Chapter 7 Secret Meeting

The Hall was silent, even with 300 people, the Hall remained as silent as falling snow.

This is the etiquette of Aristocrats. Normally, these people would be at each other's throats, but when following etiquette, they are the forerunners.

"Your Majesty, please say something! " Whispered an escort.

"What? Why? And tell me why should I listen to you?! " Arthur demanded.

*thak

The main leaders of both factions face-palmed after seeing this spectacle.

With a swift motion, both Archdukes seized the meeting by beginning the session.

"This session is brought about due to harmful actions by Nordheim Nobles, who tried to collude with Pendralis, Alfonse, and those barbaric Nadurs! " The spokesperson from the Regent faction spoke.

"And the one who instigated this is Archduke Raul and his retainers! We must punish them! " Spoke another one, who just so happens to be Arthur's maternal uncle, Marquis Wilhelm Van Aquila.

"What nonsense are you talking about! To think a spoiled brat like you dares to tarnish His Excellency's image! This place isn't the Aquila duchy, where you can do as you please! This is Imperial Capital! Follow the rules! " Admonished an elder, from the Prime Minister's faction.

After that, both sides debated for a few more hours. Normally, this session wouldn't be called for just debating or accusing, but for getting year-end reports or to discuss the growth and development of the Empire.

But since under the reign of the Fifth Emperor, the glamour and glitter of this, once historic session, was completely lost. Despite some restoration, the Empire has lost the importance of the Imperial Session.

That's why useless topics are getting more importance than actual importance topics, like the possible invasion of the Empire by other countries.

*step

*step

*step

The debate came to an end with the entrance of three figures. Garfield Elmsworth and his two retainers had arrived.

Garfield attracted all of the attention. With the pressure mounting, he didn't waste any time and got one knee to bow properly, so did his retainers.

The heads of both factions looked at Garfield with unreadable expressions. But deep down, they were enraged...

'This guy played with us! 'That's the unison thought for both of them.

And now they want him in their respective factions, either by hook or crook.

