Chapter 237

Within the Pamar Empire's Imperial Palace, Emperor Berman Maximillion Pamar IV occupied the throne in the lavishly adorned throne room, resplendent in gold embellishments.

Beneath him, the Pamar Empire's three Grand Masters—Michael Sylvester, Raphael Henatus, and Miguel Skadelion—alongside the Imperial Court Magician Coelho Umberut, stood on the left and right sides, respectively. The remaining two of the Pamar Empire's Five Grand Masters were absent, assisting the Valencia Kingdom and the Albion Kingdom, both under monster invasion.

“God’s Representative has requested to come to the Imperial City?” Pamar IV asked.

“That is correct,” Coelho replied.

“Why?”

“It seems he would like to discuss the Anti-Demon God Alliance.”

“He wants to discuss the Anti-Demon God Alliance? With me?”

“If our Pamar Empire is missing, there is no meaning to the Anti-Demon God Alliance. So, he must be trying to rope us in in some way.”

“What do you think will happen if I say that I want to become the chairman of the Anti-Demon God Alliance?” Pamar IV asked.

“If he truly wants to save Avalon, he will have no choice but to accept it. If the king of Pantheon presides over it, it will naturally be difficult for our empire as well as the other kingdoms to accept it. In the first place, he cannot even lead the alliance as the chairman.”

“Wouldn’t the God’s Representative, Argon himself, try to lead the alliance, rather than Pantheon’s king?” Michael asked.

“Certainly, we cannot rule out the possibility of that. As he is God’s Representative, he would have the justification to do so.”

“But even so, we cannot let him become the chairman of the alliance, can we?”

“Of course. If His Majesty the Emperor fails to become the chairman, there is no reason for us to join the Anti-Demon God Alliance.”

“If we refuse to join the Anti-Demon God Alliance, there could be negative public opinion about us. People may say that we turned a blind eye to the threat of the Demon God.”

"That's why we've chosen to assist Valencia and Albion this time, hoping that they will lend their support to our Pamar Empire as the leading nation in the Anti-Demon God Alliance in return for our efforts in eliminating the monsters that pose a threat to them. While there may be adverse public sentiment if we decline, aligning with Valencia and Albion can mitigate potential issues related to public opinion."

“Why don’t we just get rid of the man known as God’s Representative?” Raphael spoke to Pamar IV.

“You want to get rid of God’s Representative?”

"Even if His Majesty assumes the role of the Anti-Demon God Alliance's chairman, the public's focus will be primarily on Argon, God's Representative. Furthermore, should Argon play a substantial role in vanquishing the Demon God, he could garner widespread worship throughout Avalon. If he ever harbors ambitions for dominance over Avalon, having earned the public's support, he could pose a significant threat to our Pamar Empire."

“So, what you mean to say is to eliminate him before he becomes the hero of Avalon.”

“That is right.”

“That is not possible. Argon is the Sky God Yupir’s Representative. If we get rid of him, we may invoke the wrath of Yupir.” Coelho directly refuted Raphael’s opinion.

“The Sky God Yupir cannot directly intervene in the Middle Realm. Even if we kill their representative, they will not be able to do us any direct harm.”

“Although they cannot harm us directly, they can punish us through the Yupir Church.”

“The Sky God Yupir is more interested in stopping the Demon God, who has descended in Avalon, more than anything else. The Yupir Church’s Paladin Order, the Gaz Knights, will try their hardest to stop the Demon God. If we help to eliminate the Demon God and make some contributions, the Sky God will not punish us for killing their representative.”

“Sir Raphael, you have overlooked one thing.” Miguel, who was watching Raphael and Coelho’s argument, intervened and said.

“What is it?” Raphael asked with a displeased look.

“Argon is the Sky God’s Representative, and he was granted power by the Sky God. Getting rid of him is not as simple as it sounds. Even if all the Five Grand Masters jump at him, they may not be able to defeat him.”

“Aren’t you overestimating him?”

“God’s Representative is an existence arranged by God to defeat the Demon God. That implies that he will be very powerful. At the very least, he will not be so weak that he will be defeated by just five Grand Masters as it is illogical to think that he will be able to stop the Demon God with such strength.”

