The Kingdom's Request

King Geld II of Eldoria was a man defined by pride and arrogance. To him, the strength of a kingdom lay solely in its military might, and he was willing to go to any lengths to bolster it. It was this obsession that had driven him to attempt the Hero Summoning Ritual years ago.

But the ritual had not gone as planned. The so-called hero turned out to be, in Geld's eyes, a complete failure. Weak. Powerless. A waste of resources. Yet, returning the hero to his original world was impossible, and outright execution would raise uncomfortable questions. So, Geld devised a solution: banish the hero to the outskirts of the kingdom.

The outskirts were perilous, teeming with Demons. Recently, sightings of a Demon General had even been reported. Geld believed that death was certain for the hero, and with the blame falling on no one, the problem would simply resolve itself.

Months passed, and the banished hero faded from his thoughts. Eldoria had bigger issues now. The recent Demon attack had left the kingdom in ruins. Their forces had been decimated, the economy was in shambles, and although they had managed to repel the invasion, the kingdom was internally broken.

Desperation had driven Geld to seek aid from the Valtherian Empire—the world's strongest and wealthiest nation. While relations between Eldoria and Valtheria were not exactly warm, they were still allies on paper, and Geld believed that alliance was reason enough to request help.

The Eldorian delegation, led by Geld himself, included his Prime Minister and a retinue of Royal Knights for protection. Despite their precarious state, Geld carried himself with the same arrogance as always.

In the Valtherian capital, however, Kaito Aragami, the Emperor of Valtheria, was not so sure about this visit. Diplomacy wasn't exactly his strong suit, and the thought of dealing with Eldoria made him uneasy. After all, this was the very kingdom that had summoned him as a hero—only to abandon him and toss him aside.

Kaito sighed as he slumped into his chair. "What do I even say to them, Val? How am I supposed to face them after all they did?"

Valeria, sitting across from him, offered a gentle but firm response. "I know they committed atrocities, Kaito. But turning away an ally—even one like them—before hearing their request could have consequences. Remember, as Emperor, the final decision is yours to make."

He nodded, her words making sense despite his personal feelings. "You're right. I'll meet them. I'll hear what they have to say. But that doesn't mean I have to help them. There's no guarantee I'll agree to anything."

"Of course," Valeria agreed. "And I think you're right to be cautious. The Demon attack on Eldoria was too sudden, and something about it feels... off. There might be more to their story than they're letting on."

Kaito leaned back, deep in thought. "You think they're hiding something?"

"It's possible," Valeria said. "We shouldn't provide them aid without understanding the full picture. Whatever they're not telling us could change everything."

"Then that settles it," Kaito declared, a glint of determination in his eyes. "I'll meet them, but I'm keeping my guard up. If they're hiding something, I'll figure it out."

Valeria smiled softly. "I know you will. And no matter what, I'm here to support you."

As the arrival of the Eldorian delegation loomed closer, Kaito steeled himself for the meeting ahead. He would face them—his former summoners—but he would do so on his own terms.

The day arrived swiftly. The Eldorian delegation reached the Imperial Capital, where they were promptly escorted to the grand Valtherian palace for a banquet. This banquet was the stage where their request for aid would be made clear.

Gabriel, the Valtherian Prime Minister, personally led the delegation to the banquet hall. It was an opulent space, far beyond the splendor of anything Eldoria could imagine. A massive, finely polished table stretched across the room, with plush chairs on every side. At the far end of the table were two distinct thrones—clearly designated for the Emperor and Empress.

The Eldorian King, Geld II, took his seat alongside his entourage, feeling a twinge of unease as he absorbed the grandeur around him. The Empire's power and wealth were palpable in every corner of the room, and it gnawed at him.

The Emperor and Empress hadn't arrived yet, leaving the delegation in an anxious silence. For Geld, it was a nerve-wracking wait.

