Ferdinand: (shouting) Attack!!!
Ferdinand (thinking): I made it in time! Finally! Emperor, I have successfully completed the task. Brother Fred, I did it! Thank you so much, General Leona!
Aeth (thinking): So Caelmor has already been conquered. Perfect timing.
Aeth's forces crashed into Ralden's armored units, cutting down everything in their path without mercy. From the rear, Ferdinand's army advanced in the same manner, slaughtering what remained of Ralden's forces. One hour later, there was no trace of Ralden's army left.
Ralden, captured and covered in blood, was brought before Aeth.
Ralden (trembling): Mighty and valiant Emperor, I swear upon my own head that I will serve you with absolute loyalty!
In that instant, Aeth swung the sword in his right hand and severed Ralden's head from his body.
Aeth: Fredrin has used this phrase so much that I'm tired of it.
Ferdinand: Emperor, please forgive me for arriving late. I hope I did not commit any mistake that would affect your plans.
Aeth: No, Ferdinand. On the contrary, you arrived at the perfect moment. There could not have been better timing. What is the situation in Caelmor?
Ferdinand: The banners of the Chaos Empire are now flying over Caelmor. As you ordered, I stationed a ten-thousand-strong force there. When news of Eryndor's conquest reached us, we were overjoyed, and I considered taking Caelmor at any cost my personal duty.
Aeth: Ferdinand, learn to control your emotions.. Even water that is easy to drink can drown you. Still, I congratulate you on your victory.
Ferdinand: Thank you, Emperor. Our victory was possible only thanks to your triumph and your flawless plans.
Ferdinand (thinking): The Emperor is right. Without General Leona, we might have suffered a humiliating defeat there.
Ferdinand: Emperor, I have another important matter to report.
Aeth: What is it?
Ferdinand: During the conquest of Caelmor, the people's resistance forces fought alongside us. Former General Leona was leading those civilian units. She played a major role in the battle.
Aeth: So it is Leona… Prepare the army to march toward Eryndor. After one day of rest there, we will proceed to Caelmor.
Ferdinand, Tharic: We will carry out your orders immediately, Emperor!
Ferdinand (thinking): According to the plan, after these victories we were supposed to return to Averlion. Is this change because of General Leona?
Aeth (thinking): From Aeth's memories, it is clear that nothing pleasant existed between them. My instincts, sharpened by experience, tell me she did not do this without reason. There is only one way to clarify it—by going there myself. As far as I know, she never obeyed my orders and abandoned her title of General solely because I became Emperor. After that, she led a popular uprising. Leona… whatever you are planning will be revealed.
Leona had once been one of the strongest generals of the Chaos Army. Her element was Wind. Everyone knew that Leona possessed exceptional willpower and mental strength, which is why many believed she would awaken as a Hero. For a long time, Leona trained relentlessly to awaken the Hero Aura. However, despite exhausting all her energy, she managed to awaken only the Warrior Aura. This occurred around the time she left the Empire and joined the people's rebellion.
Even so, individuals who possessed both an element and an aura were exceedingly rare. Those blessed with element and spirit were granted formidable abilities. Leona was one of those rare individuals—worthy of being called the strongest warrior of the Empire.
As for her relationship with Aeth, before becoming Emperor, Aeth—the original owner of this body—had been someone who chased pleasure and indulgence. Leona, who despised such behavior, never allowed any contact with him. On several occasions, she was known to say, "If only there were another heir. If he becomes Emperor, I will most likely resign."
Aeth, on the other hand, admired Leona just as he admired Lisa. Yet in Leona's eyes, he was nothing more than a lust-driven man. Once, when Aeth attempted to approach her, Leona ignored him and continued walking. When Aeth reached out to grab her shoulder from behind, Leona instantly drew her sword with her right hand and slammed Aeth against the wall with her left. Pressing the blade against his throat, she said:
"Do not lump me together with those empty-headed women. If you do, I will slit your throat without hesitation. Stay away from me if you value your life, Crown Prince."
Aeth could not utter a single word to the hero he admired. He never spoke of that incident to anyone. A man who had adored heroic tales since childhood experienced his first loss that day. He realized that not only could he never become a hero—heroes themselves did not want him by their side.
But now, everything was different. Aeth was no longer the same person. He was a being from another world—a world shaped by the hell created by humans, a world where power was governed by intellect and devoid of emotion.
According to Aeth, it was right to survive, protect, and kill, not to be selfless.
Therefore, this time, there is no one in this world that Aeth can admire!
NOTE: "Feel free to comment on the episode."