“It is as Sir Miguel said. Throughout history, it has been said that the Sky God’s Representative demonstrated power similar to the God Master Rank—a higher rank than the Grand Master Rank.” Coelho added to Miguel’s opinion based on historical data.

“Since Sir Coelho has mentioned history, to add to it, all the Sky God’s Representative recorded in history disappeared after the war with the Demon God was over. Maybe the Sky God retrieves the power given to their representative after the mission of stopping the Demon God ends. I am saying this out of concern about the impact of that power over the Middle Realm.” Michael pointed out an important piece of history.

“Do you mean it will be no different this time?” Pamar IV asked.

“I am not sure, but I think it is likely.”

“Then, Argon will probably not be aiming for control over Avalon. This means there is no reason to overdo it and kill him.” Pamar IV opined.

“That is true.”

“But even so, I have to become the Anti-Demon God Alliance’s chairman.”

“That is a matter of course. Whatever the outcome, I think it would be better to talk to Argon first.”

“Okay, let’s do that. Sir Coelho! Open the portal so that the man known as Argon can come here.”

“Understood.”

Coelho responded respectfully to Pamar IV’s orders and left the throne room to carry out his orders.

* * *

Upon receiving word from Fasar that the Pamar Empire had approved the portal connection, Mu-Gun, accompanied by Philford, headed to the Delphinia Kingdom's central portal. Ensuring that the Golden Lion Order stayed behind in Delphinia to recuperate, Mu-Gun was joined by Philford alone. Arriving at the central portal, Mu-Gun and Philford traversed to the Pamar Empire's Imperial City through a portal personally opened by Fasar.

“Hello. Welcome to the Imperial City of the Pamar Empire.”

The Imperial Court Magician Coelho personally welcomed them upon their emergence from the central portal situated in the Pamar Empire's Imperial City.

“Pardon me, but may I ask who you are?”

“I am Coelho Umberut. I work in the Pamar Empire’s Imperial Palace.”

“Ah! You must be Sir Coelho, the only Eighth Circle Archmage in the Avalon Continent. I have heard a lot about your reputation. It is an honor to meet you.”

“No matter how great an Eighth Circle Archmage is, it is not comparable to the Sky God Yupir’s Representative. I am the one who should be honored to meet God’s Representative. But who is the person next to you?”

“He is Sir Philford, the Grand Master of the Kraiss Kingdom.”

“Ah! So, it’s Sir Philford. I have also heard a lot about your reputation. I really wanted to meet you. It is nice to be able to meet you under these circumstances.”

“Likewise, it’s great to meet such a famous archmage as yourself, Sir Coelho.”

“Then, since we are done with formalities, let’s go to the palace together. His Majesty the Emperor is waiting for us.”

Guided by Coelho, Mu-Gun, and Philford made their way to the Imperial Palace. During the journey, they were treated to a panoramic sight of the Imperial City, adorned with grand and magnificent structures.

Above all, the sheer size of the Imperial City was staggering. The expanse of the city stretched so far in every direction that its boundaries seemed endless, a true testament to the grandeur of the Pamar Empire. When measured against the Imperial City of the Pamar Empire, the Royal Capitals of both the Pantheon and Kraiss Kingdoms paled in comparison, akin to a firefly in the presence of the sun.

“As expected, the Imperial City sure is different.” Philford was in awe at the sight before him.

“There won’t be any city more beautiful and larger than our city in Avalon,” Coelho said proudly.

Mu-Gun and Philford found it challenging to dispute his words. Before long, the trio arrived at the Imperial Castle. Situated at the heart of the Imperial City, the Imperial Palace boasted dimensions nearly equivalent to that of a sizable city.

Instead of traditional walls, the Imperial Palace was enveloped by lush forests, creating a harmonious setting with its grandeur palace and lavish garden. As one traversed the path from the dense forest to the palace, vibrant flower beds and sculptures crafted by various artists adorned the surroundings, enhancing the already splendid beauty. A colossal fountain situated at the center of the palace further contributed to the picturesque scene.

The true spectacle, however, was the palace gleaming with gold embellishments. Resembling a fortress crafted entirely from gold, the palace epitomized opulence. Mu-Gun and Philford found themselves unable to tear their eyes away from this extravagant structure. Observing their awe, Coelho couldn't help but beam with pride, a subtle smile gracing his lips.

“Please go in.”

