The dispute had gotten out of hand. Even the lesser nobles and attendants—those too timid to speak in the presence of Empress Elmesia—had turned to watch. Every eye was drawn to the tension brewing at our table.
If I faltered now, before so many witnesses, I wouldn't just lose face—the name of Eterna would lose its dignity.
Milim fidgeted, clearly torn. "Atem… I didn't think Midley would be this stubborn. Should I tell him to wait in another room?" she whispered, worried.
Before I could respond, Hermes bowed deeply. "My deepest apologies, Lord Atem. Our High Priest means no true disrespect—his temper can be… formidable. I never imagined food would ignite such fury."
Shuna, ever graceful, looked between them and me. "I thought he would understand once he tasted it. It seems we misjudged. Still, perhaps it's best to handle this tomorrow when tempers cool."
I inclined my head slightly. "Agreed. The festival begins tomorrow. We'll address this later."
But before I could take a single step back from the confrontation, someone else stepped forward.
BAAANG!
The sound of a table being slammed echoed through the parlor like thunder. Shuna, with her usual serene smile replaced by a glint of quiet fury, had slammed her palm onto the table in front of Midley.
The room froze.
Midley flinched, eyes wide in shock. "W–what are you doing—?"
"Silence."
Shuna's voice cut like a blade. "Be quiet and listen."
Without waiting for his reply, she took a bowl of soup from the tray and held it up before him.
"Look at this soup, Midley. See the many ingredients within it? This," she said, turning her gaze toward me, "is Lord Atem's ideal."
I folded my arms silently, allowing her to continue.
Under the weight of her stare, Midley blinked in confusion. "What does that mean?"
"It means," Shuna said, her tone calm yet fierce, "that under Lady Milim's banner, beastmen, harpies, the dragonites who once served Clayman—all races and powers—are gathered. Each one mighty, each one proud. Yet, just like these ingredients, when they combine, they become something far greater than the sum of their parts."
She placed a spoon in Midley's trembling hand. "Now taste it."
The command in her voice was as sharp as any royal decree.
Midley hesitated, but the entire hall watched. Even the nobles leaned in. Feeling the pressure of a thousand eyes—and my gaze heavy upon him—he finally took a spoonful.
His eyes widened instantly.
"Thi… this flavor…!"
Shuna smiled faintly. "Harmony, Midley. Each ingredient sets aside its pride, blending together into perfection. That is the essence of Lord Atem's world."
I let my aura ripple slightly—a low hum of divine power that brushed across the hall like a whisper from the heavens. The crowd trembled.
"Do you see now?" I said, my tone calm but heavy with authority. "Unity does not erase strength—it refines it. Only by accepting harmony can strength achieve purpose."
Midley's face softened. He swallowed hard and bowed his head. "It's… delicious. Deeper than any taste I've known. Forgive me, Lord Atem. I was blinded by old ways."
Hermes exhaled in relief and muttered under his breath, "Thank the gods…"
Shuna set the bowl down gracefully. "As long as you understand, that is enough. But remember—cooking, like creation, does not end with one dish."
Midley looked up, curious. "What do you mean?"
Shuna gestured to the table. "If this soup is Lady Milim's new nation, then this bread is the Kingdom of Blumund. This steak—the rising nation of Famenas. The terrine made with foie gras is the Dwarf Kingdom, while this seafood dish represents the Sorcerer's Dynasty Sarion. Each dish unique, yet all can come together to form a banquet. The world Lord Atem envisions is the same—many nations, distinct yet harmonious, each enhancing the other."
Her words were gentle, but they struck deep.
Midley lowered his gaze, visibly humbled. Even the nobles watching from afar were murmuring, clearly moved by the metaphor.
"I… I see," one whispered.
"So that is the depth of Lord Atem's wisdom…" said another.
"To think he considered even the harmony between nations through a simple meal…"
I remained silent, my eyes half-lidded, listening to the ripple of awe spreading through the hall. It was amusing how Shuna's example, born from instinct and passion, had turned into what they now believed to be divine philosophy.
But perhaps, in a way, it was.
I looked toward Shuna, who was speaking again, voice soft but firm.
"However, not everything that mixes brings harmony. Too much of one element ruins the balance. It's the same for nations—and for people."
Her eyes briefly flicked toward Shion, who stood behind me pretending not to notice.
I chuckled under my breath. "A fair warning indeed."
