The Emperor looked at Nate with a smile that seemed to have a more profound meaning.

"You may rise"

"Thank you, your majesty"

Nate quickly stood up and a moment of silence ensued.

The Emperor was simply looking at Nathaniel with a smile. Nate in kind also stayed silent with a smile on his face, looking calm.

After what seemed to have been a short eternity the Emperor finally spoke.

"I heard from Cornelius that you already reached your second awakening, is that true?"

"Yes, your majesty"

"The ancient records stated that the hero's talent is inferior to no one but I am sure that the speed of your progress is one of best even among the heroes of the past"

"I am flattered, your majesty"

Nate was politely replying and the Emperor seemed satisfied.

"Well, enough of that. I did call you here for a purpose after all"

After saying that, Emperor waved his hand and a pair of people stepped forward holding different items.

"I called you here mainly for three things... Firstly, I would like to officially recognize you as a noble of the Valencian Empire and grand you the title of a Baron..."

"Thank you, your majesty"

'Tying me down huh?'

Nate politely expressed his 'thanks' and bowed.

"And Secondly I would like to give you a couple of small gifts in order to congratulate you on your second awakening"

He waved his hand once again and this time the pair of servants approached Nate.

"There is two pieces of magic equipment I would like to gift you... The first one is a magic robe. It has some interesting properties, a normal sword would be unable to pierce it and it is resistant to elements as well. In cold it will keep you warm and protect you from the heat in hot environments"

Nate lightly bowed and took the robe, he instantly put it on. The robe was entirely black but the details on it were exquisite and profound. It fitted him perfectly.

"And the second gift is this staff... It will enhance your magic power by at least twofold"

He also took the staff and was surprised by how well it fitted his hand. The staff was also black and plain except for the tip where the red crystal was inlaid with rune like symbols on it. This time Nate bowed even more deeply.

"Thank you, your majesty"

"Haha! No need to thank me"

'Well, you are partially right. These 'gifts' are nothing but a way for you to make me feel gratitude towards you but they will be useful nevertheless'

The servants walked away and once again a moment of silence ensued.

The smile on the emperor's face seemed to wither a bit and his expression turned to one of a slight 'embarrassment'.

"Well, actually the third matter is a small request of mine... you see the situation with the demons is worsening by the day and I am afraid time is not something that we possess a lot of. Cornelius already contacted the church of purity..."

'Church of purity? I heard of them. They worship Goddess of Purity Astria and their meaning of word 'purity' is slightly differs from mine. They are basically a military organisation with a church as a cover and take care of all that is deemed 'evil' by them'

"And it is arranged that you will accompany a small squad of holy knights in order for you to gain some experience..."

'Basically, do the dirty work... got it'

"I hope you are up to take this task?"

"Of course, your majesty. It is my duty after all"

"Haha! It would seem I was worried for nothing. You may leave now. I am sure you would like to prepare for your journey"

"Thank you, your majesty"

Nate bowed, turned around and left the throne room. Emperor's expression turned ice cold.

"Peter, tell me once again what do you think of him. Will my plan work?"

The grand priest wasn't surprised by the behaviour of the emperor and replied.

"He seems kind hearted, polite and he is also very talented. Overall, I think he is a good kid and your plan... It should work"

"Is that so? How about you Brutus?"

The bald man that was named Brutus turned to look at the emperor and his already sly smile widened even more.

"Well, it is true that he seems naive enough to fight for us but you never know with the young people these days"

"Right? His behaviour, the way he speaks and that glow in his eyes... he doesn't seem to be a simple character but maybe I am overthinking..."

Cornelius shook his head when he heard the conversation of the two but quickly turned to look at the door of the throne room. He looked at it like he wanted to see through it and nobody knew what was on his mind.

***

Nate was looking at the city through the window in his room and was thinking intensivly, the frown on his face was very visible.

'Should I use this escapade and run off somewhere? But to where? I know very little about this world, surrounding cities, geography... F*ck! I don't even know the streets of this city since I wasn't allowed to go outside of the castle'

"Sigh..."

Nate looked resigned and looked down at the floor but after a moment he shook his head and the smile returned to his face.

'I guess I can just go and see... what is the worst that can happen? I already died once after all'

"Hahaha... Exactly I already died once... I simply have nothing to lose. There is simply no reason to worry at all. Hahaha!"

Nate started laughing alone in his room, the look of insanity in his eyes sligtly intensified.