Editor : Amethyst00



After the subjugation of Zorua.

The Lordren Empire was thrown into an uproar.

First, there was the shock that the Hero Slayer who long thought to have been defeated ages ago, had resurfaced and was active once more. The 2nd cause was the revelation that the Council of Elders from Zerdinger had been in collusion with the Hero Slayer.

"Goodness. What a disgrace to the family. Such a disgrace to the family!"

Celia clenched her fist, her face still burning with anger.

Watching her, Chelsea standing beside her with arms crossed, let out a small sigh.

"That's why His Majesty the Emperor has hosted this grand imperial party for the first time in ages."

Zerdinger was the backbone of the Lordren Empire.

Therefore, when Zerdinger was shaken, the effects rippled across the entire Lordren empire.

Currently, Zerdinger was overwhelmed dealing with the aftermath of expelling the Council of Elders.

However, the internal situation wasn't as chaotic as expected.

While the Council was undoubtedly a powerful faction within Zerdinger, not all forces led by it had caused trouble in the incident.

Those who were purged were, more precisely, the top brass—the leadership of Council of Elders.

"If this had escalated into a civil war…ugh, I don't even want to imagine."

Celia shuddered.

The whole empire might have been engulfed in war.

At any rate, contrary to external assumptions, Zerdinger's internal affairs were stable.

The issue lay with the outside.

The rumors of a traitor had emerged from Zerdinger spread like wildfire across the empire.

Since the beginning of Lordren's history, Zerdinger had served as the empire's sword and shield.

So when a disgraceful event had occured in Zerdinger naturally caused widespread anxiety among the citizens.

In a time where the entire world was unstable.

Rumors begat more rumors, and at the end, there were high probability that entire empire would be shaken.

To prevent that, the Emperor of Lordren held a party to showcase Zerdinger's stability before such situation could occur.

The party invitations went out not only to the nobles of the Lordren Empire but also to influential commoners who ran large merchant groups.

"You two. What are you chatting about so animatedly."

At that moment, Shasha with her face covered by a veil, approached between the two.

With the appearance of Shasha, the empire's crown princess and next empress, all eyes which already focused to the group, become even more intense.

"Oh my~ How beautiful all three of you are."

"They truly are the flowers of the empire."

"They're already this beautiful, just imagine how dazzling they'll be when they're a bit older."

Direct descendants of Zerdinger and Lewellin,

And even the empire's next ruler.

Not only that, but they were also top of their class at Lumene. With the three gathered in one spot, journalist busily capture photos with magical artifacts.

"Come on, smile and wave your hands"

"Why are you here? Shouldn't you be over where Rhys-oppa and Abad are?"

"Exactly! The crown princess should be with the successors who will lead the future empire!"

Celia and Chelsea muttered just loud enough for Shasha to hear.

While they were in lord-retainers relationship in public, but they'd been friends since childhood and were on casual terms in private.

"Aren't you two being a bit cold to a friend? Really, sunbaes."

Once the crowd's attention had dispersed somewhat, Shasha pouted.

"By the way, I heard Rhys-oppa has a big announcement. What is it?"

Shasha looked at Celia with a curious expression.

Celia looked slightly troubled, then whispered quietly.

"Rhys-oppa is getting married. To Torua-sunbae."

"What?!"

Shasha's face twisted in shock.

She quickly composed herself as everyone's eyes shift toward her.

"Well, I guess that'll settle the unrest."

The heir of Zerdinger getting married was a joyous occasion for the empire too.

Especially since his bride was the famous Torua Yan.

People who loved to spin tales were sure to chatter excitedly about how the two, former classmates had walked the halls of Lumene together.

The Council of Elders incident would likely fade into the background for time being.

"Congratulations. What a celebration indeed."

"Yeah, it's a celebration. I've suddenly become an aunt as well."

"Oh my?"

Shasha's eyes widened.

"As the next empress of Lordren, not having to worry about Zerdinger's successor is definitely something to be welcomed for. Ho ho ho!"

Shasha who had been smiling elegantly, covering her mouth slightly with her hand before wore a sly expression.

"Come to think of it, Rhys-oppa is a man after all. I thought he was a perfect gentleman, but he caused trouble in that way too."

