Chapter 149

“Your Highness, returning to Glostin may not be as smooth as you think.”

“Oh? Why not?”

“What happened in the Soren Mountain Range is ultimately a hidden danger.”

“You mean the part where you were possessed by two major demons?”

“Exactly. For a human, especially one stripped of their divine factor and shunned by the Church, being corrupted by demons is quite common. So once we return to the Imperial Capital, there will surely be people trying to make a fuss about it.”

“Then how should we respond?”

“There are two ways.”

“What are they?”

“First, consider the option to ‘abandon me’ if necessary.”

“And then you’d be happy to bolt back a hundred millennia later with that wretched woman? Are you trying to give me a heart attack?!”

“Please, Your Highness, don’t bite. I still have a second plan.”

“Spill it.”

“Since there will always be folks looking to attack you over this, why not hit back? Instead of letting this thunderbolt stay in their hands, we can detonate it ourselves, letting them taste their own medicine.”

“How do we do that?”

“Once we reach the Imperial Capital, we’ll split up. You take them to the Council Hall for the award ceremony, while I find an opportunity to stir up some trouble—preferably something big enough to catch the Emperor’s attention.”

“At that time, they won’t be able to resist taking a bite out of me.”

“Are you confident?”

“Of course! After all, we have Miss Witch’s support. I—ow! Your Highness!!!”

“From now on, do not refer to that wretched woman in front of me!”

“Your Highness?”

The sudden call snapped the somewhat dazed Ivyst back to reality.

Instinctively, she lifted her champagne glass to her mouth, taking a slight sip to hide the almost imperceptible smile at the corner of her lips.

Meanwhile, Ivyst’s bright red eyes lifted to meet those of Afia before her.

“What’s up?”

She said lightly.

Clearly, Ivyst was in a decent mood.

Even in this very annoying situation, she had little to complain about.

The banquet had begun.

The Council Hall was bustling, with musicians playing delightful dance tunes on the stage.

The long dining table was draped with an exquisite patterned cloth, adorned with expensive silver candlesticks, and filled with a variety of cold dishes like steak, desserts, and fruits for anyone to grab.

Over two hundred guests had already arrived, not counting the attendants.

Anyone attending tonight’s award ceremony was either a high-ranking royal member or a well-known noble from Glostin.

Even Princess Shirina, Second Prince Felix, as well as the Sixth Prince and Ninth Princess were present at this grand banquet.

They were surrounded by many people, engaging in conversation.

The scene was nothing short of magnificent.

The entire Council Hall was opulent, with crystal chandeliers dripping with bright yellow light, and the floor’s tiles gleaming with golden patterns—a display of luxury everywhere.

In the center of the hall stood a brass statue several meters high, depicting a tall, imposing man with a regal demeanor, wearing a holy crown and royal attire, mounted on a noble steed with its front hooves raised high.

This was a commemorative statue of the founder of the Saint Roland Empire, Saint Roland I.

Every time the nobles and politicians who frequented the Council Hall saw this statue, they were reminded of the empire’s former glory.

At this moment, the subordinates from Augusta Manor gathered in small groups near Ivyst.

In the process, they endured the sly and scrutinizing gazes from many of the nobles present.

For the local nobles of Glostin, they were merely bumpkins from the border.

Just being allowed into the Council Hall for the award ceremony was a rare honor.

Afia, dressed in a stylish gown, seemed unaccustomed to such scrutiny.

After hearing Ivyst’s inquiry, she murmured, “I just heard that the order of the award ceremony has been unexpectedly adjusted. Originally, the latecomer, Captain Xia, was supposed to go after us, but now they’ve been moved ahead.”

Upon hearing this, a hint of anger flickered in everyone’s eyes.

Handling the Level 0 Sealed Item incident and defeating a Fifth Stage Legend demon were apples and oranges.

Those damned folks had not only erased Lynn’s significant contributions but were also attempting to undermine the glory that should have belonged to them.

Truly despicable!

Ivyst slowly raised her gaze.

In the Council Hall, on the high platform beneath the brass statue, stood a middle-aged man with a regal bearing, wearing a crown and exuding a subtle golden glow—like a divine being—holding a staff. It was none other than the supreme ruler of the empire, Sixth Saint Roland, Calderon.

Alongside him stood several powerful attendants.

Though few in number, any one of them could sway the empire—they were top-tier figures among the elite!

