Chapter 266: Interrogation

"Don’t you know their power? It’s the only way, so don’t worry about it too much. And get that boy killed when he arrives in your city," Valdrake ordered.

"Alright... you’re right," Caelan replied.

....

Back in Vaunis...

Soon, morning came. Nova had breakfast with everyone, then got ready to go to the Royal Palace. Only he and Theodore would be going, as no one else had been invited.

All the women, along with Jenna and Edward, told Nova to be careful, but Nova assured them not to worry about it too much.

Some time later, he and Theodore got into the carriage. It was luxurious, befitting a high-ranking nobleman like Duke Theodore, as the carriage began moving toward the Royal Palace.

Nova and Theodore could see that the capital had returned to its normal state, yet there were still fewer people on the streets, and most places were still filled with Royal Guards, Holy Knights, and members of the Twilight Order.

Formation Masters worked together to restore the buildings and repair the damage caused by the attack. Their combined efforts and powerful formations greatly accelerated the reconstruction process, which was why it didn’t take long for the capital to return to its original state.

Many people who had come for the tournament had already left the capital, fearing another attack. Those who had come from quite far away were also now leaving the capital, as many guests had died during the attack.

Nova and Theodore talked about a few things, and soon they reached the Royal Palace. It was a large and beautiful palace, though it wasn’t as grand as the Human Emperor’s palace.

Nova and Theodore were welcomed warmly and with proper respect, as Theodore was, of course, one of the Dukes of the kingdom.

Now that he had broken through to the King Realm, Theodore’s status and respect among the people had grown even more. As for Nova, he was the first person in history to become the champion of the Grand Youth Tournament while being less than twenty years old.

As Nova walked through the large halls of the palace, the Royal Guards who saw him began whispering to each other. Of course, Nova could hear everything, which only made him smile.

Soon, they reached the large gates of the throne hall.

Theodore stood beside Nova and said, "Choose your words properly, as you’ll be talking to a King for the first time."

Nova smiled without turning toward Theodore and said, "Don’t worry, father-in-law. I’ve already talked with Emperors. This won’t be difficult."

Before Theodore could say anything else, the large gates opened, and an announcement was made.

"Attention, everyone!"

"The honorable Duke, Theodore Frost, is entering the throne hall with none other than our new champion of this year’s Grand Youth Tournament, Nova Valencrest!"

Nova saw that the throne hall was large and filled with old ministers, who began whispering among themselves as they saw him standing there.

Nova wore luxurious black clothes that made him look like a high-ranking noble. Combined with his handsome face and sturdy, muscular build, he seemed to outshine all the nobles present in the hall, including King Leonis Aurethion, who was looking at Nova as if he were trying to read him.

While Theodore greeted the King and tried to signal Nova to do the same, Nova didn’t listen. He was busy reading the room, leaving Theodore with no choice but to sigh, as he already knew Nova’s personality.

Nova saw that most of the ministers were old political bastards and were only King Realm experts, except for one man sitting in the distance and watching him with a smile.

Alaric Light, the High Priest of the Light Temple Order and the second-most valued man in the entire Light Temple Order. He was also the one who pulled the strings behind many of the Order’s affairs.

Nova could tell that the old bastard was a Level 4 Emperor. Though he was nothing to Nova now, as he didn’t feel any threat from him whatsoever.

Besides him, Nova saw two members of the Twilight Order whom he recognized instantly—Albert and Ron.

So these bastards were here as well.

However, they looked nervous for some reason when they saw Nova.

"Duke Theodore, I would request that you take your seat among the other Dukes. We would like to question Champion Nova Valencrest alone," Alaric spoke as he stood up.

Theodore nodded. He then turned toward Nova and gave him a reassuring nod before walking over to take his seat among the other Dukes, silently praying that nothing would go wrong.

"Champion Nova, it would be polite to greet His Majesty," Alaric said with a smile.

Nova rubbed the back of his head with an awkward smile and said, "My apologies. I’m not used to these customs."

"It’s alright. I don’t mind. You can relax, Nova Valencrest," Leonis said.

"I thank His Majesty," Nova said with a slight bow, as he didn’t like to lower his head in front of others.

Leonis nodded and said, "High Priest, you may proceed now." Alaric nodded and began walking forward as he spoke.

"Champion Nova... it would be better if you stood in the middle."

"I don’t mind."

Nova then stood in the middle of the throne room, with all the important ministers watching him like hawks, as if they were looking at the biggest criminal in the world.

"So, I assume you are already aware of why you were summoned here?" Alaric asked, his smile not wavering. He was experienced in wearing that fake smile more than anyone.

"I know... and I’m ready for all the questions to prove my innocence," Nova replied with a smile that irritated many of the nobles present.

Nova was naturally charming, and a few of them even felt attracted to him, especially those with unique interests.

"Don’t say it like that, Champion Nova. We all highly respect the achievements you have made as the youngest champion of the Empire’s Grand Youth Tournament. But as you are already aware of our current situation..."

"The coincidence is too much, even if it sounds absurd and offensive to you. We are all only doing our duty for the citizens of this Empire."

"You don’t have to sugarcoat it. I understand it very clearly, and I already said I’ll answer every question."

Nova’s reply made Alaric’s lips twitch, though he maintained his calm expression. The old nobles, however, began whispering about Nova’s unruly behavior.

Theodore facepalmed, as he knew this would happen, though he secretly agreed with Nova.

There were also many others who believed Nova was innocent.

But Nova suddenly felt the arrival of more than fifty Level 5 Emperors outside the palace. Then he sensed the arrival of a Level 2 Sovereign. He didn’t know who it was, but its aura clearly wasn’t human.

So these bastards had taken precautions in case Nova revealed his true might again.

{Hehehe... look at their faces. Those old fools look like they’re about to wet their pants just because you got a little angry.}

Nova agreed with Liya, but he wasn’t worried about the forces outside. He was going to prove his innocence, so he didn’t need to care about them for now.

For the moment, he had other problems to deal with.

"First, tell us about your family background, as we already know about it, but we want to hear it from your own mouth," Alaric said.

Nova replied immediately, "I was born in the small village known as Coldrock, which comes under the territory of Duke Theodore.

"I lived there with my father, Edward Valencrest, and my mother, Jenna Valencrest. My father was in the Duke Frost Knight Order. After he received a promotion, we shifted to Forstholme.

"I don’t like to say it, but I’m quite a genius. I became an adventurer there, and within three years, I became a Gold-Rank Adventurer.

"Also, during those three years, I met two women. The first was Rieka Vargirth, a member of a Beastfolk tribe residing in Forstholme. We became lovers. Then I met Asia Fr

ost, the daughter of Duke Frost.

"I fell for her as well, and we became lovers. After some time, we got engaged."

**

Thanks for reading...