Marshal Garrithos struggled to comprehend Bartolomeus' statement as he stammered, "W-Wait, you're telling me you foretold what would happen now 2 years ago? I have no doubts with your ability in combat, but this is...simply incredible."

Bartolomeus replied calmly, "Well I don't blame you for having your suspicions. This ability of mine is not reliable all the time, though it has a knack of surfacing during critical moments. Nonetheless, for all the benefits it had brought me thus far, I'm compelled to trust my gut feel when it hits me.

Anyway, I'm curious, how's the 5 Pillars? I only know that the 3rd Holy War was over during my time in prison but I know nothing of the details. If you're the top military commander of the Miran Army now, I suppose that something had happened to that haughty lady Annabel, right?"

The Marshal sighed as he answered with a heavy heart, "The 5 Pillars are no more. Only Annabel remains alive but imprisoned for her war crimes. The other 4 have joined the war dead, including the respected Panzer. In fact, Targon is no longer under Miran control, its allegiance shifting to Nirvania with its new duchy members of the Nirvanian Royal Family.

This is precisely the reason why I had summoned for you and your comrades once again. With a new threat looming over the horizon that threatens every Kingdom in the Central Continent, Miran is essentially in the poorest position to resist, having lost a substantial portion of its armed forces to the war on top of the linchpin of its military influence.

However, if King Sylvester is able to obtain your cooperation, with the might of the 4 Banners and the Revolution, we might stand a chance against the Chaos Legion that threatens our sovereignty! Thus, I beseech you as your mentor, please, lend your strength to King Sylvester and give him the power to lead Miran onto peace and prosperity!"

Bartolomeus remained silent as he collected his thoughts before clasping his hands together before his face, remarking coldly, "You know why I started the Revolution in the first place. It was because the old monarchy was too steeped in its past glorious history as descendants of the rulers of the Ancient Human Kingdom.

As a result, their pursuit for lost glory and power had headed our country towards ruin, with countless lives lost to their foolish endeavour. My question is, what makes the new King, King Sylvester, any different? You don't have to answer me, Garrithos, this is an answer I seek to obtain from the King himself, personally."

The Marshal sighed, "Of course, this is definitely an important decision for you and the Revolution. I can only pray that King Sylvester meets your expectations, and even if he doesn't, I hope that you wouldn't stir another rebellion, for my sake at least."

Bartolomeus laughed in response to the Marshal's plea, "Hahaha, don't worry, I don't have any intention to do so, with a common enemy at our doorstep. Anyway, if the King could get you on his side, I'm sure he would pass the test I've in store for him."

Marshal Garrithos could only nod and pray in silence that King Sylvester would overcome any challenge that awaits him from the 4 Banners, otherwise, the fate of Miran was sealed against the relentless onslaught of the Chaos Legion.

It only took 2 hours on carriage before Marshal Garrithos and Bartolomeus arrived at the Royal Palace of Miran. When Bartolomeus disembarked from the carriage, he gave his body a good stretch as he squealed, "Man, it's been such a long ride to reach here. Garrithos, I hope your barber's ready!"

Garrithos snapped his fingers as an attendant immediately approached them, speaking politely, "Sir Bartolomeus, please follow me, a barber and bath awaits." Bartolomeus complied with a bright smile as he skipped behind the attendant, excited to have a proper bath in 2 years.

It was another hour before Bartolomeus was finally deemed well cleaned and groomed by the servants at the Palace, the shaggy mane which adorned his head no more. Instead, Bartolomeus now had a neat haircut, restoring his original look before his incarceration which was only complemented by his clothing, which would make any noble proud.

When Marshal Garrithos set his eyes upon his former subordinate, he said unreservedly, "You look pretty smart in that attire, which truly displays your flair. Now, let's go and meet up with the rest of your comrades, who are already waiting for you at the holding room."

