It Begins (3)

Shortly after Count Eldridge departed, Emperor Renardier entered the command center. Inside, Ulrich was alone, overlooking the battle map and receiving reports from different channels via their communication crystals.

However, Ulrich immediately paused his work upon noticing Emperor Renardier's arrival.

"I'm terribly sorry, Your Imperial Majesty," Ulrich immediately said apologetically, kneeling on one leg with his head lowered. "I shouldn't have asked you to create an opening in Fort Whitebridge for our army's advancement. I didn't expect the Kingdom of Black Rose to have hidden such a powerful figure."

"At ease, Marquis Salazar. Neither did I," Emperor Renardier coolly replied before shaking his head. "But, no, this is good. If I didn't make a move, we wouldn't have known we were dealing with such a powerful person, a man, no less."