Two banquet tables, each several meters long, were filled with a variety of cold and hot dishes.
Nearly every renowned dish from within the borders of Dragon Nation was present, creating an extravagant display. The aroma of these culinary delights permeated the Dragon Hall, enticing the taste buds of all present. Not only did these dishes smell divine, but their appearance, meticulously crafted by the chefs in the kitchen, was equally enticing, achieving a perfect blend of color, aroma, and taste.
The Empress, rarely emerging from her deep sleep, ensured that this grand celebratory banquet was a lavish affair, despite the ongoing state of war. Maintaining appearances was essential, even under such circumstances.
Logically, the Dragon Hall, serving as a place for council and official duties, wouldn’t usually host banquets, which were typically held in other halls. However, the Empress was not one for rigid rules and protocols. In fact, Empress Nova found them tiresome. To dine with her, the ministers had to adapt, moving the banquet to the Dragon Hall.
The ministers of Dragon Nation, seated along the long banquet tables, followed a strict hierarchical seating arrangement. Those of lower rank and influence sat further away from the Empress. Even those who only qualified for seats near the entrance of the Dragon Hall felt honored and showed no signs of dissatisfaction.
Each person’s attire varied, as did their appearances, but one thing was common among all: they praised the prosperity and strength of Dragon Nation, discussing its bright future.
At the head of the hall, Empress Nova who had reigned since ancient times, sat on the highest throne, seemingly disinterested in the lively atmosphere below. She appeared perpetually in a pose of resting her cheek in her hand, her furious red hair more disheveled than usual, wildly cascading over the back of the throne. Her imposing dragon horns added to her aura of commanding presence. 𝘪𝘳.𝒸𝑜𝑚
But tonight, perhaps in a bid to change her mood, Nova wasn’t wearing her usual black cheongsam. Instead, she donned a red dress, matching the color of her hair and with a hint of military style, and long red boots that reached her knees.
The military-style red dress, compared to the previous cheongsam, covered more of Empress Nova’s body, but its tight fit accentuated her distinguished demi-human figure even more prominently.
The high collar of the dress framed her slender, pale neck, while the snug shoulders highlighted her broad, angular shoulder line. The military attire suited the Empress impeccably, combining elegance with a commanding presence.
However, the attention inevitably drifted downwards to her ample bust, which almost seemed to strain against the confines of the uniform. The stark contrast between her full chest and the slim waistline accentuated by the tight uniform offered a striking visual impact.
The hem of the red skirt was not particularly long, ending just above the knee, seamlessly transitioning to a pair of knee-high boots. The boots hugged her legs tightly, emphasizing their toned and powerful appearance, a trait possibly unique to demi-humans.
If there was any regret to be noted, it was that this breathtaking vision of beauty within the Dragon Hall could not be openly admired. Even the most notoriously promiscuous minister, Charl, only dared to steal a quick glance while speaking to the Empress, before respectfully lowering his gaze.
“Your Majesty, last night our vanguard suffered a severe blow. We not only lost an Artifact Wielder but also had a precious ‘Artifact’ captured by the enemy. I believe this is a serious provocation by the Holy Kingdom and suggest an immediate counterattack with additional forces to reclaim the Artifact!”
“No need.”
After Empress Nova spoke, she didn’t wait for Charl, frozen in place, to say anything further and continued her command: “Long, order all frontline Dragon Gate forces to halt and stand by.”
This was unexpected. The loss of a vanguard unit and an Artifact Wielder, yet the Empress, known for her volatile temperament, didn’t erupt in anger. Instead, she chose a more conservative strategy.
‘What could be the reason behind this decision?’
As a military commander, General Long found the situation peculiar, but he was actually relieved to see a halt in hostilities.
“By your command, Your Majesty!”
Seizing the opportunity, General Long immediately advised further: “Your Majesty, since we are pausing the war, may I suggest reallocating some forces to suppress the rebel groups taking advantage of the situation within the country?”
