Chapter 396: Meeting With The Kings
"Your Highness, did you sleep well?" Protector Kirin, a tall, elderly man with a composed demeanor, inquired respectfully.
"Protector, you know sleep is hardly a necessity for us anymore," Aengus replied with a faint smile. "Still, thank you for asking. It was a good night."
Protector Kirin beamed with pride. "Ah, Your Highness must have been practicing the Laws all night. That's commendable."
Aengus nodded briefly, then shifted his focus. "So, what's the news?" he asked as they began strolling through the grand halls of the palace.
From one of the higher windows of the Imperial Palace, Aengus caught a glimpse of Myria's expressionless face. Her gaze was fixed on him, but he walked on, unfazed, as if her presence mattered little.
Protector Kirin leaned closer and spoke in a low tone. "Your Highness, there are some kings who wish to meet you in secret. They want to align themselves with you."
Aengus raised an eyebrow. "How many?"
"Close to one hundred."
"Only a hundred?" Aengus remarked with disappointment. "And why secretly? Are they afraid? Do they think I can't win?"
Protector Kirin hesitated for a moment, then replied, "Perhaps, but alliances, even small ones, can be valuable. Besides, they might have offerings that could benefit you—like Law Stones, which you seek."
Aengus paused, considering Kirin's words. "Hmm. Very well. Let's meet them. If they bring something worthwhile, I may entertain their loyalty."
"As you wish, Your Highness," Protector Kirin said with a bow, his face lighting up with satisfaction.
Bella, on the other hand, gazed at the sky, her eyes following the numerous ships descending onto the Kievan Continent each minute. The skies were bustling with vessels arriving from different worlds, all bearing a single purpose: to witness the legendary battle. Such a grand event was a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle, and no one wanted to miss it.
After some time, they departed from the palace and made their way to the campsite of the opposing faction—or, as it was now called, the True Emperor's Faction. The sheer scale of the encampment was staggering, accommodating over a billion people.
The "tents," however, were far from ordinary. They were masterpieces crafted by top-tier Seekers of Earth Law, forged from raw, dense Earth Element. They were sturdy and imposing, they resembled miniature fortresses rather than temporary shelters.
As Aengus and Bella walked through the encampment, they noticed the common citizens in the distance. They watched the New Emperor with awe and curiosity, their faces alight with hope for the future. The weight of their expectations was palpable.
Eventually, they arrived at a grand hall, a structure built with similar Earth Law craftsmanship but on a much grander scale. Inside, four of the Ancient Protectors sat in quiet anticipation. Alongside them were a hundred individuals clad in royal attire, each exuding authority as they contemplated their future in silence.
"Step, step, step!"
As the trio entered, the room filled with an immediate sense of tension. Every individual present, whether out of fear, flattery, or genuine respect, rose from their seats.
Under the watchful eyes of the gathered assembly, Aengus and Bella strode confidently to their designated seats at the very front, as directed by a graceful maid. They moved with an air of authority, commanding the room effortlessly.
The five protectors sat just ahead of the couple, their presence reinforcing his rule.
The kings, each ruling their respective worlds, scrutinized the young heir from head to toe. They observed his every detail, weighing his demeanor, strength, and potential. But their gazes inevitably strayed to Bella—the Divine Enchantress by his side. Her beauty captivated them, igniting barely concealed admiration and unspeakable desires.
However, a quick glance at King Ronin's hardened expression, full of warning reminded them of the consequences of entertaining such thoughts. They swiftly redirected their attention to Aengus—the man who might very well become the new Emperor in two days.
"So, why have you all come to visit me so urgently?" Aengus asked, his voice resonating with a commanding force that sent a wave of intimidation through the hall.
One of the kings, an elder with a crown adorned in emerald jewels, stood and bowed deeply.
"My Emperor, we are here to wish you well in the upcoming battle and to pledge our allegiance to your cause before your glory spreads across the empire in its full splendor. Please accept our loyalty," he declared with reverence.
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Following his lead, the other kings stood and bowed in unison, as though they had coordinated their declaration beforehand. The hall reverberated with their collective voices, each swearing fealty to Aengus.
Aengus was silent as he scanned the crowd, assessing whether the kings had any hidden intentions or motives. His penetrating gaze caused tension to rise among the group. They were well aware of his dominating reputation—how he had easily subdued thousands of World Dominators in an instant. Understanding their standing before him, they remained humble and respectful, awaiting his response.
After several moments of quiet contemplation, Aengus finally spoke:
"Very well. I accept your loyalty. But do not expect any preferential treatment because of it. Your contributions and genuine loyalty to the Empire will be the only deciding factors for whether your rule continues or not. Weakness that drags the Empire down will not be tolerated."
Among the kings, some were displeased but chose to suppress their feelings. Under Emperor Vansing, they were in a weak position and knew their current rule could be snatched anytime.
They had hoped the Heir would be more generous, granting favors or protection for a century at least. But they were mistaken—this heir was cold, merciless, and highly intellectual.
Meanwhile, the kings who were genuinely loyal to True Emperor felt a sense of pride. Though no promises of rewards or ranks were given, they believed the true Emperor would lead them to glory. Some even hoped that their loyalty might one day bring them closer to the Emperor himself.
Following this, the kings presented their offerings. Some offered Earth or Sky-grade weapons, while others gifted Law Stones or specialized treasures unique to their worlds.
With the meeting concluded, including discussions of potential counterattacks against the ruling faction, the kings dispersed.
Aengus and Bella stood outside, watching the kings disappear into the crowd.
"What now, hubby?" Bella asked, stretching her arms lazily. "We still have two and a half days before the competition, and I can't just sit idly by." She yawned, her enchanting figure catching the attention of a few nearby onlookers.
Aengus pondered for a moment, considering a way to keep Bella entertained, who is in a sensitive period of pregnancy.