Chapter 661: A Changed Situation |
Thus, the news of the new Hero marrying Airi, the Dragon Demon, one of the Six Demon Lords, to ensure everlasting peace between the three races, spread throughout Omnipotence at an astonishing speed.
Naturally, this news shocked everyone.
“The Hero and a Demon Lord getting married?”
“Is this a joke?”
“Oh my god…”
Whether God, Human, or Demon, everyone was in disbelief.
The Hero, the natural enemy of the Demon Race, was going to marry one of their apex beings, a Demon Lord?
This was enough to shatter everyone’s worldview.
Especially the demons, who were utterly shocked by this news.
“Has Lady Sara gone mad?”
“What are the Demon Lords thinking?”
“Are they willing to disregard everything for the sake of peace?”
The demons were in an uproar, completely stunned by this world-shaking news.
Because this matter was simply too absurd.
There had been marriages between humans and demons before, leading to positive outcomes.
But those were all after the war ended.
Before the war ended, any relationship between demons and other races was a taboo, forbidden by all.
It wasn’t until after the war that intermarriage with demons became less sensitive.
However, the Six Demon Lords had always been single, never marrying, and the Hero was the destined nemesis of the Demon Race, impossible to have any relationship with demons before the war. After the war, the Grand Ritual for summoning Heroes was sealed, making it impossible for a Hero to appear in this era of peace.
As a result, now, not only had a Hero reappeared, but one of the Six Demon Lords was going to marry him?
Had the world gone mad, or had they?
This was everyone’s feeling.
But regardless, the matter was settled.
Sara, along with her Demon Lord sisters, even appeared at the top of the Supreme Castle, announcing this to the entire Demon Race.
“We noticed the Hero’s arrival shortly after he came to this world.”
“Under such circumstances, our youngest sister, Airi, the Dragon Demon, even went to the Human Realm personally, found the Hero, and stayed by his side, monitoring his every move.”
“During this process, our sister Airi fully realized that this Hero’s arrival was an accident, neither a plot by the God Race nor any action by the Demon Race.”
“Then, moved by the Hero’s unique personality and charm, our sister Airi fell in love with him, a love unseen for tens of thousands of years.”
“Therefore, to ensure everlasting peace between the three races, and to prove to the world that there’s no conspiracy behind this, we have decided to marry our beloved sister to the Hero Shien.”
Then, Sara also announced that to eliminate the impact of this incident, she, as the supreme being of the Demon Race, would invite the Three Goddesses of the God Race and the leaders of various human factions to the Human Realm for a meeting between the three races.
At the meeting, they would discuss the Hero’s appearance and confirm that it wasn’t a plot by any of the three races.
And before the meeting ended, the Demon Race wouldn’t make any unreasonable accusations or speculations against Airi’s fiancé.
Violators would be charged with treason and insubordination.
Sara and her sisters made this declaration, then left.
Afterwards, the God Race, which had been strangely silent, immediately issued a statement, saying that they would actively cooperate with the meeting to demonstrate their commitment to peace and their innocence.
Upon receiving this news, the various countries and factions of the Human Race reacted with shock and quickly responded.
“The Mitra Kingdom will cooperate and attend the meeting on time.”
“The Ragna Empire will cooperate and attend the meeting on time.”
“The Elven Race will cooperate and attend the meeting on time.”
“The Beastmen will cooperate and attend the meeting on time.”
“The Dwarves…”
As shown above, various countries and factions expressed their stances.
The Demon Race, the God Race, and the Human Race, the three races of Omnipotence, would hold a meeting to demonstrate peace and prove their innocence.
This immediately became a hot topic throughout Omnipotence, sparking various discussions.
“After the war ended a thousand years ago, the Demon King was vanquished, the Demon Race surrendered, and peace arrived, the three races will finally gather again for a meeting.”
“Last time, they discussed the future coexistence of the three races and the principles and agreements of non-aggression, right?”
“This time, it’s for the Hero.”
“And the marriage between the Hero and the Dragon Demon.”
“What can I say?”
“I have a feeling something big is about to happen.”
People discussed this matter fervently.
Even the God Race couldn’t help themselves, the goddesses discussing this matter animatedly, bringing a rare bustling atmosphere to the Divine Realm.
