Chapter 168: Chapter 166: Respect The Strong

Chapter 166: Respect The Strong

Aurora greeted the Cernunnos academy students who came with Elder Kernen and Rupert.

Seeing a thundering gorilla at this kind of party was certainly eye-catching, but Rupert was with the other thundering gorillas at the party, chatting animatedly in a corner.

This party was about getting to know each other, so interacting was vital, and more importantly, getting Cernunnos Academy and Hero Academy to know each other was also important.

While very few students came to this party, getting to know each other in advance would help, then communication would be smoother for when they cooperated in the future.

After those talks, more people than Aurora expected approached to engage in conversation or introduce themselves to the different students of the academy.

Leaders of adventuring guilds, mercenary groups, and well-known heroes came to give their greetings.

Some revealed intentions to recruit them for their guilds and their groups, but others, like the heroes, came to give some good feedback for the tournament.

The guests who came in were not members of recognized guilds or heroes, but important figures in national and international politics.

Aurora saw some presidents from the regions under the South American Empire and also saw presidents, ministers, and ambassadors from different nations around the world.

On a public level, Emperor Victor had a bad reputation, but no politician would go by rumors, and even more so when it came to an individual as strong as he was.

The SSS-Ranks earthlings in the world were counted on the fingers of one hand.

For this reason, no one missed the opportunity to visit the emperor.

They also saw individuals from big companies, high-ranking individuals among the South American military, and members of the Church of Order or the Church of Time and Space.

The students had already spread out throughout the party and even though they all entered through the same place, most of those important figures made their way to the main hall.

That reduced stress for students who were not used to heavy atmospheres or relevant figures.

Musicians playing in a corner helped the students relax and loosen up.

These musicians were psionics who gave positive mental effects to their music and while it could be resisted, it was harmless.

The students had already spread out around the room either to snacks in a corner like Alice or chatting with acquaintances like Nicole.

Nicole’s acquaintances were the opponents she faced from the Russian Academy, with whom she seemed to have some sort of battle friendship.

The other students had their backgrounds, beyond just being students, and such relatives came close.

Aurora met Érica’s father, Douglas Reynolds, who led some of the most important guilds in the UK.

‘Royal Knight’ is a guild affiliated with the Royal Family.

Érica’s father came to leave his thanks for taking care of her in Africa and then retired, leaving his daughter with his companions.

Another person who also stopped by was Leslie’s father.

Connor Haillet, owner and CEO of Taranis Company, greeted his daughter’s classmates and also gave his thanks for taking care of her during her time in Africa.

They both left their business card.

It was a simple formality for the audience and an excellent way to network, and although Aurora did not see herself as important enough to be approached; they did.

She accepted the sincere thanks and didn’t mind too much having new contacts, although she might not use them, it was always nice to meet new people and more so when they were the parents of friends.

Aurora had allowed the students to explain the mission to their parents after it was over, so the parents knew there was more to their little group than met the eye.

Still, she accepted it and interacted with both of them as well.

The Taranis Company was an important company where they could get modern weapons and, Érica’s father allowed a connection to an important guild in the UK.

Maybe business didn’t make much sense to her, but if her contacts helped her goal, Aurora didn’t mind entering into a business relationship.

“For not liking this kind of party, you move well,” Cithrel said quietly and smiling, amused, she added. “At least you’ve said hello to more people than I have.”

The tone didn’t sound annoyed, but rather she seemed to enjoy it in her own way.

Aurora didn’t like these types of parties because socializing at such a high level wasn’t her forte, but she knew it was necessary.

So she could only give a half-smile upon hearing those words.

She understood that Cithrel was waiting for her chance to act, and that chance finally came after several minutes.

From the entrance, a tall middle-aged man entered the room from outside.

He was a handsome man, giving the mature feeling of a respectable adult man who had the experience of years on his side.

Wearing a russet-colored antique suit that matched his eyes, the man attracted everyone’s attention, and they recognized him immediately.

“Duke Kristoph Marshall.”

A nearby murmur spread as they saw the man, and Aurora sighed as she watched him approach.

Now the two of them were alone, and to Aurora’s lament, her friend had gone off with Rupert to have lunch with the thundering gorillas.

She was sure she couldn’t escape, so instead of running away, she waited for Duke Kristoph to approach them.

“Your Highness!” greeted Duke Kristoph, kneeling like a faithful servant.

He was a powerful Duke and an SS-Rank!

However, he likewise knelt down, revealing his deep loyalty and seriousness.

His actions caused a minor commotion and attracted even more attention as he raised several murmurs.

