Outside the brightly lit church, a Military Police officer in a unicorn-emblem uniform scanned the surroundings. After tugging at his sleeve, he walked straight inside.
The church was already filled with people. Many soldiers in military uniforms had gathered—members of the Military Police, the Garrison, and the Survey Corps were all present. Aside from soldiers, there were sharp-eyed merchants, somewhat restrained-looking civilians, and even nobles dressed in lavish attire.
It could be said that representatives from every social class on Paradis Island had gathered here. And in today's Paradis Island, only the Imperial Faction could assemble such a crowd. This church also served as the meeting place for the core members of the Imperial Faction.
As soon as the Military Police officer in the unicorn uniform entered, someone stepped forward to greet him.
"Arno, you're here? We were just waiting on you. Now that you've arrived, we can begin the meeting."
The Military Police officer named Arno smiled and, at the invitation of others, took a seat among the front rows. Beside him sat a short-haired soldier with a resolute face. The insignia on the back of his uniform bore the Rose emblem—he was from the Garrison.
"Lord Lance, long time no see."
Arno greeted him proactively, but Lance remained expressionless and ignored him completely. Arno did not seem embarrassed. He simply smiled and straightened his posture.
Soon, under the supervision of several soldiers, another meeting of the Imperial Faction officially began. In truth, these meetings held little real meaning. The Imperial Faction held them largely to further spread their ideology.
During the meeting, representatives from various sectors angrily denounced the outside world's hostility toward the Eldians, condemned Marley's persecution of the Eldian people, and lamented the glory days of the former Eldian Empire. Meanwhile, members of the Imperial Faction took the opportunity to promote their own doctrines.
Although the audience below was in an uproar, the true high-ranking core leaders of the Imperial Faction seated at the very front never voiced a single opinion. They simply observed in silence.
Under this atmosphere, the meeting gradually came to an end. In the end, the Imperial Faction recruited quite a few new members. Most ordinary members left the church once the meeting concluded, leaving only a handful of true core members behind.
Lance, Arno, and several veteran members sat together. Soon, an older man stood up. He had once been a member of the Eldian Restorationists and was among the earliest to promote the Imperial Faction's ideology on Paradis Island. In terms of seniority, he was unquestionably the most seasoned.
"Since everyone is here, it's time to discuss the matters at hand. There are mainly two issues. One is to have the parliament recognize the legitimate status of our Imperial Faction. The other concerns the Rumbling Plan. Miss Yelena, please explain it to us."
Under the watchful gazes of Lance, Arno, and the others, a figure dressed in a suit slowly stepped out from the darkness of the church. Yelena raised her head, the corner of her lips curling into a meaningful smile.
...
No one knew what was specifically discussed during that high-level meeting of the Imperial Faction. Those guarding the perimeter of the church only saw Lance, his face filled with anger, kick open the church doors and leave alone.
Military Police officer Arno stroked his chin and slowly walked to the doorway. Watching Lance's retreating figure, he couldn't help but frown and mutter,
"Why be so rigid? To rebuild the Eldian Empire, it's only a small sacrifice. It's worth it."
Behind Arno, Yelena followed out calmly. Seemingly having heard his words, she reached out and patted his shoulder.
"That makes perfect sense. It's only a small sacrifice."
Meanwhile, elsewhere, Erwin was receiving a rather special visitor.
Floch looked at the Commander before him, somewhat surprised and taken aback. Erwin thoughtfully pulled out a chair for him and poured tea.
"Commander, if there's something you need, please just say it. You're making me very uncomfortable like this."
Erwin smiled without speaking, then handed Floch a document. Floch took it and began reading. The more he read, the tighter his brows furrowed. After finishing, he raised his head and asked,
"Commander Erwin, do I look like some kind of charlatan to you? Or are you the same as those Imperial Faction people? I don't understand. I'm just a small Squad Leader. Everyone seems to overestimate me. I'm sorry, but I have no interest in being some kind of prophet."
Seeing Floch reject him outright, Erwin showed no urgency. That was right—Erwin's purpose in meeting Floch was simple. The Imperial Faction had set their sights on Floch. Erwin, who intended to support the Revival Army, had also taken an interest in him. But clearly, the Floch before him had no interest whatsoever in such matters.
Looking at Floch, Erwin spoke slowly,
"We fully recognize your abilities, Floch. You should believe in that as well. Perhaps in your eyes, both the Imperial Faction and the Revival Army are trying to recruit you. But Floch, have you seen the deeper essence of it?"
Floch looked at Erwin in confusion. Erwin handed him another document.
Floch opened it, and the data recorded inside made his heart pound.
Erwin stood up and looked down at Floch from above.
"This is all the intelligence we've been able to gather about the outside world. Floch, do you know what this means? The Imperial Faction's objective is to wage war against every country listed in that file for the sake of their so-called Eldian Empire. Every country. Floch, you've seen Hizuru's technology as well. Tell me—how are we Eldians supposed to face such enemies?"
Floch hesitated. He opened his mouth but found himself unable to speak.
Erwin continued,
"Floch, do you remember Scott? Do you remember our fallen comrades of the Survey Corps?
What did they sacrifice themselves for? What is the purpose of the Survey Corps? We fight for humanity's future. Now tell me—can you bear to watch the Imperial Faction drag the Eldian people into the abyss? Can you bear to see the sacrifices of our Survey Corps comrades go to waste?"
Erwin's words struck directly at Floch's heart—especially when he mentioned Scott. The words Scott had spoken before his death echoed in Floch's mind.
"I believe you'll grow into a qualified soldier."
If Squad Leader Scott were still alive, someone as kind as him surely wouldn't stand by and watch the Imperial Faction lead Paradis Island into darkness, would he?
Floch clenched his fists, his expression filled with struggle. Erwin simply watched him calmly, his face unchanged, as if everything were under control.
After a long while, Floch raised his head. His gaze had turned resolute.
"I agree."