The Emperor began talking.
He spoke at length about his ancestors, about how the demons had threatened the founder, Tantalus Atreus. Then, almost magically, he started talking about events that never happened. From the Acacia, house warning the kingdom and keeping it safe against a sudden desire of revenge against the kingdom, to me being the one who stopped it at its core and killed the demon king.
He piled up lies over lies mixed with small truths that elevated both mine and the Acacia family's prestige and reputation to the skies. Like a witty king, he had turned this situation against him to his advantage. Not a single person had died, and that brought along prestige for the Adventurer guild too. At everything's core, though, it was but the empire that benefitted the most from all these stories.
The award was bestowed to me, Adventurer Dusk, with my name as Eugene Hall coming in second, and my association with Schwarz coming in third. Just because it was benefitting from the inside, that didn't mean the Empire didn't suffer any blows. It now all depended on how the Emperor used the situation he had created between the different countries.
A party started right after as nobles met with nobles while I was dragged to a terrace with the Emperor and forced to face the people of the city.
As he waved his hands at the people, the Emperor placed a hand on my shoulder.
"I am sorry for my daughter," he said.
"Try not to fail next time," I answered back. Provoking people sure was fun. It seemed that the Emperor didn't see it that as he smiled and patted my back.
"You're one interesting person."
"Sure, sure. Now, I'll get away from you."
With those words, I walked away from the Emperor and joined the party continuing in the palace. Lethe was out meeting with different nobles and establishing her position back, while people from my family did the same. I even noticed Kai and the Death Queen talking around with the three branch managers, the vice guild master, and the receptionist of the Adventurer's guild.
The receptionist gave me a wave when she noticed me. I had a lot to talk about with her too.
But before all that, I had to first move somewhere else.
I followed Vienna and Billy's desperate pleading and found a woman with black hair reminiscent of the night sky. That woman noticed me and walked over to me, grace exuding with her every step.
If the princess of this Empire seemed like a growing authority, then this person was a fully bloomed flower.
"Lord Eugene Hall, the genius hand behind Apollon," the woman said with a bright smile. The group of nobles that were with her did not move, but a single knight followed her.
I gently bowed and took the hands of the lady. Being back in the world of nobles after experiencing the life of an adventurer was slightly stifling.
Decorum dictated that I kissed her hand, but after thinking about it again, I didn't feel like it anymore. So, I dropped it back.
"It is an honor to meet you, the shining star of our Kingdom of Schwarz."
This was none other than the second princess of Schwarz.
And a regressor, out to kill me.
Standing behind her, Dawn stiffened as the princess contemplated what had just happened with her hand. I ignored it cleanly and smiled again.
"I hope these actions of mine have not caused you any discomfort, princess."
Coming back to her senses, the princess shook her hand and laughed.
"None at all, Lord Eugene. If anything, not just I, but the entire kingdom is impressed. The noble soul to help a different country out in a time of need, you are the prime example of nobility amongst your generation."
I took in that word salad from one ear and expelled it from another.
"Your praise is more than I deserve," I said, feeling sleepy now.
"A letter must have gone to you a while back, but I'll say it here as well." The princess suddenly straightened up, and the air around her changed from a slightly casual one to one that commanded respect. "I shall be joining the Academy this year. Amongst other nobles our age, you shall join as well."
"Yes?"
"Don't be bothered by the tuition or anything of the sort, lord Eugene. The royal family will sponsor you, the beacon of Schwarz's next generation."
Wow.
So this regressor was planning to bring me all the way to her den and kill me there, huh?
It was exciting to see this princess. The previous one was moody and frail, she trembled as soon as she saw me and malice never betrayed her voice.
But this princess was different. There wasn't a spot in our conversation where she seemed overwhelmed by her emotions. Did she just not hate me that much, or was she much more capable?
I was excited, hoping for it to be the latter. Unfortunately, there still seemed not much reason for me to go to the academy, so I would have to reject her later.
The princess suddenly continued.
"Where will you be going next, lord Eugene?"
"It seems I would have to return home, princess."
She crossed her arms and nodded, the glass of wine swaying in her hands.
"With Vienna?"
"No, I will have to complete the quest first."
The princess nodded. She then turned to her back and patted her aide on the hand.
"This here is Dawn, my aide..." The princess looked at Dawn for a few seconds then smiled. "It seems you're acquainted."
Well, yes, I knew her inside out, quite literally.
"When you leave, take her along."
My ears perked at her words.
pαпdα-ňᴏνê|·сóМ "I can't have our Kingdom's star be put at risk," the princess said. "You're still injured, so she'll be able to protect you. Dawn, you join up with Lord Eugene when he leaves and make sure to escort him to the Academy. Alright?"
"Yes, got it."
Right then, the princess shifted her gaze behind me and broke into a wide smile. "Then, I'll not keep you away from the lady of Acacia anymore."
I looked back to see Lethe with her veil pointed our way. I ended up smiling on my own, which spurred a deeper reaction from the princess who suddenly flushed.
"My, how endearing. I am sorry for keeping you here."
Embarrassment rushed to my mind. This enemy of mine had just blushed from my romance.
She patted the side of my hands and turned away.
Ignoring her, I rushed over to my Lethe.
Even at this boring party, not everything was bad. Especially not with the plans we had.
***
"Dawn, no matter what it takes, you have to bring him to the academy."
Relaxing against a table, the princess of Schwarz spoke to her aide. Her black hair swayed in the wind while a gleam like that of sparkling stars twinkled in her eyes. Once again, she went deep into thought.
"Is this person..." Dawn spoke, faking her confusion.
"He is. The one I talked about revenge against."
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