Ajeel glanced at Invel for a moment and then outside through the window of the lounge he was within. Some months ago, this kind if behavior from him would have been unthinkable. He'd never even considered defeat. There had always been a superiority complex within. And it was earned. After all, they had crushed their enemies. All who dared stand in front of them. But this one time, some of them had faced humiliation, and even the unthinkable. It was simply amazing just how defeat could bring a person down in humility.

He smiled; it was truly laughable.

Disappointedly, there was no one to share the bitter laugh with. Not even Invel. But maybe the emperor could laugh about it. His grandfather would just scold him. His deep worries would've been death.

"You have an assignment from the Emperor."

"The Emperor, huh?"

Who would have thought that Naruto would one day become Emperor? Ajeel had dreamt that maybe it could be him one day. Not that indifferent man.

There had been much disrespect to the blond. He was no weak man. Invel had taken too long to get that through his head but so had he. They should have listened to August. Even as the most powerful, he had often admitted Naruto wasn't a person he wanted to fight. Even when he left the Empire, August had made it clear Naruto wasn't to be pursued even when he was disappointed by the decision.

It was clear now, depending on whims, he could have killed anyone who pursued him.

Here they were, all kneeling before that very person they'd once called a traitor, calling him Majesty. And honestly, Ajeel was a little afraid he might get killed. The Spriggan was disbanded. He now no longer had a role in the Empire.

"What assignment?"

"You are to go to the North Continent to ensure there are no problems with us."

Ajeel laughed. "Aren't those Dragon Gods located there?"

"Yes."

"And I am being sent there."

"Yes."

"I am being punished for my past behavior?"

"No." Invel shook his head. "You're not expected to engage them. You are to speak to human population. The only worry there is those Dragon Hunters. As far as they are concerned, His Majesty and Irene-san are Dragons."

Invel hadn't thought this when he was told to send Ajeel to the North. But it was obvious on who the target was. Naruto didn't have to say it in words. Those people could be a problem in the future if not handled.

"Back up in case I get attacked?"

"We do not have a good relationship with them," Invel sighed.

It was the result of their campaign. They had been drunk in power that they didn't consider anybody but Acnologia to be a threat. Countries were crushed. Defeat was unthinkable. But now that he has witnessed the strengths of others, it was better to consider things wisely.

"You can take a ship." It hadn't been authorized. And Invel didn't think he had that power at the moment. He would pass it over to August before departing. "Remember, you're not going to beg anyone."

"Of course," Ajeel turned around. His eyes came across those of Brandish. For a moment, he frowned. "I'll be at it."

He then walked past Brandish without saying anything.

She sighed after the man left. There were some unhappy voices about her absence in the war. But what could she have done? It wasn't like Naruto had given her any option. Ajeel didn't understand that and partly blamed her for the bad things that happened.

"What can I do for you?"

"I'm going with you to Fiore."

"I wasn't told of this."

"I requested permission from his Majesty. I could go alone, but you're going to take a short time to get there…" Brandish replied casually. "If you don't want, I make other arrangements."

Invel shook his head. He wasn't going to hold a grudge. The war was over. It would be irrational to look at Brandish with contempt. Unity was required for the moment as they needed to trudge forward. Losses, yes, but they could only take steps forward. This would also give him an opportunity to inquire more about the Emperor since Brandish was closer to him.

"If you have permission to go, then it is fine. I just need to clear a couple of things before departing."

Hyberion still viewed Minato as a mystery. The Wizard came out of nowhere. While not part of any Guild within Ishgar, he had still managed to crawl his way into the Magic Council. How he managed to get it done still mystified him. After all, the current Council was made exclusively from members of the Wizard Saints, bar him. The previous chairman recommended him. And he came with good ideas and a curious mind.

He sighed at glanced through the window, looking at the streets.

"I am going to leave the Council."

It didn't come as a shock to Hyberion that Minato would say that. He had a feeling it was going to happen sooner rather than later.

"I see. Can we convince you to remain?"

"No." Minato shook his head. "I have made up my mind and believe it is best I return to my life of normal things. I have been far busier than I had anticipated."

The changes he wanted to be made were done. The Council was a well-oiled machine. There was a balance of things between the Council and Guilds. There would be no more of a tyrant with power that could not be matched.

It was an experiment of such. Whether it would be successful remained to be seen. It was still early days. There was no telling what would happen in the future if the Council decided to do away with its General Assembly or the other way around. The Council still held power. After all, a General Assembly could only meet once a year. and the chairman of the Council was the chairman of the Assembly.

"What is normal?"

"Reading. Studying magic."

"You would go back to such a life when there is this purpose in life? We have a greater responsibility in life and you would pass it over to reading?"