"He's an adult who knows how to take responsibility, after all."

Celia swept back her hair and sighed softly.

Just then—

"Oh? It's Niel-nim and Marcel-nim."

Shasha spotted Niel and Marcel facing into each other in the middle of the ballroom.

A moment of silence passed between them before both turned abruptly and walked away in opposite directions.

Watching them, Shasha clicked her tongue.

"Looks like Niel-nim and Marcel-nim's relationship has grown even colder than before."

"I'm a little worried too. Niel-unnie has been staring at Marcel's photo recently. And every time I catch her doing it, she tears the picture in half."

"Why is that? Is it some sort of curse or something?"

Shasha frowned seriously.

Given the animosity between Niel and Marcel, it didn't seem impossible.

Listening to their conversation, Chelsea mumbled quietly, lips pursed.

"Is causing drama the latest trend these day…?"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"There is such a thing."

Chelsea answered Celia nonchalantly.

At that response, Celia and Shasha looked puzzled.

"By the way…"

Shasha suddenly sparkled as she looked around the hall quickly.

"Where's Leo-sunbae?"

"Leo's busy with all kinds of things. He said he might not even sure if he could attend the party."

"Really? That's a shame. He's the talk of the town right now."

Shasha looked disappointed.

But at the same time, her expression showed she understood.

"Inheriting the throne is complicated matter. I heard they're even changing the country's name too?"

"Yeah. It'll be called Arhi."

"Arhi… the 'beginning'…"

Shasha's eyes gleamed.

"But still, it's kind of scary that Leo-sunbae will be king."

"Why scary?"

Chelsea asked, puzzled. Shasha giggled.

"Leo-sunbae has a famous nickname, you know"

"What nickname?"

"The Demon King."

Chelsea and Celia's faces stiffened slightly at Shasha's words.

It was a name he'd earned due to the terrifying display he shown back in their 2nd year.

Recalling Leo's serious demeanor at that time, Chelsea and Celia both shivered.

Just then, a stir began at the ballroom's entrance, and Leo appeared there.

Clad in a pristine white tailcoat, Leo's presence caused Shasha to clasp her hands together and squeal, "Kya~!"

"Leo-sunbae!"

With Dade and Reina following behind, Leo entered the ballroom, drawing everyone's eyes.

He was the unprecedented youngest president of Lumene's student council and one of the most famous heroes in the world.

On top of that, he hadn't shown his face at any official Lordren events since becoming a direct descendant of Zerdinger, making the interest in Leo all the more intense.

Celia gently pressed down on Shasha's shoulders, who was practically bouncing up and down with excitement.

"Maintain your decorum, Your Highness the Crown Princess."

"You see him at school all the time, why are you so excited?"

Chelsea scolded her too. Shasha glared.

"You're in the same year as Leo-sunbae, so you don't get it! Even the seniors in year 4 and 5 hardly see him! So imagine how it is for us first-years?"

Celia and Chelsea looked at each other in surprise.

"Indeed. Leo-oppa doesn't really interact much with the other grades."

During the first semester, he had plenty of interaction with the 1st year due to the mentorship system.

But from the 2nd semester onward, first-years had little to no opportunity to meet Leo.

Not only that, even seniors barely saw him.

In Lumene, senior students hold significant status.

But even that status lost its shine after Leo rose to hero status.

Among the upperclassmen, only Lyl from 4th year and Elena from 5th, both class representatives were on casual terms with Leo.

"Just being able to smile and chat with Leo-sunbae is an insane privilege! A privilege! Ugh! I'm so jealous! If I'd known, I would've entered school the same year as you!"

Watching Shasha lament in earnest, Celia let out a helpless sigh.

'Oh right, she's a member of Leo's fan club.'

While the three girls chatted—

"Everyone's here, huh."

Leo approached.

"Leo-sunbae~"

Shasha beamed and waved at him.

Seeing the usually reserved crown princess smile so brightly shocked the surrounding nobles.

"Leo-sunbae! Please dance with me during the dance time!"

"If I feel like it."

"Ah~ That aloof tone. So cool."

As Shasha swooned, Celia whispered to Chelsea.

"Can she really be empress?"

"She's good at pretending. So it's should be fine."

