Chapter 392: Triumph (6)

What more could Eugene gain by asking for it in this assembly?

Money? He already had more than enough. Often, the most precious and necessary things couldn't be bought, no matter how much gold one possessed. Hence, the thought of needing more wealth didn't even cross his mind.

The same went for treasures. With no more Dragonhearts available in the market, the Exids, the national treasures of Shimuin, were unattainable. Even so, he had not borrowed them for personal use; he found Raimira's support more beneficial.

‘Someone will find a use for them if we get them,’ Eugene thought.

He could think of several people in the Lionheart clan who could make better use of the Exids. Thanks to the Exid Ortus lent them, Carmen had been powerful enough to stand head-to-head against the Demon King of Fury. Gilead and Gion would also benefit from them, or perhaps Cyan and Ciel, whose mana hadn't yet reached its zenith, unlike the older generation.

Materially, Eugene lacked nothing. He already owned an arsenal of weapons and received ample support in mana.

He already drew on three types of aid for mana: amplification from Akasha, computational acceleration from Mer, and support in the form of Dragonhearts and Draconic from Raimira. With the added capability of Prominence, he could fight with full power for days on end, as long as his mind held.

Thus, he sought something beyond material possessions.

"Hmm…," Emperor Straut II grunted, unable to find words to speak.

A request from the Hero… to hold his request above royal decrees was akin to asking for ultra-legal authority.

‘It’s excessive,’ the emperor couldn't help but think.

Even the emperor of an empire wasn't above its laws unless, of course, they were a despot. Unless one was a tyrant, they still needed to uphold and follow the laws of their nation. However, if required, he could bypass legal and procedural barriers by invoking his imperial decree.

‘Even if he is the Hero.… To grant such privileges to an individual would be....’

Of course, it was an understatement to label Eugene Lionheart as a simple individual. But even so, granting such a privilege was simply too much, wasn’t it?

“…Eugene. Suppose you ask for support when preparing to face a Demon King or an enemy of a similar caliber. In that case, I will prioritize your request above all else,” Emperor Straut the Second declared.

Eugene wouldn’t smack or slap him in front of everyone here, right?

The emperor continued as he watched Eugene’s expression crumple in real-time, “Of course…. Even if it might not relate to mobilizing our forces, if your request is reasonable and necessary… I am open to granting it. But to skip over directly to having to request—”

"Yuras has no objections," Pope Aeuryus interrupted before the emperor could finish. "O, Hero of Light. You are the embodiment of the divine light upon this earth, a representative of the Light. If you give the command, this humble servant shall gladly obey without any objections," he declared solemnly.

Had the old man completely lost his senses? Was he truly making such a proclamation, not privately, but in a gathering filled with so many people? Emperor Straut II gaped at the pope in sheer disbelief.

‘This should put you in a bind, young brat,’ the pope thought while casting a benevolent smile upon the emperor.

His faith in the Light and the Hero was genuine. If Eugene had wished for it, the pope would have sincerely offered up all of Yuras. However, rather than implicating only Yuras, it would be even better if the Kiehl Empire and other nations of similar strength were made to dance to Eugene’s tune as well.

"If need be, Ruhr will also pledge its support," Aman declared after a moment's contemplation.

There seemed to be no reason for him not to promise. Aman took Eugene's request with an almost casual grace. Though the authority Eugene sought was beyond that of a monarch, would he ever misuse it to clear his sins after committing crimes in Yuras? Would he raise an army for a rebellion?

"There's no reason not to grant a friend's request," Ivatar said with a chuckle.

Watching the events unfold, Daindolf, too, gave a nod of agreement, "Aroth will do the same."

The Visage of Emperor Straut the Second contorted in evident displeasure.

Yuras was an empire of crazies who held their faith above its law. Ruhr had proven the might of their founding Brave King, and no matter how valorous Eugene might be, he wouldn't dare to challenge the Brave Molon, would he?

‘So then, what about the two of you!?’ the emperor thought. Frustration was evident in his eyes.

Aroth was seriously audacious. Aroth was a symbolic monarchy where real governance lay with the parliament.

So, what semblance of royal decree could come from there, aside from choosing the flora of Abram's garden?

And then there was that native from the Great Forest. What laws could even possibly exist in that backwater forest? Did the leader of a mere tribe presume himself to have the same authority as an emperor?

"Shimuin will commit as well," uttered Oseris, his once trembling demeanor now transformed. His following statement was delivered with a sneer similar to the one the emperor had worn moments before. "Why don’t you simply comply as well?"

Emperor Straut II shot him a scathing look.

"Do you believe the Hero, Sir Eugene, would misuse royal authority?" asked Oseris.