"We view things differently. You have your responsibility as the chairman of the Council. It is your job to lead this new world order. I have done my part."

"You could have said so before so we can have Guild leaders nominate someone to take your seat."

"With the power vested in you, you can bring the motion to the Council and fill up the position." Minato shrugged. "I had a proposal that I'd wished to put out. But I think things are fine this way. This is why I can return to my peaceful life."

"What proposal?"

"The Council creates laws, adjudicates them. My first idea was that I wanted the Council to remain as it was. But then it would no longer be able to adjudicate of matters of 'law-creating.' It would also make it possible for wizards to complain about the Council and ensure that there is fact finding before people are thrown into cells by the Council."

There was a great abuse of power by the Council before. But an independent adjudicator would ensure the balance of power and be able to restrict the Council from acting arbitrarily. That was an extreme case he decided against but a trial that could be put into effect in this current plan ended up failing.

The good thing was that Guild leaders had say on how magic was regulated. The Council independence was still secured, it was just that the Guild leaders no longer had to be at the mercy of the Council without any hope of reprieve.

"That can still be done. There are too many duties for us to be expected to handle every little thing. Too many things have been ignored because the Council never delegates. We have to do things right to ensure Guild Masters have trust in us and wizards do not look at us with contempt and fear."

Kurama opened both eyes sharply as he sensed a presence before him. Maybe it was the influence of Naruto, but there was no denying that the dragon before him was beautiful in its human form. Of course, that was all irrelevant to him. He didn't care for this dragon. Whether human or a lizard, Kurama just wanted the peace he'd lost when that cursed Madara showed up in front of him with those blessed eyes.

He closed his eyes and returned to his thoughts.

She dared to appear before him. He had nothing to say to her. She was most likely looking for Naruto.

"Such a distorted space," Serene said, looking around the atmosphere.

A normal human wouldn't be able to breathe casually in this place. It was a danger to mortals. And to think that Naruto's pet had this much power. Nothing was ever simple when it came to that man but it was what made things interesting.

"I am looking for Naruto."

"Then continue to look for him."

She smiled. The blond was obviously not around. And the beast had no intention of telling her or even indulging her. The fact that it even had its eyes closed rubbed her the wrong way. It was like it wasn't on guard. Should she make it realize that folly of its actions?

She shook her head. She didn't come here for battle. It was unnecessary at this point in time.

"I did not think I would be sitting with you." Yajeel said, staring at the board in front of him. He was playing a game with Naruto. A unique game. Jacob sat on the side, observing silently.

"Why is that?"

"You relieved me of my position as soon as you became Emperor."

It had come as a shock. Not that Naruto succeeded Zeref but that he was simply removed from his position. He'd done nothing but serve to the best of his abilities.

"I wanted to shake up things, a little." Naruto replied with indifference.

"Have you?"

"Yes." Naruto slowly nodded his head. "But I must admit I was hasty. I'd believed I could handle things by myself. But it has become apparent that the Empire is too big just for the Emperor. As such, there is a need for this meeting."

Yajeel stared at the Emperor for a moment and then back at the board. He would rather play cards than this. The learning curve was a little bit too much. And Naruto was a little too good.

He still had some concerns about him and his grandson. Things didn't look to be too good for both of them. He attributed this to Ajeel's past treatment of the Emperor. There were many who had not respected him. Even though he was friends with the Emperor and had taken a starring role in forming this Empire.

"Are you worried about your fate and that of your grandson?"

"Yes."

"There is nothing to worry about."

"I heard he was sent to the North."

"Yes." Naruto nodded with a smile. "But it is not about punishment. I do not hold grudges against you. I have lived long enough, longer than you to be holding grudges."

Yajeel almost smiled. Anyone would be forgiven to conclude that he was sitting with his son or grandchild. That was just how young the blond appeared. How he envied people with such powers. Naruto's predecessor was never aging. And now, he too. Maybe it came with the throne. No, Naruto even looked younger than before. But here he was, pushing a cane because of his inability to defy the laws of nature.

"Then why did you send him there?"

"To test him. It is the same with Invel. They disapproved of my ascendance to the throne. Naturally, you think twice about having such people near you…" he smiled, shaking his head. "But that isn't the main reason."

Yajeel glanced at Jacob. He didn't know why the man was around. They only exchanged greetings and then it was silence. It was as if the Emperor was treating him as an immaterial presence. He didn't even bother to glance at him.

"Then why?"

"War and defeat brought them to their knees. Many of them never even thought they would ever face defeat. But they learned it. It humiliated them but have their changed?" Naruto asked.

