Finally, the long reports regarding the Founding Festival came to an end. The next thing on the list was the investigation I had assigned to Souei not long ago.
I leaned back on the throne, my golden eyes narrowing slightly as the weight of the matter returned to the room.
"Souei," I commanded calmly but with a sharp undertone that made the entire hall fall silent. "Proceed with the report."
"Yes, Atem-sama," he replied with a respectful bow.
Souei's findings turned out to be nothing short of astonishing, far beyond what I had initially predicted.
"A certain criminal organization called the Slave Trade Union has been completely eliminated… by someone known as the Chosen Hero," Souei began, his voice steady but carrying an edge of intrigue. "Additionally, several noblemen involved with the union have been exposed and turned over to the authorities. One of them is Viscount Kazak of the Kingdom of Blumund—he's already in custody."
The moment those words left his mouth, quiet murmurs filled the chamber. My gaze alone was enough to silence them.
He continued, "The towns near Ingracia are already spreading the news. The Slave Trade Union was an international criminal organization with vast armed forces. Their slave warriors numbered in the thousands, and they even controlled magic beasts and majins as living weapons. Their military strength was comparable to that of a small kingdom."
Souei's mouth curved into a faint, dangerous smile. "But they were wiped out… effortlessly."
I narrowed my eyes. So the Chosen Hero has finally made a move.
The name "Masayuki" was already echoing across the Western Nations like wildfire. A man praised as a savior. A figure who now stood as a symbol of hope for humans. It seemed Hinata's reign as the strongest had ended after her defeat.
I leaned my chin lightly against my hand, my tone calm but cutting. "Interesting. To destroy such an organization and expose its noble allies in one stroke… This isn't a move made by a fool. Either he has overwhelming power… or someone behind him is moving pieces in the dark."
Souei gave a short nod. "Atem-sama, there's more. Several elves were being held captive by the trade union. Masayuki is personally bringing them to Eterna."
I raised an eyebrow slightly. "So he's delivering them to me himself… either an act of goodwill or the beginning of a challenge."
My words made the executives shift their weight nervously. Shion's hands were already twitching, and Diablo's faint smile carried a dangerous promise.
"How do you wish to handle him, Atem-sama?" Souei asked. "I can eliminate him before things turn troublesome."
I shook my head slowly. "No. I'll meet him myself. If he wants to challenge me, then let him stand before the Pharaoh's throne and feel the weight of it."
"Understood," Souei replied, but a cruel smile flickered across his face. "He marches under the banner of eliminating the demon lord. I planned to show him how small that dream really is."
The room fell into an almost tangible tension. The rumor of Masayuki's approach was already spreading like wildfire. Many whispered that he was coming to slay me.
I let out a small breath, my presence alone forcing the temperature of the hall to drop. "No one makes a move against him. Not you, Souei. Not Shion. Not Diablo. No one lays a hand on him… unless I give the order."
All three responded immediately and in unison.
"""Understood, Atem-sama!"""
Their voices carried both loyalty and restrained bloodlust.
Only three days remained until the Founding Festival of Eterna, and already, a storm was brewing.
The joyful, warm atmosphere that the people had worked so hard to build now stood on the edge of being shattered.
But that was fine.
Because if this "Chosen Hero" truly thought he could challenge me…
Then he would learn what it meant to stand before the Pharaoh of Eterna.
Outside the walls, banners of celebration waved in the wind, and laughter echoed through the streets. The people were unaware that a new figure was approaching.
Someone who believed he could bring down the ruler of this nation.
And soon, the true weight of the throne of Eterna would be shown.
—To be continued…