It was all clear to me now. Just like Milim mentioned before, Chosen Heroes and Demon Lords alike could never truly escape the law of causality that governed the flow of destiny. Every victory, every tragedy, every ascension—it was all bound by that unseen thread that tied all fates together.
Granbell was no exception. He had only pledged allegiance to Luminas because he was defeated by her. Yet, that didn't erase what brewed in his heart. Perhaps there were lingering emotions, unspoken regrets, or a twisted sense of pride hidden behind his obedience. Even though he once mentored many heroic and legendary figures, in the end, he too was a prisoner of causality.
These, however, were just my speculations.
"Anyway," I said, leaning back slightly, "we can finally be reassured now. Demon Lord Clayman, the Kingdom of Farmus, the Seven Luminaries—all of those troublemakers have been dealt with."
Hearing my conclusion, my subordinates—with Benimaru standing proudly at the front—nodded in unison.
"That's one thing resolved now," Rigurd said, his deep laugh echoing warmly through the chamber.
The tension that once hung heavy in the air had finally lifted. The scent of battle and uncertainty began to fade, replaced by a calm satisfaction. I couldn't help but grin slightly.
"Hehe, that's true," I replied lightly. "Even though there were some tricky opponents, most of the problems seem to have been taken care of now. Still, it would be a real nuisance if there's someone out there still plotting in the shadows. If we hadn't uncovered the existence of those scheming merchants, I would've thought Yuuki was the one behind all this."
Honestly, Yuuki was suspicious. He knew I had gone to the Kingdom of Ingracia and he had ties with Hinata as well. That alone was enough to raise doubts. Even so, something in my heart resisted the idea.
"Yuuki? Are you referring to the head of the Freedom Association, Yuuki Kagurazaka?" Renard asked curiously.
"Yeah," I replied with a short nod. "When you think about it carefully, he's the most suspicious based on the circumstances. But… Yuuki has nothing to gain from setting me and Hinata against each other. No motive, no benefit. That's why it doesn't make sense to assume he's the one pulling the strings."
Still, as the thought lingered in my mind, I couldn't shake the feeling that the web of causality extended further than any of us could see—and that the true mastermind was still somewhere beyond the horizon, quietly watching, waiting for their turn to move.
In other words… someone was framing Yuuki.
That's what it looked like to me. The evidence was too clean, too deliberate—almost crafted to make Yuuki appear as the one pulling the strings. It wasn't just coincidence. This was an elaborate deception, the kind of web spun by those eastern merchants who specialized in manipulation and misdirection.
They had their hands in conflicts across multiple regions—feeding information, moving money, setting nations against one another. If the Seven Luminaries were behind it all, then it made sense why the merchants acted the way they did. They weren't the masterminds, just tools executing orders.
However—
"Yuuki being the mastermind…" Hinata spoke up suddenly, her tone calm yet firm. "It's definitely not him—or rather, I cannot say that with certainty."
I turned my gaze toward her, my golden eyes narrowing slightly. "Hold on, Hinata. Are you suggesting Yuuki might still be involved?"
Hinata met my gaze without hesitation, though her expression remained respectful. "Atem-sama, I'm only considering every possibility. It may be too soon to conclude that the masterminds have all been eliminated. After all, we still don't know who defeated Roy—or their motive. And the most central faction of the eastern merchants still operates within the Western Nations."
Her words hit like a sharp blade of reason, cutting through the calm that had begun to settle.
A sudden weight pressed on my thoughts. She's right… It was far too early to lower our guard. The silence after a storm often hid the deadliest strikes.
I exhaled slowly, folding my arms. "You're right to consider that. We can't afford to be optimistic before everything is resolved. Complacency invites disaster." My voice carried a cold finality, one that silenced the room.
Benimaru bowed his head slightly. "Understood, Atem-sama. Shall we inform the others as well?"
"Do it," I said firmly. "We will move as one."
The Holy Knights and my generals all nodded in agreement. Even Luminas, who had been quietly observing, stepped forward with a composed grace.
