“Now Announcing the Entrance of the Head of the Aurelian Commission, Lucille Adrienne Goldcroft, and her Aide, Vincentimo Sorviere Evisenhardt!”

Lucille and Vincent stepped down the stairs into the ballroom where that day’s event was occurring. It had been about four days since the opening ceremony, and during that time they had had to deal with many nobles approaching them for discussions and introductions, trying to decipher what the dynamic was in the Commission. The other Counts had gone off to do their own thing, as they had non-Commission-related politics to deal with as well, so it was just her and Vincent for now.

Vincent himself had been doing very well, not that she expected him to struggle to deal with the nobles at the banquet. The personality she remembered him having the few times she had met him as an Admiral of the Navy was coming through, the one that enabled him to be one of the leading figures amongst his generation. She had to admit that one of the reasons why she enjoyed annoying him was because he acted so differently from what she remembered when he wasn’t with other nobles. He had a much more interesting character than she had expected before coming to the Commission’s Headquarters.

But today was an important day. Today was the day the Emperor would be handing out Titles of nobility. In other words, she would gain her Title of Honorary Count.

She glanced in the direction of the large table raised above everyone else. There sat the Emperor and Empress on two thrones in the centre on a raised platform, with other important royalty sitting at two exquisite tables on either side of the thrones. That included the Archduke, while the other Dukes sat at extravagant tables on a level just slightly lower than the Emperor. There was one other person who sat at the table of the royalty next to the Emperor who wasn’t a member of the royal family, however. It was Marquess Hepherson Ashthrope, whom Lucille had seen at the opening ceremony.

She and Vincent made their way over to the silvery carpet that led up to the Emperor’s table, where they had to greet him as the first thing required by individuals of their status. They lined up behind several other nobles waiting to pay their respects to the Emperor, and eventually, they came forward and kneeled.

“I, L-Lucille Adrienne Goldcroft, bow my head to the Emperor of the Eternal Empire,” she stammered as she lowered her head, introducing an artificial slight tremble in her words and limbs so she appeared nervous. She avoided all eye contact.

“Vincentimo Sorviere Evisenhardt bows his head to the Emperor of the Eternal Empire,” her aide smoothly stated behind her, no nervousness shown by him at all.

The Emperor’s gaze on her lingered slightly longer than it had for the other bowing nobles, but he nodded, allowing Lucy and Vincent to leave. They stepped off the carpet into the main ballroom area, some of the Dukes glancing at her as they left. The Archduke seemed to ignore her as he spoke to another noble next to him, which for some reason unknown even to herself, she garnered a strange sense of relief.

With Vincent behind her, she continued walking to where the Commission’s separate table was. But before they made it to the extravagantly decorated circular table, a noble came up to them. And it was someone she recognised.

“Lady Goldcroft!” the man with a goatee exclaimed, a smile on his face. He gave her a slight bow. “It is a pleasure to see you again.”

She made herself blink and then nod with a smile. “Ah, yes. I feel the same as well, Viscount…” She pretended to hesitate and try to remember his name, making the expression of the man in front of her, the Viscount of the Tua’Cethla Kingdom of Shifting Sands she had met for the debut, twitch.

“Viscount Naram Eil-Mlimar, my lady,” he informed her with another bow, his voice sounding slightly less happy. “We met at your debut.”

“Right, we did,” she replied with a large, easy-going nod as if she hadn’t acted as she had forgotten that just a moment earlier. The smile of the Viscount became slightly strained, but it brightened up as he turned to the silver-haired man beside her.

“And I am very pleased to see you again, Sir Evisenhardt,” Viscount Eil-Mlimar said with a wide smile, holding out a hand for Vincent to shake.

Vincent smiled politely and nodded. “As am I to see you, Viscount Eil-Mlimar.”

The Viscount went to say something, but Lucy spoke to him before he could, “Last time I saw you, I recall there was someone else I met?”

Viscount Eil-Mlimar scoffed and shook his head. “Bah, that low noble with such poor, garish taste from the Aeternus plane?” He gestured with his head to a certain direction, where a reedy, gemstone-decorated man was smiling at a few other nobles. “Baron Syagrius Groth is busy discussing…. ‘important’ deals with some of Alichanteu’s direct vassals. I doubt anything will come out of it. Alichanteu’s vassals are better than to stoop so low as to fall for his words.”