Bartolomeus nodded as he followed closely behind the Marshal, before asking, "Oh, I suddenly remembered, where is my [Gladius]? Can't fight any battle without that baby of mine, hahaha." The Marshal assured him, "The weapons belonging to you and the rest of the 4 Banners would be promptly returned at the end of the meeting with the King. Please understand that we can't return your weapons now for security reasons."

Bartolomeus pouted slightly before sighing as they soon arrived at the holding room, where his comrades awaited. When the Marshal opened the door, a shadow instantly pounced on him, screaming, "Oh my, how much I've missed you, dear Barty! Let us never part again, okay?" It was a woman with shoulder length orange hair who was dressed in a simple yet delicate gown.

Bartolomeus, who stood behind the Marshal who was being hugged tightly by the woman, chuckled, "It's good to see you too, Meredith. I'm here though, so would you please release the Marshal from your loving embrace, hahaha."

Realising that she had hugged the wrong man, Meredith's face immediately turned red with embarrassment as she released her grip instantly, nonchalantly pushing the Marshal aside as she spat in disgust, "Gosh, I must have become too desperate after being locked away for 2 long years. Oh, how I've longed to see your charming face, Barty!"

Bartolomeus sighed as he permitted Meredith to fawn all over him before turning his attention to the other 2 individuals seated. While one was dressed very much like a musketeer, his fedora hat complemented by the black mask over his eyes, the other was dressed like a magic performer, his bow hat and suit in perfect harmony.

Bartolomeus broke the ice, "It's really been a long time since we 4 Banners have gathered together. I see that you guys haven't lost your aesthetic sense, Mustang, as well as Ivan."

The man with the bow hat removed his hat and bowed courteously before speaking apologetically, "Bartolomeus, I must humbly apologise for Meredith's behaviour. After all, I was the one who told Meredith that you and another person were outside just before the Marshal opened the door. As an accomplice of her plan to give you a pleasant surprise, I hereby apologise once again."

Bartolomeus waved his hand in dismissal, "There's no need to be so formal with me, Ivan. Looks like your hearing's still as sharp as ever. When exactly did you pick up my location with your [Bat Ears]?"

To Bartolomeus' surprise, Ivan replied calmly, "Since you've stepped foot into the perimeter of the palace, of course. Once I picked up your voice, I simply focused on the sound of your footsteps to trace your location. However, it appears that my ability isn't perfect, for I've failed to differentiate between your footsteps and the Marshal's, which resulted in such an awkward situation. I apologise once again."

Bartolomeus was impressed. He had always knew that Ivan's hearing range was huge, but to think that it had extended even further from the last time he saw him. In addition, Bartolomeus had always kept his footsteps soft, a habit from his days in the military, and yet Ivan could still detect them with his Enigma Ability.

Bartolomeus asked with a bright smile, "With your hearing so precise over a large range, I assume that no conversation in this castle escapes your ears, right?" Ivan appeared slightly bashful at Bartolomeus' compliment as he replied, "You flatter me, Bartolomeus. No matter how sharp my ears may be, I'm still limited by the processing capacity of my brain, which means that I can't be following every conversation in this Castle. However..."

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Ivan turned to face Mustang, who explained further, "Using Ivan's [Bat Ears], we've been following the conversations between this King Sylvester and his advisers. It seems like those pompous officials are planning to off us if we refuse to lend our aid, having stationed elite troops in hiding outside the throne room.

They are really fools to think they can stop us with such a measly force. Even without our magic weapons, we can easily break out of this encirclement even in our current weakened state. If they really try to do anything funny, I swear I would snap the throat of this King Sylvester personally."

Bartolomeus tried to pacify his heated lieutenant, "Now, now, Mustang. Let's avoid any unnecessary violence, OK? I made a promise to the Marshal here that even if talks weren't favourable, we would not touch a single hair on the King's head. Anyway, more importantly, what did King Sylvester say to all of this? Did he just agree without opposition?"

