After the delegation from the Kingdom of Eldoria had left, Valeria turned to Kaito with a knowing smile.
"You agreed to their request rather quickly. Was that all part of the plan?"
Kaito smirked. "Sharp as always, Val. Yes, after hearing everything from Ars, I realized that the best way to deal with that lunatic king is to make them indebted to us. Prince Ars will ensure that they fail to repay our aid, which means we'll have the perfect excuse to take matters into our own hands. This is the only way forward—at least, the best one I can think of."
Valeria nodded thoughtfully. "I see. By doing this, we'll be able to overthrow that fool and install Ars as the rightful ruler, preventing any further damage to their kingdom."
Just then, Gabriel entered the room. "Your Majesty, Prince Ars is waiting in the other chamber. Shall I escort him in?"
Kaito glanced at Valeria before responding, "Yes, I'll meet him. I need to hear what his next move will be."
Kaito stepped into the adjoining chamber, where Ars Eldoria stood waiting. The young prince had a determined look in his eyes, a stark contrast to the helplessness he'd shown earlier.
"So, Ars," Kaito began, taking a seat, "what's your next move? According to our agreement, your kingdom has three months before the repayment is due. Until then, the Empire will not interfere. How do you plan to proceed?"
Ars took a deep breath. "My first priority is to gain control over the treasury. The kingdom will primarily rely on treasury funds and external loans to meet the repayment. If I can take control of the treasury, I can ensure that the repayment doesn't happen—giving you the reason you need to step in."
Kaito nodded approvingly. "A sound plan. But your father still holds ultimate authority over the treasury, doesn't he? How do you intend to take control?"
A faint smile appeared on Ars's face. "That won't be an issue. My father has no interest in economics. The only thing he cares about is military strength. He has long since delegated all financial and economic matters to Duke Arbor." He paused for a moment. "And Duke Arbor happens to be one of my strongest allies."
Kaito chuckled. "That certainly makes things easier. If the treasury is under your control, the kingdom won't be able to make the repayment when the time comes. But you do realize there's another critical factor you need to secure, don't you?"
Ars's expression hardened. "Yes. The military. If I don't have authority over the army, my father will simply rely on brute force to defy the agreement. If that happens, our kingdom will be forced into direct confrontation with the Empire, which would devastate our people."
Kaito leaned forward slightly. "Exactly. While I could deploy the Empire's forces, that would not only taint your kingdom's reputation but could also escalate into an all-out war. Your father is extremely possessive of the military. How do you plan to gain control over it?"
A confident gleam appeared in Ars's eyes. "Fortunately, my father's obsession with strengthening the army has only brought them misery. Every decision he has made has led to great losses. The soldiers and commanders resent him deeply. Duke Arbor has already been working behind the scenes to sway their loyalty. When the time comes, I believe they will stand with me, not him."
Kaito smirked. "Impressive. If you can secure control over both the treasury and the military, then the kingdom will already be yours in everything but name. Just make sure you continue solidifying your position. The Empire seeks stability, not chaos, and stopping your father aligns with our interests. You'll have our support."
As Ars prepared to leave, Kaito suddenly spoke again.
"Ars, there's one more thing I need from you."
The prince halted and turned back. "Of course, Your Majesty. What is it?"
Kaito's tone was firm. "Never—under any circumstances—should my real identity be revealed. No one must know that I was the hero summoned by your kingdom. In fact, I want you to fabricate a new story. Spread the tale that the summoned hero ventured into the outskirts, disappeared into the wilderness, and was never seen again. Erase my name from history. I do not wish for unwanted attention."
Ars met Kaito's gaze and gave a solemn nod. "I understand. I will make sure your wishes are fulfilled."
With that, he bowed and took his leave.
After Ars left, Kaito let out a long sigh, leaning back in his chair.
"I can't believe I just sat here and discussed the complete usurpation of an entire kingdom. That was… impulsive, to say the least. But honestly, getting rid of that lunatic king doesn't sound too bad."
Before he could dwell on the thought any further, Gabriel stepped forward. His expression was calm but serious.
