Ch.204204. Rebellion

Gilbert, arriving at the imperial palace through a direct warp gate, raised his hands to show he had no hostile intentions as he found himself surrounded by the imperial guard.

Though the guard knew that only a few loyal families to the imperial palace could use this warp gate, in times of rebellion, everything had to be questioned.

Briana, who commanded the imperial guard, immediately recognized Gilbert and ordered her troops to stand down as she approached him.

“Using the direct warp gate—quite clever of you.”

“I just happened to think of it. But what’s this about a rebellion? I heard His Highness Richard is behind it.”

Briana’s face darkened at Gilbert’s question.

Even she found it difficult to accept that the prince had suddenly started a rebellion.

“Her Highness will explain the details. But more importantly…”

Like Fermo, Briana let her words trail off as she glanced at Veronica, who was standing there blankly. As the Sword Saint, she would certainly recognize the Holy Maiden, but her gaze questioned why Veronica was accompanying Gilbert.

“She has her reasons for coming along. She won’t be participating in the military strategy meeting, so there’s no need to worry.”

“If we have the blessing of the divine, it’s something to welcome. We welcome you, Holy Maiden. However, given the circumstances, I apologize that we cannot offer proper hospitality.”

“May the blessing of the divine be with you. I am Veronica, the Light of the Lord. It’s an honor to meet the renowned Sword Saint of the continent. As Gilbert said, please don’t worry about me.”

“Thank you for your understanding.”

Briana assigned a knight to escort Veronica and guide her to the reception room. The urgency of the situation required immediate attendance at the military strategy meeting.

Veronica gestured for Gilbert to go ahead before following the knight to the reception room.

“Well then, let’s proceed.”

Gilbert followed Briana to the conference room where the military strategy meeting was already in progress.

At the head of the conference table sat Seraphina, who had been appointed commander-in-chief to suppress the rebellion. Her crimson eyes were filled with coldness, but they softened slightly when she saw Gilbert enter the room.

“Gilbert Lion Heart, presenting himself before Her Highness.”

Though the military strategy meeting was in progress, Gilbert paid his respects, albeit briefly, to the Imperial Crown Princess, the legitimate heir to the empire. He could see Seraphina wearing a faint smile.

“I’ve been waiting for you, Lord Gilbert. I commend the unwavering loyalty of House Hart to the imperial family.”

“It is an unparalleled honor.”

As Gilbert took an empty seat next to Briana, the military strategy meeting that had momentarily paused resumed.

“Since we have a new participant, we will provide a brief overview of the current situation before continuing the meeting.”

At Seraphina’s words, the intelligence chief, who was in charge of the briefing, pointed at the briefing board with his pointer and once again summarized the analysis of the current situation.

“Prince Richard, who has raised the banner of rebellion and taken the position of commander-in-chief, has absorbed all the nobles who supported him as the First Prince faction to form the rebel army. Most of them are nobles who have fought alongside Prince Richard on the battlefield, and many have served as field commanders.”

Gilbert felt his head spinning.

He couldn’t understand how Prince Richard, known as a strategic genius even in the game and serving as the empire’s brain, had formed a rebel army with his followers.

While it had been impossible to recruit him as an ally in the game, he had been an NPC who could provide considerable help if a friendly relationship was established.

But now that the game had become reality, Richard, who had been pushed out of the succession, had recruited rebels and raised arms against the imperial family.

Though the exact reason was unknown, once removed from the line of succession, it wouldn’t have been strange for him to become a target for purging at any time.

Especially Prince Richard, known as a strategic genius and receiving fervent support from military nobles, was clearly a dangerous element. There was no guarantee that there wouldn’t be nobles showing excessive loyalty, so typically, all positions would be stripped and the person confined deep within the palace.

In fact, Seraphina was well aware of the danger Prince Richard posed. She had been devising countermeasures, but Prince Richard moved one step ahead.

No matter how exceptional Seraphina was, it was unreasonable to deal with Prince Richard at this point, having only recently ascended as Crown Princess. She had to perform her duties as the heir, which had been vacant for a long time, and since there were many supporters of Prince Richard, it would take considerable time.

“According to reports, Marshal Fortenon and Grand General Dantes have also joined the rebel army.”

“Fortenon, Dantes… these shameless bastards.”

