Summon the Twelve Kizuki at the Start!

Thinking of this, everyone's eyes looked at Rivo sitting on the throne.

If, a few months ago, someone had told them that the little emperor in their eyes was even more terrifying than Honest, they would never have believed it—only laughed at their broken heads.

But now it was different, after all these things had happened.

Rivo's status already showed signs of surpassing Honest's influence.

On the surface, who was emperor and who was courtier was now very clear.

They also knew it was time for them to choose their position again.

"Your Majesty, in the Imperial Capital yesterday, Night Raid and other assassins eliminated thirty-seven officials of the capital's garrison."

"It has completely paralyzed the city's defense."

"My subordinates compiled a list overnight, hoping His Majesty will rule swiftly and approve replacements."

Budo's voice was the first to rise from among the crowd.

This was the list he and Rivo had finalized together the previous night.

The loss of thirty-seven key officials had indeed crippled the capital's security system.

It was precisely for this reason that Budo now appeared a bit anxious.

"Okay, I'll leave this matter to General Budo."

"I don't think anyone understands better than General Budo who is suitable to take over in the capital."

Rivo nodded with a smile, quietly praising Budo's foresight.

Just as he was about to close the matter—

Not far away, Honest stood up.

"Your Majesty, I think this matter is too hasty."

"After all, with last night's sudden assassination, how could General Budo have a prepared list of candidates already?"

"This old man finds it suspicious—could it be General Budo orchestrated this event himself?"

His eyes narrowed slightly. As a civilian, his words were sharp.

Budo, who had fought countless battles on the front lines, was momentarily speechless from the accusation and was about to respond with fury—

Rivo tapped the throne beneath him with his hand.

"General Budo, as one of the Empire's two great generals, has always been known as the strongest shield of the Imperial Capital."

"Just like General Esdeath, who is hailed as the sharpest blade."

"As one of the Empire's pillars, if Budo is not trustworthy, I don't believe there is anyone left in the capital who is."

"As for the list prepared in advance, I'm extremely gratified."

"He is, after all, the man who once led the city's guard. Proceed with the replacement according to Budo's list."

"You've worked hard during this time, General Budo."

Rivo's words were like a thunderclap, shaking Honest's heart.

Originally, he thought a few barbed comments would be enough to sway the room and bring punishment upon Budo.

But he had forgotten the true source of his power.

He only held authority by controlling the emperor. Without that, he was nothing.

Honest had forgotten this, and now he had no ground to make a move.

"Your Majesty…"

"The duty of guarding the capital was originally assigned to General Sabar…"

"Suddenly handing it back to Budo…"

Honest still tried to push back, but he remembered how Rivo had crushed him not long ago.

The rest of his words were choked off. He turned and glared at the surrounding officials, and one of them quickly stepped up to speak in his place.

The role of guarding the Imperial Capital might not seem impressive at first glance, but in reality, it came with command over half the capital's military.

At the time, Honest had spent a great deal of energy and resources to strip Budo of that authority.

Now he couldn't easily let him reclaim it—or all his past scheming would be in vain.

"If you hadn't said anything, I might have forgotten."

"To lose thirty-seven key officials overnight under Sabar's watch…"

"If his security could fail to this extent, he might as well resign in shame!"

When Rivo mentioned Sabar, his tone suddenly turned sharp.

The name Sabar wasn't found in the original story, but Rivo, with his memories, knew exactly who the man was.

Another member of the Assassins' Chamber, and Honest's junior.

Though somewhat strong, he was a greedy man incapable of real work.

"Your Majesty!"

Many of the officials below started voicing objections, visibly shaken.

As part of Honest's faction, they had no choice but to speak up and resist Rivo's control.

But when Rivo heard their chatter, a cold impatience flickered across his face.

"Sayo, kill one or two."

"It's too noisy."

Rivo's eyes grew icy as he looked down at these men—not for the Empire's sake, but for their own selfish gain.

He felt not even the slightest pity.

If not for the fact that he still lacked trustworthy manpower, he would have already slaughtered the entire room.

"Yes, Master."

Sayo nodded. She drew a small knife from behind her and stepped forward without hesitation.

Though not so fast as to leave an afterimage, these bloated and indulgent officials were helpless.

The two loudest voices were silenced in the blink of an eye, long crimson lines stretching across their throats.

Sayo, her task complete, quietly returned to Rivo's side.

The entire palace fell into dead silence.

Only the sound of two collapsing bodies remained.

Within the grand hall, only fear lingered—the sheer horror brought by overwhelming imperial might.

"This decision is final."

"Don't oppose me for your personal gain."

"Don't forget your place. I'd rather be remembered as a tyrant than as a powerless fool."

"As long as this decision today is accepted by the masses…"

"If I had enough replacements right now, I would have already killed you."

"You'd already be dead."

Rivo's voice echoed coldly from above.

At this moment, he still looked like a mere boy—thirteen, maybe fourteen.

A young emperor once dismissed and disrespected by all of them.

But now?

Now, they couldn't even breathe without fear.