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Upon the grand hall, paved with resplendent gold and adorned with all manner of dazzling gemstones.
Even the dome ceiling was meticulously outlined with gemstones, forming an incredibly precise night sky.
Whether it was the gems mimicking the orbits of stars, or the faintly twinkling starlight constructed from magical power, all of it silently narrated the opulence of this hall, at every moment.
"Well then, do you think this King cares about the thoughts of those mongrels?"
Before the throne forged from gold, inlaid with numerous gemstones by skilled artisans, stood a King.
A King clad in golden armor, polished to a blinding sheen.
Though his tone was one of utter indifference, anyone could sense the questioning within it—no, perhaps it was more akin to putting someone in a difficult position.
Gilgamesh greatly appreciated loyal subjects who dared to offer remonstrance to their king. However, to recklessly attempt to interfere with the King's will without understanding the situation was an unspeakable sin.
"Or perhaps, you believe the opinions of those mongrels are qualified to change this King's decision?"
Even with such a seemingly nonchalant tone, the young girl kneeling beneath the throne could not help but reveal a troubled expression.
If she had not already ascended to become a Heroic Spirit, her pretty face would likely have long since been drenched in sweat.
"No, your subject would not dare!"
Liliana replied without a hint of hesitation.
Even if she failed to satisfy Gilgamesh, it would merely result in being given the cold shoulder by this King.
However, for this young girl who had offered everything she had—even her decade-long convictions, along with her chastity—she was utterly unwilling to be abandoned by Gilgamesh.
Perhaps, it would be better for her to die in battle than to be neglected by this King.
And Gilgamesh, before his throne, also frowned slightly.
Indeed, such blindly loyal subordinates were, to him, as precious as treasure, perhaps even far more valuable than the treasures within his King's Treasury.
However, if it was merely blind loyalty without a shred of capability, then it was no different from foolishness.
Still, he believed that the young girl before him was merely stubborn, definitely not the ignorant type.
"Well then, what are your thoughts, Lady Liliana?"
Gilgamesh asked thus, his crimson, serpent-like eyes, which had been slightly narrowed, slowly opened once more.
Endless pressure, like a tidal wave, crashed upon the young girl's delicate body, forcing a pained expression onto her face from the overwhelming burden.
One must understand, Gilgamesh was created to be the very representation of a king; he was the most perfect king, or rather, he was the embodiment of the concept of 'king' in this world.
But, even so, Liliana would absolutely not entertain a single thought of giving up.
She lifted her delicate, fair, pretty face, which already showed some signs of distress, and said, word by word.
"Your subject… your subject absolutely cannot allow Your Majesty's dignity to be questioned!"
The young girl's tone carried an indomitable, resolute will. Even Gilgamesh, before his throne, could not help but be somewhat impressed.
"Those fallacies cannot be eradicated by execution, so your subject merely wishes to uphold the King's prestige!"
Finally, the young girl respectfully lowered her raised head.
"Please calm your anger, Your Majesty."
She spoke thus, willing to accept punishment from Gilgamesh in the very next moment if need be.
A moment of silence. Throughout the entire grand hall, it was as if all sound had been erased.
Then.
What reached Liliana's ears was hearty laughter.
"Interesting, truly interesting, Lady Liliana! You still don't understand at all. To be a king means that no matter what ill repute one bears, there will always be loyal subjects willing to offer everything for them!"
Gilgamesh's tone was filled with unparalleled magnanimity, his magnetic voice echoing throughout the grand hall.
And the two beneath him bowed their heads deeply.
"However, this King shall acknowledge your loyalty, Lady Liliana!"
This man, who was a king, leaned back gently, seating himself once more upon that throne of utmost luxury.
"Although it is merely blind loyalty, well, so be it!"
Gilgamesh narrowed his eyes with a hint of disdain, the corners of his mouth also curling into an arc of scorn.
"You mongrel, this time, I shall spare your life for now."
Although no names were mentioned, Paul understood that the King was issuing an order to him.
However, a bitter smile appeared on his resolute face.
"O King, your humble servant is willing to pay the price for his transgressions!"
He spoke thus, then bowed his body deeply, a posture far more deferential than standard etiquette required.
"I am willing to offer my 'Bronze Black Cross' and further offer my martial skills and my longsword, to pledge allegiance to you!"
Perhaps, just moments before, he had been worried about this King's unpredictable anger, uncertain if his decision to offer loyalty was appropriate.
However, after seeing Liliana's plea be generously granted by this King, he had made his decision.
Since this King was so generous to loyal subjects, why not throw in his lot with this King?
Furthermore, the Bronze Black Cross and the Azure Black Cross had been enemies for centuries, rivals who had always been on equal footing. Now that the Azure Black Cross was already subordinate to this King, it would sooner or later leave the Bronze Black Cross, which was of the same level, behind.
Therefore, even with such thoughts, he knew he had to make a decision.
Rather than becoming a disposable pawn to be 'used' by Marquis Voban at any time, rather than being completely ignored by the King of Swords, Doni, who was their alliance leader, it was better to take this opportunity and directly join this King. This way, they would actually have the qualification to be considered on par with the Azure Black Cross.
This was how the knight was thinking, but that King was not so easily swayed by counsel.
Gilgamesh waved his hand slightly, signaling Liliana to dismiss Paul.
However, the young girl once again defied the King's will.
"O King, the Bronze Black Cross is also one of Italy's highest-ranking organizations, and at the same time—"
Liliana paused slightly, as if painfully deliberating something.
"At the same time, it can prevent the Bronze Black Cross from becoming solely dominant, thereby preventing them from misinterpreting your decrees in the future!"
It could be said that this incredibly rigid young girl, for the sake of her loyalty, had even abandoned her own original organization.
Watching the young girl's fair, delicate hands, which had turned slightly purple, clench and unclench, a trace of appreciation flashed through Gilgamesh's crimson, serpent-like eyes.
"Well then, it shall be as you say."
He spoke in an arrogant tone, words that brought joy to Paul.
However, the next moment, Paul's expression instantly darkened, like a sky obscured by storm clouds.
"Be it the Bronze Black Cross or the Azure Black Cross, I leave them all for you to manage. I look forward to your actions, Lady Liliana!"