From the day I was reborn through the glossiest elemental in all the realms, I dreaded the day the world discovered my potential.

Back then, I was a different person. All I knew of the world was the oppression of the Grimoires. I judged the world through the feud of our families. I'd always been powerless. The strongest person in my life, my father, had always been powerless. No matter how much we tried, no matter how talented a Tome was or what lucky encounters they had, we were always ground into the dirt, generation after generation.

My circumstances were more extraordinary than most but why would I think I would be any different? Like the oblivious residents of Quest, I didn't bother to learn the difference between a caster and a master beyond the academic; I couldn't measure up to either.

But I've experienced so much now. Done so much. I've snatched Kierra's life back from the Abyss. I've made the Grimoires the puppets of the succubi they used to terrorize the kingdom for so many years. I surpassed Dunwayne's score in the qualifiers. I've battled titans. I leveled an entire city.

Maybe it took longer than it should have but it's dawned on me that I'm strong. So strong that common sense doesn't apply. I was afraid that revealing myself would result in being hunted down but it's the opposite; every time I reveal my strength, people become very obedient, very fast. I've got no illusions that they enjoy it or won't stab me in the back the moment they have a good opportunity. However, such an opportunity will never exist. That's what overwhelming strength is. I'm beyond them in every sense.

The decree startled me because a promotion in the wake of my actions makes no sense; who wouldn't suspect something is hiding behind such a ridiculous response? But now that I know The Butterfly's motivation, I've calmed down. It makes sense. Saints, I wish everyone else in this kingdom was so reasonable. If I was sent to handle a problem and find out said problem is a being that could be compared to a deity, I'd be doing everything in my power to keep them happy too.

I'd love people to forget about me but that's not going to happen. The secret is going to get out. Killing this woman might protect it for a little longer, but at what cost? She's tied to the real power behind the throne. They won't take kindly to me killing their agent. On top of that, I'm sure it'd spark questions about why I silenced her. I'm not worried about assassins but who knows what artifacts they have? I wouldn't be surprised if there's something sitting in a dusty vault that can watch me from the opposite side of the kingdom given those ridiculous eyes.

They create seers. By the saints, I think that's more ridiculous than the dragon imprisoned in the north.

So, I'll accept this little stunt. It's a neat solution. More importantly, I think I can work with this woman. I'd rather negotiate with her than leave my relationship with Harvest in the hands of an overzealous idiot. Like she said, a competent person in a position of power who can put duty over ambition is a small miracle. If someone else is put in charge of this issue, I can easily imagine them trying to subjugate me to bolster their position.

The Butterfly sighs in relief. Then she smiles and waves. "Go on, name them. No need to be shy."

I put my hands on my hips. "The only thing you're getting out of this is a nice story to tell the kingdom. I've got no interest in running this city."

She nods without hesitation. "Sure, sure. Will you let me help you with the proxy? I'll pick someone good, promise. It'd make the future so much easier if I don't have to worry about someone letting the position get to their head."

Marcella clears her throat. "If you need someone to act on your behalf—"

I cut her off with a raised hand, giving her a look. "You know as well as I'd do there'd be all kinds of problems with that." The Guiness in charge of the City of Adventure? Not only would they have the biggest wallet in the kingdom, they'd be governing the territory that produces the most casters. I doubt the marquis is plotting treason, but if he wanted to, he'd be in the perfect position to do so. That's bound to make people nervous. The whole point of this farce is to save face for the king, not to make people ask different questions about the future of his reign.

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The merchant settles down, with only the faintest pout on her lips. I spare a quick glance at the other sister, but she isn't even daring to look at us. Her pirate is trying to comfort her with a hand on her shoulder, but it doesn't look like it's having any effect. Poor Max. I think the merchant is questioning if she's prepared to stand with the real powers. From the looks of it, she's doubting it.

Unlike my flower. Talia is paying rapt attention, her gaze never leaving the royal agent. My chest feels warm knowing she's working hard to support me in her own way.

"This said that my new title—wait. That name. Delarre. What is it?"

The Butterfly waves off the question. When I raise my brow, she huffs. "It's just an old name for the area. The general that created the settlement that would eventually become Quest was named Delarre. His family was in charge for a few generations. The fifth patriarch tried rebelling. The next lord changed the name. When his heir was assassinated, another lord was appointed. He changed the name again. Then he got eaten by a manabeast that broke through the then village's defenses. The next ruling lord changed the name again, as it'd become something of a tradition. He died after being struck by lightning. Finally, the next lord broke tradition and refused to rename the territory. He also never used the old name, thinking it was cursed."

"…you gave me a cursed name?"

"Hey, the Delarre family was ended by arrogance. Trying to change it is what caused the problems, if you believe in superstition."

"Which the king does?"

"It was more meant to be a small gesture of goodwill. It wouldn't be good if you heard this story later and decided that he'd tried to curse you to death, would it?"

She has a point. And she's pretty meticulous. I have no doubt that she's behind that small gesture. There's no way the monarch that so thoughtlessly insulted Kierra would pay attention to a detail like that.

"Well, whatever. This title comes with obligations. You can collect taxes and enforce the law, but I don't care about the rest of it. That means I don't come running to the capital when the crown calls and you better not expect me to fight for him."

"Ah." The Butterfly frowns as she scratches the side of her head. "That's fine. I'm not surprised but I want to ask you a question. Do you consider yourself a citizen of the kingdom?"

What kind of question is that? "Of course. I was born here and I live here."

"Mm. But you're a bit…apathetic toward your home, aren't you? I understand not wanting to be a lapdog but outright declaring you won't fight for the crown is a step further, no?"

I scoff. "I don't think so. The royal knights aren't going to come running to my defense if I get in trouble so why should I do it for him? I'm a citizen. I have some loyalty to the kingdom, not the guy who thinks sitting in a chair makes him important."

"It could be argued that the king is the kingdom."

"Please. The royal family is a noble family like any other. Get rid of the patriarch and his heir steps right up. Get rid of the whole family and another steps into their place. Are you arguing with my condition?"

"I already told you it's fine. Just trying to get to know you."

I guess those eyes don't tell her about my personality. Or are the details getting drowned out in everything else she's hearing? "My third condition is that you tell my part of the story. Tell them…I tried. To make peace, I mean. I asked them to negotiate, and I warned them. They responded by attacking my family. Make sure the kingdom knows that I didn't want this."

I hide how uncomfortable the way her expression softens makes me. "I was already going to do that. I know the whole story. That's the reason I'm here. I pushed for a peaceful response."

I'm thankful, but I won't thank her. She's here for the kingdom. It's just good fortune that it aligns with my interests.

"Anything else?"

I slowly shake my head. "Though I suppose I should add that I have the right to add to these conditions as I please. And if you ever renege on them, then…" Hm. I don't care enough about this to promise vengeance. "Well, if you try to order me around, I'm going to ignore you, and I'll take offense if you spread lies. Aside from that, we can discuss handing off the territory if you want to give it to someone else. I'll gladly hand it back but don't think you can snatch anything from my hands."

The royal agent nods. "All reasonable. I don't have any problems with your conditions. So? Do we have an agreement?"

"I suppose."

"Then once more, allow me to offer my congratulations Countess Tome-Delarre."

That's going to take some getting used to.

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