When the excitement finally settled, Duke Konrad stepped forward once more.
"And finally," he said, "for some of you, this may come as a shock… while others are already aware."
Murmurs rippled through the chamber.
King Leohart raised his hand. Silence fell instantly.
"This gathering was not only to honor our heroes," Duke Konrad continued.
"It was also to welcome someone we believed lost four years ago."
The air grew heavy.
"Someone dear to our king… and to our nation."
The doors opened.
"And today, we also honor him for his pivotal role in the recent attack—clearing the shadow creatures now known as the Lost, and saving both the king and myself when we were nearly slain by one of Jace's high-ranking generals."
He raised his voice.
"I present to you—
The former heir of the Dynasty of Menssai…
The Saint Prince of Menssai…"
The room froze.
"Jericho von Menssai."
The doors swung wide.
Jericho entered.
Neatly combed hair. A pristine white suit. Calm expression.
The chamber erupted in stunned silence.
He walked forward with confidence—though inside, his heart pounded. Even as a prince, he had never grown accustomed to such overwhelming attention.
He bowed.
King Leohart stepped forward and presented him with a medal identical to Erica's.
"For your valiant efforts in our time of dire need," the king said warmly,
"and for saving my life… this honor is but a small token of my gratitude."
Jericho accepted the Twinstar Continental Medal.
"Congratulations, my boy."
Applause thundered.
As Jericho turned to leave—
"Not so fast," King Gustavious said with a wicked grin.
Erica groaned.
"Here we go again…"
"We knew you'd refuse," Emperor Riko added calmly.
"So we decided without informing you."
The hall erupted.
"Jericho," King Leohart declared, "you will be granted land—by all three of us."
The room exploded into murmurs.
"The neutral territory connecting our nations," he continued,
"land kept untouched for thirty years to avoid conflict."
Jericho's blood ran cold.
"You may do with it as you wish. Found a nation. Remain independent. It is yours."
"We will not accept refusal."
Jericho stood frozen.
His friends laughed openly.
"This is priceless," Erica wheezed.
"I've never seen him like this!"
Clover watched him with quiet pride.
After what felt like an eternity—
"T-Thank you, your majesties," Jericho said.
"I accept."
The kings smiled in relief.
⸻
When order finally returned, Duke Konrad spoke once more.
"That concludes the honors ceremony."
The chamber leaned forward.
"The final matter… the beginning of a new age."
Gasps followed.
"A natural energy has awakened in our world."
He turned.
"It is called Soul Energy."
And all eyes fell upon Jericho.
"Prince Jericho von Menssai will now explain."
⸻
Jericho went into great detail.
He explained the origins of Soul Energy—how it had always existed within the world, dormant inside every living being. Plants, beasts, humans… all of them possessed it in some form. What had changed was not its existence, but its awakening.
He spoke of its advantages and dangers, how it could strengthen the body, sharpen the mind, and reshape reality itself—yet also spiral out of control if mishandled.
Not everyone, he explained, would be able to freely manipulate Soul Energy as he could.
Some would require catalysts—weapons, relics, or sacred tools—much like Erica and the Elite Holy Knights of the Kingdom of Righteous. Others might only ever access fragments of it.
He then addressed the most pressing concern.
The awakening generations.
Children and adolescents across the continent would soon begin manifesting abilities without warning. If left unsupported—ignored or suppressed—it would lead to fear, accidents, and bloodshed.
He urged the leaders to act now.
To guide the youth.
To protect them.
And to protect the world from the chaos that would follow if they did nothing.
⸻
When Jericho finished, the chamber felt like a graveyard.
No one spoke.
Some were terrified.
Others were fascinated.
But one sentiment united them all:
This could not be ignored.
The children who awakened must be guided—before they hurt themselves, or others.
Duke Konrad finally broke the silence.
"And since all the leaders of the three great powers are gathered here for the first time in decades," he said, "we would like to resolve this matter now. If anyone has a suggestion, the floor is open."
Silence fell again.
Then, after a moment—
One man stood.
"Why not send them to military academies?"
All eyes turned to Earl Mooz von Unis, ruler of the vassal state of Unis.
"The soldiers would be more than capable of monitoring the children," he continued. "They would train their bodies and minds, instill discipline, and strengthen our military in the process."
Murmurs rippled through the hall.
Some nodded thoughtfully.
Others frowned.
For many, the appeal lay less in protecting the children—and more in creating powerful assets.
Arguments followed. Voices rose. Opinions clashed.
The kings were about to put the matter to a vote—
When another hand rose.
Jericho's.
The chamber froze.
The kings exchanged glances, then nodded.
He could speak.
"I'm not saying Earl Unis's idea is entirely wrong," Jericho said calmly. "The military would be capable of supervising them."
He paused.
"But forcing children into service simply because they have power… shouldn't that choice belong to them?"
The room erupted.
Some bristled at his tone.
Others nodded in agreement.
King Leohart raised his hand, silencing the chamber.
Jericho continued.
"We say we want to change the world. But using children as tools because they're different—that's the old world."
Silence returned.
"My suggestion," Jericho said, "is to build a school."
Eyes widened.
"A place where awakened children can learn to control their abilities safely. Where they can study normal subjects alongside Soul Energy. And when they graduate—they choose their path."
The hall listened intently.
"Military. Medicine. Research. Adventuring. Trade. Cooking. Teaching. Anything they desire."
He smiled faintly.
"That won't just protect them. It will guide the world toward its future."
