The Lionheart clan.
The illustrious descendants of the Great Vermouth.
The continent's greatest warriors.
It was a family that every aspiring knight dreamt of serving under.
Naturally, the knights of the Lionheart family were formidable. The knightly order of the White Lion Knights was a group of knights serving directly under the main branch of the Lionheart family, consisting of individuals whose skills were too prodigious to be mere soldiers of a single family. Moreover, their numbers were also comparable to the knightly order of a respectable kingdom.
The Black Lion Knights existed as a separate entity from the White Lion Knights. Unlike the White Lion Knights, the Black Lion Knights were comprised solely of the members of the Lionheart family. A few years back, the Black Lion Knights had been a group of select elites numbering less than a hundred. Yet, after a rebellion within Black Lion Castle, they underwent substantial reorganization, and their ranks swelled.
"Good heavens,” Straut the Second said out loud.
His eyes widened in astonishment. Even at a cursory count, the number of warriors belonging to the Lionheart family outnumbered the Kiehl Empire’s White Dragon Knights. It was an overwhelming force that, if rebellious, could challenge not only the Kiehl Empire but even the Holy Empire as well.
"Did they always have such numbers?" asked Straut the Second.
"It seems they've brought every force they could muster. I see about a hundred without the emblem of the White Lion, and they might be apprentice knights,” answered Alchester.
It was just as Alchester deduced. Gilead immediately rallied his family's entire strength after hearing news about Iris becoming the Demon King in the Southern Seas and her subsequent subjugation by Eugene Lionheart. He left behind the bare minimum to guard the Black Lion Castle. Even the elders who were long retired armed themselves and followed the main branch’s summons.
Moreover, it wasn’t only the apprentice knights of the White Lion Knights who were mobilized, but also those from the collateral lines of the family not yet inducted into the Black Lion Knights. Gilead, too, had taken measures against unforeseen circumstances. Though it seemed unlikely that the Demon King of Incarceration would intrude, it was impossible to know what repercussions would follow the first Demon King’s subjugation in three hundred years. No one knew how Helmuth would react.
"... Are our borders secure?" Straut the Second inquired after clearing his throat.
The Lionheart family enjoyed several privileges from the Kiehl Empire. In return, the Lionheart family offered several things, one of which was guarding the southernmost border of the empire, the Uklas Mountains.
"Yes. We are maintaining the necessary forces to keep it secured,” Gilead responded.
"There's no need for concern on that front,” Ivatar, who had been standing at a distance, interjected.
He approached with long strides, then gave a slight bow to the emperor and Gilead.
"I am Chief of the Zoran Tribe, Ivatar Jahav,” said Ivatar.
The idea that a forest barbarian could speak so fluently took Straut the Second by surprise. He regarded Ivatar with a raised eyebrow.
"It's been a while,” responded Gilead. He recognized Ivatar. Though brief, they had exchanged greetings when Ivatar last visited the Lionheart estate.
Moreover, not long ago, Ivatar had delivered a significant amount of spoils from the war to the Lionheart mansion.
"We've yet to bring the entire forest under control from the chaos, but we've dispatched warriors to the border on our side. There'll hardly be any movement from the Samar Forest across the Uklas Mountains,” Ivatar declared confidently.
Though not an absolute guarantee, the words of a tribal chief on the verge of unifying the Great Forest bore significant weight. Straut the Second sensed the deep ties between Ivatar and the Lionheart family and composed his expression. He might not have liked the young chief or the savages, but personal feelings had to be set aside for the empire.
"Thank you for your cooperation. Though we meet today in a place like this, we've not gathered solely for such discussions... Chief Ivatar. Once the forest issue resolves, let us formally convene for discussions,” suggested Straut II solemnly.
"It should not take long," Ivatar responded with a grin.
"Um…. Ahem.... Given the long journey you all undertook, I suggest... rather than standing here, we should move indoors," Oseris tried to calm his startled heart and beckoned everyone inside once again.
Save for the Sand Scorpions of Nahama, the best knightly orders of the continent were assembled in one place. Moreover, the garden of the royal palace was filled with powerful rulers who could easily brush off the authority of the Shimuin royal family.
More than a thousand were gathered. But it couldn’t be considered a mere thousand. Even a fraction of them could overthrow Sudoru, the capital of Shimuin, and seize the palace.
The more Oseris realized this unbelievable fact, the more he felt a sinking dread. Though he urged them while breaking out into cold sweats, not a single soul was moving.
"At the risk of being disrespectful, I must ask," a young man with a cross-shaped greatsword on his back stepped forward while speaking.
He was a young boy in appearance, seemingly stunted in growth. Nevertheless, he held the position of commander of the Blood Cross Knights of Yuras, the strongest knightly order of the Holy Empire. His name was Crusader Raphael Martinez, and his youthful eyes were devoid of any gleam as he stared intently at Oseris.
"Does Shimuin worship evil?" asked Raphael, seemingly out of the blue.
"What…? What do you mean?" responded Oseris with an incredulous look.
