A week had passed since Yamato assumed control of Grym'valen. Even though his conquest had been legitimized by divine authority, he assumed the original owner of the town, meaning the Holy Empire of Humanity, would not be pleased with this turn of events. Thus, he expected the arrival of an envoy, but saw the possibility of a military assault as possible as well. He was actually surprised that nothing had happened yet, though his full support of the people of this town provided a sense of security in that regard. Even though he held no formal title yet, he was officially recognized as sole authority of this town, fully supported by the church lead by the deity Yuki. This of course elevated his status by an unprecedented amount. Public appearances were mandatory for now to keep his image as symbol, though he planned on stepping out of the spotlight in the near future.
Though officially separate but mutually supportive factions, Yuki was directly involved in taking out Yamato's orders, as obviously her character had not changed one bit. And so, paperwork continued to prevent Yamato from doing as he pleased.
"Master, may I ask something?"
"Sure."
"It is of course in my interest to elevate you into a position of power. No sight could please me more than to see you officially recognized as the superior being that you are. However… I find that control of this town is to be but a stepping stone, and it should not be our priority to make this place our main seat of power."
"Obviously, I don't plan on this town being the end goal of my plans. Depending on the reaction of the Empire of Humanity, the next phase can begin. Lucy should return from her expedition as well today, so the information she brings with her will give me a better picture of our current situation."
"I understand, and am glad this is how you see it. It appears my worries were without grounds, forgive my insolence."
"You really adapted the role of deity huh… Your tone and speech are vers convincing."
"Oh, but I am a deity. It is only natural for me to be able and adapt my manner of speech to your needs and desires, as I am but a humble vessel for my masters ideas."
"Speaking of ideas, what do you think about our military strength?"
"It is obviously lacking, considering we might have to defend ourselves against a great empire soon. Though it was to be expected, as we only took over a small town. Even if we expanded on it, we would need more time to build a military worthy of fighting under your flag. However, as I recall, we had a meeting in which we were able to determine that some of the people employed in the castle are in fact educated in warfare. And the little amount of men we do have that are actual soldiers, pledged allegiance to you. Rest assured that I will make sure nothing changes about that. And for the time being, I should suffice as our only military means."
"I see… I will leave it to you then."
Yamato glanced over his shoulder, where Yuki stood benind him reading a stack of papers. He was greatly impressed by her ability to take these matters seriously. He just fell a little more in love. However, a sudden knock on the door made him shift focus back to work.
"You may enter", Yamato spoke.
"Greetings, Lordship. I have returned from what you asked of me."
Marneras kneeled down and looked at the ground, at which Yuki just glanced in his direction before resuming her work, while Yamato looked at him directly.
"And? How did it go?"
"Well, as you assumed, the town suffers under a job shortage, and is unable to sustain itself with every citizen having a stable income. So the by you ordered construction of a job center was, might I add a splendid idea. Construction is now finished and I've made sure to distribute the information about a mandatory visit, in which each citizen shall disclose their struggles, and I will prepare a summarized report to you shortly. Since the town has approximately 20.000 citizens, I believe one week is a reasonable time for everyone to have come by, and I will need a day to create the report, so eight days in total. I hope this is acceptable, Lordship."
"Excellent, you did great. I expect much from you in the future, Marneras. You've proven yourself to be an asset that surpasses my expectations in many ways. So know that your eagerness has not gone unnoticed. You may remove yourself now."
"Please, Lordship. I'm not worthy of such praise, and I will make sure to live up to the high expectations you have set for me. I will give you a progress report tomorrow as well, and take my leave now."
Marneras left the room swiftly, after which Yuki looked out the window from where she could see said building. It had been one of Yamato's first orders, and with the help of magic and motivated labor, was built in no time. Towering over the other buildings in comparison, it filled her with pride knowing it was her design.
"Isn't it fascinating how he adapted so quickly… Color even me impressed, Master. I expected less of a demon, though I guess that's why he is an archdemon… However, in the end credit goes to you for not killing him in your battle. Thus all accomplishments he achieves are ultimately only symbols of your foresight."
"You say that, but have you not let the archdemon you fought live as well?"
