Chapter 121
Chapter 121
In the study, I listened to Hemillas as he explained the current state of the Imperial Guard.
"As you may already know, the military is currently in conflict with the imperial family on several matters. The fact that they secured the rights to the Catacomb Mines is a result of that."
Disloyal words came from Hemillas’ mouth. What he spoke of now was not about ideology or beliefs—it was the reality of politics.
’The military and the Imperial Guard are at odds with the imperial family.’
The lower classes wouldn’t even imagine such conflicts existed. Until recently, neither had I. I had believed that every institution of the Empire was unified in loyalty under the Emperor.
But to speak of an unsettling truth—the Emperor does not control everything. There were areas within the Empire beyond his reach.
’If perfect control was possible through the system alone... there would be no need for Overseers or spies.’
Flawless rule cannot be achieved through institutions and governance alone. Even the imperial family was forced to resort to expedients.
The Empire was not perfect. It only managed to function, creaking along as best it could.
"The Imperial Guard is His Majesty’s direct force. We are not under the military’s command. Shouldn’t our allegiance lie with the imperial family, not the military?"
I spoke sharply. It wasn’t just rhetoric—there was sincerity in my words.