That night, after extinguishing the fires raging throughout the city of Vernice, Ard and Eva met with the commander of the knight legion, Bernard Lester Maximilian, who was also a nobleman holding the title of Baron within the empire. They met inside a building that had previously been a tavern, which was still usable despite being half-destroyed. Bernard, having shifted his allegiance to become a knight of the Liberta Empire, recounted what had transpired in the empire over the last 72 hours.

After hearing Bernard’s explanation regarding the conditions in the capital, Ard and Eva thought hard. Then, they looked back at Bernard.

"So, every member of the senate died in the palace fire, and all decisions are now made solely by the Emperor, is that it?" Eva asked.

"That is correct, Your Highness. Furthermore, the Templars and the monastery knights are oppressing the people, forcing them to fight if the capital is attacked," Bernard answered.

"Hmm... so that’s how it is," Ard muttered.

"And one more thing... in the northwest sky, the flying fortress of the legendary Soratopia Kingdom can be seen. That floating island is heading toward the central continent," Bernard added.

"Oh, don’t worry about that. That is reinforcements for us, not for the empire. There is no need to worry," Ard said casually.

"Is that true, Your Highness?" Bernard asked, confused.

"It is true. Please, read this," Ard replied, handing Gigi’s letter to Bernard.

Bernard read it immediately. His eyes widened and his face suddenly went pale—not out of fear, but out of disbelief mixed with admiration, coupled with a sense of gratitude that he had surrendered to the Liberta Empire. It was clear the fate of the Orthus Empire had already been sealed. A smile finally appeared on his tense face.

"This is good. Allow me to share this news with my fellow knights who are secretly organizing a rebellion," Bernard said.

"A rebellion?" Ard asked.

"Many nobles, knights, and commoners are not in alignment with Emperor Edmund. They feel the Emperor is too focused on himself, completely ignoring the plight of the people."

Bernard went on to describe the state of the empire since Edmund took over for the late Ellard III. He had executed every follower and nobleman affiliated with Emperor Ellard III, raised taxes, and turned slavery into an official imperial business. He had incited war against the Ateras Kingdom without any clear or logical basis, and spent every day feasting in the palace.

"Wait a moment. Wasn’t it Emperor Ellard III who first started the war?" Eva asked.

"Technically, yes, it was done in the Emperor’s name. But it was recently discovered by a member of the senate—who died mysteriously back then—that Emperor Ellard III actually passed away two years ago. His body was found in his room, which had never been opened; everyone assumed he was just ill because he was so thin. All this time, the one truly ruling the Orthus Empire has been your brother, Edmund... Your Highness," Bernard explained.

"What? That’s impossible. Before I left for the academy, I actually spoke with Papa," Eva protested.

"Did you speak with him face-to-face, Your Highness?" Bernard asked.

Eva went silent instantly. She opened her mouth but the words wouldn’t come out. The reason was simple: she knew perfectly well that she had spoken to her father from behind his bedroom door when she said goodbye to leave for the academy and live in the dormitory for noble girls. Seeing Eva at a loss for words, Ard turned to Bernard.

"So, for the past two year, Edmund has been ruling the Orthus Empire even while he was at the academy," Ard remarked.

"Exactly, Your Highness. The senate first found out a month ago after reading the personal journals of the member who died mysteriously. They couldn’t do anything and tried to find another way to make Edmund an emperor the people could respect, someone who would lead wisely. The senate shared this information with high-ranking knights, which is how we know about it. But frankly, we couldn’t do anything either, even those who intended to rebel," Bernard replied.

"I see. Do all the border guard knights know about this as well?" Ard asked.

"Yes... they know, Your Highness," Bernard answered.

"Did you hear that, Baalbel? Surely you already know my plan, right?" Ard asked.

"Loud and clear, Your Highness. I will tell our troops to hold their attack for now—and congratulations on your new life together," Baalbel’s voice echoed through the air.

"Haha... thank you," Ard replied.

Bernard looked bewildered, while Eva stared at Ard as if he had just grown a second head. Then Ard turned to Eva, who clearly had questions.

"Just what is your plan?" Eva asked.

"It’s simple, but before that, let me explain what the Liberta Empire actually is," Ard said.