Jericho finished.
The silence that followed was different.
Heavy.
Thoughtful.
Some leaders refused to meet his gaze—but even they couldn't deny the brilliance of the idea.
Clover exhaled softly.
A wide smile spread across her face.
{"You truly haven't changed, Jericho,"} she thought.
{"Still thinking far beyond your years… just like back then."}
Erica, Alice, and William smiled openly.
So did the three kings.
One leader raised a concern.
"It is an excellent idea… but who would teach them? As you said, it is nearly impossible for people of our age to awaken Soul Energy."
Jericho didn't hesitate.
"Then allow me," he said confidently. "I will train instructors here in Warmark, as I did in Righteous. And if this proposal passes—"
He smiled.
"I would be honored to serve as a professor myself."
The room exchanged looks.
Then smiles spread—one by one.
The vote was called.
Not a single objection was raised.
Even those who found Jericho arrogant had to admit—it was the best path forward.
"Now we must decide where this academy will be built," one noble said. "And under which of the three great powers."
Jericho's smile widened.
"Oh," he said lightly. "I know the perfect place."
William sighed heavily.
"Oh no… he's got that look again."
"He's not actually going to—" Alice began.
"He absolutely is," Erica laughed.
Princess Diamond blinked.
{"What are they talking about…?"}
"There is land," Jericho continued, "that connects all three powers. Neutral territory. Accessible to all."
His smile turned devious.
"The land your majesties so generously bestowed upon me."
The room exploded.
The kings stared.
Then sighed.
They had been outplayed.
"You said I could do with it as I wished," Jericho added. "This is my decision."
King Gustavious burst into laughter.
"He rejected the land… by giving it back in the most logical way possible!"
The other kings laughed with him.
"Not so fast," King Leohart said calmly. "That land is vast. Establishing a single academy upon it will not suffice. The territory has already been officially transferred to you, Jericho—you cannot refuse it."
His gaze hardened, measured and deliberate. "Your academy proposal is sound, but such land demands more than a single institution. It remains yours. I advise you to consider how it should be developed—into something befitting the birthplace of the world's first Soul Energy Academy."
Jericho tensed. Erica let out a quiet laugh, while the other kings exchanged approving looks, silently applauding Leohart's flawless counter. Any path of retreat had been neatly sealed.
"…Thank you, Your Majesty," Jericho said at last, exhaling in defeat.
Finally, The vote was called.
Passed unanimously.
Construction would begin.
Duke Konrad concluded the session.
"This summons is adjourned. Please proceed to the reception hall for the banquet."
⸻
The banquet was lavish.
Fine wine. Exquisite dishes.
Leaders mingled, discussing Soul Energy and the shocking events of the day.
Some glared at Jericho.
Others eagerly introduced themselves.
Eventually, he reached his group.
"You're popular, soon to be your majesty" Erica teased.
"Sigh… they really didn't want no for an answer," Jericho sighed. "and I strongly disagree, They hate me."
William snorted. "You stole their spotlight. Of course they hate you."
"Geez William, just who's side are you on"
"For what it's worth Jericho, I think it was for the best you got that land, you will figure it out." Alice adds, with a proud look on her face.
Jericho nervously laughed—then froze.
Clover met his gaze.
Memories flooded back.
His face reddened instantly.
Clover giggled.
Everyone stared.
"Did… Princess Clover just laugh?" Erica whispered.
Clover ignored her.
William smirked. "Jericho, you didn't think we wouldn't notice what you did last night, did you?"
Clover choked.
Jericho froze.
"What do you—?!"
"The main reason you disappear for long hours yesterday, we've figured it out."
Jericho was now visibly sweating, while Clover was slowly turning away.
"W-what are you talking about, William."
William interrupted. "Your divine avatar. The lightning tiger. The soldiers saw it."
Relief hit both of them at once. It was like they finally dropped an heavy load.
"Oh—that," Jericho laughed shakily. "yeah, I was a bit bored, so I decided to go give them a hand."
"Yeah, that a Jericho thing to do" William nods.
"No wonder you looked exhausted when you returned." Alice adds.
"Just wait a minute, all of you"
Diamond squinted suspiciously.
"How did you reach the front lines and return in one night?" Princess Diamond asked, "it's a two days trip from here— and also, why are you guys not questioning this more?"
Jericho smiled. "I'm fast."
"That's not an answer."
"Soul Energy enhanced," he corrected. Even if he wasn't entirely wrong, Jericho didn't use soul energy to enhance himself, but his natural godly ability, she didn't need to know that, so using soul energy was the best explanation.
Diamond's eyes sparkled.
Jericho turned to Clover.
"Congratulations on the Twinstar Worldly Medal. You deserve it."
She smiled softly.
"Thank you… and don't think I don't know it was thanks to you."
The group stared.
"What do you mean, Tio?" Princess Diamond asked.
"The kings initially intended to present the medal to Jericho," Clover explained calmly. "However, he declined, stating that he had done nothing worthy of such an honor. Instead, he proposed that I receive it."
She smiled faintly. "It had already been decided that I would be awarded one—just not today. That change was thanks to Jericho. Even so, they were forced to implore him repeatedly before he agreed to accept the Twinstar Continental Medal."
"Only you could pressure world leaders to such an extent," William said with a tired sigh.
Jericho laughed quietly, soon followed by the others.
"Still," Alice said, her expression sincere, "Jericho is right, Princess Clover. You deserve it."