5 – Operation Commencement

‘Hmm…….’

Elian, waking from his sleep, found himself in a difficult situation.

It was good that he had enjoyed himself thoroughly, but he hadn’t thought about what came after.

‘If I open my eyes now, Kirendis will be there.’

He was delaying opening his eyes because he hadn’t decided what kind of face to show him yet. No matter how he thought about it, it felt like they had gone too far.

‘What if he asks me to be his boyfriend right away?’

A situation where he could neither refuse nor accept.

‘I guess I just have to… play it by ear.’

Groan.

Elian continued to ponder. It felt like their bodies and hearts had already connected, but he saw no other option than to pretend ignorance and stall for time.

Was this called… a ‘situationship’?

He knew it wasn’t, but he decided to insist it was and opened his eyes. However, what greeted him was not Kirendis.

“Uncle!!”

It was Lion.

He had sensed a presence and was sure it was Kirendis, but Lion was there, eyes brimming with tears, right beside him.

‘Sigh…….’

In that moment, his tension released, and a sense of futility washed over him. He had no idea why he had been pretending to be asleep.

“Something terrible has happened!”

“Terrible?”

Elian tilted his head and sat up. Then, an agitated Lion began to babble incoherently.

“There’s a small festival in the plaza, and there are too many people. It’s not that there are many people, but… ah, is it a problem? But it’s not so much a problem that…”

Lion seemed very confused. Something must have happened while Elian was asleep.

“You have to see it for yourself.”

“Huh?”

“It’s not ‘huh.’ It’s really a big deal. Please get up quickly, Uncle.”

Lion was insistent. He grabbed Elian and urged him to hurry.

Despite being his nephew, Elian had no choice but to be dragged along by the young man’s formidable strength.

He was incredibly strong.

“No, what on earth happened?”

If something truly terrible had happened, Jade would have come, not Lion. But the fact that he hadn’t meant it wasn’t a major crisis.

So, unlike the hasty Lion, Elian walked with a leisurely heart.

“Hurry, please hurry. This is why I couldn’t move an inch and waited until you woke up.”

“Me?”

“Because I’m sure Uncle will have a solution.”

The unwavering faith was a bit burdensome. He didn’t know what the problem was, but they seemed to believe he would resolve it without fail.

“Here, it’s here. Here.”

And so they arrived at the plaza, where a magnificent festival was in full swing.

“Oh.”

Beneath the night sky, countless lights and tables filled the space, and the sounds of alcohol, food, and music beautifully adorned the celebration.

People mingled, eating, drinking, and enjoying themselves, sparkling like stars in the sky, making it impossible to look away.

“It’s amazing, isn’t it?”

The atmosphere was different from the harvest festival, which was fascinating. It seemed Jade had lent a hand. While the food and drinks could be from the village, so many lights would have required external help.

“It’s not amazing that’s the problem now! There! Look there!”

Lion said, frustrated, pointing to one side of the plaza.

“Where?”

But he couldn’t see anything that seemed problematic there.

“I don’t see anything.”

“Ah! I misspoke. You’re not supposed to see it, you’re supposed to listen carefully.”

“Listen?”

He tilted his head and strained his ears. Then, amidst the murmuring, he began to catch snippets of people’s conversations.

“They say gold dust rained from the sky?”

“Gold dust? You mean actual gold?”

“Hey, man. Do you think it’s real gold? That’s just how they’re putting it. They say someone with golden magic power appeared during the Monster subjugation!”

“What?! Is that true?”

“I don’t know. I didn’t see it myself. But the soldiers who participated in the subjugation said so.”

“No, then….”

Elian, who had been listening quietly, immediately understood what Lion meant by a big problem.

There were dozens of tables in the plaza, and almost every table was buzzing about golden magic power.

It hadn’t spread yet who had used it, but the fact that someone with golden magic power had appeared seemed to have spread properly.

“D-did you hear? What should I do? Everyone seems to know.”

“Hmm……”

Lion was anxious, but Elian was relaxed. After all, he was the one who had orchestrated the situation.

If left as it was, the rumor would likely spread: ‘Someone with golden magic power has appeared among the Rebel Army. And it’s the Second Prince!’

Golden magic power was one of the unique characteristics of the Imperial family.

Lion was worried about this. He had kept it hidden so carefully until now, and now it was about to spread like wildfire, which must be giving him a headache.

“Wait! But Uncle, you already knew, didn’t you?! My magic power’s color… its color…”

Seeing him unable to finish his sentence, he was still looking around nervously. Elian looked at Lion as if he were cute and asked, “How did you know? You couldn’t have seen it with your own eyes.”

“So you did know!”

Lion glared at Elian with eyes full of betrayal. His gaze wasn’t particularly threatening, so Elian straightened his shoulders and spoke confidently.

“Of course. There’s nothing I don’t know.”

Lion was speechless at his brazenness. He had expected at least an apology, or perhaps an admission that he hadn’t known it would turn out this way.

“More importantly, who told you? That your magic power is gold?”

“……Everyone.”

“Oh.”

Elian marveled once again. “Everyone” must have meant the entire Rebel Army.

It seemed a battle of explanations had taken place while he was briefly asleep.

‘So that’s why he ran here.’

Since Elian was the cause, he probably thought Elian would have the solution. And he couldn’t have these kinds of conversations with just anyone, so he must have driven Kirendis away.

Only then, grasping the situation, Elian playfully ruffled Lion’s hair and said, “Don’t worry. I have a solution too.”

“Really?”

Though it wasn’t the direction Lion wanted, of course.

“Where are the others? They don’t seem to be in the plaza.”

“There are only soldiers and villagers in the plaza. The Imperial Guard and the mercenary corps are gathered at the tavern over there.”

Lion pointed to a large building.

The Imperial Guard was mostly composed of nobles, and the mercenary corps had its own reputation, so they seemed to be gathered separately.

‘Or maybe Jade prepared a place in advance.’

It was a plausible guess, knowing Jade, who understood Elian’s intentions without him having to say them.

In any case, it seemed a suitable place had been prepared, so he should make use of it.

“Let’s go. Lion.”

“What? Now?”

Lion’s eyes widened with anxiety. Elian understood his feelings and felt a flicker of anticipation for what was to come, a smile escaping his lips.

After all, he wouldn’t have to hide himself and live in silence anymore.

“Come quickly.”

“Yes, yes!”

As he moved, Lion hurried to catch up. The large building seemed to be a rather popular tavern; even the entrance looked different.

The tall, double doors that opened outwards looked quite luxurious.

As he surveyed the exterior, the doors opened, and someone Elian knew very well came out.

“Kirendis?”

“Elian?”

He looked exhausted, as if he had been through a lot inside. But strangely, as soon as their eyes met, his fatigue vanished.

Was he someone who could relieve Kirendis’s fatigue just by being seen?

Thinking so, he felt inexplicably good.

“Did your conversation go well?”

“Conversation?”

Turning his head, wondering what he meant, Lion made a face as if he had realized his mistake. He seemed to have just realized that he hadn’t had a proper conversation with Elian at all.

‘I should have asked how he planned to solve it first!’

Seeing that exact expression, Elian replied with a chuckle.

“I’m about to start now.”

“Now?”

Kirendis scowled, looking displeased. He had made way for them, so he seemed unhappy that they were starting now.

Finding his expression cute, Elian pushed Lion’s back and said,

“Lion. Go in first. I have something to say to Kirendis before we go in.”

“You want me to go in first?!”

Lion looked anxious, but Kirendis’s face brightened. He seemed to be in a good mood upon hearing they had something to say privately.

His reaction was so easy to read.

“It’s okay. I’ll be in soon too.”

“You have to come quickly, alright?”

“Yes. I understand.”

