Early in the morning in the royal capital, a dense crowd lined the cobblestone streets, the excitement in the air almost palpable. Whispers and enthusiastic chatter blended into a harmonious cacophony, like an orchestra anticipating a grand event. Merchants' stalls, usually teeming with customers, were temporarily abandoned as everyone tried to get a clear view of the main avenue.
Suddenly, a luxurious carriage, gleaming with golden ornaments and drawn by majestic white horses, appeared at the turn of an avenue. The finely carved wheels of the carriage seemed to glide effortlessly over the cobblestones, adding to its aura of grace and perfection. The proud, elegant horses trotted in flawless synchronization, their manes fluttering in the wind.
At the sight of this display, the crowd erupted in enthusiastic cheers. Faces lit up with awe and respect, children perched on their parents' shoulders waving joyfully. Petals were tossed into the air, creating a colorful rain that fell delicately around the carriage.
"We've only been gone a few days and we still get a little welcoming committee," remarked a man sitting inside the carriage, observing the crowd with a satisfied smile.
"That's perfectly normal since we're returning from a diplomatic mission," replied a calm female voice.
"Anyway, this little trip wasn't too tiring, and I even brought back a little souvenir," the man added with an even broader grin, caressing a small jewel-encrusted box resting at his side.
"Pfft," his companion sighed, visibly annoyed.
"What's with the sigh? Am I not allowed to treat myself?" the man asked, feigning innocence as he turned to her.
"Do as you please, but you should focus on our report and tonight's dinner," the woman replied with a hint of exasperation in her voice.
"Ah yes, that's right, we have a dinner with our freshly summoned heroes tonight. I can't wait to see what they're like, can you?" the man exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"New meetings are always interesting, but I'd settle for just having a pleasant dinner," she replied, clearly preferring tranquility.
"Then let's hurry. Guard, could you pick up the pace a bit?" the man asked, turning to the guard at the front of the carriage.
"Of course," replied the guard with a salute, lightly cracking the reins and urging the horses into a faster trot.
The carriage now sped toward the royal castle, visible on the horizon. A black flag bearing a white screaming raven fluttered proudly in the wind, symbolizing the power and authority of the royal house. The cheers of the crowd gradually faded as the carriage approached the imposing castle gates.
After a few days of acclimating in the castle where they were treated like royalty, with breakfasts, meals, and dinners brought to them by servants entirely at their disposal—the heroes were invited to a dinner with the king. Apparently, it was meant to celebrate the start of their training. The king's daughter and son had also returned from a trip, providing an opportunity for everyone to meet.
It was morning now, and most of the heroes were still fast asleep in their luxurious beds. Maïli, however, had risen at dawn. Since her arrival at the castle, she had regularly gone to the training grounds to hone her magical control. She practiced on dummies, as she usually did.
Maïli was a beautiful young girl with black hair and large brown eyes that shone with intelligence and determination. Her feminine curves, generous chest, and shapely figure often drew admiring glances. That morning, she was focused intensely, effortlessly channeling her magical power. A violent gust erupted from her hands, striking one of the dummies with such force that it shattered into pieces. Despite the sheer power of her attack, Maïli didn't seem satisfied with the result.
Frustrated, she clenched her fists and took a deep breath:
"Ugh, I still can't create slicing gusts sharp enough to cut the dummy. All I'm doing is tearing it apart for now," Maïli sighed in frustration.
"Wouldn't this be one of those so-called summoned heroes?" a voice suddenly rang out behind her.
She turned to see an elegant young man dressed in a magnificent black outfit adorned with delicate golden embroidery. His neatly styled blond hair and emerald-green eyes gave him a regal, sophisticated look. His upright posture and confident demeanor unmistakably marked him as someone of noble birth.
"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Raphael, prince of the Kingdom of Sigma. Delighted to meet such a lovely and, it seems, hardworking lady," he said with a graceful bow.
"I'm flattered, Your Highness. Besides, I do need training if I'm to help defend your kingdom," Maïli replied with a polite smile.
Raphael stepped closer, taking her hand and placing a delicate kiss on her fingers.
