Chapter 697: Hidden Shard
The hall was so quiet I was certain everyone could hear my heart beating in my chest. The princess wore a sulky pout while her older brother frowned at her. The emperor cleared his throat, projecting authority over the entire hall.
"I am aware of the many challenges your houses are going through and the tenuous stability of the empire. The church’s plot and demon forces have strained our foundations to the root and have pushed us to the point of breaking. Even now, a week after this catastrophe, our people struggle to rebuild their homes and lives. Nothing is certain." The Emperor sighed and touched his graying hair, smoothing it behind his crown. "But our fathers did not get us this far by living in the past but working for the future. As such, I have called this banquet to commemorate the struggle and sacrifice demonstrated by friends and allies of this empire. Many lives were lost, but even more were saved. I offer you who fought and sacrificed my humble thanks."
The emperor bowed his head to the hall. A muted gasp went up, the nobles staring at each other wide-eyed. Elaine and Avant looked taken aback, not to mention the members of the royal family and powerful officers at the head table.
"Father!" Belisa whispered, looking aghast. "How could you...?"
Given her distance from the rest of the shall, it was likely only the most powerful beings with enhanced senses heard her. And myself, given my demonkin hearing. Elaine shot her a sharp look.
The emperor raised his head, humility dissipating into a regal bearing. He extended his hand toward our party.
"I recognize, especially, the efforts of these outsiders. They came to offer us surrender, yet instead brought salvation. While these actions are expected of those who wear the heroic mantle, there are those who have no obligation. Elise, once daughter of Ornyth and last surviving member of Brithlite’s court, I thank you for your efforts in negotiating a treaty to bring us peace. Over five separate demon armies have embarked through our land, but casualties have numbered only a few dozen. No major settlements have been approached, save for the claiming of their shard. Beyond this, I would offer you my personal gratitude. Your efforts exposed the treachery of the church and shattered a curse meant to claim my life."
Another murmur rippled through the hall, yet it was a murmur of dissent this time. Angry eyes stared holes at Elise, led by the princess herself. The emperor released a fragment of his aura, bringing silence to the hall again. He cleared his throat and continued.
"The price of the debt we owe you cannot be measured, for you truly saved millions of lives, so allow me to offer a token of our gratitude. I offer you the title of ambassador with the rank and status of a lower noble."
Elise shivered, biting her lip. "Your majesty, this is a most generous offer, but I’m afraid I have other obligations to fulfill. I could not live up to your expectations."
The emperor smiled, but it wasn’t the cold grin of a conqueror but a kindly, fatherly smile. "Worry not, for I would not seek to chain you to this land. I grant you full independence without responsibilities or ties to the crown, the title being a symbolic gesture of friendship. No matter where you travel and what positions you attain in the future, you will always be welcomed and respected in our empire."