At times like this, Elian thought Lion was still young. He wondered if he could lead the country well.

However, Elian knew. Lion was a child who got things done when it mattered.

—Click.

The door closed, and Lion disappeared. Elian pulled Kirendis towards the wall.

He wasn’t trying to do anything sinister; he was just trying to avoid being overheard.

But Kirendis’s eyes sparkled, expecting something else.

Elian let out a small sigh and said,

“It’s not that.”

“It’s not?”

“No.”

He shook his head firmly, and Kirendis’s shoulders slumped. His overly honest reaction made Elian laugh.

Elian faced Kirendis and slowly began to speak.

“Kirendis.”

As he quietly called his name, Kirendis looked up. Sensing that he was about to bring up an important matter, his eyes grew serious.

Looking into those eyes, Elian said,

“If… if I were to choose a different path than the one you’re going, what would you do?”

He had held Kirendis back instead of going inside because he wanted to say this. He wanted to give him some forewarning before revealing his intentions.

But Kirendis seemed to have taken it in a completely different direction, asking with a stiff expression, “Does that mean… you’re refusing?”

“Huh?”

Only then did Elian realize that his words could be interpreted in another way. Elian, startled, quickly shook his head.

“N-no! That’s not it, it’s about… l-life! About life.”

“Life…?”

Only then did Kirendis relax slightly and tilt his head. He wondered what this situation was, having tried to give a warning and ended up like this.

The atmosphere seemed to have become a bit strange. But Kirendis, as long as it wasn’t a refusal, seemed to have no complaints and began to answer.

“If that’s the case, my answer is already decided.”

His face was full of conviction as he said so. Not a hint of hesitation. He simply looked straight at Elian and continued, “There will never be a time when I walk a different path than yours. The path you choose will become my path.”

It was a promise to follow him willingly, no matter what path it was. It felt different from Jade, and different from the Imperial Guard.

If they felt like they were firmly supporting Elian from behind, Kirendis felt like he would be walking alongside him.

‘This is enough.’

Elian nodded, a smile on his face. But Kirendis’s words weren’t over yet.

“However.”

When he looked up, Kirendis continued with a voice that was more resolute and emotional than before.

“It’s different when it comes to my feelings. Even if Elian and I are different, I won’t stop. No one can change that.”

Words that felt desperate suddenly arrived. He hadn’t expected to receive another confession at that moment, and a sense of bewilderment swept over him.

“So… I’ll be waiting. Until Elian is fully ready.”

“Kirendis….”

Kirendis was speaking. He was telling Elian, who hadn’t given him an answer yet, that it was okay and he would wait.

How could he be so thoughtful?

Compared to him, Elian felt petty. Too petty. He shouldn’t be reassured by such words, but he was. His anxious heart disappeared, and he felt he could focus on what he needed to do.

Elian gently squeezed the hands they held, wanting to convey even a little of this feeling, and said, “Thank you.”

He hoped this would convey at least a little.

He hoped it would reach him, even a little.

“Shall we go in then?”

Pulling Kirendis along, they entered, revealing the noisy interior.

It seemed they were already celebrating their victory, as tables were laden with food and drinks. Everyone must have been hungry, as empty plates were visible, but the wine glasses were still unfilled.

‘They were waiting for me, I guess.’

He found the sight somewhat endearing and let out a soft chuckle. It seemed he had been smiling more often lately.

“Lord Elian!”

“Here, here!”

“Come this way!”

From afar, the rowdiest group was waving their arms. It was Gren, Haron, and Cecilia.

Beside them were Lucian and Lion, and at the front were Jade and Krison.

‘Why are they there? Did they get caught?’

It seemed like a plausible scenario, so he shook his head and walked over.

“You weren’t bothering my knights, were you?”

He asked, as the atmosphere suggested, and the three began to speak, flustered.

“What?! We were just…”

“It seemed like the knights knew something…”

“No! How can you say it so plainly!”

Cecilia grabbed the backs of their necks in shock.

A pained sound was heard for a moment, but no one seemed concerned.

“You’ve arrived.”

Jade turned and gave a short bow, and Sir Krison also bowed his head in greeting.

A slight weariness was visible on both their faces. It didn’t seem like they were tired from dealing with the Rebel Army, but rather from lack of rest.

‘As expected, Jade must have arranged this place.’

Since they had made people witness Lion’s magic power, the next step should be as swift as possible.

It was indeed Jade.

“You’ve worked hard.”

“Not at all.”

He offered a brief commendation and patted Jade’s shoulder, but a sharp gaze shot from the side.

Turning his head, he saw Kirendis glaring fiercely at Elian. More precisely, his gaze was fixed on the hand Elian had placed on Jade’s shoulder.

‘What is it?’

Wondering why he was acting like this, Elian gently lowered his hand, and Kirendis’s expression softened as if nothing had happened.

‘Wait. Could this be…?’

A thought flashed through his mind.

‘Jealousy…?’

Jade was a knight who had pledged loyalty to Elian. He was one of the people Elian didn’t need to be as wary of as Lion.

However, Kirendis had a history of jealousy even towards Lion, who shared his blood. Therefore, Jade also seemed to fall into the category of people to be wary of.

‘Seriously.’

It was absurd, but resolving it seemed difficult. He knew that telling him not to would be useless.

‘Jade isn’t the type to avoid a fight that’s coming his way…’

He was generally taciturn but didn’t shy away from confrontation. In fact, he preferred to crush opponents more forcefully.

‘I can only hope things don’t get any worse here.’

He let out a low sigh and looked up, only to see the three people in front of him staring intently at Elian.

“……Why are you looking at me like that?”

They had strange expressions, so he asked, and vague answers came back.

“No. It’s just…”

“A little…”

“Right?”

What was right?

Suspicious, he was about to probe further when he felt a hand tugging at his clothes from behind.

“……Uncle.”

It was Lion.

He had moved behind Elian at some point and was signaling for help.

Then, the rebels turned their attention to Lion and started chattering loudly again.

“Lord Lion! Are you really not going to tell us?”

“We must hear it today!”

“It would be disappointing if you don’t tell us.”

All three of them had seen and heard enough to have some idea. However, they seemed to want to hear it clearly from Lion’s mouth.

How could they not?

These were the rebels who had gathered to make Elian their king. And now, the leader of the rebels had revealed the golden magic power, a symbol of the country.

Golden magic power was the symbol of the Emperor and a prerequisite for summoning a Gold Dragon.

Therefore, their minds must have been quite complicated. If this was the truth, things would become complicated.

“U-Uncle.”

Lion urged him again with a pleading look. His face was quite cute, but Elian couldn’t keep him in suspense any longer.

“Don’t worry. Uncle will fix everything.”

He wondered if this would be enough to reassure him, but Lion’s face didn’t relax. Perhaps it was because he already knew.

That words, once spread, are hard to take back.

“Don’t push Lion too hard, everyone. As you all know, Lion is someone who has lived a life that shouldn’t be revealed.”

Elian spoke, blocking the gazes of the Rebel Army.

A life that shouldn’t be revealed.

Lion was someone who had lived hiding himself for a long time. Living like that for so long, he had somehow become accustomed to it and grown afraid of revealing himself.

He had never revealed himself, so it became frightening. It was a path he had never taken before.

But now, it was time to take a step.

“Lion.”

Elian looked at Lion. Gazing into his hazel eyes, he slowly continued.

“You don’t need to hide anymore. You are a child who should shine brightly like the sun.”

The sun.

Its meaning was clear. However, not many people understood that meaning. The significance of that word was too great.

Nevertheless, there were those who understood the meaning of Elian’s words and were surprised.

It was Lucian and Kirendis.

Lucian seemed too shocked to think straight, but Kirendis’s face was serene.

