After the emperor greeted all the guests, he talked about the achievements of the people who went to join the subjugation mission. He expressed his heartfelt appreciation and congratulated them for the achievements.

Everyone was hailing the emperor. The next words from him made them all excited.

"Alright, everyone, I wanted to personally reward a specific person who achieved a great feat in the subjugation mission. It wasn't only due to me, but it was reported by some people. Though I hope this person is here tonight."

The guests started to feel excited by the emperor's announcement. It was followed by bees-like murmurs from everyone.

The emperor glanced at all the guests, seemingly scanning each of them.

Jura brushed his hair and stood upright to regain his composure. But actually, the thought of going to report the worm guy, Eman, was still in his mind. He just wanted to find the right timing as he could not interfere with the emperor's speech. He could not let this worm around after embarrassing him a while ago. 

He was also interested and excited at the emperor's announcements about the person who achieved a great feat in the mission. It could be him. Maybe someone reported that he did so well in the mission and that he acquired some Artefacts.

Jura smirked.

Ru-Han and his wife stood firm beside their daughter, hoping that it was their daughter that the emperor mentioned. If it was, it would be a great achievement and increase the popularity of their family.

Mina walked and stood beside Yeman which made him notice her perfume. His nose twitched and thought that such a girly scent was very tempting. However, he reprimanded himself.

He returned his gaze at the emperor. It was the first that he saw an Emperor in person. So he was amused by it. Also, he too was interested in the person who achieved a great feat in the mission. Maybe there was a chance to befriend him and tried to ally with him if the person was truly a talented individual like the Legendary Sword Martial. Anyhow, he had to pay attention.

"....."

Night, on the other hand, stared at Mina's back, like staring at a rival. That side of him was supposed to be her place. But this girl had shamelessly taken it. 

Mina was anxiously staring at her dress. Suddenly, she felt a piercing gaze and subconsciously glanced behind her, only to notice a beautiful lady staring at her, like pointing a dagger at her throat.

Sparks flew into their eyes, as she wondered who this beautiful lady was. And why she was standing right behind Eman.

Most of the people inside the grand hall were so hype to know who was the talented youth that did a great feat in the mission. Not all of them were aware of that person, but each of them had someone in their minds. 

Many of the subjugators were hoping that it was them that the emperor mentioned. In fact, they also did well in that mission. At the thought that the emperor himself would grant the reward, everyone agreed that it was a great achievement.

But who could it be? Everyone's question while feeling excited at the same time.

Everyone was perplexed as most of them did so great in that mission.

If someone asked if there was someone who did less in that mission, the majority would agree that there was, and that person was the magic-less worm. Well, how could someone like him perform well in that mission? It was already a great achievement for him that he survived, thanks to his strong squad tho. That person was just leeching on his squad.

Honestly, before the start of the mission, most of them laughed at him. They wondered how enormous was his guts, to join such a death-craving mission without his magical energy.

Meanwhile, the murmurs and whispers rose with the announcement of the emperor. However, it didn't take long that silence descended in the room once again. The reason for it was because of the hurried footsteps from a beautiful lady.

"I-It's lady Mayu!" Someone among the crowd cried out. Mayu was one of the most popular young ladies in the empire, especially among young men and women. 

Mayu came out from the crowd of men and women, then walked towards the center, to where the emperor was standing.

Most of the guests were knitting their brows and feeling curious. Especially the people from the noble and great noble families.

"Wait, wasn't lady Mayu and her squad reported to be the one who killed the Rat Lord?"

"Right!"

"So… it must be her that the emperor meant."

"Well, I don't have a problem if she was!"

"I agree, even beat up those who disagree!"

"Haha, let me join you."

Mina secretly glanced at Eman's face. "Uh, err… don't you think the Elder Sister Mayu a charming lady…?" She asked in a whisper when she noticed his eyes were on Mayu.

"....."

A sweat bigger than a raindrop was visible on his face.

"Mhm," He nodded casually.

"D-do you like her?"

"....."

He was speechless for a second there.

"She's a lovely and beautiful woman. And it was easy for anyone to fall for her, but I guess sister Mayu is the type of person who's looking at everyone equally, like looking at them as brothers and sisters. Fufu, she's a friendly lady." Yeman replied with his assessment of Mayu's character.

Mina fell silent and was baffled by his reply. 

"R-right…" she said after a second of silence.

They noticed Mayu stopped beside the emperor, then Mayu and the emperor seemed to be discussing. Mayu was nodding her head. After Mayu repeatedly nodded her head, she faced the crowd while craning her neck like a giraffe, probably searching among the crowd.

Then she pointed in a direction while saying: "Your Majesty, he's right there!"

"?"

All the guests inside looked to where she was pointing.

And there they saw the person, surrounded by two beautiful women.

"Brother Eman!" Mayu called out. Then she noticed her beckoning at him to come. Yeman was speechless and felt something was amiss.