Side Story 83: The Second Prince's Rebellion (7)

The news that Emperor Drak would be making a brief return to the imperial capital reached Filemas as well. It came in the form of a letter from the Emperor himself.

"I will remain in the imperial capital for several days. If you have anything to report, come there during that time."

That was what the letter said. Inevitably, Filemas was forced to make a decision.

He had already finished preparing to mobilize his troops. Should he storm in while the Emperor was there and take his head?

Or should he prioritize securing the imperial capital first, then strike after the Emperor had left?

In a dim room with the windows tightly shut, Filemas pondered alone.

In the former case, success would be the quickest and most effective option, but he would have to fight the Emperor's personal troops, and there was also the risk of reinforcements gathering as time passed.

...Reinforcements?

Only then did Filemas think of Tsetsedra for the first time.

If the Emperor called for reinforcements, Tsetsedra would naturally be summoned as well. If Tsetsedra, who ruled territory south of Filemas's, came, Filemas could find himself caught in a pincer...