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“King Baroar, are you seriously planning to make Hero Zion just a Baroness?”

A justified protest from the Pope.

“I see. If I receive the title of Baron, Zion will naturally become a Baroness…”

Wait, a Baroness?!

“Zion is not yet the Baron’s wife, right, Pope?”

That’s exactly what I wanted to say.

Already treating Zion as my wife?!

“Just now, Zion swore an oath of eternity, but you say not yet? Are you trying to insult her vow, Your Majesty?”

“Anyway, I, the King, bestow a title to Hop Harvey, a citizen of this kingdom, based on his accomplishments. This decision is unrelated to Zion, and bestowing titles is my authority as King, so Pope, please do not interfere.”

I never expected this ball to turn into such a setting.

At this moment, when Zion vowed to dedicate everything to me, possessing me was practically the same as possessing Zion.

Thus, this level of power struggle regarding the King’s announcement…

“Keep spouting such nonsense, and know that the church will respond appropriately. Hero Zion is a servant of the Creator, and if you keep trying to tie her to the kingdom, we won’t let it slide.”

“It’s the Pope who should stop interfering in foreign affairs.”

An unyielding back-and-forth between the King and the Pope.

What was I supposed to do about this?

I wasn’t sure if I could decide anything in this situation, but I had to at least think about which stance to take.

More than that, what does Zion think?

This conflict is more about Zion than me. If I can get the opinion of the real party, Zion, wouldn’t it have an influence?

“Zion, what do you think? About this situation…”

“Do as you wish, Teacher Hop.”

“Do as I wish…?”

“If you want to be a noble, accept the title; if you want freedom over responsibility, reject it. Whether I become a Baroness or a citizen of the kingdom, or if I stay as a hero, I’ll follow whatever decision you make.”

Zion is really clear about everything.

Always sticking to her beliefs and convictions.

I wish I could decide and express myself as clearly as Zion does…

“Can I really decide?”

“If they’re doing this because they want me, then you can’t oppose something when you make a decision.”

Zion’s gaze, observing the commotion quietly, remained unshaken despite looking at the King and the Pope arguing over her.

“Teacher Hop’s decision is my decision. If anyone dares to oppose that or force something upon you by wielding authority, then I won’t just sit back.”

Zion is definitely right.

If they want me because I possess Zion, then it’s okay for me to act as someone who possesses Zion as well.

But even so, this was an important decision, making it a difficult situation to decide recklessly. For now, I resolved to observe how the story unfolds further.

“Anyway, if you have nothing more to say, let’s continue the banquet.”

“Ugh…”

The Pope ends up swallowing a bitter pill, clearly dismayed by the King’s unilateral notice. Is this how it’s going to be?

No matter how much Zion is involved, the King’s announcement still ultimately means bestowing a title to me, a citizen of the kingdom.

Having been told to stop interfering in domestic affairs, it was clear the Pope could argue no further.

“Your Majesty, may I humbly say something?”

At that moment, a deep, sonorous voice echoed from somewhere.

It was a completely different vibe than the Pope’s sudden outburst.

“Duke Crofel. Do you also oppose my decision?”

“I don’t intend to oppose it, but…”

The unexpected interruption came from Duke Crofel of the Libyan Kingdom, situated centrally on the continent.

He wasn’t someone I knew well, but I remembered him from the invitation round, having met him directly.

The renowned head of the Crofel family, said to possess the continent’s strongest swordsmanship.

Head of the Libyan aristocracy and holding the second-highest rank behind the King in the entire kingdom.

“It seems this lady has some dissatisfaction, so I thought perhaps a little push would be beneficial.”

“Still as sly as ever, Duke Crofel.”

“Haha, I’ll take that as a compliment.”

And the one being pointed out to have dissatisfaction was none other than,

“Princess Nutriot…”

Troyat’s third princess Nutriot was present.

With the Pope and now a Duke, as well as a Princess stepping forward, King Baroar visibly showed signs of embarrassment.

“How about it, Princess? If you voice your opinion on this matter, Libya will lend its strength.”

“I’m not a fan of Libya’s diplomatic principles of never taking the front line, but if the Duke is on our side, then it’s a different story.”

“Haha, your words are quite prickly, Princess.”

“Just take it as a compliment, Duke. I know that Libya always makes wise decisions as a central nation.”

After some dialogue with the Duke, Nutriot stepped forward.

The diplomatic strategy of Libya that Nutriot referred to is a survival strategy for a nation that shares borders with several others in the continent’s center.

Libya has persisted and played a crucial role in international affairs, remaining a significant player.

Now, moving to the center of the banquet hall, Nutriot looked up directly at the King.

“Respected King Baroar, I stand here as the Emperor of the Keroua Empire’s envoy and as a representative of my beloved father, Nutriot Hans. Please heed my words, as they are a message from the Emperor and reflect the will of the entire Empire.”

Nutriot’s declaration was solemn and serious.

Although Keroua was the only empire on the continent, its territory and military scale had significant impacts on neighboring nations.

This declaration was more about establishing justification rather than issuing a threat or intimidation.

Despite being a princess, she was merely attending to partake in the ball, thus there were no conferred powers or delegations granting her authority.

