Before Emperor Venrac, the three representatives approached within three meters and prepared to present their proposals.

The first to speak was Olbert Venzick.

"Your Majesty. There are three compelling reasons why we should take action. The first reason I propose declaring war on the nation of demons is their offensive actions against the high nobility and royal blood. If we add to that the latest massacres, what image would the powerful Empire project to its citizens if we ignored such actions?" "Since the death of Duke Venzariac, who belonged to the high nobility and through whose veins royal blood flowed, there has been fear among the citizens of the empire..."

"Of course there is fear, a fear that you and the Inquisiders are inciting," thought the emperor as he listened and watched impassively every word of Advisor Olbert.

"The demons provoked the start of the conflict that led to the death of Duke Venzariac, who only wanted to recover his daughter and avenge the offense against his family. What's more, Duke Venzariac belonged to the conservative faction, but where was the conservative faction at that time? Loyalty is important; I don't think there is any need for excuses at important moments." "The second reason is that the Great Venrac Empire is at one of its best moments, with great talents among humans. It is the ideal moment; we can increasingly reduce the threat posed by demons. As proof of prosperity, there is the oracle of the temple of the endless sky. A hero will soon appear." "The last thing I mentioned brings me to the third reason. We are an empire forged by wars, and every time a hero appeared, the empire prospered more. We are an empire forged by war. The citizens do not understand why we retreat before the demons. That only creates chaos, confusion, and fear." "Your Majesty, the faction I represent within the imperial council requests that war be declared against the nation of demons."

Olbert Venzick bowed and stepped back after presenting and justifying his proposal.

Folseck Stevensen respectfully asked to speak.

"Go ahead, state what the faction you represent proposes," said Emperor Venrac.

"Your Majesty, we ask that deterrent measures be used. Let us request that the demon nation hand over the criminals who have caused the problems and, at the same time, provide adequate compensation for the losses. We have informants who have told us that there is a group of demons and humans causing instability in the demon nation. It seems they want us to intervene so that they can take advantage of the opportunity and deliver the final blow to the demon nation. But how dare they try to manipulate our empire? We must not fight the wars of others...

As Folseck continued to speak, the emperor observed Olbert and noticed that he was very calm.

The emperor suppressed his desire to sigh, knowing that everything was already leaning in favor of the faction that supported the war.

After Counselor Folseck finished his proposal and justification, he bowed and stepped back.

The emperor cast an inquiring glance at Counselor Seulo Teyirit.

Seulo Teyirit bowed respectfully, and just as the emperor expected, Seulo, with his astute expression, indicated that on this occasion the neutral faction supported the proposal presented by the faction promoting war against the demons.

Finally, after conversing with the Minister of War and the Minister of State for the duration of a golden candle burning down completely, the emperor announced that he approved the proposal of the faction promoting war. However, the emperor warned that the war must be planned very meticulously and carried out gradually, at least until the hero appeared and was given the opportunity to become strong.

...

Hours later, in his study.

The emperor sat in his chair, massaging his temples. He knew that demons were not rivals to be underestimated; therefore, the best option would be to help the hero become strong, so that, like the other heroes in history, the new hero could face any unexpected and powerful threat.

The emperor had always been cautious, but he became decidedly conservative when he studied the records of the Red Rock prison.

"If there is a demon with such power, it is very likely that there are others just as powerful. I must be careful and watch for possible changes that may occur in the midst of war. They see the appearance of the hero as something positive, but I consider it a warning. Throughout history, every time a hero appeared, it was because somewhere else, his antithesis or an evil powerful enough to require him had appeared," thought the emperor with a thoughtful expression.

••••

The five directors of the eight directors of Inquisiderian were gathered around an iron table.

The directors of Inquisiderian were responsible for financing, protecting, and creating resources in the Inquisiderian laboratory.

Most of the directors had achieved their high ranks with resources created from the remains of powerful demons or mid-level demons.

The directors present were Doctor Oden Vitar, Countess Ilma Adest, Efrain Ledmark, Milla Jesisck, and Van Mither.

"As you have all been informed. You have been called upon to fulfill the objectives assigned to you with regard to this laboratory. In the days ahead, a war against demons will begin, so we will be more active than before, and you never know when something unexpected might arise. Director Efrain, Director Milla, we are counting on you to protect the laboratory; Countess Ilma Adest, we await your financial assistance and the resources requested in the coming days. Director Van Mither stated in a calm tone.

Van Mither was respected and feared among the directors, as he was one of the few whose rank of power he had achieved through pure talent, but many considered his talent to be matched only by his madness, because he was always inventing new ways to experiment with demons until he drove them to despair, and from despair to madness.

"I will fulfill what has been assigned to me, since I cannot leave here, I hope you will allow me to play a little," said a magician dressed in red and black, youthful in appearance, with black and blue eyes and black hair.

Milla Jesisck nodded and sighed. She disliked Director Efrain quite a bit because of his youthful appearance, especially since she had joined Inquisiderian dreaming of immortality and the possibility of regaining her youth. And now she had to spend an indefinite amount of time with a guy who reminded her of the youth she had lost.

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