POV: Cerros Baal


    Hmm, one more day and theyll fly the white g, I guess. It all went pretty smooth, thanks to Captain Szar being away.


    Pretty frail, your capital..


    The Third Imperial Army and Huang Dynasty forces had surrounded the capital. Watching over them from the rear, I was leisurely having a cup of tea with Xiao Mao.


    Three days had already passed since we started our siege. The Imperial Knights couldnt put up much of a resistance, since their main force was away, so nothing stood in our way as our forces surrounded the capital. The morale of the soldiers still protecting the capital was rather low, so they were surely going to surrender soon.


    You surprised me, though. Since when did you want to be emperor?


    Xiao Mao looked genuinely puzzled.


    Until now, I had spent most of my time in the eastern region of the empire, barely participating in the series of session disputes. Yet now, I hade attacking the capital to snatch away the title  no wonder she was perplexed.


    Since never? I have no intention to be emperor, actually.


    I answered my retainers question withplete honesty.


    I never wanted to be emperor, and never will. But it doesnt matter which of my two brothers, Lars and Grett, gets the throne  our future prospects are pitch ck either way. In order to uphold my current lifestyle  good wine, prettydies and fun in general  I guess I have to be emperor and get rid of all the nuisances, see?


    And so, you take it with brute force? Pretty drastic.


    I wouldnt have done this if those two didnt show me an opening this big. Not only the First and Second Imperial Armies, but even the Imperial Knights are almost all out now! Seriously, its like theyre begging me to steal the throne.


    I honestly thought so. I didnt know how badly they wanted to take down House Maxwell, but they should have left at least the Imperial Knights to protect the capital. They were the empires greatest defensive force, thest bastion.


    Mobilizing them was like saying that the empire was finished. I bet no one in court really understood how much despair the capital people felt by seeing them leave.


    (I did take advantage of this anxiety though, so I guess Im not one to speak.)


    Gahahaha!! The central authorities are the same bastards everywhere! Always thinking they know everything while they manage colossal failures!


    The boastful interjection in our conversation came from Ragoh, general of the Huang western forces and my drinking buddy. Even now, he took a big swig from the jar he was holding andughed heartily.


    They never think they might get involved in war, not until their own asses start burning. Thats why they can give ridiculous orders without thinking of the future! And us, the people on the field, are always the ones paying the price!


    Right, rightI dont know if the invading army won against House Maxwell, but those soldiers are pitiful too


    Damn straight! But more importantly, Cerros, you remember our promise, right?


    Of course I do, Ragoh, my guy. Im the kind of man who always keeps his word.


    The condition for the Huang forces to join this battle was a secret agreement between Ragoh and me: when he rebelled against Huangs central government and dered the western region independent, the Baal Empire would provide support.


    Ragoh himself used to serve in central Huang as a general, but he lost some petty political squabble and was demoted to the western regions. He deeply resented it, and was always looking for a chance to secede from Huang.


    (Which would sit perfectly right by me. If Ragoh bes king of an independent state made by Huangs west region, wed get a buffer zone between Baal and the rest of Huang. Our empire and the dynasty wouldnt sh directly anymore.)


    Cerros greatest concern in regards to bing emperor was the weakening of the empires military power, which would undoubtedly invite foreign invasion.


    The nomads in the north were kept out by Gretts wall and the kingdom of Lamperouge was still in disarray due to the young kings coronation. The Huang Dynasty  thest menace  splitting and falling into a civil war was the best development he could hope for.


    Friends are mans greatest treasure, as they say. I feel so blessed!


    As I deeply appreciated the value of friendship, Ragohughed and took a swig, again, while Xiao sipped on her tea with a sigh.


    A scene far too peaceful to belong on the battlefield  a discrepancy quickly rectified by a massive tremor.


    W-Whoa!?


    Cerros!!


    W-What the?


    The area around the capital was not prone to earthquakes; after the unprecedented shaking, I looked around and saw something incredible over the capital.


    What the hell isthat?


    Its atower?


    Beyond the walls surrounding the capital  right where the imperial court was located, now stood a gigantic tower  a tower that pierced the clouds higher with every tremor. We could only look up, speechless. Eventually, the earth settled down  and the tower was three times taller.


    can it bethe Tower of BabelZeus?


    Still dumbfounded, I whispered the towers name.