Restart:Untalented Man

King Naharog gave his first speech as a king. Luckily, it was a brief and simple speech, unlike Gliibious. Most of its content revolves around his promise to create a better life for his plebeians though Riz knows he's probably not gonna do it.

After which, the ceremony ended without a hitch. Nobles move to the same hall for lunch while the commoners return to their everyday life. The arrangement of seats is the same and this time, King Naharog joined at the same table with other heads of state.

Out of all the empty seats, He chooses to sit beside Riz.

As they enjoy their food, Riz brings up the question that has been lingering in his mind."I don't know that you're a religious kind of person, King Naharog."

King Naharog laughed at Riz's assumption, "Hahaha. Initially, I don't. However, people sent by the bishopric convinced me to make Syldris a state religion so they can freely spread it without any oppression. In return for my generosity, they will help me control the populace and public opinion while simultaneously building my image."

Riz frowned for a second before recovering his calm face. Fortunately, no one noticed it.

Still, he wasn't comfortable with Nelson's words.

He can't stop himself from complaining inwardly, 'To be honest, you should reject the offer with all your might. Giving them control over the populace means letting them get a hold on your neck.'

The new king continues, "Honestly speaking, I've no reason to reject such a deal. Also, I'm a bit tempted by the prospect of having the dragon protect my kingdom. Look at Sidgean Empire, they had a vast territory spanning across the ocean. I believe my kingdom would grow that big once we proved our devotion to Syldris. She'll send the army of dragons to help my kingdom!!"

Looking at the newly crowned king, Riz sighs helplessly. 'No good. This man is already a lost cause. I don't know what lies they had fed him to become like this. If your kingdom expands, wouldn't that mean you'll encroach on my territory?'

Nelson's eyes are at the border between devotion and madness.

This problematic neighbour of his has successfully been turned into a zealot by the Syldrisess.

"How are you going to prove it, King Naharog?" President Metternich who has been listening attentively asked.

"I'm planning to capture Lonsbak!!" King Naharog said resolutely. No trace of hesitation can be found.

"What?!! Lonsbak?!!!" The three of them said at the same time.

King Naharog gave them a very peculiar look, "Why are the three of you so surprised?"

"Listen here, my fellow ruler." Riz cleared his throat, "According to our knowledge, Count Hajdu was already under the shade of the Emperor of Inverloch and the county has been considered a part of Inverloch territory. That's the reason we're so surprised." Riz explained.

"King Naharog, this is not a trifling matter! You might give that emperor a reason to move up north." President Matthew said with a stern voice, giving the new king a slight warning.

King or not, his actions may affect them collectively. Even Ryntum, who is always proud of their military strength, is unsure if they can match Inverloch. That empire can simply flood his kingdom with its big population and win.

"Don't worry, my fellow rulers. Look at Vofors, they're doing just fine after capturing Dalfos which originally belonged to Hajdu."

Metternich refuted him, "That's because we attacked way before Count Hajdu bowed his head to the emperor. They may feel a bit bitter by this fact but nothing they can do. Unless the emperor is a fool, they can proceed with their weak claim and face all the northern nations."

President Matthew and Riz nodded their heads, agreeing with Metternich's assessment.

On the other side, King Naharog fell into silence.

Nonetheless, the silence didn't last long when an unwanted voice broke it.

"Worry not, Your Majesty. You may proceed with your plan. The warmth of Syldris will always protect her devotees. As long as your heart is sincere, the victory is in your hand." said Fire Priest Gliibious.

"Priest Gliibious..." All of them mumbled the same words.

Riz squinted his eyes. This old priest suddenly appears and rescues King Naharog from the pressure exerted by three heads of state at the perfect time.

Why is he in the vicinity of this table in the first place? Isn't this area exclusive to the highest rank of nobility?

The arrival of Gliibious is akin to a ray of hope for King Naharog, "Since the priest says so, I'll proceed with my plan. With the fire of Syldris, I shall save them from the coldness of the world."

Gliibious gives a strong nod. He was satisfied with Naharog's response.

Then, he walks away to another part of the hall as if nothing happens.

A king and two presidents were dumbfounded by how easily the priest convinced King Naharog. They're unable to comprehend the fact that a mere priest gives a green light to the king.

"Are you insane?! Why do you let him lead you by the nose?" Riz slammed his hand on the table.

Everyone especially King Naharog was taken aback, "Lead me?! No, no, no, you misunderstood, King Riz. Gliibious is a man appointed by Syldris Lair to spread the teaching of fire to humankind. When it comes to a crucial decision, it is natural to seek his guidance."

Matthew, Metternich and Riz glance at each other. For the first time, three leaders with different ideologies and beliefs in state affairs reach a consensus against this absurdity.

It is a wise idea to change the conversation topic before their headaches worsen.

Riz nudged Metternich's rib, signalling him to start first.

"Let's forget about it for a while. Now, King Naharog, would you be generous to tell us more about your mesmerizing crown, sceptre and ring? I see them bear a single similarity."

Riz felt relief, 'So, I am not the only one who noticed it.'

"Ohh! Do you mean this, President Metternich?" King Naharog lifted his hand, allowing them to take a closer look. "This is a send from Turtevekesia as a congratulatory upon my ascension to the throne."

"I have never seen a gemstone with such a high concentration of red colour. What is it? Is it ruby?" Riz asked a follow-up question.

King Naharog curled up his lips. He looks at them with an expression of triumph, "No, no, no, this is not a gemstone but a mana crystal. From what I've been told, it originated from the blood of Syldris. It is said that Syldris's entire body was so dense with mana to the point where a single drop of her blood contained more mana than the highest quality of mana crystal form in nature. There is a very small amount of it available. Turtevekesia sends three of these precious mana crystals to me as a magnanimous gesture from Syldris."

"So, where is Syldris currently at?" Metternich is curious about this so-called empress of dragons.

Unlike Metternich, Matthew doesn't give a damn about it. Perhaps he was too old to be fascinated by it. At his age, his adventurous and truth-seeking spirit has long died out.

"The Great Red Dragon Syldris was last spotted in the east. Syldrisess believes she is on the island of Vakia. A brave Syldrisess will take a challenge to venture into the scorching ocean of Vakia. It is said that only a chosen one is able to step foot on that island unharmed."

"What an interesting tale. Do you think so too?" Metternich turned to the side.

"Hmm? Yeah...yeah...very interesting." Riz wasn't attention to their idle talks.

His mind has gone somewhere else. The advent of mana crystals may throw thwart his plan to establish dominance in the continent.

Now, the seemingly harmless neighbour on the west poses a plethora of threats to him.

"I need to reaccess the situation when I return home..."