Even though the capital had just suffered an attack—one that reached as far as the inner city—it was ultimately defended, and the enemies repelled. That, at the very least, was sothing to celebrate. Especially for Augustus, the King of the Clover Kingdom, who saw it as a victory worth commorating.
He was also the one most eager to host this grand banquet.
Most of the Magic Knight squads were reluctant to attend, but since Augustus was technically still the reigning monarch responsible for internal affairs, no one could outright refuse. Regardless of what they thought of him, formalities still had to be observed.
Still, not every squad showed up.
The Crimson Lion King's captain, Fuegoleon, remained in a coma due to his injuries.
As for Golden Dawn's captain, William Vangeance, he claid he was proving his innocence. He had personally requested that the Wizard King assign people to monitor him around the clock and restrict his movents until the truth ca to light.
Honestly, from Ethan Hayes' perspective, that move was a masterstroke—turning the old "thief crying thief" playbook into a fine art.
So people who had previously doubted Vangeance might begin to suspect sothing, but with this clever maneuver, he practically eliminated all suspicions cast on him.
Instead, the one catching all the heat… was Ethan.
"What's gotten into Ethan Hayes? Accusing Captain Vangeance like that…"
"Right? I actually admired him before—for standing alone against powerful enemies. But now? He seems petty and jealous."
"Exactly. He probably couldn't stand Vangeance getting all the credit."
At the banquet, many Magic Knights whispered about the situation.
Compared to Ethan, they naturally sided with Vangeance. This had nothing to do with nobility or commoner status—Vangeance had spent years building trust and respect among the ranks. It was like soone telling you your own father was a murderer—would you believe it?
Ethan didn't care about the gossip. Honestly, he would've been more suspicious if everyone had believed him.
He walked over to the Wizard King, holding a glass of wine, and whispered with a light smile, "So… I wasn't wrong, was I?"
Only the two of them could hear his voice over the buzz of the banquet.
"You weren't," Julius replied. "But… that still doesn't prove Vangeance is a traitor."
Ethan had given Julius a detailed plan, along with predictions of Vangeance's behavior. The first item? That Vangeance would retreat strategically and voluntarily confine himself as a show of innocence.
And right on cue, that's exactly what Vangeance did.
"True," Ethan nodded. "But don't rush. Give it a few days. Let the plan unfold."
He smiled faintly. Hot tofu can't be eaten in haste, after all.
Even brewing wine needs ti to fernt. And drawing out an old fox like Vangeance required even more patience. A guy that cunning wasn't going to slip up easily—his intelligence was formidable. But sotis, being too smart could be a weakness.
As they spoke, King Augustus—wine glass in hand and cheeks slightly flushed—approached with a smile, trailed by his attendants.
"Julius, mind if I borrow our hero of the hour for a mont?"
"Be my guest," Julius said, smiling as he walked away toward the Black Bulls.
Augustus turned to Ethan with a radiant grin. But that grin didn't impress Ethan in the least. After all, in the original tiline, Augustus was a complete non-factor.
"Captain Ethan Hayes, I truly thank you for coming to the capital's aid in ti. I've decided to reward you by granting you the title of Marquis. What do you say?"
Marquis?
Ethan was montarily stunned. Nobility in Clover Kingdom had a hierarchy: baron, viscount, count, marquis, and duke—with duke just under the royal family.
Being granted a marquis title straightaway? That was a lot to digest.
"…Is he trying to win over?"
Then it clicked.
In both the original tiline and even now, Augustus was more of a figurehead than an actual ruler. With the Wizard King running the military and public favor leaning heavily toward Julius, the people had all but forgotten they had a king at all.
But things were shifting.
Julius had already hinted at resigning, and Vangeance was tangled in controversy. Augustus probably saw a window of opportunity to rebuild his influence before Julius officially stepped down.
So that's his ga. Smart move, old man.
Ethan was mildly impressed. Maybe not all kings were useless after all—at least not when it ca to political instincts.
Now ca the real question: Should he accept the title or not?
After a short pause, Ethan smiled and said, "Since it's a royal decree, how could I possibly refuse? I'm honored, Your Majesty."
It wasn't a bad deal. Augustus might lack presence, but he was still the king. Having him as an ally could smooth many things for the newly ford Tenth Magic Knight Squad.
Besides, in the Vangeance situation, he could serve as a convenient pawn.
"Excellent! Very good! Here, Captain Ethan—cheers!"
Augustus chuckled. Ethan may be young and not yet well-established, but his potential was undeniable. He'd be perfect to balance and challenge the influence of the other squads.
And status? Whether soone was a commoner or not—wasn't that up to the king to decide?
"Didn't soone once say? Why should birth decide who becos a king or noble?"
More importantly, Augustus's actions shut down any would-be critics.
"Everyone! Quiet, please!" the king called out. "I have a joyous announcent to make!"
The banquet hall fell silent.
"This capital was saved thanks to the valiant efforts of Captain Ethan Hayes. As such, I hereby grant him the title of Marquis. And—furthermore—I intend to wed my niece, Princess Hermione Clareros, to him, so they may be joined in blessed union!"
Silence.
Ethan promptly spit out the wine in his mouth.
Wait—what?! You're marrying to your niece?!
You sneaky old man, going all in, huh?
"Cough, cough! Uh, Your Majesty, I'll gladly accept the title, but as for the princess... perhaps let's hold off on that..."
He wiped his mouth quickly. Who knew how old she was? What if she was so temperantal heiress—or worse, not even remotely attractive?
He wasn't looking for so politically arranged marriage. He'd rather have a relationship built on genuine connection. If there was no chemistry, it'd just be a miserable arrangent.
"Phew... thank goodness…"
From the side, Noelle let out a sigh of relief. Her face flushed as she realized it.
But really, she thought, Ethan was being kind of dumb. If he married a princess, he'd be way more than just a marquis. He could beco a prince. And when Augustus eventually passed on, who knew? Maybe even… the next king?
Opportunities like this didn't co knocking twice.
"Hey, Captain Ethan, don't be in such a hurry to refuse," Augustus chuckled. "How about we arrange a eting in a few days? You young people can talk it out. If you still think it's not a good match, I won't push it."
Ethan opened his mouth, then closed it again. There was nothing to say. Augustus clearly wanted to bind him tightly to his side.
Well, fine.
If they were going to use each other, so be it. Just… please don't be sending him soone ugly. That'd be the end of everything.
The banquet carried on without incident—at least, on the surface.
anwhile, in the Golden Dawn headquarters, Captain Vangeance sat alone in his office, eyes closed.
Apart from the guards stationed outside, there was no one around.
Yet his lips occasionally moved as if he were talking to soone unseen.
After a while, he stopped and whispered to himself—
"Ethan Hayes... Just who exactly are you?"
-------------------------
To Access 30 Advance chapters head over to Patreon:
patreon / Samorash
~~Do leave a comnt!
Reviews
All reviews (0)