The disaster came without warning.

And disasters, as it turned out, could arise from something as simple as a single word.

This was one of those moments.

"Kyahhhh!"

"Execute the traitor!"

The instant the Knight Commander uttered those words, the knights who stood as the protectors of this scenery transformed into relentless killers, mercilessly stabbing and slaughtering the divine beings.

The stronger among the divine beings managed to withstand the knights’ attacks with sheer resilience and fled, but the weaker ones were mercilessly cut down on the spot.

Even those who were present at the scene didn’t remain passive.

"So, these damned creatures were harboring treacherous intent all along!"

Fueled by nothing more than the Knight Commander’s single sentence, people suddenly erupted into a fury, chasing down the fleeing divine beings, dragging them back, and beating them to death in mob violence.

Wait.

What…?

I tried to snap back to reality, blinking hard to regain my focus. But this incomprehensible madness left me dumbfounded.

Suddenly?

Why?

Watching this collective hysteria unfold, countless questions raced through my mind. Chief among them: “There’s no evidence, and yet they’re acting on nothing but a single sentence?”

What exactly had the Knight Commander done? He had merely grabbed a ten-year-old child with one hand and accused the Empress of assassinating the Emperor.

There wasn’t even any proof of the Emperor’s death—no body, no evidence.

Yet these people, as if following a prearranged script, acted without hesitation, slaughtering the divine beings mercilessly.

"Damn it."

Something was seriously wrong. It was impossible to think otherwise.

I had to confirm the situation myself. I couldn’t just stand by and let this insanity continue.

But as I moved to leave, Afta grabbed my arm, her face filled with worry and urgency.

"Don’t go, Raydan."

"Why not? People are dying out there, and you want me to just stand here and watch?"

"You’ll put yourself in danger."

Her words hit me like a nail driven straight into my chest. Painful.

Surely, Afta didn’t want to stand idly by and watch the divine beings die either. She must have been just as overwhelmed by this absurd situation. Yet, for my safety, she couldn’t bring herself to let me go.

But how could I call myself a knight if I did nothing in such a moment? A true knight must live without a shred of regret or shame for their actions.

"I’m sorry, Afta."

"…!"

Breaking free of her grasp, I sprinted forward. Afta called out behind me, her voice urgent as she tried to follow, but thanks to Oko’s blessing, she couldn’t keep up.

It hurt to leave her behind, but there was no other choice.

"Afta!"
Her voice echoed behind me as I raced toward the battlefield.

The once peaceful plaza of Lintpia was now drenched in blood. It was a ghastly scene—a living hell, much like the "Ocean of Blood" often depicted in eastern legends.

Unable to endure the slaughter, the divine beings began fighting back.

The knights who had come to kill the divine beings now met the same gruesome ends as their victims.

War had begun.

Still, it was only a small-scale conflict—something that could be stopped if the truth were uncovered in time.

Dodging attacks from both sides, I twisted my body to avoid the chaos and made my way toward the palace.

The scene at the palace gates was even more horrifying. The divine beings had gathered in a frenzy, seeking to kill the Knight Commander who had wronged them.

Magicians unleashed spells upon them, warping their bodies into unspeakable horrors.

"Urgh…"
I felt my stomach churn, but there was no time for nausea.

Fortunately, the magicians and knights were entirely focused on the divine beings, giving me the chance to slip past and infiltrate the palace unnoticed.

Inside, I moved swiftly toward where the Knight Commander would likely be.

"You…!"
"You cannot pass without the Knight Commander’s orders!"

Knights blocked my way, their weapons drawn and their expressions wary. I was unarmed, which put me at a disadvantage.

But there was no reason to fear them.

Thud, thud!

"Urgh!"
"Agh!"

Using the movements I had honed through training, I easily dodged their spears and swords, delivering precise blows to their stomachs and necks to knock them out.

As I looked down at their unconscious faces, a wave of sorrow washed over me. These were knights I had fought alongside, comrades I trusted.

Something was definitely wrong here. My instincts screamed it.

Climbing the stairs without pause, I finally reached the Emperor’s chambers.

As I stood before the doors, fear gripped me. What awaited me inside was entirely unknown.

Thwack!
I slapped my cheek hard, the sting jolting me back to focus.

This was no time for weakness. Whatever the situation, I had to correct what was wrong so that my loved ones could live in peace.

Creaaak.

The grand doors opened with a heavy sound.

Inside, I saw the Emperor lying in a pool of blood. The Empress knelt beside him, tears streaming down her face.

And there stood the Knight Commander, poised to stab a child with his sword.

I didn’t think.

Before I knew it, I had kicked the Knight Commander, sending him flying out a window and plummeting four stories to the ground.

"Aaaagh!"

Oops. I’d just committed treason.

This wasn’t what I intended.

Sighing, I turned my attention to the child, lowering them gently to the floor. They had golden hair and striking red eyes—a beautiful child who would grow into a stunning adult.

The small spider insignia on their chest marked them as the Emperor and Empress’s child.

"Your Highness, are you all right?"
"Y-yes."

The princess’s face was still pale with shock, her body trembling from the ordeal.

As I approached to check her condition, she recoiled, twisting away in fright.

I decided to give her some space. Perhaps she needed time to collect herself.

"…Father…"

Despite nearly dying herself, the princess’s only concern was for her father.

Running to the Emperor, I found the Empress by his side, her face contorted with grief.

"Your Majesty!"
"…Sir Tantan," the Emperor coughed. "Forgive me for showing you such a disgraceful sight. But perhaps it is what I deserve…"

His words were cryptic, and his breathing labored, blood rising in his throat.

Turning to the Empress, the Emperor’s trembling hand brushed her tear-streaked face.

"This was my fault… I let myself be swayed by fear and threats…"

"Your fault? What do you mean…?"

"If only I had thought more carefully, things might have been different…"

His voice faltered, and he began to convulse.

"Your Majesty!"
"Don’t leave us!"

The Emperor’s face grew pale, his body losing strength.

"Sir Tantan," he rasped, clutching my arm. "I have one last request… Even if this empire crumbles, ensure that, in the end, everyone can smile."

With those final words, the Emperor passed, leaving only the sound of sobbing in the room.