Myourmiles guided me through the marble archway into his manor. The building was lavish, but not gaudy—simple elegance, the kind that revealed wealth without flaunting it. The butler came rushing out the moment he saw me. He knew who I was; my visits here weren't exactly rare.
"There's no need for all that formality," I told him, waving a hand. My tone was mild, but he froze nonetheless. Old habits die hard, I suppose.
Myourmiles smiled at the scene, always that same calculating yet warm grin of his. "Prepare tea and something sweet for our guest," he ordered calmly.
Within minutes, the aroma of fresh-brewed tea filled the air, and the tension eased.
I sat down and spoke first. "Sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt your work earlier."
He shook his head immediately. "No, no, Master Atem. If anything, you did me a favor. That bastard's been a thorn in my side for months—always throwing his title around, forcing me to handle his dirty business."
As he spoke, his expression darkened, the polite mask slipping for a moment.
"So that pervert was a noble?" I muttered, crossing my arms. My tone came out sharper than intended.
"Yes," Myourmiles spat the word. "Viscount Kazak. Small man with too much authority. I should've dealt with him sooner."
I leaned back slightly, considering the situation. My presence in Eterna was known, but lately, I'd been careful to suppress my aura. With Solarys' guidance, it was easy to move unseen, unnoticed. Still, since I'd broken my old mask the day I awakened as a true sovereign, walking around with my face exposed often led to… misunderstandings.
That man likely mistook me for someone harmless. Or maybe something worse.
Solarys, I thought silently, what do you make of this?
"Answer: The noble's involvement in elven trafficking is a violation of multiple inter-kingdom accords. Probability of cover-up—high. Risk of political backlash if exposed—critical."
Figures. I sighed inwardly. "So," I said aloud, "that noble promised to get revenge. Sounds like trouble."
"Indeed," Myourmiles replied grimly. "His latest proposal was already illegal. He's been dabbling with slave trade—elves, no less."
"Elves?" My voice hardened, the air shifting ever so slightly. Even Myourmiles paused.
Elves were sacred in most nations. To enslave them was a crime with political consequences, not just moral outrage.
"Yes. That's why I refused. He wanted me to help launder the trade. I've done questionable things before, sure, but enslaving elves? That's madness. Even for me."
I nodded slowly. "Then it's criminal. If this gets out—"
"It could destabilize everything," Myourmiles finished. "Blumund's small. Nobles like him still hold weight. Even fools with titles can stir chaos."
"Hmm." I tapped my fingers on the armrest. "You're sure it's fine to cut ties with him?"
Myourmiles' grin returned, confident and sharp. "Of course. I didn't rise this far just to be bullied by some half-wit noble. Don't worry, Master Atem—I can handle it."
"What underworld are you even talking about?" I asked, raising a brow. "Blumund barely has an underworld."
He laughed at that. "Let's call it the… shadow side of commerce. But really, I have my connections. Nothing happens in this city without me knowing."
He said it half in jest, half in pride. Still, I could see the iron beneath the humor. This man was no fool.
"Be careful," I warned. "I came here to give you an important task. I'd rather not have you end up in trouble before we start."
"Wahaha! Rest assured, Master Atem!" Myourmiles' booming laughter filled the hall. "I'm blessed with good luck. After all, I'm still on good terms with you—and that's got to count for something!"
I couldn't help the faint smirk tugging at my lips. "You're overestimating your luck, Myourmiles."
"Correction: He is not wrong. Association with you statistically increases survival and prosperity by 98%."
Solarys, I thought dryly, you don't need to encourage him.
"Acknowledged."
As Myourmiles poured the tea, I leaned forward slightly. His loyalty wasn't born out of greed—it was conviction. He'd seen something in me, something beyond status or power. And that trust, though rare in this world, was worth keeping.
This man was ambitious, clever, and pragmatic. But beneath that merchant's cunning, there was still a spark of honor.
And in a world like ours… that was something I would protect.
I've been defeated—but that's why I like him. He's reckless, bold, and never afraid to challenge fate itself. If something were to happen to him, it would be far too late for regrets. I should send someone to protect him—someone skilled enough to keep him safe without his knowledge.
I thought to myself, quietly watching Myourmiles laugh with that carefree grin of his.
"By the way, Lord Atem, what brings you here today?" he asked, tilting his head with genuine curiosity.
I folded my arms, recalling the reason I had come.
...…
...
…
We had decided to gather every major force—both the nations of men and the tribes of monsters—to hold a massive celebration.
Its name: The Founding Festival of Eterna.
The date was set, the preparations already underway. Now that the situation with Hinata's group had been resolved and peace restored, there were no more distractions. On top of that, Youm's coronation as king had been decided. It was both a symbol of unity and a declaration to the surrounding nations that a new age was beginning.
