Reiya had unequivocally rejected the future of a Demigod and the Imperial throne. Was Westheid happy about it?
Of course he was.
If Reiya had really accepted the Demigod position and beco the Emperor of the Empire, Westheid’s path would have inevitably diverged further and further from hers.
He would have been unable to pull her into his camp. Westheid still wanted Reiya to beco one of the Apostles supporting his own Ascension to godhood.
The Ascension Ceremony... wasn’t sothing one could complete alone.
It required the devotion of a kingdom, or even an entire civilization.
Reiya’s inability to reliably ascend to Demigod status was actually a good thing. Westheid’s goal was to be the strongest in the world, and he didn’t want anyone competing with him for that spot.
’I’m just living off her for a bit, mooching off her Talent for free.’
’These are all just ans to achieve my supre Great Enterprise!’
But Westheid never imagined that Reiya would actually refuse the glory of becoming a Demigod, or that he held such a high place in her heart.
’That’s a Demigod we’re talking about... Even if she was going to refuse in the end, shouldn’t she at least have hesitated?’
"Power that cos from another’s charity cannot be used to control one’s own destiny."
Reiya leaned on Westheid’s shoulder and smiled. "Besides you, West, how can I know if other gifts don’t co with a cruel price tag attached?"
’Actually, my intentions toward you aren’t that pure either... But the Heart and Soul’s Gift is completely mutually beneficial, so there’s really no harm in it.’
Feeling a little guilty, Westheid turned his head away. He wrapped an arm around Reiya’s waist, helping the Silver-haired Princess leave the plaza.
"RUSTLE—"
But as Reiya was led before the spectator stands, the very people who had glared at the "Dragon-blooded Hybrid" with scorn and derision just days before now stood up in unison, bowing to Westheid and Reiya.
Then, thunderous applause erupted:
"Her Highness Reiya..."
"Her Imperial Highness Princess..."
"Congratulations, Your Highness..."
Their fawning, trembling posture made it hard to believe they were rely expressing respect and congratulations to the Trial’s victor.
It was more like they were expressing submission to Reiya, begging for her forgiveness.
"Their attitudes... certainly changed quickly."
Westheid remarked, not finding it strange at all.
In the past, the main premise for everyone bullying and mocking Reiya was that the "Dragon-blooded Hybrid was detested by the Divine Ancestor." If not for that, her status as a mber of the Royal Family alone would have prevented outsiders from speaking ill of her.
It was precisely this psychological justification—’the Divine Ancestor does it too’—that allowed everyone from the Royal Family down to the guards to join in the bullying without a guilty conscience.
But today, they had just learned that the person they had been bullying was actually the "new Imperial sovereign" and "future Demigod" personally appointed by the Divine Ancestor. They were nearly scared out of their wits.
Even though Reiya had explicitly rejected the Radiant Holy Tree and could no longer beco the Demigod Emperor...
...the Silver-haired Princess had undoubtedly been vindicated. From now on, she could wield the power she deserved as a mber of the Royal Family.
And in the Empire, a Princess with power could get revenge on her forr torntors with a re flick of her finger.
And just how ruthless could the Silver-haired Dragon Lady be... hadn’t they already seen it during the Trial?!
If they didn’t hurry up and grovel now, were they just going to wait for Reiya to settle the score later?
Reiya glanced at the trembling crowd and said coolly:
"Arrogant before, obsequious now. The thought is laughable."
Westheid asked in a low voice, "Are you going to get revenge?"
Reiya shook her head. "I will never forgive their words, actions, and transgressions. But as I’ve said, I don’t hate these gloomy people. They are so pathetic and fragile that, in the end, they never caused much harm... I can’t derive pleasure from bullying the weak."
Westheid nodded. The answer was very much in line with Reiya’s character.
After passing by nurous floating platforms and the spectator stands on the ground, Reiya gradually grew accustod to her newly restored body of flesh and blood, able to walk slowly without leaning on Westheid.
"Duke Qinghui!"
As they passed the platform for the Branch of Prosperity, Westheid went up to retrieve his personal belongings, and Luyetan of Yuanxi Palace, wearing a wide-brimd hat, waved excitedly and called out:
"That was amazing! So much fun!"
Luyetan’s pretty face was flushed red, like a fangirl who had just t her idol. Cupping her hands around her mouth, she shouted:
"You didn’t disappoint ! It was a truly excellent performance."
Westheid chuckled and replied, "Can it only be considered a performance? Still, I’m glad that the lady of Yuanxi Palace enjoyed it."
Even the calm and elegant Shadow Fla Duke ca over, leaning on his cane, and nodded.
"Such a feat is a rare sight, seen only once a century. My friend Qinghui, you have truly lived up to the na of the Branch of Prosperity."
’He’s calling "my friend" already? A little too friendly, don’t you think?’
Westheid discovered that the "Crown of Trial" was indeed an incredible title. Not only did his enemies bow and scrape, but even forrly friendly units had their affinity significantly boosted.
’Honestly, it feels pretty good.’
Luyetan smiled sweetly. "Duke Qinghui, are you free later? I’d like to host a victory banquet within the Branch of Prosperity, as a welco-back party for you. You’ve been in the Trial for so long, you should relax and celebrate."
"That sounds nice, but Reiya..."
Hearing this, Westheid looked at the Silver-haired Dragon Lady, who shook her head.
"You don’t need to invite . You go, West."
The White-haired Dragon Lady’s expression was remarkably carefree and composed. She raised the corners of her lips slightly and even gave Westheid a playful wink.
"We can see each other next ti. After all, I no longer have to worry about tomorrow. Isn’t the future almost endless?"
...
"His Royal Highness Regent King, shall we proceed with the final closing and address?"
After the Trial Takers had dispersed, this year’s Holy Tree Festival Secret Realm Trial was officially over. According to standard procedure, there should have been a final performance and address—but that was for situations where the Divine Ancestor hadn’t made an appearance.
Sylvia let out a long breath and looked around.
Her younger brother, Yaligong, was pale, biting his lower lip so hard his body trembled. He was clearly deeply shaken.
The other nobles of the Imperial Capital were much the sa. They had long lost interest in watching a closing performance, eager to go back and process everything that had happened in this Secret Realm Trial.
’The only one who could be considered in an excellent mood is . I thought the throne had slipped through my fingers, but just when I thought all was lost, a new opportunity appeared.’
’Reiya voluntarily refused the throne, so doesn’t the Imperial seat now belong to , the Regent King?’
Sylvia said, "There’s no need for a performance. Everyone is a bit tired. Have the recordings of this Trial produced as soon as possible, and then re-edit them for promotional purposes."
The attendant bowed. "Yes, Your Highness. The focus of the edit should be on..."
Sylvia smiled. "Does that even need to be said? Of course, we need to promote the absolute star of this Trial, Duke Qinghui."
The Regent King made no effort to hide her bias, because she could see the real reason Reiya had refused the Demigod position.
’Duke Qinghui, you did an excellent job! An excellent job indeed!’
If there weren’t so many people around, Sylvia wouldn’t have even minded kneeling down and kowtowing to Westheid in private.
’Such gratitude is beyond words. The only way to express it is to build up more montum for Duke Qinghui.’
Although the rit provided by watching the recording wasn’t top-tier, every little bit counted. As long as the traffic was high enough, a decent amount of rit could still be obtained, to say nothing of the resulting prestige.
So the Regent King clapped her hands and declared:
"Make him the main focus of the promotional recording. I want the entire Imperial Capital... no, the entire Empire to know—"
"That Duke Qinghui is skilled in both scholarly and martial arts, and is exceptionally handso."
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