Naturally, Eterna's elite soldiers were stationed around the parlor house, forming a tight perimeter. The escorts of the prominent figures attending the banquet swelled the crowd outside. Even with such precautions, the likelihood of unforeseen trouble was high.
"Explain," I said calmly, my tone carrying the authority that silenced the soldier who had approached me. Panic would spread like wildfire if I showed the slightest unease.
Before he could answer, messengers and escorts from various nations burst into the hall, shouting in alarm.
"What is happening here?!" one of the soldiers bellowed. "The security was meant to be airtight—how could this occur?"
I felt no immense aura approaching. No monster was present. Milim and Karion's contingent might have been slightly delayed, but even their arrival would not have triggered such hysteria. Then what could it be?
"A massive flying object is approaching the city!" one soldier reported, his voice barely audible over the chaos. "The Guardian Dragon King of the Sorcerer's Dynasty has appeared!"
"Urgent! Her Imperial Majesty Elmesia El-RuSarion herself is descending here now!" shouted another.
"Her Imperial Majesty and her entourage are arriving at this location!"
Their disorganized shouting painted a clear picture: the Empress of Sarion had arrived, and she was late. That alone explained the uproar.
I exhaled slowly, keeping my composure. "Ah… so that's the reason for the commotion," I murmured, which prompted King Gazel to rise and approach, his expression a mix of astonishment and exasperation.
"You are as carefree as ever," he said with a dry chuckle. "If the Divine Empress Elmesia steps outside her country, chaos is inevitable. Humans from every nation are on edge, and even I must carefully gauge her temperament. If she is present, those not here are likely panicking and sending urgent messages. You should treat her with the utmost caution."
"I see… what exactly makes her so dangerous?" I asked, turning to him.
Gazel's eyes narrowed, and he leaned closer, as if relishing the chance to share his knowledge. "The Sorcerer's Dynasty Sarion is a superpower, comparable to Dwargon in national strength, yet it operates independently of the Western States Council. It is a federation of thirteen royal families, with influence and reach stretching across centuries. Unlike the Council, which must deliberate for any action, Sarion's hierarchy allows for absolute authority. The Empress wields supreme power."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. "Elmesia calls herself a descendant of god, the Divine Empress. I do not know the truth behind her claim, but she revived the Sorcerer's Dynasty centuries ago. Her longevity surpasses even the official history of Sarion itself—over two thousand years. Compared to that, Dwargon's thousand-year history is short. Even I, and certainly other humans, would struggle to meet her and survive."
I absorbed Gazel's words. Indeed, I had only planned to invite Duke Elalude, yet I had inadvertently summoned a figure of unimaginable authority. "I… see. I should have specified the invitees more carefully," I muttered.
"Don't waste time on regrets," Gazel said sharply. "She's here now. Prepare yourself and receive her properly."
The commotion at the entrance intensified. I braced myself, recalling Gazel's advice: treat her like a formidable predator seasoned by countless battles. I nodded, a signal that I understood the seriousness of the situation.
The doors burst open, and the room fell silent. None of the assembled guests had ever seen such a figure. Empress Elmesia El-RuSarion, the Divine Empress of Sarion, moved with unshakable confidence. Every eye followed her as she entered, a being so beautiful and radiant that words failed the observers.
I assessed her carefully. Snow-white skin, silver hair cascading softly, sharp, elongated ears, and piercing jade-green eyes that seemed to see through everything. A high elf? Perhaps a pure-blooded fairy—or something older, an entity whose power had been forged through the ages.
The guardians surrounding her radiated power through their formal attire, their weapons and armor signaling legendary-grade prowess. Even the finest warriors of the Holy Knights would need to be cautious against them.
She approached, gracefully restraining one of her guards from stepping forward.
"I am thankful for the invitation," she said, her voice soft yet commanding. "It brings me joy to attend."
"I, too, am honored to meet you," I replied, keeping my tone steady, authoritative. Her gaze met mine, sharp and probing.
A subtle ripple of her presence brushed my mind—Heroic Spirit. Not an attack, but an overwhelming aura of authority and will, perhaps even surpassing Gazel's. My senses, honed through centuries of experience, detected the potential of demon lord-class power in her very essence.
"Then, though it may not meet your standards, we have prepared meals for your enjoyment tonight," I said, projecting calm authority and hospitality.
She inclined her head gracefully, a slow smile forming. "I am pleased by your consideration, Atem. I expect much from tomorrow's festival. And…" she leaned closer, her words reserved for me alone, "there is something I would like to discuss with an open heart, in a less formal setting. At your convenience."
Her informality hinted at her true self, beyond the divine empress persona. It was a subtle challenge and an invitation. I met her eyes and inclined my head, voice steady. "Understood. I will arrange the time for such a meeting."
Elmesia nodded with a calm and satisfied look, then retreated gracefully to the protective circle formed by her guards.