"Petrisha is but a failed attempt to copy your methods, Master. I fail to execute recruitment with as much grace and wisdom as you do… But I for thinking so highly of me, I am… Deeply flattered… Actually… It makes my heart race just thinking about making you proud, or even just entertained… Ah… Ahem, pardon that. Anyway—"
Interrupted by the door being thrown open, Yuki could not not help but feel the slightest bit annoyed. Though that became secondary once the severity of the situation became apparent.
"Your holiness, our guards have reported an emissary of the Holy Empire, and as per your orders are here to inform you about their arrival before letting them enter. How may we proceed?"
The guard was visibly nervous, being in front of a deity and her chosen "hero" was no light task. Though Yamato's calm, almost expecting tone was reassuring.
"Let him enter and bring them to me at once, if they have protection with them, allow them to enter as well."
"As you wish… They will arrive shortly."
He promptly left again. Yuki put her papers aside, and Yamato did the same.
"They would do better to accept your rule and offer the rest of the empire as tribute…"
"That will hardly be how they view it… I think the only reason it took so long was because they were unsure of how to handle the appearance of a deity. It does threaten the rule of their emperor. I'm sure they searched for ways to illegitimize our claims. We will probably get to hear something about prove, of the like that goes beyond eyewitnesses…"
"I'll give them prove alright…"
"Please do, in due time. However be patient for now."
"Of course, Master…"
As the door finally opened, a priest follow by six knights in black armor entered the room, which Yamato guessed was supposed to intimidate him. However, they were hardly a match for Yuki. In fact, the annoyance she would experience at the sheer thought of comparing them to her would most likely be more dangerous then them. However the priest did not back down either, standing proud as he spoke.
"Greetings. May I assume you are the people responsible for the loss of control over this town? If so, I hereby speak the word of his imperial majesty, Arctinus Alteranius Van Lioronus you may address him as his Imperial Majesty."
"That is correct. I am responsible, and my name is Yamato Tasumaki, and you may address me however you see fit."
"I feel like a title would be nice in a situation like this… Oh well, I'm sure this situation will lead to one if it goes as planned."
The priest looked irritated at Yamato's calm expression, he obviously expected a more nervous response.
"Ahem… His Imperial Majesty:
It has come to my attention that a piece of my land has been taken from me, and that a deity has chosen said thief to be ruler of said land. I challenge legitimacy of said claims, and demand immediate release of the land back into imperial possession. Refusal of immediate compliance will be treated as an declaration of war against the empire, this is nonnegotiable. Furthermore, I demand that both deity and man supported by the deity come to the royal capital to stand trial for their crimes against imperial reign. I expect an immediate response to my emissary."
"An immediate response, huh… Well, let's not have his Imperial Majesty wait, right? Let's see… How do I best respond to such a generous offer? Hmm… Alright, I'm ready. Listen up, emissary of the empire.
With the divine authority given to me by the deity that supports my cause, I, Yamato Tasumaki, declare myself emperor of the entirety of mankind. I hereby claim the entirety of the land the current Holy Empire of Humanity holds, and declare it property of the newly founded Absolute Empire. Should my demands not be met by the end end of the following week, I officially declare war on the Holy Empire of Humanity."
"Insolence! You have no right to make such a claim, nor do you hold enough authority to declare yourself emperor equal to his imperial majesty! For this treachery you will be executed!"
"Oh? I think not. What do you think, Yuki? Whose demands are more reasonable?"
"Without a doubt yours, Master! No, Your Majesty~!"
Her heart raced at the idea of elevating Yamato to emperor through divine order. To think he would be so boldly dependent on her to the public, she could barely contain herself and keep up her graceful demeanor. His declaration made her want to show him all her love right then and there. However, the refusal of the imperial envoy was just irritating enough to counteract her impulses.
"I of course officially authorize and support his words completely. Everyone opposing him is therefore a direct enemy of the state and church!"
"Oh, Master… My dear, dear Master… Not in a million years would I have guessed you would take such a direct approach. Even though we lack military strength for a war, you trust me enough to make such a demand in response to their ludicrous demands… Please, use me more… Use me as tool for your ultimate glory, love me as your most devoted subject, so that our destinies may never be apart, and eternal marriage finally comes in reach!"