If an elf was not striking enough, for an SS-rank famously known to be a Duke of the Falion Empire to greet as ‘Your Highness’ to someone attracted everyone’s curiosity.

It was anyone’s guess what was going on when he knelt so loyally.

“You may rise,” Cithrel ordered, changing her atmosphere completely.

Before, she was elegant and sophisticated with a touch of friendliness, but now authority enhanced her elegance and made her majestic.

She was the Princess of the Falion Empire and Duke Kristoph obeyed immediately, rising.

“This is Aurora Campbell, my current protector, and my friend,” Cithrel introduced, smiling calmly.

The Duke’s gaze went to her and Aurora felt a particular strength in Duke Kristoph’s reddish eyes.

She tensed slightly, and it was inevitable when one remembered who one was talking to.

A vampire... Worse, a Vampire Duke of the Cain Lineage!

The rumors about that lineage were too extensive and among them were not only rumors about their tastes, but also their strength.

They were the main, and only bloodline of Terra nova and the reason was simple... They ended up devouring the other bloodlines literally.

Although Duke Kristoph was said to be a pacifist, his power was very high and his charm was natural.

If it wasn’t for the rumors, Aurora possibly wouldn’t know that the Duke was a vampire and less so when he wasn’t pale, nor did he show his fangs directly.

“Thank you for protecting and escorting Her Highness,” Duke Kristoph said, lowering his head subtly in respect.

“No. It’s just my job and I’ve been doing it half-heartedly,” Aurora replied, giving a half-smile pressed against the gaze of the audience.

She didn’t choose to lie or say she was performing her job well.

She had taken Cithrel many places and while she accompanied her sometimes for sightseeing; it was really the princess who mostly accompanied her.

Cithrel followed her when she went to beat up a gang and then accompanied her to Asia, where she ended up working for free.

Certainly, this was the worst-performing job she had ever done.

“On the contrary, I’ve heard good things about you from Urfin,” Duke Kristoph commented and looking at Cithrel added. “Also, Her Highness spoke well of you.”

The tone he used was solemn and at no time did he smile, however, he was not being polite or trying to give flattery.

He gave the impression that he trusted what others told him if he had not actually investigated her.

The latter possibility was high.

“How about we go to the main room?” Cithrel asked and before Aurora could make an excuse, commented. “I have an obligation to greet Emperor Victor.”

She wasn’t lying on that point.

As Princess of the Falion Empire and the Lunar Empire of Terra nova, she had a greater importance than Duke Kristoph, and being invited, she had to greet the host.

Although Aurora did not wish to go to where all the important figures were, she had to keep up with that princess, whose smile only grew when she saw her.

Aurora could sense her intention.

She wished to show her off in front of everyone and so she brought her along.

Sighing inwardly at the sight of her friend eating quietly next to the thundering gorillas, Aurora realized that her system had been right.

She shouldn’t have trusted her gluttonous sister...

“Father, is he all right?” Cithrel asked as she walked to the main hall, oblivious to the gaze of those present.

“His Majesty has been well,” Duke Kristoph replied with a trembling tone, but seeing Cithrel give him a sign to speak, he reported. “He has been trying to get you back. Apparently, his work is heavy, and he wishes to abdicate in your favor.”

“Oh, he still has the same intention as always. I don’t understand why he wishes to leave the throne when his advisors do almost all the work,” Cithrel said, shaking her head and letting out a sigh, she muttered. “I hope mother can limit him for a while.”

Aurora, who was listening to that conversation, didn’t know what to say.

It sounded like a simple family conversation, but they were talking about ‘abdicating’ in too nonchalant a manner.

Aurora tried to go unnoticed, hiding behind the backs of the heavyweights ahead of her and to her regret, Cithrel wouldn’t allow it and took her by the hand to bring her to his side.

Duke Kristoph pretended not to see them, even though Cithrel gave a cheeky grin.

“Stay by my side. You are my protector,” Cithrel murmured, watching her with a particularly strange smile.

Aurora could see that princess was giving a slightly flirtatious and vindictive amused smile.

Perhaps because of what happened that day, they went to dinner.

Walking up the stairs, Aurora sighed as she realized that Duke Kristoph didn’t even give a look of complaint.

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Aurora understood that if she resisted, it was going to be worse, so, instead of causing a fuss, she followed Cithrel to the main hall.

After climbing the stairs, they came upon another hall that was just as large and in which were all the important figures that had gone up earlier.

It wasn’t that students couldn’t go upstairs, but in this place were renowned individuals from all fields, drinking and talking to each other.

This was a party of opportunity not only for students but for those powerful individuals.

Businesses connected with guild leaders, ministers, and presidents conversed with church members.

