It was neither strange nor surprising that Aldwin Rochester revealed himself. He was the envoy from Caletta, and Caletta had kept its doors closed until Emperor Perseta forcibly opened the barrier, leading to an unavoidable diplomatic relationship.

So, now the newly appointed envoy from Caletta, a replacement envoy even, attending such an event and making a greeting was only natural.

It was natural for the envoy to convey the congratulatory words from the king or emperor he served. Anyway, today was a good day, and a banquet for the ladies was being held for the first time in 430 years.

However, the envoy who was delivering the message suddenly flipped his eyes and it was unimaginable for him to call the emperor he served.

“Rustica.”

Suddenly, only darkness crawled on the floor of the banquet hall, and emerald light gathered in front of the eyes, transforming into a man known to Ru.

At that moment, Melpius and Ophelia did not stop the man but pulled Ru away.

“Your Majesty, no, no. Let him go. Ru is not ready yet.”

Melpius created a spear of emerald light and blocked Ru who was trying to grab it, stopping him. He had learned from Hayden when he dealt with Delgao. He would not hesitate to stab this guy if he tried anything, and his eyes were full of determination.

“Ru, we’re here. You don’t have to do it yourself.”

Ophelia, too, surprised and calming Ru down, blocked his way just like Melpius.

A young sage had to be protected by other sages. The always calm and rational Ru, upon seeing Carlos, seemed to use force, which meant he had been pushed as much as he could bear.

Well, he must have suffered a lot in the East. Melpius remembered Ru, who couldn’t wake up for six days at the Acelot Palace, and showed a determined look toward Carlos.

“So, you finally became my successor. Congratulations.”

What a bastard. In the gathering of Perseita nobles, Emperor Caletta telling the young sage about succession. It was strange that Ru, who was clearly from Caletta, would look suspicious.

Veins popped on Melpius’s forehead. Although Ru stopped him from attacking, what if he beat this guy? If Emperor permitted it, it was possible. Dragonlords usually looked towards the emperor, and Hayden was somewhat surprised.

“A successor.”

Ophelia was already looking at Hayden with a shudder, touching her arm with goosebumps. A very bright light surrounded the banquet hall again, illuminating it.

However, from Hayden, who had brightly lit up the lights, a chilling aura emanated. It was a cold fear that had surrounded the Acelot Palace.

In the banquet hall, Imperialy began to gently push people to the edges. No, even before that, those who felt that something was strange were gradually stepping back.

“It is absurd to talk about the successor’s luck with the power that is not currently owned.”

Ophelia felt both the palpable chill and relief at the same time. She was relieved that the chill was on her side. The eerie air suddenly suppressed the light and illuminated Carlos, who appeared suddenly, without exerting force.

“It’s unconventional to cause an ill-mannered event without an invitation.”

Hayden’s low voice was powerful, and at the same time, it was so clear that it sounded as if it were right next to him, even at the edge of the banquet hall.

“Just to congratulate you even in the form for a moment, is it that you can’t even distinguish the actual person and the form?”

Carlos looked at Hayden as if he couldn’t understand, tilting his head naturally. It might have been something children would do, but he extended his long silver hair and wore a light white outfit. It looked like a being from heaven was moving slowly.

“Even if it’s a form, if you claim to be the emperor, there are certain things you shouldn’t expose recklessly, even the form.”
However, that appearance lost its mystery and seemed nothing more than the form of an ordinary person in front of Hayden. Both dignity and dazzling appearance faded away.

“As there’s no established etiquette for descent, you might not know that either. In Perseita, ancient etiquettes are already well organized. Please send it through the borders.”

Moreover, his presence was more frightening when facing the smiling Emperor Perseta. Ru felt the familiar presence instantly pressing down on the entire space.

“Ka, Katrin? Katrin! Snap out of it!”

“Lady Alanka has collapsed here!”

“Help us!”

Suddenly, a small commotion arose where people were gathered. Without looking in the direction where the attendants were urgently moving, Hayden stood still, gazing down at Carlos.

Ru just now realized that Carlos was slightly smaller than Hayden. There weren’t many people larger than Hayden, who approached 2 meters in height.

It wasn’t a situation to calmly look at both of them when they met before because Ru tended to doze off. However, seeing them like this, there was indeed a significant difference.