Marshal Arthur, who often clashed with Marshal Fortenon, was so angry that his eyes were bloodshot, but he was careful not to raise his voice.

This was because there was the Crown Princess, suppressing an even greater anger and burning coldly.

Arthur swallowed his anger and signaled with his eyes for the intelligence chief to continue.

“We are currently calculating the exact troop strength and will arrange for it to be included in a subsequent report. However, the estimated forces are substantial, and if civil war breaks out, the empire will suffer significant damage.”

“How do you assess our chances of victory?”

Seraphina, who had been silently listening to the briefing until now, asked.

The intelligence chief looked apologetic but had no choice but to state the facts as they were.

“We estimate 50% or below 40%. The operations chief will provide a more detailed briefing.”

As the intelligence chief took his seat, the operations chief stood at the briefing board with a grim expression.

Gripping the pointer he had been handed, he began his briefing.

“I will first explain the basis for estimating our chances of victory at 50% or below 40%.”

The operations chief pointed to the photos of the key figures forming the rebel army, including Prince Richard.

“As everyone here knows, Prince Richard, who has started the rebellion, is a capable commander known as the Empire’s Nightmare. Battlefields where he has participated, even when at a disadvantage, have often seen their tide turned.”

There were a few in the conference room who let out soft exclamations. These were those who had participated in battles under Prince Richard’s command.

They couldn’t easily dismiss the operations chief’s words. As he said, turning around unfavorable battle situations was possible because of Prince Richard.

He always deployed troops at the right place and time, avoided losing battles as much as possible, and ensured that the battlefield favored the imperial army.

It’s easy to say he chose favorable battlefields, but unless the enemy country was filled with fools, this wasn’t something that could be done with just a few words.

“Additionally, Marshal Fortenon and Grand General Dantes are known as Prince Richard’s right and left arms, showing unwavering loyalty to the prince. They are battle-hardened veterans who have experienced numerous battlefields, and their command abilities and control over the army are beyond question.”

Arthur unconsciously gritted his teeth when the two names were mentioned. Though he often clashed with Fortenon, the latter was such an exceptional figure that defeat was not considered in battles where he participated.

Especially Dantes, before becoming Grand General, was renowned as a Titan Knight, and in small-scale local conflicts, he was a legendary knight who had never been defeated.

Recently, Gilbert had been called the Empire’s Hero, but in the previous era, that term was used with Dantes in mind. That’s how exceptional he was.

“Among the rebels, there are many who have recently been active on the battlefield. Each of them is a force that cannot be ignored, and this puts us at a disadvantage, given our side’s limited battlefield experience.”

Some of the younger nobles expressed confidence, but they lowered their voices when Marshal Arthur clicked his tongue. Arthur had also predicted a similar chance of victory as the operations chief, so the atmosphere in the conference room naturally became subdued.

“Of course, we are not to be underestimated either. We have the Sword Saint, known as the Empire’s First Sword, with us.”

Though Grand General Dantes was a renowned Titan Knight, the empire’s foremost strength was none other than Briana. She was a knight with such exceptional skills that she could shake the continent with just her sword, and this was a crucial ability in the current system where consciousness is synchronized with Titans through artificial spirits.

“Moreover, Lord Gilbert has also expressed his intention to participate, so the balance of power is somewhat maintained.”

The attention in the conference room shifted to Gilbert, who had a stern expression. He calmly handled the attention directed at him, careful not to let his posture falter.

He knew from numerous experiences that even such small details were good for morale, making his demeanor very natural.

“Now, let’s move on to the battle situation. The territories occupied by Prince Richard after starting the rebellion are as follows.”

Detailed battle analysis and future operations were briefed, and time passed quickly. By the time Gilbert and Briana had been in the meeting for two hours, all briefings had concluded, and the operations chief also took his seat before looking at the head of the table.

Seraphina knew very well why all eyes were on her. This was a civil war that broke out right after she became Crown Princess, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that her future would be determined by how she handled this.

She took a short deep breath, put strength in her eyes, and sharpened her gaze.

“As the Crown Princess of the Empire, I will not tolerate those who raise their swords against fellow imperial citizens. Whether they are capable or not is entirely irrelevant. They have crossed a line they should not have crossed, and punishing them is unavoidable.”