It was more of a face that said, ‘So it has come to this.’ It seemed he had anticipated it when he was given a heads-up.

“Please go up. Lion, you too.”

Kirendis pushed the backs of the two men. Where he pointed was a small stage. It was in a place visible from anywhere, perfect for giving a speech.

I understood why this place was chosen and headed towards the stage with a faint smile. But Lion didn’t move. He stopped in his tracks, bickering with Kirendis.

“Why would I go up there?”

“Just go for now.”

“No.”

“Nothing will change if you don’t go.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Nothing will change even if you pretend not to know.”

“So, what exactly are you saying….”

Even though he was pretending not to know, his voice was trembling slightly.

Lucian had noticed, and there was no way Kirendis hadn’t. He was simply desperately trying to ignore it out of fear.

‘Then I have to step in.’

At times like this, someone needed to push and pull. Elian would be the one to pull, and Kirendis and the Rebel Army would be the ones to push.

Once pulled, the force of being pushed from behind would be enough.

All that remained was his own will.

Elian raised his head and surveyed the people. Expectation was etched on the faces of the Rebel Army.

Most of the people here were mercenaries who followed Gren among the Rebel Army.

Most of them had experienced Elian firsthand. Therefore, it was likely they had greater expectations for Elian than others.

“You have all worked very hard. It is thanks to your great efforts that this battle ended safely.”

Elian’s voice echoed quietly. The stage was humble, but the place where he stood felt different.

It was because of his presence.

“This victory is the fruit of the time you have strived, and it is also experience that allows you to survive on the harsh battlefield.”

Whether Imperial Guard or mercenaries, they were all people who lived by the sword, risking their lives.

Every word spoken to them would be the foundation for the future that would unfold.

“You have trusted and followed me, and I have no doubt you will continue to do so.”

The words he spoke now would likely be heard differently by each group.

The Imperial Guards would feel pride as they recalled their oaths, and the mercenaries would be glad, thinking Elian was on their side.

As expected.

A particularly intense gaze poured from one side. It was Gren, Cecilia, and Haron.

‘I’m a little sorry.’

Elian could not fulfill their wishes. However, he could fulfill their wish of creating the country they desired.

“However, there is one thing I must convey.”

Elian paused his speech and made eye contact with each person. Then, with a slightly emotional tone, he slowly conveyed his message.

“I know that you are working for me. For that, I first offer my thanks.”

Elian quietly reflected on the events he had experienced here.

The absurdly simple kidnapping by Kirendis.

The vibrant energy of the people he encountered up close for the first time.

The cheers and laughter as they praised Elian.

The faces of people with pure goodwill and absolute trust flashed through his mind.

Now it was Elian’s turn to respond. Not in their way, but in his own way.

“Your sincerity has reached me, and now I intend to respond to it.”

Elian scanned the interior once more. He felt excitement and anticipation.

They were beginning to grasp that they were part of a historic moment.

“I, Elian Eshton.”

Elian conveyed to everyone with a more serious gaze and voice than ever before.

“From this moment on, I will support Lion Arpen as Emperor!”

His clear voice filled the space and spread out. The voice permeated everyone with a heavy weight.

Everyone seemed surprised by the unexpected statement, their mouths agape. Finding it quite amusing, he continued with a slight upturn of his lips.

“If you truly follow me… you will respect my wishes, won’t you?”

The words, implying that if they didn’t respect his wishes, he wouldn’t believe their sincerity either, filled the space like a threat.

Everyone doubted their ears and opened their mouths wide again.

It was a shocking statement for those who had followed Elian. Conflicting emotions swirled.

However, Elian was not worried. It was almost time for reinforcements to appear.

“Imperial Guard.”

A steady voice echoed within the tavern. Jade slowly stood up and declared to everyone.

“We will follow Lord Elian.”

At the same time, the remaining Imperial Guards, including Sir Krison, also rose from their seats and shouted.

“We will follow!”

“We will follow!”

As the loud voices reverberated, everyone realized with stunned expressions.

That Elian’s words were not to be taken lightly, and that things had already begun to move.

However, there was still someone who had not accepted this fact.

“It’s impossible!”

It was Lion.

“Please take it back! How could I…!”

He was flustered. He could no longer ignore the vortex that had begun to spin around him.

“That position belongs to Uncle. Not to Brother, not to me, but to Uncle!”

Lion shouted desperately.

“You’ve proven it for so long. There is no one more suited for that position than Uncle.”

Elian, who was more regal than the Royal Family.

Everyone knew how fiercely Elian had lived his life.

However, he could not become Emperor. It wasn’t because his life would be in danger according to the story, but for a more fundamental reason.

Lion knew it too, but he was ignoring it because he cherished Elian.

Elian conveyed to everyone with a serious gaze.

“I am a half-blooded Royal.”

The calmly spoken words struck everyone’s ears precisely.

Half-blooded Royal.

That term was used to demean Elian. It was because his mother, a dancer, not a noble, flowed in his blood.

Given the nature of a world centered around nobles, Elian could not become Emperor. Especially if there was a perfect Royal heir.

Despite this, Marius had been wary of Elian because his abilities surpassed such limitations.

It was a difficult path, but not an impossible one to become Emperor.

However, even if he broke through that path, the blood flowing in Elian’s body would not change. A half-blood was forever a half-blood.

“Don’t say that! Royals are Royals. There are no such things as half-bloods.”

Lion shouted resolutely. But Elian had anticipated this. Therefore, he retorted with a calm expression.

“Do you really think so?”

“……”

Lion clenched his fists tightly. He knew the noble ecosystem too well. But thinking he had to say something, he spoke with difficulty.

“At least… the people here don’t think so.”

Elian knew that too. But even so, nothing would change.

What mattered was not the people here.

“I am talking about foreign countries, Lion.

Yes. Frankly, the domestic situation could be resolved somehow.

The commoners had no great interest in the first place, and the nobles could simply be purged or replaced.

But.

“I could ascend to that position. But from the perspective of foreign countries, I would still only be a half-blooded Emperor.”

Lion stiffened as if caught off guard. The gaze of people from other countries, not from this nation.

In other words, a diplomatic issue.

“They would undoubtedly look down on me as an Emperor with common blood mixed in. Regardless of whether the country is strong or weak, the honor maintained until now would be tarnished.”

A nation that loses its honor is destined to decline. This was an unchanging truth proven by history.

“I do not want that. So, Lion, you must become King.”

Elian slowly descended from the stage. He gradually closed the distance.

Then, Lion began to speak softly, his eyes wavering.

“I… am not as great as Uncle.”

His voice trembled slightly. There was a void in that voice.

Elian dug into that void.

“You are fully qualified.”

“I’m not as strong as Uncle…”

“I am not that strong either.”

“And I’m not smart…”

“Being smart doesn’t make you Emperor.”

Lion listed reasons why he shouldn’t be Emperor. But it didn’t work on Elian.

He refuted each point one by one and stood before Lion.

“I… I don’t have the confidence to do as well as Uncle.”

This was probably his true feeling. Because he lacked confidence, he was avoiding it and making excuses. Saying he couldn’t, he couldn’t do it.

But there was one thing Lion didn’t know.

“No one is perfect from the start.”

Elian conveyed an important fact.

“You just have to start doing it now. Together with the people who will stand by your side.”

As he said this, he looked at Lucian.

He was someone who would be a strong supporter when Lion became King. Someone who would stand by Lion’s side and be with him.

“But Uncle was perfect from the start. That’s why I…”

“Lion.”

Elian cut off Lion’s words and placed a hand on his shoulder. He conveyed it with weight, with certainty.

“I saw the light of the sun in you. Not just me, but everyone here.”

A brilliant golden light that illuminated the darkness.

Most of the people present had witnessed it.

