The scene shifted back to North Ryehem's Royal Hall. The great chamber, usually a place of authority and dominion, now echoed with unease. Ministers, generals, and high-ranking officials gathered as Emperor Vareon took his place upon the throne.
The tension was thick — everyone could feel the storm that was about to break.
Vareon's expression was grim as his sharp gaze swept over the gathered assembly. Then, in a voice that carried the weight of a decree, he spoke.
"From this moment forth, all our ongoing schemes against South Ryehem are to be halted immediately."
A collective murmur rippled through the hall, but no one dared to interrupt.
"According to the information we've gathered so far," Vareon continued, "there is a high probability that one of our own officials has allied themselves with Kazuki Ayanami."
The words sent a shiver through the room. The name itself had become a specter, a symbol of unpredictable danger.
Vareon raised a hand to silence the whispers.
"Issue a direct command: every spy and official we have stationed in South Ryehem is to return immediately. I want them back in North Ryehem without delay. No exceptions."
He paused, then added gravely,"Only those whose identities and loyalties we can verify beyond doubt will be allowed to remain in South Ryehem. Until we understand the full extent of this situation, we are to refrain from making any rash moves."
The officials in the hall exchanged uneasy glances before bowing in unison.
"As you command, my lord."
The scene shifted once again to the streets and quarters of North Ryehem.The once orderly capital had descended into disarray.
Panic swept through the officials' ranks.
Orders were barked. Messengers ran through the streets, summoning spies back from South Ryehem. Some agents returned in haste, others tried to delay — their fear of being implicated nearly matching their terror of Vareon's wrath.
The civilians watched anxiously as rumors spread like wildfire.
"The emperor suspects a traitor.""A plot from within…""It's about that boy, Kazuki Ayanami, isn't it?"
Meanwhile, within his private chamber, Vareon sat alone — his hands clasped tightly, a scowl etched deep into his face.
His mind spun, replaying every move they had made, every scheme set in motion, every whisper exchanged in the shadows. None of it made sense.
"How could this happen…? Who helped him…? Who's working with that child?"
He slammed his fist against the armrest of his throne.
For the first time in his reign, Emperor Vareon realized he was no longer the one holding all the pieces of the board.
The game had shifted. And someone else was moving the pieces.