The Fall of the Royal Palace
The Holy War: The Fall of the Loran Empire
The Radiant Envoy cleared his throat, his sharp gaze sweeping across the solemn faces gathered in the grand council hall of the Holy Light Alliance. His voice, firm yet measured, echoed through the grand chamber:
"The reality before us is undeniable. The Luminous Theocracy has launched an invasion upon the Loran Empire. The lands are burning, the people suffer, and if this war continues, only ruin shall remain. We must address the crisis before it spirals further out of control."
A murmur of agreement spread among the assembled envoys. One of them, an elder with silver-streaked hair, stepped forward, his voice carrying the weight of reason:
"Indeed. With both sides locked in this bitter conflict, the longer it drags on, the more devastating the consequences. Perhaps it is in the best interest of all to negotiate a swift resolution and restore balance before the chaos consumes us all."
Seated at the grand table, Cardinal Remon scoffed, his expression darkening. The murmurs of agreement irritated him.
"Oh? How convenient that now, when the Luminous Theocracy is at a disadvantage, we suddenly speak of 'restoring order.'" He leaned back, crossing his arms with a sneer. "Tell me, have you all forgotten who first violated the sacred laws of the Divine Concord? The Holy Radiance is not the villain here. It was the Luminous Theocracy that first betrayed the sanctity of our pact by seizing a quarter of the Lain Empire's land under false pretense! And now that the tides of war have turned against them, you seek to shelter the guilty?"
A heavy silence fell over the chamber. The truth was inconvenient, and it was clear that most envoys present were less concerned with justice than with preserving their own interests.
Sensing an opportunity, the Luminous Cardinal, Karlo, gave a knowing smile. Steepling his fingers, he seized the moment to fan the flames:
"I am grateful for the wisdom and fairness of my fellow envoys. As you have all so rightly pointed out, the Holy Alliance was founded upon principles of peace and mutual respect. The Luminous Theocracy's reckless aggression has torn at the very fabric of our unity. If this war is to end, it is only just that the Loran Empire be restored to its rightful state, with its lands intact and its people unburdened from the chaos imposed upon them."
Raymon, the Cardinal of the Radiant Theocracy, let out a sharp scoff, his eyes flashing with disdain.
"Hah! You speak of justice, Cardinal Caro, yet you twist the truth with every word. The war began not with our invasion, but with the Loran Empire's greed. They were the first to strike, pillaging the Lanen Kingdom, stealing its wealth, and razing its cities. Did you think we would turn a blind eye? Now that our forces hold the advantage, you wish for peace? How convenient!"
Murmurs of discontent rippled through the hall. Some envoys exchanged uneasy glances, while others shifted uncomfortably in their seats.
A diplomat from the Free Realms spoke hesitantly:
"Perhaps we should consider alternative solutions. If continuing the war will only bring greater destruction, might it not be wise for both sides to make concessions? A compromise could be the key to lasting peace."
A heavy, satisfied silence settled in the chamber. Sensing an opportunity, Caro pressed forward, his lips curling into a smile.
"Indeed! I wholeheartedly agree with our esteemed colleagues. The restoration of the Loran Empire is imperative for the stability of our sacred alliance. We must not let greed or ambition sow further discord. Thus, the Luminous Theocracy should withdraw its forces at once, allowing the empire to reclaim what is rightfully theirs."
But Cardinal Raymond was not so easily swayed. His eyes darkened, and a smirk tugged at his lips.
"Withdraw?" he sneered. "And leave the riches of Loran in your hands? I think not! The Theocracy lost many lives in this war. We have bled for the land we now hold. If you wish for peace, then let Loran surrender half of its territory to the Blue Enclave, and let them compensate us for their treachery. A fair price, wouldn't you agree?"
A sharp intake of breath echoed through the chamber. Several envoys exchanged uneasy glances. Caro's face darkened as he sprang to his feet.
"You are delusional, Raymond! The Theocracy never invaded anyone! It was Loran that sought to protect its people from your unlawful ambitions. And now, you wish to rob us in broad daylight? I tell you now, we will never accept such an outrageous demand! If you persist in this madness, do not expect the Radiant Order to turn a blind eye!"
The tension was thick enough to be cut with a blade. Cardinal Kairn, who had been observing in silence, finally cleared his throat. His voice, calm yet firm, cut through the noise.
"Enough. This is but the beginning of our talks. We are here to mediate a resolution, not fuel further conflict." He let his gaze drift across the hall, ensuring every envoy felt the weight of his words. "You may bring today's discussions back to your respective rulers and return with their response. But let me be clear—once we reach an agreement here in the Hall of the Holy Concord, it will be binding. Any who violate it will answer not just to the aggrieved, but to the full force of the Holy Radiance Alliance. Let that be understood."
A heavy silence hung in the grand chamber. None dared to break it. They simply exchanged uneasy glances before, one by one, rising from their seats. The great doors swung open as the envoys began to take their leave, their thoughts clouded with uncertainty and ambition.
Meanwhile, outside the hallowed halls of diplomacy, the true cost of war was being measured.
The once-magnificent Royal Palace of Loran lay in ruins, its gilded halls now drenched in blood. The banners that had proudly flown above its towering spires were now torn and smoldering. The conquering army of the Luminous Theocracy had stormed the palace, slaughtering the last remnants of the Loran royal family.
The knights of the Radiant Order, their armor glinting in the dim torchlight, stood victorious amid the carnage. Their leader, Blake, raised his bloodstained greatsword high, his voice thundering over the chaos:
"Brothers, with me! To the throne room—we end this now!"
A resounding war cry shook the night sky as the Knights of Radiance and the battle-hardened soldiers of the Luminous Theocracy surged forward.
The grand palace doors loomed ahead, standing as the final obstacle between them and absolute victory. And as they charged forward like an unstoppable tide, it was clear—this was the last stand of Loran.