Emperor's Reckoning



The gem seemed to sigh as if relieved to return to its rightful resting place. As Lyon closed the case, there was a palpable sense of reverence in the room. The crystal's secrets were once again safeguarded, and Lyon's identity as the emperor was cemented, at least for the time being.

"Y-You are him..." Wolfric mentioned with his lips trembling.

Wolfric's voice quivered as he uttered those words, his eyes locked onto Lyon with a mixture of awe, reverence, and perhaps a hint of fear. The revelation had left him stunned, realizing that the man before him was none other than the enigmatic emperor of ancient history.

The atmosphere in the room shifted dramatically. All eyes were now fixed on Lyon, their gazes filled with a mix of curiosity, astonishment, and respect. It was as if a shroud of mystery had been lifted, revealing the true identity of the man who had entered their lives so unexpectedly.

"I believe you asked us to join your lunch?" Cecile's words broke through the stiffened mood. 

Cecile's words cut through the tension in the room like a ray of sunshine through heavy clouds. Her smile was warm and inviting, and it seemed to ease the unease that had settled in the hearts of those present.

Wolfric, still in a state of shock, managed to stammer, "Yes, of course. Lunch... let's have lunch." He gestured towards the dining area, his composure slowly returning.

The group, with Lyon at the helm, followed King Wolfric toward the dining table, where an unexpected but undoubtedly intriguing meal awaited them.

The dining hall was a grand and opulent chamber, with a long, polished wooden table at its center. The table was adorned with glistening silverware and fine porcelain plates. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a soft, warm glow over the room.

As they took their seats, Lyon and his companions couldn't help but admire the luxurious surroundings. King Wolfric had spared no expense in hosting his esteemed guests.

The lunch itself was a delightful fusion of flavors and cuisines, a testament to the kingdom's culinary prowess. There were succulent roast meats, fragrant dishes of saffron-infused rice, and an array of colorful vegetables prepared with exotic spices. The dessert table was a masterpiece, featuring an assortment of decadent pastries and sweets.

King Wolfric couldn't help but voice his wonderment, his eyes still fixed on Lyon, who sat beside him rather than at the head of the table as kings often did. "You're a paradox, Emperor Lyon," he mused, his tone filled with curiosity. "Ancient, yet youthful. Powerful, yet humble."

Lyon, his demeanor relaxed and genial, responded with a smile. "Appearances can be deceiving, King Wolfric. Time has its ways of playing tricks on us all."

Amused by the notion of Lyon being described as "humble," Karina, Cecile, and Kesya couldn't suppress their laughter. Their giggles rang out in the elegant dining hall, causing a ripple of mirth among those seated.

Cecile, her eyes sparkling with humor, chimed in, "Oh, King Wolfric, Lyon is many things, but 'humble' isn't the first word that comes to mind."

"Oi."

Kesya, grinning mischievously, continued, "He's more likely to move mountains than to humble himself."

As the laughter of the ladies filled the air, King Wolfric chose not to join in with a boisterous laugh. Instead, he wore a wry smile, acknowledging the humor in the situation while maintaining the dignity befitting his station. 

After the lavish lunch, Lyon and his companions found themselves in a grand chamber adorned with towering walls that overlooked the sprawling kingdom below. The room was filled with a sense of grandeur, and the view was breathtaking. The kingdom stretched out as far as the eye could see, a testament to the power and influence of King Wolfric.

"I believe this is my turn to speak," said Lyon after he heard the doors creaking to a sealed close. He calmly received Wolfric's attention before continuing, "I've heard certain rumors about..."

Lyon recounted the rumor he had encountered and Leopold gave a nod as well.

"Ah yes, the mysterious kind figure that goes out of his or her way and cures those in need," said Wolfric. "However, it has been years since I heard of it, but what of this figure if I may inquire."

"I have a feeling that that figure is my lost wife, Maria," said Lyon.

"The Benevolent Empress?! I-I see, no wonder... yes, yes, indeed. The Benevolent Empress would definitely do something like that."

"Right now, I need information," said Lyon. "Anything would be useful."

King Wolfric sighed deeply and replied, "I'm truly sorry, Emperor Lyon, King Leopold. I don't possess any knowledge of your wife's whereabouts in the Mystic Realm or anywhere else for that matter. However, I do know of an exclusive auction that takes place here in the First Level of Hell. The owner of this establishment has connections that extend even beyond the reach of kings. It's possible that they might have information about your wife, or at the very least, connections that can lead us in the right direction."

"Auction..." Lyon pondered. 

"That's a good start if there is such a thing," said Cecile.

King Wolfric and King Leopold began to explain the intricacies of the exclusive auction they were about to attend.

Wolfric spoke first, "This auction is unlike any other you might have encountered. It's a clandestine gathering of the most influential and powerful figures in First Hell. It's said that the owner of this establishment has a network that spans across dimensions, allowing them to acquire and auction off items and information that are otherwise unattainable."

Leopold added, "The items on auction range from rare artifacts, enchanted objects, to highly sought-after information. The owner, known as the 'Silent Hermit,' is a mysterious figure who rarely appears in person. Instead, they communicate through intermediaries."

"And when is this auction opened?" Lyon asked.

Wolfric excitedly said, "It opens every single day."

Lyon nodded, absorbing the information. It was clear that this auction was not for the faint of heart. They would need to navigate a web of intrigue and power to get the information they sought. However, his smirk revealed his confidence.