“That light was possessed by the First Emperor, who founded this nation.”

As he spoke softly, Lion’s trembling began to subside.

“You know, don’t you? How great that meaning is. And…”

Gold Dragon Bartarias.

Lion was the contractor of the Gold Dragon. Even if he hadn’t awakened yet, that fact didn’t change.

“You have Bartarias, don’t you?”

Those with golden magic power are qualified to summon the Gold Dragon.

No Royal was unaware of this. So Lion would have to acknowledge it now. The identity of the one who contracted with him.

However, since there were many unseen aspects, he seemed unable to be sure.

The golden magic power was invisible to Lion’s eyes, and the summon was in the form of a golden furball, so it seemed necessary to confirm it once.

“Summon him. Then everyone will know. How great that furball is.”

For that, the reactions of others were needed. It would be icing on the cake if he showed the dragon’s form as he had shown Elian, but it didn’t matter if he couldn’t.

Even just summoning him would evoke a feeling.

“But Bar…”

“It’s okay.”

He patted his shoulder, giving him courage. Then, Lion looked around with a confused expression.

No one was looking at Elian anymore. Everyone was looking at Lion. They too were feeling it. What the true nature of what they had seen was.

Lion realized he could no longer avoid it and raised his magic power.

“Bar.”

With a small murmur, his magic power took on a golden hue and began to swirl. Beautiful magic power began to surge within the tavern.

“This is impossible.”

“The magic power…”

Everyone stared blankly, watching the sight.

The Imperial Guard was the same. Although Elian had told them, this was the first time they had seen such a distinct golden light.

The magic power gradually coalesced into one, then transformed into a familiar shape, and with a ‘pong—’ sound, Bartarias was summoned.

“Oho. What is this atmosphere? Have you decided not to hide anymore?”

Bartarias asked in his characteristic arrogant tone, looking around. Golden magic power shattered wherever he passed, creating a dazzling spectacle.

Everyone dazedly followed his movements, but some tilted their heads.

‘As expected, the whole thing is impossible.’

It seemed too greedy to convince everyone with this appearance.

He had inwardly hoped for this to be the end, but it couldn’t be helped.

Elian quickly shouted.

“Do not doubt! What you are seeing is the golden magic power of the First Emperor!”

A voice filled with conviction echoed within.

People gain conviction not only through visual elements but also when auditory elements align.

When they are hesitant, telling them definitively makes them sure.

‘It’s working.’

Instead of doubt, conviction began to appear on people’s faces.

Elian struck another blow to the people and shouted.

“And! The summon that is before your eyes right now is Gold Dragon Bartarias.”

The widely reverberating words caused a tremendous stir.

No one doubted his words. Everyone’s eyes were fixed on Bartarias.

There was the clear evidence of golden magic power, and there was no reason to lie to a summon.

Especially if the summon himself confirmed it.

“Ahem!”

Seizing the opportunity, Bartarias cleared his throat and floated up.

“My name is Bartarias!”

His voice began to echo slowly.

“Lion is not yet an adult, so I appear like this, but the fact that I am great does not change. I swear on my name, you can believe me! My greatness!!”

As if to prove it, he shattered into light and began to spread out.

The dazzling particles seen on the battlefield filled the space.

“This is impossible.”

“Truly…”

Everyone was speechless, mesmerized by the magnificent spectacle. Conviction began to form in their hearts.

The perfect conditions for an Emperor that no one could deny.

However, there was one person who was not lost in a daze.

“Bar.”

It was Lion. With a somewhat vacant gaze, he quietly opened his mouth.

“Uncle’s words… are they true?”

A voice grasping at the last thread of hope.

But Bartarias severed that thread of hope decisively and said.

“Didn’t I tell you repeatedly? This body is great and greatly great.”

Those words permeated everyone’s hearts. They could no longer deny it.

“Haa…”

Lion lowered his head with a complex expression.

Finding it amusing, Bartarias burst into a cheerful laugh and transformed into a round furball.

He landed on Lion’s head with a ‘tok—’ and bounced, saying.

“You finally believe me. It was worth showing my greatness to such a rude fellow.”

“Bar…”

His appearance was very different from what everyone imagined a dragon to look like. Nevertheless, no one doubted him.

It was because the summon himself had stated that he was a dragon.

“Lion.”

He opened his mouth in a low voice, and Lion looked up.

It was time to make the final point.

“I am not supporting you because you have golden magic power and can summon Bartarias.”

“……What?”

Lion’s eyes widened in confusion, as if he didn’t understand.

Judging by the current situation, it looked as though that was the reason Elian wanted to make Lion Emperor.

However, Elian was denying that fact.

“The reason I support you is because you love this country more than I do.”

“…….”

“Everyone here knows how much you love, cherish, and value this country.”

The Rebel Army members quietly nodded.

How could they not know? Their desire to make Elian king stemmed from a great love for the country as well. And it was the Rebel Army who had witnessed it most closely.

“Golden magic power and Valterias are merely excuses. A shortcut to make a difficult path easy.”

“…….”

Lion lowered his head. He seemed lost in thought.

Elian gave him time to think, patting his head. He gently stroked the head of the child who would soon bear many burdens.

Perhaps Lion felt that too, as his eyes were slightly red. But he didn’t cry. It would be more accurate to say he couldn’t cry.

For now, he had to stand tall as Emperor.

“I will be lacking compared to you, Uncle.”

Lion mumbled softly, his head bowed.

“That’s not true…….”

“No.”

Lion cut off Elian’s words and raised his head. His face no longer held any hesitation. He seemed to have something to convey.

“Don’t deny what you’ve built up until now.”

“…….”

“I am young. I haven’t even reached adulthood, and I’m full of flaws.”

“Lion…….”

His gaze was honest and transparent.

Lion smiled gently at Elian and said something unexpected.

“But I think I can do it if I’m with you, Uncle.”

“Huh?”

Only then did a flustered Elian’s eyes widen. But Lion’s words weren’t finished.

“Everyone here knows how great you are, Uncle.”

“…….”

“That truth doesn’t change, even if I have golden magic power.”

“…….”

“So, please teach me.”

“…….”

“Please watch over me so I can become Emperor.”

“…….”

“If you do that…….”

Lion declared his final words, looking directly into Elian’s eyes.

“I will become Emperor.”

Elian was speechless. He had intended to make Lion emperor and then disappear into the annals of history.

He believed Lion would do well enough on his own, without him needing to pull him along.

But he had spoken.

He had said that if he became emperor, Elian would be with him. And that statement had a positive effect on everyone.

“If Lion and Elian are together…….”

“Oh… this is quite…”

Lion’s legitimacy, which no one could ignore. The formidable power of a Dragon. And if Elian’s unconventional political moves were added to that?

‘This is good.’

‘Good is an understatement, this is….’

Chilling.

An incredible future, so chilling it sent shivers down his spine, flashed through their minds. The future the two would create together was beyond imagination.

A country built by Lion and Elian.

The sun, shining brighter than anyone, and Elian, the vast shadow cast beneath it, seemed utterly perfect.

And there was someone who skillfully exploited that gap.

Lucian rose from his seat and spoke. His statement seemed to mimic someone else’s earlier remark.

“I, Lucian Beric, will follow Lion.”

The ripple effect of that statement was immense. People who had been watching cautiously began to rise and speak one by one.

“I will join you too. I am here out of respect for Elian, but following Elian means following Lion, and following Lion means following Elian.”

First, it was Gren.

“It’s not bad. If we follow Lion, Elian will be with us too. I will join you.”

Second, it was Cecilia.

“I like Elian. But I also like the Captain who likes Elian. Because I can trust the Captain.”

Finally, it was Haron.

They were all conveying the same message. That if the Captain, who had formed the Elian fan club and was part of the Rebel Army, became king, they could trust him.