Ard then explained to Bernard that the Liberta Empire was an idea supported by every kingdom in the world, yet it had no physical form. It was more of an empire serving as a source of inspiration for nations that saw the rot within the Orthus Empire but were too afraid to act, knowing they were no match for its massive size and control over the central continent. Hearing this, Bernard grew even more amazed and grateful to be part of the Liberta Empire.

"So, the plan is this... announce my marriage to Eva to the entire Orthus Empire—since they don’t know the Liberta Empire exists—and invite them to our celebration. That way, everyone who is fed up with Emperor Edmund will take our side. Plus, it’ll provoke the Emperor to move first and act out of pure emotion," Ard said casually.

"What? Huh... what did you just say? Get married?" Eva asked, confused, her face turning bright red.

"Yep... exactly," Ard said calmly.

"But where? How? Getting married in the middle of a war like this?" Eva asked, flustered and starting to panic, though she also looked secretly happy.

"Precisely because of the situation. We’ll get married right here in this city and officially declare the founding of the Liberta Empire at the same time," Ard answered casually.

"You’re crazy, Ard... truly crazy... so how does the rest of the plan go?" Eva asked.

"Hahaha... brilliant. Alright, Your Highness, I understand your plan. There doesn’t need to be any more bloodshed to take over. I will send messengers to every border on the central continent to halt the war because the second princess, Evangeline Juliana Orthus, is marrying Arden Larsen Liberta, the Emperor of the Liberta Empire," Bernard replied.

"Spot on, Lord Bernard. No more blood—just a grand celebration. Please convey this to every knight commander and head of the border guards. The party will be held in three days in the city of Vernice. Everyone’s presence is expected, and make sure the Emperor hears about it," Ard said.

"Wait just a minute!"

Suddenly, Alicia, Milia, Beatrice, Rosalind, Pyria, Claudia, and Mirea burst inside, while Adeline appeared to be struggling to keep them out. Ard could see their faces were flushed with anger—except for Adeline, who looked deathly pale.

"Um... what’s going on?" Ard asked.

"Sigh... I knew it would turn out like this," Eva remarked, rubbing her forehead.

Alicia, Milia, Beatrice, Rosalind, Pyria, Claudia, and Mirea immediately swarmed Ard, while Eva pulled Adeline over to sit beside her and told her to stay quiet. Adeline, looking panicked, nodded and instantly seemed relieved.

"If you’re getting married, it has to be all of us at once, not just Eva! What were you thinking, my prince?" Alicia shouted.

"Exactly. It’s not fair if it’s only Eva. The rest of us are the same—we are all your fiancées," Beatrice added.

"For once, the princess is right. I agree... so... you have to be fair, Ard," Rosalind said.

"I don’t need to say much because the others have already said it, but I feel exactly the same way," Milia said, crossing her arms and looking away.

"Personally, I’m fine with getting married whenever, but if one of us is getting married, then everyone has to be married because we are all equally your fiancées. At least, that’s how I understand it," Pyria added.

"We get married together, Ard. That was the original deal," Claudia stated.

"So what’s the plan? What’s the ceremony like? What are we supposed to wear? Come on, talk to us," Mirea demanded.

"You guys... the point of this wedding is to..."

"But it’s official, right?" Alicia, Milia, Beatrice, Rosalind, Pyria, Claudia, and Mirea shouted in unison, cutting Ard off.

"Well, yes, it’s official... but..."

"Then that’s it, us too! We won’t take no for an answer, or we’ll sabotage the whole event!" Alicia, Milia, Beatrice, Rosalind, Pyria, Claudia, and Mirea shouted, cutting him off yet again.

"Good grief... fine, fine... we’ll all get married together," Ard said in defeat. "Did you hear that, Baalbel?" Ard asked.

"Of course, Your Highness. I anticipated this and have already sent invitations to all the relevant parties," Baalbel’s voice replied from the air.

"Hooray! We’re getting married!" Alicia, Milia, Beatrice, Rosalind, Pyria, Claudia, and Mirea cheered together. They pulled Eva up and began dancing inside the tavern, and eventually, Eva smiled and pulled Adeline in with them. Ard could only shake his head and cover his eyes with his hand in exhaustion.

"Stay strong... Your Highness," Bernard said, placing a hand on Ard’s shoulder.

"Thanks, Lord Bernard," Ard replied, gripping Bernard’s hand on his shoulder.