The gaudily-dressed Baron in the distance noticed the Viscount’s gaze and narrowed his eyes at the red and white-robed man, and they glared at each other for a few seconds, before both turning back to their communication partners with wide smiles.

“But never mind that,” Viscount Eil-Mlimar said, waving a hand dismissively. He turned to Vincent as his smile grew wider. “As a loyal vassal of Evisenhardt, I am very much inclined to give my aid to the Silver County as the Aurelian Commission goes through these tumultuous times. If there is anything I could do to support the County, then I would not hesitate to involve myself in a discussion over this…” The Viscount glanced at Lucille as he trailed off, and she and Vincent picked up on the hint.

“Lucille, how about you go sit down while I talk to the Viscount?” her aide asked her, putting his hands on her shoulders to guide her.

She blinked as he gently pushed her. “What? But- I mean, is that fine? I’m supposed to be the Faction Head…”

“Of course it’s fine. You can just wait for me at your table,” Vincent replied.

Taking that as enough fake conversation for the Viscount to see, she nodded and went over to her table, which was covered in a gold and purple-decorated covering, cutlery and dishes made of gold set on top. Bowls of fruit radiating mana were placed on the table, and several dishes were already served as snacks. She sat down in her chair and pretended to be distracted by what was in front of her, but she was paying close attention to what the people around her were saying. She was also paying attention to the Dukes.

The golden-haired Duke Haevaph sat at a long table directly to the right of the Emperor, with other golden-haired Ducal family members likewise seated at the table. The Sky Razing Duchy was named as such because the Haevaph family was also a powerful clan of the Glory Pantheon, called the Sky Razing Sword clan.

They were known to be the 1st ranked clan of the entire Pantheon, and their Duchy was the base for all the most important Tournaments and Championships. Their Duchy even contained the building called the Grand Columns of Accolades, where the Major and Minor Disciplines kept a copy of all their mana-arts for preservation.

Their famed lightning-element sword mana-art of their family, one of the rare Heroic Arts, was only 2nd ranked out of all the Sword Major Discipline’s arts, however. That was because the 1st ranked sword mana-art was called the Imperial Aeternus Swordsmanship, the mana-art practised by the Royal Guard and the higher-ups of the Battalions. But even so, their lightning art was still a Heroic Art, one of the most powerful mana-arts of Glory Pantheon.

The Haevaph Duchy were steadfastly loyal to the Emperor, and the Emperor alone. They were part of the ‘Imperialist’ forces, which didn’t support Olden or Radical’s ideals, and weren’t part of the neutral faction.

Opposite the Haevaph Duchy’s table on the other side of the silver carpet leading up to the Emperor was a table draped with purple and grey silk. There sat the members of the Star Fall Astrum Duchy of Medolin, who had created the high-level element of Astrum hundreds of thousands of years ago, a compound element containing the elements of light and air to navigate the constellations.

Duke Medolin and his relatives were mostly talking with noble mages and wizards from All-Aeon Athenaeum, as the Duchy was one of the most powerful forces within the Athenaeum. They were Olden purist magic users who disliked any of the new magic styles and spells developed by commoners emerging, including magic engineering.

Then, at a table of pitch black wood positioned next to the Haevaph Duchy’s table, was the table of the Genest Duchy, the Duchy of the dark element. Duke Genest spoke with many of the more powerful nobility such as the Marquesses, all of them being the most outspoken supporters of Olden. While they had a dark element mana-art, the Duchy’s power mostly stemmed from a unique dark-element Constitution only obtained by individuals of their lineage, a Constitution that gave them a black tattoo in the shape of an animal.

The Ever-Present Shadow Duchy had a tradition of sending their young members out undercover into the Empire’s wider borders and had a bloody hidden battle for succession to become the next Duke. Illegitimate or legitimate, it didn’t matter, someone only needed to have the Constitution to be eligible for the Title. There was no end date for when the succession battle would be over. If Duke Morberos Genest died to a distant relative of his in the ballroom there that day, that relative would become the new Duke. The cycle would never stop repeating itself.

