The petite Empress slowly rose from her throne, the blue flames within the crown atop her head burning more fiercely, making her appear all the more majestic.
As this was a solemn occasion, Cerydra did not place any books here to increase her height; after all, if those below saw such a sight, what majesty would she have left to speak of?
"The loyalty of you all has been demonstrated in the battles of late. I am well aware of it."
Step!
Her small foot stepped onto the descending stairs, yet the sense of presence radiating from her grew increasingly intense.
This single movement caused all sound below the steps to vanish instantly, as everyone shifted their gaze to Cerydra.
A distinct light flickered in Esdeath's eyes; after all, she had long since dedicated her everything to Cerydra. The gaze of most people behind her was essentially the same as Esdeath's, viewing Cerydra as their sun.
However, there were also those with troubled expressions...
Though their loyalty was not as high, they had still been granted a Peerage by Cerydra due to their outstanding abilities. Among them, the one with the highest rank was Najenda; after all, she was originally a General of The Empire with rich combat experience, making her very suitable for the role of commander.
Yet this "Dux Benevolentia" looked at Cerydra with a complex expression, completely unable to discern what she was thinking.
Only Hysilens's expression remained unchanged throughout; after all, she and Cerydra were essentially the same person, with only slight changes in role and style, but no difference in essence.
"As a monarch, I will naturally bestow corresponding rewards upon those with merit..."
Although Cerydra had not yet claimed the title of King, she had already established a powerful reputation among her subordinates. It was fundamentally impossible for Numa Seika to topple her; even if there were a one-in-a-million chance, the moment she was toppled, Cerydra's subordinates would immediately revolt.
Because the only monarch they recognized was Cerydra. As for Numa Seika... who was that?
The poor Prince of the Northern Tribe—his life would never head in a good direction; it would only get worse, as Cerydra had already begun preparing to claim the throne.
Remember how Cao Pi usurped the Han Dynasty?
Cerydra similarly wanted to try the "Three Invitations and Three Refusals," but it seemed there was no real need for it?
The Han Dynasty in history was the orthodox lineage, so Cao Pi had to use special methods to establish his own dynasty and could not simply seize it through force.
But this was an another world, and the Northern Foreign Tribes at that!
It was a world of special powers where strength reigned supreme!
The so-called "usurpation" simply did not exist!
If Cerydra truly succeeded, history would only record that this Empress persuaded Numa Seika with dignity, morality, and strength to successfully establish her own dynasty... Thinking about it that way felt rather exhilarating.
And the foundation for Cerydra to establish the Northern Empire was right before her eyes!
An ordinary person could easily be dealt with by the assassins of The Empire, so to prevent such a situation, Cerydra had a bold idea.
"Regarding my identity, I believe you have all heard the rumors... I wish to clarify one thing here: those rumors are all true!"
"I am the one who seized the power of the Body of Law, the current Demigod of Law!"
"And now, I shall bestow the power of the gods as a reward upon the subjects who have performed great military service."
"You are among them!"
Cerydra slowly walked down the steps, simultaneously striking the ground hard with the Scepter in her hand, creating a loud boom.
The Soldiers, who had long been prepared, worked together to lift a Great Cauldron before Cerydra's eyes and then quickly departed.
Judging by the expressions of those Soldiers, they clearly wanted to stay and witness this historical moment, but without Cerydra's permission, how would they dare commit such a disrespectful act?
The Northern peoples were different from The Empire in The South; they cared little for bloodline inheritance and more for the strength of one's power. Cerydra was a powerful King worthy of all their following.
Thus, without the King's command, it was disrespect!
"Dux Gladiorum, Dux Alptraum, Dux Benevolentia... prove it to them!"
"As you command!" x3
As the three Peerage titles were called out, the corresponding three individuals arrived at Imperator's side, simultaneously slicing their fingertips according to the instruction.
At this moment, everyone's eyes fixed on them.
What color is blood?
Excluding some special species, it is generally red.
However, the blood flowing from the fingertips of Hysilens, Esdeath, and Najenda was as dazzling as gold, as mesmerizing as gold...
"This is the Chrysos Heir, those who possess the power of the gods!"
Setting aside the setting of the Chrysos Heir for a moment—this was another world anyway, and most of what Cerydra said was the truth, just phrased differently.
Amidst the fanatical gazes of everyone, Imperator took her Scepter and made a light horizontal cut in the center of her palm; Golden Blood immediately flowed out.
Then, the petite Empress slowly floated into the air, extending her bleeding palm over the Great Cauldron, letting the Golden Blood fall drop by drop into the water within.
As the blood was injected, the originally clear water began to transform toward a golden hue, even emitting a radiance like golden cuisine made by a master chef, causing everyone present to swallow their saliva, the longing in their eyes no longer hidden.
Time passed second by second, and a minute soon went by. But this minute felt exceptionally long to those present, until finally, the long wait came to an end when Imperator withdrew her bleeding palm.
"The Empire in The South was established a thousand years ago. At that time, the First Emperor led his Army to suppress Danger Beasts across the world and gathered craftsmen from all sides to create weapons called 'Teigu.' It is precisely these weapons that have allowed The Empire to stand for a thousand years without falling."
"If a mere Danger Beast can create powerful weapons, then what of the power of the gods?"
The smile on Cerydra's face could no longer be contained. Her gaze swept across those longing expressions one by one, and she finally nodded in satisfaction.
That's it—the more longing, the better!
Only those with intense longing can play a vital role in the coming battles!
Cerydra did not care about her subordinates' desires, as long as they weren't overly filthy or repeatedly challenged her boundaries.
"Therefore, I bestow upon you the right to stand by my side."
"Upon drinking this Gold, you shall be my most loyal subjects. March with me toward Conquest!"
As Imperator's words fell, thunderous cheers erupted from all around, and this unprecedented feast truly began...
★ ★ ★
T/N: I've just revamped my glossary, so if you feel something's different, that's why.