BOOM!
The beautifully crafted double doors of the luxurious living room exploded inward with a deafening crash, flying tens of meters across the room and slamming heavily against the opposite wall.
The force was so great that the door narrowly missed Minister Alexei's bald head as it hurtled past, brushing the top of his shiny scalp and leaving him frozen in terror. Cold sweat broke out across his face instantly, his plump body trembling as he stared at the shattered entrance with wide eyes.
The other two men, Count Viktor and Baron Ludwig, were no better. Their faces turned deathly pale as they stumbled back a few steps, their luxurious robes suddenly feeling far too constricting in the face of such sudden violence.
Minister Alexei slammed his thick hands on the table and rose unsteadily, his face flushing red with a mix of fear and fury.
"Which bastard dares cause such trouble in my home?!" he roared, his voice shaking slightly despite his attempt at authority.
He took a single step forward, but before he could advance any further, a group of armed figures rushed into the hall in perfect formation.
Alexei froze mid-step, his face draining of all color as recognition hit him like a hammer. His lips trembled as he stuttered, "...Im… Imperial Guards?"
Baron Ludwig and Count Viktor retreated even further, their backs nearly pressing against the wall as they recognized the elite soldiers.
The Imperial Guards moved with disciplined precision, their crisp black uniforms featuring reinforced silver shoulder plates, high collars embroidered with the royal tree, and dark green accents that marked their loyalty to the throne.
Each man carried a long sword at his side and wore an expression of cold professionalism that sent chills down the spines of the three nobles.
"What are the Imperial Guards doing here?" Baron Ludwig whispered urgently to Count Viktor, his voice barely audible. "Is it because Minister Alexei refused the King's summons?"
Count Viktor wiped sweat from his forehead with a trembling hand, his sharp eyes darting between the guards and Alexei. "That must be it," he muttered back, his usual calculating demeanor cracking under the pressure.
Baron Ludwig glanced at Minister Alexei's ugly, panicked expression and swallowed hard. "But isn't this too biased? It wasn't only Alexei who didn't attend. Compared to the big nobles, he's just a small fish. Why target him first?"
Count Viktor fell silent for a moment, his mind racing. Realization dawned in his eyes, mixed with a hint of horror. "I think His Majesty wants to use him as a scapegoat."
"Scapegoat?" Baron Ludwig's eyes widened in confusion before understanding hit him as well. "Shit… Minister Alexei is done for. No, he's completely finished."
Count Viktor narrowed his eyes, watching the guards closely. "Not just finished," he whispered. "This arrest, and whatever comes after, will serve as a warning. His Majesty is sending a message to all of us."
Clap! Clap! Clap!
A slow, deliberate clapping sound cut through the tension, drawing every eye toward the ruined entrance. A tall, imposing figure stepped into the living hall, his light green royal uniform and flowing trench coat unmistakable even in the chaos. Captain Theodor Falkenberg, now head of the Imperial Guards, walked in with calm authority, a faint smile playing on his lips as he surveyed the scene.
Minister Alexei's expression twisted through shock, confusion, and finally rage.
He pointed a shaking finger at the captain. "Captain Falkenberg! What is the meaning of this? Why are the Imperial Guards here instead of protecting His Majesty?"
Captain Falkenberg did not answer immediately. He paused, his gaze sweeping across the room and lingering briefly on Baron Ludwig and Count Viktor, his smile widening just enough to make both men flinch. Only then did he turn to Minister Alexei. With deliberate movements, he unfurled a formal scroll and began reading in a loud, clear voice that carried the full weight of royal authority.
"By the direct order of His Majesty, Kaiser Reinhardt von Arkenheim, 89th Ruler of the Arkenheim Bloodline, Minister Alexei has been stripped of all titles and positions. He is hereby charged with treason for deliberately disobeying a royal summons, showing contempt for the Crown, and contributing to the internal decay of Brastovia through corruption and negligence. All his properties, assets, and holdings are to be confiscated immediately for the good of the nation. He is relieved of his duties effective immediately and will be taken into custody."
Minister Alexei stumbled back several steps, his face turning ghostly pale as horror washed over him. "This… this can't be happening," he muttered, his voice trembling.
He quickly raised his head, desperation clear in his eyes. "Captain Falkenberg, are you arresting everyone who disobeyed the royal summons?"
Captain Falkenberg chuckled softly, a hint of pity in his eyes as he shook his head. "No. I think only you were invited to this particular party. The others are just party poopers who would spoil the fun, so His Majesty only extended the invitation to you."
Minister Alexei's body shook violently, his face draining of even more color. "But that's unfair! I wasn't the only one who ignored the summons! I even sent a representative! Technically, I obeyed the command!"
Captain Falkenberg raised an eyebrow, pretending to consider the point. "You know what? You make a pretty good argument. Looks like the new Minister of Finance, Isabella, needs to properly thank you for giving her such a massive opportunity."
Minister Alexei's expression shifted to utter shock. "What do you mean?"
"Well," Captain Falkenberg shrugged casually, "His Majesty has appointed the person you sent as your 'representative' as the new Minister of Finance."
The revelation hit Minister Alexei like a physical blow. Before he could utter another word, Captain Falkenberg waved his hand toward the Imperial Guards.
"Arrest him. He has talked long enough."
Five elite guards stepped forward immediately, moving with practiced efficiency. They pinned the struggling Minister Alexei to the ground, secured heavy metal chains around his wrists, and gagged his mouth to silence his protests.
With swift, professional movements, they hoisted the once-powerful minister up and began dragging him out of the ruined hall.
Captain Falkenberg nodded in approval at the guards' speed and discipline. As he turned to leave, he paused briefly and looked back at Baron Ludwig and Count Viktor, who had been standing silently the entire time, trying to make themselves as small and unnoticeable as possible.
A knowing smile crossed the captain's face, but he said nothing. He simply turned and walked out, leaving the two men alone in the devastated living room.
Baron Ludwig and Count Viktor stared at each other, then at the wreckage around them — the shattered doors, overturned chairs, and scattered tea set.
They swallowed hard, the silence suddenly feeling far more oppressive than before.
"Something bad is coming."