[TWS] Chapter 298 – The King of Kings

“I’m even less sure about this now…” Asterios chuckled wryly.

“Oh, come on, what’s the worst that can happen?” Grea smacked his back lightly a few times. “This has been our goal for a while now, no?”

He sighed. “I guess, to some extent. But asking a king to come under someone else might still pose a bit of a problem.”

“Father would have to pass the throne to one of us, or another of his children, somewhere in the future, so he would become our equal at least. If not even a subordinate,” Silvia commented. “And well, just being able to contact Miss Kindra easily is enough of a reason for him to agree right away.”

“Plus, he would be able to talk with you and all of us too,” Miria added. “I think we should try, Master. The king definitely trusts you, and you did reveal things about yourself to him too.”

“Right. If Silvia isn’t uncomfortable with it, I don’t think I should argue with you all.” Asterios smiled at the princess softly.

“I would love for my dad to share this connection with me and the rest of us.” Silvia nodded kindly, responding with the same.

“Time for another audience, then!” Grea grinned and stood up. “Are you coming with us, Princess?”

“Tina should be fine on her own for a little while so I think it’s now my turn to bring my parents into our little family.” The princess chuckled delicately. “It will be my pleasure.”

Without further ado, Asterios transported himself to the royal capital, appearing close to the castle. Miria, Selene, Grea, and Silvia joined him a moment later, stepping out of a crimson gate together. Bryn remained in her realm, returning there after finishing her lesson with Suanori and Ellie. Even though she accompanied Asterios a lot more than in the past, she still had important responsibilities to tend to on her side of the world.

It didn’t take them long to locate Welrond and Silvia led them to one of the king’s office chambers. After announcing their arrival and getting invited inside, she brought everyone in front of her father. The man welcomed them with a warm smile, moving to hug his dear daughter right away.

“I must say, I certainly don’t mind you guys visiting more often recently.” Welrond laughed lightly. “I’m still catching myself panicking for a second or two after not finding Silvia in her usual places whenever I’m deep in thought and wander there out of habit.”

“Sorry, Dad.” Silvia smiled apologetically. “I think I got used to my new situation a little bit faster.”

“I don’t doubt it. You had amazing help.” He grinned at Asterios. “So, what brings you to me this time? Can I assist you with anything? Is there significant progress with the Elf Queen’s issue?”

“Actually, what we came to discuss with you might make it easier for you to get used to this much faster too,” she replied, recapturing his attention in a flash.

“Oh?” The king raised a curious brow at her.

Receiving a glance from the man’s daughter, Asterios stepped forward. “While working on the queen’s case, we started slowly building our own… forces. My… mentor… urged me to grow my entourage as a True Dragon, expanding it further than just by accepting mates. I can recruit other kinds of subordinates too, who are willing to support me while receiving some boons in return.”

“Which isn’t exactly a common thing amongst True Dragons,” Grea joined in with an enticing smirk. “They usually care not for the opinion of their potential subordinates. Not to mention any benefits other than those they themselves receive. So, it’s quite an incredible deal, to be perfectly honest.”

“What you are asking… Is for me to become your underling… Is that right?” The king mused, stroking his chin while faintly squinting his eye at Asterios.

“I’m well aware of how it sounds and looks. I wasn’t really sure if I should bring it up either.” Asterios raised his hands placatingly. “But, Silvia insisted on at least asking.”

The king’s eyes moved to the princess.

“You do owe him, Father. A lot if we consider what Asterios did not just for the kingdom but also for me personally,” she said with a calm, soft tone. “I know you keep looking for ways to repay his kindness and this could be a good way to achieve that. Additionally, you would form a strong connection with a True Dragon. It’s not like it would be a one-sided contract like the ones Grea mentioned.”

“I understand where you are coming from, Daughter. “The man nodded firmly. “But you should be aware that I have to consider the appearances here, as well as my position, all the subjects that are under my rule, and—”

“Miss Kindra also has to be mindful of her position and yet she didn’t really seem to have a problem with working it out right away,” Silvia interrupted him, pondering out loud.

“—it would definitely do all of that more than good if I managed to secure the support of such a legendary creature for our kingdom,” Welrond continued his sentence seemingly without skipping a breath, though they could easily notice the faint signs of his hasty adjustment, barely containing their smirks and chuckles. “What kind of benefits are we talking about specifically?”

