After invading the Nohitant Kingdom and discussing reparations with Lazares Eddington in Rugau, Felix Roots Kreuzer rushed back to the Imperial Capital.
As he strode through the halls of the Imperial Castle, his expression was grim enough to strike fear into any onlooker. He marched toward his destination at the heart of the palace and threw the doors open with a violent bang.
Inside the room, the current Emperor of the Empire, Helmut Roots Kreuzer, was deep in conversation with Ozwell McCloud—the man who had been appointed head of the Emperor’s direct Magic Weapon Development Room roughly two years prior.
Both men turned their gazes toward the door.
"Your Highness, this is His Majesty’s private office. Barging in without so much as a knock is quite improper, regardless of the fact that you are his son," Ozwell remarked snidely once he realized who had entered.
"Ozwell? What are you doing here? Don't you usually spend your days cooped up in your laboratory?"
"To say I'm 'cooped up' is quite the misunderstanding. I toil day and night for the sake of this nation. Besides, even I venture out occasionally. As you can see, I am here now, am I not?"
"...I have urgent business with my father. Leave us," Felix commanded.
"I’m afraid I must refuse. I, too, am in the middle of an important discussion with His Majesty. Isn't that right, Sire?"
"It is. Felix, since when did you become so high and mighty? More importantly, what happened with the invasion of Rugau?" The Emperor, siding with Ozwell, rebuked his son with a harsh glare.
"I... I apologize for my lack of manners. However, my business is precisely about the invasion of Rugau."
"Sigh... It turned out exactly as Ozwell predicted, then..." Upon hearing Felix mention the invasion, the Emperor let out a heavy sigh.
"It is truly regrettable, Your Majesty. How shall we proceed?" Ozwell asked.
"W-Wait! I don't know what you've been told, but please, listen to what I have to say!" Panicked by the realization that the situation was spiraling out of his favor, Felix pleaded with his father.
"Your Majesty, you must not listen to him. He likely intends to slit your throat the very moment you let your guard down to hear him out."
"Wh—What are you...?! Ozwell! What lies have you fed my father?!"
"Please, don't say such unpleasant things. Now that your situation has soured, do you intend to make me the villain? How typical."
"Don't you dare! You've been the villain ever since you arrived in this country! It’s because of you that my father has become like this!"
"What a baseless accusation. Such a statement is an insult to His Majesty himself, you know. But I suppose that matters little to a prince intent on killing his own father. My, my, to think you would grow so arrogant. It is our fault, really—we failed to properly admonish Your Highness after you conquered the Great Labyrinth of the West and became so conceited. Your Majesty, you have my sincerest apologies."
"It is not for you to apologize, Ozwell. It is merely a matter of my foolish son’s immaturity. Felix, I shall grant you one final mercy. Apologize to Ozwell with all your heart and soul. If you do, I shall overlook your recent insolence and settle for placing you under house arrest."
"What?! Are you serious?! Father, think! Remember everything this man has done since he arrived! He is—ugh, what is this, all of a sudden—?!"
Felix, who had been desperately trying to reach his father, suddenly grimaced and clutched his head. A moment later, his consciousness flickered out like a magic tool deprived of its mana, and he collapsed to the floor.
"...Well done, Philly." The Emperor, watching his son fall, offered a word of praise to the person who had snuffed out Felix’s consciousness.
The space in the corner of the room rippled as Philly Carpenter deactivated her [Hide] ability and stepped into view.
"Your words are far more than I deserve, Your Majesty."
"Has he become my loyal servant now?" the Emperor asked.
"No, I have only put him to sleep for the time being. I will now begin the brainwashing process to turn him into a mere doll that exists only to execute Your Majesty's orders. Please, give me a little time."
"Very well. I leave him in your hands."
"I am deeply grateful."
"The operation is a success for now, Your Majesty. We have neutralized the leader of the dissidents plotting rebellion and secured our strongest pawn in one fell swoop." Once the Emperor and Philly finished their exchange, Ozwell spoke up with a look of immense satisfaction.
"Indeed. That brainwashing ability of yours is certainly convenient. Continue to devote your strength to my cause."
"Of course, Your Majesty. It is my supreme joy that this power may serve as the foundation for your path of conquest. Please, continue to march forward on that path, remaining exactly as dull-witted as you are now." Philly bowed her head as she spoke, a smile of pure malice spreading across her hidden face.
"Naturally. I have no intention of stopping until I have unified this entire continent."
The Empire’s descent into madness, instigated by the Cyclamen Cult, had only just begun.
Thank you for reading to the end.
With this, Chapter 4 is concluded.
Just like Chapter 3, this chapter felt a bit rushed, so I plan to slow down the pace for Chapter 5 and write it as something of a "breather."
(Though I might end up changing the plot suddenly...)
I hope you continue to enjoy the story moving forward!