It was the day after my meeting with the royal couple of Blumund.
The one who came to see me this time was the Dwarf King Gazel.
"I have come, Atem. Riding in the carriage after so long has left me fatigued," he said as he sat across from me. Even in repose, he radiated the confidence and authority of a king, casually reaching for the snacks on the table as if it were his right.
"Wait," I said, holding up my hand. "Do not consume what does not belong to you."
He froze mid-motion, realizing I wasn't joking. I fixed him with a calm, unyielding gaze. Gazel had always been strong and confident, but even he seemed to hesitate under my scrutiny.
"Very well… Atem," he said, a hint of amusement mixed with respect in his voice. "I shall restrain myself."
"I will not tolerate you treating me as a junior," I continued, my tone steady and commanding. "Remember that when you sit across from me, you are my ally, not my superior."
He inclined his head, acknowledging my authority without dispute.
"The elders insisted on joining, which caused a dramatic increase in carriages. All your fault, Atem," Gazel said, trying to maintain a tone of teasing, though it lacked its usual edge.
"To act as a king requires preparation," I replied evenly. "That includes managing the inconvenience of your elders. Complaining will not change the facts. Focus on solutions rather than grievances."
I could see him suppress a smile. Even Gazel, who had weathered countless courts and negotiations, knew he could not impose himself over me in this situation.
"I had thought you might send an emissary," I said after a pause. "I did not expect to see you in person."
"Hmph! I had no choice. You are plotting again, and I could not rest until I witnessed it for myself," he said. "But I also have a question. You fought Hinata Sakaguchi… the rumor says it was a draw. Lies, I presume?"
I fixed him with a gaze sharp enough to pierce stone. "You presume correctly. She challenged me, dared to think she could match me. I punished her. I made her endure hell for her audacity. It was a lesson she will not forget, and a warning to anyone else who would dare defy me."
Gazel's eyes widened slightly, the corners of his mouth twitching in recognition of the weight in my words. I did not soften them; there was no room for modesty or half-truths. Atem did not lose, nor did he tolerate disrespect.
"I am satisfied with your honesty," Gazel said after a moment, bowing slightly—not in deference, but in acknowledgment of the truth and authority I wielded.
"The roads to Blumund were congested, and inns were full," he continued, shifting back to practical matters. "The elders added unnecessary difficulty to your plans. Traveling in such circumstances… it was exhausting."
"Yes," I said, keeping my tone controlled. "I am aware. Measures must be taken to ensure the next journey is efficient. Complaints and excuses will not solve anything. We must anticipate every variable and act accordingly."
He nodded, recognizing the firmness in my command. "I understand. Your judgment, as always, is precise. I see now why you are feared and respected in equal measure."
"Good. Let us focus on the matter at hand, rather than idle chatter," I said, gesturing toward the documents outlining the festival and diplomatic arrangements. "We have work to do, and time is not forgiving."
Even Gazel, the Dwarf King known for his confidence and independence, knew he was in the presence of someone whose authority was absolute. Atem's word was law, his judgment final, and his patience measured—but not infinite.
"Unbelievable. That woman…in honesty is stronger than me. It would be another story if we were to talk just about swordsmanship, but in overall strength, I'd be pushed back. Yet you really still won?"
Gazel spoke honestly, taking my lead. There was no way the Hero King of Dwargon would fight Hinata himself. He had likely used covert agents to gather intelligence on her abilities, concluding that he would be at a disadvantage. He must have been genuinely shocked that I had subdued someone of that caliber.
"She challenged me," I said calmly, my tone radiating authority. "She dared to oppose me. I punished her. I made her endure hell for daring to challenge me. There was no draw, no compromise. That is the fate of those who defy me."
Gazel's eyes widened slightly. "I… see. That explains a lot. She is no ordinary opponent. Yet you… you overcame her?"
"Yes," I said without hesitation. "Anyone who dares oppose me will face the consequences. That is all there is to say."
Gazel's expression shifted from shock to seriousness. "All right, fine. That's that, but… what are you planning this time?"
I raised a brow. "I do not follow."
"What do you mean… that's not it! The Western Holy Church is formally opening a window for future negotiations with Dwargon. Why now?
They once regarded us as monsters. This sudden change reeks of your doing!"
I realized immediately. My discussion with Hinata and her associates had set these events in motion. I had suggested that involving King Gazel would lend credibility. Dwargon's neutrality and impeccable reputation ensured even the Church's most devout would take the Dwarven Kingdom seriously. I had not sought his permission because I did not need it.
Hinata likely would not claim it as my idea, so I feigned ignorance. "I have no idea what you are saying. After fighting with Hinata, we reached an understanding. From there, they sought reconciliation. Perhaps they wish to establish formal relations with Dwargon as well."
Gazel stared at me suspiciously. I could feel his scrutiny probing deeper.
«Notice. Individual Gazel Dwargo is reading your mental state with 'Dictator.' It was left alone because there was no hostility or harm, but do you want to interrupt it? YES/NO»
YES! Of course YES!!
I realized fully now—Gazel could read minds. No wonder he had anticipated my words and attacks during our prior encounter. Solarys had not revealed this to me explicitly, but I understood the extent now.
I glanced at Gazel, who smirked, veins standing out on his forehead. "So… you discovered my Mind Read. I will praise you for that. But interrupting it implies you have something to hide."
"Nothing is hidden," I said evenly. "I reveal only what I choose."
"You fool! I saw you planning to involve me in this!"
I did not flinch. Atem does not yield. "I involved you because only your credibility could make this effective. Dwargon's neutrality ensures the Church takes their steps seriously. That is all."
Gazel's glare deepened. I detailed the situation carefully, hiding Luminas's identity, explaining the Western Holy Church and Holy Empire of Lubelius's internal dynamics.
He pondered in silence for a long moment. Then he spoke, voice measured but decisive. "I see.
Rejecting this offer would be foolish. Very well. It shall be accepted."
I allowed the faintest smile. "I expected as much. Your judgment is sound, King Gazel."
Gazel shook his head, half in frustration, half in reluctant respect. "You acted without permission… but I cannot deny your reasoning. Fine. Since we are at the festival, we shall end this discussion here. You did prepare the best seat for me, yes? I expect excellence."
"I assure you," I said, standing and inclining my head, "all arrangements will meet your standards. The Founding Festival in Eterna will proceed flawlessly, and we shall finalize details after the event in person."
Gazel exhaled, his anger giving way to careful respect. "Good. Then I shall depart, trusting your word."
I watched him leave, knowing the situation had been handled entirely on my terms. Atem's authority had prevailed.