And that sentiment resonated with many and spread.

“That’s right. We can trust Lion.”

“Because he likes Elian more than anyone.”

“Come to think of it, isn’t it actually better for Lion to become Emperor?”

“Oh, that’s right.”

“I see! It’s because it’s Lion.”

“That’s right. It’s because it’s Lion.”

“It’s because it’s Lion.”

…….

Elian was once again lost for words. The atmosphere was taking a strange turn.

‘So this is….’

He tried to quickly grasp the situation, but before he could, Lion shouted in a loud voice.

“I, Lion Arpen, hereby proclaim.”

Only then did Elian, sensing something unusual, turn his head.

The boy who had been trembling with fear moments ago was no longer there. The boy had grown up considerably.

“To follow me is to follow Archduke Esiton, and to follow Archduke Esiton is to follow me!”

These were Gren’s words from a moment ago. But when Lion said them, they carried weight.

“We will be together forever, and there will be no hierarchy in our roles!”

“……What?!”

Elian exclaimed in surprise. He was hearing something absurd.

But Lion’s face was serene. It indicated that his words were not a mistake.

“I will not leave Archduke Esiton alone in the darkness; we will stand together under the bright sun!”

“Wait, just a moment.”

“So, shout! So that this person can clearly hear!”

Lion raised his right hand high. Then, an absurd roar erupted, filling the tavern.

“Waaaaah!!”

Elian turned around again. Everyone was shouting with one heart and one mind.

“Follow Elian and Lion!”

“The two will be together forever!”

“Long live the Kingdom of Arpen!”

“Long live!”

Everyone filled their glasses with wine and raised them high. And they shouted again, loudly.

“Long live!”

“Long live!”

The Rebel Army members were conveying their message with one heart and one mind. That they would not let him disappear into the annals of history, that they would be together forever.

‘What is this.’

His mind was in chaos. Tangled and complex, he couldn’t figure out how to untangle it.

Lion took Elian’s hand and spoke.

“Uncle.”

He had truly grown up. In a matter of minutes, or even seconds, he had the face of an adult.

“As you said, Uncle, I will become Emperor.”

The suddenly shifted atmosphere felt unfamiliar. But Lion seemed to quite like this atmosphere, continuing with a relieved expression.

“Now that I think about it, it doesn’t seem so bad.”

“…….”

“If I become Emperor, I can spread your will widely without hesitation, can’t I?”

“…….”

“Because that’s the kind of position an Emperor holds.”

Elian was momentarily speechless.

‘What is he saying?’

He couldn’t help but doubt his hearing. That’s because…

“Wait, wait, Lion!”

Elian urgently stopped Lion.

“Don’t feel burdened. You can just stay in your place as usual, Uncle. I’ll take care of everything else.”

“Ah, no.”

These were words he had heard from Kirendis once before. The words of someone who would do as they pleased.

And Lion had inherited those words and was saying them exactly the same way. At the very moment he had declared he would become Emperor.

“I will never let you go, Uncle.”

Lion was smiling. But that smile felt strangely cold.

Elian realized that something had gone terribly wrong.

“For. Ev. Er.”

That concluding remark struck Elian’s mind precisely.

The meaning was clear. It meant he would pursue a political path that prioritized Elian’s will over his own, rather than simply fulfilling his own ambitions as Emperor.

‘Wait, then what’s the point of me not becoming king….’

Elian’s mind was once again filled with confusion. Lion had agreed to become king as planned, but he wondered if it was truly happening.

Lion, feigning ignorance of Elian’s feelings, added a final touch with a bright smile.

“Please take care of me, Uncle.”

It seemed his retirement plan… had gone seriously awry.

Whether Elian wished it or not, the Rebel Army members toasted themselves. They clinked their glasses, shouting for the glory of the Kingdom of Arpen.

It was no exaggeration to say they already considered the rebellion a success, given how excited they were.

Since the Imperial Guard were also present, they weren’t in a position to judge others.

‘He said it was enough.’

The Imperial Guard, who had loved Lion’s words the most, even though it was a path that wouldn’t be rewarded.

A knight’s pride comes from the honor of the master they serve.

Hearing that he was to be treated as an equal to Elian, how could they not be pleased?

‘They’re funny.’

He found it absurd, thinking of their faces as they rejoiced as if they had conquered the world. He wondered where the bravado from that day, when they shouted they would be together, had gone.

Still, it wasn’t a bad feeling. In fact, he felt a little proud. So Elian overdid it a bit. Caught up in the atmosphere, he drank excessively.

“Haa…….”

Recalling his insane self from yesterday, a long sigh escaped him. He had drunk so much that his memory was hazy, yet the memories were so vivid that it was agonizing.

‘My dignity….’

While the Rebel Army, who hadn’t managed their image from the start, were irrelevant, showing such a side to the Imperial Guard was a grave mistake.

It felt as if all the dignity he had built up over the years had vanished overnight.

The only fortunate aspect was that the Imperial Guard might also be too drunk to remember?

“Haaaaa…….”

Even so, at least one or two would surely remember.

It was truly despairing.

But it was already in the past, so there was nothing he could do. Elian decided to ponder the next problem.

‘Is it really okay to rebel like this?’

Lion’s declaration lingered in his mind, but since he wasn’t becoming king for now, he thought it might be alright.

‘Yes. If it doesn’t work out, I can persuade Lion again.’

Thinking that, his mind felt much lighter.

Only then could Elian contemplate the most serious problem he faced.

‘Now, I need to figure out how to deal with this terrible hangover.’

As soon as he thought that, his stomach churned again. His head throbbed, and a terrible pain washed over him.

He made countless meaningless vows to never touch alcohol again, but no solution came to mind.

“Are you alright?”

Just then, Kirendis’s voice was heard.

He didn’t want to move at all, but thinking that the angelic figure might have brought something helpful, he turned his head.

To his great relief, he held a cup of water in his hand.

“I brought some honey water. I heard it’s good for hangovers, so I got it.”

As expected, it was Kirendis. Elian shed tears of joy and offered his sincere gratitude.

“Thank you, Kirendis.”

With Kirendis’s help, Elian drank the honey water. As the liquid went down his throat, something amazing happened.

A sweet aroma spread through his mouth, and the hangover began to subside.

“Oh. What is this? It’s incredibly effective… Mmph!”

The moment he opened his mouth, their lips met as if they had been waiting. A soft tongue delved into his mouth, stirring it.

Already weak, Elian collapsed onto the bed helplessly.

“Kiren, Hng….”

The deep kiss was sweet. It might have been the honey water, but it felt sweeter than usual.

His body trembled at the kiss that tickled his tongue. Kirendis didn’t miss the opportunity, his hand slipping under his clothes and caressing his waist.

“Hngh.”

As his fingertips brushed against him, a pained groan escaped. His waist quivered, and heat rose. But his lips were swallowed again, leaving him no room to think properly. Only the pleasant, pouring kisses filled his mind.

Elian, lost in Kirendis’s kiss, began to actively entwine tongues and press his body against him.

So he didn’t notice that Kirendis’s touch was becoming increasingly intimate. Although his movements were deliberate, Elian, intoxicated by the kiss, was only focused on feeling Kirendis’s warmth.

Kirendis slowly lowered his hand, his fingers that had been caressing his waist subtly slipping into the waistband of his pants.

As his firm fingertips brushed against his sensitive skin, Elian’s senses suddenly snapped back.

“Wait, just a moment!”

He tried to quickly stop Kirendis’s hand, but it had already half-entered his pants.

The fingertips resting precariously felt starkly real. He blushed, wondering how the atmosphere had gotten to this point.

He had thought he was the one leading, but that was entirely untrue. Kirendis was leading the mood, skillfully creating the situation he desired.

