First, take down the Sword Demon, then save Runeterra.

Swain and Demacia exchanged messages, and Swain told each other the truth about the Curse of Ruin without any concealment.

"So this is where the black mist came from...?" Jarvan stroked his chin. "Galio doesn't seem to have been of any use?"

Swain smiled. "The peace treaty stipulates that Galio can only be used against that demon and his undead minions. We can't go against the Protoss oath, can we?"

"I am very grateful that you have considered all of humanity and sent Galio here as soon as the black fog broke out, but I am sorry, he may have to stay in Noxus for a while longer."

Jarvan's expression turned serious: "You mean, that demon down there will make a move soon?"

“From multiple perspectives, that’s the case,” Swain sighed. “Without Galio, you’ve lost a trump card. Are you sure the surrounding conflicts won’t be a problem?”

“Hehe, Demacia has always loved peace and never initiates aggression.” Jarvan shook his head slightly. “Those small countries have no conflicts with us either. To be honest, Galio has only been used against Noxus.”

“We are truly honored,” Swain said with a smile. “It’s getting late, you should go and reveal the truth to the people, and remember to conceal the true motives of the Ruined King.”

"Of course, making such a big fuss to revive my wife... no one will believe it, right?"

After ending his communication with Jarvan, Swinley let out a long sigh of relief.

"We don't know how long these peaceful days will last, so let's start by cherishing today."

Atto also felt a sense of relaxation; since arriving in this world, he had always felt like he was being swept along by the situation.

The tension in my heart is too high. I should take advantage of the moment before Mordekaiser makes his move.

The banquet was held at Count Vladimir's luxurious manor. There was no other way; after all, he occupied the most valuable piece of land in the Immortal Fortress City.

Moreover, even when there are no events worth celebrating, His Excellency the Earl often hosts banquets, and he's used to it.

Officials entered with smiles on their faces, making a grand entrance to let ordinary people know that the crisis had been resolved and to create a relaxed atmosphere.

Ato also changed into a black suit. As an honorary member of parliament, he couldn't possibly wear casual clothes to a formal occasion, could he?

A line of Hextech vehicles parked at the entrance of the manor, and soon it became the liveliest place in Immortal Fortress.

The Gothic spires cast sword-like shadows in the sunlight, and rose petals sway in the breeze, each one shimmering with a dark red luster—this style is very Vladimir-esque.

A row of long tables, covered with exquisite white cloths, displayed countless expensive ingredients meticulously prepared by professional chefs, making one's mouth water.

The maids bustled about with trays on them, each containing a few glasses of Vladimir's treasured wine, which had been stored away for many years.

The Earl has never been stingy when it comes to hosting banquets.

Darius removed his armor, held a glass of red wine, and exchanged war insights with a senior officer.

He doesn't drink often. He believes that alcohol makes him lose his vigilance, and what if an emergency happens?

But after the battle with the black mist, this battle maniac couldn't help but want to relax.

As Ato was searching for Riven, someone suddenly put their arm around his shoulder.

"Hey, long time no see, Brother Atto." A sleazy-looking face with a small mustache approached.

"Long time no see, Draven. You actually came to Vladimir's banquet? Aren't you afraid he'll possess your powerful body?"

Draven raised his glass and downed it in one gulp: "What are you saying? He just switched bodies not long ago. Look at him now, he looks like a pretty boy, like a woman."

"Besides, once the black fog arrives, no one will watch the gladiatorial matches anymore. I came here to make myself known to these officials, to let them remember me. After a hearty meal and drinks, I'll go to the gladiatorial arena to relax. Isn't that reasonable?"

Darius glanced at it indifferently, thinking to himself, "When did this good-for-nothing younger brother become so familiar with Senator Atto?"

Even if he were half as smart as him, he could have easily secured a high-ranking position in the army. Instead, he focuses all his energy on meaningless acts that win applause.

"Wow--"

Suddenly a commotion arose ahead, where several noble ladies were gathered together, chattering and praising the scene.

"Ugh... I'm clearly not suited to this style of clothing..."

Hearing the voice, Atto walked over and waved: "Riven, I've been looking for you for ages..."

The words were on the tip of his tongue, but he couldn't say them.

What came into view was a girl dressed in luxurious clothes. Her purple low-cut dress shone brightly, and the hem of the dress almost touched the ground. Her white hair was tied up at the back of her head, and she was wearing a soft, round hat with a noble air.

His exposed shoulders were perfectly smooth. This area used to be covered with scars left by swords, but after obtaining the Darkin Halberd, the scars were healed by blood magic, and even his wheat-colored skin became a bit fairer.

Draven's eyes widened, and he burst out laughing: "Hahahaha! Good heavens, is this still the infamous Valkyrie? I almost didn't recognize her!"

Riven blushed as red as a ripe apple. She had never worn this style of clothing before, and skirts were completely foreign to her. She had always presented herself as a tomboy.

She lowered her head and said timidly, "I originally wanted to wear my usual clothes, but the etiquette teacher insisted that I change into this outfit because it's a formal occasion and you can't be casual..."

"How...how are you feeling?"

Atto's head was buzzing, and it felt like his head was about to smoke, like a teapot boiling water.

"It suits you perfectly..." He had no dating experience and his vocabulary was quite limited when it came to praising girls.

"Is that so...?" Hearing Ato's simple and unadorned praise, Riven's body was no longer as tense as before, and she relaxed a lot.

"Miss Riven, I heard that you served as a swordsman in the army, in charge of the soldiers' swordsmanship training. Is that true?" a young noblewoman asked curiously.

"Is there any doubt about that?" The speaker was another woman who appeared slightly more mature. "Miss Riven is different from us. Look at those solid muscles, she must have eight-pack abs...hehe!"

As she spoke, she pinched Riven's arm, a drop of drool escaping from the corner of her mouth.

Ato was taken aback, and his gaze toward the woman became much stranger.

“I…did teach swordsmanship to soldiers in the army…” Riven still wasn’t used to talking to others in this outfit.

The girl's eyes lit up: "Then can you tell me about your heroic deeds on the battlefield? How did you utterly defeat Demacia?"