"Your Majesty, there is something important I must announce. I apologize for not bringing it up sooner."
Kaito raised an eyebrow. "What is it, Gabriel?"
A brief pause. Then, with a deep breath, Gabriel spoke.
"Your Majesty, I believe the time has come for me to retire. I have served for many years, but age is beginning to take its toll. I can no longer perform my duties as I once did."
Kaito blinked in surprise. "That's… quite the sudden news." He studied Gabriel for a moment before continuing. "I won't object, of course. I can't expect you to serve me forever. But finding someone as competent and trustworthy as you… that won't be easy."
Gabriel gave a small, knowing smile. "About that—I already have someone in mind. I wish to pass the torch to Sir Nicol. He has been your personal aide for quite some time now and has also assisted me in many of my duties. He is skilled, reliable, and most importantly, completely loyal to the Empire. I believe he is the best choice for the role—if Your Majesty is willing."
Kaito considered it for a moment before nodding. "Nicol, huh? He is indeed a capable and trustworthy man. Honestly, I can't think of a better candidate myself." He straightened his posture. "Very well. From this moment forward, Nicol Austere shall be appointed as the new Prime Minister of the Valtherian Empire."
Gabriel bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I trust that he will serve you well."
Kaito leaned forward slightly, his expression softening. "So, what do you plan to do now? You've dedicated your life to the Empire. It's going to be strange not having you around."
A rare, genuine smile appeared on Gabriel's face. "I plan to spend the rest of my days with my grandchildren. I want to give them my undivided attention—to help them grow into kind and capable people who will one day serve the Empire in their own way."
Kaito blinked. "...Wait. You have grandchildren? Since when?"
Gabriel chuckled. "Your Majesty, I've always had a private life. I simply never spoke of it."
Kaito sighed. "You really do keep everything about yourself a secret. Fine, but at least promise me one thing—introduce them to me someday."
Gabriel gave a small bow. "As you wish, Your Majesty. I shall now take my leave. Sir Nicol is waiting in the other room. Please summon him when you are ready."
With that, Gabriel turned and left.
A few moments later, Nicol Austere was summoned. He stepped into the chamber with a calm yet resolute expression, awaiting Kaito's words.
Kaito looked him over before speaking. "Nicol, I assume you've already heard. As of today, you are the Prime Minister of the Valtherian Empire. It's not an easy role, but I have no doubt that you are more than capable of handling it. That being said, you'll need time to fully adjust and learn the responsibilities that come with the position."
Nicol bowed deeply. "At your command, Your Majesty. I will devote myself entirely to the Empire and ensure its continued prosperity. I will not let you down."
With that, Nicol officially became the Prime Minister. Of course, the formal announcement would be made at a later date, but for now, the decision was set in stone.
Several weeks had passed. Ars had taken control over most of the treasury and military, and with the aid funds received from the Valtherian Empire, he had begun the process of redevelopment. By cutting down excessive military spending, he redirected resources into infrastructure, education, and economic recovery. To him, strengthening the kingdom's foundation mattered far more than an overfed military.
But while Ars focused on his reforms, another nation had started taking an interest in the Empire's actions—the Draconian Empire, the land of dragons. Unlike typical human nations, the Draconian Empire was home to dragons and dragon-derived races, including dragonewts—humanoid beings with draconic traits. The empire was ruled by Empress Euphoria Draconia, a name well-known even outside her homeland. Recently, they had turned their eyes toward Valtheria.
Back in the Valtherian Empire, Kaito sat on his throne, deep in thought. He wasn't nervous, exactly, but…
"What the hell am I supposed to do here?"
An envoy had arrived from an unknown nation, requesting an audience. Kaito had never handled formal diplomatic visits before, and he wasn't exactly sure how to approach it.
"Your Majesty, the envoy is waiting outside. Shall I welcome him in?" Nicol asked, bowing his head.
"Yeah. Bring him in. Also, what do we know about him? Any idea where he's from? Oh, and raise your head already. You don't need to bow all the time."
