I know it was partly my fault. But there were a few reasons, I think.

The last emperor passed away without leaving a direct heir, and the throne was left empty for nearly a year. With no emperor, most of the decision-making for the country was left to the imperial knights and the magistrates.

I never left the castle, so I didn't know how bad it was... News from the lower quarter rarely made it back to us. I didn't realize how serious the corruption among the knights and the nobles had gotten, either.

It wasn't until I stepped outside and saw for myself that I really understood.