It was both bewildering and embarrassing, and his face remained flushed. Being in a submissive position caused his emotions to fluctuate more than he expected.

Feeling his heart pounding loudly, he racked his brain. But Kirendis spoke first in a low voice.

“No…?”

His voice held both arousal and pleading. His raw emotions poured out, making his face even redder.

His clear, sparkling red eyes were shaking Elian’s heart.

“I… I can do well.”

“…….”

“This time, I’ll make you feel good.”

“…….”

His voice clearly conveyed what he desired.

Elian fully understood the meaning of Kirendis’s words from yesterday.

—I’ll be waiting. Until Elian is fully ready.

The words “I’ll be waiting.”

Elian had interpreted it as waiting not just for his heart, but for physical intimacy as well.

But that wasn’t the case.

What he had meant by waiting was limited to his heart. He desired Elian and showed no signs of stopping.

Thinking about it, it was unreasonable for a healthy 20-something man to hold back continuously. Once he knew, could he really resist?

Especially when the person he liked wasn’t strongly pushing him away.

‘I can’t….’

His heart was being ruthlessly shaken. Wasn’t it cruel to refuse someone who desired him so much?

‘No.’

Elian shook his head. He had to admit it now. He desired it too.

As much as Kirendis wanted it, Elian also wanted to touch him. He wanted to feel that hot sensation again.

‘It’s not just you who can’t stop.’

Acknowledging that fact, Elian quietly opened his mouth.

“Just for today….”

This was the best he could offer. He decided to give in to this temptation, just for today.

But Kirendis didn’t reply; instead, he kissed him, conveying his intent.

That he didn’t want it to end with just today.

‘Ah….’

His firm fingertips dug deeper into his pants.

“Try this too. And this.”

Kirendis enthusiastically offered food, smiling broadly. It seemed he was satisfied with what had happened that morning.

Elian had enjoyed it too, so he felt the same, but Kirendis’s overt display made him feel embarrassed.

“You eat quickly too.”

“Yes, I will.”

It was a remark meant to divert his gaze, but Kirendis was still staring intently at Elian.

His face seemed to say that just looking at him was enough to make him full.

With such blatant displays, his face kept flushing, which was troublesome. He was the elder, after all, and this felt a bit much.

Elian attempted to change the mood again.

“Kirendis.”

“Yes, Elian.”

He thought his voice was quite serious, but all he received was the voice of a happy man.

‘Sigh.’

It seemed difficult to change the atmosphere.

Elian finally chuckled and asked another question. It was something he couldn’t ask in the mood of yesterday.

“Are you really alright? Even if I don’t become king.”

He had indirectly heard that it was alright, but he still wanted to hear it. He felt he couldn’t be fully at ease until he heard it directly.

“I told you. The path you take is my path. And I still feel the same way.”

Another confirmation poured out.

Only then could Elian truly relax. At the same time, he realized he had been more tense than he thought.

It was strange, and also uncomfortable, but not bad. Because the more tense he had been, the double the happiness he felt upon hearing the answer he wanted.

“You pushed ahead recklessly at first. When did your mind change?”

His voice loosened with relief. Kirendis, noticing this, replied with a smile.

“I wasn’t pushing ahead recklessly; it was a period of persuasion. You have to do at least that much for someone to even pretend to listen.”

“You know me too well.”

“Of course.”

The smile on his face was beautiful. Elian looked at that face and thought he wanted to see this smile forever.

‘If I want that, I need to resolve things quickly.’

The rebellion.

First, the rebellion had to be successfully concluded. But before that, there was one more matter to resolve. It was the reason why the Monsters had descended upon the village.

‘This incident must have been caused by Marius’s reckless Monster subjugation.’

Elian was certain. But if asked if he was 100% sure, he couldn’t readily answer.

If it were during the time Marius was in opposition to Elian, perhaps. But now, there was no reason for him to act that way.

He was now the King and had no particular need to be wary of Elian. This was a time to solidify domestic affairs.

Monster subjugation could wait, and it would even be more efficient then. Because of this, the current incident felt suspicious.

‘I have a bad feeling.’

Elian’s intuition was always right, which made his heart uneasy. He kept feeling like he was missing something.

“What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

His expression must have been quite serious, as Kirendis asked with a worried look.

“I think I need to call a meeting.”

“A meeting?”

Kirendis tilted his head at the sudden, out-of-the-blue suggestion during their meal.

“I’m not sure, but I have a feeling Marius is plotting something.”

“Hmm.”

Kirendis seemed to fall into thought for a moment, then began to voice accurate deductions on his own.

“It’s about the Monsters descending upon the village, isn’t it?”

“That’s right.”

As expected of Kirendis.

Elian smiled with satisfaction and shared the plan he had just formulated.

“Let’s hold the meeting tomorrow morning.”

No matter how uneasy he felt, he couldn’t hold a meeting reeking of alcohol, could he?

Besides, he needed to rest for at least one more day for his mind to work properly.

‘Yes, of course. It’s definitely not because of a severe hangover.’

Elian quietly nodded and picked up his spoon.

The next day.

The Rebel Army executives, including Jade and Krison, gathered in one place.

Elian shared the suspicious points he had thought of yesterday and spread out a map.

“This is where Marius last attempted Monster subjugation.”

“Indeed, if he had interfered here, the Monsters’ movement would be understandable.”

Lion nodded in agreement. As the next Emperor, he took this incident seriously. The movement of Monsters could bring severe crisis and chaos to the nation.

“However, it’s difficult to pinpoint it as Marius’s doing. Marius has no reason to proceed with Monster subjugation.”

“Yes. That’s why we first need to find out if Marius is behind this. Jade. Did you hear anything from the Imperial Palace?”

Since Jade had been at the Imperial Palace recently, Elian hoped he might know something.

However, Jade shook his head and replied.

“After you left, Elian-nim, the Imperial Guard was excluded from all information. All positions that could obtain important information were replaced by the Royal Guard.”

Marius was certainly capable of such a move. The Imperial Guard was supposed to stay by the Royal Family’s side to protect them, but they had no choice but to withdraw if the Emperor ordered it.

“Then, we’ll just have to find out ourselves.”

Elian licked his lips and stood up. He marked the locations where Monster subjugation had been carried out so far, hoping it might serve as a clue.

He drew circles in chronological order, so he didn’t notice it at first. But as the number increased, a connection became apparent.

“This is……”

It was such an obvious pattern that even Cecilia, who was far removed from such matters, sensed something was strange. A conspicuous shape unfolded on the map.

“They’re all close to the border.”

“But Monsters aren’t only found in these places.”

That was right.

He hadn’t realized it because he wasn’t trying to find a connection, but all the Monster subjugations had only taken place in areas close to the border.

“Still, we can’t rule out the possibility that it happened by sheer coincidence.”

That was also true. However, Elian felt there had to be a reason for the locations of these Monster subjugations.

“Hmm.”

Elian stared intently at the map, lost in thought. He still felt like he was missing something.

“Hmm.”

At that moment, Valterias, who had been bored in Lion’s arms, glanced at the map and shifted his gaze.

Despite his appearance, he was a Dragon, so Elian watched his actions, wondering if he might offer a different opinion.

Then.

“This is……”

Valterias hopped out of Lion’s arms and pointed to two spots, saying,

“If you just mark these two spots, it’s a perfect summoning circle.”

“Summoning circle?”

Elian tilted his head and looked at the map again. But having never studied such things, he didn’t know what it meant.

Lion, however, was different.

“Huh?!”

As if he had realized something, he grabbed a pen and began connecting the locations.

With a scribbling sound, complex lines spread across the map.

“Uh…?”

“This is……”

Everyone’s eyes widened as they watched the gradually completing drawing. A summoning circle was truly being drawn.