"You mean from a moral standpoint," Yajeel asked. When Naruto nodded in response, he released a long breath. He was aware of their indifference to destruction and the pain of others. His grandson, especially. But they have been quiet. Perhaps being humbled brought this much to a person. Naruto had never fitted in because of his moral code.

Was the idea to get them to value human life and learn to differentiate between right and wrong? If Ajeel has not changed, he was just going to cause destruction in the North – if he could. The same could be said about Invel. Diplomacy was a different game when you didn't want to start a war with your opponents.

"Yeah." Naruto nodded. "For the future of the Empire, they need to grow. We have many enemies. So much that if they were to get together, and attack us, we would not survive the assault. It would mean the end of this empire and everyone within it."

He almost laughed just thinking about it. It was a ridiculous thought. Those naïve and too good people in Fairy Tail would never come after them. It was likely that some of them had even moved on. They were too nice. Too forgiving for every nonsense. Thus, the idea of them waging war against the Empire was laughable. Fairy Tail was nonetheless not the only guild in Ishgar. There was also the Council to consider with its terrifying weapons.

"That is nevertheless not the reason I called you." Naruto said, changing the subject. "I have already stated that the job is too much. I underestimated things because my predecessor was always absent. But I didn't realize much was pushed to others."

"We always had hands… and we learned to keep the Empire functioning without the Emperor."

"Yes… but my absence now creates a hole." Naruto said.

Kage handled everything without ministers. But then again, he could understand why the Sandaime was always at the office. He ran the village by himself with hardly any support. It was different here. There was support. Ministers handled the majority of the day to day running of the empire.

"You can return to your position."

Yajeel stared for a moment. "You're not asking."

Naruto smiled. "Of course not." He said. "There are some changes. As much as he disappoints me, Invel is rather smart. Once he returns, he will run you through the changes that have been made, and the channels that have been made. This is nonetheless a temporary measure. You will be looking for your successor in the meantime."

"You trust me with that?"

"There is no reason I should not. Whoever you recommend, I will appoint." Naruto became silent, adopting a serious look. "You're old, so we need to be quick. And August doesn't have much time left in this world. Once he departs, Invel replaces him. You understand, things don't you?"

"You would be without the man who stands between you and a rebellion by some people who do not approve."

"Yes."

"I assume Jacob's role is investigating those who might be against you and taking care of it."

"Jacob reports to me, and only to me only. He can ignore any command from you or even August if it goes against his duties. But for now, in execution of your duties, you will be working with him, and he will serve as your protection."

"Do I need protection?"

"His Majesty wants you to work on turning the people in his favor. He cannot rule effectively when there are people who are against him."

"So, I must get people behind you, huh?" Yajeel afforded himself a smile. "I will do my best." He said. "What awaits my grandson when he returns?"

"It will depend on him. Invel will become Minister of Defense. If he is willing, he can serve under Invel."

"Willing?"

"You, I will force to work. But others I will not."

"That's kind of you."

After the game, Yajeel departed to start his job as a minister once more. Naruto was just left with Jacob.

"Do you think he should be kept as an advisor?" Naruto asked the polite man sitting beside him.

"Yes. His support will be necessary to navigate through some difficult paths."

There was someone else Naruto could put in the position of Minister but he figured inner politics dictated that he put the man back in his position. He had originally done as he did to see if there would be people working against him. Nothing was simple. Even if August stood in his corner, greed did not know fear. Not to mention, he was being reasonable in taking caution when it came to both Ajeel and Invel. At any event, once they returned, things would be well.

"Remind me when his term ends… I do not want to end up acting on whims again." He smiled at the thought. Invel had given lectures about proper way of handling affairs. He was right. He was no longer just Naruto. There were structures put in place to ensure things ran smoothly.

"Of course."

"For now, go to Fiore. Observe things for me. You're not necessarily observing Invel, but the Queen and her ministers. They are the only ones attempting to form relations with us and I believe that if we are to have civil relations with Ishgar, Fiore will be key." He paused, closing his eyes for a moment. He pictured the countries within Ishgar. "Most won't want anything to do with us. Vengeance may be on the cards. Have people put a profile on these nations and we will see how we handle them."

Naruto wasn't against purging all leaders who would rather fight him than talk. There was no appetite for war. But if he was dragged into it, there would be nothing but destruction. He was trying to rehabilitate the image of the Empire. Adding more flames wouldn't earn him friends.

There would always be those who will think he should have done things in a different way. That was why for now, he wasn't going shift things toward another bloody conflict.

"And Ajeel?"

"I will go to him."

Succession plans were important for any nation. Wars for the throne were fought because of greed and lack of proper succession rules. Kage usually selected their successors but what happened when they died without selecting a successor? This Empire wouldn't have been embroiled in a bitter and bloody Civil war because of August but what if he wasn't around? Anything could have happened. The Empire was still young. It was still growing.

