CH 633-634: Discussion
The news of the war ending and the subsequent victory of Lustburg swept through the world extremely fast as Sol disseminated carefully edited videos of most of the fight.
The video mainly highlighted the fight between Setsuna, and the other, against Lupus. While this made him slightly look bad as he had vanished from the fight early on, Sol did not mind giving more spotlight to the women he loved.
This was even more so as the more popular Setsuna was, the easier it was to make her get control of Wratharis.
It had now been one week since the end of the war properly speaking and the population of Lustburg was jubilant as Sol had announced fully paid holidays for all citizens for two weeks and taxes reduction for the next two years and the start of celebration.
The brave soldiers and personnel received a minimum of double the normal rewards. Even if they, unfortunately, lost their lives in the war, Lustburg’s administration had made sure their mourning families would receive the reward in their stead.
Sol had taken a strict stance with the rewarding process, making it so that anyone stupid enough to attempt swindling money would face his wrath. He wasn’t about to allow some nobles to grease their hands, no matter how unrealistic and difficult the logistics of the matter would be.
Anyone who took even one coin that did not belong to them would be sent to the mines for life. No matter the position they held.
Sol was already a matchless existence in Lustburg in the past, however, his popularity had elevated to such a stage after the war that even the most idiotic of nobles would not dare think of testing his tolerance.
Things were slightly more complicated in Wratharis, however. Citizens of Wratharis lived tribalistic lifestyles, prompting the influence of respective tribal leaders to be far more overarching than the Dukes of Lustburg and in some cases the rulers themselves.
By employing Shuten Doji’s help, however, Sol was able to establish some resemblance of control. He even made sure to make the date of victory a national holiday with Setsuna’s influence. This way, the populace would be able to rejoice in Lupus’s death and Setsuna’s ascension as Crown Princess.
Unlike Sol, Setsuna had no family members who could play the role of regent for her so she was set to ascend as a queen in the coming months. But for now, Kiku used her authority and position to take the realm’s control.
This was just one of the thousands of small matters Sol needed to take care of. Such was his life.
***
Inside Wratharis’ royal palace, in a room that was set up as a makeshift office room, Sol and Setsuna were busy wafting through endless hoards of paperwork.
On the far side of a couch up ahead, a snoring Lilin was dozing off, a stack of paperwork bundled up in her hands. She had graciously proposed to help them with the paperwork a few days ago. Now, it was clear that the girl had reached her limit after days of soul-crushing boredom.
Isis had long since fled back to Lustburg, claiming she needed to give her full attention to healing Camelia.
She was lying through her teeth, Sol knew, but he could not refuse when she was taking care of Camilia. That’s why he sent her back with Lilith.
The powerhouses of Lustburg needed to hold the fort as they had just come out of war and were prime targets of invasion.
The witches were also back to Lustburg but it was for one very different reason.
After all…
“Your Highness. The kitchen prepared some tea. I have already inspected it. No dubious substance was found in.”
Milia opened the door, breaking Sol’s train of thoughts. A small tray of tea and snacks was held in her hands, eliciting them to take a small pause from the mind-numbing boredom that they were being subjected to.
Focusing on the night sky, Sol caught the sight of fireworks sporadically illuminating the sky. Some amount of focus in his ears also allowed him to hear the cheers and laughter of Wratharis’ citizens.
“Setsuna. Let's take a break.” Urged Sol, a bitter smile on his lips as he observed her head slowly peek out from the behemoth stack of papers. Reddened eyes and frazzled hair, paired with hands covered in ink— testaments of the sheer amount of work both of them were constantly subjected to for the last few days.
“Soooll…” Setsuna drawled, her eyes looking at him pitifully as her hands still continued signing away papers like an automated machine. “I can't stop now. I feel like if I stop I am going to crash and never recover again.”
A look of pity was all Sol could muster in response. While Setsuna had received training as a princess, it had been more than ten years since she was a proper princess. Moreover, since she hadn’t been a Blessed, the training she received in both governance and politics was severely lacking compared to contenders for the throne.
“Mighty with the sword and weak with the pen, how pitiful, my dear.” He stood up and skipped towards her before stretching her cheeks.
