Chapter 196 Interlude

Cygnus did not expect that kind of answer from the man. For him to say those words, he couldn't imagine what his current image was in the major's mind. He clapped his hands and nodded towards the man.

"You have a good insight." Cygnus praised him and even stood up to pat the other's shoulder.

"It's an educated guess but I just hope that it won't happen." Linius looked at him with a serious expression on his face.

"If I were you, you should start preparing for it because if I was really from this world and all of those memories happened in here, I might snap one day and decide to just end it all." Cygnus leaned down and whispered into his ear. "You should be ready."

The aftermath of the battle against the mana core stealer was handled by Ulysses and he was also the one who reported it to the king. Orpheus was relieved that the culprit was finally killed even though there were casualties during the process. Ulysses also took that chance to talk about the proper recognition of the Mage Brigade under Major Linius.

Aside from that, the king also brought forward the matter regarding the major's promotion to General which the duke happily accepted. Orpheus then issued a royal edict and directly handed it to Ulysses. They also set a date as to when the major will be formally promoted.

Ulysses returned to the manor in good spirits as he handed the edict to Linius. Several pair of eyes stared at the golden scroll containing the king's words. The major slowly opened the scroll for everyone to see.

Gasps were heard after they read what was on the scroll. William was especially happy because his cousin would finally be promoted to become a general. He even cheered and jumped in joy because finally after years of serving in the military, his cousin would become the youngest general in the kingdom.

A series of congratulations echoed in the room and the news quickly spread through the whole manor. Every servant that would meet the major would congratulate him even when he visited the base, the congratulatory messages still kept coming. He was already getting annoyed with it but he needed to accept it with a smile.

"You'll be a general. In the future it would be easier for you to seize the throne." Cygnus out of nowhere appeared behind him. He was leaning down as if he was focused on the documents on the major's table.

Linius sighed and put down the pen he was holding. "I do not have any intention of seizing the throne so please be careful with your words."

Cygnus's eyes narrowed before he stood straight, "Is that so? But you know I get this feeling that you would want that soon."

He walked away from behind the major and made his way towards the couch on the right side of the room. He sat down and picked up a document that was placed in there. He started to go through it without any visible changes on his face.

"These proposals are quite good, why didn't you approve them?" He commented after flipping through several documents.

"Those proposals have no real benefit to the people so why would I approve it. At least I want to make their lives comfortable before you swoop in and destroy everything." Linius answered without looking up from the paper he started to read.

Cygnus threw back the papers and leaned on the seat, "Ah, I don't really get how you do your work. Obviously, they are beneficial but you reject them just because it is a bit unfair? But that's how life is, everything is unfair."

"Don't try to push your beliefs. I already knew your way of thinking and not in a million years would I think like you." LInius's voice sounded confident that he did not even need to look up to prove his point.

Cygnus fell silent for a while, as if he was deep in thoughts. He started to hum out of nowhere with his feet softly tapping the floor. Linius looked at him once before he shook his head and continued with what he was doing.

"Well then, I'll leave you to it." Cygnus stood up and left the room. Linius sighed and was finally relieved that the man was left.

For the next few days, the manor was busy with the preparation of a banquet that will be held after the confirmation of Major Linius into a general. Even the people were buzzing with excitement ever since they got wind of the news. The rehabilitation of the city was going smoothly thanks to the help of the palace, the Hero Association and the Ginehart household so they were going to celebrate with them.

Even the palace was full of excitement at the upcoming ceremony even though some people were not happy with what was going to happen. Some of the aristocrats came one after the other to complain to the king but the king brushed them all off. He even denied some of them an  audience because of how ridiculous they were acting.

"If I may ask your majesty, are you really sure about this? Once Major Linius becomes a general their power will significantly grow." General Ishmael spoke from where he was standing just after they sent away the last person who came to complain.

"Even if their power grows, they are still loyal to the royal family and Ulysses has no aspiration of taking the throne. All he worries about is his territory, which is also the reason why he doesn't set foot in the capital that much." The king looked at the general while explaining this point. "Besides, their power is something I need to stabilize my position."

General Ishmael did not make any more remarks and could only silently agree to the king. He and the duke were not on good terms but he knew that the king's words had basis. Ulysses Ginehart was still a military general even though he didn't often go to battle because of his son and he was also a duke to the largest dukedom in the country. He already held a significant amount of power and yet he still remained loyal.

"Maintaining a good relationship with them is a must. We can't afford to offend them for now. For now, we can use their existence to keep the other powers in check." Orpheus added after he finished signing the last document he was reading. "The internal turmoil in our kingdom has already begun."

The day of the confirmation all people of the capital were excited as they waited in anticipation. The ceremony would be done in the grand plaza of the city. With the absolved mages, the construction of the plaza was fast. The place was decorated with gold and red pieces of fabric together with yellow and gold flowers.

The people were holding baskets of confetti that they were continuously throwing around the place. It was a joyful occasion thus most of the citizens of the city attended to witness this grand event. Cygnus and his butler were seated on the front together with the crown prince and his cousin Lindon.

They were sitting awkwardly but this was only in the part of Lindon because Cygnus was relaxed. He looked at the man with hate in his eyes but he couldn't possibly curse at him in that kind of situation. The Crown Prince noticed the man's discomfort before glancing at the person in front of them.

"Sir Rigel, wouldn't you mind changing your seat?" He politely asked him with a smile. He too was uncomfortable but he couldn't do it in front of many people.

"Why? This seat has been assigned to us so I don't have any reason to change seats." Cygnus's hands were both crossed on his chest as he leaned on the chair he was sitting on. Even the way he crossed his legs was oozing with confidence.

"You! How dare you talk back to me?" The crown prince was suddenly angry because of the provocation.

"You are wrong. I am not talking back, your highness. I am merely speaking of the truth that you refuse to acknowledge."