Found

"How is this possible?" The Duke looked at his friend; they, like many others, had gathered in the emperor's reception hall.

They came there instinctively, yet all exits and entrances were blocked by strange individuals wearing helmets. They didn't display aggression, yet they kept the people of the empire from freedom, confining them with Eden Shields.

"I don't know, Duke, but your son, how is he connected to them?" The count pointed a finger at the one sitting across from Dietrich, who was staring at the floor, muttering something to himself.

"I don't know, but I'd never..." He clenched his fist. "...have thought my son would betray our homeland and unite with them? With these people?" He shook his head.