In truth, Woohyuk didn’t have any intention of entering into a marriage alliance with the Empire.

Even if he didn’t sit in the Emperor’s seat right now, the next successor was going to be Eleanora.

Nevertheless, the reason for responding to Granver’s proposal was because imperial cooperation was required to effectively prevent the first catastrophe/first great disaster.

Currently, there was no time for Woohyuk to wait for Tiberius to be brought down from the throne and Eleanora to be crowned Empress.

So, he needed to put on an act.

“These children are my daughters, Young Hero King. All of them are beautiful because they resemble my wife,” Tiberius said as he introduced the three princesses at the banquet table.

In the oldest order, there was Rebecca (23), Eleanora (19), and Julia (16).

In terms of appearance, Eleanora was by far the most outstanding, but the rest of the princesses didn’t come up short by much.

“It seems you were lucky to have such beautiful daughters, Tiberius.”

“Hahaha! My wife wasn’t good at giving birth to boys. I’m glad I have at least one though.”

Tiberius’ gaze turned to the blond young man who had on a grim expression.

Romulus, the first prince.

Even though he was the eldest son and enjoyed everything he wanted, he always had dissatisfaction with Eleanora because he had not been chosen by the Holy Sword Ertia.

So, he was trying to kill Eleanora once the chance presented itself.

However, since Granver was always watching him, he had never actually attempted an a.s.sa.s.sination.

‘At this opportunity, go to the Rhine Kingdom like a prost.i.tute, and die.’

Romulus cursed Eleonora in his heart and bit into a smoked chicken leg.

When she died, the Holy Sword Ertia would choose another master.

He was more suitable than Rebecca, who was mentally ill, or Julia, who was timid. He had no doubt that Ertia would choose him amongst the Emperor’s children.

While Romulus was daydreaming, Woohyuk carefully observed him.

‘It looks like you haven’t signed a contract with the demons yet.’

That guy was the one who would throw the empire into a state of chaos in the future.

Therefore, in Woohyuk’s thoughts, it was better to get rid of him as soon as possible. However, it didn’t seem possible to execute his thoughts in this banquet.

‘It would be okay to just leave Rebecca and Julia alone.’

Both princesses had no desire for power and were only interested in a peaceful life.

It was safe to say that such a simple life perspective came from the influence of the mother.

In this sense, Eleanora was a rather unusual case.

While Woohyuk was looking at the three princesses, Tiberius spoke aloud,

“Then, please choose. I’ll bless the marriage with any child you like. Of course, the actual marriage would only happen after the catastrophe/disaster is resolved.”

“…”

“…”

At that moment, Eleanora and Woohyuk’s eyes met.

The two had already written a script before coming to the banquet hall.

They were going to force Tiberius to make this marriage alliance clear during this banquet.

Only then could Woohyuk solidify his position openly within the Empire.

Of course, with a reasonable excuse, he was planning to stay engaged without actually getting married.

“Before I make a decision, I want to hear their opinions first. I will be respectful of their decisions as well.”

“I really like you. I don’t know what my sisters Rebecca and Julia think,” Eleanora immediately answered, as if she had been waiting for him to ask. She launched an aggressive campaign of affection.

On the other hand, Rebecca and Julia were silent like mutes who had their mouths gummed on some sticky honey.

Their reaction was consistent with the pa.s.sive att.i.tude they usually showed.

“What do you like about me?”

“Um… First of all, your appearance suits my taste and the territory you rule over is large, right? Besides, you have a reputation as someone who is on the rise right now. Isn’t that enough to make you great husband material?”

“…”

“…”

Tiberius and Granver wear visibly sweating at Eleanora’s unladylike, direct remarks.

No matter what, the other person was a strong person who could prevent the current catastrophe/disaster.

Even if they turned their backs on him later, there was a need to maintain friendly relations until then.

That was why Tiberius threw the marriage alliance as bait, but Eleanora went off and said something beyond expectation.

Of course, he was already thinking that she was too good to use for such an arranged marriage, but if he didn’t say something now, Eleanora’s words could have a negative effect on other princesses.

Woohyuk opened his mouth to speak as Tiberius was coughing and visibly scolding Eleanora.

“It’s nice to be honest. How about getting engaged?  The current situation is too chaotic in many ways to prepare for marriage right now.”

“It would be better to do that. I don’t want to put a burden on the hero who has to stop the catastrophe/disaster, so we’ll just exchange gifts for today’s meeting. You’re not going to go back on your words later on, right?”

The marriage between the two was quickly established. Tiberius and Granver were visibly confused at the sudden progression.

Romulus, who wanted Eleanor taken away as soon as possible, had on a blank expression.

“The union of the two will lead to the prosperity of the divine Aperia Empire. I’ve already had some dreams about this union,” Mary, the Saint of Prophecy, gave the closing blow.

Then, Brynhildr, who was next to her, also yelled aloud,

“That’s right. The 72 Demon Kings and the Seventh Sinister Witches will be sealed during your rule. Furthermore, your two children will be successful in unifying the Eeth continent in the future.”

It was a collective fraud of the modern era.

Tiberius and Granver looked astonished.

‘If the Hero King and Eleanora marry, those stupendous events would happen!?’

‘The Saint of Prophecy and the Valkyrie of Dawn are giving affirmations. There is no reason to weigh that man’s worth anymore!’

When he thought about it, it was difficult to find a suitable companion for the unpredictable Eleanora, the princess who was successor to the throne.

Moreover, he thought, ‘Aren’t the two like each other?’

This sort of commonality was not often seen in strategic marriages.

When the anguish in his heart was resolved, Tiberius opened his mouth with joy,

“The Seven G.o.ds have blessed the future of Eleanora and the Hero King. As Emperor of the Empire, I will allow the divine union between you two.”

