Don't confiscate my identity as a human race

Even though three days have passed since the great battle.

Recalling the perilous fight three days ago, or perhaps the life-and-death battle three months ago at Valhalla Canyon, about three hundred kilometers beyond the eastern border of the Arolan Kingdom, or maybe even further back...

What makes him feel distant is not the length of time, but rather two or three irretrievable matters.

"Alas."

All the words Loren wanted to say could only be transformed into this sigh.

It truly has troubled him greatly.

He looked out the window from the second floor of the West Freedom Memorial Palace.

The Royal Avenue in the North District of Bulerida, where golden sunlight poured through stained glass, casting a colorful glow that brightened the square in front of the palace.

The Imperial Guards, dressed in bright red uniforms and holding spears, stood vigilant, guarding the path to the palace.

Inside the palace, a busy scene unfolded.

The attendants hustled back and forth along the marble corridors, delivering stacks of documents.

The nobles and ministers of Bulerida, one after another, wore solemn expressions as they fiercely debated something in the conference room.

In a closed office with a carved wooden door on the west wing of the second floor, the newly crowned Emperor Loren Clanter was tirelessly writing at his desk.

His brown hair fell across his forehead, covering his slightly weary blue eyes.

The red tea on the desk had long gone cold, and piles of documents towered beside it.

He had been overwhelmed with a flurry of confusion and busyness since he was crowned three days ago.

The West Freedom Memorial Palace, located at the west end of the Royal Avenue in the capital Bulerida of South Crayney, sits adjacent to West Throne Mountain.

It is the official residence of the Monarch of Cerryti and is now one of the three palaces in active use in Bulerida. Compared to Saint Astore Palace located in the center of Bulerida, this residence is more suited for leisurely diplomatic matters.

At the moment, as Saint Astore Palace still requires time for reconstruction, the West Freedom Memorial Palace has become the temporary official residence of the new emperor.

Its origins trace back hundreds of years to the Vensi Free Federation period, when an alliance of lords donated another peace memorial monastery to Bulerida, where the Moon God Monastery was located. Later, when the Seross Empire, Elsayia Holy Domain, and Vensi Free Federation were unified, and Bulerida became the capital of the Cerryti Empire, this additional ancient monastery was transformed into a royal palace.

It consists of a central courtyard surrounded by four-winged buildings, adopting the style of "fairness, justice, respect" from the time of the Vensi Free Federation's lords. The outer walls are adorned with classical columns, and the north wing is the oldest part, housing the royal banquet hall, sleeping quarters, morning prayer Holy Temple, dinner hall, and other essential rooms, while other wings are used as living spaces for royal family members.

Loren is currently in the west wing.

The door to his office suddenly knocks.

"Come in."

"Your Majesty, the embassy has sent new diplomatic documents, the Minister of Finance wishes to discuss the budget proposal, and also..."

The secretary pokes his head through the door crack, and upon entering, he starts reciting the official matters.

"I understand, please leave them here."

Loren gestured to the side of the desk, having just finished reviewing a document, and then unfolded a map.

In truth, his background in the Hutton Kingdom was also that of a minor noble on the border. As a young man, not wanting to become a lord constantly embroiled in busy affairs, he embarked on journeys far and wide, and the experiences along the way transformed him into a genuine Priest. Now, it felt as if he had come full circle.

What occurs before is unforeseeable; what occurs after is unchangeable—this is Destiny.

"By the way, Your Majesty, the emissary from Hutton Kingdom is already waiting for you in the east wing of the palace."

The secretary finally said to Loren.

In theory, emissaries from the allied nations would be scheduled to arrive at Bulerida one after another during this period, but it so happened that Hutton Kingdom already had a powerful noble with sufficient speaking power in Bulerida. Thus, he was directly appointed as an emissary, able to handle official matters first before returning to the country.

Oh, that's right, the majesty is from Hutton too, so it's not surprising.

The secretary suddenly thought.

"Is it Duke Migaya...?"

Loren asked, as if recalling something, lifting his head.

He looked like a prisoner who had been sitting long enough to finally have someone come to look out for him.

Originally intending to call Migaya by name, now upon reconsideration, it seemed more appropriate to address him formally, given he was an esteemed noble serving as emissary from his nation.

"To report, Your Majesty, he has arrived and is waiting in the drawing room."

The secretary bowed.

"I'm heading over now."

Loren stood up, tidying his wrinkled jacket, took a deep breath, and briskly walked out of the office.

He crossed the long corridor.

The southeast tower stood four stories tall, the highest point of the palace. From here, the adjoining structures, including the monastery remains, the Royal Oak Garden, could all be overlooked, making it the best place for receiving guests.

Loren shortly arrived in front of a bright drawing room in the east wing.

Opening the door.

The faces of three old friends came into view.

"I told you the Grey Princess chapter of the Holy War Romance was wonderful, especially the scene where the Governor gets knocked over by his sister's shoes... hehehe, I laughed..."

"I actually think the most surprising thing was the Cat Immortal's mechanical dance, but why has that actor stopped now, saying he'll never act in the second part?"

The black-haired, dark-eyed Duke Migaya and the silver-haired, red-eyed Duchess sat on an embroidered sofa, laughing and chatting while holding teacups.

The Bingxue Witch Almis stood by the window and turned her head upon hearing the conversation.

"Loren, long time no see."

Almis greeted Loren.

Strictly speaking, they had seen each other three days ago, but there hadn't been a chance to meet in the last three days.

But even three days ago when they met, nothing was spoken, so considering it properly, it might have been three months since they last met.