Due to Rafishal’s policy, the atmosphere of the country drastically changed for the worse when citizens reached adulthood and underwent the Nitroludia processing. As those who failed the processing flooded the streets, social order began to collapse. The economy continued to decline, the imperial capital lost its vibrancy, and it became enveloped in silence, resembling a ghost town.

At such a time, a significant incident occurred. Riots broke out among those who had failed the processing and their families. The military used magic machines to forcibly suppress the unrest. The death toll reached hundreds of thousands, leaving a significant scar on the history of the Elysia Empire.

“It’s insane… Rafishal, the emperor, no, everything in this country is starting to go crazy.”

In this room, there were only Mary and me. Perhaps it was the atmosphere that prompted her to murmur in despair.

“If it weren’t for this jewel, we could flee from this country, but as it stands, there’s nothing we can do. Perhaps we have no choice but to share our fate with this crazy nation.”

Mary immediately countered my resigned grumbling with a stern voice.

“I refuse. I can’t endure this any longer. I will definitely escape from this environment. Yui, let’s run away together. Maybe this jewel is just a bluff or something.”

I had no reason to refuse her invitation. I felt just as fed up. However, would Rafishal really resort to such half-hearted measures? I wanted to avoid reckless actions…

“Mary, I’m willing to consider that, but fleeing without thinking is dangerous; let’s prepare first. We need to find a way to deal with this jewel.”

Mary pondered over it, but ultimately agreed. We discussed how to proceed and decided to prepare accordingly.

However, just as it seemed we were contemplating a rebellion, a new directive was issued to Mary and me. It was a large-scale operation that would restrict our freedom of movement.

“We’ve decided to strike seriously at the Tripartite Alliance. Yui will be the commander, with Kurusu and Skullfi as vice-commanders.”

“Your Majesty, I humbly suggest that the Tripartite Alliance has recently grown close to the Rubel Kingdom and the Valkyria Empire, and it’s anticipated that both countries will intervene. It may be difficult to conquer with the forces under the three War Gods…”

The emperor responded immediately to the Minister of Military Affairs’ advice.

“I will grant the three of you an additional 500,000 magic machine troops. They are new soldiers, but they have been strengthened with Nitroludia. That should be sufficient combat power, right?”

“Ha ha, as expected of Your Majesty; it seems you have foreseen everything. With such a military force, anyone commanding will surely fulfill their duties.”

It was laughable. This farce left us no room to refuse. There was no way to delay the execution of the order with any excuses.

“How about it, Yui? Will you accept my command?”

I could only respond with a short “yes.”