24 King of Italy

"Oh? Erica Brandelli, you mean you are going to do some meritorious services to redeem your sins?"

Roy was more interested in talking with Erica than Liliana, who is not good at words and shy in nature.

"That's it, 'king', instead of letting us die, we who are alive and loyal to you can be of more use."

"I plead to the king to forgive our sins as well as forgive Bronze Black Cross's disrespect."

Erica lowered her head deeply, praying for Roy's mercy.

The other young mages and knights present the conference hall admired Erica's bold actions.

They all knew that Erica and Liliana were close friends in private, and Bronze Black Cross and Copper Black Cross have been in a hostile relationship for hundreds of years.

However, for the sake of her friend, she pleaded for the survival of a hostile mage association, she pushed aside all prejudices and dared to speak to the 'cruel' king.

Only the more experienced mages and knights; and the senior leaders of the major mage associations can better understand Erica's meaning.

They glanced at Paola Brandelli who was trying to maintain a poker face. They secretly lamented in their heart, 'Copper Black Cross has selected an excellent heir!'

"Erica Brandelli, raise your head and talk to me, face to face!"

Hearing Roy's words, Erica did not hesitate, raised her pretty face and looked at Roy boldly.

Her face was exquisite and beautiful, her azure eyes had a noble's aristocratic demeanor as well as a knight's heroic temperament.

Her gorgeous blonde hair were scattered on her sholders, which formed a strong contrast with her exposed white and delicate shoulders.

"A personal question, how old are you this year?"

"'King', I am fourteen years old this year."

"Fourteen years old..."

Roy sighed. Matching with his memory, Erica seemed to be two years younger from when the original plot started.

However, even so, this girl who was supposed to be already in junior high school has a kind of ladylike charm, although she has not fully 'bloomed', she is still exceptionally 'well-devloped'.

Roy's sigh at Erica's young age made the other mages secretly slander in their heart.

Fourteen? What's wrong at being fourteen years old? According to the data, you are only sixteen years old but already a big tension on our head.

The 16 year-old 'king' cleverly seized the best opportunity to persecute the mage associations in Italy, and almost effortlessly made these mage associations cornered into the position to swear allegiance to him.

No one thought that this 'king' would leave the Holy See and go out in person. When the mage associations were in a meeting discussing about which 'king' to serve, they were caught 'red handed'.

It could be said that the evidence was present and so, the 'king' easily occupied the upper advantage. So, becoming subservient was the only option left to 'Seven Sisters'.

The Seven Sisters of Italy were preparing to have a unified response after this meeting, to find the 'King of Swords' who is looking for the Heretic God in Africa.

According to the mage association, 'King of Swords', a fighting manic will definitely compete with the new king.

As long as these mage association waits for the two kings to fight and then decide the winner, it is enough for them to become loyal to the strong.

But now Roy decided to punish them for disobeying the 'king' which was clearly forcing these people to become directly loyal to him.

If they disagreed, Roy will have an excuse to put all these people to death, and if the Seven Sisters agrees, then he got what he wanted.

Because this time it's not the kind of nominal allegiance to Salvatore Doni, where the power and obligations are not clear.

They have no possibility of betrayal, regardless of who wins the battle in the future, the Seven Sisters must stand firmly on Roy's side.

'This deep and wise thinking ability, it's not like other Campiones. The heart of the emperor, demeanor of a tiger.... His Eminence, Roy Crowley is really a terrible 'king'.'

The leaders of the major mage associations have been leading their associations for many years, and therefore can understand the significance of Roy's move and timing, from here there is no turning back.

"Erica Brandelli, although you are still very young, you are really clever for a fourteen year old girl..."

"You seem to be asking for forgiveness on behalf of Bronze Black Cross, ready to face huge risks and my anger, but in fact you have long grasped that it was never my intention."

"Since you pleaded for them, if I forgive the Bronze Black Cross, the former hostile mage association will owe you a favor."

"If I don't forgive them, there will be no harm done. Instead the Copper Black Cross will lose a hostile mage association."

"...Hahahaha! Erica Brandelli, you have already seen that I did not intend to kill the Head of Bronze Black Cross, rather I am threating these mage associations, and forcing them to express their stance."