In contrast, the Demon Realm, in another sense, became even more chaotic than before.
A moment ago, they were still being incited, believing it was a conspiracy by the God Race and the Human Race, that the Hero was a threat to the Demon Race and had to be eliminated.
But now, their own Demon Lord was going to marry the Hero. This was enough to make all demons dumbfounded.
When they came to their senses, their first reaction was to protest.
They had to protest.
“We’re about to go to war with the Hero, and the Demon Lords are selling out their own sister?”
“That’s the Hero!”
“How can our Demon Lord marry a Hero?”
“Are the higher-ups really willing to compromise for the sake of peace?”
These were the dissenting voices.
But it had to be said that Sara’s previous statement was quite effective.
She embellished the fact that Airi went to the Human Realm and stayed by Shien’s side, turning it into an act with ulterior motives, thus proving Shien and the God Race’s innocence.
Before this, Airi, as a Demon Lord, declared that she would always protect Shien, and that being his enemy was the same as being an enemy of the Demon Race.
At that time, many demons were surprised, not understanding why a Demon Lord would protect a human noble.
And many didn’t understand why Airi kept following Shien and staying by his side, not returning to the Demon Realm.
Until today, under Sara’s guidance, people thought that Airi did this because the Demon Lords already knew about Shien being the Hero.
Under such circumstances, it was reasonable for Airi, the Dragon Demon, to monitor the Hero closely, eventually falling in love with him and confirming that his appearance was an accident, not a conspiracy by the God Race.
Therefore, although there were still some dissenting voices, believing that a noble Demon Lord shouldn’t marry a Hero, the natural enemy of the Demon Race, most had calmed down.
“From this perspective, perhaps the Hero’s appearance really has another reason.”
“Otherwise, wouldn’t the Dragon Demon have killed him when he first arrived?”
“After all, the Dragon Demon has killed two Heroes before.”
“Since the Dragon Demon has confirmed this, perhaps we can choose to believe that the God Race is innocent.”
“Let’s see what happens at the three-race meeting.”
“Indeed.”
The opinions within the Demon Realm began to shift, with only a few with ulterior motives continuing to incite unrest, or some clowns trying to stir up trouble.
Sara, having anticipated this, took a series of actions, working with her sisters to eliminate these troublemakers.
She also deliberately guided public opinion, spreading some half-truths and half-falsehoods, ultimately controlling the chaos in the Demon Realm and calming the demons down.
Especially those who went to the Human Realm without permission and surrounded the Imperial Capital, before they could accuse Shien of wantonly slaughtering demon warriors, they were all captured.
Including Guran, Alid, Chibul, and the battered Ireza, they were all questioned and punished.
Ireza was confined by Lid, forbidden from leaving for a hundred years.
Chibul was thrown into the wilderness by Millu, reportedly having one of his heads and an arm blown off, barely surviving.
Guran was also punished by Shafney, temporarily removed from her position as an executive and made to work as a Lower Demon.
Alid suffered the most. As an executive under the cruel Poison Demon, he was reportedly roasted over a poisonous fire, his level even decreasing.
Only Hertleyd, because she didn’t intentionally target Shien, and due to her special status as a Limit Level expert, was spared from punishment.
Seeing this news, the demons finally believed that the higher-ups didn’t suspect the Hero’s origins and planned to side with him.
“History is about to change.”
“Finally, the Demon Lords are also marrying outsiders.”
“The Hero and the Dragon Demon aren’t truly incompatible.”
“I hope the Hero and the God Race are truly innocent and aren’t plotting against us.”
Public opinion in the Demon Realm completely changed under the Demon Lords’ manipulations.
The marriage between Shien and Airi was thus settled.
…
The next day, Imperial Capital.
Shien, along with Lasha, Leisha, Diere, Lilith, and Giacinta, appeared on the outskirts of the city.
Also present were Harvis, Capeline, Rockto, Tilly, the Broken Blade Knight Order, and the Imperial Knight Order, filling the area, as if another battle was about to begin.
However, this time, there would be no fighting.
Because Harvis and the others were here to see them off.
Shien and his companions were leaving.
“I wanted to keep you all for a few more days to express my gratitude, but I didn’t expect you to leave so soon,” Harvis said, looking at Shien Buztout and his companions with a hint of regret.