Silvia shot Asterios a satisfied smile and he shook his head at her, meeting the king’s gaze. “The main one would be something akin to telepathy with everyone involved in this connection. Additionally, sensing each other’s presence, as well as some other, more personal boons, possibly. In the future, maybe even the ability to travel through spatial breaches I should be able to create in the very fabric of the universe.”

The king appeared to be deep in thought, considering his words in all seriousness, but it was more than obvious that he was just stalling to keep the appearances he’d mentioned earlier. The excited and eager glint in the man’s eyes betrayed his hopes and intentions completely.

“And what do you think I should do, Daughter? As the potential, upcoming queen?” He glanced at Silvia.

“Just as I said, this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity. Remember our fiery ancestor? This could bring a new beginning for our nation, an unforeseen evolution. One day we might even be able to boast of being descendants and followers of the strongest True Dragon in the universe,” she replied confidently. “And on that topic, perhaps we should consider submitting to Asterios as a community?”

“Oh! Like the Lizardkin?” Miria gasped in surprise. “With your father as the representative and the people as the… lesser subjects?”

She barely withheld her excitement enough to catch herself before calling the king’s subjects slaves. It certainly wouldn’t have been the most proper term to use in front of a monarch during such a discussion.

Asterios chuckled wryly. “That feels like a step or two too far. We didn’t come here to take over the kingdom and its people.”

“Then, rather than include the entire population, we could just include a smaller, chosen group in the direct link,” Selene suggested thoughtfully.

“The Royal Division.” Silvia clasped her hands together. “They would be perfect as your cavalry. Our goal is to grow your forces, so this feels fitting. If I’m to become a queen one day, they would be under my orders anyway.”

“I still think it’s a little bit too much. At least right from the start.” Asterios placed a hand on her shoulder. “And it would need a big ceremony. Let’s maybe start with just your father if he is willing and then see how it goes. From what I’ve learned from my mentor, it should still be possible to alter things that way afterward.”

“I agree with Silvia, Master,” Miria chimed in, pushing herself into his side with a bashful smile. “You could recruit followers from many places that way. Zoe could be your commander of her own squad of hunters from our village. Perhaps Suanori could bring some adventurers into hers.”

“That sounds interesting, but don’t forget that we would most likely need to reveal quite a bit about me to those people if it was to work. All that blood-letting ceremony and so on. We should focus on trusted individuals, those who are sure to keep a secret and be faithful to the cause,” he replied, scratching under her adorable chin.

“The Royal Division is very loyal, but I can understand your worry,” Silvia added. “We can always consider it later just as you mentioned. Then, Father, what are you going to do?”

The king sighed heavily. Perhaps a bit too heavily for it to be a natural reaction.

“Your words do seem to hold wisdom in them, Daughter. The monarch has their aides exactly for moments like this, and I trust your observations and opinions most likely the most out of all my advisors. Let us make some history, then.” He smirked at her softly.

“Good choice, Dad.” She nodded with a warm smile.

Then, they spent a longer moment discussing the details and explaining the process to Welrond. Already on the topic, they talked about the wider version of subservience that Silvia had mentioned, discussing the village of the Dragonkin Lizardkin and how everything worked for them.

Next, the king went through the proper steps to form a connection with Asterios and received the rank of servant. It didn’t seem to bother him too much after learning all the names of the existing ranks and how they actually worked outside of their somewhat disrespectful terminology. Asterios wondered if there would be any issues due to their bloodlines, but everything finished without a problem.

“So… How do I contact someone?” Welrond asked after throwing his arm over Ast’s shoulder and dragging him away to the side.

Asterios held back his smirk. “Just get a feel of the links between everyone. It should be a piece of cake for someone as experienced as you. You can test things out with Silvia or any of us.”

The man nodded and turned them back to everyone. “I assume I wasn’t your last stop on this journey to gather supporters. What are your next targets? Grotger? Zegion? Did you already capture the queen?”

“That’s actually a great idea, Dad.” Silvia crossed her arms. “We planned to invite Asterios’ close friends and associates, but having the most important people from each region on our side could be meaningful. Though, while Patriarch Grotger might be inclined to agree, I’m not so sure about the Demon Lord.”

“We could ask the queen after healing her precious friend. I don’t think she would reject us if we succeeded,” Selene suggested.

“I thought Imadil and Cynthia would be enough, but we’ll see,” Asterios said. “I guess it’s worth a try with the other rulers now that we’ve already taken a step into these circles.”

