As the two figures advanced along the carpet with measured steps, the six Banes bent their knees in silence, heads lowered.

"Greetings, Your Majesty"

"Greetings, Your Majesty"

"Greetings, Your Majesty"

Even Lunaria and Ignis, who stood on the first floor, dropped to their knees in respect before the imposing pair.

"Nymeria...just wait for few years. I will surely make you mine. Moreover no one is worthy of your extreme yin body beside me who is born with extreme yang body. It won't take you long to realise how compatible we two really are..." thought Ignis inwardly, still side eyeing at innocent Nymeria. In his mind, Ignis had already decided to marry Nymeria.

Until Voltrex and Aestra reached their thrones, every individual present in the courtroom remained kneeling—except Taranis and Nymeria. Due to their status as Gods, Voltrex had exempted them from kneeling before him, as such an act could invite Heaven's wrath upon him.

"Rise," Voltrex said in a calm yet authoritative tone as he sat upon the throne.

The individuals present inside the courtroom rose to their feet and then took their seats in silence.

Once everyone had settled, Ignis quickly moved down to the lower floor and knelt at the center of the hall, drawing everyone's attention.

"Your Majesty, when I participated in the war ten years ago and earned my merits, you told me that you would grant me anything I wished for, as long as it was reasonable," Ignis said, his head lowered.

"I do not forget or break the promises I make, Ignis," Voltrex replied, his voice carrying a hidden warning. "You need not recall the events. I already remember them clearly."

"F-forgive me for my impudence, Your Majesty," Ignis stammered, feeling the weight behind Voltrex's words. However, he still chose to continue, knowing Voltrex was bound by his promise. "Your Majesty, I would like to ask for that reward today."

"Hahaha! Sure, sure! You deserve a reward for your achievements in that battle," Voltrex laughed. "But wait for a few moments. I will hear your request after making the announcement for which everyone has gathered here."

"A-as you say, Your Majesty."

Giving a deep bow to Voltrex and Aestra, Ignis turned and returned to the upper floor.

Now that everyone was settled, Voltrex spoke again, his face tugged into a smile of happiness. "Today, I have called you all here to make an announcement. As you all know, my son, Taranis El Thunderbane, was born with divinity."

Everyone's eyes turned toward the young prince, whose ethereal golden hair gave away the divinity within him.

"Although Taranis is only two and a half years old, he has already developed into a child of thirteen—both physically and mentally—which led me to decide to bring him to the frontlines to make him a battle-hardened warrior."

The Banes seated in the hall let out gasps of shock, fully aware of how dangerous the frontlines were.

Once they digested the news, Voltrex continued, "However, that was not the main reason I summoned you here. Since my son is growing at such an astonishing rate, he will take the throne sooner than I expected. But to do so, he must have a wife—someone who can guide him and support him through thick and thin."

With a proud smile on his face, Voltrex announced,

"I, Voltrex El Thunderbane, ruler of the Seven Banes and king of the Hundred Sky Mountains, with the acceptance of both the Snowbane and Thunderbane families, hereby declare the marriage between my son, Taranis El Thunderbane, and my closest friend's daughter, Nymeria El Snowbane—twenty-two years from now."

The announcement sent waves of ripples and gasps through the gathered crowd.

"Congratulations, Prince!" Sylvaris said, offering an elegant bow to Taranis.

"Congratulations, Prince!" Tartaglia immediately followed with a smile—clearly proud that he spoke alongside Sylvaris, making them look like a couple.

Soon, the others followed, offering their congratulations to both Taranis and Nymeria.

However, there was one man who could not digest this bombshell of news. The dreams Ignis had built were shattered before he could even lay their foundation. What if I had asked for the reward earlier? Could the outcome have been different? Ignis muttered inwardly, his frustration barely concealing his discontent.

However, there is still a chance, Ignis thought as he stepped forward to the center of the hall once more.

"Come, come, Ignis," Voltrex said, his expression still filled with pleasure from announcing the joyous news. "Ask for your reward."

After a brief pause, Ignis murmured, nervousness lacing his voice,

"Y-Your Majesty, I…I…umm…"

"Say it, Ignis. I'm waiting," Voltrex said again.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Ignis spoke,

"Your Majesty, as you are aware, I was born with an Extreme Yang body that constantly burns my Soulforce. To prevent Soulforce exhaustion, I must spend more than half of my time cultivating every day. To satisfy the hunger of my Extreme Yang body, a powerful Yin energy is required to maintain balance."

"Hm, I understand your concern," Voltrex murmured, rubbing his chin. "So you require an artifact that contains strong Yin energy."

"Y-Your Majesty, an artifact is merely a precaution, not a solution," Ignis countered, though his voice still trembled.

"Then what do you desire?"

"Your Majesty, I—"

At that moment, Aethon realized what Ignis intended to do and instantly stepped in to stop the foolishness his son was about to commit.

"Ignis! Make sure you ask for your reward wisely," Aethon warned, his sharp gaze locked onto Ignis. "Don't do anything stupid."

Ignis gave his father a small, reassuring nod, enough to earn his trust and prevent further interference. But deep within, the decision had long since been made, born the moment desire ignited in his gaze as it fell upon the young Snow Goddess.

Voltrex is bound by his promise. There is no way he will retract his words in front of everyone, Ignis thought.

"Your Majesty, my Extreme Yang body can only be satisfied by a person with an Extreme Yin body. So…I—I… I want Nymeria El Snowbane as my reward."

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