Since there was enough cause and reason, the Holy Pope’s Office wouldn’t be able to do anything about this political marriage.

It was a moment when an unexpected chunk of luck rolled in.

As the atmosphere became warm, Woohyuk and Eleanora toasted each other with satisfied expressions.

Now the Holy Aperia Empire was in his hands.

After completing all the c.u.mbersome preparation work from the Holy Pope’s Office to the Imperial Palace, Woohyuk started to move in earnest to prevent the first catastrophe/disaster.

The location where he predicted that the Fallen Angel Cruella would descend was the northern part of the Empire.

The expected timing of Cruella’s arrival wasn’t known exactly but considering the fact that the full moon was floating in the prophecy, it was possible that Cruella could arrive starting from today.

“Have you had any new foresight lately?”

“No, maybe the future hasn’t changed.”

The advent of the catastrophe would be caused by a transcendental existence, so Woohyuk’s battle preparations would not have much of an effect.

In other words, if the transcendental existence did not modify its existing plan, Maria’s visionary dream would become a reality.

As it was at Hevnia’s Tomb, he was fated to fight against Cruella.

“By the way, there are quite a few forces that have gathered. With this level of force, I think we could even attack the Demon Kingdom,” Sieg exclaimed while looking at the army force lined up neatly.

There was not only the imperial army, but also the Pope’s allied forces of priests, and the armies from the smaller western kingdoms.

However, because they said that an unprecedented catastrophe/disaster would happen soon, everyone was showing a subdued expression.

“There’s nothing bad about preparing beforehand. We not only have to give our attention to Cruella, but we also have to mind the Northern Front.”

“Now that you mention it, have you made contact with the Elf Queen? It would be better to inform the Eleven race in advance.”

“I have. She also decided to cooperate with me on this matter. She said she would find out where to find the King’s Book.”

Thanks to Woohyuk helping out Reina and Allen, the Elven Queen Ophelia developed a poison that could do fatal damage to the Kazak race.

It came from the plant-type monster, Mandagora.

So even if the Northern Front was weakened by this catastrophe/disaster, the Elven army would be able to withstand for quite a long time even in their absence.

Currently, they were rebuilding the fortress with the Imperial Army in preparation for the possibility that the supply line would be cut off.

“Good. Of course, that doesn’t mean the Elven Queen will be able to find the King’s Book.”

“Have you heard any updates or news from Etheria Rodinus’ side, Helena? I’d expect them to send at least one or two people to prevent this oncoming catastrophe/disaster.”

“… Actually, my brother, Ibn Rusud, is coming. He was concerned about my well-being or some nonsense, so he asked to be sent near me.”

Saint Martinus had his own reasons for granting Ibn Rusud’s request.

If Helena died in the catastrophe/disaster, he needed someone to recover the Holy Grail.

While Helena was complaining about her brother,

“It’s been a long time, childish Saintess.”

The man himself, Ibn Rusud, appeared.

“…When I say something, it will inevitably become true.” 

“Did I do something wrong? I’ve come a long way, but I can’t even get a greeting…”

The brother and sister from the sacred family began to have a sibling argument.

Woohyuk checked on his troops, trying to avoid listening to the bickering siblings.

“Each clan head should report their status.” 

“Akatsuki Clan, 10,000 soldiers, ready!” 

“Exodus Clan, 10,000 soldiers, ready!” 

“Battle Oaks Clan, 10,000 soldiers, ready!”

All of the personal troops he brought this time consisted of large clans he had absorbed so far.

Even if a catastrophe or disaster occurred, his main kingdom and va.s.sal forces had to remain in their homeland to grow or prepare for the Great Demon Invasion.

Of course, the Hwarang Clan and the Ragnarok Clan were continuing to remain in the Norton Kingdom to prevent a coup.

“By the way, Master, isn’t the princess with a pretty face coming? Her bountiful chest is so fun to play with at night…”

Bam!

As always, Woohyuk’s fist was stuck in Roan’s abdomen. Roan really didn’t have any luck with reading the mood.

“Ahhh! Roan never looked at the princess!”

“You’re too noisy. For now, focus on preventing the oncoming catastrophe/disaster.”

The Fallen Angel Cruella was much stronger than Amon, the 7th ranked Demon King he had recently faced.

Recalling his memory of almost dying at the ruins of Hevnia’s Tomb, Woohyuk checked his recently added abilities.

[Status check on the currently worn artifact: Processing the magic amount stored in the Nocturne of the Crescent Moon.]

[There are five types of stored magic: Deception of the Earth G.o.d, G.o.d Death, The Demon’s Annihilation, Trade-Off, and Invisibility. All five storage spots are in use.]

[Status check the skills possessed by the Mythic Successor Cla.s.s:]

[The skill you have is one use of the Power of Resuscitation.]

Among the magic stored in the Nocturne of the Crescent Moon, G.o.d Death, and the Demon’s Annihilation were all Amon’s unique skills.

On the other hand, swapping and transforming were the unique technologies of Roan and Dantalion, respectively.

The latter was not of great help to combat power but was of great value as a survival mechanism.

The Power of Resuscitation, a skill he possessed by attaining the Mythical Heir cla.s.s, was also unique in that it could restore fatal damage once.

When his final inspection was nearing the end, the clear sky suddenly became dark, and a huge s.p.a.ce-time warp was created in the air.

“What, what is that?!”

“Is it really starting?”

The camp was instantly thrown into chaos from the absurd, sudden phenomenon.

Woohyuk stared at the existence that he felt beyond the gaps of time and s.p.a.ce. His expression hardened.

Fallen Angel, Cruella. It was her descent into this world.