However, she claimed to exercise powers she hadn’t actually been delegated.

Which means, the opinions she would present henceforth align with the ‘universal values’ held by the Emperor and citizens of the Empire.

She was essentially stating she held arguments that could, indeed, garner agreement from any party, not necessarily just the Empire.

“It’s the King’s rightful authority to bestow a title to Hop Harvey, a citizen of the kingdom. The Empire has no plans to involve itself in the kingdom’s title bestowal, nor does it possess the right to do so. However…”

Pause briefly, Nutriot subtly turned her head sideways, casting a glance towards Zion and me.

“Hero Zion Laurel is different. Her origins remain unknown, but she was first discovered in the outskirts to the north of the Empire. While she traversed the world during the ongoing war, after the war ended, she resided in our Empire for three years. She undeniably made immense contributions as a bona fide citizen of the Empire, yet our Keroua has not conferred a title upon her. As I believe everyone present knows well, the reason for this is clear. She is a hero. Hence, there has been a tacit agreement that Zion belongs not to any country, but to the world.”

Nutriot looked around, appealing to those present.

In response to her eloquence, Pope Silane IV nodded as if it were only natural.

“However, if Noden attempts to claim Zion through such means, then we, Keroua, will also exercise the rightful authority we possess as an Empire.”

She turned back to face me and Zion.

“Upon my return, my father, Nutriot Hans, will appoint Hero Zion Laurel as the head of the Laurel family and bestow upon her a title fitting her achievements.”

“!!”

Every eye among the gathered guests widened in astonishment at Nutriot’s declaration.

“We’ve just taken a strike.”

“Didn’t the Duke pledge to support me? You’re not planning to back out now, are you?”

“Haha, that’s not going to happen. The reason the principle of never stepping to the front line exists is because Libya never speaks twice.”

The Duke’s words were entirely reasonable. Diplomacy dictated by principles risks collapsing instantly if trust is ever lost.

“I’m a bit frustrated, but Libya will support the Empire’s decision and won’t oppose Hero Zion receiving a title from the Empire.”

“The Princess is echoing the King’s sentiments!”

While the Duke maintained his initial support for Nutriot, Pope Silane IV quickly rebuffed.

“To say that she belongs to the world, but in the end plan to take her to the Empire!”

“You see, the tacit agreement was violated in this room, so the Empire is merely responding in kind.”

“One who was once an ally of Zion’s party, how can they…!”

“That’s in the past. Right now, I am a princess of the Empire.”

The atmosphere shifted rapidly from a seeming alliance with the Pope to a three-way contention. The situation was growing increasingly complicated.

“Zion. But what does receiving a title mean for you?”

“There are many ways to marry. What Nutriot likely means is for you to come as a son-in-law to my family.”

“Oh…!”

I see. Although Zion and I vowed eternity, we haven’t officially married yet.

Therefore, if a title is conferred to Zion before the official marriage, it would allow us to choose our future path.

“Hop Harvey! You can decide! There is also the way of not accepting a title! Usually, refusing such honors incurs severe retribution, but I swear on my position as Pope that I won’t let anything happen to you! So…!”

“You speak too much, Pope!”

King Baroar, who had been listening quietly, finally lost his temper at the Pope’s demeanor.

“Listening to all of you, it seems everyone is only thinking of Hero Zion! Of course, I know well that the bestowal of a title will dictate Zion’s residence and whereabouts! To say I am not considering that would be a lie! But!”

The King took a deep breath after his firm declaration, clearly still angry but trying to calm his expression while looking in my direction.

“I believe that Baron Harvey is a genuine hero and hero within this kingdom. A kingdom’s title cannot simply be obtained by marrying well! If even once more I hear a remark belittling my decision to bring Zion into the kingdom as mere trickery, no matter who utters it, I will not forgive it!”

The atmosphere instantly turned tense.

A sharp silence fell over the hall.

No one was willing to yield.

“Teacher Hop, have you sorted your thoughts?”

“Somewhat.”

Ultimately, it seems I must sort out this situation…

“I’ll set the stage for you. Is that alright?”

“Yes, please.”

Zion stood up and moved forward.

“Respected Your Majesty, and to Pope and esteemed guests from various nations. I’ve listened carefully to everyone’s positions regarding the future whereabouts of myself and my everything, Teacher Hop.”

While Zion stepped out, I gathered my thoughts one last time.

Could our future be dictated by diplomatic affairs?

“And regardless of the stances of various nations, the place we should be is something we will decide for ourselves. From here on, whatever decision Teacher Hop makes will be mine, Zion Laurel’s. As a hero of the world, I will not bow to any authority, and that applies equally to Hop Harvey, who has sworn an oath to me.”

Zion clearly and resolutely drew the line.

With such a declaration, there should be no one bold enough to voice dissatisfaction with whatever decision I make now.

“Then, from now on,”

“I will speak.”

Finally, it was my turn.

To be in a position to mediate a conflict between such powerful figures is quite the irony, isn’t it?

But as Zion said, that’s not what matters.

This is simply about us determining where we wish to be.

There’s no need to worry about anyone’s opinions; I can just do as I want.

“I…

 

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