Covered in a searingly bright red and orange silk dining cloth next to the Medolin Duchy’s table was the table of the Allblaze Duchy of Solarmane. The Ducal members with burning orange eyes sat overlooking many of the nobles with distaste, for the most part. A few were in arguments with some supporters of Radical, but most of them sat next to their close supporters in silent judgement of their surroundings. The Ducal family of Solarmane wasn’t known for their hospitable and welcoming attitudes. They were part of Olden and used the fire element near-exclusively.

Then, next to the table of Duke Genest was the table of the Duchy of Isærnelghen, the metal element wielding Steelheart Duchy. The Isærnelghen Duchy was part of Radical and was very strongly involved with all aspects of the Empire’s military. They were favoured among the commoner members of the Battalions for their leadership and fair treatment of all military members, regardless of noble status, rank, or Title.

Their mana-art worked irrespective of weapon type, as it enabled them to gain increased elemental manipulation rather than just increasing their physical ability. Their Duchy was where many craftsmen flocked to if they wanted to become involved in developing and manufacturing new weapons for the military.

Opposite the Isærnelghen Duchy’s table, and beside the Solarmane table, was the table of Duke Harpax Extermina, the head of the Duchy that used the high-level element of Destruction, an element containing fire and darkness. The Havoc-Reaver Duchy was officially known as being part of ‘Radical’, but the reason why the Duke supported Radical wasn’t because he aimed to give commoners greater rights.

No, he supported Radical so more conflict would occur between nobles and commoners, inciting fights he could take part in to cause bloodshed and wage wars. He was recognised as a volatile bomb by the entirety of central Empire nobility, someone who couldn’t be trusted in case he decided to turn against you to pursue his agenda of blood-crazed battle lust.

Lucy knew Duke Extermina used to be the ruler of the 1st Major Kingdom, a nation that used battle to choose its ruler until the Emperor at the time had offered him the position of Duke. The man was hostile to all the Duchies that came before him, his inferiority complex being somewhat of an open secret, but he was even more hostile to the Duchy that came after his Duchy.

“Now Announcing the Entrance of the Representatives of the Four Demon Duchies: Dovatocus al’Abyssus, Vibenia Nefas Infernalis, Lyconides Lux-Tenebrae Khaoticus, and Isidorius Draco Bestia!

Lucy blinked as the four demon representatives entered the ballroom, followed by their entourages who had likewise come, the ones who hadn’t formally greeted the Emperor at the opening ceremony. The groups of demons split into their respective Duchies, as they weren’t exactly allies with each other in normal circumstances. The entourage of twenty or so Abyssal demons walked by her table, and she compared them to their matriarch, whom Lucille had met in the Daemonium Palace.

Dovatocus must be a great-great-grandchild of Lilith or further. I’ve heard the Abyssal Duchess is around 210 millennia, and the number of demons in the Archdemon clans can reach several hundred thousand.

The demons of the Draco Bestia Duchy, the Demonic Dragons, walked by, their red and black wings manifested behind them for all to see, and they were soon followed by the Chaos Demons, with shifting grey and white hair and warped auras. Then, after that were the Infernal Demons, with dimly lit smouldering red eyes and hair having colours of black or scarlet.

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It sounded like she was describing the characteristics of the Demon Emperor, but they didn’t have irises as large as the Demon Emperor, and historically, the Demon Emperor actually had a very different hair colour other than the black he had when she visited. She didn’t know why he decided to make his hair black this time around, but it wasn’t like she was about to go ask him why he changed his hair colour the next time they met, was she?

But then she accidentally overheard something from two nobles standing nearby that made her freeze up.

“I wonder if they’d reveal what made the Demon Emperor so mad a few months ago if one of us went up to them and asked them,” a brown-haired man around his thirties muttered, dressed in an embroidered silken suit.

The blonde-haired man beside him gave the other noble a strange look. “The Demon Emperor? Mad?”

The brown-haired noble blinked and nodded as he turned to his conversation partner. “Yes, it’s been one of the most discussed topics among the central nobility these last few months. Nobody’s ever seen the Demon Emperor, or heard of him doing something since his existence was announced, so it’s a massive deal for all the realms.” He glanced back at the demon nobility. “None of the lower demons seem to know anything, so I was wondering if the Archdemon bloodlines might.”

