Chapter 943: Alternate Timeline: Feelings for Arceus?

The morning assembly began at nine o’clock.

From her guest room, she could hear the distant sounds of horns announcing the opening of court, the measured footsteps of officials crossing polished hallways, and the low, continuous murmur of ministers discussing taxes, borders, and laws as if the fate of kingdoms were woven from words.

At ten o’clock, a palace guard arrived at her door and bowed.

"Lady Kiara, His Majesty requests your presence in the royal court."

Kiara rose immediately and followed the soldier through the palace. Zion wasn’t there with her, as per etiquette. He came here as a bodyguard, after all. Even if she says he is like her younger brother, he can’t come with her, which might imply that she doesn’t trust the royal court and someone might try to assassinate her, or something...

The grand court hall was vast and solemn, its towering columns rising like ancient stone trees toward a ceiling painted with dragons, stars, and the history of the Crescent royal line. Ministers stood in ordered rows.

The moment Kiara stepped inside, conversations died.

Dozens of heads turned.

Some ministers looked at her with admiration.

Some with curiosity.

Some with the cautious wariness one reserved for an unknown force.

However, that invisible aura she was generating with just a walk is unmistakably overwhelming for the audience.

Kiara walked steadily through the center aisle, the soft echo of her footsteps spreading through the silent hall.

When she reached the proper distance from the throne, she placed her fist against her chest and gave a slight bow.

"Your Majesty."

Caleb Crescent rose to his feet.

Immediately, the ministers followed.

The rustle of silk and brocade filled the hall like a wave passing through tall grass.

The king’s voice rang out, deep and clear.

"Though you are not a daughter of this land, Lady Kiara, you have rendered a service greater than many born beneath our banner."

His words carried through every corner of the hall. And his address also changed from Miss to Lady due to the formality.

"You restored my life, returned me to my son, and protected the royal family from grave danger. In recognition of your deeds, I hereby grant you Nystara Island, a territory that has remained under the crown of Celestra for centuries."

A ripple spread through the assembled ministers.

An island of Nystara?

The king was gifting a whole island, which was rich in the famed Spirit Coconut trees that Celestra cultivates on the island and sells all over the continent. Spirit coconuts are incredibly expensive and yet in demand in the northern Empires due to the detoxifying properties of the water available in those fruits.

Caleb continued.

"From this day forward, Nystara Island and up to 3 kilometers of its surrounding waters belong to Lady Kiara."

Even the ministers who had prided themselves on political composure could not fully conceal their surprise.

But the king was not finished.

"There is another matter."

He glanced toward Prime Minister Philip.

"During my discussion with the Prime Minister, I learned that Edward Crescent had invited Lady Kiara to establish a branch of her business in Lunaris City so that our people might gain access to her unique weapons called the Firearms, which the Phoenix Empire’s Imperial Family has given its approval to use in its army."

Caleb turned back to Kiara.

"Therefore, should you decide to open a branch here, I grant you the former Weston Mansion as your residence and the Tower of Weston as your place of business. Any further terms may be discussed directly with Prime Minister Philip."

Kiara bowed once more.

"Your Majesty honors me."

The court formally recorded the decree.

Soon after, Philip stepped forward and personally presented her with the deed to Nystara Island.

The parchment was thick and crisp, stamped with the royal seal in dark red wax.

As she accepted it, Philip lowered his voice and said, "There are several low-rank spirit beasts on the island, but given your strength, I trust that will not be an obstacle."

Kiara allowed herself a small smile.

"Not at all."

After the ceremony, she returned to her guest room with the deed secured in her storage ring.

She should have felt satisfied.

She had restored a king, obtained an island, and received a prime location in the capital.

Yet the moment she closed the door behind her, her thoughts flew thousands of kilometers away to the Imperial City.

Noah’s earlier report replayed in her mind.

Lucian Storm had successfully returned with Vann Silver, Arceus Silver’s paternal great-grandfather, and the old ancestor was now at Wester Silver’s new mansion to formally annul the engagement with House Drake.

Kiara had instructed Noah to remain inside the store no matter what.

But her concern was not for Noah.

It was for Arceus.

If Vann Silver persuaded him to leave willingly, then there was little Kiara could do.

And if the old man chose to take him by force, the situation would become even worse.

Noah, powerful as he was, would be nearly helpless against a legendary realm expert.

Kiara sat down on the edge of the bed and exhaled slowly.

At best, Noah might delay him.

At worst, he would be destroyed.

If it came to that, logic dictated that she should sacrifice Arceus and preserve Noah.

And yet, the thought left an unpleasant taste in her mouth.

Why?

Kiara leaned back and stared at the ceiling.

Did she have feelings for Arceus?

She dismissed the notion immediately.

She appreciated his looks, certainly, but in her opinion, that’s all Arceus had. Moreover, she had made a decision long ago that she would never allow romantic attachment to become a weakness.

Then what was it?

Perhaps because he lived under her protection and she was feeling responsible?

Perhaps because she found his situation pitiable.

Or perhaps because she had grown accustomed to his presence at dinner, his voice across the table, and the simple comfort of speaking to another human being.

The answer remained unclear.

But one truth was certain.

If Arceus were taken away by force, she would be displeased.

And if he left willingly, she would feel... disappointed.

The realization made her frown.

Did she want him to stay forever?

No.

That did not feel right either.

Her feelings toward him were a knot she had not yet untangled.

Shaking her head, she forced herself back to the present.

Another matter demanded attention.

She was still in Lunaris, far from home.

Traveling back and forth was inconvenient and wasteful.

Since she was already here, it made sense to establish a branch store, appoint a temporary manager, and complete the quest before returning to the Griffin Empire.

But first, she needed to negotiate with Prime Minister Philip.

And that would only happen once the court session concluded.

So Kiara waited.

During that time, she remained in constant contact with Noah through their private communication link.

Between updates, she took out a blank scroll and began writing a list of terms. Her pen moved steadily across the parchment, each line crisp and deliberate.

By the time she finished, the document was less a request and more a carefully constructed contract.

Roughly two hours later, a royal knight delivered her message to Prime Minister Philip.

Not long after, the elderly statesman arrived.

Kiara welcomed him into her room and gestured toward a chair.

Philip sat down, adjusting his robes.

Kiara handed him the scroll.

He accepted it and raised an eyebrow.

"What is this?"

Kiara leaned back slightly and said, "I am pressed for time, Prime Minister. These are the conditions under which I am willing to open a branch in Lunaris. Read them, and if there are any terms you find difficult, we can negotiate."

Philip unfolded the scroll.

His eyes moved slowly from line to line.