Considering the situation, Oseris had the same train of thought as the pope. Now that things had come this far, he wasn’t willing to sink alone. While under normal circumstances, he should be more concerned with the emperor’s reactions, in this setting, pledging cooperation with the Hero was as good as forming an alliance between nations.

"...If the request is reasonable… and doesn't defy morality—" Emperor Straut II began.

Only to be swiftly interrupted by Eugene, much to the emperor’s dismay, "I shall be the judge of that."

Little brat, why are you acting so stiff when you’re going to bend anyway?

‘That’s how you break, bastard.’ Eugene gave a mental smirk.

He made a slight gesture toward his cloak, following which Mer and Raimira stepped forth from its folds, each holding a box. The sight was almost surreal.

Two maidens had suddenly emerged from a mere piece of clothing.

While most recognized Mer for her resemblance to Sienna was uncanny, Raimira drew bewildered stares, given the deer antlers crowning her head and a gem embedded in her forehead.

"Please open them," Eugene instructed.

The boxes were placed before the monarchs. The pope, being the first to open his, gasped in astonishment. "What is this…?"

Inside the box lay three banners, each adorned with the insignia of a black lion.

"Would it not be more convenient for both of us?" Eugene began, his gaze settling on the assembled rulers. "It would be a sin for me to constantly ask for favors, especially from those engrossed in their nation's affairs. Using these banners as the symbol of our promise would be more efficient."

Indeed, he sought to bypass the very notion of requesting.

The emperor opened the box in front of him, still wearing a look of sheer disbelief. Inside lay six banners. It was truly an audacious demand to have these designated as imperial seals….

Sighing deeply, the emperor grasped one of the banners. "Very well."

Eugene felt a tinge of satisfaction. He had commissioned these banners to Gondor, predicting they might come in handy in a gathering with the rulers of the continent. He was glad he had prepared beforehand.

'Now, things will be much easier wherever I venture,' Eugene mused.

With a mere flash of these banners, he could erase any records of using the warp-gates in Kiehl. He could even employ the empire's intelligence instead of the information guilds or call upon spies hidden in other nations if need be.

‘There are limitations on obtaining information about Helmuth using only guilds,’ Eugene thought.

Such guilds were driven by profit, and as such, they prioritized the value of information over any kind of loyalty or ethos. As such, the information they traded was usually high-quality, but the guilds were disinclined to obtain information at the cost of their lives.

However, national intelligence agencies operated on loyalties, national pride, and beliefs. The intelligence Eugene coveted would only be obtainable from spies who dared to face death itself.

"How about a tax reduction?" Eugene ventured, picking up his share of banners and casting a sidelong glance at the emperor. "The Lionheart clan does pay a hefty amount in taxes, after all."

A grinding noise echoed from between the emperor’s clenched teeth. Gilead cleared his throat awkwardly, "Paying taxes is a duty that every citizen of the empire should naturally follow."

"Well, paying less would be better... not paying at all would be best,” said Eugene.

Krrr.…

The emperor’s patience waned, and he almost snapped back, "Would you ask for the throne next?" But he swallowed down his exasperation and the urge for a sarcastic remark. He feared that his question would truly be enacted upon.

"…I will have it discussed," Emperor Straut II said, trying his best to avoid giving a direct answer.

Eugene did not press the matter.

***

When the conference concluded, and they emerged into the palace gardens, Eugene found the expansive grounds had been beautifully transformed.

A large, ornate fountain spewed water that was glimmering golden light. As he admired the fountain's shimmer, his gaze inadvertently landed on the pope.

"It’s not," the pope stammered with a startle.

In response, Eugene mumbled with his eyes fixed on the cascading waters, "Fount of Light."

The pope decided to stay silent.

“Oh.… What the hell?” Eugene cursed.

The backdrop to the beautiful fountain showcased the majestic Platinum Lion. Palace chefs bustled around, filling the tables with delicacies. With Melkith’s every step, the garden's grass and soil morphed into smooth marble.

"She’ll return it to its original state afterward," Daindolf comforted Oseris, who was trembling.

It wasn't just Melkith who had stepped in to remodel the garden. Lovellian and Hiridus also tirelessly weaved their magic to aid in the transformation of the palace gardens.

The garden’s walls soared and formed a ceiling stretching to the heavens. Through the magic of the wizards, this ceiling transitioned into translucent glass, upon which they painted an array of colorful stars. Magical candles that changed colors gradually adorned the area, setting a serene ambiance. The marble floor was then covered with plush carpets.

As the garden metamorphosed into a ballroom, the key members of the expeditionary force changed into attire befitting a grand banquet. Eugene wasn't spared. He had initially resisted, claiming his current uniform was adequate, but both Kristina and Anise wouldn't hear of it.

