The silence inside Duke Jacob's office shattered the moment Roman finished speaking.
Jacob and Selena froze, staring at him as though the ground had shifted beneath their feet. Their shock was absolute neither had expected Roman to utter something so world-shaking so casually.
Jacob finally found his voice.
"What… what did you just say, Roman?" he asked, disbelief tightening his throat. "The Holy Empire will back us?"
Roman's reply came with the same calm certainty he always carried.
"Yes, Father. You heard it right."
He leaned forward, his tone firm but composed.
"They are against Duke Noah Rockson as well. They witnessed his behavior during the first dungeon breakout—the way he cared only for wealthy merchants and nobles, ordering his knights to save only them."
Selena clenched her jaw.
Roman continued, "A paladin named Ezra Violet possesses detailed proof of Noah's wrongdoing. The Holy Empire plans to present it directly to King Augustus Nova and declare Noah a traitor to his people… and to the Goddess."
Jacob blinked, stunned. Roman pressed on.
"And the most shocking part—they knew about our covert operations. They know what we did with merchant Arshan. Yet they did not condemn us. They agreed to back us. But not to help us. We must carry out everything ourselves."
Roman's words settled heavily into the room.
(Jacob's Inner Thoughts)
So the Holy Empire knows our shadows… our secrets… yet still stands behind my son. Does that mean they trust his judgment more than the king's? Or do they fear what he may become? If we succeed, Presia will rise as a force the kingdom has never seen. If we fail… we may bring the wrath of the crown and nobles upon us. Roman… are you ready for the weight of what you've chosen? And am I ready to support you through it?
(Selena's Inner Thoughts)
So Roman returned not only with answers… but with an entire empire behind him. This isn't a child's mission anymore. This will shake Clover Kingdom to its core. If we misstep, we collapse. If we succeed… Roman will change the fate of the world. My little brother… how far have you already climbed?
A knock echoed.
Magic Tower Master Velkan stepped inside, offering a polite bow before addressing Roman.
"Hello, young master. I hope you are doing well."
"I'm fine," Roman replied. "Have a seat."
Velkan sat beside them, forming a council of four.
Roman turned his eyes toward him.
"Is the defense mechanism magic functioning properly?"
Velkan exhaled. "Yes. Setting up such a high-circle barrier demanded tremendous effort from our elders, but we managed. They nearly exhausted their mana reserves, yet we completed the ritual. Now all the elders of the Magic Tower are excited… eager to see what you will bring to the magic society in the future."
Roman cleared his throat. "Good. Then let's move forward."
He straightened.
"Magic Tower Master Velkan connect Head Captain Zion, Knight Captain Allen, and mage team leader Jeremiah."
Velkan lifted his staff. A glowing spell circle formed, symbols rotating like gears of light. Mana swirled, expanding into transparent screens.
Before the spell finished, Roman turned to Jacob.
"Father, did mercenary Josey Herclue arrive?"
Jacob nodded. "Yes, he has. Selena already briefed him. By now, he should be with Allen's team."
"Good," Roman murmured.
The communication magic stabilized with a shimmering glow. Images appeared Zion, Allen, Jeremiah, and their teams.
They were disguised perfectly:
some as beggars
some as traveling merchants
some as singers and dancersand the mages disguised as entertainers
They bowed deeply.
"Duke Jacob. Young master Roman. Lady Selena."
Roman's eyes scanned over them calmly, but he noticed the tension in their faces the barely contained fury. What they had seen in Ephor weighed heavily on them.
"How are you all?" Roman asked.
No one answered immediately.
Their expressions said everything: rage, disgust, helplessness, and the fierce urge to cut down every Ephor knight harming the people.
At last, Zion and Allen stepped forward.
"Young master," Zion said, voice trembling.
"Give us the order," Allen continued.
"We will cut their heads off in an instant. They are devils, not humans."
Roman inhaled quietly. "I know how you feel. But first… tell me the situation in Ephor."
Zion began, his face hardening.
"The situation is terrible. Ephor knights are patrolling the streets like beasts. They claim to be searching for the killers of merchant Arshan, but all they're doing is torturing common people."
Allen took over.
"They drag men out of their homes. Beat them senseless. Threaten their families. Anyone who refuses to bow is cut down instantly. They treat the commoners like disposable livestock."
Jeremiah stepped closer to his screen.
"Women and girls are being mistreated under the excuse of interrogation. Houses ransacked. Dignity stolen. No law, no restraint."
Zion's voice shook with anger.
"Whole districts are starving. Food and water cut off. Children are becoming skin and bones. People collapse in the streets."
Allen's fists clenched.
"We've seen dead bodies… elders and young ones. Some couldn't last another day without food."
Jeremiah added, "The Ephor mages are helping Noah's knights. Their magic traps the poor prevents escape. They reinforce the cruelty."
The room fell silent.
Jacob's rage exploded.
"I WILL KILL YOU MYSELF, NOAH!" he roared, slamming the table. "You FILTHY SWINE! You crossed every limit humanity has!"
Everyone Roman, Selena, even the disguised knights fell silent at the sudden fury.
This was the first time they saw Jacob lose control.
Selena stepped in quickly.
"Father! Control yourself. His days as duke are numbered anyway."
Roman exhaled softly as the tension slowly settled.
Selena turned to him. "So what are you planning now?"
Roman straightened.
"Is mercenary Josey Herclue present?"
Josey stepped forward. "Yes, young master."
"Good," Roman said. "I've heard you excel in disguise and assassination."
Josey smirked faintly. "I do."
Roman continued.
"I want you to kill a high-ranking Ephor knight. Then disguise yourself as him and infiltrate Noah Rockson's palace. Eliminate his subordinates one by one. But change your disguise each time."
Josey bowed. "Yes, young master. I can do that."
Roman turned to Allen.
"You will assist him. Provide routes, targets, and handle rapid support."
Allen nodded. "Understood."
Roman then addressed the rest of the knights.
"Your work is to gather evidence. Every crime Noah committed. Destroy their bases of command. Anyone who stands in your way kill them."
They bowed deeply.
Then Roman turned to Jeremiah.
"The mages will transport people to safety. As soon as Phase Two is complete, I will arrive personally to finish the remaining work and capture Ephor."
Jeremiah nodded. "We will be ready."
"And Jeremiah when I reach Ephor, handle the bodies of the Ephor knights. Send them directly to Noah Rockson in Clover's capital."
"Yes, young master."
Roman looked back to Jacob.
"Prepare an official report for the king. Once Ephor is under our control and cleansed… you will submit it."
Jacob closed his eyes briefly.
(Jacob's Thoughts)
Roman's plan… it will reshape the kingdom. If Ephor falls under Presia and we provide irrefutable proof, the king will have no choice but to accept it. This will shift the balance of power. Nobles will panic. Allies will form. Enemies will rise. And Roman… Roman will no longer be just the youngest son of a duke. He will become the center of the kingdom's new future.
Jacob finally spoke. "Very well. I will do it."
Selena suddenly shouted, "What about ME? I'm not going to sit here while all of you run wild!"
Roman looked at her with a calm smile.
"Big sister… your job will be to protect Presia Dukedom. Father and I will be busy. You will take charge here."
Selena folded her arms but nodded. "Fine. I'll do it."
Roman turned his gaze toward the magical screens one last time.
Zion.
Allen.
Jeremiah.
All the disguised knights.
His voice rang with cold authority.
"Let covert operation Specter—Phase Two… THE WRATH—begin."