Chapter 231: The Arrogance of the Envoys
The Sapphire Dominion, Verdant Dominion, Shadowed Expanse, and Frosted Peaks had accepted Lyrus' invitations to visit Amber Heavens, albeit with varying degrees of willingness. Each nation sent envoys, their pride evident in the way they carried themselves. For years, they had ruled their domains unchallenged, believing themselves equals, if not superiors, to any other power.
The Queen Thalindra's emissaries, clad in sapphire-blue robes adorned with pearls, arrived first. They walked with the confidence of a nation that controlled the seas, their leader, Admiral Sirayne, remarking to her entourage, "No landlocked empire could possibly rival the majesty of the Dominion."
From the Verdant Dominion, druids and beastmasters rode in on majestic creatures, their leader, Druid Caeloria, sneering at the thought of urban sprawl. "Let us see what these mortals have done to the land they claim," she said.
The Shadowed Expanse sent their emissaries shrouded in dark cloaks, their leader, Envoy Nyrax, speaking little but exuding disdain. "A bright empire? Too flashy for practicality," he muttered.
The Frosted Peaks' delegation, led by Jarl Brenvik, brought an air of martial superiority, their fur-clad warriors scoffing at the "soft comforts" of the south. "Let us see if these southerners even know the meaning of resilience," Brenvik declared.
As they traveled closer to Amber Heavens, their arrogance grew. None could fathom that this land, despite its rapid rise, could match their respective nations in splendor or power. They expected a show of wealth and strength but prepared themselves to be unimpressed.
The envoys entered the empire through the Etherium Gateways, marveling at their seamless transportation but unwilling to admit their awe. They arrived at Emberhaven, the heart of Amber Heavens, and the sheer magnitude of the capital city stopped them in their tracks.
Golden spires reached toward the heavens, shimmering under the sunlight. Streets bustling with life were paved with smooth, radiant stone, their veins glowing faintly with Etherium energy. Markets overflowed with goods from every corner of the empire, and citizens moved with a sense of pride and harmony.
Admiral Sirayne, for the first time, faltered. "This… this is far more advanced than I anticipated," she whispered to her aide, her tone laced with disbelief.
The druids of the Verdant Dominion gasped as they observed the integration of nature within the city. Trees, their branches adorned with luminous fruits, lined the streets, while gardens bloomed atop floating platforms. Druid Caeloria, usually critical of urban life, said quietly, "They have not destroyed the land… They've made it flourish."
The shadows of the Shadowed Expanse seemed to waver as Envoy Nyrax looked up at the towering Sanctum of Eternity, a structure that radiated both divine power and elegance. His voice, usually mocking, was subdued. "This place… it's alive with something far beyond mortal craftsmanship."
Jarl Brenvik and his warriors, prepared to sneer at decadence, instead found themselves admiring the martial strength of Amber Heavens. Soldiers, clad in divine armor, marched with precision, their presence commanding respect. "Their discipline…" Brenvik murmured, "It rivals our own."
The envoys, once so sure of their superiority, found themselves overwhelmed. They realized that Amber Heavens was not just a realm of wealth or power—it was a living embodiment of unity, progress, and strength.
As the envoys moved deeper into Emberhaven, they were greeted by its citizens. Unlike the fear or reverence often seen in other nations, the people of Amber Heavens exuded pride and warmth. They spoke of their emperor with a mixture of respect and awe, though none dared to describe him fully.
"Emperor Lyrus is a beacon of hope," said a merchant proudly. "It is through his vision that we live without fear."
"He is our light," added a farmer, gesturing to the flourishing fields visible even from the city. "Under his rule, the land provides more than we could ever need."
The envoys listened, skeptical but intrigued. "How can one man inspire such loyalty?" Sirayne asked her aide.
"You'll see," replied a citizen who overheard her. "When you stand in his presence, you'll understand."
The final destination for the envoys was the Sanctuary of Light, where they would meet the emperor himself. As they approached, the structure seemed to glow with an otherworldly brilliance. Guards clad in radiant armor stood at the gates, their expressions calm but firm.
Inside, the envoys marveled at the seamless blend of divine architecture and natural beauty. The air was charged with energy, making even the most prideful among them feel small.
Finally, they entered the Sanctum of Eternity, the throne room of Emperor Lyrus. The chamber was vast yet intimate, its walls lined with shimmering glyphs that pulsed faintly with Etherium light. At its center stood a golden throne, flanked by Lucidus and the Pantheon of Guardians.
But the throne was empty.
"Where is the emperor?" Jarl Brenvik asked, his voice quieter than intended.
A deep, calm voice echoed from above. "I am here."
Lyrus descended from a balcony overlooking the throne, his presence both serene and commanding. Dressed in simple yet elegant robes, his glowing eyes met the gazes of the envoys, freezing them in place.
Each envoy felt the weight of his aura, a combination of divine strength and profound wisdom. Their pride melted away, replaced by a deep sense of admiration and awe.
Lucidus stepped forward, his voice calm yet authoritative. "You stand before Emperor Lyrus, Eternal Sovereign of Light. Speak your intentions."
For the first time, the envoys hesitated, their carefully rehearsed words forgotten. They had come to judge, but now, standing before Lyrus, they found themselves humbled, their arrogance replaced by respect.
In that moment, they understood why Amber Heavens thrived. It was not just the empire's power or wealth—it was the man who led it, a leader whose vision transcended mortal bounds.
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