On their way back to Braxtein, Basil recalled the conversation he had with Eloreth. The Elf Empress had met him moments before their departure to inform him about something.

–We detected an anomaly in the Mana flow of the 27th Obelisk. We hope it won't come to it, but there is a huge possibility that an Outbreak will occur soon.

–What are you hinting at?

–The Alliance Army... We should establish it as soon as possible so we can conquer it before the Outbreak occurs.

The 27th Obelisk belonged to Dantalion, the Demon who had possessed Kinsley after Basil defeated him in the Regional Tournament. It was located quite far from the inhabited territory, but if an Outbreak occurred, Yitoupheo would be in danger.

If Yitoupheo was in danger, Padeitophys, which was located inside it, would also be dangerous. The Elf didn't live deep inside the forest like the Fairy, so they would be one who suffered greatly if an Outbreak occurred.

'Humans are greedy, unfortunately. The establishment of the Alliance Army will definitely be hampered because they will spend most of the time debating about who should take the most control,' Basil mused.

In the upcoming meeting, Alphoetra Tribe and any other Elven Tribes that were interested were guaranteed to side with Braxtein thanks to Basil.

When the voting for which Kingdom would manage the army was conducted, Braxtein's victory was guaranteed. Still, that didn't mean voting would be the end of it.

Those who weren't really satisfied with the result would think of a way to make Braxtein lose its right to be in command. As result, an endless debate on a senseless topic would ensue for days.

Securing a good relationship with the Elf was actually one of the key factors in obtaining the right to command, however, for Braxtein's neighbouring Kingdoms. When it comes to Braxtein, the relationship it had with the Elf wouldn't change much.

"The worst outcome will be having the Alliance Army only between the Elf and Braxtein. Padeitophys will be involved in this matter, so I don't think Anthony will easily accept it; even at face value."

The Alliance Army that Anthony had in mind was the one that was fully controlled by Kingdoms or, in terms of the Elven Empire, villages. Once Padeitophys meddled in the matter, Arthean would also definitely join in.

This was also an undesirable outcome for Basil, so he wouldn't let that happen. If the Summit Meeting was going the way he didn't want, he would suggest Anthony only establish the army between Braxtein and the few villages of the Elven representatives.

"I have asked Eloreth to stay put, so she won't bring the Empire into this matter. The fate of Braxtein Kingdom lies in Anthony's hands. If he is willing to accept the proposal, Braxtein will acquire an ally; if he isn't, it will be left alone."

Whichever the outcome would be wasn't of Basil's concern. In the end, after all, when Braxtein ostracized him for his status later in the future, the entire Elven Race would also cut its ties with Braxtein.

The day of chaos would come soon. Basil would declare his status as the Fated Child after being a Seventh Circle Mage, which would come in a few months.

When that time came, although he couldn't completely overpower his enemies, the cards he had been hiding under his sleeves would be enough to assure his triumph. Pacifer Clan would rise again and his journey to Godhood would begin.

...

A day and a half passed. Basil and his army arrived at Braxtein, bringing home good news with them.

The army was so excited to tell the news that they didn't even want to rest more than three hours on their way there. As result, all of them reached Braxtein half a day faster than the expected time, which was already fast.

As they marched to the palace, every citizen's eyes were planted on them. The soldiers were brimming with positive energy, so the citizens knew they were bringing good news with them.

"It's Lord Basil, our Kingdom's Golden Apple!"

"Have you heard about that news?"

"Ah, that? I can't tell if it's really news; not a mere rumour though."

"I know, right? It's a Dragon after all."

"Are you crazy? Do you know who leaked the information?"

"The Elf?"

"Ah, it's from a credible source."

Murmurs of excitement and anticipation filled their surroundings. Very few of the citizens were thinking about the relationship Braxtein had with Alphoetra since most of them were waiting for the official announcement of Basil's achievement.

The announcement would cause an uproar and Basil didn't look very pleased with that. Getting recognition was something he would be glad for, but the attention the people gave him was just annoying in his opinion.

"Ah, the Heroes have returned! As expected of the three of you, you never cease to amaze me, Basil, Iliana and Ione," Anthony greeted upon their arrival.

Turning to the Mages and Knights of the Legion, Anthony said, "My soldiers, you may rest yourselves in the Barrack. You must be tired, mustn't you? I have prepared a little surprise there, so please enjoy it."

"Thank you for your benevolence, Your Majesty!"

