Chapter 120 Another round table meeting?
Black Dragon Gate Arc
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(POV: Lumiere)
After swiftly changing into the modern attire that had become the norm in the evolving Silva Citadel, I stood before the mirror, carefully adjusting my long, black hair.
Glass was quite rare to come by, but association with the Feral Dominion made it easy for Thrain, Beorn and Kipper to acquire the resources and skills necessary to craft it.
"These look nice."
The sweatshirt, three quarter pants, and babouche melded together perfectly, a fusion of my past life's memories and the innovation I had brought to this realm.
With a deep breath, I stepped out of my chambers, the weight of responsibility settling on my shoulders.
Waiting for me just outside the door was Serena. Isadora stood beside her, her expression one of quiet anticipation. And there, standing steadfast beside them, was Fasit, her stance dignified.
Fasit bowed her head as she informed me, "Great Lumiere, I have gathered everyone in the conference room as you requested."
Thinking of the city's progress during my absence, I regretfully sighed and told Fasit, "Inform them that I will join them shortly."
With another bow, Fasit retreated from my presence.
Turning to Serena, I inquired, "Where's Stellaria?"
Serena's gaze softened with affection as she replied, "She's still sleeping, my lord."
Feeling the fatigue tugging at my limbs, I stretched my arms wearily and urged Serena, "Let's proceed to the meeting then."
Isadora's smile widened, but she remained silent.
The conference room and my chambers were in the same building - the City Hall in the Central District. Hence, I'd have to wait until after the meeting to see the rest of my domain.
...
Seated in the spacious conference room, I was surrounded by the council members.
Serena, Isadora, Fasit, Skarz, Martini, Bazirta, and Kumiga were all present, eager to start.
It was time to address the pressing issue that had plagued us all - the attack orchestrated by Isadora's sister, Lirien.
Taking a moment to gather my thoughts, I began the meeting by explaining my recent mana exhaustion and subsequent loss of consciousness. Serena's eyes widened with concern as I recalled the danger Isadora's sister posed to Zarbon city and also Isadora's welfare.
"We must find a way to locate her and obtain more information about her motives," I declared firmly.
Before I could delve further into the topic, Serena interjected, her voice slightly tinged with a mischievous confidence.
"My lord, worry not. We've taken care of Lirien. She's currently under intensive care, unable to cause any more harm."
"Lirien, so that's her name," I mused aloud, my mind shifting to the more immediate concern. "Wait what? How did she end up in intensive care?"
A gentle smile adorned Serena's face, her eyes closing as she spoke with a hint of menace.
"When I saw what had befallen you, my lord, I couldn't contain my rage. I took it upon myself to teach Lirien a lesson she won't soon forget."
The juxtaposition of Serena's menacing words and her lady-like smile and composed demeanor intrigued me.
However, my attention was diverted by Isadora's expression of unease.
Her sister's actions clearly weighed heavily on her mind.
Before Isadora could voice her concerns, I intervened, placing a reassuring hand on her smooth shoulder.
"Don't worry about that now, Isadora. We can discuss it later," I reassured her gently, noting the relief that washed over her features.
Isadora's smile softened, her gratitude evident. "As you wish, Master."
Skarz cleared his throat, his voice filled with concern as he began to speak. "Isadora and Serena have given us a detailed account of what transpired in Zarbon city," he informed me, his eyes reflecting relief. "I'm truly glad that you've returned to us."
I nodded in acknowledgment, my gratitude evident.
"I'm glad to be alive as well," I replied.
Fasit interjected with a furrowed brow.
"While we've heard the details, there's still one aspect that eludes our understanding," she stated. "How were you able to come back to life?"
Isadora chimed in, her voice filled with confusion.
"Indeed. I was there but still didn't believe my eyes," she admitted.
"I used the All-Father's Crest of Guidance," I revealed, watching as their eyes widened in shock.
Bazirta was the first to voice his confusion. "All-Father? I don't understand what you mean, my lord," he admitted.