“As Val said, it might be a summoning circle. The marked locations are where the magic stones are placed in a summoning circle.”

‘Monster subjugation conducted at points where magic stones are placed…’

After hearing the explanation, Elian fell into deep thought. He hadn’t learned summoning magic, so he didn’t know much, but there was one piece of information he knew for sure.

“Monster blood contains magic power. What if that blood could substitute for magic stones?”

It could potentially serve as a summoning circle. And the most important point was…

“Speaking of which, wasn’t there a familiar summoned using the magic power of Monsters?”

“…The Black Dragon, Chasers.”

As Lion finished speaking, silence fell over the conference room.

The Black Dragon Chasers.

He was a summon as famous as the first Emperor’s Gold Dragon.

During the era when Monsters were powerful, they had summoned the Black Dragon Chasers using their own blood.

Although the Black Dragon was classified as a summon, he was more commonly called the ‘King of Monsters’ because he was summoned by Monsters.

It was the first Emperor’s Gold Dragon, Alteus, who had annihilated the Black Dragon.

It wasn’t for nothing that golden magic power and Gold Dragons were considered proof of the Emperor in this country.

“Even if it’s summoned, it won’t be Chasers, but someone else. Wasn’t that one annihilated?”

Valterias said in a nonchalant voice.

Everyone was tense, but perhaps because they were both Dragons, Valterias didn’t seem to feel any sense of crisis.

That demeanor felt somewhat reassuring.

“If a Black Dragon is truly being summoned, then the problem is serious?”

Gren muttered softly. Then, Cecilia voiced her question.

“But is this even possible? Black Dragons are summons that Monsters summon.”

Her point was valid. Black Dragons were summons that Monsters summoned.

But the locations marked were where Marius had conducted Monster subjugation. They could be considered summoning circles created by humans.

“The premise is wrong. It’s a summon that Monsters can* summon.”

“Then…”

Elian’s expression turned grave. If this were true, they had no time to be sitting around.

“I don’t know what kind of being it is, but they seem to be attempting something impossible. At this stage, it might have already deeply embedded itself into the host’s body.”

“What? Embedded?”

Cecilia asked, startled. Then, Valterias continued with his usual nonchalant expression.

“Black Dragons are summoned by consuming the host’s body and soul.”

“What?!”

“If magic power acts as a medium connecting the Divine Beast realm and the human realm, then the host’s soul can be considered the price of the contract. By offering their soul, they can make one wish to the Black Dragon.”

“Then the body…?”

“It allows it to exist in this world. Because that being possesses a soul, it can exist in this world without any restrictions if it obtains a body.”

“Then the problem is serious, isn’t it?”

“That’s not all. As I said earlier, at this rate of progress, it’s highly likely that it has deeply embedded itself into the host’s body and is controlling the host. That cunning creature will try to complete the summoning by any means necessary.”

After hearing all of Valterias’s words, Elian fell into quiet contemplation.

If the summoning succeeded, it could remain without restriction. If this were true, it was a grave problem.

In normal cases, one could win by simply incapacitating the summoner. But the Black Dragon was an entirely different story.

Killing the summoner versus killing the summon.

It was too obvious which was more difficult.

“Don’t think too seriously about it. There’s still time, so we can stop it before then. Besides, with me here, you can rest assured. I will help you.”

Valterias said confidently. Although his small, insignificant appearance didn’t make him look very trustworthy, the Rebel Army members seemed to see him differently.

“Oh!”

“As expected!”

“I always believed in you, Valterias-nim.”

“Ahem.”

Seeing him puff out his chest proudly, a chuckle escaped Elian. The serious atmosphere instantly dissipated.

‘Right. It’s not the worst-case scenario.’

Elian slowly organized his thoughts and began to speak.

“Then we need to find the host first. If we kill the host, we can prevent the summoning.”

As he murmured softly, Lion naturally picked up where he left off.

“It’s also important to find out who the summoner is. They might be able to re-summon it.”

“That’s likely Marius. At least, it would be someone close to him, so we can investigate by gradually widening the scope. For now, let’s find the host first and use that to find the summoner. The problem is…”

Elian paused for a moment. Then Lion smoothly continued his sentence.

“It’s time. If we had time, we could eventually find the answer, but we don’t.”

That was right. No matter how capable Elian was, time was too short. They needed to find a way to definitively uncover the truth within the limited time, not just search aimlessly.

“……”

“……”

Silence filled the room. No matter how much they thought, no brilliant idea emerged.

At that moment, Valterias spoke in his usual nonchalant voice.

“You can just check the magic power. If the progress is this far, the host’s body should be imbued with dark magic power.”

“Magic power?”

Lion’s eyes widened in surprise. If that were true, they could identify the host. But…

“Magic power is something you can choose not to show. There’s no way to confirm it unless it’s directly displayed.”

“Ah… I suppose so.”

Lion’s shoulders drooped in disappointment. But Valterias was different.

“Then why don’t you see it yourself?”

He was speaking to Elian, as if asking why he didn’t know the obvious.

“Like how you saw my true form last time. Can’t you see it?”

“Me?”

Elian tilted his head. He spoke so matter-of-factly that for a moment, he wondered if he possessed such an ability.

But reality was different. The reason Elian could see Valterias was…

“That’s because you showed it to me… Huh?”

A belated question flashed through Elian’s mind.

Valterias had shown Elian his true form that day. It wasn’t a definite physical presence. It was closer to an apparition that floated behind him in a hazy form.

‘Why did I assume that was Valterias’s true form?’

Thinking back now, it was a foolish thing to do. He knew better than anyone that what one sees isn’t always the truth.

“Oh dear. Looking at your face, you had no idea. I thought you knew since you acted so composed, but you have your clumsy moments too.”

Valterias spoke excitedly, as if he had found a good opportunity.

“It’s an ability that’s gone now, so it’s understandable you wouldn’t know. You might look a bit foolish, but it can’t be helped. Still, since you look so foolish, it’s best if only the people here know. Don’t be too sad about not knowing. You know now, at least.”

“……”

How many times had he called him foolish?

Elian considered enduring it just once but shook his head. Enduring wasn’t his style.

Elian quickly grabbed Valterias.

“Kyaa!”

A comical scream erupted. Only then did he feel satisfied. Elian warned him in a chilling voice.

“The information you claim I don’t know… it had better be something I truly don’t know. Otherwise…”

He trailed off, letting their imaginations run wild, and Valterias shivered.

But soon, perhaps overcome with embarrassment, he burst into anger.

“You, you rascal! You’re trying to bully me again! Do you know who I am to treat me so carelessly! If I awaken, I will punish you immediately!”

It was a warning from none other than a Gold Dragon. But Elian wasn’t afraid.

After all…

“Val. You must not harm Uncle.”

Elian had Lion.

No matter how great Valterias was, he was a summon. Without the magic power of his summoner, Lion, he couldn’t use his abilities.

“Yes. Let’s get along. Alright?”

With a satisfied smile, Valterias grumbled in a dejected voice.

“I don’t know how such a being was born with that ability.”

“Stop with the useless talk and speak quickly.”

As Elian urged him, Valterias opened his mouth.

“The reason you could see my true form is because you were born with the Eyes of Truth.”

“Eyes of Truth?”

The name was so self-explanatory that it was easy to guess its ability, but Elian couldn’t help but tilt his head. He had never seen that truth before.

“The Eyes of Truth are the ability to see what is close to the truth. Depending on how you use them, you can see various things.”

“Like seeing your true form?”

Elian asked, and Valterias nodded.

“Last time, I showed it to you, but once you become proficient, you can see it yourself. Not only that, but you can see amazing things.”

“For example?”

“The future… perhaps?”