Geld's POV

I came all this way to the Empire to request their aid, yet I can't shake this anxiety. Tales of the new Emperor—the so-called "Legendary Sage Emperor"—are everywhere. He's a figure shrouded in power and mystery, said to have accomplished the impossible in mere months. If anything goes awry in this meeting... I dare not imagine the consequences.

No, I must remain strong. I am King Geld II, ruler of Eldoria! We may be requesting aid, but we are allies. That means we stand on equal footing. I cannot let myself be intimidated by him!

"His Highness the Emperor and Her Highness the Empress have arrived. Please pay your proper respects," the herald announced.

He's here. The man of the legends. Let's see what kind of person he—

No... it can't be!

It can't be him!

Anyone but him!

That worthless scum—he dares to impersonate the Emperor!?

"You worthless scum! How dare you impersonate the Emperor and come here! Tell me this instant, where is the real Empe—"

Before I could finish, the cold gleam of a blade hovered inches from my throat. A fraction of a second more, and it would've pierced my body. I froze, trembling.

Who dared to draw their weapon against me, the great King of Eldoria?

My eyes darted to the source. It was her—the elf. A woman of striking beauty, with eyes like daggers aimed at my soul.

"Who do you think you are, you lowlife?!" I snapped. "You dare raise your blade against a king? Listen, you're wasting your time in this place. A woman of your caliber deserves better. Join me in Eldoria. I'll ensure you're properly rewarded."

Her expression darkened, her grip on the sword tightening.

"Do you really believe I would even entertain your drivel?" she spat, her voice sharp as steel. "And how dare you insult my lord and raise your voice against him!"

Her blade inched closer. My heart pounded in terror. No, this couldn't be the end!

"Elize, calm yourself." A calm yet firm voice filled the room. It was him—the Emperor.

"This man happens to be an acquaintance from my past. Though I must admit, that past was far from bright. I imagine he has certain... reservations against me." His tone was calm, but there was a sharpness beneath it that sent chills down my spine.

Then he turned his piercing gaze to me. "King Geld, I strongly advise you to refrain from further inappropriate behavior. Otherwise, I will be forced to reconsider the Empire's treatment of your delegation. And what happens after that..." He let the implication hang in the air.

The unspoken threat was enough to quiet my tongue.

Earlier That Day

A few hours before the Eldorian delegation arrived, Kaito was in his chamber, preparing for the banquet.

"Your Highness," a servant entered, bowing deeply, "there is someone who wishes to speak with you privately. He says it is urgent."

Kaito looked up, puzzled. "Someone? Who?"

"He seems to be of noble standing. Perhaps, the prince of some state."

A noble? Perhaps a scout or someone sent ahead of the delegation? Regardless, Kaito decided to meet with the visitor.

"Allow him in," Kaito ordered.

The doors opened, and a young man entered. He carried himself with a regal air, but there was a noticeable humility in his demeanor.

"Your Majesty," the man bowed deeply, "allow me to introduce myself. I am Ars Eldoria, Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Eldoria."

Kaito raised an eyebrow. This was unexpected.

"I wish to speak with you in private, Your Majesty, before my father and the rest of the delegation arrive. There is something of grave importance that I must share."

Ars Eldoria, Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Eldoria, was unlike his father. Where King Geld II was arrogant and reckless, Ars was kind-hearted, reflective, and deeply aware of the Kingdom's problems. Among the royal family, he was one of the few who recognized the dire consequences of their actions.

"Your Majesty," Ars began, bowing deeply before Kaito, "I come bearing a grave secret about my Kingdom and the true cause of the recent Demon attack."

Kaito's expression turned serious. "Go on."

Ars hesitated for a moment before continuing. "The attack was... caused by my father. He ordered our mages to develop a summoning spell to bring demons into our world, intending to use them as soldiers to bolster our military. My father believes that military strength is the ultimate measure of a nation's worth. But the plan backfired."

Kaito's eyes narrowed.

