Published: January 4, 2026
The rebellion led by Almeria, having lost its mastermind, was swiftly suppressed by Brother Henry.
In the palace’s audience chamber where the news arrived, the ministers’ cheers echoed.
The messenger who brought the news knelt before Your Majesty and continued.
“Most of those who plotted the rebellion have been captured. They seek Your Majesty’s judgment.”
“Hmm.”
Your Majesty nodded quietly.
His expression was not exactly calm—
Rather, he was so furious it seemed as if flames might shoot from his eyes at any moment.
“Inform Henry to bring every single one of them to the capital.”
“Yes.”
“What are you intending to do?”
After the messenger left, the First Prime Minister stepped forward from among the ministers and asked Your Majesty’s intentions.
“It’s decided. I will not tolerate a rebellion in Noah’s domain. Prepare the oxen and horses; I will have their entire families torn apart.”
Understanding that the anger in Your Majesty’s tone was genuine, the ministers all voiced their agreement.
“Your Majesty.”
I stepped out of the line and knelt on one knee beside the First Prime Minister.
“Wait, Noah. Right now, I will—”
“With all due respect, Your Majesty, I must object.”
“—Torn apart... what?”
Your Majesty was startled, and the other ministers murmured nervously.
To oppose a furious emperor so directly was no small matter.
Some of the ministers, known for their timid nature, paled visibly.
“What do you mean, Noah?”
Your Majesty’s tone dropped.
Although the words were directed at me, several ministers shuddered.
Their reaction seemed to indirectly affirm the emperor’s authority.
I calmly lifted my face and looked at Your Majesty.
“Punishment must strictly follow the law.”
Laying down the fundamental principle first.
“Under imperial law, the ringleader of a rebellion shall be executed by beheading the torso; their relatives within three degrees of kinship and conspirators shall be hanged; others are beheaded according to their level of involvement. ‘Torn apart’ is a figurative expression, but such a punishment does not exist in imperial law.”
“But they have brought shame upon Noah’s name.”
Your Majesty frowned and insisted on this, but I ignored it.
“If the emperor leads by breaking the law, it would cause chaos in the realm. I urge Your Majesty to reconsider.”
“...”
Your Majesty fell silent.
The ministers held their breath, watching the proceedings.
A heavy silence filled the audience chamber.
“...Hmph. Noah is right.”
After a while, Your Majesty muttered.
Clearly, a few people sighed in relief.
“Well done, Noah. Thank you for admonishing my error.”
“No, Your Majesty.”
“However, I cannot be fully satisfied. Make the sentence the harshest allowed by law, with no reductions. Is that acceptable?”
“Absolutely no problem.”
I bowed once, then continued.
“In past rebellions, even relatives within three degrees of kinship to the ringleader were often spared if they were children or infants, out of pity. If Your Majesty holds such a view, this is an area that requires special attention.”
Noble children are not ordinary children.
There are countless cases where fallen or destroyed noble houses are revived or avenge themselves through surviving children.
Especially in rebellions.
While conspirators might be spared, the children of ringleaders must be eradicated in the noble world.
That is why I advised so, and Your Majesty nodded, saying, “You’ve made me aware of something important.”
“Third Prime Minister.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Called upon by Your Majesty, Jean-Blood Reidock, the Third Prime Minister, stepped forward quietly and bowed.
“You’ve heard the discussion. I entrust this matter to you.”
“As you command.”
Thus, the disposition of those who plotted the rebellion was almost settled.
At the same time, as if dispelling the heavy atmosphere from earlier, a different kind of voice arose.
“As expected of Prince Thirteen. To offer such direct admonishment!”