"You took the initiative to stand up to plead for the disrespect done by others. Maybe, I will a good impression of you for your 'sacrifice' and show my favour towards Copper Black Cross."

"In this way, Copper Black Cross will gain a dominating position in the 'Seven Sisters' alliance, and even in the whole of Italy."

"When this is known by outside world, Copper Black Cross will obtain greater benefits, status and reputation in the whole magic world."

After a pause, Roy continued:

"... Brilliantly done! Isn't it true, Erica Brandelli? Don't lie to me, I always like to hear the truth."

Originally Erica was intending to refute, she wanted to express that she is truly loyal to the king and had no such intricate thoughts behind her actions.

However, on hearing Roy's last words and looking at his strange and mysterious double pupils and the knowing smile on the corner of his face, she couldn't gather the courage to open her mouth.

She didn't try to further justify herself meaninglessly, which will just bring upon king's wrath, just lowered her head and said bitterly:

"....'King', your eyes are like torches. King saw through all my elaborate thoughts, trying to speculate on King's intentions is Erica being impudent, I beseech that king will punish."

Liliana, who was next to Erica, looked at her friend in disbelief. She was really moved by Erica's 'sacrifice' just now, but she didn't expect that her good girlfriend had calculated everything.

And the other mages and knights who did not see Erica's delicate thoughts were also shocked.

They felt ashamed of themselves on seeing Erica 'righteous' actions from before. But, now...

Where is the self-sacrificing and courageous knight we imagined! This is clearly a devil, the Crimson Devil!

Erica was really scared at this time, her body was trembling, her thoughts jittery, she was really afraid that Roy would turn her into a pillar of salt the next second, no matter how mature she is, after all she is just a fourteen year old girl.

"Punish? No, no, no, Erica, you don't have to be afraid. Since ancient times, the most loved ministers are those who are able to figure out the thoughts of his king..."

"Only in this way can they act according to the king's wishes without the need for the king to mention. However, ministers need to know that betraying the king can be quite disastrous."

"They should use this wisdom to faithfully carry out king's instructions. And naturally, they will receive king's favour."

Roy took a deep look at Erica, and then looked around and said:

"...Okay! So, side actors, I presume that you all have finalized your decisions by now?"

While speaking, Roy cancelled his power and restored the Bronze Black Cross's Commander, Diana Milito to the previous state.

The Commander in Chief of the Copper Black Cross, Paolo Brandelli was first to come forward, he kneeled down and rested a hand on his shoulder, and gave a knight's salute.

"...Copper Black Cross wishes to pledge allegiance to thee, My King!"

"Female Wolf wishes to pledge allegiance..."

"Capital of Lilies wishes to pledge..."

"Bronze Black Cross wishes to..."

"Eagle of the Blue Sky wishes..."

"Olden Dame... "

"..."

In the blink of an eye, the six mage associations of the 'Seven Sisters' present all pledged allegiance to Roy. As for the remaining 'Aegis' that didn't come, well, it's opinion was not necessary.

"Very well, then I, Roy Crowley will magnanimously accept your allegiance."

"As your king, I will issue your missions on this joyous day. First, from this moment onwards, use all the resources of Italy to find Metatron for me!"

"...Second, increase the excavation process of archaeological sites and historical ruins in Italy, specially look for the ancient artifacts!"

As the voice fell, Roy stood up from the his chair. He glanced at Erica who was still kneeling on the ground and said:

"...Erica Brandelli, you roused my curiosity, your wisdom, your courage, has been recognised by me. "

"Tomorrow you shall visit me at Holy See, I need a secretary, and don't worry, I will also give you the status and favor that the Copper Black Cross deserves."

Numerous mages and knights stood on both sides respectfully watching Roy's red figure disappear from the conference hall.

The Commander in Chiefs of Seven Sisters Alliance escorted him to the door of Female Wolf's headquarters, and didn't dispersed until the car fetching him to the Holy See disappeared from their view.

Having obtained the allegiance of the Seven Sisters Alliance, with the Holy See already under him, Roy is now the veritable 'King of Italy'!