Ars pressed on. "The spell was implemented on a large scale without any protective mechanisms or trials. It spiraled out of control. The demons that were summoned could not be contained, and they went on a rampage. That... was the cause of the attack."

"So," Kaito said slowly, "King Geld's recklessness is responsible for the devastation of your Kingdom?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Ars admitted, lowering his head in shame. "But there's more. I came here because I cannot do anything to stop him. Even as Crown Prince, I lack the power to act. My father is stubborn and refuses to relinquish the throne. He'd rather see the Kingdom fall than step down."

Kaito regarded him carefully. "And you've come here to ask for the Empire's help in gaining control of your Kingdom, haven't you?"

"Yes," Ars said firmly. "I beg of you, Your Majesty. Please help me take the reins of Eldoria. If this continues, my father will only lead the Kingdom further into ruin."

Kaito leaned back, considering the situation. "Do you have support within the Kingdom? Nobles, citizens—anyone who will stand behind you?"

Ars nodded. "I do. Most of the nobles back me, and the citizens have lost faith in my father. The only ones who stand with him are a handful of loyalists, including the Prime Minister."

"In that case, I have a plan," Kaito said. "Your task is to solidify your support. Ensure that the nobles and citizens remain aligned with you. Once that is done, we can proceed."

Ars's eyes lit up. "I am deeply grateful, Your Majesty. I can never repay this favor. If there is anything Eldoria can do for the Empire in the future, please let me know. If necessary, I will even agree for Eldoria to become a vassal state."

Kaito shook his head. "No. Your focus should be on restoring the strength and dignity of your Kingdom, not diminishing it further. For now, do your part. Good luck, Prince Ars."

Ars bowed once more, and their meeting ended.

A few hours later, the Eldorian delegation arrived at the palace. King Geld and his entourage were escorted to the banquet hall, where they were seated in awe of the Imperial opulence surrounding them.

When Kaito and Valeria entered, the King's demeanor changed drastically. His face contorted into a mix of disbelief and rage as he recognized the man walking toward the throne.

He started insulting him, and as a result, he met Elize's blade. This caused him to tremble to his very core.

Elize's grip on her sword tightened, and the King's life flashed before his eyes.

"Elize," Kaito said calmly, "stand down."

Reluctantly, she withdrew her blade, though her glare never wavered.

Kaito turned to Geld, his expression unreadable. "King Geld, I'll ask you to refrain from inappropriate behavior. Insults and threats won't get you very far here. Remember, you came here seeking aid."

Geld, trembling, sat back down in silence.

The banquet began, and after some formalities, Kaito addressed the delegation.

"So, King Geld," Kaito began, his tone polite but firm, "I've heard of the recent tragic events in Eldoria. You have my sympathies. To think that demons would suddenly launch such an attack—it's truly an unprecedented event."

"Indeed, Your Majesty!" Geld replied quickly, sensing an opportunity. "That's why we humbly request your aid. The attack has left our Kingdom in disarray. Your assistance is critical for our survival. By the way, Your Majesty, I couldn't help but notice that demons seem to have stopped attacking your Empire entirely. How did you manage that?"

Kaito's expression remained calm. "Is that so? I hadn't noticed. Perhaps the demons near our borders have simply grown weaker over time."

Geld nodded, though he didn't seem entirely convinced.

"As for your request for aid," Kaito continued, "we're willing to help. However, there will be conditions."

"Of course, Your Majesty. Anything you ask," Geld said hurriedly.

Kaito's gaze sharpened. "If you fail to repay the aid we provide before the agreed deadline, the Empire will reserve all rights over the Kingdom."

Geld froze. His face turned pale, but he managed to nod. "Agreed," he muttered, his voice barely audible.

The agreement was struck, but the tension in the hall remained thick. Unbeknownst to Geld, the Empire already knew the truth about the demon attack—and the cracks in his rule were about to be exposed.