Chapter 30: A New Dawn for the Empire

“Alexia…”

“Simon…”

The two returned to the Imperial City at the same time, unexpectedly meeting in front of the great hall.

When they saw the worry on each other’s faces, they couldn’t help but share a knowing smile.

Alexia turned and stepped into the great hall, Simon following closely behind.

“You speak first, Simon. What made you so anxious to return?”

Alexia asked Simon.

Simon answered immediately.

“The situation in the Imperial Capital may be extremely dangerous right now. The Imperial Cathedral is recalling the Exalted Paladins, by direct oracle of the God of Light.”

Alexia frowned deeply at his words.

“Has it become so serious that the Exalted Paladins are needed to guard it?”

With that one sentence, she grasped the state of the Imperial Capital.

“Did the God of Light specify what kind of danger?”

Although Alexia did not believe in the God of Light, she understood that recalling the Exalted Paladins could only mean protecting the people of the Imperial Capital.

If the capital fell, countless innocent lives would be lost.

For the Church of Light, this was unacceptable.

Simon shook his head.

“We have to judge the exact threat ourselves. For now, there’s only one clue— the Witch Council.”

The act of recalling the Exalted Paladins alone already hinted at the severity of the danger.

Alexia was a little surprised, and nodded.

“Your thoughts align with mine. I returned to warn you to be wary of the Witch Council.”

“Because they intend to use my death to plunge the entire Empire into chaos, stirring up the world to create an environment favorable to themselves.”

Simon spoke in a low voice.

“Alexia, how do you plan to respond? Are you prepared to declare war on the Witch Council?”

“How could I not wish to…”

Alexia sighed helplessly, turning her gaze to the throne above the great hall.

“But look, what right do I have to challenge the Witch Council?”

“No one stands at my side, nor do I have enough support. For me, there’s only one chance, and I cannot risk the fate of the entire Empire.”

“Until the Empire is reorganized, we can only endure for now— it’s a helpless decision.”

She understood the gravity and priorities of the situation.

Though she had rejected the Witch Council’s apology, she did not openly declare war against them.

At the same time, she was certain the Witch Council would not easily publicize a conflict with the Empire.

Otherwise, it would only worsen their own predicament.

“Simon, I entrust the investigation of the Witch Council’s actions against the Empire entirely to you.”

Alexia said to Simon, helplessly.

“Until then, I’ll remain in the Imperial City, waiting for that day to come.”

The entire defense system of the Imperial Capital was in her hands.

Should anything happen to her, the city would have no hope of holding out.

As long as she lived, each area of the capital could maintain independence, at least not be wiped out in a single blow.

Therefore, the only one able to act freely now was her only trusted knight, Simon.

Simon nodded.

“Alexia, just take care of yourself. Matters outside the Imperial City are nothing for you to worry about.”

Alexia looked up at the ceiling, speaking with worry.

“Let’s hope things don’t deteriorate to a point where even the two of us can’t salvage them.”

Then, she turned her head to Simon.

“By the way, my birthday banquet is coming up in a while. Remember to bring Belinda along.”

—

Simon stared at the gates of his own estate, feeling hesitant for the first time.

Since that day, it seemed he hadn’t returned for several days to accompany Belinda.

Taking a deep breath, Simon stepped inside.

As soon as he opened the door, the figure lying in the center of the red carpet sat up.

Those lifeless eyes lit up instantly upon seeing him.

“Simon!”

Belinda leaped from the red carpet and rushed toward him in surprise.

Simon intended to open his arms to catch Belinda but suddenly realized he was still wearing his armor.

He immediately reached out to stop her.

“Let’s save the hug for later— I’ll take off my armor first.”

“No! It’s just a hug! You can hug first, then take it off!”

Belinda insisted.

Seeing this, Simon relented and gently embraced her.

Belinda hugged Simon tightly, her voice choked with emotion.

“I thought you didn’t want me anymore… why did it take so long for you to come back this time?”

Though her time with Simon was short, she felt that this person in front of her understood her best.

Simon answered helplessly.

“The situation in the Imperial Capital is unstable right now. I’ve been too busy to even see Her Majesty, let alone hope to return home.”

After a brief hug, Belinda finally released him.

She followed Simon back to the bedroom, asking along the way.

“What happened in the Imperial Capital? Is my father stirring up trouble?”

Simon shook his head.

“The capital faces severe challenges ahead, but it has nothing to do with your father. You can rest easy.”

“Pandarth is indeed dissatisfied with Her Majesty, but he wouldn’t act against reason, nor would he risk the lives of the city’s people.”

“Then, is there anything I can do to help you?”

“You?”

Simon looked at her and shook his head.

“Belinda, your main task now is to study and strengthen yourself. When the time is right, you’ll naturally be able to help.”

“Oh, right, Simon…”

Belinda suddenly ran off to the study and brought out the book .

“That day, Her Majesty saw through my disguise but said nothing. Instead, she folded the pages of many parts in this book. When I read it again, I couldn’t understand her intent.”

Simon wasn’t surprised.

At Alexia’s level, it was certain she could see through Belinda.

After removing his armor, he took the book and flipped through it.

After just two pages, he understood Alexia’s intention.

He sighed softly.

“These are the current weaknesses in imperial policy. From a broad perspective, there’s room for great improvement; but in detail, even if left unaddressed, they won’t affect the Empire as it stands.”

“Hmm?”

Belinda blinked.

She didn’t seem to quite understand.

“Doesn’t that mean these problems can be corrected, making the Empire better?”

As she spoke, she suddenly understood.

“Her Majesty knows the issues mentioned in the book exist and agrees with the reforms, so why hasn’t she acted? That doesn’t seem like her style!”

“Because she’s waiting for the Hope of the Empire to rise— that will be the hope for the Empire’s future.”

Simon gazed deeply at Belinda.

Since Alexia’s ascension, she’d discovered a core issue— Central Decay.

The Empire was on the brink of collapse.

Local lords had built up private armies, and the capital, due to the previous king’s mismanagement, could no longer command them as before.

If an order was issued and ignored, that was fortunate.

Worse yet, some lords would openly resist.

Therefore, she had to rebuild the Empire, gradually reclaim royal authority, and centralize power.

In this process, controversy was inevitable.

But she did not care— a good reputation could not stop the Empire’s disintegration.

She also understood that what she sought to accomplish was impossible in her own lifetime.

As long as the next successor understood how to continue transforming the half-reformed Empire, that would be enough.

She was willing to become the stepping stone for the next generation of rulers, establishing their supreme authority.

Only then could the Empire be broken and reborn.

The people, too, would surely welcome the departure of a Tyrant and the arrival of a Benevolent Ruler.