As the soldiers scurried away, Anthony turned to Basil, Iliana and Ione with a small smile. "As for the three of you," he looked at Deacon who was perching on Basil's shoulder and corrected, "four of you, please follow me."

Escorted by the Royal Escort, following Anthony and Basil who were walking side by side, Ione and Iliana went to the garden. They sat comfortably when they reached the gazebo and waited for the maids to finish making the tea.

When everything was ready, the talk began.

"I see that Deacon is still fond of the cookies made by our maids," Anthony remarked as he looked at Deacon, who was munching on the cookies in Basil's lap. "He still acts like a puppy to you too, which is something that I am jealous of."

Anthony sighed helplessly, prompting Basil to say, "You should try being young. Maybe, your Summon will be more fond of you that way."

"... You don't need to rub it in my face. I established a contract with the wrong Summon and I am paying for that now."

Watching the exchange between Anthony and Basil for the first time, the Royal Escort, Iliana and Ione were surprised. Although they had heard of how close the two were, they still didn't expect the King and the Supreme Genius would banter like that.

The people were actually more surprised by how the uptight Anthony behaved around Basil. The King had never behaved that way around his children even though he smiled more often nowadays.historical

'They... They look like a father and son!'

They instantly recalled the crazy rumour about Anthony intending to adopt Basil and make him King. It didn't sound like a rumour anymore after witnessing the exchange and they didn't know how to feel about it.

Clack.

When Basil and Anthony put their teacup down, the people were awakened from their thought. The mood became solemn as the two looked at each other silently.

"I am sure you have heard about the news," Basil said calmly. "I don't think there is still a need for me to say it myself."

"Well, what I heard is said to be a mere rumour and I am inclined to believe it to be the case due to how mind-boggling it is." Anthony smiled.

Lightly frowning, Basil said, "Is being able to kill a Dragon worth the fuss? There is something more important than it, but all of you are fixated on that trivial matter."

At Basil's honest remark, Ione and Iliana cleared their throats awkwardly. They were already used to Basil's slightly off common sense, but they couldn't help getting awkward in his stead when he undersold his achievement.

Anthony laughed boisterously as he softly tapped the table. "That side of you really never ceases to amaze me, Basil." Shaking his head, he added, "Really, I wonder what kind of achievement will make you pat yourself on the back."

"Being omniscience."

"You dream big, but I can't laugh at that dream," Anthony chuckled. "Kuhum! That aside, let us hear about our deal with the Chief of Alphoetra Tribe. Ah, I will announce that achievement of yours, by the way, so make sure to dress well."

"You have many other things to brag aside from me, you know?" At this, Anthony just winked. Shrugging lightly, Basil continued, "Tinuviel and some of the Tribe Chiefs that are close to them will support us in the Summit Meeting."

Anthony merely smiled as if he had expected it.

"When it comes to voting, we will definitely win it; however..."

"You don't have to worry about it. I know how to sway opinions," Anthony assured.

Basil shook his head faintly and said, "That is not the problem. We have days to debate, but the Alliance Army must be established as soon as possible."

"There seems to be something in the wind that I can't feel." Anthony became tense.

"The Obelisk of Dantalion, the 27th Obelisk is on the brink of Outbreak. We have, at most, two months to establish the army. Any later than that, the same tragedy that befell our Kingdom two years ago will be repeated."

The only person who knew about the information was Basil himself. He hadn't told about it to anyone, so the others were really shocked when they heard it.

... Except for Anthony, of course.

The King remained unfazed and neutral as he gazed at Basil. "BA-27 is closer to Yitoupheo than it is to our Empire, isn't it? Even if the blows against us, the only Kingdom that suffers from it is Frachtenhein, isn't it?"

Leaning his body to the back, Anthony asked, "Don't you think it is better to let it happen?"

"I know it won't be the case, which is why I am talking to you about it," Basil replies instantly. "Our relationship with the Elf is already established. If we decide to turn a blind eye on them..."

"There will be no way to fix it ever again, huh?"

Anthony gazed at the sky and picked up his teacup. Basil also picked up his teacup; the gazebo became quiet as the two enjoyed their tea.

Amicable as they were to each other, they still acted professionally when it came to the Kingdom's affairs. The people knew of this fact that day.

"What will you do if I choose to cut our ties with the Elf now?" Anthony asked calmly.

"Of course," Basil put his teacup down, "I will aid them myself."

"... Fine," Anthony chuckled helplessly. "Prepare yourself. We will go to the Summit Meeting in two weeks."