Chapter 22: The Pleasure of Past Adventures

Orion glanced briefly at the newly unlocked rewards from the Eternal Empire System and ignored them without giving them much thought.

He knew the empire was thriving, and the rewards were just another reflection of what he had already achieved. His focus was now on something much more pleasurable, the memories of his adventures alongside Lyra.

He turned to her, as he took another sip of his coffee. "So what do we do now? We've been to so many places, explored so much... it seems like there's not much left to see."

Lyra, who was playing with a lock of her hair, tilted her head in thought. "Hmm... why don't we go to another auction? What if we find another Capsule of Destiny?" A mischievous smile appeared on her face. "That adventure was one of the best. I'll never forget the chaos we caused last time. It was hilarious to see those immortal cultivators running after something we had already taken."

Orion laughed, remembering the details. "You mean the time we had to escape from three rival sects? And how you tricked that Elder of the Celestial Temple into saying the artifact was cursed? That was genius!"

Lyra laughed. "Yes! He was so scared he didn't even dare touch the artifact after that. And the two of us, running away like two daring thieves... It was epic!"

Orion shook his head with a smile on his face. "And the battle in the Scarlet Desert? I still remember how you made the elemental dragon think we were his allies."

"Ah, that dragon... a little charm and he was willing to fight for us. Who knew elemental dragons could be so swayed?" Lyra laughed again, her eyes shining as she recalled the moments of danger and adrenaline.

"And let's not forget," Orion added, "that time in the Temple of Eternal Night, when they almost caught us trying to steal the Mirror of Shadows. That moment when you disguised yourself as the High Priestess? I still don't know how we didn't laugh at the time."

"Yes! I was on the verge of losing my composure, but I held on tight," Lyra smiled, "it was one of the best performances of my life."

The two continued to laugh at the memories, a nostalgic smile dancing on their lips. Past adventures always seemed to bring a special warmth to their conversations. Every danger they faced, every treasure they conquered, was part of who they were.

"But I think it's time for me to go. I've been away from home for months, and I need to get back," Orion said, his voice full of melancholy as his eyes seemed lost.

"And what about our adventure? Are you just going to give up on exploring every corner of the continent?" Lyra asked, trying to keep her voice steady, but the regret in her eyes betrayed the turmoil in her heart.

Orion sighed heavily. "It's not a question of giving up, Lyra. I have responsibilities to those who believe in me, who have placed their faith in my return."

There was a thick silence between the two, each word spoken now seeming to carry more weight than before.

"So... is that it?" Lyra murmured, unable to hide the sadness in her tone.

Orion looked at her, his eyes softening for a moment. "What if... you came with me?" The suggestion escaped his lips, unexpected even for him. The idea of ​​separating from her was more painful than he had imagined.

Lyra stared at him, surprised, as indecision and new hope blossomed in her chest. "Let me think...then I'll tell you."

Orion and Lyra had decided to return to the Empire of Eryndor, a vast and prosperous land, known as much for its imposing mountains as for its cities full of culture and magic.

The journey back would be long, and the silence between the two weighed more heavily than any battle they had ever faced.

The bond between them had grown stronger during their adventure, and now the thought of being separated seemed unbearable.

As they rode through the lush green fields for months, watching the rolling hills stretch out on the horizon, the distant towers of Eryndor finally began to shine like a reminder of all that Orion had left behind.

He was a leader in that empire, a symbol to many who saw in him the embodiment of the divine. But in the months he spent exploring the continent, he rediscovered something deeper, a need for real bonds, for connections that transcended power.

Lyra rode beside him, still attentive to what he might say. She had always known of Orion's responsibility to the empire, but traveling alongside him, facing challenges and meeting the most diverse peoples made her realize that she was not just a follower or an adventurer on his journey. She was part of that story, just as he was now part of her life.

"It's been a long time since I last set foot in the gates of Eryndor," Orion said, breaking the silence. His eyes fixed on the horizon, looking mournful and full of memories. "Will things ever be the same?"

"And do you want them to be the same?" Lyra asked, her voice soft but firm. "We've changed so much since we set out on our adventure. Perhaps the empire has changed too."

Orion thought for a moment before answering. "Perhaps it's not the empire that needs to change. Perhaps I need to find a new balance."

As they crossed the borders of the empire, they were greeted by the imposing banners and the patrols who immediately recognized Orion, bowing with looks of admiration and awe.

News of his return spread quickly, and before long, rumors of his arrival echoed throughout the capital.

Arriving at the heart of the empire, the Imperial Palace, the streets were crowded with people celebrating his return.

Even amid the euphoria of the citizens, Orion's eyes met only Lyra's. There was an unspoken question in the air.

Inside the palace, Orion was greeted by the imperial council, men and women who longed for his guidance.

But as they went through the formalities, his thoughts were elsewhere, or rather, elsewhere.

After all the applause and formalities, he approached Lyra.

"You don't have to stay if you want to leave," he said, his voice softer than usual.

Lyra smiled, though her eyes showed deep emotion. "I came with you, didn't I? Not for the empire or the adventure. But for you. I think I've already made my choice."

Orion sighed in relief. "And I won't let you regret it. This empire may be my duty, but my journey with you... is my choice." ---

After the grand party organized by the inhabitants of the empire to celebrate Orion's return, he now found himself in the imposing Meeting Room, surrounded by his trusted advisors. The atmosphere was formal, but charged with respect and reverence.

