Bartello Terst.
The current emperor of the Terst Empire.
In the past, Bartello, following the orders of his father, the then emperor Edward, participated in the war against the monsters and stood shoulder to shoulder with the current Zodiacs.
His military power may not match the Zodiacs, but his excellent tactics drove the monsters away and built a barrier to stop their attacks. For this, Bartello is worthy of the title of a great general.
Edward, the emperor at the time, worked hard to restore the honor of the previous emperor Edesion, who had been branded as an incompetent king.
He actively promoted people like Enfer, who were only famous in the north and whose abilities had not been verified at the time, and did not hesitate to use people like Heldre, who had a problem with their character, for the fight against the monsters.
Thanks to this, humans were ultimately successful in stopping the invasion of the monsters.
Of course, contrary to Edward’s intentions, there was no restoration of Edesion’s honor. Only Edward himself was elevated.
Bartello can be considered a good emperor who overcame the weight of his highly praised father and grew on his own.
As Bartello aged and weakened, he gave up his position to the next generation a little earlier than other emperors. Most likely to Elysia, the first princess.
In this world, Elysia is exposed as the mastermind behind the monster attacks due to Frondier, and is stripped of her princess status, but originally, she is the rightful next empress. Now, however, Sale is expected to become the empress.
Therefore, Bartello exerts considerable influence while he is the emperor in the game, but his exit is quite quiet and mundane.
Since he stepped down from the emperor’s position on his own, no one can say anything, and it’s not surprising since his body has indeed weakened a lot.
Just like how all the players don’t even remember, let alone find it strange, when Frondier exits.
If the emperor’s seemingly natural abdication was actually something intended.
Then it wouldn’t be irrelevant that an unidentified monster is trying to kill Bartello now.
‘Has it become difficult to naturally dismiss Bartello as in the game?’
The enemy wants to get rid of Bartello by any means. They originally wanted to end it quietly, but if that’s not possible, they even use strange monsters to kill Bartello. That’s how important Bartello must be.
However, killing Bartello would not be easy. His death would herald a huge imbalance on either side. That was the nature of the Emperor’s position.
Dealing with the issue of someone’s life and death was unlike anything Frondier had ever experienced before.
“What’s this? Am I the first one here?”
The first of those waves.
In presence of the Emperor, the Imperial Knights, and Frondier, Ludwig von Urfa appeared.
“Long time no see, Lord Urfa.”
Frondier greeted him with a smile and a nod.
“Tch, I rushed here right after I received the news, but why am I the only one here? What are the others doing?”
“They’ll be here shortly.”
Frondier laughed bitterly at Ludwig’s description of ‘the others’. Only Ludwig could speak in such a way.
The ‘others’ Ludwig was referring to were the ‘Zodiacs’.
Today, a summons order for all the Zodiacs had been dropped at this place.
“So, you’re the only one who can find that strange monster? Are you staying by the emperor’s side in case those bastards come again?”
“Yes, for now, that’s the case.”
“And because it’s insecure to protect the emperor with just you, all the other Zodiacs have been called too?”
“Roughly, yes.”
At Frondier’s answer, Ludwig scratched his head. Ludwig took a quick look around at the palace knights.
Those who would protect the emperor until the Zodiacs arrived were tense, even though the enemy had not yet arrived.
Seeing this, Ludwig clicked his tongue and looked at Frondier.
[Frondier, I heard something.]
His voice reached Frondier without even moving his lips. It was Ludwig’s magic that would not be eavesdropped on by anyone.
[You know well how others would react to the fact that only you can see the monster, right? You’re a clever one.]
At those words, Frondier lowered his head. To others, it was just a gesture of lowering his gaze, but of course, it was a ‘confirmation’ directed at Ludwig.
[You’ve already risen as a prominent figure in the palace. The fact that you’re the only one who can see the monster, it’s not a matter that can be simply nodded at.]
Because Frondier is the only one who can confirm and respond to the monster, Frondier stays by the emperor’s side.
If only things could flow as simply as that, but the situation is not that simple.
[You are currently under suspicion.]
Ludwig’s voice continued.
[You’re suspected of colluding with that monster. If you can be by the emperor’s side, you’ve secured the best position to kill the emperor.]
Frondier also felt it.
The palace knights are on high alert, and that’s why. They fear that Frondier might suddenly change his stance and attack the emperor. Even if they try not to show it, it’s obvious.
[Be careful. The same order would have been given to all of the Zodiac.]
─Currently, only Frondier can find the monster that attacked the Emperor. Cooperate with him as much as possible.
─However, if Frondier even slightly attempts to harm the Emperor, do not hesitate to cut his throat.