forward from the Imperial Knight formation.
Geno immediately followed, hiding behind Saliro timidly.
Saliro came to the forefront of the army, facing the enemy.
“Are you planning to rebel, Princess Capeline!?”
Saliro shouted, immediately accusing Capeline of treason.
Capeline’s cold voice echoed,
“To accuse me, a legitimate descendant of the royal family, of rebellion, you better be prepared to bear the consequences, Vice-Commander Renitra.”
Riding her warhorse, Capeline slowly emerged from her forces.
Beside her, Rockto and Tilly followed closely, one expressionless, the other serious, looking imposing.
Geno’s gaze was first drawn to the valiant Capeline, a look of infatuation in his eyes, then shifted to Tilly, his infatuation turning into a lovestruck daze.
Saliro, noticing Geno’s behavior, felt a surge of anger, wanting to kick him away and send him back for retraining. If it weren’t for wanting Geno to gain some presence and attention in this situation, to prepare him for inheriting his position, Saliro wouldn’t have brought this unreliable fellow here.
Now, he had gained presence, but he might also lose face.
Saliro could only look away, continuing to shout at Capeline,
“If Your Highness isn’t planning to rebel, then why bring troops here with the Bigusler family, who are suspected of treason?”
Saliro was determined to pin the blame on either Capeline or Rockto, constantly accusing them of rebellion and treason, taking the moral high ground.
If it were someone less astute, they would have already fallen for Saliro’s cunning scheme.
Unfortunately, although Capeline was upright, she wasn’t stupid.
“Shouldn’t I be the one saying that?” Capeline said indifferently, “As a legitimate descendant of the Imperial Family, I wanted to enter the Imperial Palace and expose the treacherous consort who has been harming the country for years. But you, the Vice-Commander of the Imperial Knight Order and head of the Renitra family, led an army here, trying to block my path. I think you are the one who wants to rebel and commit treason.”
Capeline’s words hit Saliro hard.
Saliro narrowed his eyes.
“Your Highness’s words are too serious,” Saliro said, maintaining his composure, “I only received news that suspicious individuals intending to harm the Empire were approaching the Imperial Palace, so I’m here to fulfill my duty of guarding it.”
“Really?” Capeline said coldly, “Are you saying that I’m a suspicious individual intending to harm the Empire? Is that what you mean?”
“I wouldn’t dare,” Saliro said righteously, “Your Highness is a legitimate descendant of the royal family and naturally not a suspicious individual.”
“Then why are you blocking my path?” Capeline’s gaze turned dangerous, “Since when did the Renitras have such authority?”
“This is a misunderstanding, Your Highness,” Saliro said without fear, “If it were only Your Highness, you could naturally enter the Imperial Palace. We would never stop you.”
This meant that except for Capeline, everyone else had to stay here, including Rockto and Tilly.
Capeline smiled.
“You’ve made quite the plan,” she said indifferently, “Do you think I would risk entering alone?”
“Risk?” Saliro feigned ignorance, “What danger could there be for Your Highness in the Imperial Palace?”
“You know very well,” Capeline looked deeply at Saliro and said in an unquestionable tone, “Vice-Commander Renitra, ambition isn’t a bad thing, but helping and serving the wrong person will ultimately harm not only yourself, but also the Renitra family.”
Saliro’s expression changed slightly.
But after a moment, he glanced at Rockto and returned to normal.