Emperor's Reckoning



Queen Mother Isabella's eyes widened in astonishment as the words reached her ears. The revelation that Lyon had once come so close to victory in an archery competition, only to be bested by an elf who was destined to be the Elven Emperor, struck her as a remarkable feat. A mixture of surprise and intrigue danced across her features, momentarily disrupting her regal composure.

But then, as quickly as the shock had taken hold, Queen Mother Isabella's melodic laughter ran across the courtyard. Her amusement washed away any trace of concern or awe that had momentarily clouded her thoughts.

"Oh, Lyon's wife, Selena, surely has an imagination that surpasses the realms of reality," she said, her voice sparkling with mirth. "To think that Lyon could have outshone an elf of such prestige and lineage! It must have been a grand tale spun to elevate Lyon's achievements."

Her laughter subsided, and Queen Mother Isabella regained her poise, a knowing smile gracing her lips. "But then again, even if it exists only in her adoring eyes. It is the devotion of a loving spouse, and we must cherish such unwavering support."

With a wave of her hand, Queen Mother Isabella dismissed the notion, her confidence restored. "Lyon may be a capable individual, but let us not inflate his accomplishments beyond reason. The second place in that archery competition remains a testament to his skill and dedication. We should commend him for his prowess while acknowledging the boundaries of reality."

As her words settled, Queen Mother Isabella's eyes glimmered with a blend of fondness and wisdom. She understood the importance of uplifting those we hold dear, even if it meant indulging in embellishments from time to time. For in those moments of exaggeration, love, and admiration found a fertile ground to flourish.

However, unlike the mother, the son was already half-believing the story that danced from Selena's lips. She said so so comfortably, without even a flinch of exaggeration from her body language. The subtle hint of truth made the young genius king ponder.

Meanwhile, the three students were more than half-believing the tale that Selena told. They had spent time with their fresh teacher and if they knew one thing, it would be him challenging the impossible. He triumphed in every possible way that they could never hope to match. He was aloof and serious, he was sharp and dull, his bearing will light as he wished, not what others wished of him. The person that had the confidence to challenge the structure of Second Heaven just might be the same person that was bested only by the once next-in-line for the Elven Emperor.

( Was that, beginner's luck? ) thought Rew as his eyes still widened. He was in the midst moment of holding his breath yet Lyon's arrow already zipping the air with such force that his ears could pick up only when the tip was already an arm away from the critical target.

"Here you go," said Lyon as he offered the bow back to Rew.

"Huh?" Rew snapped back into reality and turned. He saw the one who defeated his hand over the bow with another hand holding the growling stomach. "S-Sure."

Lyon nodded with a frown as he pranced his way toward Selena's side and immediately opened his mouth before he was served by his beloved lady. The two shared their love moments openly and made Queen Mother Isabella smile wryly at the two before she nudged his son.

"When are you going to get married?" asked Queen Mother Isabella with a definitive frown on her face whilst hands on her waist.

"Ah, Mother, not in front of the guests?" King Nyi smiled wryly.

"Never understood how come you don't get married at your age already, you're a queenless king, Nyi! When other neighboring kingdoms held a banquet, you always arrived alone," said her mother.

"Alright, Mother, that's getting too private," said King Nyi as he sighed, "When the time a woman emerged to be my destined partner, then I'll wed her."

"What? You want to marry a corpse?" said Queen Mother Isabella.

"What? No!" said King Nyi before Lyon's laughter followed.

As the laughter subsided, Nyi looked at Lyon before asking, "Lyon, we need to talk."

Lyon was given a spoonful of glistening soup before gulping it down with a nod. He stood up and Nyi followed the same.

"I will have to leave to discuss important matters with Lyon," said Nyi to his mother and the rest. He darted his gaze toward Lyon before nodding, "Let's stroll in the garden a bit."

"Alright," said Lyon. "Selena, take care."

"En!" Selena nodded with a bright smile.

"Safe trip, teacher!" said Reinhard.

"It's a damn garden, Reinhard," said Lyon as he left.

The trails of laughter at the picnic diminished with each step that they took. Lyon and Nyi strolled leisurely through the enchanting garden of the palace, their footsteps echoing softly on the cobblestone paths. The vibrant hues of blooming flowers filled the air with a delicate fragrance, while the gentle breeze rustled the leaves of ancient trees that stood as sentinels of time.

Amidst the verdant landscape, Lyon's gaze wandered, taking in the intricate beauty of nature's canvas. He marveled at the vibrant tapestry of colors that adorned the garden, each flower a testament to life's ephemeral yet breathtaking existence. Nyi, too, found solace in this oasis of serenity, finding respite from the weight of his responsibilities as king.

As they reached a secluded bench beneath the shade of a blossoming tree, they settled down, their eyes drawn to the panoramic view that unfolded before them. A kaleidoscope of colors spread across the horizon, stretching as far as the eye could see. Lyon and Nyi found solace in this fleeting moment of tranquility, momentarily detached from the demands of their roles.

"Lyon, I know you noticed that there is not a single person in the garden except us," said Nyi as his gaze landed on the flower beds swaying freely under the gentle brush of the wind.

"Quite perceptive," Lyon smirked as his legs took space on the bench and his arms were hanging on the back of it with his head looking above at the dancing branches. 

"Heh," Nyi's eyes returned to his original aloof self.

"Why did you choose to stay in Second Heaven?" asked Lyon as his eyes started to close.

"Obligations," said Nyi. "I never wanted to become a king."

"No kidding," said Lyon.

"Was it really that revealing for you?"

"Like babies without clothing."

"That's a really weird analogy."

Lyon shrugged.

Nyi sighed, "I've arranged what you asked for your students. They will be receiving the best tutor from my kingdom in an effort to level up their combat capabilities. Of course, the kingdom provides the provisions necessary as well."

Lyon opened his eyes before he glanced at the young king sitting beside him with brows furrowed, "Heh, I never thought that you would agree to such a thing, what is it you want?"

"Your corporation," said Nyi.

"My corporation?" Lyon frowned. "Elaborate."

"I'm gambling right now, Lyon and you are my piece," said Nyi as he met his eyes, revealing a determination within. "I can't leave Second Heaven as it is right now, Drogan is too dangerous to be left alone."

"I see," Lyon muttered. "You want to gain control of Second Heaven, just like Cae."

"Everyone wants that," said Nyi, "But controlling is not my goal."

"What is it then?"

"Between you and me, freedom," said Nyi as his eyes gazed at the blue sky. He caught the birds flapping their wings and gliding freely.

"You want to break away from the regal shackles that bind you?" asked Lyon. "You want to go to Third Heaven?"

"Third Heaven, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Paradise, even Mortal World and beyond," said Nyi. "I want to taste the Three Realms with my own tongue, see the realms with my own eyes, smell the with my own nose. hear them with my own ears, and touch them with my own skin, adventure romance."

"So it's not just regal shackles," said Lyon. "But parental as well."

"Heh," Nyi smirked. "It's great that I'm talking to someone as sharp as you."

"You want to create safe haven for your parents so that when you leave, you worry less," said Lyon as he crossed his arms. "However, you think it will all be over once I killed Drogan?"

"Hahaha, it's amazing how light you can say that," said Nyi. "To answer your question, I-I don't know, but I know that the hurdles will be less, and once I abdicate myself..."

The young genius king paused as he couldn't utter another word. He took a deep breath and made a wry smile, "I will disappoint them for sure."

"My mother said, there is no such thing as a perfect child," said Lyon. "However, if the child always abides by their parents or traditional will, is that the success of the parents or the failure of one?"

Nyi was taken aback by the wisdom that emanated from Lyon's words.