Mustang's expression softened as he replied, "Well, surprisingly, the King voiced his vehement objection, saying that carrying out such a move was extremely insincere of them, especially when they were the requestors of help. He made it an absolute order that the only armed troops permitted during the meeting were the Royal guards on duty. I don't think he was just putting on an appearance, since he had no idea that we were listening onto his conversation."

Bartolomeus' lips twisted to give a slight smile as he muttered, "Good, good. OK, you guys, listen closely. Garrithos, please feel free to join us, for we'll need your cooperation for this test to work. Here's the plan to test King Sylvester's right to rule Miran..."

H-hour had finally arrived as Marshal Garrithos led the 4 Banners to the throne room, where King Sylvester and the other high ranking court officials were already waiting. When Marshal Garrithos pushed open the doors to the throne room, everyone's attention was immediately directed to his entourage, as they walked down the aisle calmly, ignoring all the murmuring and finger-pointing from the nobles in attendance.

When they had finally appeared before the King, Marshal Garrithos knelt immediately in reverence as he announced, "King Sylvester, your humble servant has returned with the 4 Banners of Revolution as instructed. I hope that this meeting would turn out favourable for you, my liege."

Bartolomeus scrutinised the young man sitting on the throne. He was most likely in his early 30s, his curly auburn hair his most trademark feature. Even though his attire was regal-like, the crown was notably missing from his head, as it was placed behind him on a podium instead.

The young man replied affably, "Please rise, Marshal, you know I dislike such formalities, having a man of your stature recognise and respect me as sovereign of Miran is more than enough. You're my respected senior after all, and there are still plenty of stuff I hope to gleam from your experience."

Turning his attention to the 4 Banners, King Sylvester stood up from his throne as he walked towards Bartolomeus before grabbing his hand with both hands, raising it to his face as he said excitedly, "You must be Sir Bartolomeus, leader of the Revolution! I'm so glad that you're willing to meet me to discuss the future of our country! Let's begin with this question; what conditions do you wish for me to fulfil before you're willing to cooperate with me to rebuild our country?"

King Sylvester wore a genuine bright smile, which slowly gave away to apprehension and fear as Bartolomeus remained expressionless, the faces of the other Banners further adding to the tension as everyone could feel the hostility emanating from them. Suddenly, without warning, an immense feeling of dread washed over everyone present as 4 large wispy figures materialised above the 4 Banners of Revolution, each resembling monsters and deities of legends.

One of the officials croaked, "T-This is unbelievable! I thought that Ryu of the South was the only individual in Miran with an [Avatar], but now all 4 Banners of Revolution are wielders of that ability too? They are truly fearsome enemies after all. Was it a mistake to release them from imprisonment?"

Another official barked nervously at the guards present, "W-What are you guys waiting for? The King is in danger!" The Guard captain nodded nervously as he gripped his spear tightly and attempted to take a step forward towards the 4 Banners. However, try as they might, neither the Guard Captain nor his fellow guards could move an inch closer towards their targets, their bodies paralysed with fear before overwhelming power.

The oldest looking official among the group cried frantically, "Marshal Garrithos! What's the meaning of this? You don't mean to endanger the King, do you? Darn, if only my body wasn't this feeble and weak…" Marshal Garrithos could only close his eyes in indignation, as he promised Bartolomeus that he wouldn't interfere with any plans that he had for the King, but he had never imagined that Bartolomeus would threaten the King, much less with an [Avatar].

The King's face was almost drained of blood as Bartolomeus finally broke his silence, the immense pressure from the 4 Avatars still present, "King Sylvester, you must be fully cognisant of your current circumstances by now. With our [Imperial Pressure], nobody's gonna be able to lift a finger to save you, and taking your life would be easier than taking a candy off a baby.

Now, I'll give you a choice, keep your life but lose your throne or die as Miran's sovereign. Either way, I benefit so it doesn't really matter to me what you pick. So, what will it be? Your life or this country? In the face of overwhelming power, do you still possess the will to stick to your guns?"