“It would be useful to be able to reach them instantly without any worries about being eavesdropped on.” Welrond scratched his short stubble. “I like this idea more and more.”

“And so, the legend of the Dragon Emperor begins.” Grea grinned teasingly, making the girls chuckle.

Silvia decided to stay with her father for a while before returning to Tina with Umbra’s help so Asterios and the other girls moved to Dagger’s End without their princess friend. The dwarf town looked just like they remembered it. There seemed to be no clear issues this time and they hoped that their visit would be a bit less eventful than the last time.

After introducing themselves to the sentries stationed in front of the massive fortress, they were let inside and guided to the already familiar strategy chamber. Their escort guard announced their arrival and they entered the room with the round table currently surrounded by the patriarch and his aides. The short, bearded man broke into a wide smile and waddled up to them right after noticing the guests.

“Well, well, well! Asterios and the crew! It’s been a while!” Grotger shook Ast’s hand and respectfully kissed the ladies on the back of their palms. “Don’t worry, you aren’t interrupting anything too important. I hope you bring better news than the last time?”

Asterios nodded. “It depends on how you perceive it, but I think it’s great news, and an even better offer.”

“Good, good! Come closer! Let’s not talk in the open when there are pleasant beverages waiting for us at the table!” The little man urged them forward. “What’s the offer?”

“We might want to discuss this alone. At first, at least,” he replied.

“We are not leaving!” One of the other men frowned.

“You might have helped with one operation but that doesn’t make you trustworthy of being alone with the patriarch!” Another one stood straighter, trying to gain a bit of height, perhaps.

“Asterios is a trusted agent of King Welrond and has already proven his allegiances,” Grotger answered his consultants’ complaints firmly.

“You should not take unnecessary risks, Patriarch! Don’t forget that he possesses brainwashing powers!” The third aide smacked himself in the side of the head with his fist a few times.

“Right so! You promised to be more vigilant after the poison cult incident! Nothing says that his involvement wasn’t a meticulously planned ploy to gain our trust from the inside!” The first one gesticulated vividly.

The patriarch groaned tiredly. “This is an order. Leave us. He already said that he might share the topic further at a later date, so let’s not make him retract those words. I can take care of myself.”

“No can do, Patriarch!” All the present advisors boomed together, not backing down even a bit.

Grotger rubbed his forehead in annoyance. It looked like his aides had become quite adamant and distrustful after the situation with an enemy hiding right under their noses.

Asterios cleared his throat, capturing everyone’s attention. “May I?”

“Knock yourself out.” The patriarch waved at him. “Nothing can convince those bastards after they double down on shit.”

It was pretty clear, but Asterios had a different idea. Thankfully, the men’s eyes were all on him so he fulfilled all the necessary conditions.

Drawing on his scorching hot energy, he poured it into his eyes and words. “Leave.”

A slight wave of spiritual pressure washed off him like a barely noticeable gust of warmth. His draconic eyes reflected in the gazes of the aides as they shuddered lightly and began marching out of the chamber with stiff motions. Grotger stared at them with his mouth agape until the last person left the room and the heavy doors closed. He shivered too after looking up at Ast’s face.

“Brainwashing?” he asked confusedly.

“Not exactly.” Asterios chuckled. “I did not change their minds. I forced them to follow my orders, took control of their bodies. This is part of the topic I wanted to discuss with you. You see, I’m a True Dragon.”

“Bollocks!” The patriarch snorted but his already greyish face paled even more.

“Is it?” Asterios smirked, peering down at him with his fierce pupils.

“And what would… A True Dragon want from me… Assuming I believe you…” Grotger stammered anxiously.

Asterios and the girls presented their suggestion to him once more, bringing up some more information on Asterios and their motivations to reassure the patriarch that they held no bad intentions towards him and any other dwarves. The more he listened to their tales, the more comfortable the man got with their presence.

The moment they brought King Welrond, he pretty much agreed instantly, a huge, almost manic grin stretching his face. The man’s thoughts and motivations were obvious. In front of a chance to fuck with the human ruler on a possibly daily basis, everything else lost any importance. Asterios and the girls knew very well what kind of relationship the two leaders shared.

Grotger didn’t really have a trusted, elite force so they settled on taking just him in as a servant. His role was more of an informant and a contact, first and foremost. As Welrond had stated, being connected to Asterios and the others would be beneficial for the patriarch and everyone else. Trade talks and other negotiations would get much easier.

