Streamer Crazy About Slaughter - Chapter 468
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Expectation.
In its dictionary meaning, it refers to hoping and waiting.
Generally, it also signifies the feeling of wishing for things to happen as desired or anticipated.
And now.
In the Caldea Empire, there were so many people with such expectations that they were countless.
Numerous women in the Caldea Empire had wished for it, yet never selected for the position. It remained empty for a long time, especially after the pact between the three empires was established.
At some point, the people of the Caldea Empire also stopped expecting.
They believed a new Moon Dancer would not appear.
Even if there was a talented dancer, there would be no woman who could catch the eye of Dalki.
Everyone thought so, but then a shocking fact spread that turned everything upside down.
The Moon Dancer. A woman who inherited that power had appeared.
It was hard to believe news, and it was the most shocking revelation in decades.
The existence of a woman chosen by Dalki elicited astonishment from everyone in the Empire more than the fact that the pact had been broken.
—Dalki.
She had reached a level of transcendence, a woman endowed with talent that could indeed touch the heavens.
No one could reach her level simply as a dancer.
Yet, she was a woman who garnered countless admiration and changed the very perception of what it means to be a dancer.
She attained a position higher than anyone else, being one of the heroic figures dedicated to the Empire.
To make matters worse, as the pact aligned with the agreements between the empires, her presence within the Empire became even more solidified.
It was believed that unless a woman appeared comparable to Dalki, or even surpassing her, she could not please Dalki’s heart.
Her excellence made it difficult for anyone to capture her heart.
Everyone in the Caldea Empire knew how much she had sacrificed for the Empire and how much time she had spent.
Stories of Dalki’s heroism recorded throughout the Empire’s history were ceaseless, and all her near-mythical dedications were true enough to already be history in and of itself.
Then, without any hint, the pact was broken. Someone appeared who would carry Dalki’s power.
At first, the people of the Caldea Empire could not accept it.
No, it would be more appropriate to say they could not comprehend it.
It was a previously unprecedented event in the history of the Empire and a first of its kind.
Although astonished, the people instead held even greater expectations.
From their perspective, they respected Dalki’s choice over the turmoil caused by the shattered pact.
She had long dedicated herself to the Empire as a living symbol of the Caldea Empire.
As time passed, her beauty only seemed to grow with more nobility and dignity.
Her almost perfect appearance made it hard for anyone meeting Dalki to think ill of her.
—What kind of woman is she?
What kind of woman could be the one and only being chosen by Dalki of the Caldea Empire?
Since the news spread, rumors have proliferated, evoking expectations and curiosity among the people for days.
The time had finally come when the existence of the woman hidden behind the veil was revealed.
Although many had longed for it, the news had never become known.
The news that she would arrive in the Caldea Empire was delivered only to key figures of the Empire, particularly to those with the highest influence.
Just five minutes ago.
It was the Emperor’s order, commanding them to gather and prepare to welcome her upon her arrival at the Imperial Palace.
…
Caldea Empire Imperial Palace. Grand Banquet Hall.
Not a single sound stirred in the vast space of the banquet hall. A heavy silence weighed upon the air.
It was only natural.
The individuals present in the Imperial Palace banquet hall.
They were remarkable figures that any citizen of the Caldea Empire would struggle to believe were gathered in one place.
The current Emperor of the Caldea Empire – Albrecht Kyle.
The one and only – Dalki.
Master of the Central Mage Tower – Rani Restia.
Leader of the Empire’s Mercenary Guild – Gria Dern.
Commander of the Imperial Palace’s First Order – Istaria Haden.
The Imperial Chancellor – Jerah Roman.
In addition to these, the names of all others present were only those of individuals in high positions attending the banquet hall.
“I have high expectations.”
And the person who broke the silence was none other than the Emperor of the Empire.
Albrecht Kyle.
With a still youthful appearance, yet despite such looks, the calm blue eyes of the Emperor bore a presence impossible for his age.
“She must certainly be a woman worth anticipating.”
As Dalki replied with a small smile, Kyle slowly nodded while gazing at her.
“Indeed, she must be. After all, she is the one you have chosen personally.”
His tone was calm.
The emotion within his voice was remarkably limited.
As if accustomed to Kyle’s voice, Dalki received the Emperor’s gaze with composure.
And, in that brief conversational exchange, many in the banquet hall held their breath.
The Emperor Albrecht Kyle and Dalki, who held a unique position that no one could replace.
It might have seemed like a normal conversation, but Rani Restia felt a peculiar sense of dissonance within that brief dialogue.
Was it an immense, minuscule crack? Or merely a common exchange?
Despite paying attention to it, even she couldn’t identify it precisely.
—1.
And as the briefly marked time came to an end, a brilliant light began to bloom at the center of the banquet hall.