Harvis was dressed in luxurious robes, a cloak draped over his shoulders, and a scepter in his hand, looking every bit the emperor.
Yes.
Harvis had successfully ascended to the throne of the Ragna Empire, transforming from a prince to the Emperor.
Beside him, Capeline was no longer dressed as a princess, but wore a gorgeous gown, like a high-ranking noble.
Since Harvis had become Emperor, this princess, who didn’t ascend to the throne, was also granted a noble title, becoming a Duchess of the Empire.
These two were no longer just prince and princess, but true decision-makers of the Empire.
Rockto and Tilly seemed unchanged, but they had undoubtedly made great contributions and would gain higher status and influence within the Empire.
Such changes were significant. After all, it was a shift in national power, and not just any small country, but the Ragna Empire, the most powerful military nation in the Human Realm. This change in power was a major event, even for the Divine Realm and the Demon Realm.
Unfortunately, compared to the events of the past few days, the change in the Empire’s power structure was a minor matter.
Shien, the source of everything, could only scratch his head in frustration.
“Do you think I wanted this? I’m also confused!”
Shien could only say that it wasn’t because he was too busy, but because life was unpredictable.
Who could have imagined that in just a blink of an eye, his identity would be exposed, attracting the pursuit of the Demon Race army, and just as he thought he had to deal with their trouble, he was suddenly announced to be engaged to a Demon Lord?
Although Shien could accept Airi as his partner, after all, she was his “little darling,” and they had practically confirmed their relationship in the Elven Homeland, this marriage announcement was still too sudden, even for Shien, leaving him dumbfounded for a whole day, and he had to investigate the matter.
Therefore, Shien couldn’t just stay in the Imperial Capital and relax.
Giacinta spoke,
“My master has contacted us, saying she’s ready to welcome you to the Demon Realm at any time.”
Giacinta’s tone was filled with reluctance. He even glared at Shien’s back as if wanting to bite him, having been unhappy since yesterday.
Shien wanted to punch this dragon in the face for his provocation.
But he also knew that Giacinta was definitely unhappy.
After serving his master for thousands, even tens of thousands of years, she suddenly announced her marriage without any warning. If it were anyone else, they would have exploded.
Giacinta almost exploded yesterday upon hearing the news.
If it weren’t for Shien’s current strength, which Giacinta couldn’t challenge, Shien would have probably suffered some consequences yesterday.
Of course, as Shien would say…
“Your fate of being out of favor is sealed. Whether I marry Airi or not makes no difference.”
Shien’s words almost made Giacinta explode.
Giacinta could only glare at Shien resentfully, then look away, not saying anything more.
Jess and Liz, standing behind Giacinta, didn’t dare to look at Shien, trying their best to minimize their presence.
The human they offended in the past had not only become the Hero, but also the fiancé of their master’s master, practically their superior. This change in relationship, in any typical light novel, would call for a face-slapping scene.
Fortunately, Shien had almost forgotten about these two, otherwise, with his vengeful nature, he would definitely scare them.
But now, Shien had his own problems to deal with and naturally wouldn’t bother with these two minor characters.
Shien’s gaze swept across Capeline, Rockto, and Tilly, finally settling on Harvis.
“Although it was sudden, our agreement is considered fulfilled, right?” Shien said to Harvis.
“Indeed,” Harvis nodded and smiled, “Although there were some hiccups along the way, I’m truly lucky that the person I asked for help happened to be the current Hero, who turned the tide for us, eliminated Mara, and allowed me to ascend to the throne smoothly. I owe you a great debt of gratitude.”
Capeline echoed Harvis’s words.
“I also owe you a great debt,” she said to Shien seriously, “I will never forget your life-saving grace.”
She was naturally referring to Shien rescuing her from the dungeon.
The others had also received Shien’s favor in one way or another.
“Not to mention the victory in the battle, I, Rockto Bigusler, will always remember how you forced back the Renitra family and Saliro, giving us a chance to turn the tables,” Rockto said solemnly.
“…” Tilly just looked at Shien, her eyes filled with complex emotions.
Tilly had truly experienced a rollercoaster of emotions towards Shien.
