Under the guidance of Rita, Goddess Rhongomyniad, together with three other people, was led to the [Throne Room]. She looked at Five Thrones on the elevated platform before focusing on me.
-"Me met again, Yue."
-"Indeed. Allow me to start with introductions. On my left is Ningguang, Principle of Avarice, while on my right is Astraea, Principle of Duty."
-"Greetings, as you know, I'm Artoria, Goddess Rhongomyniad. With me are two of my knights, Mordred and Gawin, and mage of court, Merlin."
Two knights saluted in greeting.
-"It's an honor to meet a person Artoria values so much finally."
-"I also heard of Merlin, but from what I'm aware, he was a man."
-"Haha, he indeed is. I'm from a different world line."
-"I see, sometimes I forget how fragmented this world is."
-"Ah, yes! You come from a different world. I always wanted to visit one."
-"Well, you already did. The Hold is an entirely different world compared to yours."
-"Realy? That would explain why so much Mystery is here."
-"Yue, how about we move outside?"
-"Yes, let's be on our way."
Walking toward the city, we were joined by Jingliu and Cellinia as escorts. During the walk, Artoria and I talked about Hold and the circumstances of its founding. While avoiding some confidential pieces of information, I explained how Hold came to be and what kind of organization we are.
-"So you are not only Principle of Progress, but also Emperor of the Hold?"
-"Yes, I have the greatest power here, but most decisions are made with our mutual agreement."
-"To think that you would become an emperor. If only I was faster in finding you."
-"While I got used to my position, I still believe that I'm more of a figurehead than an actual ruler."
-"From the eyes of people around, I can see that they see you as a true leader."
-"Most of the people living here are past refugees who were saved by Yue."
-"Refuges?"
-"Not every world is good to live in. Some are no different than the ruins left after the apocalypse."
-"Still, I can't see anyone undermining or doubting you."
-"It's all thanks to the girls. If it was not for Astraea taking care of administration and Ningguang looking over the economy, I wouldn't be able to do anything for them."
-"We all have our roles."
-"Indeed, without you, neither would we be able to do anything for them."
-"In Avalon, there are no civilians. Only knights live there."
-"That is surprising."
-"I once was king of Britain, but after failing my people, I no longer find myself suitable to rule over people."
-"You are a legendary figure in their country. I don't think they see you as someone who failed them."
-"Legends are really close to the truth."
-"But they reflect how you were seen by the people despite the circumstances."
-"You don't have to comfort me."
-"I truly believe in what I said. Almost no legends match what really happened, yet people still believe in them. What is represented in them is more important than their accuracy, and your legend speaks of a leader who leads toward a better future."
-"And I failed."
-"Did you?"
-"What do you mean, Yue?"
-"Looking at those following you, you picked up the pieces and tried again. You are yet to fail. You only stumbled once."
-"Thanks."
We needed half an hour to arrive at the shrine. The Yae, Kokomi, and Saiguu in miko clothes greeted us at the entrance. Following them, we entered the main area of the shrine.
This shrine was dedicated to Five Principles and thus possessed five altars, every one dedicated to one principle. Under every altar, there were countless offerings in the form of incense sticks burning slowly.
At first, many people brought things like food or money as offerings, but Yae decided that as Principles represented ideas, those types of offerings were inappropriate. Now, anyone could light one incense to send his prayer.
Those who still wanted to continue donating food or money could do so, but those offerings would be used to feed and support those in need. Because all shrines were the property of Hold, they didn't need donations for upkeep, so Yae forbids taking donated money for any other purpose than assistance for those in need.
Aside from the offerings, in the entire shrine, countless spirits could be seen. They appear as small lights, butterflies, or even small animals, depending on their strength. When I entered, they started swarming me to the point that Astraea, Ningguang, and Artoria had to take a step back from me.
Soon, even more powerful Spirits started coming here. Those who were capable of speaking started calling me Spirit Emperor, while those less intelligent simply started singing. Luckily, the shrine was spacious, or it would be hard for us to do anything with so many Spirits making a ruckus.