"Well then," Shuna said brightly, "now that you all understand—let's eat before the food gets cold. Lady Milim, Lord Karion, Lady Frey, everyone—please enjoy yourselves."
Milim didn't need to be told twice. She grabbed her utensils with lightning speed.
"It's so delicious!!" she cried out, cheeks full, her happiness radiating across the hall.
Everyone laughed.
Midley, now calm, bowed deeply toward Milim. "To think Milim-sama waited patiently for me to realize my folly… I am truly unworthy."
"Don't get all gloomy on us," Hermes interjected cheerfully. "You'll make the soup taste bitter!"
Veins popped on Midley's forehead. "You fool—"
"Wahaha!" Karion roared with laughter. "Don't get mad! Hermes is right—eat before I take your plate!"
"Tch. You escaped death today, Hermes," Midley muttered, but even he was smiling faintly. "I will forgive your insolence… in honor of Milim-sama and this divine dish."
Laughter spread like wildfire. Humans and monsters alike were talking, eating, and smiling together—just as I had envisioned.
I turned slightly to Benimaru, meeting his proud gaze.
"Your sister is remarkable," I said.
"Of course," he replied with a grin. "She's my sister, after all."
Shuna, overhearing us, blushed deeply and hurried away to the corner, her composure breaking for once.
By the time the night wound down, the feast had gone two hours past its scheduled end. Elmesia's presence had drawn even hesitant dignitaries, and with Midley's conversion and Milim's laughter filling the air, the evening had become a grand success.
The nobles left speaking in reverence of Eterna, whispering my name with awe.
And as I looked over the hall—filled with light, laughter, and the scent of Shuna's cooking—I allowed myself a small, rare smile.
After the pre-party ended, it was already midnight. We convened an emergency meeting.
"Sorry to summon everyone this late. I know you're all tired, but please bear with me for a short while," I said, scanning the gathered faces. First, I wanted to recognize the biggest contributor to today's success: Shuna.
"Shuna, thank you. The food was outstanding, and you handled Midley's problem with Milim as well. I appreciate it."
Shuna gave a modest smile in response. "That's kind of you, Lord Atem. Yoshida-san's help made things smoother, and Rim— I mean, I felt a bit challenged by Hakurou's fresh sashimi too." She sounded a little troubled, but accepted my praise gracefully.
Next I turned to Myourmiles, who'd been quietly coordinating behind the scenes. "Myourmiles—how are things with the merchants? Any issues?" I asked.
He reported promptly. "The merchants gave very positive feedback. They were astonished by the majesty of Eterna and praised tonight's food. Many farmers from neighboring countries visited; the goods are mostly high quality. With Rigurd's and Lilina's help, preparations for the celebration are solid." He nodded slightly to Rigurd as he spoke.
Lilina chimed in, confirming we could start using the imported goods for tomorrow's gala. "No problems," she said.
Myourmiles hesitated for a moment, and I prodded. "You started to say something—finish it."
He scratched his head and resumed. "Perhaps I'm worrying too much, but some of the vendors accompanying the well-known merchants were unfamiliar faces. Memorizing faces is a specialty of mine, so that stood out. I investigated; shop owners told me these people only recently started trading with them. They offered quality goods at low prices and were friendly when questioned, so it might be nothing. I may just be too excited about this responsibility."
Benimaru and Souei nodded at Myourmiles' explanation. I accepted it at face value but kept the concern in mind.
Myourmiles brightened and pointed out something else. "Also—news spread that the Chosen Hero Masayuki will enter the martial tournament tomorrow. Betting's already started in the taverns."
"That's why I gathered everyone," I said. The people who'd been at the gate to receive Milim's group weren't yet clued in. Benimaru looked to Souei, seeking clarification, but Shion beat him to it.
"That guy was a pain—kept yammering about dealing with you, Lord Atem. I wanted to teach him a lesson," Shion said bluntly.
"You restrained yourself?" I asked Souei.
"I did," Souei replied dryly. "With an audience present, Shion's actions could have complicated tomorrow's ceremony."
Benimaru agreed. "Keep your head cool, Shion."
"Hmph. I was just provoked," Shion replied, sulky but quiet.
Then Diablo, with his usual bluntness, spoke up. "By the way, Lord Atem. If you want that hero removed, leave it to me. I'll make sure he disappears without a trace tonight."
His tone was calm and serious—Diablo meant it. The room chilled for a heartbeat.
"Absolutely not," I said sharply. "Do not act recklessly."
I proceeded to outline the plan I had in mind.