The helpless and funny expression she showed made him laugh and he laughed doubly so when Lilin woke up with a start and fell from the couch.
It was amusing how these highly accomplished warriors, daring enough to even go toe to toe against a King-ranked while being Dukes, now acted as though they faced their greatest enemies in paperwork.
However, he fully understood their plight as he looked at the endless stacks of paperwork surrounding him in utter disgust.
“This is why I wasn't interested in world conquest.” He sighed and stopped bothering the half-dead Setsuna before approaching Milia and smothering her in a tight hug.
“I am also sorry all of you guys have to work despite your lingering wounds.”
World conquest seemed extremely glamorous in one’s imagination. However, the reality lay in the behind-the-scenes— the work that took place in the shadows, away from prying eyes.
Wratharis was a Mess with capital M.
Lustburg had been messy when he took over, forcing him to kill off a horde of many rebellious nobles with Lilith’s help and some well-placed schemes. Even now they had to use undead for some parts of the administration.
However, the problems with Lustburg paled in comparison to the mess that was Wratharis.
The economy was in shambles. The administration was nearly non-existent. The war coffers only had spider webs in them and the laws were not even worth being jokes.
More than 100 different tribes, each with its own leader comprised an equivalent of 100 small-sized kingdoms.Each with different laws, different rules, different needs, different populations, and so much more.
The needs of the rabbit tribe were obviously different from those of the wolf tribe, for example.
This was a strength and simultaneously a fatal weakness of Wratharis. Wratharis was vastly different from Lustburg, that’s why Sol knew he could not rule it like he ruled Lustburg. Trying to do anything remotely similar would result in total failure.
What would do when he added demons, elves, and dwarves to the mixture?
Sol groaned before sipping on the tea and massaging his forehead. So much work to do, so many little things to pay attention to, and not nearly enough time.
“I wanted us to familiarize ourselves more with the lands but I don’t see any other option. We might have to delegate more power to Shuten, earlier than we had initially planned.” Sol looked at Milia who only nodded in agreement.
“I have already talked to her. I am sure she will be open to further negotiations. Furthermore, I have called for the White Tiger lord and the Seven Sages to return. They will be valuable allies to our cause.” Milia offered, prompting Sol to smile contentedly.
As always, Milia continued proving herself as his most reliable support when it came to ruling.
The White Tiger lord had been used by Lupus as cannon fodder at the start of the War. Impressed by his strategic expertise, Sol had recruited him after a thorough subjugation of his forces.
As for the Seven Great Sages… nothing needed to be said about their influence and power in Wratharis.
“Great. After this, all of you girls need to enter seclusion in my dimension. I am now able to slightly accelerate time inside, only double the usual rate but it will have to do for now. Rest, heal, and use the insights you earned to reach higher levels.”
The war had left many troublesome things in its wake, but it was nothing short of miraculous for consolidating and elevating their power.
Thanks to participating in the ritual, Lilin and Setsuna were able to consolidate new names while Milia and Isis were ready for the last push toward the King realm.
Sol was a little worried but most normal people didn't need some super large-scale ritual where they had to face the nothingness of the End just so they could advance to King.
The hardest part was already done and now all they needed to do was advance at their own pace.
But this wasn't all.
Be it Medea, Kali, Persephone, or Freya, they all received innumerable benefits from the ritual, ultimately gaining a deep connection with his dimension.
Due to their newly established connection, they had been able to confirm one theory Sol had been developing and now— they had a clear path towards the Demigod realm.
“Congratulations, Your Highness. Soon, you will become the uncontested ruler of this world.” Milia smiled as she fed him a cake.
Four new potential demigods, four new potential kings, as well as Lilith and Ambrosia. Not to mention, Sol himself.
A genuine smile stretched his lips as he savored the cake.
Politics was a pain.
The war still had many aftermaths to address.
But if there was one thing clear, it was that all he needed was ample time. Soon, a year or two at most, he wouldn’t need to move a single finger to conquer the entire world.
The incoming year was definitely going to be eventful.
The most interesting?
Becoming a demigod himself was no big deal. He needed no ritual this time nor a dangerous gamble.
