"Allow me to send a congratulatory gift. I would like to formally invite the Cosmic Empire's Empress to the Grand Unveiling Banquet." you suppress your surprise as every gaze in the room falls upon you and Rafayel.

Those unaware of the truth might think Rafayel is extending an olive branch toward the Empire. But you know this is a trap you can't simply refuse.

Attendant:His Quintessence is waiting for you inside.

Rafayel sits on one side of the long table. Next to him is a wine glass that's half full. It's as if he's been waiting for quite some time. "The supposedly dreadful Grand Unveiling Banquet is... Drinking with the Sanctarch?"

"I wouldn't say it's the Grand Unveiling Banquet. I prefer to think of it as a private invitation. Everyone who has been invited to attend must first demonstrate their loyalty to the Sanctide Court. You're the only exception."

"But the guests are people from the Empire." Rafayel raises his hand slightly, and the red curtains beside the table are opened.

Beyond the glass, a statue of the Stella Ocean stands in the center of another dimly lit banquet hall. Some imperial ministers are devoutly reciting prayers before the statue.

"I didn't force them to do anything. I told them to attend the banquet and offer their most prized possessions. Then they can gain the Sanctide Court's favor. Once the war in Murya ends, they can become members of the Sanctide Court.

They'll possess a status that's far more superior to an imperial citizen's. The people of the Empire might revere them. They suspected that I had killed quite a few attendees here.

Yet when it comes to the taste of power, they were willing to betray their country." Rafayel walks up to the glass and looks at the people on the other side. He seemingly enjoys their greedy behavior.

"You keep the useful ones who happen to hold high positions in the Empire. Convert them to your cause and use them to undermine the Empire's rule.

You extort riches from those who aren't useful to you. Your tactics are more ruthless than actual warfare." you say. He turns, picks up a wine glass, and hands it to you.

"Since this is a banquet, let's have a drink first." you ignore the glass and don't look at him.

"Constantly targeting each other will only ensure mutual destruction. But we can change our approach. For example... We can cooperate. The Sanctide Court controls Aestuspith. Cooperation will be difficult when there's a conflict of interest."

As soon as you turn to leave, an irresistible force controls you, again. A fluorescent blue rises in Rafayel's pupils. "You...! My people are outside, Rafayel."

"No one wants to see a fight to the death. If anything, I'm your best choice. My sincerity is eliminating traitors in their quest for power. Do you actually need those who forsake the Empire for small favors?"

You watch yourself pick up the glass. You drain it in one go. Everything seemingly becomes hazy. You can't even clearly see what's in front of you.

"There was something... in the wine...?Where are you... taking me?" you ask. "It'll be over soon." he says.