-"My, even Morgan, who is part Fairy, is not so loved by the Fae, yet here Spirits sing in his glory."
-"Merlin, those are Spirits?"
-"Yes. It's surprising to see so many of them as well as the fact that they interact with people."
-"Why do they possess will and sentience?"
-"This I don't know, but likely it has something to do with your Yue."
-"He is not..."
-"Yes, yes. Still, I must say that he truly is as amazing as you painted him to be. It surprised me, honestly."
-"Sorry to interrupt you. Please come with me."
-"No problem."
Minutes later, the ceremony started. Yae and other mikos performed the ceremonial dance to grant Hold blessings of the Spirits. I gave a little push to the Spirits surrounding me to join in the dance.
Looking at Yae surrounded by small animals and lights of every color was a mystical sight. Her slight smile and eyes that met mine on every occasion made this as charming as it was mesmerizing.
To my regret, the dance lasted only a few minutes, after which Yae walked to me and bowed, signaling me to do my part. Taking center stage, I took out Oath of Silence to appear more solemn and focused on the Tree.
Under my control, the branches started to sway slowly, and soon, the leaves started to fall down. Each of them glowed in some color, making it appear as if small stars were falling.
As people were looking up at the hypnotic scene, they found that those lights were falling on them, one on each person. When they were touched by it, any illness or injury would be cured. Along with that, a small blessing of nature that would give them slight assistance in daily life was also applied to them.
The leaves continued falling for another ten minutes or so, giving the blessing to every person in Hold. This was the only thing I had to do today, and after Yae asked me to return here in the evening to help her with some things after the Festival, we left the shrine. Some Spirits wanted to continue following me, but I told them to remain in the shrine, as this place was helpful to their growth.
This Festival, aside from the ceremony in the shrine, was centered around science and teaching, so for many people, this was a day of graduation. The blessing was the last part of their day started in the morning at their schools.
As we walked back to the Palace, everywhere around us, families with their children could be seen. When we returned, it was already late afternoon, so we all sat down to have a meal. While it was technically unbecoming of my position, the meals we ate were prepared by me earlier today and stored in a place where time was much slower so that they were fresh.
-"Thank you for the meal."
-"I hope it would match your taste."
-"You don't have to worry about that, Yue. Arturia is a big foodie. She likes almost any kind of food."
-"Merlin!"
-"Then you can eat whatever you want. No need to hold yourself back."
-"This... Thanks."
It was my first time to see Arturia embarrassed, and I must say that the blush on her normally expressionless face was attractive.
During the meal, some other members of my family joined us, so when we finished the meal, all my Guards, Fu Xuan, and Tingyun, showed themselves.
After that, it was time to send the guests out. For most of the meal, I talked with Merlin about Spirits, Fairies, and Fae as well as magic. Artoria was too focused on the meals to contribute much to the conversation.
-"Thank you for your hospitality today."
-"It was a pleasure. If you have anything to discuss with us, you can contact Loki."
-"I will do so. I hope that you will visit Avalon when the occasion presents itself."
-"Of course, but it will have to wait as I will be busy in the near future."
-"I see. Then may your endeavors be successful, Yue."
-"Likewise, Arturia."
After seeing them off, I returned to the shrine, which was already closed, and the mikos seen here during the day were also nowhere to be seen. After entering, I was able to find Yae, who was sitting and drinking with Saiguu and Kokomi.
-"Sorry for making you wait."
-"Don't worry."
-"I see that you need assistance with a different kind of 'spirit' than before."
-"Yes, so sit down."
I sat in the last free place around the table, finding myself in front of Yae.
-"What do you think of today?"
-"Well, because the planned Academy is yet to be built, we didn't have many official events..."
-"Stop! I mean, the ceremony here?"
-"Then, the only thing I regret is that your dance ended so quickly."
-"Good. We prepared this with Spirits in mind, and as you are one, we could affect even you."
-"Hmm?"
-"You didn't notice, but your aura slightly manifested during the dance."
-"Truly? If so, then you indeed were able to charm me there, Yae."
-"We invited you here for this reason."
