System S.E.X. (Seduction, Expansion, eXecution)

Chapter 778: Chapter 778: The Emperor’s Favor

The echo of the mental explosion finally dissipated into the great hall’s air. Vorian came to a halt just a couple of meters from Ethan, locking his eyes on the youth who stood unharmed, holding the black sword with near-insulting ease. The faint trace of panic on the enforcer’s face slowly transformed into a smirk of astonishment, which then gave way to absolute serenity.

Vorian sheathed his slender blade with a metallic click. He brought a hand to his chest and offered a deep, formal bow to Ethan—a gesture reserved for true sword masters.

"Impressive," Vorian whispered with genuine admiration. "Maintaining the balance of will without yielding against my assault... You possess a terrifying talent, kid." The legendary enforcer turned toward the grand imperial balcony, looking into the sovereign’s eyes and offering a solemn nod.

High upon his throne, the Emperor tightened his grip on his jade armrests slightly. He did not possess mastery over the Dao Sword Heart, so he couldn’t decipher the intricate collision of intents that had just transpired on the mental plane. However, he knew better than anyone how destructive and ruthless Vorian could be. Seeing his most merciless enforcer pay respect to such a young cultivator sparked a genuine wave of shock in his eyes.

The sovereign stood up, forcing the entire court into a deathly silence.

"An extraordinary display," the Emperor’s imposing voice declared, echoing into every corner of the vault. "Ethan of the Soaring Dragon Kingdom, you have proven yourself worthy of this capital’s attention. Ascend to my personal box and join the banquet."

Whispers erupted among the diplomats and kings of the neighboring realms. For the Emperor to invite a cultivator from a distant province to his private table was an unprecedented honor.

Ethan lowered his black sword and stored it within his spatial ring. He looked toward the Silver Dragon Kingdom’s section, locking his eyes onto Isabella, who stood with her hands tightly pressed against her chest.

"I accept Your Majesty’s invitation," Ethan said out loud, his voice ringing firm across the pit. "However, I would like to request that Lady Isabella von Draconia join me at your table."

The King of the Silver Dragon Kingdom gritted his teeth in helpless fury, yet dared not utter a single word after Vorian’s previous harsh warning.

The Emperor observed the scene for a brief second and let out a soft laugh, breaking the room’s lingering tension.

"Permission granted," the sovereign decreed.

Moments later, Ethan and Isabella sat at the main table of the imperial balcony, surrounded by the continent’s most powerful elite. Mystic food and spiritual elixirs adorned the jade tables, yet the atmosphere remained thick with anticipation.

Ethan didn’t wait to be served a glass. He looked at the sovereign at the center of the table.

"Your Majesty," Ethan began, cutting straight to the point. "Vorian promised that if I endured the trial, I would be granted a wish. I came here to claim that reward."

The ministers and generals present held their breath at the kid’s audacity. However, the Emperor simply rested his chin on his hand and burst into an open laugh.

"Hahaha! That is how it should be," the Emperor answered easily, pouring himself some wine. "Young men today truly ought to be motivated by women. Love and the sword have always been a coin with two similar sides; both demand absolute devotion and the willingness to bleed."

The sovereign turned his icy gaze toward the Silver Dragon delegation before fixing his eyes back on Ethan.

"From this moment forth, the marriage contract between Isabella von Draconia and the Silver Dragon Kingdom is hereby annulled by imperial decree."

Upon hearing the imperial decree, the Silver Dragon Kingdom delegation suffered a crushing blow. The King of the Silver Dragon Kingdom gritted his jaws so hard his gums bled, while the princes and elders of his retinue dug their nails into the jade table until it cracked. Their faces were contorted with public humiliation, yet not a single one dared to utter the slightest complaint. Facing the Emperor’s icy gaze and Vorian’s threatening presence, they had no choice but to grit their teeth and swallow their poison in absolute silence.

Isabella let out a shaky breath, feeling an immense weight lift off her shoulders. However, Ethan had no intention of letting his enemies catch their breath.

To drive the final nail into the rival kingdom’s coffin, Ethan calmly stood up in the middle of the balcony, took Isabella’s hand, and locked his eyes directly onto the throne.

"Your Majesty," Ethan pronounced in a clear, resonant voice, causing the entire hall to fall into a death silence. "Taking advantage of tonight’s generosity, I wish to take one step further. Before the entire court and with the permission of the gods, I officially ask for Lady Isabella von Draconia’s hand in marriage and request the Emperor’s blessing for this union."

A collective gasp echoed across the upper galleries. Ethan’s audacity in sealing his crushing victory under the Silver Dragon’s nose left the continental elite completely speechless.

Isabella turned toward him with wide eyes, stunned, her cheeks flushing crimson, while Vorian let out a pleased chuckle from the back of the balcony.

The Emperor looked at the pair for a few seconds, admiring the unbreakable resolve in the young cultivator’s eyes. An amused smirk touched the monarch’s lips.

"You possess boundless audacity, kid," the Emperor declared, raising his golden goblet. "If the lady accepts, this empire has no reason whatsoever to deny you that blessing."

Ethan stepped closer to her, holding her hand firmly while his icy gaze softened solely to look into her eyes.

"Isabella von Draconia," Ethan said in a low yet clear voice, "my gratitude toward you knows no bounds."

Isabella’s cheeks instantly flushed crimson. She cast her eyes down for a brief second, unable to conceal the soft smile touching her lips as she gently squeezed Ethan’s fingers.

On the adjacent balcony, the tension finally drained from the allied delegation. King Alaric and Great General Vaelen shared a knowing look, letting out a long sigh of relief before breaking into broad, satisfied smiles at the youth’s overwhelming victory.

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