Chapter 193: Vassals of the Duchy (2)
"When I make a formal announcement in the presence of Emperor Aether and Empress Aelia at the peak of the ballroom, I want you to abandon your surname, Crocs. You will pledge your loyalty to me with the surname I will give you."
When Atlas finished speaking, Emma suddenly paused, unable to hide her surprise. Of course, what Atlas had said was a huge risk. If it had been someone else, even a member of the imperial family, Emma would have refused.
After all, you never knew when a noble would lose interest and discard someone like a piece of trash.
But what about Atlas? He... wouldn’t do such a thing, would he?
"I realise this is difficult to accept, Emma. It’s a big risk. But don’t misunderstand me. I don’t want to sever your ties with your family, my dear friend. The trust I have shown you, Emma, believe me, is worth millions of times more than the trust I have shown you so far. I will simply give you a new surname, and through that, you will be able to fully own a region within the Duchy." Atlas said suddenly, and Emma’s astonishment worried him.
Emma, upon hearing these words, paused for a few seconds and then knelt down:
"Master Atlas," Emma said suddenly.
"If you deem me worthy of that position, if you want me, Emma Crocs, to leave my old identity behind and move forward, I will do my best. You have given not only me but everyone in the former First Imperial Family Knight Order a new hope. You have not only given me but also Lady Eva the opportunity to worship you as nobles. If what you desire is my surname, take it. A single glance from you, a moment where you show your trust, is enough for me to die in your name. I will grow stronger, so that the names, reputations, or existences of other vampires or members of other races will not come to mind, and I can live as your knight, your sword, and your sorcerer."
When Emma’s words ended, a smile had formed on everyone’s face. Of course, everyone except the Sages had wholeheartedly believed Emma’s words; after all, for the Sages, Atlas was more than just an individual or a noble.