Chen Cheng Two made no attempt to conceal the commanding air he radiated, as though the whole world lay beneath his gaze. Below the platform, Chen Cheng watched him and felt distinctly strange.
Was that the legendary aura of a born ruler? But I'm clearly a handsome man of the brooding sort. Seeing myself like this is too weird.
"Rise, my ministers."
At Chen Cheng Two's words, everyone stood. The Legendary Rank powerhouses, who had not needed to kneel, remained seated.
"You may resume the martial demonstrations."
As the host of the gathering and the director behind this grand spectacle, Como XIII was naturally the first to step forward.
"Yes, Your Majesty. We ask Your Majesty to grace the kingdoms' martial demonstrations with your presence."
He then announced that the demonstrations would begin.
At that point, everything returned to the familiar course of previous gatherings. The only disruption seemed to have been Chen Cheng Two's sudden, dazzling entrance and his subsequent subjugation of the kingdoms.
But once the demonstrations truly began, another difference emerged.
In the past, the demonstrations had involved only the various kingdoms. There had been no emperor, so no one had needed to be summoned before him for questioning.
Now things were different. An emperor had appeared out of nowhere, and many kingdoms were still unaccustomed to having to go up and explain themselves to him while their young talents competed.
Below the platform, the kings of Chamo and several other kingdoms looked toward King Como. One of them said coldly, "You'd better not let this get out of hand. If you bring a real one here, remember that we all took part in what happened back then. Don't start thinking you're some loyal minister or dutiful son."
Before, the emperor's appearance had merely made them nervous.