Zeref didn't consider succession because he was immortal. But given that it was a monarchy, August should have succeeded. But the man had no interest. Hence his role. It would be his descendants who would rule the Empire but for that to happen, succession rules had to be drawn and he had to plan things properly to ensure upon his death, there would be no attempt to grab the throne.

Naruto smiled – he hadn't thought that he would ever be sitting on the throne, seriously pondering about the future of the Empire. He hadn't cared much before. Being human had been all that mattered.

When he heard footsteps, he glanced up and continued to smile seeing Irene walk toward him.

"You're looking like a proper monarchy."

"Don't joke about that. I'm thinking that even Zeref spent too much time away because he didn't want to work."

"But you don't seem to have a problem with working."

"I've always taken my responsibilities seriously."

"You were always careless and never really took things seriously. If you were serious as you are now, we wouldn't have suffered for decades trying to gain our humanity."

Irene thought as much anyway. There were not many moments that he had been serious. There was always an air of indifference. After all, he was the same person who'd nap for years for no reason other than boredom. Maybe there was some frustrations within it.

"Fault being able to live for hundreds of years. The notion of time becomes irrelevant when you can live for that long. Whether you do something tomorrow or in ten years, it doesn't matter." There was no human waiting for him. He hadn't had any deep relationships with humans to be tied to their mortal days. "We are here at any event. And we must change our perception of time. Otherwise, we will grow old without having achieved much."

"You have magic to cheat old age."

"I don't recall mentioning anything of that nature."

"The magic you used?"

"That is something I can't use for now. I had gathered enough magic to destroy the whole of Earthland for that magic to activate. Not to mention, I was a immortal. I do not have the magic, nor the years. I'm afraid, if I try something like that, time would swallow me and I would cease to exist in this world."

"That is disappointing."

"I have no desire to live for all eternity. I want to enjoy my life as I age before eventually resting in my sanctuary."

"Why did you call me?"

"How are things with Erza?"

"I have only seen her once."

"Why?"

"Things are difficult. I love my daughter but that is all."

"How disappointing."

Those cold words struck Irene to the core. She stared at Naruto with a questioning look.

"I'm sure it wouldn't have been the same if my mother had come back to life." Naruto paused, tilting his head slightly. "I never knew a mother's love. Or even a father's love. I understand August because of this much. But I had been interested in seeing how you could develop your relationship with your daughter and how it would change you as a person."

"Are you conducting an experiment?"

Naruto laughed. "Don't be ridiculous. I care for you…"

"You're not denying it."

"I reject it." He waved his right hand dismissively. "Let us talk about our future. But obviously, it includes Erza. I will be like a father to her. It is going to be rather interesting as I do not know what that is like."

"What more is there to discuss?" She had already accepted him as her husband.

"Personal issues that affect this Empire. I want to know if you have any interest in having another child. As I told you, I want to have a family if my own. My children to love and care for. If you cannot provide that, I will find someone to do that for me."

"You went after that woman because you want to use her for this."

"Use?" Naruto raised an eye brow. "Nothing as sinister. I have no desire to use anyone. Manipulated things will not make me smile…" he stood up from the throne. "We are going to take a walk along the streets."

"Why?"

"To see my subjects and test how things are," he replied walking toward Irene. "Do you know why Dimaria hated me?"

"Tell me."

"You're no fun if you're going to be like that." Naruto replied. "Jealousy born out of love. I'll admit I really didn't care if she lived or died. But I did care, a little. It was enough that I wanted to see her change because in her former character, I would have snapped her neck myself."

"Hypocrite."

"Hahaha…" Naruto had never denied as much. "I am in a position to be a hypocrite. I have power. I can pick things based on convenience and no one will do anything."

"But are you not dismissing that she now hates you?"

"Hate is not eternal." Naruto shrugged with indifference. "She will eventually get over it. If not, I will look at other options. I have come this far. Spent decades searching for magic to make me human again. Nothing is going to stand in the way of my happiness."

Irene fell silent. He was still the same person, fundamentally at least. He wasn't even asking her about things but telling her. Did he want to dominate her? Was she going go permit being at his mercy? Well, unlike those who betrayed her before, she thought it was impossible for Naruto to stick a blade through her chest. Her trust, he had earned.

"Back then you spoke about coming here…." Irene smiled. "I really thought you were joking…" she said. But they didn't come here. They'd gone to a small town to settle before August came for them. "At any event, there are more important issues to deal with."

"Nothing is more important than my happiness."

"You have to be alive to be happy."

"You're on about the Dragon Gods."

"You're cautious of them."

