“Where are you going in such a hurry, Your Majesty?” I asked.

‘Nice.’

It was a really funny situation, so I unknowingly smiled. I actually wanted to applaud the emperor and the nobles.

‘They were running away.’

Even though I somewhat expected it, I told myself that I had to reward Jung Ha-Yan for catching up with the empire’s faction. Even in history, the first ones to escape were those with power when their country was in danger. Not many people could face the end with composure and stay with their people until the end. Obviously, that slow-witted emperor and the nobles who often held those sleazy parties would never make such a beautiful decision.

‘But I do understand why…’

The leader of a group had to be safe—I agree with that. However, it was their responsibility to handle their people’s reactions. The soldiers looked discouraged when they saw the emperor through the goddess’ mirror. They no longer trusted him.

‘The timing isn’t so bad.’

Seeing them drop their weapons one by one while blankly looking at Dialugia was the best reaction. To be honest, dragons weren’t invincible. Back then, we fought her while we were injured, but the people of Castle Rock still managed to corner Dialugia until she was on the brink of death. To be exact, thanks to the villain that kept her child hostage, the people could treat her like a sandbag, so I guess it could be considered a victory. Magic spells and swords imbued with magic could pierce through a dragon’s tough leather, and even though they were highly resistant to injuries, dragons had limited endurance and stamina. However, her strength didn’t really matter, as her value and the symbolism she brought was more important. Even though she was doing what I was telling her to do, she had to be doubtful of my words because I heard her talking to me telepathically.

[We’re in the middle of the enemy line… Is this really okay?]

‘Of course. If I wanted to actually fight them, I would’ve told you to just shoot Breath from afar instead of coming all the way here. Our mages will protect us from small attacks. There’s no reason to step on these humans, so all you need to do is pose and roar.’

[I don’t feel good about this. I feel like I’ve become a spectacle…]

‘That’s not true, Dialugia. It’s more like they’re in awe of you. That’s why all you need to do is use as much mana as you can and roar one more time. If you can also use Fear, please use it as well.’

[You have to keep your promise.]

‘Of course...’

She wasn’t just a random dragon that appeared out of nowhere, so when Dialugia roared with all her might...

“Rooooooooooooar!”

The soldiers were disoriented upon hearing her roar. Despite letting the Citizen Revolutionary Group know ahead of time, the roar affected them as well. Of course, the citizens and soldiers weren’t the only ones looking this way. The emperor was also looking with his eyes widened.

The funny part was that the old man’s face was filled with a ray of hope and he probably thought I was his savior or something. I was certain he wanted Dialugia and me to take care of this riot. He still had no idea that I had already backstabbed him, so it became clear why the empire was in such a mess.

“Oooh, Brother Lee Ki-Young! You’re here. Y-You’re finally here!” the emperor shouted.

“...”

“I knew you would come. As someone loyal to me, I knew you were coming. Kill all those traitors right now… R-right now!” he ordered.

“...”

“F-Foolish traitors. H-Haha. That must be a dragon. You’re trustworthy, Brother Lee Ki-Young. Indeed. Very trustworthy,” he added.

“...”

It wasn’t just the emperor. The nobles with him were cheering me on passionately as if they were middle-aged fans of an idol. Even though she wasn’t yelling, Charlia was looking at me as if she was Juliet looking at Romeo. It was ridiculous, but there was no need to talk to her.

“Brother Lee Ki-Young! Hahahaha! I knew you would come! Please kill those dirty traitors this instant!”

“Brother Lee Ki-Young! Brother Lee Ki-Young! We have been waiting for you!”

“Hurry! Kill them! Brother Lee Ki-Young! We must drive them out this instant!”

The foreigners were participants in this revolution. I had no idea why they thought I was on their side, but I was sure that was what they wanted to believe. If I were in their position, I also wouldn’t want to think that the dragon roaring in the middle of the castle was my enemy. Naturally, I wanted to destroy their happiness.

After a moment of silence, I started talking…

“It seems like there has been a misunderstanding, everyone. I’m not your ally. Haha.”

“Huh?”

“I’m also a member of the Citizen Revolutionary Group and a follower of Miss Oscar, Your Majesty,” I added.

The look of disbelief on the emperor’s face was amusing.

“N-No need to joke around… Brother Lee Ki-Young. Ha… Haha… I must’ve done something to… disappoint you, Brother Lee Ki-Young. O-Okay! What was the problem? Y-You must’ve been dissatisfied when I offered the northern territory to you, right? Yes… it’s my fault. If there’s land you want, tell me. I-If I can give it to you, I’ll give you everything, Brother Lee Ki-Young!” the emperor stuttered.

“Hahaha. That’s not what I want, Your Majesty,” I told him.

“T-Then, what do you want? I-I’ll grant whatever you want,” he offered.

“Even if you don’t grant it to me, I’ll get what I want, Your Majesty,” I said.

The emperor frowned. I guess he trusted me more than I thought and although I felt kind of bad for making him feel betrayed, it was ironic how I felt good about it.

After taking a deep breath, I spoke loudly. Jung Ha-Yan used her voice amplification magic, and my voice filled the capital again. The goddess’ mirror was reflecting Dialugia and me, so I was sure everyone in the empire could see us.

“Soldiers of the empire and the knights of the emperor! Look at them!”

