Reincarnated With An SSS-Rank Talent In An Apocalyptic World-Chapter 106: Charming The Solinthar Royal Court

The crowd shivered, glancing at me as if they had seen a ghost. I could understand why—because even Luthor, who told me about the empire, referred to their leader as "Emperor." It was either he purposely tried to deceive me or he didn’t know who their ruler truly was.

"Step aside," the aged voice rang from behind.

The people glanced over their shoulders at first, seemingly reluctant, but they eventually succumbed and stepped aside.

Empress Althea stood still, gazing at me with unnatural intensity.

If it were anyone else, they might be perplexed by the sheer weight of her gaze—but I was not a normal person.

I had argued with the heavens, refusing to do their bidding.

I had looked the abyss in the eyes and rejected its empty promises.

Would it be rational that my confidence falters now?

Gazing at a woman a few years away from the grave was the least intimidating thing I had done in this life. I could not be moved by it.

"Will you take my hand, Empress?" I asked, my hand still outstretched.

Althea glanced at it, and her gaze quivered slightly. My iron will confused her—especially when I stood alone in the midst of unfamiliar faces.

Reluctantly, she took a few timid steps forward before placing her hand on mine.

They were cold, void of any form of warmth—like a corpse. freeweɓnøvel~com

And just like me.

"You are cold," she gasped under my grip, and I nodded slowly.

"Not just cold. I’m in pain... I can feel a hole in my chest and an emptiness in my heart," I said in a calm, soothing tone that eased her nerves.

"The heavens and the abyss have each taken turns to hold down this human, but they have all failed."

The Empress’s eyes dilated with shock at my words. She was old, perceptive, and possessed a vast wealth of knowledge. She could see the pain in my eyes, the shivers beneath my thick skin.

I watched her closely as she raised her hand to my chest and placed it there.

She waited a few seconds—and her eyes widened even more at what she discovered.

"Your heart... it barely beats," she gasped. "You barely draw air..."

"Yet, I still stand strong," I responded with a nod.

Slowly, I raised my left hand and enclosed her cold hand between both palms, pressing gently.

"I have gone through suffering. I understand pain. And I hate to see it when humans suffer the same fate as I did," I lied with a straight face. "I will fight for your people."

Buzz!

As soon as I said this, my shirt tore open as a pair of black angelic wings sprouted, flapping gently as I rose above them—and they all gasped in awe.

The reason I did this was because of a small tip I gained from Luthor’s story, about how the One would swoop down from the heavens and save the people in their darkest moments.

With this in mind, I suspected the One was a winged figure—especially since there were no helicopters or jets in this world. I was banking on that suspicion... and it seemed I was right.

Even before the Empress could speak, everyone began falling to their knees, their heads lowered.

Only Empress Althea remained standing, gazing at me with tearful eyes. Her body trembled with emotion as she slowly lowered her head and tried to bow her old body.

Swoosh!

I descended quickly and gently grabbed her shoulders, lifting her up in the presence of her subordinates.

"I cannot stand by and watch you wound your body just for a bow, my lady. Your health is more important than honorifics," I said while gently helping her up.

While everyone wanted to be led by a domineering man who could command fear and respect, they also loved the merciful and gracious.

If I had let this old lady force her frail body to bow, it wouldn’t have changed a thing.

But by stopping her and putting her condition into consideration—I had earned their respect.

"You are truly God-sent," Empress Althea said while looking into my eyes.

"Who would have thought I would live long enough to see the day my people’s liberator arrives?"

Her voice was shaky, and I could see those around her feel the weight of her words. Judging by the way they had hidden her when I arrived and their reaction when I stopped her from bowing—it was clear these people loved their Empress.

To win them over completely, I needed to treat her well.

Ding!

> [Congratulations on winning the hearts of the Solinthar Empire Court. All that is left is to sit on the throne and claim the territory as yours!]

[+5000 EXP & +10 Solinthar Fragments]

I had yet to use the last set of experience points I gained from becoming the One, and I was already gaining more.

I never expected my journey to this realm to be so fruitful.

It was exactly the bounce-back I needed after losing so much.

"Will you grace my humble empire with your presence?" Empress Althea’s words stole my attention once again.

"It will be my pleasure," I said with a smile that made the old lady blush.

Apparently, dangerous-looking men were considered hot not just by young women—but even by old ladies.

She let go of my hands reluctantly and stepped back while a few people walked up with a cloak and draped it over her, pulling the hood over her face.

The young man in extravagant armor walked up to me and bowed slightly before speaking.

"I am—"

"Caelum Solinthar, Prince of this empire," I cut him off, while a red gleam poured out of my dark eyes.

Caelum was stunned, even though it was expected. He glanced at his aged mother, who nodded in approval with a smile, and he quickly bowed again.

"Truly, the insight of the One is beyond my imagination," he said, and I chuckled while shaking my head.

"My strength is still growing... I cannot see everything," I replied calmly before asking the question on my mind.

"Why do you hide my lady from plain sight?"

Caelum raised his head with a worried look. The youth was young—probably in his early twenties—with silver and crimson hair, blended perfectly to create a breathtaking pattern.

His face was soft, with a faint scar on his cheek that gave him a boyish charm.

"The state of the empire is dire. If the people see the current state of their Empress, it will kill their morale.

So we only make them believe the Empress is cultivating her magic in seclusion—and I have been made the face of the royal family," he explained honestly.

My eyes narrowed. I looked at the Empress, then back at the young prince.

"That won’t be necessary anymore."

Buzz!

Heads snapped in my direction, shocked by my bold words.

"Now that I’m here, not only will Solinthar be safe—

We will recapture every single territory taken by these animals!"

I failed to carry out this plan in the Nightfall Dominion... but this time would be different.

Especially since these people had willingly submitted to me.

This time, I will not fail!

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