There was no one who didn’t recognize the name, but amazement and doubt still filled everyone’s faces. The surname was slightly different, but his identity was obvious.

He was the empire’s 1st Sword, Andras’ strongest swordsman. They didn’t know how it happened, but Crowd von Russel had become Andras’ 19th emperor.

“... I don’t remember seeing his body in the Nadun Mountains.”

“Yes, but being crowned in a few days...?”

“It is a ridiculous replacement.”

The white-masked Orta muttered quietly, “It isn’t impossible if he used force. Now that almost all of the Seven Swords are dead, there is no power in Andras that can stop him.”

Orta was correct. Crowd was the best swordsman of this era, so he could easily take over the throne with force. He wouldn’t raise an eyebrow even if the entirety of Belfort’s army stood against him. Crowd was literally the strongest person in Andras. In a nation which had been founded upon the idea that a strong man stood on top, it was highly probable that Crowd had become emperor of Andras with his own power.

“I also agree with White Tower Master’s words,” Kurt III agreed. “The monster called Invidia had worn the emperor’s mask till now, so he didn’t dare make...