“I also propose, considering our limited military strength and to motivate our troops, amending the Slave Constitution to allow a portion of enslaved demi-humans in the military to earn promotions and escape slavery through military achievements and exceptional performance. Once implemented, I am confident this will significantly strengthen the Dragon Gate forces, and the rebels will collapse without a fight!”
As soon as General Long finished speaking, Charl, seated nearby, voiced his objection.
“Nonsense! How can we change strategies at such a critical time, especially involving the foundational laws of the nation? What if it fails? Can you bear the responsibility? I absolutely disagree.”
“Charl’s concerns are valid. In that case, we can start with a pilot implementation.”
“A pilot? Where do you propose?”
“In the Sealed City.”
The mention of Sealed City, one of Dragon Nation’s most prominent cities known for its wealth generation, visibly darkened Charl’s expression. A significant portion of his personal wealth relied on Sealed City, where officials he supported ‘contributed’ to his treasury. He had even stationed members of his family there to oversee his interests.
Naturally, Charl was displeased at General Long’s proposal to disrupt his source of income. However, General Long seemed determined and well-prepared.
He signaled someone, and voices of dissent arose from the entrance of the Dragon Hall as several demi-humans, accompanied by Dragon Gate soldiers, entered the hall.
“Your Majesty, these people have fought valiantly alongside me for many years, earning numerous military honors. They are brave and skilled but remain limited by their status as slaves, unable to contribute further to Dragon Nation. I believe that if Your Majesty issues a decree today to start in Sealed City, gradually lifting restrictions on demi-humans and treating them as citizens and not slaves, Dragon Nation will be rejuvenated and truly become the world’s foremost power!”
While speaking, the demi-humans brought by General Long kneeled in the Dragon Hall and began to demonstrate their martial skills by sparring with each other, as arranged by General Long.
Charl’s expression darkened as he watched the scene unfold.
With “their” assistance, since the successful revision of the constitution three hundred years ago, the Empress rarely made public appearances, staying in deep sleep and out of worldly affairs. This allowed Charl to gradually gain control over Dragon Nation, as per their agreement.
Now, unexpectedly, the Empress had emerged from her seclusion. If General Long seized this opportunity to influence her, convincing her to change her mind, the position Charl had painstakingly built over a century could collapse. The first to confront him wouldn’t be General Long or the Empress, but “them”!
‘ I can’t let this happen
Charl had intended to keep his trump card hidden for longer, but it seemed he had no choice but to play it now.
His cold gaze settled on the demi-humans General Long had brought before the Empress, particularly focusing on a Lizardman. Since the constitutional revision three hundred years ago, no Dragon race remained in the world, only the so-called “Lizard race”, Sensing Charl’s gaze, the Lizard Soldier trembled slightly, understanding the implication.
The Lizard mans, initially engaging in a friendly spar, suddenly changed his stance. Before his sparring partner could react, he launched a swift attack, directing his blade towards the Empress sitting above in the Dragon Hall.
“What?!”
Everyone was shocked by this sudden turn of events, including Charl. The Lizard soldier was a sleeper agent he had planted within General Long’s soldiers through special means, reserved for a moment of crisis like this.
In Charl’s original plan, the demi-human was supposed to create chaos in the Great Hall, attacking and killing several officials in front of the Empress. This would not only turn General Long’s proposal into a farce but also fulfill his commitment to “them” by ensuring that demi-humans would never rise again.
But…
‘What was happening?!’
‘Who on earth had ordered an assassination attempt on the Empress?!’
Charl felt a cold dread. He knew something had gone terribly wrong.
Meanwhile, General Long was the first to react. Despite his face showing disbelief at being betrayed by a trusted ally, his actions were swift. Before the Lizard could reach the Empress, General Long’s towering figure intercepted him, delivering a powerful punch.
Bang!*
The Lizard soldier was sent flying, not even grazing the hem of the Empress’s dress.
“Dare to assassinate Her Majesty, die!” In his rage, General Long conjured a black sword from thin air, a feat possible only with a ‘Relic’. He was about to strike down the rebellious demi-human when a tremendous pressure emanated from the throne, immobilizing everyone in the hall.
𝘪𝘳.𝒸𝑜𝑚