Among them, Aurora could see some students who were also present among such heavyweights, and most were S-Rank or A-Rank.

When they entered, many glances went to their group and Emperor Victor, who was in the middle of the room, also looked for this place.

“Welcome!” Greeted Emperor Victor, approaching with a smile.

The lively manner differed greatly from other important individuals whose atmospheres were always solemn.

Approaching with an amused smile, he observed the three.

“Your Highness Cithrel, it is an honor that you would come to my humble party and it is the same for you, Duke Kristoph. That you would take time to attend is a true compliment,” Emperor Victor said in an amused manner.

He was not being sarcastic, rather, he was showing a unique etiquette worthy of a true nobleman.

He was also acting for a purpose and for such a reason; he was smiling.

Then Aurora saw the gaze turn to her, and upon seeing her, Emperor Victor’s lips bowed slightly.

“She is...”

“Aurora Campbell, I have heard of her name.” Emperor Victor interrupted Cithrel’s introduction.

Aurora was surprised, as she had never met Emperor Victor before and didn’t understand how he knew the name of someone like her.

And he wasn’t a member of the battle group, so technically, he had a low profile.

“How is the Emperor, Your Highness?” Emperor Victor asked, changing the topic and before anyone could say anything, he added. “I guess he must be wanting to quit being emperor, right?”

“Yes, he works hard for the empire, but he wants to leave it to the new generation,” Cithrel replied and with a smile, asked. “You know him?”

Aurora, who was watching, couldn’t help but be surprised by Cithrel’s skill level.

Emperor Victor said a very particular characteristic of the emperor and the princess responded nonchalantly and asked casually, as if she wasn’t interested.

“Of course, it was a long time ago when he was a prince and not the emperor,” Emperor Victor confirmed, and giving a longing look, he added. “At that time, the Empress was your aunt, Her Majesty Rodwen.”

Cithrel’s eyes twinkled, but the Emperor continued.

“Come to think of it, I also knew you. Her Majesty Rodwen commented that you had exceptional talent and now it seems she was right,” Emperor Victor added with a subtle nod.

He was not disguising his flattery in memory but was letting on that he had seen through Cithrel.

However, the princess’s curiosity pointed in another direction.

“Do you know my aunt?” Cithrel asked with a look that shone with brimming curiosity.

Cithrel was twenty-five years old, which meant she was present during the time when the Earthlings were going to Terra nova.

While she was five years old when the Earthlings stopped connecting to the machine and going to the other world, she was present.

“Yes, I knew her. Talented in magic, brilliant in politics, and a very loyal apprentice.” Emperor Victor replied with a slightly raised voice and a smile.

In this great party, right now they were the center of attention and many people were attentive to the conversation.

Not only to learn a little of Emperor Victor’s past, but to meet the Princess of the Falion Empire.

However, there was silence when he finished his last words.

A ‘most loyal apprentice’... When the master of such an apprentice was the Enemy of Mankind, there was no doubt that they would be silent.

No matter how many years passed, many former players held their grudge and for such a reason, the title continued to resonate even twenty years from the machine.

Aurora understood the resentment of the players who lost loved ones, friends, and family to the war caused by that man.

A war that devastated entire nations and caused millions of deaths.

After twenty years of everything happening and that individual not appearing, now in the eyes of most of the former players, he was considered a dangerous individual.

And if the stories about his genocidal-level atrocities and that he knew Terra nova was a real-world from the beginning were true, then Aurora would also see him as dangerous.

“I’m glad he’s dead.”

At that moment, a voice echoed.

Perhaps it was to try to push the tense atmosphere and try to remove that shadow from the former players.

It was possible because the man who spoke was a young S-Rank who was no more than twenty-five years old and the uniform he wore revealed that he was a member of the Executors of Order and the Church of Order.

It was noticeable that he had not lived that world, so his knowledge on that subject was only connected to what he heard.

However, it was not as he expected, as Cithrel’s gaze immediately turned serious.

According to rumors, the Enemy of Mankind disappeared and with him also disappeared his apprentice, Empress Rodwen Falion.

To say he was dead was like saying the former Empress and Cithrel’s aunt were dead.

Aurora could see that the Old Empress’ position was too high for Cithrel, but she could not intervene in this heavy atmosphere.

The audience was watching the story unfold without intruding and without stopping it.

“A genocidal and a lunatic. Many rumors are said about him, but in the end, it’s all the same. They say he disappeared, but isn’t it obvious he’s dead?” The young man asked and without caring about the gaze of those present, he added. “After all, they accomplished quite a few feats, but surely they made deals and the infamous devil must have taken their souls as payment.”

