Emperor's Reckoning



Underneath the velvety night sky, the grand banquet of Felidora unfolded like a dream woven with the finest silks of imagination. A thousand lanterns, their soft glow casting a warm embrace over the festivities, adorned the palace courtyard. Elaborate floral arrangements adorned every table, their fragrances mingling with the tantalizing aroma of exquisite dishes.

Musicians played sweet melodies, and dancers adorned in vibrant attire whirled and twirled in time with the music. The sound of laughter, clinking glasses, and jovial conversations filled the air, creating an atmosphere of joy and unity.

The palace itself, bathed in the soft radiance of enchanted sconces, stood regal and imposing, a silent witness to the merriment below. Its walls seemed to shimmer with the collective happiness of the kingdom, reflecting the dazzling fireworks that illuminated the sky in bursts of color.

The banquet was a tapestry of life and light, weaving together the diverse threads of Felidora's people, and celebrating the unity forged in competition and camaraderie. It was a night where differences were set aside, and the kingdom reveled in the shared spirit of festivity and triumph.

"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests and champions, today we celebrate not only the excellence displayed in our tournament but also the unity that transcends the boundaries of races. Felidora has always stood as a beacon of harmony, and tonight, we honor that legacy," King Leopold said with a glass of wine in his hand.

As the king commenced the banquet with a resonant speech, Linnea stood by his side, the embodiment of disciplined elegance. Her mother, a picture of grace and poise, added to the regal tableau. The crowd listened attentively, their eyes fixed on the royal family.

Lyon, Kesya, Selena, and Cecile, despite their varying backgrounds, shared a mutual respect for the occasion. Their attention remained steadfast on the king's opening words, out of respect for the host kingdom's traditions.

However, Lyon's naturally restless spirit soon got the better of him. His gaze wandered away from the king's voice, seeking the slightest hint of Karina's silhouette among the guests. But amidst the sea of faces and the grandeur of the occasion, finding her proved to be an elusive endeavor. It wasn't until the king concluded his speech that Lyon's search bore fruit.

Karina's entrance into the grand banquet hall was nothing short of spectacular. Her attire, adorned with intricate elven designs, accentuated her natural beauty and grace. As she moved through the crowd, all eyes were drawn to her, and whispers of admiration and curiosity followed her every step.

Nobles, both young and old, hastened to greet her with warm smiles and outstretched hands, eager to engage her in conversation or perhaps secure her for a dance. The air around her seemed to shimmer with an aura of mixed strength and elegance, a testament to her unique heritage. In this room filled with dignitaries and champions, Karina stood out like a radiant star, capturing the attention and admiration of all.

Lyon was entranced as he laid his eyes on her, but more importantly, he noticed both of her palms were there. Lyon smiled, acknowledging a nod to finalize the journey of healing her arms. It took him to hell but it was worth it to see the spirited Karina return.

"I guess it's off to the next adventure then," said Kesya. "Off to seek the last empress."

"Last but not least," said Selena. "I hope she didn't do any stupid thing."

"Her kindness is always her greatness strength and weakness," Cecile sighed.

"You're right," Lyon turned with his arms crossed. His eyes were sharp as he was contemplating. "There is no need for us to spend more time here any more than necessary."

"It's going to be like searching a needle in a stack of hey," said Cecile.

"We got no lead," said Kesya. "But maybe the king knows something?"

"A rumor is better than nothing," said Lyon nodding in agreement. He turned, but his eyes widened. A graceful blonde rested on both visible shoulders. She was not known for wearing formal dress, however, there she was. Her resplendent blue eyes were like small daggers looking at him. He was so lost in focus that he saw none of the glaring jealousy of the nobles lining behind her.

"Emperor, can I speak to him?" asked Karina. Her eyes filled with garments of yearning.

Lyon shook his head, "I'm afraid, you can't, there is really nothing that I can do to forcefully wake him up."

"Oh... is that so," Karina hung her head down.

"But you know, I'm also on borrowed time," said Lyon shocking the other three women as well.

"Wh-What do you mean?" asked Selena. "Darling, where are you going?"

"The sealed door is sucking you in, isn't it," said Cecile.

"Sharp as always," Lyon smiled and nodded.

"Wait, so Master has been holding himself all this time? Even when you fought her?" asked Kesya as she pointed at Karina. 

Lyon shrugged, "I did give it my all then." He looked at Karina with a smile, but to his surprise, she wasn't all in all shocked by the fact. 

"Ah, the number one and number two of this year's tournament," a regal voice immediately made their heads turn. King Leopold himself approached them.

"Your majesty," Lyon nodded his head.

The king smiled before his voice turned a bit cold, "What is your name?"

Linnea was by his side and merely looked at the event unfolding before her. Lyon looked around and saw that the attention of the whole banquet rested on his figure. Some were expecting, some were scowling.

"I can sense the tension in this room, what happened to the festive?" asked Lyon with a smile on his face.

"Your king demands an answer," said Linnea. "Answer truthfully or face consequences."

Lyon, with a playful glint in his eye, responded truthfully, "I am Lyon, Your Majesty."

The king's frown deepened, and in a sudden burst of anger, he purposefully thrust the goblet of wine he held toward Lyon, intending to shower him with its contents.

But before the wine could reach its intended target, Kesya, ever watchful and protective, intervened swiftly. She moved like a streak of lightning, her fist punching through the air and sending the goblet flying off course. The wine splattered harmlessly against a nearby pillar, sparing Lyon from an unexpected dousing.

Kesya was fueled with killing intent but it was a moment too late as Lyon occupied the master of the atmosphere.

His eyes were no longer amused. He dropped his nonchalant and daggering gaze radiating from his glance. "Have you not read the stories? My name is Lyon Torga, the emperor himself."

"You still—" The king furrowed his brows and raised his hand but Lyon continued and stepped forward.

"My wives are Cecile the War Empress, Selena the Blade and Void Empress, and Maria the Benevolent Empress. Two of three are present here. I have six followers who have grown into the six pillars of my empire, Graham, Assid, Kesya, Jan, Harvestasha, and Liu, Each of them led a battalion and every one of them could raze your kingdom faster than you could to brew tea."

The king was taken aback by the threat. He took a step back and radiated his aura to a greater height as the roar of the Holy Lion enveloped the banquet. However, the man in front of him was unshaken and approached him again, forcing the king to continuously take a backstep.

"I also trained under twelve mythical beings, one of them is the previous War God, and under his tutelage, I can withstand even the all-father's resplendent aura himself! Your roar is like a purr of a cat in front of the mighty Raja!" Lyon's imperial aura burst through.

The king stumbled before laying on the small stairs that led to the throne before Lyon stomped his foot right by the side of his head. He stared him down, "THAT... is my name."