As if forming the shape of a person, gradually gathering light, a woman appeared at the end.
Swoosh.
Snow-white silver hair beautifully sprinkled across the space, and her beautiful face left no room for admiration short of wonder.
Even those who had met the exquisite beauty known as Dalki several times could not help but feel an instant of awe at the exceptional appearance of the woman present.
Lin. Serin.
As Serin emerged in the banquet hall, her eyes widened in surprise at the unexpectedly gathered crowd.
“…Ah.”
Overcome with surprise, Serin instinctively cast her gaze toward Dalki, the person she recognized the most among them.
Before she transitioned, she had undoubtedly harbored expectations about the Caldea Empire. However, to be greeted by this many people was a kind of expectation she had not anticipated, leaving her bewildered.
Everyone wore luxurious outfits or mystical garments.
Her gaze sought explanation, yet Dalki merely maintained a gentle smile, not speaking first.
“Are you Lin?”
The Emperor was the first to address Serin, drawing her gaze naturally from Dalki to Kyle.
Dressed in a luxurious golden-embroidered imperial robe. Upon seeing this, Serin instinctively thought that the highest-ranking individual among them must be the Emperor.
“…Yes.”
She could only respond cautiously.
As Kyle gazed silently at Serin, his eyes were similar to when he looked at Dalki.
The deeply immersed blue of Kyle’s eyes only met Serin’s blue eyes without uttering further words.
Though Serin had expected some words from him, the silence forced her to only meet Kyle’s gaze instead.
Even still, she did not lower her eyes or demean her demeanor before him.
She merely maintained a serene posture, meeting his gaze.
Having initially been flustered, Serin was now facing Kyle’s indifferent gaze as though it was an utterly ordinary occurrence.
Others present in the banquet hall merely held their breath at the sight of the two.
And Dalki was no exception.
As Emperor Kyle’s gaze crossed with Serin’s, she quietly observed Serin.
Anticipating the appearance of Serin, who did not falter in meeting the Emperor’s gaze, Dalki involuntarily smiled faintly.
‘You are indeed a dignified existence.’
As another minute of silence lingered.
When someone felt a stifling silence had settled, Kyle suddenly smiled faintly and opened his mouth.
“Just as expected.”
As brilliant golden strands momentarily veiled Kyle’s charming features, the dignified smile may have seemed noble, yet Serin found it puzzling to see him smile.
‘Why is he smiling?’
As he looked at her, Serin realized who he was, matching his gaze.
Draped in an imperial robe, even his demeanor was extraordinary.
A born leader.
Even if someone ascended to the position of Emperor through acquired means, those seated upon the throne from birth exuded an unapproachable aura.
It was not strength but an ineffable essence present in those who had risen to the status of emperor.
And Serin was not unfamiliar with it.
Just as Cecilia, who had risen to the position of Empress, emanated a similar aura, the man in the golden robe likewise conveyed a similar vibe.
“Indeed, you are the woman he chose.”
As the Emperor turned his gaze to Dalki, he stated, and Dalki smiled softly.
“I am glad to hear that.”
Dalki’s calm tone felt distinctly different to Serin.
While she acknowledged the Emperor’s presence, she began to ponder slightly.
Knowing he was the Emperor, she couldn’t demean herself in his presence.
‘What is my position?’
While she didn’t lack basic etiquette, discerning her position here was complex.
As she contemplated how to act, the Emperor slowly shook his head.
“It doesn’t matter if I like it or not. The fact that you were chosen is what’s crucial.”
Listening to his follow-up words.
…And as she sensed something inexplicable cloaked within those words, her instincts started ringing alarm bells.
Unconsciously, her hands clenched subtly, and her expression turned cold.
‘…Something feels off.’
The reassurances from days prior sounded like mere falsehoods now.
The Caldea Empire stood at least on the side of Dalki.
Even if tempests and winds would blow, she once believed there were no internal issues; they would come from the outside.
But now, the Emperor’s light smile and shaking head conveyed contrasting feelings.
The gently revealed blue beneath his golden locks looked entirely different. And when Dalki met his gaze, she seemed just as surprised.
The calm demeanor of Dalki, who showed not an ounce of alarm, made it impossible for Serin not to recognize that the situation felt strangely astray.
As Dalki slightly bowed her head to respond, the Emperor turned his gaze once more.
“Nonetheless, as she is indeed a woman you chose, I have grown quite fond of Lin.”
With his following remarks, he opened his mouth very slowly.
“Thank you.”
Before she even finished her words, the Emperor suddenly turned away.
“A grand banquet will be held tonight; we shall meet again then.”
His voice continued.
His transparent tone evoked images of serene lakes, making it seem oddly enchanting.