A Demonic Covenant Reforged in the Ashes

Within the imperial capital, at the Elcaras residence. This is the place personally granted by the Empress to the family of the Chief Chancellor [Ira Elcaras]—a residence meant for the empire’s distinguished servants. Now, however, it is surrounded by imperial soldiers. The atmosphere is solemn, as if a storm were looming, much like the thorny flowers planted along both sides of the street swaying in the wind. “Mr. Kampbuik, please inform the Chief Chancellor that his leave has been cut short.” An imperial general of considerable standing reports this to a middle-aged man standing guard at the Elcaras residence. “……” Yet the man known as Kampbuik simply stands there, calmly and confidently stating, “Lord Ira is not in the residence; he left the mansion three days ago.” The general, maintaining a respectful tone, insists, “Please step aside, Mr. Kampbuik Elcaras; the front line is in a critical situation and needs the support of the Chief Chancellor. This is an order from Her Majesty the Queen.” Kampbuik naturally does not trust the general’s claim—front-line warfare? The front is nearly at a ceasefire! “Lord Ira is not in the residence.” That is all he says. And for this gatekeeper who refuses to yield, the general finds himself with no recourse. Although acting on orders, until the official dispatch arrives, they have no right to break into the Chancellor’s house. The atmosphere grows increasingly oppressive… Even the children in the capital can sense that the winds of change have shifted. Clearly, the gatekeeper’s stance is nothing more than feigning ignorance. As the general frowns, the soldiers behind him disperse. A man, whose neck is adorned with concentric, rune-like patterns, weaves through the ranks and hands the general a parchment. “Lord Nathan, here is a search warrant.” “Thank you, Chancellor,” the general replies to the roughly twenty-something man, whose neck is marked with designs resembling black incantations. Glancing at the seal on the parchment, the general notes that something appears off with the pattern. “Chancellor, this search warrant was truly issued personally by Her Majesty the Queen…” the man begins, only to be met with a silent stare. “I understand.” Taking a deep breath, the general declares loudly, “This is a search warrant! Her Majesty the Queen has personally decreed a full-scale investigation of the Elcaras household! Arrest the criminal, Ira Elcaras!” Expecting the gatekeeper to staunchly oppose him, the general is taken aback when the man willingly steps aside. Reluctantly, the general adds, “As ordered…” At that moment, the old gatekeeper named Kampbuik is overcome with tears, yet he resolutely insists, “But Lord Ira has done absolutely nothing wrong.” In truth, even a three-year-old in the empire would know that. After a brief silence, the general waves his hand and commands the soldiers behind him, “Search! Thoroughly investigate the Elcaras residence. In the name of the Queen, ensure the safety of the Elcaras family.” “Yes! !!” “Yes! !!” “Yes! !!” In this unified response, the empire launches its largest-scale purge yet—the former Chief Chancellor [Ira Elcaras] is now the empire’s most-wanted fugitive at the highest level. For a lifetime of service to the empire, the first-ever [Chancellor]—the legendary figure who nearly single-handedly shifted the tide on the [Empire versus Demon Battlefield] from disadvantage to parity, and even began to gain the upper hand—now stands accused. …Defected, as declared by the empire!