Chapter 906: Thanks
Chapter 906: Thanks
'He should have thanked the Rassec, too,' Khan thought, watching soldiers escort an ecstatic Moses into the arena's interiors.
Unlike Alice, Moses would remain on Baoway longer to receive Khan's tutoring. His family had prepared suitable quarters, but the arrangements needed tweaking depending on how many of Moses' relatives decided to stay with him.
Once the arena's doors closed, Khan had the entire stage for himself. Every camera and eye pointed at him, waiting for the announcement that would officially end the lengthy tournament.
Khan decided to take a silent moment to build expectations and mentally summarize his achievements. The tournament had definitely succeeded in improving his status and popularity. Its rewards, opportunities, and audience were also bound to make the entire Global Army beg for more, but Khan focused on different aspects.
Many descendants from minor and obscure families had fought on that metal floor. Hundreds of young men and women with bleak futures had seized the chance to prove to the Global Army that they could be more than simple soldiers. Some had even succeeded, starting events that would keep the network entertained for the months to come.
That was proper good. That was something Khan had almost given up on doing. All his compromises, sacrifices, and efforts had finally improved the lives of those outside his inner circle. It had taken a lot of blood, corpses, and countless tears, but Khan had truly started to shape the future for the better.
Of course, much could still go wrong. The Global Army's core institutions had remained unchanged, but it was a start, a trend that would continue and intensify as long as Khan existed. He had begun to change the same system that had punished him, and saving the younger generation from his same tragedies had always been one of his goals.
The tournament's benefits didn't only extend to the minor families. They weren't limited to Khan's fame and status, either. The event gave him the chance to improve his relationship with multiple alien species, obtaining technologies that attracted new and old allies. Khan had also found curious elements, broadening his perspective on the mana.
Nitpicks aside, the tournament had achieved and surpassed its lofty goals, forcing Khan to deem it a complete success. He didn't even need to wait to read the public opinion on the network. That absolute triumph was evident for everyone to see, meaning problematic cogs were already in motion.
'They will have to act now,' Khan thought, lifting his eyes at the stages. 'Everyone will.'
"Allow me to express my gratitude," Khan announced. "Your overwhelming participation is what made this tournament possible. I also hope my planet's hospitality met your standards. I did the best I could as a first-timer."
Roars filled the stages, giving Khan a clear answer. The tournament had ended, but the audience's excitement was still palpable.
"Thank you, thank you," Khan chuckled, lifting his hand to demand silence. "Before anyone asks, yes. I plan on repeating this event next year. The rules might change, but this tournament is set to return."
Another wave of excited cries washed over Khan. The distance between the stages and the battlefield gave the audience a false sense of comfort, leading to a few shameless shouts. Some even asked Khan to start the second tournament right away, but he only smiled upon hearing them.
"Now," Khan continued. "I think special thanks are due."
Khan pointed at the terrace, slightly lowering his head in respect. "I wish to express my gratitude to the Princes and Princesses who indulged my whims and odd rules. Their presence is what gives relevance to my tournament."
Applauses and more unfolded as screens zoomed in on the noble representatives. Khan was giving them the attention and respect their status demanded, perfectly abiding by the political rules of those environments.
"And if you wish to know how difficult it is to accommodate my whims," Khan added. "Just ask my Fiancée."
Some screens zoomed in on Monica, who shot a half-glare at Khan before exchanging cheerful jokes with the terrace's guests. The audience also laughed, enjoying that light- hearted joke.
"Additional thanks should be given to the Fuveall teams currently on the planet," Khan exclaimed. "They helped build the very seats you are sitting on, and I hope this is only the beginning of a long partnership."
A round of applauses unfolded, albeit short. The Fuveall had never stepped foot on the arena, so the audience's cheers didn't have much energy behind them. Still, that was to be expected. "I also wish to thank the Ef'i," Khan continued. "Tlexicpalli, know that your presence is very much appreciated. I hope my planet can welcome more Ef'i in the future."
Tlexicpalli lifted her clawed hand, earning herself more cheers than before. Still, she quickly glanced at the Thilku Lords, knowing they would follow.
"At last," Khan stated. "The greatest ally I could ask for. To the Thilku Empire, you have my deepest gratitude."
