“The bite marks are identical in all cases. That means it must be the work of a single being—or at least a single species. A species that eats the hearts of dragons, the so-called supreme beings of this world—how exhilarating is that?! Ahh! What could it be? I want to see it for myself!” “Could…

The Emperor, who was usually merciful to commoners, could not afford the same mercy to nobles. Yet Ishar maintained a careful balance between the two. He always considered the characteristics of each noble house, offering rational terms and second chances. This temperance made it difficult not to follow him. Now, everyone in the Lucheist Empire…

“Absolutely not, Your Majesty! My son died because of the monster!” “Didn’t you send him out in a condition where he was bound to die, Count?” Flap. As the moment of silence began, Ishar threw the document that his aide Phailen had brought, straight at the Count. Instead of falling to the floor, the paper…

“…Even if it’s not for my own life, I hope Your Majesty does not collapse over something like this. Lord Veloan would not want that either.” Saying this, Rekayan took out a new pair of gloves identical to the ones Ishar was wearing. He gently removed the blood-soaked gloves and personally put the new ones…

Until now, Veloan had only ever sent formal reports to Ishar. They had occasionally spoken through communication magic, but those conversations were brief and infrequent—Veloan always seemed tired and ended the calls quickly. Ishar had been quietly disappointed. While he constantly worried for and longed to see Veloan every day, it felt as if his…

Even if by some stroke of luck one survived the fall into the Abyss, they would have been swallowed whole by the drifting, jellyfish-like beings—the rejected existences. These entities filled their bodies and powers by consuming others, striving to claw their way back up the Abyssal cliffs and return to this world. Eoris once said:…

It felt like all the blood in his body had drained out. Clinging to consciousness, Ishar swallowed dryly and forced his mouth to open. “I will send a relief force immediately, just as you requested. Prioritize the lives of the remaining subjugation forces above all else.” —“Thank you, Your Majesty.” The moment the transmission cut…

“Very well. Sir Quiste, take two weeks’ leave starting today. All expenses will be covered by the Imperial Treasury. Is there anything else you wish for? If it’s within reason, I’ll grant it.” “That’s more than generous, Your Majesty.” “Hardly. The mission you carried out could have easily cost you your life. Name your wish.”…

Until now, whenever Veloan was sent outside, Ishar had only done so under circumstances he could completely control. The personnel dispatched alongside him always prioritized protecting Veloan over completing the mission. When even they were unable to help, Ishar would intervene through his familiars and ensure Veloan’s safety. Others might get injured, but Veloan had…

Withdrawing from the Krybule unit after volunteering would’ve been easy. Especially if Ishar personally announced the correction—no matter how high their status, even dukes wouldn’t dare mock Veloan. The moment they did, Ishar’s icy blade would cut their tongues and tear open their lips. Instead, they would all act relieved, like sycophants. “I’m not considering…