One elderly man in red clerical robes had intricate golden patterns embroidered all over his attire, embellished with various gemstones, giving him a look both ostentatious and sacred.

Noticing Ivyst’s gaze, he offered a kind smile and nodded at her.

However, Ivyst showed no kindness in return, her eyes flashing coldly.

The sudden adjustment in the award ceremony order was likely this old fool’s doing.

She knew full well that this man was no easy opponent.

Beneath his seemingly affable exterior lay an odious old fox.

Not only had he prophesied during her childhood that she would bring disaster to the world, but he was also indirectly responsible for the Bartleyon Family’s decline and the stripping of Lynn’s divine factor.

The cardinal of the Church of Heavenly Justice and also one of the seven electors, Connor Gregory.

With just those points alone, it was enough to cement a bitter rivalry between Ivyst’s camp and him.

“Calm down,”

Ivyst said faintly after a moment of silence.

Recalling her agreement with Lynn, she chose not to get angry but prepared to stand back and watch.

Moreover, she had forcibly activated the Teleportation Array to fulfill Lynn’s wish, resulting in a significant loss of power, leaving her somewhat weak for the time being.

Thus, this was not a good time for a confrontation.

Though the others felt wronged, they didn’t dare to say much more, opting to sulkily sip their drinks instead.

This awkward scene stuck out like a sore thumb to the surrounding nobles and royals, only making them chuckle more.

But since the Sixth Saint Roland was currently speaking on stage, they didn’t dare to act out.

“Now, I will personally award the military merit medals to the empire’s warriors. This is proof of your valor and glory soaked in blood!”

The Sixth Saint Roland raised his staff and lightly tapped it on the ground.

With a wave of invisible power, a crisp sound seemed to take form as ripples spread into the hearts of everyone present.

The awarding ceremony had officially begun!

Just when everyone assumed it would proceed smoothly, suddenly, a hurried figure rushed up onto the platform from the side.

This was a court earl under the Sixth Saint Roland, looking grave as he leaned in to whisper something to His Majesty.

Upon hearing the news relayed by the court earl, the Emperor’s previously dignified and solemn face immediately darkened with anger.

“This is absolutely outrageous!”

“Notify Adeline to lead the Silver Wing Knights to handle this matter! Make sure to bring that audacious troublemaker to the Council Hall! I want to interrogate him personally!”

Once the court earl received his orders and left, the anger in the Sixth Saint Roland’s eyes didn’t subside.

Moments later, the stern Emperor spoke again, this time addressing all the guests.

“Who does this Lynn Bartleon belong to?”

His sharp gaze swept over the crowd below, chillingly inquiring.

Upon hearing the Sixth Saint Roland’s sudden question, the awarding ceremony had to pause momentarily, and everyone exchanged glances, seemingly trying to figure out who this Lynn was.

When several people realized his surname, many fell silent, astonished.

Greya and Morris exchanged glances, gasping in shock.

They chugged their drinks, trying to drown their astonishment and discomfort.

Aside from Augusta Manor, many others felt somewhat familiar with this name.

In the crowd, the Second Prince Felix instinctively lowered his head.

As expected.

Wishing for you to return to the Imperial Capital was indeed the right call.

It’s only the first day, and you’ve already stirred up enough trouble to catch Father’s attention.

However, the head of the Mosgra Family is right here, and the Cardinal of the Church of Heavenly Justice is also present.

Facing these two former enemies, how are you planning to respond?

I’m genuinely curious.

The silver-haired youth curled his lips into an almost imperceptible smile.

Meanwhile, not far from Felix, Princess Shirina’s expression was unusually strange.

She subtly frowned, seemingly surprised to hear that guy’s name in such a serious gathering.

Beside her, Xia’s eyes glinted with anger, his fists clenched instinctively.

And Tia, quietly staying in a corner, couldn’t help but recall their previous encounter, her lips unconsciously biting down.

That damned guy, why can’t he just disappear?

She took a deep breath, trying to suppress her irritation.

At this moment, the entire Council Hall fell into silence, everyone lost in thoughts about this unexpected individual.

Seeing no one responding, the Sixth Saint Roland turned his gaze toward his third daughter, Ivyst.

In that instant, their eyes met in midair.

Her bright red eyes carried no emotion yet seemed to hold a hint of mockery.