Published: January 4, 2026
“We’re outside the palace; no need for unnecessary formalities. Uncle, sit beside me.”
“Understood.”
With Your Majesty’s command given, Indra reverted to his previous bold demeanor and sat beside Your Majesty.
Meanwhile, I glanced around before linking Luthier with the armor ring, transforming him into a human form.
However, this time he wasn’t the tiny doll-like size from before.
He was a full-sized warrior—one-to-one scale with a human.
I stood the flame-clad warrior behind Your Majesty, guarding him like a steadfast sentinel.
“Isn’t that a bit over the top?”
“This isn’t the palace.”
I stated firmly.
“We must be thorough. Besides, Your Majesty—the emperor’s sudden misfortune would be the misfortune of all people. A wise ruler like Your Majesty must not suffer any mishaps except natural longevity.”
“I see. Then, Noah, I entrust everything to you.”
“Yes, sir.”
I bowed to Your Majesty, then surveyed the surroundings again before commanding Luthier to breathe fire.
Flames erupted from the artificial warrior’s entire body.
He looked exactly like a flame demon.
At the same time, I used Leviathan to subtly suppress the crowd around us.
Not enough to defeat them, just enough to instill fear and respect in the hearts of the people present.
A mild show of intimidation.
I thoroughly scanned the area.
Visibly, there was Luthier; spiritually, Leviathan was felt.
From the people, a pure sense of respect radiated; no sign of dissent was detected.
“As expected, Noah.”
“To be so calm at that age is impressive. Among the emperor’s children, you might be the best, right?”
“Indeed, he is my pride. That’s why I gave him the character for ‘wise.’ Like your ‘thunder,’ uncle, it’s a fitting character.”
“Ha ha ha, my ‘thunder’ has long become nothing but ‘thunder old man’ now, hasn’t it?”
Your Majesty and Indra laughed together.
“Noah’s ‘wise’ is just beginning. After all, it’s been decided he will have his first battle alone.”
For a moment, the surrounding crowd fell silent.
Then, as if a spring had released, the loudest cheer of the day erupted.
“First battle? The one all the royal family undertakes?”
“He’s going to do it alone? Normally, soldiers guard you tightly for that.”
“But I understand now... With this prince, it makes sense…”
Amid the murmurs, voices praising me one after another reached my ears.
I thought for a moment but let the natural flow direct the people’s gaze and attention toward me.
It was convenient for protecting Your Majesty, so I decided to go with it.
Or rather… could it be…?
I glanced at Your Majesty and our eyes met.
From that, I was certain.
This was Your Majesty’s way of backing me up.
My act of glaring around to protect Your Majesty was supported by Your Majesty publicly announcing my solo first battle.
Otherwise, this decision would have been made long ago, and rumors would have circulated among the common folk already—there would be no need to publicly announce it now.
So, I might as well fully embrace it.
“That’s exactly what makes Noah so remarkable.”
“Hm?”
“What do you mean, Emperor?”
Indra asked suspiciously.
Amid the crowd’s murmur, Your Majesty answered in a low voice audible only to Indra beside him.
“I announced it now to help Noah. Noah understood that at a single glance and played along.”
“Indeed, impressive. Even I couldn’t have grasped that.”
“You’re rough but lack subtlety. It can’t be helped.”
“Yeah, I can’t be bothered with that kind of fuss.”
“Which is why you constantly bicker with your wife.”
“Exactly. Ha ha ha, it makes me feel even safer entrusting my grandchild.”
Your Majesty and Indra laughed again.
“Now then, uncle, I have something to discuss. Please ride with me in the carriage.”
“Right.”
—The main issue.
I understood that Your Majesty had come out just for this reason.
I beckoned and called the carriage waiting a little farther away.
The people neatly parted the way as the carriage slowly approached.