Only Serena seemed to have an inkling of my meaning.
I paused for a moment, choosing my words carefully as I continued.
"It's a sacred benefaction that grants me several abilities as well as limited control over altering minor events within a specific context or timeframe," I explained, hoping to shed some light on my abilities.
Confusion still lingered on the faces of many council members, until Old man Martini, had a realization.
"By the gods," he exclaimed, his voice filled with astonishment. "You... you manipulated fate, didn't you?"
A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I nodded gently.
"Yes, Martini. I did," I confirmed, watching as some council members froze in disbelief.
Fasit and Isadora exchanged incredulous glances, their voices filled with disbelief as they spoke in unison. "Really? You manipulated your own fate?"
Serena, however, remained composed, a knowing smile gracing her features.
"I honestly forgot about that sacred benefaction, my lord. If I knew, I certainly wouldn't have had to show my ugly side." (Serena)
"Your ugly side?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Nevermind." She smiled.
"So you just snapped your fingers and changed your fate?" she asked, her eyes searching mine for an explanation.
"Well... I did manipulate my own fate, but it was a perilous endeavor," I admitted, my voice tinged with a hint of trepidation. "I relied heavily on my Unique Skill [Beginner's Luck], using its sub-skill [Lord of Theorems], to alter [Higher Full Potential]. It allowed me to amplify and revamp the effects of the sacred benefaction bestowed upon me."
Kumiga's eyes widened with amazement, his voice filled with awe.
"That's an incredibly godlike ability you possess, my lord," he marveled in admiration.
Skarz nodded in agreement, his expression reflecting newfound respect. "Indeed, with such powers, you can easily elude death itself," he commented, his voice laced with genuine astonishment.
Waving my hands dismissively, I chuckled softly.
"It may seem so, but constantly relying on it would only bring about dire consequences," I warned, my voice holding a note of caution. "Besides, I wasn't actually dead when I altered my fate; I was on the verge of dying."
The air grew heavy with anticipation as I prepared myself to reveal a truth that weighed heavily on my heart.
"But to achieve this, there had to be a logical basis to it," I continued, my voice faltering slightly. "In my case, I have evolved into a Curse King."
Serena's eyes widened with understanding, a small smile playing on her lips. "We're already aware of that my lord," she interjected.
Surprised, I stuttered for a moment. "Eh? You guys knew?" I asked, my voice laced with confusion.
Serena's smile widened as she nodded. "Yes, that's what I said," she confirmed, her voice unwavering.
"And you all knew?" I queried, my gaze shifting from Serena to the other council members.
Fasit chimed in, "Indeed."
"And you're not afraid? I mean, I did become a Curse King."
The room fell into a momentary hush, the silence amplified by the smiles that adorned their lips.
It seemed that none of them were affected by the revelation at all.
"As Fasit has stated before, it matters not whether you become a Curse King or not. You're our leader, and that remains unchanged." (Martini)
Skarz nodded solemnly and added, "I may despise the very idea, yet I could never harbor such feelings towards you, our benevolent leader."
Isadora chimed in next. "Besides, everyone in the Silva Citadel had already sensed your evolution, long before we even uttered a word." The mirth danced in her eyes as she continued, "After all, when you evolve, we too, undergo a metamorphosis of sorts."
"I see." (Lumiere)
A mischievous smile tugged at my lips as I glanced at Fasit, who in turn returned the gesture.
"Indeed," she confessed, her voice laced with a hint of playfulness, "my own evolution has brought forth certain changes, particularly in this region." Her gaze momentarily dipped towards her enlarged bosom, teasingly acknowledging her physical transformation.
"In order to save time, I believe we should share the details of everyone?s evolution another time." (Martini)
"Yes, we have more pressing issues at hand." (Skarz)
"We should start with interrogating Lirien first." (Lumiere)
"She remains unconscious, but Sangria's keeping a close eye on her." (Fasit)
"Now onto more important things."
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