But Garfield had other ideas.

~~~

"You are Ginny's father, right?! " A childish voice greeted Garfield.

He calmly replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. Ginny is indeed my daughter. "

"Where's she? I want Ginny back now. " Arthur said, before throwing a tantrum.

"Prime Minister! Let Ginny be my caretaker, just like before! " Arthur ordered, specifically to Archduke Raul, who in turn had a smug smile. Before he could say anything,

"Grandpa! You too! Let Ginny be my caretaker! " Arthur shouted, this time to Archduke Aquila.

Louie wore a smug expression, as if saying 'Blood is thicker than bond' while the Prime Minister was fuming inside.

Before both of them could say anything,

"I and my entire margrave are forever grateful for Your Majesty's help in saving my people. It's because of your timely intervention, the northern countries didn't invade. " Garfield said, directly giving credit to the young Emperor.

Before anyone could react, Garfield bowed once again, this time on both knees, as if performing a kowtow ( In Chinese culture- bowing so low as to have one's head touching the ground ).

"I, Garfield Elmsworth, alongside my entire family and lands, here by swore our undying fealty to our Grand Emperor, His Majesty Arthur Von Ignivar and his descendants, under the witness of my own Aura. " Garfield declared before activating an Artifact.

*hmm

The artifact hummed before Garfield entered his blood, silencing it. One of his retainers, a sorceress, used wind magic and brought the artifact to Arthur, which later bound itself on his hand as a bracelet.

Arthur didn't understand what Garfield had done, but the magic used by the sorceress was familiar to him.

'Ginny! '

Retrieving the Artifact, he asked,

"What's this? "

Garfield replied, " It's the blood bound, my proof of loyalty for his Majesty. Now my life and death are in your hands. "

He kneeled once again to showcase his favor.

Arthur looked confused and worried, before glancing at the retainer, who was, in fact, Ginny in disguise.

Ginny gave a nod. Arthur realized what he should do. Before any of the factions could recover, he ran off to his chamber. This time, no one stopped him, because everyone was silent.

Wisely following his new Lord, Garfield and his retainers followed Arthur behind.

*silence

Every single person, including both Archdukes, was dumbfounded.

The Fealty that Garfield performed is called the Oath of Aura. It is something that wasn't exactly uncommon, especially during the time of the Valgus Empire's days, but nowadays it's uncommon.

Generally, the method is far more crude and time-consuming, and can only be done by those proficient in Aura, but few artifacts can ease the process. Garfield used one of these artifacts.

Finally, two people muttered under their breath, which echoed throughout the Hall.

"That fucker! " x2

Both Archdukes were livid. They hadn't expected Garfield to outmaneuver them in such a way.

---

While the Hall was getting colder and colder, a man silently left the crowded Aristocrats and stealthily followed Arthur and Garfield.

Catching up to them, he signalled them to follow him, and all of them entered another room.

Once inside, Ginny revealed herself, and both Arthur and she had a heartfelt reunion.

"So what game are you playing? Earl Volfor. " Garfield asked, eying the man who led them to the room.

"You had made enemies from both factions now. " Volfor replied.

"They already were. The scheme of inciting those bastards up North was Raul's plan, while Aquila tactically approved of it. I was already their enemy. Besides, I didn't breach the agreement, which means there's nothing they can do to me. At least legally. " Garfield replied.

"Besides, they had already angered him before, but if that person realised that even we, the late Crown Prince's retainers, aren't safe from political intrigue, then he would abandon his seclusion and tear down all of them. Even at the cost of war. After all, both factions must be more worried about him than us. If he decides to act, then mutual destruction is imminent."Garfield replied, as he revealed,

" After all, he's the only person on the Empire to reach transcendence."

The room felt silent, as even Ginny turned around listening attentively.

"What does that mean? " Arthur asked, in a confused tone.

Ginny had only taught him about cultivating mana, the types of natural elements mana can guide, and the ranks of mana core. This is the first time he's heard about Aura.

This time Ginny replied, albeit vaguely,

"Just like mana, Aura is a special and supernatural power that's available to all people. But to unlock it, one needs a lot of strength and stronger willpower. "

Nodding his head, Garfield then motioned for Earl some privacy, who in turn left them alone.

Now that alone, Arthur eyed him with a curious and wary expression.

"First of all, it's an honor to meet you, my name is Garfield Elmsworth, one of the late Crown Prince His Highness Johannes's retainers. " Garfield introduced himself as Arthur's father's retainer.

"What is this bracelet. "Arthur asked quickly.

" This is the artifact that allows one to complete the Oath of Aura, which binds the person to the wielder of the bracelet. "Garfield replied, before kneeling,

" Give me any order, and I would obey it. If I don't, then the artifact would harm me and force me to accept your orders. "Garfield said, as he got up.

" Then what's that agreement you were talking about? "Arthur asked.

"About the agreement, it's not time yet. " Garfield said, with great reluctance.

*stare

Arthur narrowed his eyes cutely before,

*hmph

Giving a cute huff...

"Fufu." Ginny giggled.

After spending some time with Garfield and Ginny, they both decided to let Ginny stay with Arthur as a guard and also to teach him about mana.

Yes.. Garfield knows that Arthur can use mana..

Before long Earl of Palace arrived and warned them about being careful.

"You can trust him, but not completely. He has his unknown agenda. " Garfield warned Arthur.

"So you mean, I can't trust him. " Arthur rolled his eyes.

"Hahaha, yes, something like that. " Garfield replied, laughing.

Now that things are back to normal, Arthur thought the days of tranquility would be back, and also balanced his relations with both archdukes, who are now visiting him more often.

Meanwhile, Garfield returned to his margrave, prepared for the worst, now that he had earned the ire of both factions.

But before they could retaliate, something worse happened that affected both of the factions, and the entire Empire as a whole.

---

(Garfield Pov)

Troublesome..

That's my true feelings, and has been since the end of the Oath of Aura fiasco. I had to return to my estate and make preparations for the inevitable.

A few months passed by, and the said retaliation did come back... Just that, retaliation was off the mark..

---