"As I should be. Any reasonable person would be cautious of them. They are a threat I cannot simply dismiss." However, it was a cause of concern as he didn't know if the former Spriggan could handle them. "I'll have to train those kids to be able to deal with them?"

"What of you? You have lost a great deal of magic."

Naruto shrugged carelessly. "Quite true but nothing of concern."

"If there was nothing to worry about, you wouldn't vacate your duties to train. I have known you for a long time, you don't train. You learn new magic…"

"I have had to adjust on things. But if you want to test my battle prowess, you're more then welcome to challenge me…" He then conceded in a quiet tone. "But it is true that I have lost a great deal of magic. My body has become a little bit fragile. I cannot trample on them as I would have before."

"You can still use Dragon Slaying Magic."

Naruto shook his head and then smiled sadly. "I don't want to have something in me again. I have had that life. I want to feel what it means to have moments were you're truly alone. I have never had this freedom. From the day I was born, there was something inside of me…" he then added in a flat tone. "It is also unnecessary. I have Acnologia."

Irene shook her head. He wasn't going to admit to anything even when he was talking protective measures. Then again, he wasn't desperate. If he was, he would employ the use of Dragon Slaying Magic.

"I see."

"And you just went silent." Naruto shook his head. "What do you want? I've become a mere mortal with limits. But it doesn't make me weak. I just recognize the danger. And I have responsibilities now." He glanced at Irene for a second as they entered the streets. "We could still leave all this behind and find a remote village. Live in peace for the rest of our lives."

"That would not be bad."

"Are you possessed?"

"You aren't here because of some noble goal. Things just work out this way…" Irene replied.

400 years ago. A time down the memory lanes, Irene was Queen. Queen of a beautiful nation that sought nothing but the coexistence between humans and dragons. A chaotic time of blood and death. Dragons opposing each other. Humans in a war of ideology and existence while in fear of the might of dragons. It was in human nature to fear whatever was greater than it. Power beyond human comprehension would always be feared, particularly when its existence was not that of human or human creation.

In those blissful days, Irene had strolled the streets with peace and a brightness. A queen, as a human and as a wife. Perhaps welcoming that man into her house was her downfall. Naruto wouldn't have turned on her. But that man did. Even as she carried their child. Fear and hatred was a compulsive drug that stirred the evil sitting pretty in the depths of many.

As she walked by Naruto, within the streets of the Empire, in a different time and different circumstances, she wondered if she could relive those days. What was beyond question was that she could trust Naruto. She was human again. She enjoyed the bitter taste of alcohol, the many taste of different dishes.

Yet, there was still doubt in her mind. No, just fears of history repeating itself once more.

"This is not as bad as Invel made it out to be," Irene said to Naruto.

Naruto glanced at her for a moment and then around the streets before replying. "Yes. But I am still not beloved as my predecessor. I accept that. It is just going to take some time."

At least, it was not quite the Kyubi brat. There was no one around here who looked at him with contempt. There were just questions about his suitability as Emperor. He was the man who deserted the Empire before it went to war. But he was nonetheless still the man who swept many guilds when this Empire was being founded. Surely, many still remembered this much.

"You brought back Yajeel to win back some popularity contest," Irene shook her head. "But it is something that can be solved. It isn't like you care that much about it anyway."

"On a personal level, not so much. But I would be lying if I said some part of me didn't want a royal procession whenever I returned home," he smiled as he added. "You should know being a queen; how far a nation goes depends on whether the subjects cooperate with their leader's laws. If there is some form of civil disobedience, there will be no progress and eventually, it leads to civil wars."

"For someone who was a recluse, you have a keen understanding of how humans behave."

Naruto smiled. "That was because envy bossed me whenever I was among humans. When I was younger, I aspired to be leader. But mainly for recognition. At the end of the day, I learned how humans behave."

"It amazes me how you switch from amoral and to a saint who understands how humans behave and only want things for the better."

"Talking won't be fun if you keep saying such things that are a turn off," Naruto responded with indifference. He waved a hand, at some people walking along the streets who greeted their Emperor. "I was thinking of changing the Empire into a Kingdom. We must try to change our identity. The Empire was Zeref's design. The Kingdom is mine. I'm sure it will work well for my reputation when you become my Queen."

Irene glanced at Naruto through the corner of her eyes. "Is everything about your reputation, now?"

"Don't be that person." Naruto said sternly. "If Erza was a little girl, she would become a princess," he said, in passing and then shook his head. "I want happiness while at this sort of thing. And that means doing human things. It must not be forced, but there must be love in what is to be done. I want to share your deepest fears. I don't want to share a bed with you but not your heart. If we are going to do this, you have to be willing to go that mile."

"Why do you keep repeating things?"

