The one entering the banquet hall was definitely Roxan.
He strode across the carpet with measured steps.
His white ceremonial uniform, adorned with gold, wrapped around his tall and sturdy frame, enhancing his presence.
Unlike his usual style with bangs covering his forehead, today his black hair was brushed back, revealing his forehead.
Sephia almost rose from her seat in surprise.
‘Roxan is Duke Leopold?’
But the Duke’s name was Claude.
At that moment, she realized her mistake.
She had only overheard the red-haired knight calling him Roxan; he never introduced himself by that name.
Confused, Sephia watched as Roxan reached the front of the platform.
He knelt on one knee before the platform.
This was their first encounter as Empress and Duke.
Was it a mistake?
Roxan’s lips slightly curved into a smile, a fleeting gesture that only Sephia seemed to catch, like a signal meant for her.
Then, returning to his usual expression, he reported to the Emperor.
“Claude Leopold. I have returned from subduing the barbarian tribes.”
The Duke, who had left for the battlefield a long time ago, could only return after the entire hierarchy had changed.
Although the banquet was essentially a show of power, many attended this Victory Celebration just to see the Duke’s face.
Even the old nobility mostly saw his face for the first time; he had left for the barbarian lands shortly after receiving his title.
Roxan and Demios locked eyes, an encounter as incompatible as water and oil, making everyone hold their breath.
“I welcome your return,” said Demios, in a gesture of courtesy.
Everyone knew the Emperor had placed the punitive force on standby.
But hadn’t he opened the city gates a week before the Victory Celebration?
The nobles speculated there must have been some deal between the Emperor and the Duke during this period of standby.
“I am currently surveying magic stone mines in the barbarian territories. Six have been discovered so far, and uncharted areas are being explored.”
The barbarian lands were a vast jungle cluster.
These ancient lands, breathing with old life, harbored rare magic stones due to the concentration of ancient magic.
Magicians, those who wield magic, derive their powers from these magic stones.
Finding just one magic stone mine could bring astronomical wealth.
And now, six mines had been discovered.
The barbarian lands were more than a goose that laid golden eggs; they were a treasure trove.
This was known, but untapped due to the rampaging barbarians.
The value of these lands was immense, beyond just magic stones.
The Duke had stabilized the lawless western regions, long plagued by barbarian invasions.
An achievement everyone coveted but deemed impossible, accomplished by the Duke.
The nobles looked at him with admiration.
“……You have done well. I commend your contributions, Duke,” said the Emperor, unable to disregard such a victory.
Demios, resting his chin on his hand, looked down at the Duke and asked, “What do you desire as a reward for your victory?”
The Duke had every right to request anything for the glory he brought to the empire.
Everyone focused on what he would ask for.
Part of the authority over the magic stone mines and the new territories had already been granted to him.
Would he ask for complete control over the barbarian lands? Or the undeveloped golden lands in the west, left untouched due to invasions?
Amid envious gazes, the Duke’s request was unexpected.
“I wish to be blessed by Her Majesty, the Empress.”
Sephia’s eyes widened at the unexpected mention.
The attention of those waiting for the Duke’s answer shifted to her.
‘Me, bless him?’
Blessings and benedictions were typically bestowed by priests, requiring divine power.
Although Sephia became the Empress of the Therianthropic Empire through an oracle, she did not possess divine power.
Demios’s eyebrows twitched.
He barely suppressed his displeasure and replied,
“……Such matters should be requested of the High Priest. If the hero of the Empire desires, he might come ashore from the ocean.”
The vast ocean.
In the embrace of the goddess, even the imperial authority seemed distant.
The Therianthropes of the sea worshipped the goddess alone, and only those who received a special baptism could become priests.
The Grand Temple lay deep in the ocean, connected to the islands beyond the eastern coastline.
The sea beings came ashore for one purpose only: to convey the goddess’s will.
Despite Demios’s sarcastic response, the Duke remained composed.
“One born under the star of Ishtar is akin to a saint of the Empire. Hence, you are fully qualified to bestow a blessing. Moreover, if you add a benediction, it would hold more power for me than the divine energy conveyed by the High Priest.”
With the Duke’s words, the Emperor’s expression turned fiercely sour.
Yet, Demios had no grounds to refuse the Duke’s request.
It was better to draw the line here before the Duke asked for something more excessive. Nevertheless, his disgruntled mood showed no signs of improving.
The Villainous Demon Lord Laid an Egg for Her (Female-Dominated)
Several months after transmigrating into a book, Yu Wu found herself facing the demon lord Li You, who could no longer conceal his dragon horns. With one hand on her aching waist and the other gripping a sharp sword, she stared at him.
The demon lord’s eyes were red with fury:
“This is all your doing! Today, I won’t rest until I kill you!”
Yu Wu rubbed her temples. Putting aside the taboo against bloodshed during pregnancy, wasn’t it this very man who willingly walked into her trap that day?!
Warnings:
- Male pregnancy.
- Height ratios are set to mirror typical male-female height proportions.
- Characters include a foot-loving demon lord and an eldest daughter from an immortal family’s concubine lineage.
