—”The Day of Crimson Dusk.”
This was the name given to the day the battle in the Imperial Capital ended. What began as internal strife escalated into a world-altering event, marking this day as extraordinary.
On this day, Mara, the Imperial Consort for ten years, was defeated.
On this day, the legendary treasure of the Empire was awakened.
On this day, a decade-long, large-scale magic ritual unfolded, turning the sky black and the earth crimson.
Also on this day, the Imperial Capital was half-destroyed, and the Empire nearly fell. Though the culprit was vanquished, the event sent shockwaves throughout the Human Realm, the Divine Realm, and even the Demon Realm, prompting them to send envoys to investigate.
Undoubtedly, the events of this day would be recorded in history, becoming a pivotal moment in shaping the world’s future.
And gradually, the world learned another truth:
After a thousand years, a Hero had once again appeared.
…
Human Realm, Mitra Kingdom.
In the King’s bedchamber, Ancil, Lia, Aldia, and Charl were present.
Ancil, looking at a report on parchment, his expression changing constantly. Lia, Aldia, and Charl, having also received the news, had similarly complex expressions.
They exchanged glances before Ancil spoke.
“What are your thoughts on this matter?”
His question was met with silence. They seemed at a loss for words.
Only Lia chuckled wryly.
“That guy hid it well.” Her feelings were difficult to describe.
Even the usually stoic Aldia felt the same.
“…Is this information accurate, Your Majesty?” Aldia asked in a deep voice.
“Most likely,” Ancil replied with a wry smile.
“So,” Aldia murmured, “It wasn’t someone else who defeated me, but a true Hero.”
Charl couldn’t help but speak.
“Could there be a mistake?” She looked doubtful, “A Hero shouldn’t be able to appear in this world anymore.”
“Indeed,” Lia said calmly, “The Grand Ritual for summoning Heroes has been sealed. The Supreme God Omniis announced it herself a thousand years ago, and the Goddesses of the God Race also confirmed that the Grand Ritual is sealed in a forbidden zone at the border of the Divine Realm, and no one but Omniis can break the seal.”
For a Hero from another world to appear again was unbelievable.
Ancil understood their doubts.
However…
“I’ve contacted Lady Lazareth, the head of the Adventurer’s Guild who first met with Earl Buztout, and also Vivian of the Lazareth family, to confirm this.”
Ancil sighed.
“Although they didn’t give me a direct answer, probably not wanting to reveal his identity without his consent, they hinted and admitted that Earl Buztout’s previous identity was fabricated by them.”
Before this, Shien was an adventurer from Larmigion in Marquis Mulau’s territory, an orphan from the orphanage funded by Riley Lazareth. This was the identity Riley provided for him. Therefore, everyone thought Shien was a commoner from Larmigion, rising to prominence after the appearance of the Assassination Branch of the Old Demon Faction.
Now, since Riley had hinted that this identity was fake, it meant Shien’s identity wasn’t so simple.
Moreover, countless people witnessed the Holy Sword’s light during the battle in the Imperial Capital.
Therefore, Shien’s identity was confirmed.
“No matter how unreasonable, a Hero has indeed appeared. This is a fact.”
Ancil said, turning towards the entrance.
“You knew about this already, didn’t you, Lucy?”
Everyone looked towards the entrance.
There, the unparalleled princess quietly appeared.
“It seems you all know,” Lucy said impassively, a faint pressure emanating from her.
“Lucy?” Lia asked, surprised and uncertain.
Aldia and Charl gasped. The pressure from Lucy, although faint, was enough to make them feel threatened.
“Your Highness, you…” Aldia was surprised. As Lucy’s mentor, he didn’t know when she had become so powerful. Before, although Lucy was outstanding, she couldn’t exert such pressure without unleashing her Holy Sword or Unique Skill.
Now, she could.
This surprised Aldia and shocked Charl.
Ancil seemed to realize something, his expression changing. He also understood why Lucy was exerting such pressure.
“Don’t worry,” Ancil said helplessly, “Even if I know Earl Buztout is a Hero, I don’t intend to do anything.”
Yes. Ancil understood. Lucy came here for Shien’s sake, even exerting pressure on her father, sister, and mentor.
“He’s still my son-in-law, your fiancé, a noble of the Kingdom, the renowned Earl Buztout. This won’t change,” Ancil said seriously, “Rather, I’m overjoyed that a true Hero has become a member of our Hero’s Kingdom, marrying into our family of Hero descendants.”