Chapter 133 --133
"The Emperor told me he wants someone who’ll actually change the system," Elara said. "If Sera and I are both committed to reforms—which Helena has verified—then he should support our consolidation. It achieves his goals more efficiently than prolonged succession battle."
"You’re gambling that he’ll approve of your methods."
"I’m calculating that the outcomes justify the methods. The Emperor thinks strategically. He’ll recognize this approach is optimal even if it’s aggressive."
A messenger arrived—one of Sera’s agents.
"Your Highnesses. Report from Port Crestfall. The siege is broken completely. Baron Veltri’s forces have surrendered. Count Hadrian’s mercenaries retreated but left behind wounded. Viscount Marrs’s guards are requesting terms for withdrawal."
"Terms?" Elara said. "They attacked my city without provocation. There are no terms except unconditional surrender."
"The guards claim they were following orders from Viscount Marrs, who claimed she was acting under authorization from First Princess Eleana. They’re asking for clemency based on following lawful orders."
Sera laughed. "They’re trying to shift blame to Eleana. Smart of them. Do we let them?"
Elara thought. "Yes. Accept their surrender. Offer clemency to the guards in exchange for testimony against Viscount Marrs and Eleana. Use them as witnesses when we present the evidence about Second Princess’s death."
"Building a comprehensive case. I like it." Sera gestured to her agent. "Accept the surrender. Take detailed testimony from all prisoners. Focus especially on who gave the orders and why."
The agent bowed and left.
"We’re moving fast," Helena said quietly. "Maybe too fast. What if something goes wrong?"