Several of those present frowned for various causes and who stood out among them was Duke Kristoph, who, as solemn as ever, observed the young man.

An atmosphere of an SS-Rank pervaded the area and the worst thing was that it seemed as if he was a predator that was bathed in blood.

Duke Kristoph was a two-thousand-year-old vampire and at that age, it was not uncommon for him to have been bathed in blood.

The young man, although not directly tried to make it seem as if the disappearance of the ancient empress was because she also made a deal with the devil and that was why she had to lose her soul.

When one thought about how she left the Falion Empire at the pinnacle of power in Terra nova, then it was possible that people would turn to such an idea.

“It all happened to them to make a deal with a mere demon.” Growled the young man seriously.

Hearing those words, some people present nodded in understanding, including Aurora.

Why did he speak when he could anger the Crown Princess of the Falion Empire and Duke Kristoph a powerful SS-Rank?

That was because he was a fanatic aligned with the new ideas that were prevalent in the Church of Order.

A trend where the ideas said that demons should be eradicated and as the Falion Empire made peace between the two sides a few years ago, they too were frowned upon.

It was common among young believers in the Church of Order, in that sense, Marc was an example of someone who didn’t like demons.

“Are those your thoughts, Theodore Laurent?” Emperor Victor asked, and when he saw the young man nodded, he commented. “I will tell you a story before Cardinal Auguste arrives and becomes angry with his companion.”

Without waiting for a reply, he continued.

“Once upon a time there was a Demon Goddess who liked to descend into the mortal world, she didn’t use an ‘incarnation’, she descended with her real body, but since her strength was too high not to attract attention, she liked to rejuvenate her body to that of a girl,” Emperor Victor said and when those present gave curious glances, he smiled and explained. “Yes, a girl. She was an adorable little girl with chubby cheeks and blushing cheeks who liked to dress colorfully.”

“That can’t be called a god...” the young man muttered as soon as he had the chance.

Emperor Victor’s smile grew slightly mocking.

“With a snap of her fingers, she could burn calamities, with a glance she could make souls tremble, her mood change alone managed to set her surroundings ablaze and the funniest thing was that the lives of the players could actually end if she wished. She was is Her Majesty the Immortal Devil, a Primordial Goddess in equal standing with the Goddess of Order and the God of Time and Space,” Emperor Victor announced and seeing the young man pale slightly, he advised. “It is advisable not to slander existences of that level. She would laugh at you, but her believers will not act in the same way. Many wish to be an actor in a show of that existence.”

The advice was simple and straightforward, perhaps to some, it might have seemed like overkill.

However, there was talk of a Primordial Goddess, and even though she was considered ‘evil’, her believers still worshipped her and some in a very fanatical way.

What was worse was that among those believers were other gods and their respective believers.

The God of Time and Space was indifferent, the Goddess of Order maintained a certain balance, however, the Empress of Hell known as the Immortal Devil was considered dangerous for being irrational.

And that was the simple ‘demon’ with whom the ‘Enemy of Mankind’ was said to have formalized a deal.

At that moment, from a hallway, a group of people entered and headed straight for their group.

Among them were Elder Harris and Director Vincent, but there was also a middle-aged man whose expression was serious.

Cardinal of the Church of the Order Aymeric Auguste, he walked in the direction of the group, clearly knowing what had happened.

“I apologize for the words of my companion. He is talented, but in the end, he is still young and gets carried away,” Cardinal Auguste said in a respectful yet distant tone.

He did not demean himself, but his apology was sincere.

“People die young for not knowing how to take care of their words,” Emperor Victor remarked and when he saw Cardinal Auguste’s expression tremble, he laughed and added. “It is always good to respect the strong.”

Not only is one talking about respecting the gods, as they were existences of great power, but respecting individuals stronger than oneself.

In that sense, it was a lousy move to say in a roundabout way that the ancient empress might be dead or that she made a deal with a devil known for her dealings with mortals.

Understanding those words, Cardinal Auguste nodded without saying anything more.

His apology was enough, and in his position, he would not stoop any lower.

After all, he was not only a Cardinal of the Church of the Order, but he was also an SS-Rank.

“I hope this doesn’t spoil your fun at the party, Your Highness,” Emperor Victor said, looking at Cithrel.

“No problem, this matter is insignificant,” Cithrel replied and with a single glance from her, Duke Kristoph returned to his indifferent expression.

Aurora had no desire to be when someone attacked Cithrel and Duke Kristoph was present... He looked like someone who would surely draw blood.

“Excellent!” Emperor Victor exclaimed and clapping his hands in encouragement, he announced. “Then let the feast continue.”

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