"…Let me be honest. Even after learning about your 'brilliance'—"

The Emperor’s gaze briefly flickered toward Damien. It seemed he hadn’t revealed my abilities to others. If he had, there’d be no need for such indirect language.

"—I spent a long time preparing for war. At times, I even considered deceiving your keen eyes or hoping you’d come to understand my ambitions. But no matter how much time passed, I realized a global war wasn’t to your liking."

The Emperor smiled as he spoke. It wasn’t a bitter smile—far from it.

"So, I began seriously contemplating why you are so …