Emperor's Reckoning



The individuals, encouraged by their own numbers and their perception of Lyon's supposed vulnerability, began taunting him with snide remarks and mocking laughter. Their words were meant to provoke a reaction, to chip away at his composure and confidence. They belittled his appearance, background, and audacity to challenge them in front of the princess.

"Look at this one," one of them jeered, "a cultivator with delusions of grandeur."

"Did you wander into the wrong realm, little mortal?" another sneered, feigning concern.

The taunts grew more pointed, attempting to goad Lyon into a rash response. They wanted to see frustration or anger, to prove their own supposed superiority.

Princess Yala observed the interaction with an arched eyebrow, her amusement turning into genuine interest. Lyon's restraint impressed her, and she could discern the undercurrent of power in his demeanor. She wondered how he would navigate this delicate situation and whether he would rise above these provocations. The ball was now in Lyon's court, and the room held its breath to see how he would play his hand.

One of them stood with arms crossed. His figure was towering, and his gaze condescending. He snorted at Lyon, "Move away, you're wasting the princess's breath."

Lyon smirked, he made a deliberate movement to cross his arms. "Oh, I'm sorry, are you all Princess Yala's consorts? Please I do apologize if that's the case."

The demi-human was startled as well as the atmosphere. He had not anticipated that Lyon would put him on a pedestal of no self-awareness. 

Princess Yala was surprised at first, intrigued, before giggling. She had anticipated flee, but not an articulate counter.

"What's wrong? Tongue stuck in your fangs?" Lyon clicked his tongue shaking his head, "No way that you are her consorts, you all can't even look at her straight."

"Y-You!!" the demi-human glared and raised his hand.

"Violence, I don't think the Astral Arcane would like that?" asked Lyon with a smile. "But no matter, it's not like I have anything else to say to the princess anyway."

Lyon peeked over and winked at the princess, "We will meet again outside of these walls, princess."

Lyon turned around and walked away nonchalantly from the scene, leaving the angry mob to seethe their fangs. The group followed behind them, but Linnea was in awe at his prowess in handling the situation. Such masterful steer from the emperor himself. However, the two kings could sigh in relief. Would they were to be involved further, things would go awry for their kingdoms, something that was more than their lives.

Princess Yala was thoroughly amused by Lyon's response to the mob's taunts. Instead of succumbing to their provocations or engaging in a heated exchange, he countered with a calm and collected demeanor, wielding words like a skilled diplomat. His articulate and strategic responses left the mob members speechless and, ultimately, defeated.

As Lyon gracefully exited the scene with a triumphant smirk, he left an indelible impression on those present. His victory in this verbal battle showcased not just his wit but also his ability to maintain his composure under pressure. Yala found herself genuinely intrigued by this enigmatic figure.

Observing the mob members turning to her, pledging to take care of Lyon if she wished, Yala chuckled softly. Her eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint as she played along with their theatrics.

With a graceful nod, Yala accepted their assistance. "Thank you for your concern," she replied, feigning vulnerability. "I would appreciate having your protection as I leave this place. Who knows what mischief he might be planning?"

The mob members, eager to serve the princess, stood ready to escort her and ensure her safety. Yala couldn't help but be entertained by this turn of events. Lyon had unknowingly become the subject of a game she intended to play, one that would unravel more about the mysterious emperor who had caught her attention.

As Lyon made his way out of the bustling crowd, the kings, Wolfric and Leopold, caught up with him. They exchanged pleasantries and bid their goodbyes, each expressing their appreciation for the encounter and the intriguing events of the auction.

"An unexpected encounter, but a most interesting one," Wolfric remarked, acknowledging Lyon's audacity in the face of potential trouble.

Leopold added, "Indeed, an emperor's adventure knows no bounds."

Lyon smiled and nodded in agreement. "Thank you for your company and the entertainment. Next time, I'll bring unique delicacies from my empire. Grilled Grand Leviathan with a glaze of honey sounds alright."

"G-Grand..."

"L-Leviathan?!" 

Both kings exclaimed with their jaws dropped. The words might sound like a jester, but the one who spouted it was also an emperor. His history spoke true of himself, perhaps only he could have such richness. To hunt a magnificent beast who ruled the deep sea, one swept of its tail said to bask the ocean with torrents.

Cecile giggled, "Why don't we ask them to join us fishing?"

"Oh right, that would be great! Hahaha!" Lyon laughed.

"F-Fishing!?" both exclaimed. ( You call hunting a Grand Leviathan... FISHING?! ).

Linnea was lost for words.

"Just be careful not to slip and get into its gigantic mouth though," said Kesya with a grin.

"Speaking from experiences I see," said Selena. "I'm starting to suspect that it's a fetish of yours, Kesya."

Kesya lowered her head, "S-Sorry... but... somehow its jaw seemed to homing at me."

"You got eaten before?" asked Linnea.

"Ten out of nine times," said Cecile before sighing. 

"You mean..." Linnea was confused.

"She got eaten twice by the same beast," said Lyon before bursting out laughing. "But she makes a good bait."

"That's cruel!" Kesya playfully punched Lyon's back.

With that, they parted ways, Lyon's mind already racing with plans and thoughts about the enigmatic tome and the princess who had piqued his curiosity.

"You saw those eyes of Linnea?" asked Cecile.

"Yeah... she yearned for it," said Kesya as she looked at the subject of the matter. "The call for adventure."

"Oh, I thought you meant something else," said Lyon.