"You always wear the same uniform. Such an occasion calls for something different," Sienna remarked.

She had hoped that tonight might present an opportunity to deepen her relationship with Eugene. The dress she'd chosen was so enticing that it felt slightly too much, even by her standards. It caused her to pause. It revealed more than it concealed, and her back was essentially completely bare...

Sienna had the urge to change her dress.

But she stopped herself. The very idea of displaying such attire, especially the exposed back, was deeply embarrassing to the Wise Sienna. Moreover, she wished to show such a dress only to Eugene and no other.

Ciel, on the other hand, didn’t even get a chance to choose her own dress. Throughout the banquet preparations, her mother, Ancilla, was holding back tears while stroking the area around Ciel’s eyes. Though Ciel tried to reassure her mother that all was well, she had to endure similar concerns from Gilead, Gion, and Cyan as they showed up.

As the conversation of consolation neared its end, Cyan was cornered by Aman.

"I should have brought Ayla," Aman chided.

"Aha…. Yes.... Hahaha...." Cyan stuttered awkwardly.

"Ayla speaks of you often. You two correspond through letters?" asked Aman.

"Yes.... Indeed. Her Highness always wishes for a reply…," said Cyan.

"You needn't call her 'Her Highness' every time. Call her comfortably. How do you address her in your personal letters?" asked Aman.

"What…? Uh.... I usually just call her princess..." responded Cyan.

"There’s no need for that. You know, she doesn't feel that title is anything special due to its frequent use. Let me tell you something special about her. Ayla…." Aman leaned in and whispered, “She absolutely adores being called 'little fawn.’"

Silence ensued at this revelation.

“She likes to be called ‘rabbit’ as well,” Aman continued.

Cyan swallowed hard.

He had met Princess Ayla of Ruhr previously. Indeed… with her large innocent eyes, the nicknames 'little fawn' or 'rabbit' perfectly suited the adorable and beautiful Ayla. It was hard to believe that this delicate girl was the offspring of the formidable Beast King.

There was just one problem. She was big.

At the tender age of eleven, she had been big, unbefitting her age. Even back then, the height difference between her and Cyan had been minimal. From what Cyan recalled… the eleven-year-old Ayla was either comparable to or taller than the seventeen-year-old Ciel.

‘When she grows even taller….’

At this thought, Cyan wiped the cold sweat from his brow and stole a glance at his potential father-in-law, Aman.

To Cyan, Aman looked as massive as a giant, and it was easy to imagine an equally towering Princess Ayla gazing down at him from an immense height.

"When would you prefer the wedding to be?" Aman suddenly asked.

"I'm sorry... what?" asked Cyan, completely taken aback.

"I told you. My daughter seems to have taken a strong liking to you. Do you not feel the same about Ayla?" queried Aman.

"We-well... Given the princess’ age…," Cyan hastily responded.

"Then what do you think about living together first and postponing the ceremony?” asked Aman.

"…What?" Cyan asked, shocked.

"Ah, don’t worry. I have no intention of asking you to move to Ruhr. It'd be absurd to bring you, the heir to the Lionheart family, to Ruhr as my son-in-law. How do you feel about me sending Ayla to the Lionheart estate instead?" asked Aman.

Cyan's face turned visibly pale.

"That’s…. That’s not for me to decide. We should respect Princess Ayla's wishes…," he responded, hastily thinking of excuses to reject the proposal.

"Hahaha! My son-in-law, do you take me for a heartless father who'd ignore my cherished daughter's desires? I’m saying this because all I hear is 'Cyan this,’ ‘Cyan that.’ She can't stop talking about you!" Aman exclaimed loudly.

What on earth did Princess Ayla see in me? Cyan wondered. He was genuinely unable to fathom the reason for this infatuation. Until the banquet preparations concluded, Cyan had to endure Aman's relentless bragging about Princess Ayla.

While Sienna had discreetly switched to a more refined dress, she felt a mix of regret and relief upon seeing Melkith's deep-cut dress, revealing not just the back but also plunging down her chest.

Ciel wore a pristine white dress fitting her nickname, "White Rose," while Eugene was coerced into a stifling tuxedo by the Saints. Ironically, these very Saints had not changed out of their priestess garments.

"Why haven't you changed?" Eugene challenged.

"Hamel, have you ever seen me wear anything other than this even three hundred years back during a ball?" retorted Anise.

Eugene couldn't break through the seemingly well-prepared excuse.

The ballroom was ready, outfits had been changed, and the mood was lively. Yet, the festivities couldn't begin just yet.

"Surprise!"

As if they had been waiting for the opportune moment, an uninvited guest burst onto the scene.