The moment the chancellor left to fetch the reports, I took a deep breath, trying to process my new reality. My body was weak—my limbs heavy, and my memories… a strange mix of Kyles I and "Yuji Shirao," the young man I had been in my past life.
But one thing was clear:
If I didn't act fast, I would die within fifty days.
This empire was on the brink of collapse, and I, the crown prince, would be the one to bring it down if I did nothing.
I glanced around. The servants and nobles stood in silence—some staring at me in shock, others with unmistakable awe.
In the game, Kyles I was known as weak-willed, dim-witted, and a mere puppet in the hands of the nobility. But now, this world was no longer just a game… and these weren't mere NPCs. These were real people… and my life was at stake.
I decided my first move had to be reclaiming my authority.
Before the chancellor returned with the reports, a group of men abruptly entered the hall. Five nobles, dressed in lavish attire, strode in with overconfidence, their eyes brimming with arrogance.
"The parasites have finally shown themselves."
In the game, I knew them well. These were the Inner Noble Council—the ones who truly ruled while the emperor was just a figurehead.
"Your Majesty, it seems you've finally recovered," one of them spoke in a mocking tone—a man in his fifties, adorned in gold-embroidered robes and a leather belt cinched around his waist.
Duke Garis Montreau, one of the most powerful nobles in the empire, responsible for internal affairs.
"It's good to see you well, but we were concerned about governance during your illness, so we made some crucial decisions on your behalf," added another with a forced smile.
Baron Ricardo, the man who controlled the kingdom's wealth.
"Oh? Crucial decisions?" I leaned forward slightly, eyeing them with a faint smile.
"Of course, Your Majesty. We've decided to raise taxes by 20% to compensate for recent military expenditures, and we've also signed a new trade agreement with the Sun Empire, and—"
"And who gave you the authority to do so?" My voice was quiet, yet sharp as a blade.
A heavy silence fell. No one had expected that question.
"Your Majesty, we did what was necessary to save the empire," Duke Garis replied, feigning composure.
"Had I already died? Or am I still the living Crown Prince of this empire?"
"You—of course, you are the Crown Prince, but—"
"Then why are you acting as if the throne is empty?"
Another tense pause. It was clear they weren't used to seeing "Kyles I" speak this way.
But I had no intention of stopping there.
"From this moment onward, all decisions made in my absence are hereby nullified."
"W-What?!" Baron Ricardo sputtered. "Your Majesty, you can't do this! We've already—"
"Is there anyone who dares to defy my word?"
I stared at them coldly—the gaze of an emperor, not a spoiled boy at their mercy.
When no one spoke, I continued:
"Taxes will revert to their previous rates, and any agreement I did not personally approve is void. And if any of you object…" I paused, locking eyes with each of them, "you are free to leave the palace—and never return."
Their faces paled. They knew they couldn't leave so easily—doing so would mean losing their power entirely.
"I trust my words are clear."
Then, turning to the guards, I ordered:
"Escort these nobles to the Royal Council Hall. We will discuss the empire's future shortly."
The guards bowed and led the nobles away.
The moment everyone left, the chancellor returned, carrying a stack of documents.
"Your Majesty, these are the reports you requested."
I took the papers and skimmed through them quickly. The situation was worse than I'd thought:
The economy was collapsing due to recent wars.
The army was exhausted after multiple battles against the Beast Empire.
Food supplies were dwindling, and a famine was imminent.
Betrayal festered everywhere—even among the guards and generals.
In other words… Istaria wasn't just weak—it was on the verge of total collapse.
"How many soldiers remain loyal to us?" I asked the chancellor.
"Approximately 20,000 out of 50,000. The rest are either wounded or haven't been paid in months."
Only 20,000 soldiers? Against the massive armies of the other empires?
But that wasn't the worst of it…
In fifty days, the Great War between the Seven Empires would begin.
And that meant Istaria would be the first to be crushed if I didn't act now.
I set the papers aside and looked at the chancellor.
"Gather all generals and military commanders at dawn tomorrow. And I want a report on every noble suspected of pledging allegiance to other empires."
"As you command, Your Majesty."
Then I turned to the window, watching the sun slowly set.
I didn't have much time left… but this time, I wouldn't lose.
The next morning, I stood in the Royal Council Hall, my new seat as the empire's true ruler, awaiting the arrival of the generals and military commanders. The pale morning sun cast long rays through the towering stained-glass windows, lending an air of solemnity to the chamber.
Today was decisive. Either I won the army to my side, or I would stand alone against ruin.
As the generals filed into the hall one by one, I observed them calmly. Each carried a mix of curiosity, suspicion, and wariness in their gaze.
"Is this the weak crown prince? Why has he summoned us? Has he lost his mind?"
I could read these thoughts in their eyes.
But I was no longer the man they knew.
"Sit."
Some hesitated, but all obeyed. I had ordered the servants to prepare the table with regal solemnity, intensifying the gravity of the moment.
"I have called you here because the empire is in peril."
A heavy silence followed. Then one of them—an elderly man with graying hair, the commander of the Royal Guard—spoke up.
"Your Majesty, we know the situation is less than ideal, but—"
"The situation is catastrophic, not merely 'less than ideal.'" I cut him off sharply.
I lifted a document before me, scanning it briefly.
"We have only 20,000 soldiers fit for battle. Half haven't been paid in months, and morale is at its lowest. Our food supplies won't last more than three months. If things continue like this, we won't even need an external enemy to destroy us—we'll collapse from within."
The generals exchanged uneasy glances, unable to deny the truths I had laid bare.
Then I added:
"And I know some of you have sworn allegiance to other nobles—or even to enemy empires."
A few flinched at my words.
"Let me be clear. I am no longer that naive boy you could manipulate."
Slowly, I rose from my seat, stepping toward them.
"From this day forward, I will take command myself."
"But, Your Majesty—!" One general tried to protest, but he fell silent when I raised my hand.
"I will ask you one question."My gaze sharpened like a blade.
"Who here is prepared to remain loyal to the empire?"
Silence.
Then, one by one, some of the generals knelt on one knee, placing a hand over their hearts.
But others remained seated, hesitating.
Just as I had expected. There were traitors among us.
"Good." I closed my eyes briefly, then turned to the soldiers who had stayed seated.
"Guards, arrest them."
The moment I spoke, the guards surged forward. Before anyone could react, six generals were shackled in chains.
"What are you doing, Your Majesty?! We have served the empire for decades!" one roared, his face twisted in fury and fear.
"You served our enemies, not the empire."
I turned to the Grand Commander of the Army—a towering man with a grizzled beard that spoke of years on the battlefield.
"Commander Marius, I want you to purge the army. Any soldier suspected of treason is to be exiled or executed. We no longer have the luxury of leniency."
Marius stared at me in shock, then slowly bowed his head.
"As you command, Your Majesty."
After the meeting, I stood on the palace balcony, gazing over the city sprawled beneath my feet.
The first step had been taken.
But there was still much to do.
If I was to become a true emperor… I needed to lay a new foundation for this kingdom.
"Just wait… Soon, you will all learn who Kyles I truly is."