Arnold's smirk sharpened.
His voice dropped low and reverent, like a priest whispering prophecy.
"And… my liege?"
He took one more step.
Close now.
Close enough for only Edmund to hear.
"Once you claim the last celestial..."
"You will no longer grow old."
Edmund's gaze twitched.
Arnold nodded slowly, savoring the moment.
"A complete vessel."
"Not just a man with power—"
His hand spread out, palm upward, like offering the sky.
"But the vessel of all divine authority."
"You can rule forever, my liege."
A breath.
"No kingdom can rise against you. No heir required. No time to chase."
He stepped back, lowering his hands, the smirk still carved into his face.
"And the last celestial…"
He tilted his head.
"Still hidden."
A pause.
"Could be Veldrac. Could be Lioness. Could be Queen Mylezra."
"But once you find it—once it's yours—"
"The world will kneel."
Every word fed the throne like fuel into a fire.
"Once you claim the six..."
He raised a single hand.
