While Nemesis and Marquis Alexander were having their conversation—well, it was mostly Marquis Alexander doing all the talking while Nemesis tried hard not to punch him in the face for being so annoying—the banquet kicked off. The princes and princesses made their appearances, soon followed by the queens and, finally, the emperor.
"I would love to thank everyone who honored the invitation and is here for this banquet celebration. I believe many of you are quite curious about the reason for the banquet, as it wasn't stated in the invitation letter. The purpose of this gathering is not only to celebrate with our esteemed guests but also to deliberate on an impending disaster and a common enemy—the demons.
Recently, my knights carried out investigations into suspicious activities involving unknown individuals, bandits, and cults. Under the leadership of my daughter, the Ice Princess, the head of the special investigation team has uncovered evidence of increasing demon activity. The 'demon pill,' as we call it, has been sold to local bandits, thieves, and various known and unknown figures. This pill has the ability to magnify the strength of those who consume it while gradually destroying their souls until they become mindless demonic beasts.
For this reason, I have gathered all important dignitaries—kings, queens, princes, and foreigners—who might aid in combating our greatest and most common enemy: the demons. Thanks to the tireless efforts of my empire's knights, we have obtained critical information from a captive working closely with the demons. The captive has revealed details about an impending demon invasion of our world. And so, I ask all of you to set aside our differences and unite against this threat," Emperor Augustus Don Clavus declared.
Murmurs soon spread throughout the hall as nobles deliberated on the gravity of the situation.
"I know you all are worried about the coming danger, but I urge you to remain calm. The demon invasion is a storm we will surely overcome, just as we have done since time immemorial. Now, let us feast and enjoy ourselves, build connections with one another, and stand united against the coming threat. A toast—to our victory against the demons!" Emperor Augustus said, raising his glass at the end of his speech. Everyone present did the same.
The demon invasion—a major storyline in Nemesis's past life. Of course, humanity had emerged victorious in the first invasion, but not in the second. The demons succeeded in their second assault, taking over the Central Continent and spreading the banner of war across the other continents. However, Nemesis wasn't certain whether things would unfold the same way in this life. His actions since his regression might have caused a butterfly effect, altering the course of events.
"Nemesis, the emperor wishes to have a word with you," a knight informed him.
"Very well, lead the way," Nemesis replied, and the knight escorted him in silence.
Inside the Emperor's special chamber, Nemesis arrived alongside the knight.
"My lord," the knight knelt to pay his respects to the emperor, while Nemesis remained standing.
"Boy, you should kneel and pay your respects to the emperor!" Commander Harold, the leader of the Emperor's imperial guard, demanded.
"And why should I? He is not my emperor. I see no reason to kneel before a ruler I do not serve," Nemesis replied coolly.
"He is the Emperor!" Commander Harold shouted, already furious at the young man's audacity.
"He is an emperor, and I am a god. If anything, he should be the one kneeling before me, not the other way around," Nemesis countered.
"You! How dare a weakling like you demand—"
"Enough, Harold!" the Emperor cut in. "He is a guest, and he is right. He is not under my rule, and therefore, he is not obligated to kneel."
"But my lord—"
"I said enough, Harold! Or are you questioning my command?" Emperor Augustus's voice turned cold.
"I would never dare, my lord," Harold replied, bowing his head.
"I apologize for my commander's outburst. His loyalty to me is absolute, and I hope you can overlook his words," the Emperor said, a smile returning to his face.
"If I got angry at every madman who spoke out of turn, I might as well kill myself," Nemesis remarked.
Harold nearly exploded in rage, barely holding himself back from striking Nemesis. Emperor Augustus, too, forced a smile at the foreigner's audacity but knew he had to restrain himself to win him over.
"Well, I called you here because I believe your help will be invaluable in our fight against the demons. I also wanted to congratulate you on winning the event set by the Supreme Will. Though my people were unable to watch it—thanks to the Supreme Will's interference—one of my finest knights, the Sword God, testified to your top-tier abilities—"
"Spit it out, Emperor Augustus," Nemesis interrupted. "Stop going in circles. You want to recruit me and make me one of your puppets. You'll probably offer me women, fame, wealth, or power. Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but I'm not interested—no matter what you offer."
The Emperor's smile disappeared, replaced by a frown. Being cut off so abruptly was a disrespect he was not willing to tolerate.
"Hey! I have treated you with respect since you arrived. Do not push me—I promise you won't like me when I'm angry," Emperor Augustus warned.
"Yeah, I'm done here. It was nice having this little chat," Nemesis said, turning to leave.
But Commander Harold stepped in his way, blocking the exit.
"Move," Nemesis demanded.
"You are not permitted to leave until the Emperor says so," Harold stated firmly.
"Don't push me."
"I should be saying that to you, Nemesis. Do not disrespect me any further than you already have!" Emperor Augustus's tone turned icy, his eyes burning with menace.
"And what exactly are you going to do if I push you any further," Nemesis asked, not willing to back down either. The temperature in the room was chilling, two egoistic men who believed they were above everyone else staring at each other.