Khan performed a Thilku traditional bow, lifting the cape to assume the proper position. In response, Lord Exr and Lord Rsi stood up, imitating his gesture. That show of great respect didn't go unnoticed by those who knew the Thilku ways, but no one commented on it. "Very well," Khan exclaimed. "My first tournament is officially over. However, I hope you'll all stay for tonight's celebrations. It's your last chance to spend my money, so take it." Laughs and cheers filled the arena, and Khan waved his hand at the stages a few times before setting off. He instantly appeared on the terrace, and the guests promptly welcomed him.
"A fine speech," Lord Rsi said, beating the other guests to it and offering his six-fingered hand to Khan. "This tournament was quite pleasurable, [Blue Shaman]."
"I'll make the next more pleasurable, [My Lord]," Khan promised, shaking Lord Rsi's hand. "If you wish, you could be part of the planning."
"[Ah]!" Lord Rsi cried. "[The Blue Shaman knows it takes a Thilku to please a Thilku]."
"We can discuss that another time," Lord Exr intervened. "We'll have plenty of chances anyway."
Khan nodded as Lord Rsi retracted his hand. The Thilku had long since gained a stable footing on Baoway. Khan only needed to call, and an alien leader would arrive. The planet's unique location also favored travels from the Empire, making that distance almost nonexistent.
"I must insist you involve us, too, Prince Khan," Tlexicpalli joined the conversation. "Your entertaining tournament gave me many ideas I'd happily share."
"I'll obviously have room for the Ef'i," Khan swore. "Now, excuse me. I have to congratulate myself with Princess Virrai and Princess Montares."
The aliens let Khan go, and he only had the time to exchange a knowing glance with Monica before reaching the nobles. The four who had joined the final auctions were on the frontlines, aware Khan would address them.
"Your generosity was unexpected but well-received," Khan announced. "You elevated my tournament in ways I couldn't. Thank you."
"It's us who must thank you, Prince Khan," Princess Virrai responded. "Your tournament highlighted many hidden gems that are sure to improve our future."
"And the tournament itself was utmost enjoyable," Prince Catlee added. "A fine event
indeed."
"I admit it was a long endeavor," Prince Rassec complained. "However, I'm sure I'll miss these exciting days. My compliments, Prince Khan."
"There will be another next year, won't there be?" Princess Montares exclaimed, her polite smile hiding her slight distress. "I hope you can forgive me, but could I ask for a private moment with Prince Khan? I must finalize some details to convey them to my family."
Everyone understood how unusual that request was. The tournament had just ended. The time for celebrations had begun, and even Khan didn't try to escape them. He had to attend the final parties since he was the event's organizer.
Princess Montares was basically exposing her distress through that request, and connecting it to the auction didn't take a genius. Still, no one opposed her. Learning that information was more valuable than publicly contesting a fellow noble.
"I'll leave you in my Fiancée's capable hands," Khan said, witnessing the various nods and
short approvals.
Princess Montares seized Khan's elbow while the two headed for the terrace's back, crossing the lines of waiters to occupy the elevator. Khan dealt with the controls, taking the two into an empty area below the ground.
"That was unusual for you," Khan commented, escaping Princess Montares' grasp and walking deeper into the room.
"I overextended my hand," Princess Montares admitted, glancing at Khan's back before
lowering her head.
"The engagement?" Khan wondered.
"I don't have the authority to promise an engagement," Princess Montares confirmed, "But losing face before the Rassec... The alliances also had to be clear."
The auctions didn't only favor Khan's tournament and the targeted descendants. They also worked as public announcements where the nobles could show off their wealth and authority. The world now believed Princess Montares could arrange marriages inside her family, considerably elevating her position.
"You could always marry him yourself," Khan suggested, half-joking and half-serious about
the idea.
"You must make him the best," Princess Montares ordered, lifting her angry eyes to try to pierce Khan's seemingly uncaring back. "If you are even half of what you claim to be." Princess Montares couldn't finish her line since a boulder fell on her body. The scene in her vision changed. The warehouse-like room vanished, replaced by a bone armor immersed in blue light. Khan stared down at her with a hand planted on the wall behind her.
"Who do you think you are talking to?" Khan asked, clear danger in his voice. Princess Montares had every reason to feel terrified, but her mind opted for a different reaction. She lowered her head, leaning forward to place her forehead on Khan's bone armor.
He initially didn't understand why he didn't stop her, but the sniff that reached his ears
explained everything.
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Author's notes: Shoutout to Divine_Noel for the Magic Castle!