“How do you know he was even angry if nobody’s seen him?” the blonde-haired noble asked with a raised eyebrow.

The other man laughed. “Why, the entire Demon Realm was quaking due to the tremors, that’s how! People say the Demon Emperor let his demonic power spread far enough to reach even the unassimilated demon clans on the realm’s borders.”

He lifted his hands to emphasise his words, raising his voice with grandiose. “Earth-shaking thunder, eye-rending bolts of red lightning, mind-bending soul pressure that rocked the souls of all within his presence! And on that matter the entire Daemonium Palace Stronghold was under so much pressure from his demonic aura that it was the equivalent of the earth element gravitation Grand-spells, multiplying the gravity twenty times over or higher. Only the strongest demons could walk in the city.”

“That sounds like a few demons happened to exaggerate their ruler’s anger to brag about their realm,” the blonde noble pointed out with scepticism, knowing demons didn’t exactly have a reputation for being very honest creatures.

“Possibly,” the brown-haired noble replied with a shrug, turning back to watch the demons. “But I do know that it’s an uncontested fact that the realm’s storms didn’t cease until a full month had passed, and they never waned in power, only abruptly cutting out one day. The Demon Emperor’s presence was said to have been felt right up until the very end, with no lapse in strength.”

“How long ago was this?”

The noble thought about it. “Either early October or late September. Around that time I believe.”

The blonde man stared at the other man. “And you said the entire Demon Realm had felt his demonic aura?”

The brown-haired noble nodded. “Oh yes, all the demons concluded it was terrifying, feeling his presence for that long.”

The other noble slowly nodded. “I suppose this reminds us that even though the Primordial Demon only lives for two and a half centuries, when they’re alive, they’re a force that shouldn’t be reckoned with.”

“Indeed.” The brown-haired man shuddered. “I hate to imagine what’s going to happen when the Empire faces him on the Millennium Chapter battlefield.”

The two nobles moved away from their position, moving on to different topics, but Lucille couldn’t help but stare at them.

He… got angry? …at the end of September…? That’s a very odd time frame…

It… couldn’t be because of me, right?

She considered it and shook her head.

No, there’s no way. He was perfectly fine when I visited. There was no sign of him being that mad. Yes, there’s no way the Demon Emperor’s anger was because I came and revealed to him the existence of the Hero and how he and I would mess up the Demon Emperor’s carefully prepared plans. Yeah, no way that’s it.

Lucy buried her head in her hands.

Oh, this is obviously because of me, isn’t it? It’s impossible to pretend otherwise. Didn’t withdraw his aura for an entire month?! He showed no sign of being that mad when I was there! None!

…well, except for when he pressured me with his aura… and before that when I told him he would fail…

……I am so going to be killed by him.

She let out a sigh as she leaned back in her chair.

Maybe he won’t be so angry by the time I visit him in March, as six months will have passed. But knowing my luck…

“Lucille? Is something wrong?”

She blinked as Vincent approached her, looking curious. He had finished his discussion with the Viscount. She shook her head. “It’s nothing important.” She glanced in the direction Vincent had been in earlier. “Not going to take the chance to strengthen your reputation as the ‘real’ Faction Head?”

Vincent shook his head. “Not now. Not ever, if I had a choice. I don’t want to have to deal with the other nobles. Viscount Eil-Mlimar is enough for me,” he muttered. He sighed. “The Emperor is about to begin announcing the achievements of the Empire’s nobility now, which means he’s also soon going to be rewarding them.” He glanced at her. “This includes calling you up to grant you your Title.”

Lucille nodded and looked over in the direction of the Emperor. It was likely that during the event, she’d be called to meet with him in private as well, so he could understand her real personality, and also validate what Count Evisenhardt likely told him about her age. She turned back to Vincent.

“Does he address the County level of nobility first?” she asked.

“No, actually,” Vincent replied. “It’s the Maj-”

“The Commendation of the Exploits of the Major Kingdoms will soon begin! Please be seated for this part of the Event!

