Lia didn't want this to happen.
She knew that this honor was brought by Viktor, so she couldn't let Viktor down.
The emperor slowly walked to the front of the floor, and many people saw Victor's familiar face.
"That's... Victor?"
"What?! Viktor is actually behind the Emperor?!"
"Holy crap! Viktor!?"
The guests were instantly agitated upon seeing Victor.
They looked at each other, utterly bewildered.
When Gwen and Kefla saw Victor, they were speechless.
"Sister...sister, is that Viktor?"
Gwen's glass trembled, and her voice quivered.
Kevlar was also somewhat surprised, but she had seen a lot of big events and wasn't as dramatic as Gwen. She simply nodded in response.
"I think so..."
"He actually stood by the emperor's side. The emperor really values Viktor too much."
...
Some people envy him, while others are jealous of him, and there are also those who stare at Viktor with hostility.
However, they dared not do anything, and could only grip their cups tightly, their thoughts divided.
Erica naturally saw Victor as well, staring blankly at the second floor.
Then she turned to look at Duke Reeves beside her.
There was no great surprise in her expression when she saw her father; rather, it was as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
'It seems Father already knew.'
The emperor's personal commendation of Victor is entirely different from Victor accompanying the emperor.
The award was for Viktor's contributions; it was an achievement he deserved.
And accompanying them...
There are too many possible reasons to speculate on.
Regardless, this is a signal from the royal family to all the nobles.
The Clavina family's move was a sign of goodwill towards the royal family.
At that moment, Erica also caught sight of Lia behind Victor, and her eyes lit up.
The beautiful shop owner I saw at the prop shop last time was indeed Victor's relative.
Only Victor's relatives had the privilege of traveling with the emperor.
Everyone put down their wine cups, bowed to the emperor, and expressed their respect.
The emperor waved his hand, cleared his throat, and began his formulaic speech:
"As you all know, this war between the empires was a great victory for us, but the empire still suffered heavy losses."
"As the leader of the Empire, I am deeply saddened. From this day forward, the Demon War will be recorded in the history of the Empire, and that day will be commemorated as a day for the entire nation to remember this painful lesson."
"Victor Clavner's contribution is known to everyone in the capital. He defeated the demon and prevented the tragedy from continuing."
"In the name of King Saul VIII, I bestow upon Victor the highest honor of the Empire, the Imperial Medal!"
As soon as the emperor finished speaking, a minister carrying a gleaming medal walked up to the second-floor platform and stood before Emperor Aubrey.
The emperor personally took the medal and pinned it on Viktor, smiling and nodding at him.
Victor placed his hands on his chest and bowed slightly as a sign of respect.
Upon seeing this, the guests spontaneously applauded to congratulate Victor.
The ministers gradually withdrew, and the emperor turned around and continued:
"At the same time, Victor Clavner was promoted to Earl."
Upon hearing the emperor's announcement, Lia suddenly felt a sense of disorientation.
So this is what His Majesty meant by something he couldn't shirk:
If what the emperor said were true, the Clevina family should have been elevated to the rank of earl long ago; the delay in their ascension to earldom was due to her deceased father's refusal.
But now, Viktor had no choice but to agree.
On the other side, a minister presented Victor with his title certificate, which Victor accepted and bowed to the emperor in allegiance.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
In an instant, even more enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience.
Erica smiled and looked at Viktor with adoration, her eyes sparkling even brighter.
Gwen and Kefla couldn't help but laugh, clapping and congratulating Victor from below the stage.
After the conferment of honors was completed, the banquet began.
At this moment, the emperor also prepared to leave.
Before leaving, he didn't forget to say one last thing to Victor:
"Have some fun, Victor. This kind of occasion is not suitable for an aging emperor like myself."
He brought Aurelion to Victor and gestured for Victor to take her with him.
"From now on, you will be Aurelion's teacher."
Viktor nodded and replied:
"I will do my best."
After the emperor finished speaking, he smiled and slowly left with the help of his servants.
Only after the emperor was out of sight did Victor lead Aurelion back to the banquet.
Aurelion followed behind Viktor timidly, not even daring to approach him.
She had heard some of Viktor's stories.
Many ministers often spread rumors in the palace that Victor was a pervert who liked underage girls.
Seeing Aurelian's timid appearance, Victor led her to a quiet spot to sit down.
He also didn't particularly like these kinds of occasions.
It was quiet around me; the usual chattering was not in my ears.
He misses Vega a little.
Crows symbolize bad luck and are naturally not allowed to enter such a banquet, so they can only wait on the railings outside the palace.
Seeing that Victor was looking rather bored, the princess mustered her courage and decided to give him a heads-up:
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