"Because you need to be absolutely sure. You have fears that you won't tell."

"I'm not the only one who keeps secrets."

Naruto laughed in response. "Well, you got me there." He said. "I will tell you my secrets. My heart you will have."

"Are you going to ask what you want to ask or are you just going to keep staring at me?" Brandish asked, with a bit of annoyance in her tone. They were flying high up in the air, above sea waters, the Western continent their destination but for different reasons.

Invel glanced sideways for a moment before replying. "You're close to the Emperor. You must know what he is thinking."

There were possibilities that he could get captured by the Magic Council once they spotted him. The reality was real. They had invaded Ishgar and nothing had been done yet. Most of the nations within the continent held nothing but animosity and no doubt, the Magic Council would be looking for some payback. His presence there would be a risk to his life and freedom. Naruto must have known this much and yet, he was sent to this mission. A suicidal mission.

Yet, he couldn't refuse.

There was no question of the Emperor's power. Foolishly, he'd thought he could take the man down, but he had been met with a rude awakening. The war had even exposed his limits. He could only follow instructions and hope for the best.

"Only Naruto knows what he is thinking," Brandish replied carelessly. "Are you worried about your future? Well, given how things were in the past, I would worry if I were you," she smiled. Perfectly normal, but pointless if you knew Naruto.

"Am I being sent to be arrested?"

"Do you think August would have agreed to that?"

"The Magic Council surely wants us captured for our actions. It would be perfectly reasonable for me to be used as a sacrifice to pave way for future relations."

Brandish laughed. Invel would think like that but while Naruto was capable of that rationale, he wasn't too bothered by the Council to make a sacrifice like that. The Emperor hasn't even made things smooth for Invel for him to have the peace of mind. It was torture, but there was nothing to worry about. Maybe it worked just because of the kind of person Invel was.

"Naruto does not put much value in the council. And the reason you were not sent with any army is because he wants you to succeed. It is easy for you to slip into the capital of Fiore without being noticed. In case you're noticed, it is easier for you to escape," Brandish, and then added. "August told me to tell you this in case you worry."

If there was one defining factor about August, it was that he cared for his comrades. Some of them hadn't done so. Defeat brought a different perspective in life. But even so, he hadn't thought that the man would go out of his way to give him such reassuring words. Then again, he and Naruto got along. You'd not even think the blond was older than August. If anything, it seemed like grandchild and grandfather.

"Then I must do everything possible to ensure this is a success."

"Good luck with that. But I'm sure it will go well. Fiore wants peace…"

"But not the Council."

"Since when you have taken them seriously?"

"We were too arrogant in our power that we didn't think there were people who could match us. We also didn't fear the Council even though it has some destructive weapons…"

Yes, they had cast their eyes toward the defeat of Acnologia that nothing else mattered. Things were different now. They were among the living. Tyranny no longer ruled. Coexistence with those they once trampled was the way forward, even if it was a hard pill to swallow.

"What personal business are you really going to handle?" Invel asked, changing the subject.

"It's personal. Just to clear up some things about my mother," Brandish replied. "I hope it doesn't cause trouble…" she said in a tone that made it clear that even if there was trouble, she wouldn't really care.

"Does his Majesty know?"

"Sure he does. He knows our secrets."

Invel stared. "What do you mean by that?"

"Why do you think he was able to stand before the Spriggan to halt war? Even August abandoned the idea of war. Do you think he was persuaded by the little fireworks he displayed or the fact that the Emperor had not approved war?"

Maybe it was Naruto's indifference to his provocation that made him underestimate the blond. The power that had been displayed that day was mind-blowing. The thought just went through his head after a couple of years.

What Brandish was saying wasn't that it wasn't the power that August feared. No, it was that Naruto knew all their weaknesses, in terms of magic and personal lives and could exploit it all. It was hard to believe. Considering that the blond had never displayed interest in anything but the Emperor and Irene.

Seeing that Invel was a little spooked, Brandish spoke once more. "You don't have to be worried. He isn't a bad person. Just don't push it."

"I have had to deal with the fact that all the time I thought I could take him, I was wrong and he could squash me like a bug."

"You'll get to experience that." Brandish said. That is if, Naruto could still wield the same power.

"Something I don't know?"

"Training." Brandish groaned. She really didn't want to bother with training. Maybe she could stay in Fiore for far longer. "You know about the Five other dragons. Well, they are powerful that Naruto thinks we are too weak and must train to tame them if they ever presented themselves as threat. Not to mention, the threat of the Council."

With their little interactions ever since Naruto became Emperor, Invel had learned the blond was dedicated to his job. After all, he was doing the job of Emperor and Prime Minister at the same time.

