Everyone, including Aegon, turned toward the man sitting on the highest throne in the Eternal Sanctum, curious about what he would say to him.

Samuel stood up and scanned the audience before saying, "Aegon won the Supremacy Games at the mere age of sixteen. That's a talent we've hardly seen in our entire history and I'm happy to have such talent on the side of peace."

His gaze settled on Aegon as he continued, "He got the rewards for winning, but he also did something I've been wishing for ages for which he should be rewarded. I've long grown tired of wars, watching innocents die for nonsensical reasons. I longed for peace, but couldn't take the first step."

He smiled lightly, and the world around him seemed to grow brighter.

"You brought Elves, Humans, and House Valeria together. It represents peace, something this Empire desperately needs. Thus, I would like to grant you the status of Count and give you the County of Thornspire as my gratitude."

Gasps of disbelief echoed throughout the audience. Not just anyone could become a Count of the Great Solar Empire, as some Counts held authority higher than even Kings of many smaller kingdoms.

Unless inherited, people had to make many great contributions to the Empire to receive Count status. It took decades for many to accumulate such merits, and even then it was rare. Yet here they were, witnessing a sixteen-year-old receiving it.

It sounded unbelievable, yet they could accept it. After all, Aegon's status was already far higher than that of any Count, as he was destined to become the head of the strongest House in the world.

For him, the title of Count was nothing more than a symbolic show of gratitude from the Emperor.

Many felt envious of Aegon, but there was nothing they could do. Even Aegon noticed their gazes, but he had long grown used to them.

'It's human nature to envy what they don't have, while failing to appreciate what they already possess,' Aegon thought.

Many people envied the rich who drove expensive cars and flew in private planes, without appreciating the freedom they themselves had to move as they wished. Aegon had once been jealous too.

So while he was still a very materialistic person, he also treasured everything he had, be it possessions or people.

Shaking those thoughts off, he bowed slightly and said, "I'm honored to be a part of this Empire. My ancestors shed their blood for this land, so I'm grateful that I can make it better."

"You have a good mentality," Samuel nodded with a smile. "I'm going to discuss peace with House Valeria's Elders now, so you may place any demands you have of this Empire."

With that, Samuel congratulated the rest of the winners and addressed the populace of his Empire. His speech was inspiring, to say the least, and with the buildup Amon had created earlier, it worked exceptionally well.

Then Theon and Rovan also took turns addressing the populace and spoke about the peace treaty the three forces were going to sign.

Once everything was concluded, Samuel left the Eternal Sanctum along with the other two. Even if they were cordial on the surface and shared good relations because of Aegon, they still needed long and serious discussions regarding cooperation. After all, it involved billions of lives.

Afterward, Amon gave a final speech to everyone watching through the broadcast and had them observe the winners once again, ensuring the world recognized the new Supremes.

Aegon watched everything silently while his friends continued arguing among themselves. He looked around and thought, 'Many novels skip the aftermath of tournaments, so what actually happens? What now?'

He knew his team would soon go off celebrating, but was everyone simply going to leave like this?

[Host should spend less time thinking about useless things.]

'Shut up! It's about experience.'

[Sure. I believe you.]

'Aren't you getting too sarcastic lately?'

[The Host wanted to make me more human.]

Aegon rolled his eyes at the response. 'So now that's my fault?'

[I never said it was a fault.]

Aegon was speechless, then wondered why he was being gaslighted by his own system.

'Do you have a "Do Not Disturb" button?'

[If the Host wishes for me to turn silent, you can say so directly. I will never disobey your orders, so there is no need to beat around the bush.]

Just as Aegon was about to retort, he noticed a change in the atmosphere and focused on the nobles. Instead of leaving as he had foolishly assumed, they began mingling with each other and with the participants.

'Ah! Recruitment. Almost forgot that's the main attraction of the Supremacy Games,' Aegon thought, frowning as he noticed many people eyeing him and his team.

But none of them approached, which confused him until soft hands suddenly wrapped around him from behind.

"You won!!"

He smiled, feeling the familiar presence, and said, "Xiu, are you trying to give me a suplex?"

"Of course not. How could I ever do that to my baby?" Xiu pouted as she released him and let him face her.

Of course, he didn't believe a single word. She had given him countless suplexes during training. She never went easy on him in those sessions.

Aegon raised his head and smiled. "Long time no see, Opa."

"It has indeed been a long time," Arnold smiled and placed a hand on Aegon's head, patting him lightly. "You did a great job. I'm proud of you."

"So, can I go on world exploration now?" Aegon asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Even a year in the Academy couldn't change your goal, huh?" Arnold chuckled softly.

"I thought he might change his goals after studying magic," Aurelia said, stepping beside Xiu.

"He's determined toward his goals, unlike you," Xiu said before turning to Aegon. "Still, did something happen? Your determination feels stronger."

"How do you even sense something like that?" Aurelia was dumbfounded. "Isn't he the same?"

"No. Something is different. I can feel it."

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