After saying this, Yae rose from her seat and walked away from the table. Saiguu also joined her, and while Kokomi was read to the tip of her ears, she also followed after them after a slight hesitation.
Three of them soon came to the free space behind me, and when I turned around, they started to dance something similar to what Yae did during the ceremony. I tried to control myself this time, but soon, I found myself dazed. After they finished this dance, I needed a few minutes to gather myself.
-"It would seem that you discovered my weaknesses I was not aware of."
-"We researched this a little, and Spirits are vulnerable to such methods. You don't have to worry, though, as we can do this so easily to you because you trust us, and we don't have any bad intent toward you."
-"It is as Saiguu says. If someone who you are not friendly with wanted to try this method with you, they would be much stronger than you for it to work."
-"I'll keep that in mind, but I would still need to find a method to resist such things."
-"Well, you can do this some other time. Now, there is one more thing we have planned for you."
After saying this, Yae started dancing once again, with Saiguu and Kokomi following her lead. This dance was much more seductive, making the atmosphere flirtatious.
Having understood why Yae asked me to come in the evening, I looked at Kokomi, who didn't stop blushing from the beginning of the dances. She noticed my gaze and, with her head lovered, nodded slightly.
The next morning, I was sitting in my office with Fuxi and Nuwa. My two assistants delivered to me fresh stacks of paperwork that needed to be done, so we got to work.
This was already routine to me. Spending almost an hour daily taking care of documents made me used to it, but this time, I found something that attracted my attention.
-"This is? Fuxi, can you confirm this report?"
-"Hmm... Yes, Eden and Robin created a petition to build a grand theater."
-"So Astraea and Ninguang decided that the one city we are building will be a city of arts, while the other will be centered around the Academy."
-"They talked about it when you were busy once, Yue. I just forgot to mention it."
-"I hope you can not forget things like those, Nuwa."
-"Sorry."
-"Well, I can perceive that the cities are already half built, and some people are already moving there."
-"Yes, the Academy will open its door in a month, taking first students for the next year."
-"Dr. Mei will be a Rector, huh? Well, her wedding will happen soon, so she probably wants to truly settle down."
-"Yes, she applied for the position not long ago."
-"Fuxi, I want you to focus on the Academy until it is functioning. If anything is needed, bring it to my attention."
-"OK."
-"What about me?"
-"AS punishment for forgetting important things, you will pick up less important tasks from your sister."
-"Ugh. Yes..."
-"Yue, this is also something that needs your attention."
-"Trial? So it finally happened."
-"Yes, this is the first murder case of the Hold."
-"Fu Xuan delegated most of the minor positions to the Ten-Lords Commission, so our justice system is rather complete and robust."
-"Because of the importance that the first precedence holds, Hanya is presiding over the case."
-"Good, I'll visit her later to get some more information."
This is how the rest of my morning passed, but when it comes to governance, interesting situations are not exactly what you want. It is better to be bored and stable than intrigued while dealing with a crisis.
After breakfast break, I decided to spend some time with Kokomi, as despite spending time with her often when we worked together, I didn't know much about her outside of her working as a miko.
We started talking over tea about some minor topics, finding reading our mutual hobby. She was quite knowledgeable on military matters, wanting to be a strategist from a young age. She was one of the staff working in the [Command Room] during the Hold deployments.
When I asked her why she decided to enter a relationship with me, she admitted that she had a crush on me from the time of our first meeting, especially as I solved problems Inazuma faced and as we continued to spend time working together before the Festival, she solidified her feelings. She also said that she consulted Yae about that, as she had no idea what to do, and that's why she organized yesterday evening.
We talked a little more, getting to know each other better, but sadly, Rin came and interrupted us. She told me about a message received from Elysia not long ago.
The new world she was in now was advanced technologically, and they were detected almost the moment they appeared. To her credit, she was able to convince people there that we were from a different world, but she needed us to assist her with the aftermath.
I asked Kokomi if she wanted to go with me, but she declined by mentioning her work, but she agreed to be taken out for a date when we both have time later. As I walked to the meeting room where Astraea was waiting for me, my other avatar was already on his way to Elysia.