"CAPTAIN!!" Two red-armoured soldiers without helmets stood on both sides of the doorway and saluted.
"These are the Heroes summoned by Archpriest Valmir from another world," the Captain said, gesturing toward Elias and the others.
"Take us to the Emperor."
The guards stared at Elias and the others beside him with widened gazes full of surprise and shock, then swiftly nodded.
"Follow me," one of them said. He turned around and led the way through the hallway.
The Captain walked through the metallic door, with Elias and the others following closely behind.
They soon arrived at a door. The soldier pulled it open and ushered them inside.
The room was neither too small nor too wide. Red-armoured soldiers stood at the edges of the walls with their shields beside them and their weapons sheathed.
A large table sat at the centre of the room, surrounded by tall, wide-backed chairs. Four of the chairs were occupied, one by a young man dressed in deep black armour, and the other by an aged man in a luxurious green robe.
On one of the more luxurious chairs sat a man with wrinkles spread across his skin, dressed in a vibrant red robe decorated with golden embellishments. A golden crown adorned with countless precious gems and jewels of varying sizes rested on his head.
And seated beside him was a woman who seemed just as old as he was, wearing a bright purple robe decorated with golden embellishments. On her head was a much smaller tiara with beautiful jewels and gems of various colours embedded on it.
As Elias and the others stepped into the room, the people inside shifted their gazes to focus on them.
"Captain! Thank goodness you're safe and well. It seems the raid was successful," the Emperor said, sighing in relief.
He turned to look at Elias and the others and asked with a flicker in his gaze, "And who are these people you've brought with you?"
The Captain took off his helmet and bowed slightly in the Emperor's direction. The other Knights took off their helmets as well and bowed respectfully.
"Your Majesty, the task has been carried out successfully. The lower floors of the castle have been cleansed of the Red Sea Giants and Thorn Jaurgenauts. All that is needed now is a mounting attack to corner these monsters and wipe them out of the castle once and for all," the Captain responded.
Then, he gestured toward Elias and the others and said respectfully, "These are the Heroes summoned by Archpriest Valmir and his Priestly Order from another world. They were besieged by the Thorn Jaurgenauts, but fortunately, we arrived in time to rescue them."
"So Archpriest Valmir succeeded in summoning beings from another world. That's incredible… I had thought he was merely spouting nonsense and had gone senile, but it seems I was the one who was wrong and unable to see his brilliance," the Emperor said seriously before sighing in defeat.
"How is he? I hope he's fine. I need to ensure that his efforts do not go unrewarded."
The Captain shook his head. "Unfortunately, Archpriest Valmir is currently in a life-and-death condition. The summoning seemed to have exhausted his mana, and he was unable to protect himself from the attacks of the Thorn Juggernauts. He's being tended to by the healers, but it's unknown when he will awaken."
"As for the Golden Priests' Order, only a few of them survived, but with life-threatening injuries. I'm afraid it will be difficult for them to render any help to the Empire for the time being, your Majesty."
The Captain's head dropped low as he finished his report. Even the other knights lowered their heads slightly.
The Emperor sighed heavily. "It's okay. The Golden Priests' Order sacrificed their lives to summon these Heroes for our sake. They've done more than enough to show their loyalty and service to the Empire. It is now our turn to show what we're willing to sacrifice to ensure our vision for the empire is fulfilled."
"Ensure that the corpses of the dead are properly cremated, and that each of them is given a Hero's burial."
"I'll ensure your order is carried out immediately, your Majesty," the Captain responded with a slight bow.
The Emperor turned to look at Elias and the others. "Help me up. I would like to introduce myself to the Heroes summoned from another world while standing on my feet," he said.
The Empress grabbed his hand and rose to her feet, helping him steady himself. The Captain immediately walked to the Emperor's side and supported him as well.
With the two of them supporting him, the Emperor managed to stand upright with a wooden cane, which he held tightly with both hands. He looked in their direction.
"I am Emperor Gravnik Kaelvyr of the Dawn Empire. I welcome you to my Empire, or at least, what remains of it, Heroes from another world."
"I am Empress Elsmerelda Kaelvyr. I personally welcome the Heroes from another world to our Empire."
The two other individuals in the room stood up, unable to keep sitting after the Emperor had risen, and introduced themselves in turn.
"I am Prince Raelen Gravnik, First Prince of the Dawn Empire."
"I am Kaland Gravnik, Second Prince of the Dawn Empire, and Captain of the Red Rose Knights." To their surprise, the young man in red armour who had led them here suddenly introduced himself, revealing his unexpected identity.
"I am Orris Veylan, Prime Minister. I personally welcome the Heroes to the Dawn Empire."
"Can you introduce your identities, Heroes from another world, so we may know how to address you?" Emperor Gravnik asked after the introductions.
Lyrac immediately stepped forward and introduced himself. "I am Wolf. You may address me as such. I am a summoner, and I'll do my best to protect the Dawn Empire."
"I am Silver Knight."
"Iron Maiden. Don't forget it."
"My name is Sunshine," Elias introduced himself using his nickname, since everyone was introducing their names as such.
"I'm Night Ninja," Night Ninja said, his voice resonating through the hall.