"So," Orion began, crossing his fingers and looking at each person present, "how has the empire fared in my absence? Although I have left my other self to oversee, I would like to hear from you directly." His voice was firm, but there was a hint of curiosity in his tone.

Gaius, the advisor in charge of agrarian policies, was the first to speak. "Your Majesty, the empire has experienced abundance over the past year. And we are optimistic about the years to come, thanks to the divine gift you have bestowed upon us with your blessing. We are certain that the coming years will bring even greater prosperity." He paused before continuing. "The harvests have been so good that we have already managed to build up reserves for the future."

(『Unlocked Divine Skill: Absolute Authority

Effect: Allows the Empire's council to control the weather, soil, and seasonal cycle for five years, with a ten-year downtime. This ensures bountiful harvests and stability for the empire.』 )

Feroz, the trade advisor, was the next to speak. "Your Majesty, neighboring merchants have been lining up to trade with our producers. Many local farmers have requested permission to expand their operations, exporting produce to neighboring kingdoms. This has increased our revenue and strengthened the empire's standing in the region after we revealed ourselves to the world."

Lyara, the diplomatic advisor, spoke next, her voice calm and methodical. "We have established contacts with two neutral kingdoms that have a reputation for treating their citizens well and honoring their treaties. We have managed to form alliances with the Kingdom of Heavenly Fire and the Kingdom of Arvoran."

Thalor, the military advisor, let out a deep sigh before crossing his muscular arms. "Your Majesty, there is still much work to be done in the military. Although we are constantly recruiting and training, it will take some time before our military power reaches its true potential."

Vorian, the security advisor, spoke next, his voice grave and careful. "We are on high alert for possible external attacks. We have established a watchdog organization within the empire to monitor any suspicious activity. In addition, we are putting in place a plan to begin espionage operations in neighboring kingdoms in the coming months."

Cassius, the political strategy advisor, considered before answering. "Your Majesty, we propose a strategy of economic alliance. We will offer tax and trade benefits to the allied kingdoms, encouraging their dependence on our goods and services. This will strengthen us diplomatically, as they will be hesitant to attack us, knowing that their economy will be impacted."

Finally, Aurelia, the civil affairs advisor, spoke, her voice calm but filled with concern. "Your Majesty, the empire's population has grown considerably during your absence, which has brought challenges. We are facing an increased demand for housing and public services. We have already begun urban expansion projects and infrastructure improvements, but it will be necessary to allocate more resources to ensure that everyone has access to essential services."

Orion listened intently, analyzing every detail carefully. His advisors were competent, but he knew there was much to be done to ensure the security and growth of Eryndor.

"You have done well," he replied appreciatively. "Now, we must prepare for the future. Continue monitoring alliances, strengthening the military, and ensuring internal stability. The empire will prosper, but only if we are ready to face any challenge."

As the meeting progressed with the advisors discussing the empire's future actions, Orion leaned slightly in his chair and motioned for Ankar, his chief advisor and the most trusted among those present, to come closer.

Ankar, with his gray hair and serene posture, noticed the reserved tone in the gesture and approached discreetly.

Orion looked at Ankar, his eyes shining with an unusual intensity. "I want to organize a wedding ceremony," Orion whispered, as if those words carried a weight he was still processing. "I want Lyra to be my empress."

Ankar raised an eyebrow in surprise, but a subtle smile soon appeared on his face. "You're getting married, Your Majesty? I must say that's unexpected news... but wonderful." He tilted his head curiously. "Lyra... she's different, isn't she? I'd like to hear from you, what makes her special in your eyes?"

Orion was silent for a moment, as if choosing his words carefully. Finally, he began to speak, his voice softer than usual. "Lyra... she has a strength that is not common. It's not the kind of strength that comes from physical or magical power, but something deeper. She has a quiet courage, an unshakable conviction. Even in the most difficult situations, when everyone around her is in doubt, she remains steadfast. She doesn't need to prove anything to anyone, and that makes her all the more impressive."

Ankar listened intently, his eyes soft and attentive, as Orion continued, now more involved in his own reflection. "But that's not all. She... understands me in a way no one else ever has. With her, I'm not just the Emperor, the Divine Being. I'm just... me. And she doesn't see me for what I represent to others, but for who I am inside. That gives me peace."

"She offers you a balance that you might not find in anyone else," Ankar observed, his voice thoughtful.

Orion nodded slightly. "Exactly. She doesn't try to change who I am, but at the same time, she makes me want to be better. With Lyra, I feel like there's more to life than responsibilities and titles. It's like, somehow, she completes what I didn't even know was missing."

Ankar smiled genuinely. "Your Majesty, it is rare to find someone who makes us feel this way. If this is what your heart desires, then I believe this union will bring not only happiness to you, but also a new era of prosperity for the empire. Lyra will not only be your empress, but also a powerful force at your side."

Orion looked at Ankar, feeling the weight of his advisor's approval. "She will be. And I want this ceremony to reflect the importance she holds, both to me and to the empire."

Ankar nodded. "We will see to it that the ceremony lives up to its importance, Your Majesty. Empress Lyra will be celebrated as she deserves."

Orion smiled, a rarity that only those closest to him witnessed. "Thank you, Ankar. I know that with your help, everything will be perfect."