The announcement reverberated magically through the air. Vincent nodded. “And there it is. After that, the County-level nobility will be commended.”

She nodded. The 108 Minor Kingdoms had been commended the day earlier, a very long and tedious procedure. She assumed the 24 Major Kingdoms would be faster to go through.

As the nobles of the hall all moved over to their respective banquet tables, the Master of Ceremonies came and stood in front of the Emperor, facing the rest of the hall with the Dukes behind him, and unfurled a large ornate scroll. A wave of mana washed over the hall, and Lucy knew that what the man said next would be broadcast across the Capital City through the mana, allowing the news to spread across the Empire.

“Our glorious Eternal Empire is composed of many powerful nations,” the man began loudly. “And all of them exist under the banner of the authority of our Superior Aeternus plane. We have revealed the achievements of the 108 Minor Kingdoms and their changes in ranking. It is now time for us to proclaim the triumphs of the Major Kingdoms!”

The nobles listened in silence as the man continued, “To the citizens of the Gold-Dias Conquerors Kingdom of the Golden Warfield plane!” One particular table of nobles dressed in heavy armour paid close attention to his words. “The Empire congratulates the 1st Major Kingdom for keeping its status as the 1st ranked Major Kingdom for the 142nd millennia in a row. Your War Overlord has shown his capabilities as the sovereign of your land and continues to make great victories as your forces partake in the conquering of the lower planes. We have great expectations that this will continue.”

The announcer moved on. “To the citizens of the Moonlight Symposium of the Populace, of the Melodious Lunar plane! Your scholars and historians have contributed to the records of the Empire this year once more, expanding our archives and knowledge! The All-Aeon Athenaeum especially thanks you, the 2nd Major Kingdom, for your efforts in translating the ancient records of the Old Era planes! The Empire hopes your knowledge and expertise continue to expand under the leadership of your Grand Elect.”

A table of twenty people nodded with calm smiles. The Master of Ceremonies continued to the next Kingdom.

“To the people of the Fierenze Kingdom of the Sun Pyre, of the Blaze Forest plane!” he shouted. “Working alongside the Allblaze Duchy of Solarmane, you successfully conquered twenty lower planes, the highest amount from a Major Kingdom this year! The Eternal Empire congratulates the 3rd Major Kingdom on their conquests, and will ensure its forces are given their deserved rewards!”

“The Wintery Frost-Isle Queendom of the Snowbell Aurora plane!” the man said, his voice growing even louder. Three women in white and blue gowns smiled as the man spoke, “You have successfully surpassed the Everlasting Evenfall Mountains Kingdom and become the 4th Major Kingdom! The Empire gives you its highest praises for this grand achievement!”

The man paused to allow the nobles of the hall to clap. He continued speaking after a few moments, “Your successful conquest of a lesser elemental plane of wind for the Empire has increased your status! Work hard and well for the Empire so you may keep your new rank!”

He moved on as the women gave firm nods. “To the people of the Everlasting Evenfall Mountains Kingdom of the Abiding Dusk plane! Do not be disheartened, as the Wintery Frost-Isle Queendom’s rank is as of yet still in question! You have also made great victories this past year, and if you surpass your previous selves in the coming year you may still ascend from your new position as the 5th Major Kingdom!”

The man moved through the Major Kingdoms, summarising what they did during the past year and praising them on the Empire’s behalf. Lucy heard him mention the Viridescent Emerald Kingdom, Annaliese’s homeland, the 8th Major Kingdom, and the 12th Major Kingdom of the Tua’Cethla Kingdom of Shifting Sands. He continued and concluded after praising the 24th Major Kingdom of the Fervent Flora plane, the Dancing Bloom Kingdom.

He said his closing remarks for the Major Kingdoms and then announced something else.

“Now we come to the Empire’s very own nobility, its loyal Aeternus Counts, who govern its many powerful and important Counties, working as the right and left hands of the Marquesses and Dukes. Our grand Emperor Rodrigue Vilentasar Saphirus Eterial himself will give them the grand honour of hearing his words on their achievements, and will allow them to renew their vows of loyalty to their lords.”

