The Newgate Country was located in the center of the Silver Continent’s Southern Region. Just like how the northern region was ruled by the Dragna Empire, the Newgate ruled the south. However, that didn’t mean that it was the only powerhouse in this region.

(We have reached our destination. Welcome to the Azalea Kingdom.)

A computerized voice woke Ace from his sleep. He got up from his seat and stretched with a yawn.

“Damn, one hour isn’t nearly enough time to rest up after a war.”

His eyelids were heavy and he was constantly yawning. He looked around and saw that Miko was already at the exit.

“Ace, do me a favor and wake up those who can move freely.”

“You didn’t sleep?”

“I wasn’t tired.”

“Bullshit. You fought the longest and the hardest battles. There’s no way you’re not tired. You also denied being treated. Don’t you think you’re pushing yourself too hard?”

“I don’t. I know my limits.”

Ace sighed and Miko frowned.

“Just get the others. I’m going out first.”

“Yeah, yeah….Stubborn bastard.”

Miko ignored him and left the aircraft. A scenery of tall buildings and numerous vehicles opened up in front of him. He could see a large purple palace with a golden azalea on it in the distance.

“This place smells like flowers.”

“It’s because this place cultivates countless species of flowers as a sense of pride.”

Bella stood beside him.

“All the buildings before you are made from a special type of wood that can compete against any metal in sturdiness. This place is like one big greenhouse.”

“I see, and I take it that’s your home.”

Miko indicated to the palace.

“Yes. That’s where we’re going to meet my father.”

“I see.”

He looked behind him. The ones who were up were Tessa, Ace, Sora, Luka, Hina, Edward, and Yota. Momo and Kristen were being treated along with the captured Natasa and Gear.

“Alright, everyone.”

A bright smile appeared on his face.

“Let’s go meet the king.”

With Bella and Yota as their guides, Miko and the others were led through the capital of Rhodo. The city was covered with flowers of all kinds of colors. There were flowers on the sidewalks along with trees with colorful blossoms. The buildings all had flowers growing on them. Some spelling out words and others creating images. Everywhere one looked flowers would full their eyes.

“So pretty!”

Hina, Luka, and Tessa were mesmerized by the flowers’ beauty as they looked around them like excited children.

“It’s good to be excited by flowers but keep in mind that a lot of them are poisonous.”

Tia burst their bubble with a smile.

“This kingdom is known for two things: it’s love of flowers and it’s love of poisons. It would be great if you remember that.”

The girls' excitement visually diminished in an instant. Tia chuckled seeing this. After a small tour of the capital, they arrived at the castle.

“Welcome to Tsutsuji Palace, our country’s pride and joy.”

Bella spoke with an energetic voice.

“This castle was made purely from Azalea flowers, but don’t let that fool you. It’s incredibly sturdy and can withstand any attack under the divine realm.”

“Oh!”

They looked at the castle with wonder. The purple palace had carvings of countless flowers on its walls. At the top was a golden azalea that sparkled under the sun. The yard was like a heavenly garden filled with exotic plants. There were statues of prestigious-looking people with flowers growing on them. Bella and Yota smiled seeing how everyone was excited by their home.

“Now, follow me. I’ll show you to my father, the king.”

They entered the palace and, as they expected, the interior was beautiful with its pink and gold colors and floral and butterfly designs.

“This place must’ve been designed by a woman. It’s so beautiful!”

Tessa couldn’t help but shout.

“It was actually designed by a man, the founding king of this country.”

“No way. He has taste!”

While everyone was admiring the palace Miko was checking out the guards stationed in the halls.

(There are fewer guards than I thought there would be. It seems that their preferred weapons are lances….They’re pretty high tech too. Depending on their abilities it could get troublesome handling those.)

He looked at Edward and gestured to the guards. Edward took a quick glance and nodded.

(Alright. Let’s leave all the high-tech weapons to him if things go south.)

They finally arrived at the throne room door after touring the palace for around 10 minutes. The doors were large and made of silver. Yota pushed it open and gestured them to enter. The room was filled with guards who were lined off near the walls. On the throne in the back was a distinguished man. His purple hair was swept back with a single bang on the left of his face. His beard was well-groomed which matched with his mature expression. He sat on the throne in a relaxed manner.

“Greetings, Your Majesty.”

Bella and Yota kneeled at the throne’s feet.

“Raise my children. Let me get a good look at you.”

They rose and the king smiled.

“Good, it’s seems like you’ve grown into fine adults.”

“Thank you, Father.”

Bella gestured behind her.

“I brought some guests. Let me introduce-”

“It’s an honor to meet you, King Brent.”

Miko stepped past Bella and Yota and got on one knee.

“My name is Gamiko Dragna the Third. However, you may call me Miko.”

Everyone looked at Miko in shock. He cut Bella, the Crown Princess, and introduced himself. Despite being the one kneeling, Miko was obviously the one flexing his status.

(Yes, a don should be bold at all times.)

Edward held back the urge to applaud Miko with tears in his eyes.

“I was informed of your arrival, Prince Miko. I’m the one who is honored.”

The king walked off his throne, walked past Miko, and kneeled in front of Tiamat.

“It’s a great honor to be in the presence of a supreme being as yourself.”

All the guards kneeled along with him. A smile crept on Tia’s face.

“My, what a display. Please don’t pay me any mind. You can all raise.”

“As you wish.”

Brent got to his feet and his guards followed suit. He then walked towards Miko.

“I heard from my daughter that you had a proposition for us.”

“Yes, I’m sure that it’s something that will benefit both parties greatly.”

“I see.”

He walked passed Miko without looking at him.

“Then let’s talk in the back. Your friends are all welcome too of course.”

Miko watched Brent’s back retreat for a bit and smiled. He followed him without saying a word.

“Is it me or there’s some tension?”

Tessa spoke what was on everyone’s mind.

“I heard that the Azalea King was incompetent and almost died at the hands of a young Bloom Newgate.”

Tia giggled watching Miko follow behind Brent.

“It seems that incident made him into a new man.”

“Well, Miko started it when he cut my introduction short. However, I never thought my father would insult him in such a roundabout way.”

Bella sighed.

“Despite Miko being the one in charge the king addressed Tia with the utmost respect and treated Miko like he was her servant or something.”

Ace laughed.

“He must be pissed.”

They followed behind them with something certain in their hearts.

“This meeting is gonna go south real quick.”

The room Brent led them to had a huge round table in the center. He sat at the head of the table and Miko sat at the other end. The others sat on the sides.

“………..”

“………..”

Brent and Miko stared at each with smiles on their faces. It was as if neither had any intention of speaking first. Seeing this, Bella stepped in.

“Father, I’m sure that you’re already aware but a civil war broke out in the Newgate Country.”

“I know. I also know that this kid somehow ended up as the winner.”

“The strongest merely won. There’s nothing surprising about it.”

“Alright, alright.”

Bella lifted her hands to stop them.

“Father, as the winner Miko is now the official ruler of the Newgate Country.”

She looked at her father to make sure he wasn’t going to make any snappy remarks. Seeing that he was relaxed she continued.

“He has plans that he has shared with Yota and me; big plans. With that being said, he decided to give the Azalea Kingdom a chance to be a part of these plans. We’ll naturally reap the rewards of course.”

“Bella, that’s enough. Thank you.”

Miko tapped the table with his claws.

“You and I are both busy men, so let’s just cut to the chase.”

He smiled at Brent who smiled and said-

“How would you feel about upgrading your kingdom into an empire that rules the entire southern region of this continent?”

Brent’s eyes widened for a bit before he leaned forward with a relaxed smile.

“I’m listening.”