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※ This work contains high-intensity, hardcore elements and scenes that may polarize readers. Please be advised before reading.

V. A Flustered Celebration (1)

The Holy Kingdom of Grite began as a small temple in a region called Grite within the Empire long ago.

‘First, plunge them into danger, then extend a saving hand as if it were all the will of God.’ The Holy Kingdom’s methods worked with devastating success. The number of faithful swelled, and naturally, temples under Grite’s authority sprang up across the world.

The ever-strengthening power of their god and the bloating influence of the Holy Kingdom. Because of this, the successive Emperors of the Vertean Empire had no choice but to suffer from headaches for a very long time.

In the end, a history of compromise had to be written. The previous Emperor established diplomatic relations with the Holy Kingdom and chose peace.

But the current Emperor, Johannes Erkan Tail Argenteus, could no longer tolerate a world order revolving around the Holy Kingdom. He was not a kind-hearted Emperor who would long endure the reality of his name being subjugated beneath a religion, and though he might not always show it, his nature was intensely belligerent; already bloodthirsty for a war of conquest, the existence of the Holy Kingdom was his greatest obstacle. He needed to erase the name of Grite from the map as soon as possible and restore the Empire’s reputation as the greatest nation.

It was fortuitous, then, that a pretext to strike the Holy Kingdom had arisen, and their military strength was now comparable. And so, the long overture to war began.

And after ten years of grueling warfare, the hero who led them to victory and made the Empire great again.

“Sir Ronius Calreo de Xtion, Grand Master of the Cainus Knight Order, is now entering the hall.”

Every head in the banquet hall turned as one.

The man, impeccably dressed in a formal navy blue uniform, cut through the dazzling crowd and advanced silently.

The banquet hall of grand scale and opulent appearance, the nobles adorned in every manner of lavish decoration to flaunt their prestige. Amidst it all, the man, wearing only his military regalia, was unequivocally the most striking presence. His noble and imposing demeanor instead highlighted his aura, reducing all the glittering, brilliant surroundings to mere background.

This had the effect of making the ornate decorations seem almost embarrassing, so of course, from the nobles’ perspective, it was galling.

Well, even so, there wasn’t a single fool who dared to voice dissent against the guest of honor at tonight’s victory banquet.

After a few moments, the man halted his steadfast steps and offered a silent, knightly salute to the Emperor. His tall stature, straight posture, and elegant salute made him the very picture of a knightly ideal.

As everyone stared blankly at the scene, only the knights following his lead placed their hands over their hearts and bowed their heads in unison.

“Let everyone raise their heads.”

Following this, a booming laugh erupted from the figure standing at the highest place.

“Haha! Thanks to all of you, I’ve been finding life truly worth living lately.”

Ronius and the knights raised their heads in turn, lowering the hands from their chests. The Emperor descended from the dais and raised his voice.

“Sir Ronius de Xtion!”

“My name alone is sufficient, Your Majesty.”

“Haha, very well! Sir Ronius.”

“Yes.”

Ronius replied calmly and raised his gaze.

“You have done well.”

“I merely fulfilled the duties expected of a knight.”

“Well now.”

The Emperor let out a low exclamation at the face that showed no more expression than a stone carving. Then, a man who was the spitting image of the Emperor clicked his tongue and thrust his face forward.

“Tch… After rolling around on battlefields, you’ve become even more boring, Sir.”

“Crown Prince.”

“Ah, yes, yes… But even on a day like today, must you be so stiflingly proper? It’d be hard enough to keep up even if you were strutting about like a hero with women on each arm. The glances aimed at you are already fiery enough. Sir, if you live like that, will you ever even get to use that thing? You should enjoy yourself a bit, shouldn’t you? What do you think, gentlemen?”

“…Crown Prince, restrain yourself. How many times have I told you to just stay in your place? Hmm, but well, I too have no objection if the Sir wishes to strut a little.”

Though his true feelings were unknowable, Ronius de Xtion was still a man who knew how to act according to his own tune. The Emperor smiled a deeply satisfied smile inwardly and continued.

“A feat of this magnitude deserves a fitting reward. I have already prepared lands to bestow upon you, mines… more than enough. If you have any other request, speak it. You have done your duty as a subject, so it is only right that I, as your master, fulfill mine.”

“…If that is the case, Your Majesty.”