EMPEROR'S RECKONING

1067 Clues and Curiosity

As the grand banquet celebrating the conclusion of the Felidora tournament came to an end, the attendees slowly dispersed, leaving behind the ornate hall of the palace. The echoes of laughter and joy still lingered in the air, a testament to the success of the event. The hall, once filled with vibrant colors and lively music, was now bathed in the soft glow of chandeliers, casting intricate patterns of light and shadow on the floor.

Lyon, the enigmatic emperor from a distant land, had surprised everyone with his casual demeanor and willingness to immerse himself in the festivities. He had danced with Karina, Kesya, Selena, and even Cecile, showcasing his remarkable adaptability to different styles of dance. It was a sight that left the onlookers in awe, especially King Leopold and Linnea, who were used to more rigid and formal settings.

As the last notes of music faded, Lyon led the ladies back to their respective seats, his charismatic smile still playing on his lips.

However, as the banquet concluded, Linnea was coming out of the restroom. She sought the emperor's presence but finds Sylas with his neck patched up.

"That's a good look on you," said Linnea.

Sylas sighed in defeat, "It's not like I didn't do the right thing, it's just that the actors playing are out of my league."

Linnea smiled knowing how they were played from the beginning by Lyon. The tournament was held by her father but the outcome was already determined by the presence of the emperor.

"Then again," Sylas looked at the staff cleaning the after-party. "The emperor Lyon Torga, the empresses, and one of the pillars. Now I know why he can put on a remarkable skill with the bow, rumor has it that only the Elven Emperor himself could beat him in archery."

"That good?" Linnea furrowed her brows. Archery was the realm of the elven race, like a fish that knows how to swim right from the moment they hatched. A human was generally out of their league when it came to archery, but the emperor just better.

"Incredible even," Sylas shook his head before he yawned, "Alright, even yawning hurts, but at least I still have my head attached to my neck, see you tomorrow."

Linnea looked at Sylas's back leaving the banquet. She traversed the hall with her head being muddled by Lyon's sudden visit and appearance, his sudden arrival that was out of any prophecy. However, as she traversed the corridor, she heard the voice that was of her father.

"Your majesty, we are humbled by your presence."

Linnea quickly rested her back on the wall, creeping up toward earshot.

On the balcony, beneath the soft glow of the moon, a solemn scene unfolded. King Leopold of Felidora knelt with dignified grace, his advisors did as well respectfully behind him. Their presence conveyed both reverence and a sense of urgency as they faced Lyon, the enigmatic emperor from history.

Lyon, unlike the formal atmosphere of the banquet hall, had adopted a more relaxed posture. He lounged on the ledge of the balcony, his gaze fixed on the starry canvas above. The night air was cool and carried a gentle breeze that rustled his attire.

The atmosphere was palpably tense, yet Lyon appeared unperturbed, almost as if he were having a casual conversation rather than a discussion of great importance. His aura exuded an air of authority and confidence that was undeniable.

King Leopold, his voice laden with a sense of humility, spoke first. "Emperor Lyon," he began, his tone carefully measured, "I must extend my sincerest apologies for any offense or discomfort my earlier actions may have caused you. It was not my intention to question your identity or your authority, but rather, to ensure the safety and security of my people."

Lyon, still gazing at the starlit sky, acknowledged the apology with a slight nod. His response was measured and calm. "I understand your concerns, Leopold. It is only natural to be cautious, especially in times of uncertainty."

The advisors behind the king exchanged glances, sensing a subtle shift in the atmosphere. It seemed that Lyon was willing to engage in a more amicable dialogue and the tension that had lingered since the tournament was beginning to ease.

Emperor Lyon's voice resonated with a mix of longing and determination as he inquired about his wife, Maria. "What can you tell me about Maria's whereabouts? Her disappearance has troubled me for far too long, and I am determined to uncover the truth."

"Maria The Benevolent," some of the advisors murmured.

"I'm afraid, after gathering all of the advisors, and all information from my connections we have yet to find anything," said Leopold. 𝘣𝘦𝑑𝘯𝘰𝘷𝑒𝘭．𝑛𝘦𝘵

"I see," Lyon quickly answered.

"T-Though," one of the advisors speaks up. "There is a certain rumor that a figure that resembled her traits was seen a few years ago, curing people in need."

Lyon's eyes turned serious as he sat on the ledge. He looked straight into the advisor's eyes. "Tell me more."

"Y-Yes, your majesty," said the advisor. "This figure always wore a cloak that covered the figure. The face was also covered with black clothes, revealing only the eyes. The figure rarely spoke, but that didn't stop this figure from healing the needs. Through magic, through concoction, the figure did it for a fee that even the poorest being in the realm could pay."

"A fee?" Lyon furrowed his brows. "What fee?'

"A flower," said the advisor.

"A flower...?" Lyon murmured.

Linnea furrowed her brows. ( Maria The Benevolent Empress, records said that she was the kindest out of the three. She was a very well-known light and life attribute cultivator and before she was the empress, she was sought by many in ranging generations. )

( Could she be linked...) thought Lyon.

"H-However, it was a few years ago, I wasn't even the advisor then," said the advisor. "S-So... It's a pretty long time."

Lyon shook his head, "A lead is a lead, I will scrape every clue I can get, thank you."

The advisor immediately humbled himself and knelt once more.

"Your Majesty, may I be impudent and ask something."

"Go ahead," said Lyon.

"Your presence here, were you always in First Hell?" asked King Leopold. His words bought his daughter's attention as well.

The captain of the knight had traversed the land and sea for many years, yet his whereabouts were unknown. If it was a powerful illusion, she was inclined to know the details.

"No," Lyon smirked before he stood on the ledge. He looked over the kingdom and beyond, then crossed his arms. "I've come from the Mortal World."

The king, Linnea, and the advisors were in shock.

"T-The Mortal World? But the path is sealed?! Is it not?" asked King Leopold.

"Don't believe me? Why don't you probe my cultivation level and sense them, I mean, your daughter did it," said Lyon ( Well, Kesya told me though ).

The revelation that Lyon's cultivation level remained undetectable left both Linnea and King Leopold in a state of astonishment. They had both assumed him to be a formidable cultivator, perhaps even on par with the most powerful figures of their realm. Yet, this unexpected truth shattered their preconceptions.

"Mana cultivator..." Leopold and Linnea muttered the same as their eyes widened.

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