While Zeref was at times kind, as the war had shown, Naruto was merciless. He was just rational about it. If the Council did not take apologies, Naruto wasn't going to beg. He would stand his ground and there could be war.

Invel shook his head. Maybe he was thinking too much. He just needed to get this over with and then return home to have a fruitful conversation with the Emperor.

When August stepped into the office Naruto occupied, he slightly shook his head. There were changes being made. Naruto worked hard. Even with his loyalties to his father, August would admit, the blond was far better than his father. After all, Zeref had even killed Larcade for being an annoyance. Worse, he had misled everyone.

It didn't stop him from respecting the man. Maybe the little moment he had with both parents wouldn't have happened if not for Naruto.

"You will eventually fall if you keep at it like this. If you're not working, you're training." August said as he settled in front of the large wooden desk, littered with papers. The pleasant view behind Naruto, through the large window was of not disturbance to the man in front of him.

Naruto glanced at August for a moment and then stared back at his work.

"I get enough rest." Besides, he sometimes had clones carry out the work. It was just a little taxing, and testing to his human capabilities. "Leaders are always busy. I suppose I wouldn't have had time with my father if he hadn't died."

The personal matters where things they never discussed. But Naruto had already said it in passing – neither knew what it meant to be loved by a mother or father.

"What can I do for you?"

"What is going to happen with the Magic Council?"

"Well, most of Ishgar has no communication with us and we can expect things to be tricky. I have sent Jacob to check things and provide feedback on where we stand. The problem will nonetheless be the Council. We will have to hear what they say."

The Empire invaded Ishgar and caused much destruction without any provocation. There was no question on that. And while August would not say they were wrong, he would admit to the destruction that was caused. Of course, it wouldn't have been necessary if Naruto had just told them Acnologia was dead.

"And if they make decisions that have sanctions on us?"

"We will see if we can live with them. If not, we'll give them the middle finger. I want things to run smoothly and I can blame everything on Zeref," Naruto said indifferently. "But I am hoping a future with Fiore will soothe things a little."

"You shouldn't have sent Invel then."

"He will do good. Besides, it gives us the chance to see how much they can stomach. Invel is the general who led forces into Fiore. We will see how they receive him. If they treat him well, they then have the resolve. I can speak to them."

"Won't it backfire?"

"There is still room for diplomacy. We are still a military nation. If Fiore is afraid, it will always be open for dialogue."

August was never going to allow a position of subservience. With much convincing from Naruto, he just realized a present of constant war would only doom them. And he could see it. One always had to look at what would occur beyond their deaths.

"Sometimes I don't understand your thinking. You permitted the war to happen, but for what reason? You stopped the war from happening last time, but this time, it was even more needless because Acnologia was dead."

Naruto waved his right hand. "There is nothing confusing about me. I'm just a selfish person who does things when they are convenient. You would question why I disliked some of Irene and Dimaria's actions. But that is because they were just cruel. I am not a sadistic person and am I against the torture of others for amusement. The war? True, I could have stopped it…" he smiled. "But it isn't like Zeref didn't know. I like to believe that Zeref knew. And you should know by now that your father didn't really want to kill Acnologia but had his selfish reasons."

"You justify that by saying if you had said something, the war would have still happened?"

"I am wrong?"

"No. If his Majesty had decided the power was still needed, we would have still invaded Ishgar."

"See," Naruto smiled before chuckling lightly. "I'm sorry. I have lied about that. I just thought it would be a good experience for Ishgar. They are too nice and the Magic Council was loose. Chaos provides for an opportunity to rebuild. And that has happened. Some people can die… but if the world becomes a better place, the sacrifice is worth it."

"So you're rational person."

"Not at all. I am a flawed person with inconsistencies. You should know, when you have peerless power, you become a little detached."

"You have always preached right. But it is true… you didn't care about a lot of things…" August replied. "But you're earnestly working for the Empire and its future."

"Just living out dreams I failed to live… it's more of a personal choice. Something that draws the dreamful person I once was…" Naruto shook his head, trying to shut off the thoughts of his shinobi days. "Why do you think Zeref failed to notice that you were his son?"

August shook his head.

"It is because he thought in reverse. He didn't see the future but only the past. A past in which he wasn't cursed but just happy. I suppose because of that, you never had a father. I don't know what it is with powerful fathers. For your, it may be worse because he was in front of you. But mine was dead before I opened my eyes. I learned loneliness. Hate. Hopelessness. But I didn't lose myself in that loneliness. Yet, a part of me does wish I could have experienced family. When I become a father, maybe I will have an idea…" he stared at August. "When my child is born, I want you to become a grandfather to him."

"You're older than me."