"Do you mourn the death of the Demon King?" pressed Raphael.
"Why this sudden...?" Oseris was completely flabbergasted.
"Your Majesty, I'm inquiring if you and your royal family are heretics,” Raphael asked bluntly. He didn’t hesitate a second in delivering the shocking words.
Oseris’ jaw dropped at the blatant, nonsensical accusation.
"What in the heavens are you talking about!?" he asked in disbelief.
Oseris was genuinely taken aback. Had it been any other knight, he would have been outraged. But Raphael’s identity as the Blood Cross Knight's commander held him back. The pope was watching them intently, which only added to the immense pressure.
"Didn't Your Majesty decree the formation of the task force that defeated the Demon King?" inquired Raphael.
"That’s—"
"Yet your face is fraught with anxiety,” continued Raphael, not allowing even a moment for Oseris to speak.
"That's because—"
"Your Majesty must have heard the news of the Demon King’s demise way before we arrived. We observed the citizens of Shimuin as we traveled to the palace. They are jubilantly preparing a celebration in honor of the subjugation,” noted Raphael.
"That—"
"Why, then, is the royal palace of Shimuin so silent? Eugene Lionheart, the Hero chosen by the Light, has defeated a Demon King. Why is there no rejoicing in this palace?" questioned Raphael.
His barrage of questions was relentless, and he spoke without rest. Oseris wanted to reply at every turn, but Raphael's continuous tirade gave him no chance.
"I acknowledge my questions may be impudent. Yet, Your Majesty's complete lack of visible joy raises questions. And that is why I must ask. Do you, perchance, grieve the Demon King's demise? Do you worship the Demon King of Incarceration who rules over Helmuth? Is the entire royal family ensnared by evil?" Raphael pressed on while taking another step forward.
Though his frame was small and youthful, Raphael's eyes blazed with a fervor fueled by his deep faith.
"Su-such claims are preposterous!" King Oseris finally managed to eke out a retort.
"Then," it was Pope Aeuryus who now spoke, offering a benevolent smile and tracing the symbol of sanctity across his chest. "Let us jointly prepare a grand reception for the Hero’s return."
“…..” Oseris stared in stunned silence as the situation took unexpected turns.
"I have not come all the way to this nation for idle chatter within your palace walls. Isn’t that true for everyone who is here?” Aeuryus questioned while looking around.
One reason everyone had brought their elite troops was to counter any unforeseen movement from Helmuth. However, that wasn’t the only reason.
The Demon King's vanquisher was the Hero chosen by the Light, Eugene Lionheart, and the Saint, Kristina Rogeris. The pope had grand plans to publicize this great feat to the entire world. He would declare the tangible grace and presence of the Light in the world.
"Our wizards will prepare the fireworks,” declared King Daindolf of Aroth, seizing the momentary silence as an opportunity.
To be honest, Daindolf had no intention of engaging in extended dialogues with the emperor or the pope within the palace confines either.
"If there's heavy lifting to be done, just say the word," Aman said with a chuckle, "Not just me, but the Fangs as well. They’re basically useless unless it comes to brute strength.”
From the moment the Pope mentioned a reception, the atmosphere shifted instantly. Discussions erupted regarding the festival's preparations. Oseris felt cornered. He was no longer in a position to deny anyone from the festivities. He could not say that he had not thought of celebrating because of how wary he had been of Helmuth.
It was especially true with Raphael glowering at him, his eyes still burning with that unnerving intensity. It felt as if he was ready to swing the cross-shaped greatsword as soon as Oseris even breathed the word ‘Helmuth.’
"We…. We shall undertake all necessary security measures," Oseris finally managed after a while as he wiped away cold sweat.
***
As they had done with their departure, the group used magic to accelerate their voyage. As a result, the travel time was reduced by more than half.
"What a spectacle," Eugene remarked with his arms crossed atop the mast.
Shimuin's main island, Shedor Island, was coming into view. Even from this distance, its bustling vibrancy was evident.
During their journey, they had encountered Shimuin's military ships and trade vessels. All heralded the preparations for a grand festivity in Shedor as they fired celebratory cannons into the skies to salute the heroes. The military ships even assembled their crews on deck and had them saluting with shouts of loyalty.
"Feels like old times, doesn't it?" Sienna giggled after flying up to him.
Three hundred years ago, after defeating the first Demon King, they had briefly returned to the continent for rest and resupply. The Kingdom of Zerfin, now a member of the Anti-Demon Alliance, had thrown open its city gates in a grand welcome for the heroes.
"Do you remember the palace ball?" Sienna said with a bittersweet smile as she dived into her memories.
The world had been desperate three hundred years ago and hadn't placed much hope in Vermouth and his comrades, mainly because the demons and the Demon Kings far surpassed human strength.
Yet, against all odds, the Hero and his comrades had returned after slaying a Demon King. Even though the Demon King had been of the lowest rank, the fact remained that they had slain one of the world’s most formidable adversaries. It had been a glimmer of hope in an era overshadowed by despair.