The Master of Ceremonies bowed to the hall, then bowed to the Emperor, and walked off the centre of the silver carpet to stand off to the side. The Emperor stood up and stretched out an open empty hand. With a glow of golden light, his sceptre was summoned in front of him, and he grasped it. He hit the sceptre on the floor of his throne’s platform, commanding attention as the sound rang out.

“Our most powerful Counties, and the only four under no March or Duchy,” the Emperor stated loudly. “Counts and the County representatives of the Aurelian Commission, come forward to kneel before me.”

Count Evisenhardt, Count Chavaret, and Count Ravimoux calmly stood up from their tables and walked to the end of the silver carpet. Artair and Arwen came a few moments later, following the Counts to walk along the carpet and kneel in front of the throne platform’s last step.

“I, Sevastian Edgar Evisenhardt of the Silver County, bow my head to the Emperor of the Eternal Empire,” Count Evisenhardt stated.

“I, Donovan Raymond Chavaret of the Red County, bow my head to the Emperor of the Eternal Empire,” said Count Chavaret.

“And I, Regulus Fardevrio Ravimoux of the Black County, bow my head to the Emperor of the Eternal Empire,” Count Ravimoux stated. Artair and Arwen stayed silent behind him, not allowed to speak up as they weren’t Counts.

“Counts of the Aurelian Commission,” the Emperor began loudly. “As members of the Aurelian Commission, your Counties have prospered under your governance, and your Faction has attained greater heights over this past year. But an event has occurred that may bring the Commission to even greater levels of power.”

He held up his sceptre. “Lucille Goldcroft and Vincentimo Evisenhardt!” he called out. “Come forward and kneel before me!”

Lucy and Vincent traded eye contact, and Vincent gave her a slight nod. With the nobles watching her closely, she made a show of taking a deep breath, and with slightly stiff movements she walked onto and down the silver carpet, Vincent right behind her. She kept her eyes down and added a slight tremble to her limbs, her observers only seeing a nervous young girl. The Dukes watched her with varying levels of interest, however, the Archduke was talking to Marquis Ashthrope, paying her no heed. Appearing slightly pale and hesitant, she stepped in front of the three Counts and awkwardly kneeled.

“I-” She took another deep breath for added effect as she faked stumbling over her words and restarted her sentence. “I, Lucille Adrienne Goldcroft, bow my head to the Emperor of the Eternal Empire.”

Vincent only lowered his head due to his status, but the Emperor acknowledged it with a nod and returned his gaze to Lucille.

“For the first time since the Founder of the Aurelian Commission, Crawforde Lockhart,” he said authoritatively, “Someone has inherited the Founder’s inheritance token. You, Lucille Goldcroft, have become the first successor of the Aurelian Commission’s Founder since its creation. That entitles you to the position of the Head of the Aurelian Commission.” He gazed solemnly at her. “This position carries heavy responsibilities.”

He stepped forward and walked down the stairs until he reached the last step. “Lucille Adrienne Goldcroft, do you vow to lead your Faction with full comprehension of the power it holds?”

“I-I do,” she replied.

“Lucille Adrienne Goldcroft,” the Emperor continued sternly, “Do you swear upon your own life to use this power for the betterment of the Eternal Empire and the Aurelian Commission?”

“I swear,” she said.

The Emperor raised his sceptre upright and slammed it down, sending out a pulse that stirred the mana throughout the hall. “Lucille Adrienne Goldcroft!” he shouted. “Will you make an oath to serve me, my successors, and those who come after me who bear the Title of Emperor of the Eternal Empire, for as long as you carry your status and position as the Head of the Aurelian Commission?”

“I will.”

He pointed his glowing sceptre at her. “Then touch my sceptre and do so,” he commanded.

With a trembling arm, she reached out to touch the end of it, but not before giving Vincent a quick, wide-eyed glance. He gave a subtle nod, which made the Emperor narrow his eyes, but she placed her hand on the end of the sceptre, and it released a wave of mana, glowing brightly. She began the oath she had memorised beforehand.

“I, Lucille Adrienne Goldcroft and Inheritor of the Aurelian Commission’s succession token swear an oath to serve my liege and ruling sovereign, the Emperor of the Eternal Empire, whoever they may be at any point in time,” she said. “I will obey their commands to their will and letter. I will work to ensure all actions taken with my status are motivated by the intention to bring glory and power to the Empire, and not by personal ambition.”

