Emperor's Reckoning



As the royal carriages bearing King Leopold and his retinue entered the grand royal grounds of Lupinor, King Wolfric stood at the entrance with a warm smile. His eyes gleamed with curiosity and anticipation as he saw the intricate symbol of Felidora emblazoned on the carriages. The symbol was a testament to the wealth and power of Felidora, a kingdom known for its prosperity and strength.

With regal grace, King Wolfric welcomed King Leopold and his entourage. "Welcome to Lupinor, King Leopold! It's a pleasure to have you here. You have to forgive my lack of welcome."

King Leopold smiled, "It is I who have to apologize for coming so suddenly."

"I was in the middle of having lunch before I heard that you've paid a sudden visit," said Wolfric with a playful sigh. "Oh, and of course, since you're here, I extend my deepest joy at the celebration of Felidora's birthday, yesterday."

"Thank you, King Wolfric," said Linnea.

"Oh my, Linnea, you are like your mother, but the fierceness behind your eyes is your fathers," said Wolfric as he shook his head, "Enviable."

Leopold smiled, not denying nor humbling.

"May I extend an invitation to join me in my lunch, after all, the fancy food is plenty," said Wolfric.

"That would be wonderful, but I'm here on an urgent matter," said King Leopold before his eyes sharpened. "We need to discuss something where walls are deaf."

"Oh? But I am the host, Leopold," said Wolfric. "Whatever it is, it can wait after we have lunch."

Leopold raised his brows as panic swarmed over his face, "No, you don't understa—"

However, as the door of the second carriage swung open, a harbinger of unease washed over King Wolfric. His smile faltered momentarily as he laid eyes on a young man he had never seen before – a human.

There was something about Lyon that set him apart from any other humans he had encountered before. It was as if there was an aura of power and mystery surrounding him, something primal and ancient that tugged at the edges of King Wolfric's perception.

( Who is he? ) His brows furrowed as he looked at the human sniffed the fresh air of his royal palace. Not a sense of nervousness was in his body language, a human so nonchalant even in the presence of two kings.

In that brief moment, as their eyes met, King Wolfric sensed a depth within Lyon, a hidden well of strength and knowledge that was far beyond what any ordinary human should possess. It was a sensation that sent a shiver down his spine, and he couldn't help but wonder about the true nature of this unexpected guest from Felidora.

( What is this sensation, he didn't even give an aggressive notion to me ) thought the king.

( His tail... ) A sudden realization swept over Linnea's face. Her pupils shrunk as she saw Wolfric's tail sprung up with his eyes locked on Lyon. An instinctive and beastly fright.

Lyon approached the king and nodded. He gave his hand for a handshake, "My name, is Lyon. It is nice to meet you, King Wolfric."

Wolfric was petrified as he saw the human extending his hand. He looked over at Leopold and saw the latter nodding, getting a sense that whatever urgency Leopold talked about earlier must be surrounding this human.

Wolfric accepted the handshake, "N-Nice to meet you as well..."

"Lyon Torga," Lyon's name brought a shocking atmosphere.

"W-What?" Wolfric was taken back. "Are you, a jester?

Lyon laughed merrily as the girls stood behind him. "Sometimes I do like to jest."

"He jest a lot more than you think," Cecile sighed, before she realized, "I mean, King Wolfric."

"Hahaha, we can discuss this matter of course, over the promised dishes," said Lyon. "Right, King Leopold?"

"I believe if that what's the host wanted, then as a guest, I obliged."

( This human is controlling the proud Leopold? The Holy Lion?! ) thought Wolfric as he gulped. The sight of King Leopold, a respected ruler, standing calmly beside Lyon only added to his astonishment. Without further delay, he gestured for the group to follow him.

Inside the grand castle, they passed a dining room where a partially consumed meal had been hastily abandoned. It was evident that King Wolfric had been caught off guard by their unannounced arrival. Lyon couldn't help but notice the untouched feast as they moved past.

The king led them through ornate corridors until they reached a pair of grand doors. King Wolfric opened them with a flourish, revealing a chamber that resembled a museum. The room was filled with meticulously organized display cases, each containing priceless artifacts from the kingdom of Lupinor. The treasures sparkled under carefully positioned lights, and the room seemed to whisper tales of history and culture.

As they ventured deeper into the treasure trove, Lyon's keen eyes were drawn to a particular display case that seemed to hold King Wolfric's interest. The king halted and, with a sweeping gesture, directed their attention to the case and its mesmerizing centerpiece.

The Seeker Stone, a true marvel of Lupinor, was a rare and magnificent gem that defied conventional notions of beauty. It was a translucent crystal, ethereal and captivating, with a pale, silvery-blue hue that seemed to shift and dance like moonlight on water. Encased in a delicate, ornate setting of precious metals, it emitted a soft, gentle glow, giving the impression that it held a piece of the night sky within.

King Wolfric turned to Lyon and his companions, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "This, my friends, is—"

"The Seeker Stone," Lyon voiced out. "Hold it in your hand, and it will compel truth. You cannot speak falsehoods or deceptions while it's in your hand, for any untruth will threaten to shatter it."

"You have knowledge," said Wolfric before opening the display case. He grabbed it and offered it to Lyon.

Lyon smirked and grabbed The Veritas Stone, "I saw how it was made once, with the power of the seer imbued in this stone, it seeks the truth of the holder through fate."

"You... saw?" Wolfric was shocked.

"Well he is, Lyon Torga," said Kesya with a grin.

"Yes, yes I am," Lyon nodded before all eyes turned to the Veritas Stone. He nonchalantly guided their focus as he put it back inside the display case, closing it and cementing his identity.