“B-Brother Lee Ki-Young…” the emperor called out weakly.

“Look directly at the emperor all of you are trying to protect! That’s the true nature of the former empire and the ones in power you were willing to protect, even if it costs your own life. These people only care about their safety and lives, so they’re using you as a scapegoat by sending you to the battlefield! Do you really believe that man is fit to rule the empire?!” I continued.

“What are you—Brother Lee Ki-Young!” the emperor exclaimed.

“The empire doesn’t need people who prey upon the citizens and only care about their comfort. The empire needs someone who’ll take the lead to fight with all of you!” I added.

The camera turned to Oscar at the right time. She had to have rolled on the ground, as she was covered in dirt, and there was blood dripping from her broken armor. The way sweat covered Oscar’s face was exactly the image of the leader I had just described.

When I signaled again, Jung Ha-Yan’s camera turned toward the emperor. Unlike Oscar, he was trembling in fear. I was sure the majority of the people fighting for the emperor had this thought.

‘I can’t believe he’s the one I pledged my loyalty to...’

They would definitely realize it now…

“Throw away your weapons, soldiers of the empire! Throw them away and join us! You’re also citizens of the empire, and you’re worthy to be with us. The goddess’ mirror is reflecting us. You must decide whose side you’re going to be on. Everything is the will of the Benigoa Goddess. The goddess will be with you. Brother Lee Ki-Young will be with you! Father Basel, the many priests, and the Holy Knights will also be with us! Will you stand with those with dirty powers or will you embrace the sacred democracy and join the glorious shrine of the goddess?!” Oscar shouted.

Naturally, I glanced over at Sun Hee-Young, and she started sprinkling her holy magic. The priests on our side and even the foreigners started sprinkling their holy magic, which created a spectacular sight.

“The goddess has spoken. All humans are equal under the goddess, and we have forgotten that message all this time until now. We’re sinners, but we can be forgiven. It’s our fault that we have sinned. If we drive out those traitors who betrayed the Goddess of Benigoa’s teaching, we can ask the goddess for forgiveness. It’s not too late, everyone! Please join the shrine! Don’t oppose the goddess! Become her sword!” she added.

I felt regretful that hymns couldn’t be sung and a prayer session couldn’t be held because I knew they would be effective. The Citizen Revolutionary Group emitted a brilliant light thanks to the holy power surrounding them. The soldiers of the empire trembled while trying to hide. One by one, the soldiers started throwing away their weapons and removing their armor. And the priests on our side started changing their formation.

“I-I’ll also join you!”

“I’ll also hold up my sword while standing on the goddess’ side.”

The commander and some of the knights were yelling, but the tide had already turned.

‘It’s a nice view.’

I had seen many situations where the tides had turned, but the sight I was looking at was on a bigger scale. 99.9 percent of the citizens were believers in the Benigoa Goddess, so mixing religion and ideology was just the right thing to do.

“Obtaining the heads of those dirty people and returning the sacred democracy to the citizens of the empire is the only way we can repent for our sins! Everyone! We can’t let Arkimo’s sacrifice be in vain! Let’s all go together!” Oscar shouted.

“B-Brother Lee Ki-Youuuuuung! Where are you, Charlotte? Charlotte! H-Hurry… those! Kgh… Gaaah!”

The emperor’s quiet voice always annoyed me, so hearing him shout was a sight to see. I saw him quivering while grabbing the back of his neck, and his legs had to have started shaking as well because he collapsed to the ground.

Charlia looked to be in disbelief as she tried her best to show her face while trying to push the nobles away. She was thinking that even if I abandoned the emperor, I wouldn’t abandon her.

“T-This can’t be happening. It can’t be. There’s no way Brother Lee Ki-Young will abandon me! Brother Lee Ki-Young! I’m here as well! It’s me, Charlia! It’s Charlia, the one you whispered words of love to! We promised to be together!” Charlia yelled.

I couldn’t remember whispering words of love to her.

She probably thought her words would reach me, but the goddess’ mirror wasn’t displaying them. Instead, the scene depicted in the mirror consisted of Oscar and me. And this was why the media was scary.

The citizens and the Citizen Revolutionary Group were worked up.

More than half of the soldiers protecting the door to the castle had changed sides, and the Citizen Revolutionary Group was already invading the castle. I expected the nobles inside to shed blood, but of course, Dialugia and I weren't going to do anything because everything would take care of itself.

When I suddenly thought about how it would be good to capture the emperor now, I unknowingly looked down. I saw that Charlia was still calling out for me desperately.

‘Tsk.’

I wasn’t going to say anything to the emperor because he looked like he was on the verge of fainting, but I felt like I had to tell him the ugly truth.

“Princess Charlotte is also supporting the Citizen Revolutionary Group!”

It was a pretty shocking statement, but I thought it was kind of unfair that I was the only target of their resentment. Of course, it was also a way to protect Charlotte, who was hiding somewhere.

The citizens were shouting while the emperor and Charlia had frowns on their faces.

“Kghhh!”

The emperor started throwing a fit as if he was having a seizure, and Charlia was screaming.

“Charlotte! Charlotte! You were behind it! It was you. You! You!”

As part of the audience, it was a type of family drama I didn’t want to miss.

‘Tsk, tsk. I’ve never seen a family this broken…’