Published: July 3, 2025
"What does this mean?! Was it not a strict order to ensure the king and the crown prince alive?!"
In the Naitorei Kingdom's royal capital, the audience chamber echoed with the furious voice of Linus, the chief vice commander of the expeditionary army.
"I apologize. However, when we secured the royal castle, the crown prince was already deceased. It appears he died several days ago."
"Several days ago?"
"Yes. It was due to illness."
General Alisbal, who led the Imperial Army as a separate unit in a surprise attack on the royal capital under the cover of night, reported calmly, unfazed by Linus's anger.
"There were reports that the crown prince had been weak and ill since childhood."
Mel, the captain of Linus's guard, added.
"Ah, that is true."
With this, Linus calmed down slightly and further questioned the general.
"You have secured the king, correct?"
"Yes. We have placed him under guard and confined him in his office."
"Good. Then bring him to the treasure vault. And Mel, summon Vice-Captain Oscar and Lord Hashford, the chief advisor."
Before the treasure vault, Oscar followed Captain Mel, where they found Supreme Commander Marquis Mewzel, Chief Vice Commander Linus, and Count Hashford, the chief advisor of the Imperial Alchemy Association, gathered together.
"Oscar, this is it at last."
Marquis Mewzel said to Oscar with an expression of fulfillment, as if his long-held wish had finally come true.
"I see. It is a great honor to witness 'that moment.'"
Oscar lightly lowered his head, and seeing this, Marquis Mewzel nodded repeatedly.
Even so, the marquis himself was certainly not a bad person... Oscar thought.
But then, there was his son...
Oscar glanced at Linus, the chief vice commander, who was the son of the marquis.
Linus was staring at the door deep inside the treasure vault with an ecstatic expression.
Was he imagining what was beyond that door, or was he reflecting on the achievements he would gain when it was brought to the Empire...?
It was true that all the plans had been prepared by Emperor Rupert the Sixth, but the merit of being the executor was also significant.
After all, it could be said that this was the Empire's long-held ambition for several hundred years.
The king, Stafford IV, was brought in by General Alisbal and his soldiers.
His hands were bound behind him.
Though it was highly disrespectful to treat a member of royalty, let alone a king, in this manner, it was a necessary measure to prevent any resistance during the upcoming operations.
"Now then, Count Hashford, please proceed."
"Understood."
When Marquis Mewzel spoke, Count Hashford nodded once, moved in front of the innermost door of the treasure vault, and placed his hand before the door, chanting something.
That door was the entrance to the "Chamber of Heroes."
The Chamber of Heroes... A place that could be described as the true treasure vault of the royal castle, created by King Richard, the restorer of the Naitorei Kingdom.
Inside were treasures said to disrupt the balance of the world, and according to King Richard's dying wish, it was forbidden to bestow any of the treasures contained within.
Such was the abnormality of the treasures within.
The expeditionary army was attempting to unlock it.
This was the highest priority objective of the expedition, and securing the king and the crown prince, who held the "key," was essential.
"Now, bring His Majesty Stafford here."
Count Hashford instructed General Alisbal to bring Stafford to the door of the Chamber of Heroes.
Stafford, whether resigned to his fate or unable to resist, was led by Alisbal to stand before the door.
At that moment, a green light emitted from the door, shining on Stafford's face.
...However, the door did not open.
"Hmm."
Count Hashford murmured quietly and fiddled with the door again.
Then he said, "Let’s try once more."
This time, placing Stafford in front of the door, he recited the initial words he had said.
Once again, a green light radiated from the door, illuminating Stafford’s face.
And just like before... nothing happened.