CHAPTER 38: CHAPTER38-ROYAL COUNCIL

Many people suspected that this incident had been orchestrated by the emperor.

Yet, the problem was—they had no evidence.

And within this entire affair lay a glaring mystery: how could the leader of the Unicorn Trading Guild, a mighty Expert Rank lv9 powerhouse, die so silently?

Back then, even Butler Brown, who was merely an Expert Rank lv1, had caused such a huge commotion when he fell.

How could an Expert Rank lv9 be killed without leaving the slightest trace?

Was it truly the emperor’s doing?

Everyone suspected, but no one had proof.

At this moment, in the minds of these great factions, the young emperor seemed to have become even more unfathomable.

Within the imperial capital, a rare silence loomed.

The major powers tacitly avoided discussing anything about the Unicorn Trading Guild.

The disappearance of an Expert Rank lv9 instilled an even deeper sense of dread in their hearts.

All knew the Unicorn Trading Guild would never let the matter rest.

But for now, none of them wished to step into such muddy waters.

Ironically, the most frustrated were the smaller and mid-sized factions.

They had looked forward to the Unicorn Trading Guild clashing with the emperor of the Crossbridge Empire.

Had that happened, they could have reaped countless benefits amidst the chaos of the capital.

But now?

Before the drama even began, the curtain had already fallen—some of the Guild were dead, others missing.

What kind of outcome was this supposed to be?

Yule once again summoned the elders of House Tascher, and a heated discussion unfolded.

The conclusion, however, was simply: they would not discuss the matter, because they did not know enough.

Even so, they began reconsidering House Tascher’s relationship with the emperor.

After all, House Tascher had already aligned itself with him—so they could not afford to remain in ignorance.

"We must find a way to understand the emperor’s true strength," Yule decided.

The gathered elders agreed unanimously.

One even suggested: "I believe the upcoming coronation of the empress is an excellent opportunity."

Though no one said it outright, all tacitly believed that the Guild’s fate had been sealed by the emperor’s hand.

They themselves had experienced his methods firsthand before.

Thus, they were convinced this was his doing.

But if an Expert Rank lv9 could be slain so quietly, then just how many hidden cards did His Majesty hold?

Everyone suspected that the emperor must command a Hero Rank powerhouse.

For only a Hero could so easily annihilate an Expert Rank lv9.

"It seems the time has come to plan carefully. Perhaps the Crossbridge Empire still has a chance for revival."

When Josephine received the news, she was equally shocked beyond words.

Never had she imagined the emperor would be so decisive, so ruthless—and so powerful.

She had been worried about how he would deal with the Unicorn Trading Guild.

Who would have thought he would solve the problem at its very root?

William and Heimerdinger sat across from each other, both faces wreathed in grins.

"Hahaha! Who would have thought His Majesty would use such a method!"

"Indeed! The Unicorn Trading Guild suffered a heavy loss, and the best part is—they have no way to pin the blame. I can already picture their furious expressions."

Aurek’s decisive strike had shattered countless schemes and petty calculations.

Those who still refused to give up swarmed to the inn, desperate to find some trace of what had occurred.

But after combing through every corner, they discovered nothing of value.

They had labored the entire night in vain.

The next morning, bleary-eyed ministers with dark circles under their eyes trudged into the Royal Council chamber.

The atmosphere today was heavy.

Jacoff and Troy looked especially grim.

They had invested so much effort into careful planning, only for it all to end before it even began.

Now they hadn’t even figured out what their next move should be.

Worse still, one question gnawed at their minds: was the Unicorn Trading Guild’s fate really the emperor’s doing?

And if it was, just how terrifying was the power he commanded?

Troy’s heart was restless, even faintly trembling with fear.

Among all the officials present, only the members of the Royalist Party wore faint smiles; the rest were dark-faced and uneasy.

It was amid this mix of emotions that Aurek’s figure appeared before them.

He still held the scepter symbolizing imperial authority, radiating a supreme and unquestionable majesty.

His sharp gaze alone was enough to make no one dare meet his eyes.

This was the awe-inspiring dignity of the emperor of the Crossbridge Empire.

"Long live His Majesty!"

"Rise," Aurek said softly, then seated himself upon the throne.

"What matters are there to discuss today?"

At that question, silence blanketed the council hall.

Even the officials of the Grand Marshal’s faction and the Minister of Police’s faction chose silence without hesitation.

Aurek slowly lifted his head, his gaze sweeping across Jacoff and Troy.

Both men felt their hearts clench, as if stabbed by invisible thorns.

Though they had ample experience in political struggle, for some reason, before this young emperor, an instinctive fear rose within them.

At that moment, William spoke.

"Your Majesty, last night a grave incident occurred in the capital.

A portion of the Unicorn Trading Guild’s caravan were found dead in the inn, while another portion vanished without a trace.

The Unicorn Trading Guild is of great importance to the Crossbridge Empire, being our partner in trade.

Therefore, I believe Your Majesty should swiftly consider how to handle this matter."

The moment William brought it up, the eyes of many officials darted secretly toward the emperor.

They were desperate to know—was this truly his doing?

"Such a thing has happened!?"

Aurek’s expression turned stern in an instant, his eyes flashing with dangerous light.

"Gaia, you will investigate this matter. Get to the bottom of it and settle the unrest before it spreads."

Gaia immediately accepted the order, pounding his chest in solemn promise.

But in Troy’s heart, a cold laugh resounded.

Little emperor, is this your game of crying ’stop thief’ while being the thief yourself?

I truly underestimated you.