King Sylvester remained expressionless for a few seconds before glowering and staring into Bartolomeus' eyes with a defiant look, "I-I may be weak on my own, but I've had enough of submitting to those with power and suppressing my ideals! Even though this sounds foolish, I'd rather lose my life than betray my ideals and the people who've trusted me because of them! Don't you dare mock me, Bartolomeus!"

Bartolomeus was a little surprised at the King's outburst, but not more so than Meredith, who was livid at the King's proclamation. She hissed, "How dare you talk to my dear Barty like that? Slay him, [Gorgon Queen]!" Fortunately, before Meredith's Avatar could pounce on the hapless King, Bartolomeus' Avatar blocked her path as Bartolomeus ordered, "That's enough."

Immediately after Bartolomeus' order, the other 2 Banners recalled their Avatars as they disappeared into thin air, shortly before Bartolomeus and Meredith followed suit, though Meredith did it rather reluctantly. Even though the source of pressure had dissipated, everyone still remained frozen in shock, fully aware that their sovereign could have died just before their very eyes and that there was nothing they could do about it.

Marshal Garrithos heaved a sigh of relief as he said, "It looks like it's finally over. Care to explain your actions to everyone, Bartolomeus?" Bartolomeus grinned for the first time as he explained, "Sure. You see, I've no intention of serving a King like the previous monarchs of Miran, and there was one thing which was common across them jerks.

All of them were too caught up with the "importance" of their bloodline and as a result, they trapped themselves within the illusion that they were almighty and unreachable, destined to rule the entire Central Continent. However, take away that façade and all that lies within is nothing but cowardice. They have no morals which they stand by, no reason which they fight for, only the empty pursuits of glory and power.

I've met the previous Miran King on opposite lines of the battlefield once when I was leading the Revolution 2 years ago. Initially, he was bragging how he would lead his army to victory over us measly revolutionaries, but when I used the very same power that you all witnessed today, he was also the very first person to flee from the frontline, causing his army to fall in disarray. Since then, he had refused to lead his forces to battle, choosing to hide behind the 5 Pillars.

However, I'm proud to say that you're different, King Sylvester. Not only were you able to move under our [Imperial Pressure], a feat that not even your guards could achieve, you also showed true moral courage befitting that of a sovereign of our great country. You have proved yourself worthy of the throne, and for that, you're a man that deserves to be the commander of us 4 Banners. On behalf of the Revolution, I hereby pledge my allegiance to you alone, King Sylvester."

King Sylvester took a moment to compose himself before he asked, "So, everything earlier was just a test? Whew, I really thought that you were about to execute me in public. However, I'm still confused. Wasn't the Revolution meant to push you onto the throne, Sir Bartolomeus? Why would you concede your place to me so easily without any demands when you have the upper hand?"

Bartolomeus laughed loudly to everyone's surprise, "Well, you see, I won't make a good King. I just know what isn't a good King, but that doesn't mean that I'll be a good one either. I'm more of a military man after all with no inkling regarding political administration. I'm contented to just serve under a person who has the ideals and the courage to lead Miran onto the path of prosperity.

Now, allow me to ask you a question as well; who are you exactly? An ordinary member of royalty wouldn't behave like you, being so courteous to your subordinates and refusing to wear the crown. I'm highly curious about the life experiences which have shaped you into the person you've become, so I pray that you would indulge me, your Highness."

King Sylvester remained silent for a while before drawing in a deep breath. Upon noticing the King's expression, the oldest looking official immediately gasped, "King Sylvester, you don't intend to reveal the truth, do you? It would only hurt your public image! Please, don't do it!"

King Sylvester gave a gentle smile as he assured, "Thanks for your concern, Lord Henry. However, if I'm to rule over the entire Miran as its legitimate ruler, its people deserve to know the truth about how a commoner from the suburbs suddenly rose to take the throne.

The truth is - I'm the bastard son of the previous Miran King, to whom I feel no love towards."