That night, after extinguishing the fires raging throughout the city of Vernice, Ard and Eva met with the commander of the knight legion, Bernard Lester Maximilian, who was also a nobleman holding the title of Baron within the empire. They met inside a building that had previously been a tavern, which was still usable despite being half-destroyed. Bernard, having shifted his allegiance to become a knight of the Liberta Empire, recounted what had transpired in the empire over the last 72 hours.
After hearing Bernard's explanation regarding the conditions in the capital, Ard and Eva thought hard. Then, they looked back at Bernard.
"So, every member of the senate died in the palace fire, and all decisions are now made solely by the Emperor, is that it?" Eva asked.
"That is correct, Your Highness. Furthermore, the Templars and the monastery knights are oppressing the people, forcing them to fight if the capital is attacked," Bernard answered.