"As you wish, sire," Nicol replied, straightening up. "As for the envoy, he appears to be a dragonewt. Judging by his mostly human features, I would assume he holds a high rank—likely from the Draconian Empire."
Kaito exhaled. "The Draconian Empire, huh…? Interesting. Alright, bring him in."
In the Draconian Empire, only the highest-ranked dragons—Blue, Black, Red, and the rare Silver Dragons—were capable of humanoid transformations. Dragonewts, on the other hand, were naturally humanoid with draconic features. The more powerful a dragonewt was, the more they could suppress their dragon traits to appear human. For generations, dragons and dragonewts had coexisted in the Draconian Empire, but that peace was relatively new.
About five years ago, after the death of the former Emperor, his daughter—Euphoria Draconia—ascended the throne at just fifteen. Despite her young age, her leadership was nothing short of legendary. She unified the empire and restored order, earning widespread admiration. Or at least, that was what the stories claimed.
The doors opened, and the envoy entered. He had short silver hair, piercing golden eyes, and faintly visible dragon scales on his neck.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," the envoy spoke, bowing respectfully. "I am Cain Neil, an emissary of the Draconian Empire. I come bearing a message from Her Highness, Empress Euphoria."
"An envoy from the legendary Empress herself, huh? I'm honored. But let's get to the real reason you're here," Kaito said, leaning forward. "I doubt the Draconian Empire would send someone of your rank just for pleasantries. So—what's the real deal?"
Cain chuckled. "As perceptive as expected of Your Highness. Very well, I shall be direct. But before that, let me ask—have you ever heard of the 'Sacred Orb of Light and Dark'?"
Kaito frowned. "Never heard of it. But with a name like that, it sounds important. What is it, and why do you think I'd know about it?"
Cain nodded. "Thousands of years ago, God bestowed this Orb upon us. A prophecy foretold that one day, it would guide us to its rightful owner—the one who would create a new land, the Holy Land."
"The Holy Land? What kind of fantasy game prophecy bullshit is this…?" Kaito thought, rubbing his temples. "And why are you telling me this?"
Cain's golden eyes sharpened. "Because the Orb has been pointing toward the Valtherian Empire for some time now. Which means… it may have found its rightful owner."
Kaito raised an eyebrow. "And I assume you want me to… what? Look at it?"
"Precisely. Would Your Highness be willing to touch the Orb?"
Kaito sighed. "Fine, let's get this over with."
Two attendants stepped forward, carrying a small, pitch-black box adorned with golden engravings. Cain carefully opened it, revealing the Orb of Light and Dark. It was a translucent sphere, shimmering with alternating waves of radiant gold and abyssal black.
As soon as Kaito reached out and touched it—
—The Orb burst into light.
A brilliant glow filled the room, forcing everyone to shield their eyes. A voice—mechanical and ethereal—rang in Kaito's mind.
⟦Notice. Individual "Kaito Aragami"—ascension to the status of "God" is 75% complete.⟧
"Wait—WHAT!?"
Then, another voice echoed, one he hadn't heard in a while.
«Hahaha! I knew you'd do it so fast. I expected nothing less!»
"Halo!? What the hell is going on!?"
«Don't worry about it. The time for you to understand everything hasn't come just yet.»
"The hell do you mean 'hasn't come yet'!? At least give me a damn explanation!"
But Halo didn't answer.
As the glow finally faded, Kaito realized everyone in the room was staring at him in complete shock. The Draconian envoy, Cain, looked stunned, while Nicol and the others remained speechless.
Cain cleared his throat and bowed deeply. "It seems… the Sacred Orb has chosen you, Your Highness."
Kaito blinked. "So… what does that mean?"
Cain straightened up, his expression unreadable. "That, I do not know. But one thing is certain—the Orb now belongs to you. We cannot take it back."
And with that, the envoy left to report to his Empress, leaving behind more questions than answers.
Kaito stared at the Orb, rubbing his forehead. "What the hell did I just get myself into…?"
And thus, another bizarre day came to an end.