Summon the Twelve Kizuki at the Start!

But now it was different—just a look of shock.

They didn't dare look up at Rivo, the little emperor.

Being truly suppressed in every sense, they already felt a deeper fear toward Rivo in their hearts.

This was the proper emotion a courtier should feel.

And this was exactly what Rivo wanted—to become a true tyrant.

Why were these people afraid of Honest before?

Because Honest had the power to kill them. That was the only reason they feared him.

But they had forgotten that it was Rivo who truly held that power.

It was because of Rivo that Honest ever held supreme authority.

Today, he was no longer a puppet emperor—no longer a small ruler obeying Honest's every word.

You don't change your opinion because of someone's words.

He was a tyrant now—a tyrant who followed only his own ideals to reach his goals.

"Your Majesty is really different from before…"

That was the only thought that crossed everyone's minds, including Honest and Budo.

They all knew that the once harmless-looking little emperor now had his own will.

"From tomorrow, the daily court assembly will be moved to the evening."

"The garrison duty of the Imperial Capital will be transferred to General Budo. Daytime guard duty will extend halfway into the night."

"In addition, moving forward—except for the court—no one is allowed to enter or leave the palace without proper cause."

"Anyone who disobeys this order may be executed. Remember this, General Budo."

"This is the authority I give to you."

Rivo looked at Budo and issued the final decree of the day.

The reason court was moved to night was because night was the most dangerous time in the Imperial Capital.

During the day, it was hard to attempt assassinations or sneak attacks.

Even if one tried, the probability of success was much lower than at night.

Furthermore, by entrusting the palace's security to Budo, Rivo had nothing to worry about.

At the same time, while striking fear into these officials, he elevated Budo's position.

From now on, his spokesperson would not be Honest, but Budo.

Honest would no longer be free to enter or leave the palace—much less live inside it.

Without the threat of the jackal Honest, the palace would finally become the absolute safe haven Rivo intended to build.

"Your Majesty… The old man too…"

Honest's mind was spinning in confusion.

He didn't understand why things suddenly turned against him—there had been no sign or warning.

He couldn't figure out who was really standing behind Rivo.

And if he couldn't break through this dilemma, he'd soon be crushed by Rivo.

When he was no longer of use, that boy—cold and ruthless, hiding his strength behind innocence—

He would surely kill him.

Anyone who dared to challenge imperial power would be eliminated by that very power.

"You?"

"Minister, the palace can only be my palace."

"You want to live here? Unless you want to sit on my throne."

Rivo's eyes narrowed slightly, and an intangible aura began to radiate from him.

In just a few months, he had already developed a presence worthy of an emperor.

Even if it wasn't fully mature, his gaze and tone were enough to completely dominate these officials who had feared imperial authority since childhood.

"Don't dare… The old man doesn't dare…"

Honest swallowed hard. He knew he shouldn't show weakness.

If he did, his own faction would begin to doubt whether he was still fit to lead them.

"If you don't dare, then shut up."

"Remember your place. Don't think you can't be replaced."

Rivo smirked slightly. The effect had been achieved.

He had now torn a small opening in the seemingly impenetrable web of power inside the capital.

From now on, it was only a matter of time before this gap widened and brought the whole structure crashing down.

Some of these officials were still capable.

If he killed them now, finding replacements wouldn't be easy. Even if he could, it would take time.

A vast empire might not halt due to the loss of a single gear…

But its pace would slow—and that change would ripple.

Once Honest's usefulness ran out… once his network was torn apart—

Then Rivo wouldn't even need to wait until nightfall.

He would tear Honest apart with his own hands and destroy everything that came with him.

"Yes…"

Honest slowly clenched his fists and lowered his head.

His voice trembled, and his expression twisted with suppressed rage.

All these years, he had controlled imperial power so completely, he had forgotten who he truly was.

Now, after living in luxury too long, that hidden ferocity began to reemerge.

"It seems you've forgotten…"

"Who gave you that status in the first place…"

"If not for this old man, you'd never have become emperor!"

"Since you've chosen to tear your face, then this old man won't give you another chance!"

A chill flashed through Honest's eyes.

Just a moment ago, he only wanted to regain control of Rivo.

But now… it was different.

He realized: if he wanted to reclaim his former position, he had to kill Rivo.

There would be no chance to maintain control otherwise.

More importantly, he understood that Night Raid—that is, the Revolutionary Army—was aiming for him specifically.

To them, he was the one who truly controlled the Imperial Capital.

If he left the palace, it would be like surrendering the safest fortress.

Everything would be exposed before the Revolutionary Army and Night Raid.

It was highly likely he'd be eliminated—just like those other slain officials.

Whether due to crisis or the loss of power…

All of it made Honest feel one undeniable truth:

Rivo had to be removed.

"Since the puppet is disobedient… then I'll just make a new one."

"Once Esdeath returns, everything will change!"

"Just wait… Budo… and you, you little bastard…"