After all— he was a Dimensional Mage.
A huge, contended smile stretched his lips as he rested his head against Milia’s soft thighs while she fed him with delight.
Life was good right now and he was going to enjoy it.
For that,
“I believe it's time to finish the preparation for my wedding.”
Ascension, evolutions, and all were great. But it was important to never forget that he did not grow strong for the sake of power alone.
And now… he had a Witch to marry.
***
The next day, Shuten Doji could be seen entering the Celestial palace, guarded by a few soldiers of Lustburg.
The fact that Lustburg’s soldiers were slowly entering the frontiers and taking up key posts under their control could be seen by all those at a certain level but they also understood that it was inevitable.
“How wasteful,” Doji muttered as she observed the wall made of smooth jade and glittering gold. The mural on the wall depicted a lightning wolf howling toward the moon— a king’s war cry before he charged towards the battle.
A royal family undoubtedly had to show their might through murals, sculptures, depictions, and other forms of art. However, Lupus had been on a whole other level.
Taking care of all of this will be hard.
She sighed and continued to walk in the relatively deserted palace.
Before the war’s conclusion, nearly all the servants and retainers living in the palace had fled. Even though a few had returned Doji surmised that many others were just waiting for things to cool down a bit more, maybe some even felt guilt and would never return.
Most likely they made use of the chaos to steal some expensive trinkets or expensive artworks, setting themselves up for life.
Their actions were perfectly normal. Rats would always scurry when a boat was about to capsize. She had already anticipated this and even banking on this fact, as it would allow her to subtly introduce people under her influence into the palace, injecting her spies in the right places.
“Quite the flashy palace, don't you think?” Doji froze for a heartbeat as a young masculine voice echoed in her ears, far too close for her comfort. Years of training and experience allowed her to hide the shock and grimace from appearing on her face. She even made sure to keep her muscles relaxed.
Turning on her heels, she showed a smile before curtsying, making sure to show appropriate Lustburgian manners, as she bowed before the man who had tried to play a nasty prank on her.
“Your Majesty.”
“At ease.” Sol waved his hand dismissively, “You are one of the four great leaders of Wratharis. You do not need to bow to Lustburg.”
His tone was flat, but an amused glint danced in his eyes as he eyed the Oni woman. Shuten had to quite literally force herself to not roll her eyes in exasperation.
They both knew it was nothing but lip service. The moment Setsuna officially sat on the throne, would be the moment the entirety of Wratharis would bow to Lustburg.
“You are quite playful,” Shuten said, raising her bent back with practiced elegance. Shuten was not born yesterday, it would take much more than a glorified prank to fluster her.
If Sol Luxuria wished to play with her then she would gladly comply.
“Ohhh… I am starting to like you.” The smile stretching his lips widened, and he presented his arm to her in a gentlemanly gesture. She gladly accepted his invitation. “Let's walk together, shall we? Queen Setsuna is waiting for us.”
“Lead the way, Your Majesty.” Shuten smiled sweetly and thus the two sauntered down the deserted place while exchanging some amicable, if pretentious, chatter.
Seeing them, no one could imagine they were about to negotiate the future of an entire kingdom and millions of citizens.
***
The walk, albeit short, allowed Shuten to garner a deeper insight into the man she considered to be her greatest opponent.
Sol Luxuria was young. Be it from the perspective of your average human or even magical beings with lengthier lifespans, he was only a young adult at best. Yet, he possessed a mind that was well beyond the age he showed.
No one could ever claim that he was just a lucky guy who went through life without any struggles.
His experience, albeit short, was enough for many centuries-old monsters to have cold sweat.
Yet she felt confused in his presence. He seemed arrogant yet not. Old yet young. Mature but still retaining a semblance of youthful childishness.
The duality of this man confused her and in a way, frightened her.
“You seem confused.” Sol, as if ignoring her probing, spoke quietly, prompting Shuten to direct him an odd look.
“Your Majesty is a true enigma.” Shuten was direct in her words.
“Well, they say mysterious men are attractive. Don't you think so?” He laughed but she only shook her head.
“With my line of works, I can only feel at ease with a man I can read like a book.” Shuten was not one for relationships or love. She had no need for a man she could not control.
