Grudge

While the people jubilated outside, flying country flags while singing the national anthem, the tension in Emperor Hidetaka's Hall of Paradise was suffocating.

They may have won the first battle, but everyone knew the Russian attack was aimed at gauging the country's strength and readiness for war. While the Japanese forces made a bold statement with their first win, it won't prevent an all-out attack from the endless list of enemies it possessed.

Emperor Hidetaka needed to be certain of their current predicament.

"Why the long face when we just won a battle two nights ago?" Lucius asked with an innocent smile.

Replacing the tea table that once graced this beautiful place was a holographic table, projecting Japan and its enemies surrounding it.

Lucius' light banter attracted annoyed glares from Cherry and the demonic twins but Emperor Hidetaka remained silent because he knew Lucius's value to the team.