Though, Silvia’s father might possibly curse himself for his hasty suggestion quite soon. It didn’t feel like he would have too much peace in pursuing Ast’s mother with the dwarf patriarch using every opportunity to mentally nag him all the time. And they were sure the short man planned to do exactly that.

After everything was finished, no one stayed behind and they moved to the Demon Continent together. Asterios had no expectations walking into Zegion’s castle. The Demon King didn’t feel like someone who would bow down to anyone or even actually care about anything else than fighting. And perhaps a different, similarly tiring activity.

When the four of them found the man in his throne chamber, he was without his close aides this time. Zegion was sprawled all over his throne, wearing the same martial arts uniform as during their first meeting, with its top hanging down from his belt as usual.

“Welcome, Dragon.” He grinned at Asterios eagerly. “Did you come for a rematch? I’m curious how much more durable this throne is in comparison to the previous one.”

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea without your bodyguards present.” Asterios smirked back at him.

“Oh. Someone’s grown cocky. Is this your inner Dragon speaking?” The man’s smile widened even further. “What brings you here then? Missed me, handsome?”

Miria let out a possessive growl as she squinted at the rosy demon and Asterios decided to indulge her a little bit by proving her point. His arm wound around her waist with almost equal possessiveness, bringing her body into his as his fingers stroked her belly. He could feel her surprise, but also happiness and appreciation at displaying their bond.

“I have plenty of mesmerizing mates to help me deal with loneliness, so no, that is not the reason behind our visit.” He placed a chaste kiss on Miria’s cheek. “We bring an offer, a deal of sorts. One that a few rulers have already found worthy enough to accept.”

Zegion fixed his position on the throne a little, though his sly expression didn’t change in the slightest.

“And what makes you think that you can convince me to follow in the footsteps of those insignificant weaklings?” he taunted.

Miria left Ast’s side and took a few steps back with the other girls as Asterios started slowly but purposefully walking forward. Crimson-ebony mist swirled around his figure and began expanding rapidly. After a moment, a massive figure towered over the raised platform with the king’s throne and a giant snout of a ferocious red True Dragon hung inches away from Zegion’s face.

“Because it’s a better option than ending up as a chewing toy for these little bad boys,” Asterios growled fiercely, showcasing his scary-looking fangs.

Zegion’s eyes widened to the brim with awe as he stared at the ominous draconic entity in front of him before he laughed heartily.

“Yes! Hahahaha! Great! Perfect! Incredible!” he shouted excitedly. “You are finally catching on, Dragon!”

Asterios snorted, puffing a tiny cloud of black fumes alongside hot air at the demon ruler. He withdrew his jaws from the man’s face but remained transformed for now.

“I’ll accept your offer gladly,” the man spoke enthusiastically. “Under one condition.”

“You haven’t even heard what it's about.” Asterios shook his draconic head. “Sure. And that is?”

“Fight me!” Zegion boomed, spreading his arms.

Asterios rolled his eyes. He should have expected that.

But, he decided to humor the king and accepted his request. They called for Bryn just in case so that she could aid Selene in protecting the audience chamber from ending up in pieces of rubble and dust.

Since Zegion’s aides were absent, they couldn’t really go all out or Asterios risked wounding the king gravely by accident, but their bout still shook the entire place to its foundations. Naturally, the new throne and the platform ended up obliterated into nothingness, along with a few supporting pillars. It was actually a disadvantage for Asterios to move around in the audience chamber full of thick columns obstructing his path. Thankfully, most of them remained just damaged and the ceiling didn’t come crashing on their heads.

But, obviously, the Demon King’s aides and subordinates were not happy about the newly renovated throne chamber being reduced to a pulverized battleground. They scolded their ruler heavily, and some directed their complaints at Asterios too for not stopping him. No one suffered any critical injuries in the end and Bryn healed them up to the peak of their condition.

As he promised, Zegion accepted Ast’s offer after listening to their brief explanation. He was the most excited about the prospect of joining Asterios during his fights with strong and previously undiscovered opponents. The man urged him to develop his spatial technique as soon as possible so he could have a grasp on it before something exciting happened and Zegion would miss it.

Since it was already getting late after they were done in the Demon Continent, they returned to the Garden of Sinners to take a rest with Tina and Silvia before hitting the bed together. The major players had been recruited, and now they had to pick up a few minor figures the next day or two. That should give their elf friends enough time to ponder their new weapons and gear.