"Doesn't matter." Naruto shrugged. "I want you to know what it means to love. Maybe when you die, you won't be emotionally crippled. You must die with a smile, as your father did. Learn what it means to be human." His eyes shrugged. "Until then, I will not permit you to die."

Jellal nearly jumped when he saw Minato walking up toward him. He was still an escapee of the Council. A wanted criminal. And the man walking toward him was a member of the very Council that was turning heads when it came to evil and criminal elements. It was no longer the good days where dark guilds could operate in the open. The Council paid Guilds to get rid of them. And some of it, its Rune Knights handled everything.

He didn't try to escape but just stood still, watching the mysterious man walking along the crowd as if he was just a nobody. Yet a man who has driven an idealistic yet realistic change with how Magic is controlled within the continent.

The man then stopped beside him, and without glancing at him, he spoke.

"Follow me."

How Jellal was familiar with this position of power. He had once been god when a member of the Council. Foolishly trying to revive Zeref as if he was some savior. It was the whims of Ultear, but he was blind. He hurt those who loved him. Turned his back on the good morals he once held. And now, he felt as if he could never repent from the sins he has committed.

With those thoughts, Jellal followed the man, keenly aware if may be over for him.

They sat outside a small restaurant. The busy town. People walking past, and yet, it felt like they existed in a different plane. The dark-haired man ordered tea in broad daylight. Smiling to the waitress, with a mannerism of a noble.

Then again, a person who sits at the pinnacle of magic ought to have certain etiquette. Not the unruly trash who once infested the Council. Inwardly, he smiled. Their term had truly been filled with scums. And they thought they were powerful.

"Where are your friends?"

That question, smooth through the lips, yet, those eyes never fell on him but the cup in front. "We separated before coming to this town."

"Are they in good health?"

"Yes."

"Don't be stiff. Members of the Council do not arrest people." He said casually before placing the cup on the small round table. "Besides, I am no longer a member of the Council."

Jellal was confused about this. "What do you want?"

Minato took out an envelope and pushed it toward Jellal. "A letter from the Council. You're no longer a wanted criminal. Along with your friends. You have received pardon."

"Why?"

"I bargained for it." He smiled flatly. "Don't ask why; it is going to be annoying."

"There is no other question I can ask."

"There are many. Who are you? Why do this? What do you want in return?" Minato listed. "You know who I am and what I have done. And I know who you are and what you have done. But I made the plea and it was granted."

A pardon? That felt like he was being given a free pass without paying for the things and Pain he has caused. He couldn't reconcile this much.

"Ah, regrets…"

Jellal noted, those black orbs were peering into him with an unmatched intensity. Yet, as he attempted to reciprocate, he found emptiness within. An abyss that threatened to swallow him whole.

"I suppose good people are like that. You do horrible things and then you think you cannot repay and even if you die, it would be the least. Because truly, you cannot erase what you have done. That is true. Once the water is spilled, it is done. You can only mop it. A glass that shatters is to be thrown away. You have shattered glasses, and because you can't mend it, you think you deserve nothing. Pitiful. A sad little thing."

Those words were harsh. There was no warmth in them. Jellal said nothing in response. Not because he couldn't but because he felt the man still had something to say.

"The gift I bring is not for free. And you have no right to refuse it. You are going to become an enforcer of the will of the magic council... you do believe that the current council and its policy are just, yes?"

From where he stood, yes but things could change. Jellal knew that power corrupted even saints.

"Yes."

"You know that just because a Guild is legal doesn't mean its good. Phantomhive for example. You and your friends will be empowered to act against even legal guilds, as long as they are breaking the law. You will find dark guilds until there is not a drop of magic inside your body. You will get instructions soon enough."

Staring at the capital, Naruto could only shake his head. It was practically impossible to create a self sustaining barrier to protect the entire place. There wouldn't be enough magic to make this possible.

The limits of men were frustrating. Then again, it was the limits that made them want to push into the realms of god. Of course, magic would always curse those who try to reach the heights no men should even dream of walking.

He glanced at Irene and then released a long breath.

"We will just have to create certain points which will be used as safe houses in case there is an invasion."

The arrogance of past rulers of this empire. They never considered such a possibility. Or maybe they just didn't see the need to protect the people. When the majority were mages, it was hard to think for the minority.

"Aren't you taking things a little too far?"

"We do not know what disasters may fall if we just let things be. Taking caution is not a loss."

"But who'd dare attack the Empire?"

"Who knows?" Naruto shrugged. "Men will surprise you. But maybe not men, but dragons. Just imagine if Ignia comes here?"

"You do not have a war with them."

"The Empire has not destroyed who had a war with it. Powerful beings will always seek out those who have a little bit of power to either test them or just crush them. I shouldn't be telling you this, Irene. Has being human made you lax?"