Internally, Lucy couldn’t help feeling the desire to roll her eyes at the sheer hypocrisy of the oath, but she kept up her acting.

The glow of the sceptre died down as she heard the sound of a notification.

[The Supreme Institutional Authority of the Eternal Empire has forcefully bestowed and activated the following Title:]

[Title: Honorary Count of the Aurelian Commission | Type: Nobility]

Rarity: Unique

Desc: The Emperor of the Eternal Empire has bestowed the Title of Honorary Count of the Aurelian Commission for the User having soulbound the Token of the Aurelian Commission’s Founder and succeeded the former Faction Head.

[Benefits: Honorary Count permissions on the Supreme Institution, Sub-Faction and Allied Faction grounds of the Eternal Empire]

Technically I could’ve obtained this Title with my Authority if I wanted, but now I can legally use it.

The Emperor nodded and she took back her hand from the sceptre with quick movements, continuing to appear nervous and jumpy. The Emperor raised his sceptre again, and grasping it in one hand, he spread out his other hand towards them all, kneeling on the carpet.

“Do you all swear to follow Lucille Adrienne Goldcroft as your Faction Head and respect the status she holds?”

“We swear,” they all replied.

“Then I now announce the bestowment of the Title of Honorary Count of the Aurelian Commission on Lucille Adrienne Goldcroft, the new Head of the Aurelian Commission!” the Emperor proclaimed to the rest of the hall.

The nobility in the hall all stood up to clap, congratulating her on her new status. As the applause filled the room, the Emperor spoke quieter to them, “You may rise and return to your places of seating.” With his sapphire gaze fixed on her, he added something else. “I look forward to seeing how the Commission will prosper with their new Faction Head.”

With that, he turned around and climbed back up the stairs, cape trailing behind him. They all stood up and calmly walked back to their seats. She sat down with a sigh as Vincent sat next to her.

“Now you’re truly a noble of the Empire,” he said.

“Ha. Complete with all its benefits and detriments,” she replied with a wry voice.

“Hopefully you’ll get to experience more of the benefits than the detriments,” her aide said. He glanced at the other Counts of the Commission at their tables. “Although I noticed he only asked them if they would respect your status, instead of asking for them to announce their loyalty to you.”

“It isn’t a relationship formed with loyalty as its base in the first place,” Lucy said, reaching for a cup to take a drink of water. “Nor have I demonstrated any qualities that should mean they’d swear loyal-”

She paused as she saw something out of the corner of her eye, and turned to look. However, her gaze only fell upon the Emperor and Archduke discussing something. She watched for a moment, hesitantly taking a sip from her cup.

I thought I saw the Archduke looking at me just then. Was I seeing things?

“Lucy?” Vincent frowned.

I don’t think he’s looked at me once during these last few days. Which is a slightly strange observation to make, but there’s been all kinds of off things I’ve felt about him these last few days, making me pick up on these small details. Ever since…

She put down her cup and rubbed her temples.

Ever since… what exactly? I can’t seem to recall why I’m paying so much attention to him. It can’t just be because I’m meeting him in three days, can it? Was it when I saw him for the first time? I think he reminded me of something, but I don’t know what.

Well, I guess I’ve probably just forgotten it. I’ll remember it eventually.

Then she was hit with a distinct sense of incongruity, and Lucille lowered her hands to stare at them.

I’ve… forgotten… something…?

A hand waved in front of her face and she was broken out of her thoughts. Vincent was looking at her with a frown. “Lucille, are you all right? I’ve noticed you’ve been out of sorts these past four days.”

“It- uh.” She winced as she felt a headache form, and picked her cup back up. “I’m all right. I think I just need to take a break.”

Vincent watched her silently, appearing unsure, but he slowly nodded. “Don’t push yourself too hard, Lucy.”

She nodded as the Emperor called up other Counts. Lucille prepared herself to watch the rest of the ceremony, recording all and any details she could with her eidetic memory.

She couldn’t help letting her sight stray over to where the Archduke was sitting, however, beginning to feel slightly apprehensive towards her planned meeting with him in three days.