He said it with a smug look, and everyone was greatly surprised. It was truly an unexpected statement.

Valterias seemed to enjoy their reaction and continued excitedly.

“Haven’t you ever experienced something like this in your life? Strange, ominous thoughts that turn out to be true, easily knowing when someone is lying, or having an excellent judge of character?”

“……”

Elian couldn’t say anything. He didn’t need to recall memories; his life had always been full of such things.

When he had a bad feeling, his predictions always came true, which was why he had survived in the Imperial Palace until now.

He could easily tell if someone was lying or telling the truth, which allowed him to lead both politics and business successfully.

His excellent judgment of character was also something he had used to his advantage many times.

‘I just thought it was because I was Royal Family.’

Was it because of a hidden ability?

“Until now, you probably just thought of it as good intuition, but that is all the power of your eyes. Don’t you get much more tired when you feel something like that?”

“I’m always tired, so I don’t really…”

Elian mumbled softly, and eyes full of sympathy poured onto him. It meant he was so perpetually tired that he didn’t notice such things.

His achievements made it understandable, but hearing it directly was different.

“You’ve lived a difficult life. If you overuse it, your vision can blur, and in severe cases, you can go blind, yet you didn’t feel anything strange.”

“……”

“……”

“……”

Everyone was speechless when one person, with a pale face, exclaimed.

“You can go blind?!”

It was Kirendis.

Kirendis waited anxiously for Valterias’s answer, his face full of worry.

“Yes. But it’s fine now that you can see perfectly well, isn’t it?”

“……”

Kirendis’s eyes blazed at the dismissive remark. But he merely scoffed and turned his head away.

“Speaking of which……”

Hearing Valterias speak, a few possibilities came to mind.

My vision would often blur when dealing with many people. But…….

“Isn’t that normal when you’re tired?”

“……”

“……”

“……”

Eyes that seemed to disagree poured down.

It seemed it wasn’t just anyone. Nevertheless, Elian still couldn’t agree.

Dealing with people was the most tiring thing, and symptoms could manifest differently for each person.

So there was no need to worry so much…….

“Elian.”

“……”

Kirendis looked sharply at Elian.

“Uncle.”

“……”

Lion was the same. Elian couldn’t help but change his mind, if only to alleviate their reactions.

“Can that ability be controlled?”

Jade, also worried, asked Valterias.

“You’re asking the obvious. Now that we know, it’s well within the range of control with practice.”

“That’s a relief.”

Only then did it seem they were reassured, and sighs of relief erupted from various places. Everyone seemed to believe Valterias’s words.

But Elian, whose doubts ran deep, couldn’t trust his words.

“Do I really have such an ability?”

Couldn’t it just be that he was a peerless genius?

“Do you not believe my words?”

Instead of nodding, Elian remained silent. Silence was often consent.

Valterias shook his head and said,

“You’ve lived a troublesome life, haven’t you? With such a lack of trust.”

He even clicked his tongue, but for some reason, he looked pleased.

“Since it’s come to this, there’s no helping it. To think there’s someone who doesn’t believe me. This is an unacceptable and tremendous humiliation. Therefore, from now on, I shall become your teacher!”

His grand pronouncement was laced with dark intentions.

Elian narrowed his eyes and asked,

“Aren’t you just doing this because you want to torment me?”

“……W-what are you talking about! I know nothing of such things.”

He quickly denied it, but this pure Dragon’s lie was too obvious.

“Hmm.”

“I’m telling the truth!”

Though the lie was transparent, this time, he decided to let it slide.

How harsh could the training be, and besides, there was no one else to teach him how to use these eyes.

‘Can I really see the future?’

If so, it would be incredibly convenient. Elian smiled brightly with a satisfied expression and extended his hand.

“Alright. I’ll be counting on you from now on.”

“Kuhaha. To think such a day would come in my life.”

Perhaps pleased by finding an excuse to torment him, Valterias eagerly shook Elian’s hand.

Even if his intentions were wicked, he was useful and cute, so that was enough.

“Then, if I just train, will I be able to see the Black Dragon?”

“If the ingredients are available, I can show it to everyone.”

“Oh.”

If those words were true, all their problems would be solved. Depending on how they prepared, even the rebellion could be resolved smoothly.

Just showing everyone the Black Dragon that had possessed a host would be enough to establish a legitimate cause.

‘I just need to weave this together well with Marius.’

That was Elian’s specialty.

“Alright. Then, let’s conclude this matter here and move on to the meeting about rebel activities.”

According to Valterias, only two more summonings remained until the Black Dragon could be summoned.

Within that time, they had to prevent the summoning and successfully complete the rebellion.

‘The meeting will be long.’

He wasn’t worried, as that too was Elian’s specialty.

The meeting that followed continued for over a day, extending into the next.

“Then, let me summarize for the last time.”

Elian organized and presented the decisions made during the meeting.

“The mercenary unit, including Gren, will create public opinion that the Rebel Army has begun to move, centered around Lion. The direction we take going forward will be determined by how this public opinion is shaped, so please proceed with caution.”

“Leave it to us. Isn’t it enough to spread rumors that the rebellion was created because of issues with His Majesty Marius?”

“Along with rumors that Lion possesses the ability to sufficiently handle them.”

“That would be less disruptive to public sentiment.”

“That’s right.”

Nodding, Elian then spoke to Cecilia.

“Cecilia, please acquire as many of the items Valterias mentioned as possible. Ultimately, that is the most crucial thing for the rebellion to succeed.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll mobilize everything I’ve accumulated and sweep them all up.”

“I’ll inform my own merchant guild as well, so please cooperate and handle it.”

“Understood.”

Having finished speaking, Elian then looked at Haron and said,

“Haron, please contact the information guild, convey this fact, and gather information on the host. While I will also learn diligently, it’s best to operate under the assumption that I might not be able to use my ability.”

“If I find them, can I kill them?”

“……No. Report first.”

“Yes. Understood.”

Though a chilling remark passed by as if it were nothing, Elian let out a low sigh and moved on to the next topic.

“And Lion, Kirendis, Lucian, and I. The Imperial Guard will head to the capital.”

There was much to do in the capital.

They had to set a D-day by consolidating all the tasks mentioned so far and deploy people appropriately.

They needed to clear a path to storm the Imperial Palace, and prepare for the subjugation of the Black Dragon in case the operation failed.

“Lion and Lucian will consolidate the information brought by the Rebel Army and formulate the plan, and Jade will lead the Imperial Guard back and monitor the Imperial Family’s movements. And Kirendis and I……”

“The persuasion and coercion of the nobles.”

Kirendis said with a calm expression. His demeanor felt reassuring once again.

“Yes. We will use Kirendis’s title conferment ceremony to check Marius and divert attention.”

Elian’s sudden return, and Kirendis’s decision to support him.

This was enough of an event to steal Marius’s attention. The more their attention was divided, the higher the probability of the rebellion’s success.

‘It’s fortunate that Kirendis’s title conferment ceremony is happening now.’

A title conferment ceremony.

It was truly an unexpected event, but Duke Lipen had spoken to Kirendis about it for quite some time. He had said he would pass down his title once Kirendis came of age.

‘So that’s why he said he’d handle it himself.’

He was so confident because he was scheduled to receive his title within a few months.

The Rippen Ducal Family possessed the second-largest number of knights, right after the Imperial Family.

“Alright. Then, everyone, make sure you understand the contents.”

The meeting was over. But there was one last thing to convey.

Elian revealed the final plan to everyone.

“On the day the flag of glory is raised, we will assemble at the Imperial Palace.”

The words, resonating quietly, were etched into everyone’s minds. Elian shouted with a confident smile, “Operation, Commence!”

“Commence!”

And so, the prelude to the rebellion began.