"Those nobles back in the day. They were always putting on airs. They were so keen to be associated with us. Remember how they were hounding us just to share a dance?" Sienna remarked.
"Yeah, I remember. There were lines of noble ladies dying to dance with me back then," Eugene quipped.
"You think it was any different for me?” retorted Sienna.
"That's why I danced with you," said Eugene.
— I… It’s too much work to even turn them down, so how about you and I just dance with each other?
— Are you already drunk…?
Sienna had slapped Eugene after saying that. Eugene chuckled as he reminisced about the moment.
"Thinking back, you really didn’t know how to dance at all," Eugene said.
"How could I be good when I had never danced before? And do you think you danced any better?" retorted Sienna.
Three centuries back, Hamel was a peasant and had lived the life of a mercenary. Dancing wasn't a skill he'd picked up along the way. Likewise, having grown up amidst elves in the forest, Sienna had never been taught to dance.
"Now, I dance quite well," Eugene declared confidently while puffing out his chest.
Being a Lionheart meant he hailed from one of the most prestigious noble families. As such, Eugene was trained in the arts and etiquettes of nobility from a young age. This included dancing at grand balls.
"I still can't dance," Sienna replied with a sidelong glance at Eugene.
During her time in Aroth, Sienna rarely attended parties. And on those rare occasions when she did — not because she wanted to — she never danced.
"It doesn't matter. I’m a good dancer. I lead well. Just hold my hand and follow,” Eugene spoke without much thought, but the words had a profound impact on Sienna.
Her eyes widened in surprise. She instinctively stepped back, her lips parting slightly as if to ask, 'Are you asking me to dance now?'
She quickly composed herself and shut her mouth. She did not want to offer Eugene an opportunity to awkwardly make excuses and refute her words.
‘That can’t happen,’ Sienna resolved to herself.
She maintained her calm demeanor and took her place beside Eugene. Meanwhile, their ship neared the island, and preparations for docking were in full swing.
Boom!
A celebratory cannon fired from the city. Brilliant magical fireworks illuminated the sky even in broad daylight. One after another, the cannons colored the skies while wizards directed the flames to form letters in the sky.
To the Hero Eugene Lionheart and the Wise Sienna….
Eugene shut his eyes, choosing not to read the grand display. Even so, the letters continued to form in the air.
"The pope is here," Kristina observed, eyes narrowing at the adorned harbor.
Rows of holy knights stood in formation, with the pope visibly among them. Among the most eye-catching were the tens of Battle Clerics, the elite unit 'Graceful Radiance.' Each member had been handpicked by Anise and Kristina and trained by Raphael.
[I see their game now. They wish to flaunt the prowess of Graceful Radiance and showcase what Yuras has prepared for the Saint,] Anise mused.
Graceful Radiance was a select group within the Luminous Covenant. They were essentially fanatics who were willing to throw away their lives at the word of the Hero and the Saint. Their numbers were still limited…, but by the time of war, they would have multiplied many times over. They hadn't been mobilized during the battle against the Demon King of Fury, but one day they would be. Their very lives would fuel the assault on Babel.
“…..”
Ciel swallowed hard while gazing out at the harbor. There were countless individuals in sight. It was a display of the Lionhearts’ full might. The sight of her family members made Ciel’s heart race.
"Our fathers are there," Eugene grumbled while taking his place beside Ciel.
Beside Gilead stood Gerhard, who was donned in formal attire and even armed with a sword.
Eugene chuckled and whispered to Ciel, "My father. He’s probably forgotten how to even wield that sword."
Ciel didn’t respond.
"Why are you so tense?" Eugene lightly tapped Ciel's shoulder.
"Maybe I should've worn an eyepatch," Ciel grumbled while pouting. Her left eye was a different color, and she felt pretty self-conscious of it.
"Idiot, that would draw even more attention,” said Eugene.
"It would be great if magic could change it."
She had already made multiple attempts, but even Sienna’s magic could not alter the color of the Demoneye. Moreover, changing the right eye to match the left made both eyes appear too dull and even more conspicuous.
"Stand tall," Carmen mumbled while placing a cigar in her mouth. She stood tall beside them.
"You have returned after vanquishing a Demon King. The emperor and the pope stand there to honor and celebrate you."
She turned his gaze to Eugene, "You, the Black Lion, Eugene Lionheart."
Eugene stared at her mutely.
"Look at the sky," Carmen instructed, swelling with pride as she stared upwards. Following suit, Eugene looked up to see:
The Hero Eugene Lionheart.
Above the glowing magical letters, the emblem of the Lionheart family was being painted.
"The Great Lionheart," Carmen declared with fervor. She thumped the left side of her chest, where the family emblem rested.
"The Great... Eugene Lionheart,” she proclaimed.
Eugene’s mouth was agape at this point.
"The Great Black Lion."
Eugene coughed, almost choking on his own embarrassment.
No matter how many times he pondered, he could not help but think that Carmen was purposely teasing him.