And just like that, the Empress of Sarion gave a cute, almost disarming smile to the people who were meeting her for the first time, as she made her way toward the long table laden with a luxurious feast.
On a side note, I was still wondering why Duke Elalude—the person I had originally invited—was nowhere in sight. But then, as I casually scanned the group, I locked eyes with one of the Empress's escorts.
No, wait a second… that person was Duke Elalude?!
His expression was so composed and noble that I almost walked past him without realizing it. The gallant air around him was overwhelming. He must have come along as part of the Empress's entourage. We didn't exchange words, just a polite nod from a distance, but I made a mental note to greet him properly later.
The short interaction alone was draining. While everyone's attention was fixed on Elmesia, I seized the opportunity to step away and sit down in the tatami room. I had thought tonight would be simple and relaxed, especially since attending this gathering wasn't mandatory—but of course, a big figure just had to appear and change the entire atmosphere.
"Yeah… I'm really tired," I muttered under my breath.
"I felt like I was gonna fall over the moment I met her. If I don't keep my mind straight, that grand—"
Gazel bit back his words and closed his mouth, swallowing the rest with a gulp of his drink. A faint shiver went through him.
Even without hearing him out, I understood what he meant. The Empress carried a pressure that cut through the air like a blade—so sharp that even Gazel, a seasoned king, didn't dare speak carelessly.
Loose lips sink ships. I should be careful too.
Ah, whatever. For now, I'll drink.
The three of us—Gazel, Youm, and I—talked casually over some drinks about politics, the flow of the world, and small matters that kings and leaders always carried in the back of their minds. For a moment, the mood was light. But peace never lasts long.
The noise at the entrance grew louder.
The air shifted.
Another presence—powerful and overwhelming—had arrived.
"Our guests have finally arrived," I said quietly, though the weight in my voice made the others straighten their backs.
"Yes, it seems like they're here. I was worried because they were running late," Shion said, stepping closer. I gave her a nod and rose from my seat, excusing myself from Gazel.
Youm tilted his head, a faint grin tugging at his lips. "Ah… it's Milim-san. Guess the evening just got a lot livelier."
Unlike before, there was no trace of unease in his voice. Youm had grown stronger—strong enough to speak her name with ease. Calling a Demon Lord "san" was something unthinkable for most. But that was Youm for you.
"I see," Gazel muttered, eyes narrowing slightly. "The Demon Lords have arrived."
Even Gazel, who rarely showed tension, adjusted his stance. No wonder. The group being escorted into the parlor was terrifyingly powerful. Leading them was Milim Nava herself, the Dragon Princess, followed closely by two of her subordinates.
A bald man in a priest's robe walked beside her—Midley, a warrior so strong he had earned Benimaru's respect. Next to him was Hermes, another priestly figure with a lighter aura, but still dangerous; he'd crossed blades with Gabil before.
Behind them were two former Demon Lords—Karion, the Beast Master, and Frey, the Sky Queen. Karion's presence was heavy and dignified, while Frey's sensual beauty was overwhelming; the entire room felt charged by their arrival.
Then, there he was—Phobio-kun. I hadn't seen him in a long time. He looked a bit thinner, but healthy.
Following Frey were two striking young women with matching features—one with silver hair, the other with gold. The famed Twin Wings. Their aura alone spoke of their strength.
Tension filled the air. Even the seasoned nobles could barely keep their composure.
I rose fully, my steps steady, each one echoing softly through the hall.
"Excuse me for a moment," I said simply, then made my way toward the incoming group.
Milim's face brightened instantly when she saw me.
"Huhuhu, this day finally came! I expect dishes that will make Midley shout to the heavens today!" she announced loudly, her voice carrying through the hall.
Some of the guests flinched at the sight of her overwhelming energy, whispers starting to rise. A few nobles even dared to let their tongues run, murmuring doubts about whether Eterna's king could truly handle so many powerful beings at once.
That was when I decided to shut them up.
A single step forward.
The moment my foot touched the tatami, the entire room froze.
The air trembled as I allowed a fraction of my power to flow. A deep golden and black aura surged outward like a silent wave, pressing down on every living being present. Glasses rattled. Torches flickered. Even the stone beneath our feet seemed to pulse.
Eyes widened. Mouths snapped shut.
No one dared breathe too loudly.
"Remember," I said slowly, my tone calm but sharp as a blade. "This is Eterna. I am Atem. Speak carefully, or be silent."
The silence that followed was absolute.
Elmesia herself let out a faint, amused exhale—perhaps impressed or simply entertained by the display.
Milim, of course, only laughed. "Hahaha! Atem, you really know how to make an entrance."
Midley smirked approvingly, while Hermes gave a low whistle. Even Karion and Frey exchanged glances, acknowledging my power.
This was no longer a gathering of nobles.
It was a gathering of titans.
And everyone now understood exactly who stood at the top of this room.
The night was far from over.