Coelho guided the two into the palace, its interior matching the splendor of the exterior. Floors crafted from the finest marble, corridors, and ceilings adorned with vibrant decorations—it was beyond imagination how much wealth had been invested in the creation of this opulent structure.

Mu-Gun and Philford couldn't help but marvel once again at the immense resources of the Pamar Empire. Coelho directed them to the reception room instead of the throne room, where Pamar IV awaited their arrival.

“Please first wait here for a moment. His Majesty the Emperor will call upon you soon.”

“Understood.”

Mu-Gun sensed that Pamar IV might be strategically delaying matters to assert dominance, but he simply nodded without offering any specific comment.

With Coelho departing, leaving only the two of them, Philford remarked, "It seems they are intent on displaying the Emperor's authority."

Philford, too, appeared to share the notion that Pamar IV was intentionally prolonging the meeting.

“You took the words right out of my mouth. Now that it has come to this, let’s just rest here comfortably.” Mu-Gun dismissed it and said.

“Still, you are God’s Representative. But it seems like you are not offended.”

“It is not like we have an urgent situation, so what is there to be offended about? Also, resting in such a nice room is something we can’t easily experience. So, please enjoy yourself to the fullest.”

“That is true.”

Philford chuckled and casually settled into a chair that exuded opulence at first glance. Following suit, Mu-Gun eased into a plush chair, allowing himself to rest comfortably.

Coelho came back to the reception room two hours later.

"I apologize for the delay; His Majesty the Emperor had to attend to an urgent matter. He has requested your presence now, so let's go together," Coelho explained apologetically.

Mu-Gun and Philford might have found the deliberate delay distasteful, aware that the meeting had been intentionally postponed. Yet, such tactics were commonplace in diplomacy. Without uttering much, they rose to their feet.

Coelho guided them to the throne room, where Pamar IV awaited their arrival. Upon entering, they beheld Pamar IV seated on a throne embellished with gold and jewels, while knights stood in formation on either side. Thirteen in total, each boasting a rank above Master.

From Pamar IV's perspective, the knights were strategically positioned to exert pressure on Mu-Gun and Philford. Yet, Mu-Gun remained unfazed by their presence, surprising even himself. His attention shifted to Pamar IV, a man of robust stature and striking features, radiating an air of elegance. His handsome appearance had the allure to captivate attention, transcending gender boundaries.

Mu-Gun's astonishment stemmed not from Pamar IV's looks but from the energy emanating from him. Surprisingly, Pamar IV held the esteemed rank of Grand Master. Observing Pamar IV, Mu-Gun comprehended why the Pamar Empire held dominion over Avalon.

The knights beneath Pamar IV dared not slack, given their emperor's formidable combat prowess. Naturally, substantial investment and support played a role, but it was no mere chance that the Pamar Empire boasted five Grand Masters.

“Argon Laonia Venatia of the Pantheon Kingdom greets Your Majesty the Emperor of the Pamar Empire.”

“Philford Excelsior of the Kraiss Kingdom greets Your Majesty the Emperor of the Pamar Empire.”

Mu-Gun and Philford bowed to greet Pamar IV respectfully.

“Be at ease.”

At Pamar IV’s words, Mu-Gun and Philford stood upright.

“Did you say your name was Argon?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t know if it is appropriate for you to be so polite to me as God’s Representative.”

“Even though I am God’s Representative, I am not an existence who reigns over men. As such, there is no need for you to think differently.”

“Then, I will treat you comfortably. I was told that you came here to discuss the Anti-Demon God Alliance.”

“That is right. I hope that all the nations of Avalon will join the Anti-Demon God Alliance. In particular, I would like the Pamar Empire, known as the strongest nation in Avalon, to join the Anti-Demon God Alliance.”

“Our empire will naturally do our best to protect Avalon. In return, we should be the ones leading the alliance at the highest position, befitting our dignity of an Empire. If you, God’s Representative, officially support that, I think the other kingdoms will gladly follow too. What do you think?” Pamar IV spoke without hiding his true intentions.

“I think it is only natural that the Pamar Empire, the strongest nation in Avalon, be the one representing Avalon. Moreover, if my support is needed, then so be it.”

“Oh! Are you speaking the truth?”

Pamar IV was delighted to hear Mu-Gun’s reply.