First, she was surprised by his identity as a noble from the Kingdom, then she couldn’t accept that he had become a Legendary-level expert at such a young age, only to realize that these were just minor matters.
In the end, he was not only a noble from the Kingdom, a Legendary-level expert younger than herself, but also the Hero who appeared after a thousand years, and now, the fiancé of the Dragon Demon. This was incredibly dramatic.
Frankly speaking, Tilly had never experienced such a rollercoaster of emotions for any man in her life.
She had even developed some unusual feelings for him during this process.
Unfortunately, these feelings were nipped in the bud before they could blossom.
Because Tilly knew very well that this man wasn’t someone she could covet, nor someone she was worthy of.
The immense distance between them made Tilly face reality and quickly extinguish the unusual feelings in her heart.
Now, seeing Shien about to leave, Tilly couldn’t help but feel a surge of complex emotions.
Shien himself didn’t know that he almost planted a flag.
So, Shien shook his head at everyone.
“We simply helped each other. It’s not a debt of gratitude. I also gained quite a bit. We’re even,” Shien shrugged, smiling at Harvis, “Of course, don’t forget our agreement.”
From now on, the Empire would secretly and unconditionally support Shien. This was the agreed-upon reward.
With this reward, they were indeed even.
Harvis naturally understood.
“Don’t worry, I swore an oath on my blessing. I can’t break it,” Harvis smiled wryly, “I will try my best to speed up the reconstruction of the Imperial Capital and restore order in the Empire, to prepare for the future.”
This preparation was undoubtedly for Shien.
If Shien ultimately had to fight against the Demon Race, then the Empire, as his secret supporter, would be the first to stand up.
“Also…” Harvis turned to Diere and asked, “Are you really not considering staying in the Empire?”
Harvis extended an invitation to Diere.
The reason was simple.
“The Raifurut family has been annihilated, but you have their bloodline, and the Raifurut family also has a part of our royal family’s bloodline. Therefore, strictly speaking, you can be considered a member of our Imperial Family,” Harvis had said to Diere, “Your status in the Kingdom isn’t high, and you’re even ostracized. So, staying here and rebuilding your Raifurut family with our support isn’t impossible.”
Clearly, Harvis valued Diere’s talent and bloodline.
However, Diere refused without hesitation.
“I’m still a citizen of the Kingdom,” Diere said indifferently, “And my companions are waiting for me to return.”
“Alright,” Harvis didn’t force her, “The gates of the Empire will always be open to you. You’re welcome to change your mind anytime.”
Hearing this, Diere didn’t respond, either agreeing silently or feeling it wasn’t necessary to reply.
“Then we’ll be going,” Shien said decisively, picking up Lilith, who was clinging to him, and naturally taking Lasha’s hand.
“Hey!” Leisha, who had been watching from the side, protested.
“…” Lasha glanced at Shien’s hand holding hers, but remained silent.
This made Harvis and the others exchange glances, and Giacinta’s eyes twitched.
Undoubtedly, they all knew about Leisha and Lasha’s origins.
As high-ranking members of their respective factions, it was normal for them to know about Leisha and Lasha’s backgrounds.
Shien, also aware of their origins, no longer found their reactions strange.
But he acted as if he hadn’t seen anything, calling out towards the sky naturally,
“Come on, Yulin!”
His shout traveled far, reaching the sky.
Soon, a dragon’s roar descended.
“Roar!”
Under the roar, a giant dragon’s shadow emerged from the clouds, flying downwards and entering everyone’s sight.
Giacinta, always paying close attention to Yulin, immediately looked up upon hearing the sound.
Upon seeing her, Giacinta’s eyes widened.
“Limit Level…!?” he exclaimed in shock and surprise.
Shien ignored him.
“Let’s go!”
Shien, holding Lilith and Lasha’s hand, teleported onto Yulin’s back.
Diere immediately followed, leaping onto Yulin’s back. Leisha also gritted her teeth and teleported after them.
“Wait…!” Giacinta finally reacted, quickly pulling Jess and Liz onto Yulin’s back as well.
“Roar!” Yulin seemed displeased, twisting her body before flapping her wings and slowly rising.
After a while, Yulin flapped her wings and flew away.
Harvis and the others watched Yulin leave, unable to snap out of it for a long time.