"Indeed, Atem-sama," Luminas said softly, her crimson eyes sharp and unwavering. "As Hinata has mentioned, the possibility of a surviving mastermind cannot be dismissed. The Seven Luminaries may not have acted alone."
All right — both sides had finally reached the same level of understanding. Whether a hidden mastermind still lurked in the shadows or not was a question for later. Right now we had one immediate task: settle our future relations and remove any lingering enmity between Eterna and the Holy Empire of Lubelius.
Shuna arrived at the perfect moment with coffee and snacks: scones and potato chips laid out on crisp plates. Her timing was flawless as always. We helped ourselves while the Holy Knights looked on, still a little stiff from the morning's revelations.
"Oh — dessert? I want the big plate ones," Veldora called, immediately forgetting diplomacy and leaping for the most indulgent portion.
"Of course," Shuna answered without missing a beat, already sliding the plate toward him.
Hinata took a bite. The knights, following her lead, relaxed and reached for scones. For a short while the meeting turned into a calm pause — the kind that let people breathe again.
I finished my own piece, set the cup down, and shifted back into the work at hand. "Next, let us discuss our future relations," I said, voice even and firm.
Hinata cut in respectfully but directly. "Before that, we must be clear on one point. Have you accepted our apology for the incident?"
"Yes," I replied. "I do not intend to hold any more of you accountable. We should build a lasting, friendly relationship." My answer was not only mine; Benimaru and the council stood behind it. There was nothing to be gained from prolonging conflict now that the facts were out.
Luminas bristled at that. Her features tightened and she spoke with the clipped tone of an immortal who refused to be beholden. "That will not do. I cannot be indebted. We were at fault — we must compensate in some manner. We will settle this properly later."
Her words were blunt, aimed at preserving pride as much as honor. She could not bear owing anyone a favor — not even to a dragon.
Hinata stepped forward, voice humble and unwavering. "Atem-sama, as Luminas has expressed, we also feel it necessary to show the utmost sincerity. We will make amends in whatever way earns trust." She kept her eyes lowered, careful and respectful, the way a knight should address a sovereign.
I considered their intentions, measured and cold. Money and goods could settle some wrongs, but I had no desire to be embroiled in endless payments. There was a simpler, stronger route to peace.
"If your intent is sincere," I said, "then formal recognition and a public declaration will do more than gold. Recognize Eterna formally. Announce a permanent ceasefire. A public statement will remove cause for future suspicion — and it will bind both our peoples to peace."
Luminas watched me, calculating. After a pause she spoke, voice softer but still commanding. "A formal acknowledgement… and a permanent ceasefire. Very well. We will publish such a declaration."
Pope Louis inclined his head, eyes cool behind the ceremony of the moment. "The Holy Empire will cooperate in issuing a proclamation, and we will advocate restraint among the faithful."
Hinata's shoulders eased. "Atem-sama, on behalf of the Templar Order and the Holy Knights, we will support this reconciliation and inform our members accordingly."
Veldora, who had been noisily chewing a scone, suddenly straightened and offered a small, sincere grin.
I let the moment settle. "Then it is decided. We will draw up terms and prepare the public announcement. We will cooperate in rebuilding trust and in a joint inquiry into the merchants and any remaining conspirators."
Benimaru stood and bowed. "Understood, Atem-sama. We will coordinate the legal and logistical steps from Eterna's side immediately."
Hinata bowed deeply as well, reverent and formal. "We pledge our full cooperation, Atem-sama."
Luminas inclined her head once — a small, dignified motion. "Eterna's stability is good for all. We will see to the proclamation."
The room quieted. The scones were forgotten; the weight of the agreement had settled like stone. This was not the sentimental peace of songs. It was a pact forged in truth, authority, and clear purpose — the sort of peace only a sovereign could guarantee.
As we rose to finalize the arrangements, I allowed myself a single thought: words and proclamations would not be enough if there was still a hand pulling strings in the dark. We would break that hand when the time came — but for now, we had what mattered: a public truce, mutual recognition, and a fragile step toward trust.
"Prepare the draft," I said. "We move now, while the world watches."