Shasha, glaring at her childhood friends who teased her, tried to step on their feet sneakily.

But of course, the two weren't so easily tricked.

While the three girls growled at each other out of sight, Leo looked around.

"Where's Abad?"

"I'm here. Sorry I'm late."

"I had to escort my mother."

"Ahh."

Abad approached with a smile and turned to Shasha.

"Shasha. His Majesty was looking for you."

"Ugh! Why now, of all times?"

Shasha looked frustrated.

"Leo-sunbae! Don't forget to dance with me!"

Saying that, she grabbed her hem of her dress and dashed off.

After Shasha left, Leo checked that no one nearby was listening before speaking.

"It's not confirmed yet."

"Hm?"

"Starting from 3rd year, Lumene might introduce a new subject and mission related to Tartaros."

At those words, the expressions on all three turned serious.

"How should we prepare?"

"It about the history of the Legions."

"History of the Legions?"

Celia frowned.

He must be referring to the Legion commanders of Tartaros and the legion that followed them.

"Can't you tell us more?"

"It's still not certain."

Leo himself knew very little about the Legion records.

'I'll have to talk to Rian about it.'

"Use the communication network to spread the word to the students."

Celia nodded at his request.

"3rd year is when full-scale missions begin. School life will get hectic, so get enough rest now."

Hearing that, Celia smiled faintly.

"I'm ready."

"I can't let you and Carl keep getting ahead. I'll catch up in 3rd year."

Leo smiled at Abad's words.

"I'm looking forward to it."

"Still, can't believe we're chasing after Carl now."

Chelsea clutched her head and shook it.

Leo chuckled at the sight—

Dance music began to play.

People naturally started to dance in the ballroom.

Noble youths around Leo's age began glancing toward their group.

At those gaze, Abad stepped forward with a chuckled and held out his hand.

"May I have this dance, my Lady?"

Celia looked at Abad's extended hand, then took it with a faint smile.

"Gladly."

The two stepped into the center of ballroom.

Gasps erupted all around.

For two people famous for being arch-rival to dance together was a remarkable sight.

Chelsea clicked her tongue at the scene.

"That'll stir up a whole new wave of gossip, won't it?"

Muttering to herself, Chelsea widened her eye as Leo offered his hand toward her.

"I thought you might fancy a dance."

At those words, with bunny-wide eyes, Chelsea still gazing up at Leo, gave a shy smile, then took his hand and stepping into the ballroom.

"I've noticed from before, Leo-oppa, you're surprisingly good at dancing."

"I learned it as a part of formal etiquette."

"It's feels like more than just etiquette?"

"Learning from Luna helped me a lot too."

"Ahh."

Chelsea nodded as if she understood.

"By the way, why did you decide to change Tonkan kingdom's name? Knowing your personality, I thought you'd leave it as it is."

Chelsea looked puzzled. Leo smiled faintly.

"It was the name of our old subjugation squad."

"Huh?"

"The Erebos Subjugation Squad. It was called Arhi. Lysinas came up with it."

"Ahh."

Chelsea nodded in surprise.

'Arhi was the name of the Erebos Subjugation Squad?'

That party name of the great heroes were secret not recorded in history until now.

Learning it now, Chelsea was deeply surprised.

Still marveling at this new fact, Chelsea suddenly asked, wanting to satisfy her personal curiosity.

"Was Lady Lysinas good at dancing?"

Leo chuckled at the sudden question.

"Not at all."

"Wow~ that's unexpected"

"She was secretly just a strong klutz."

Chelsea looked fascinated.

"Talking to you, Leo-oppa, always reveals the unexpected sides of the great heroes."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Like how Lysinas was actually good at deceiving people, that was a shock to me. Oh, that reminds me…"

Chelsea smiled as she recalled something.

"Remember when you used a Nightmare spell on me and the Wisdom students back in Dragonia?"

"Yeah. You said you met Lysinas there."

Leo had deliberately made Lysinas appear.

Nightmare usually pits you against the one you least want to fight, but the caster can influence the illusion too.

"When I told that Lysinas she looked worse than her portrait, she actually got kinda mad. Was that her true personality?"

At those words, Leo asked.

"She got mad?"