Though she didn’t particularly emphasize or stress her words, there was an undeniable anger underlying them.

Seraphina, who truly wished for the peace of the empire, felt an unbearable anger towards her brother who had started a civil war and worsened the empire’s condition, and she had no intention of letting those traitors who had raised troops in support of him go unpunished.

Although removing those who had been the backbone of the empire would weaken the empire’s strength, now was the time to resolutely cut out the rotten parts.

“I declare here and now. Appointed as commander-in-chief by the august Emperor’s command, I will not stop until they are completely annihilated. Show no mercy to those who were once allies.”

“We will obey the Crown Princess’s command!”

“This concludes today’s meeting. Tomorrow morning, after the official departure ceremony, we will immediately punish them.”

All the nobles who participated in the meeting bowed to Seraphina before leaving the conference room.

“Lord Gilbert, please remain seated for a moment.”

Gilbert was about to leave the conference room following Briana, but at Seraphina’s voice holding him back, he sat down again.

After waiting until all the nobles had left, Seraphina, now alone with Gilbert in the conference room, relaxed her tense expression and showed a faint smile.

“Thank you for rushing here.”

“Your Highness, House Hart’s loyalty always lies with the imperial family.”

“I am well aware of that fact. So this expression of gratitude is not only for House Hart but also a personal thanks to my disciple.”

Seraphina, who had now returned to being Gilbert’s master rather than the Crown Princess, seemed to be in a better mood. Though concerns about the rebellion were still visible, Gilbert pretended not to notice.

“A sudden rebellion must be causing you great concern.”

“Indeed. Even I did not anticipate that he would plot a rebellion so quickly. Despite knowing that Prince Richard was likely to do so, it was my lack of virtue that led to inadequate countermeasures.”

“The position of Crown Princess had been vacant for a long time, so you had many matters to attend to. It was an unavoidable situation. Even if you had known, you might not have been able to prevent Prince Richard’s rebellion.”

Though he had not secured the position of heir, Prince Richard’s influence had not completely disappeared. He was still known as a strategic genius, and his supporters did not easily change their minds or switch to Seraphina’s faction.

The faction that Prince Richard had built was a brotherhood forged through war, so incidents could happen at any time.

Seraphina had also planned to deal with Prince Richard as soon as urgent matters were settled, but the accumulated duties as heir had caught her by the ankle more than expected.

“Nevertheless, the fact remains that a rebellion has occurred, and the imperial citizens are in turmoil. I’m also worried that other countries might take advantage of this chaos.”

“I will strive to end the civil war as quickly as possible. So please send me to the front lines.”

Gilbert, thinking that the civil war needed to be resolved quickly, pleaded with Seraphina. Though he had been a war hero before his possession, he despised that title terribly.

What war always leaves behind are the screams of soldiers filled with madness and the bloody tears of the people. The pilots of the fighter jets he had shot down were merely following their country’s orders, not overflowing with malice.

The same was true for Gilbert, but war always becomes filled with malice. Gilbert could not stand by and watch such a catastrophe. He once again resolved to end the war in the shortest time possible.

“That’s reassuring. By the way, I heard you came with the Holy Maiden… Is there a reason?”

“There are circumstances. Please understand that I cannot explain the details yet.”

“Though I don’t like it, there’s nothing to be done. Besides, having the Holy Maiden on our side brings many political advantages.”

Seraphina let out a small laugh but suddenly hardened her expression. It was the moment she returned from being Disciple Seraphina to Crown Princess Seraphina.

“Gilbert, I may not fully understand your abilities, but there is one thing I am certain of.”

“What certainty do you speak of?”

“I firmly believe that as long as you remain by my side, we will never lose. After all, it was you who cut down a Titan, albeit an early version, with your bare hands.”

“Your Highness…”

“So I’m counting on you, Lord Gilbert. You will be the key to leading us to victory.”

Instead of saying he would handle it, Gilbert simply nodded. He too had not the slightest intention of losing.

“Leave it to me. I will always lead us to victory.”

“I always believe in you. So go ahead and show your full potential.”

Gilbert bowed deeply and returned to his quarters following Seraphina’s dismissal.

***

The next morning, Seraphina began her speech announcing the departure ceremony.