Right now, Rigurd and his team were tirelessly delivering invitations across continents—to kings, emperors, and tribal chiefs alike.
But they weren't the only ones working hard. Every citizen of Eterna had heard of the great festival, and excitement swept through the nation like wildfire. Each of my generals and advisors had taken charge of different projects, pouring their hearts into making the event extraordinary.
Take Shuna for example—she was leading the preparations for the grand banquet. She'd been crafting new dishes and experimenting with desserts, determined to surprise every guest who would attend. Her newest dream was to open a café, something elegant and peaceful, right in the center of Eterna.
To help her, I introduced a master pastry chef—Yoshida, the man who once helped me back in Ingracia. Convincing him to move his store to Eterna wasn't easy; I'd tried many times, but no offer seemed to sway him. Yet the moment he met Shuna, things began to shift.
(Kaijin muttered under his breath: "Heh… get in line, old man.")
"I-I've received a lot of kindness here in Ingracia," Yoshida said, scratching the back of his head nervously. "Although I'd love to support your city, Lord Atem… leaving this place behind isn't something I can do easily."
"I understand," Shuna said softly, bowing with flawless grace. "But I hope you might make an exception—for Eterna's sake."
Her voice carried a calm determination that filled the room. When she bowed, her hands folded gently, her movement as fluid as water.
Even I, Atem, had to admit—her elegance carried divine weight.
Yoshida's face turned bright red, though he struggled to hide it behind a forced smile. "Y-you think you can win me over with charm? Heh, not so easily! If you truly wish for me to move, then prove it. Show me your skill! If you can create something that stuns even me… I'll reconsider."
Shuna smiled—a serene, confident expression that told me she already accepted the challenge.
"Very well," she said. "I'll show you the taste of Eterna."
The tension between them was palpable, like the calm before a storm. I couldn't help but smirk slightly, watching the two of them.
Solarys, the Sovereign of Wisdom, whispered in my mind.
"So you're meddling again, Atem?"
"It's not meddling," I replied inwardly. "It's foresight. Eterna will need people like him if it's to stand among nations."
"Hmph. You call it foresight. I call it overprotective."
I ignored Solarys' teasing. My focus was elsewhere. Shuna's fire had been lit, and Yoshida was about to witness what a true chef from Eterna could do.
The festival preparations were more than just logistics or ceremony—it was the birth of something new. A promise that our world, rebuilt from chaos, would now stand under one banner—Eterna.
And as I watched Shuna begin her culinary battle, I couldn't help but feel a quiet sense of pride.
Due to Yoshida's stubborn challenge, the entire thing had somehow turned into a culinary showdown. Not that it bothered me—if anything, it was entertaining.
Shuna's skills in cooking were already near perfection; everyone in Eterna knew that. If Yoshida wanted proof, he was about to get more than he could handle.
"Shuna, show him your mastery," I said with a smirk. "Make your finest dish, and this arrogant café master will be left speechless."
"Yes, Lord Atem!" she answered confidently.
"Oi, oi, who exactly are you calling an 'arrogant café master,' huh?" Yoshida protested, glaring at me.
I ignored him completely.
Shuna was already in motion—calm, graceful, and determined. Yoshida's challenge had lit a spark within her. The kitchen's atmosphere shifted instantly; her movements were sharp yet fluid, almost ritualistic. She wasn't merely cooking—she was channeling her soul into her craft.
And then, she presented her dish: Tamagoyaki.
Simple. Humble. But the true test of a master.
The golden layers shimmered faintly under the kitchen lights, and a soft aroma filled the air—sweet, delicate, and warm enough to still the room. Even I found myself inhaling deeply, caught in the faint sweetness of it.
Yoshida stared, his usual pride faltering. He picked up his fork, sliced a small piece, and placed it carefully into his mouth.
For a moment—silence.
Then—
"...Delicious!!" he burst out, eyes wide with shock.
It was a total knockout.
Yoshida froze, unable to find more words. Shuna smiled gently, her expression serene and confident. "Thank you," she said softly.
That smile—pure, radiant—was the final strike. Yoshida's composure crumbled completely. I could almost hear his heartbeat echoing through the room.
"Tsk… fine! I give in!" he said finally, scratching his head, his face flushed red. "This is my special treatment for you! I'll help with Eterna's café… but only because you've earned it, got it?"
Shuna's eyes brightened with joy. "Truly? Thank you, Yoshida-san!"
He tried to act unfazed, puffing out his chest. "Hmph, don't mention it! It's purely business!"
And just like that, a new partnership was born. Shuna and Yoshida—two culinary masters, united under Eterna's banner.