“How sad. Seems like I got indirectly rejected.”
Shuten chortled at the words Sol just spewed. “For someone who has been rejected, you do not seem particularly affected.”
“What can I say, I have a mind of steel.” He flashed her a big-hearted smile and they stopped at the door of the office.
“Well, as enjoyable as this discussion has been, it seems like this is as far as I can accompany you.” Sol slipped his hand out of her and stepped back.
“Oh? I thought you would be participating in the negotiations.”
A shake of his head was his reply. With a smile, Sol added, “This is Setsuna’s job. Not mine.”
Hearing him, Doji was able to perceive a new dimension to the relationship between Sol and Setsuna.
She had always wondered if Setsuna being Queen was just a front— a sham to basically allow Sol to annex Wratharis with little resistance.
But be it in the war or even now, Setsuna was showing a surprising degree of independence.
That could only mean that Setsuna was not just a glorified puppet for Sol, at the very least.
I guess there is still some good news amid all this chaos.
“Very well, Your Majesty. I wish you a good night.”
She bowed, in the same Lustburgian style she had curtsied before, before lightly knocking on the door.
“I, Shuten Doji, leader of the Oni clan beseech Her Majesty the Queen to grace me with her presence.”
Shuten could hear Sol snicker from a mile away but she was not embarrassed. She had enough practice, from all the embarrassing titles and jibberish she had to spout to Lupus just so she could receive an audience.
Still, it seemed that her words were quite shocking to Wratharis’ latest ruler. Choking noises echoed out from the inner chamber, obviously belonging to Setsuna.
I guess the new queen isn't a fan of such appellation.
“You can… Ahem. You may enter.” Setsuna’s voice came from the other side.
Shuten hid the knowing smirk that tried to curl her lips. Her new queen was cute, that’s for sure. Opening the door to enter, Shuten was not surprised to see the White Tiger lord standing behind Setsuna like a secretary.
She knew she was about to enjoy this meeting that was shaping up to be quite interesting, to say the least.
***
When Shuten closed the door behind her, Sol’s shadow started wriggling until Milia manifested out of the abyssal darkness.
“Was it wise, Your Highness? I apologize but Lady Setsuna is still not ready.”
Sol shook his head, “Setsuna will never be ready if she doesn’t get the necessary experience to complement her knowledge. Don't worry. She will become better with time. This is the perfect moment for her to gain all the experience she requires.”
With Shuten taking things easy and the Tiger lord at her side, it would not take long for Sol’s beloved wolf to become a respectable Queen.
“Well, let’s drop this matter. How are things at home?”
A large smile threatened to split Milia’s face at the question. “The preparations for both your marriage and your coronation are well underway. But are you sure a triple marriage is sound?”
Sol nodded before explaining, “Setsuna, Medea, and Isis. Marrying the first three at the same time and announcing my engagement with Pandora will make my influence skyrocket.”
As the daughter of Anubis— once the Son of the Demon King and a True Demon, Isis was in a way royalty for the demons. On the other hand, Pandora was the Queen of Invidia. Once she ensured the safety of her daughters, they could announce the engagement.
There was no need to explain Medea's influence and how officializing their relationship would help his standing with the witches. And Setsuna would link him with Wratharis.
Thinking about it, a bitter smile tugged Sol’s lips. “I am quite the horrible man.”
This was supposed to be a joyous occasion but all he could think about were the underlying machinations.
Sol soon clapped his cheeks, hard enough to leave the downward spiral of negativity that his decisions invoked in him.
He needed to remind himself. To make sure to never forget.
He did not chase power for power's sake.
All he wanted was to ensure the happiness of his beloved women. The power, influence, and all the additions he obtained were just collateral, mere tools to ensure he reached his objectives.
“Very well, let's go. Setsuna will be able to start her closed meditation soon. Same for you. As for me… It's time to spend time with Camelia. I did promise her that after all.”
A genuine smile soon crept up his lips at the thought. While they may have spent a steamy night before the war, he had not spent true quality time with his beloved nun for quite some time, he admitted.
Though she technically wasn't a nun anymore.