"You are delightful. I look forward to seeing you at tonight's dinner," he murmured, his gaze captivating.
"As do I, Prince Raphael," Maïli responded, trying to conceal her surprise at his gesture.
He walked away calmly, eventually disappearing from sight. Maïli watched him go, her thoughts swirling.
"At first glance, he seems very charming, but I must remain cautious," she told herself, resuming her training with renewed determination.
She knew that behind the prince's apparent charm there could be more complex intentions, and she had no intention of letting her guard down. Meanwhile, the prince made his way leisurely through the castle halls, the servants he passed bowing respectfully.
"Welcome back, Prince Raphael," they whispered reverently.
Continuing with confident strides, Raphael spotted a beautiful young woman waiting for him. She wore a magnificent black gown, finely adorned with delicate gold embroidery and patterns that shimmered in the light, adding a touch of mystery and sophistication to her presence. Her long, carefully styled blond hair cascaded in silky waves over her shoulders, enhancing her natural beauty and providing a striking contrast to the darkness of her dress.
Her emerald-green eyes, sharp and gleaming with intelligence, followed his every movement with focused attention, adding an aura of grace and intrigue. The faint smile playing on her lips spoke of innate elegance and quiet confidence.
"You were waiting for me, Sarah," said Raphael as he approached.
"Indeed. I even saw you speaking to that girl. She's one of the summoned heroes, isn't she?" Sarah replied, glancing out the window where Maïli was still training.
"It was nothing more than a brief greeting."
"Then was the hand-kiss really necessary?" Sarah asked with a hint of sarcasm.
"How could I not greet such a beautiful woman in the most elegant way possible?" he countered with a charming smile.
"A true womanizer. Did you already decide to make her yours at first sight?" Sarah continued, exasperated.
"It's not just her beauty, it's her character. Didn't you notice? She's the only one training early in the morning even though they've only been here for a few days. She shows discipline, a sense of duty, and above all, a purity I want to corrupt," he said, his eyes glinting with malice.
"You'll never change. Your outward beauty is matched only by your inner ugliness," Sarah replied, barely concealing her contempt.
"Oh, my dear little sister, always whining and playing the good girl. We are nobles more than that, prince and princess of the Sigma kingdom. We have the right to do whatever we please, whenever we please," Raphael retorted with a sly smile.
"So that's why on the way back, you amused yourself by burning and exterminating a newly discovered demi-human village?" Sarah asked, her tone icy.
"Those filth got what they deserved, though I admit I took great pleasure in it. I even brought myself a little souvenir I can't wait to use," he replied, his eyes gleaming with cruelty.
"Do as you wish. Father is waiting for us to give our mission report," Sarah said with resignation.
"Very well, let's go then."
They headed toward the grand hall where the king sat, accompanied by his court mage, Moïse. Numerous nobles stood aligned on either side, accompanied by guards. The princess and prince walked down the red carpet leading to the throne and finally knelt before the king.
"My son, my daughter, I hope you had a pleasant journey," the king declared cheerfully.
"Yes, father, it was not too tiring, fortunately," Sarah replied.
"And you, my son?" the king asked, turning to him.
"I managed to annihilate an elven village along the way, so it was quite enjoyable," Raphael answered with a smile.
"As expected of my son. The goddess must be pleased that you exterminated those vile creatures," declared the king, a satisfied smile on his lips.
Some members of the court wore approving smiles.
"Good, you may now present your mission report to the royal court," ordered the king.
Sarah and Raphael stood, ready to relay the details of their mission, aware of the attentive gazes fixed on them.
"We traveled to the kingdom of Ecclésia to begin diplomatic alliance talks. Everything went smoothly. A meeting between you and the king of Ecclésia should soon take place. We agreed on a military and economic alliance a pact of mutual support. They also gave us a very troubling report that matches our own," Sarah explained confidently.
"And what report is that?" the king asked, his interest piqued.
"Father, the number of dungeons is steadily increasing," Sarah replied, her voice echoing through the silent hall.
Whispers of concern spread throughout the room.
"Hasn't Ecclésia summoned its own heroes?" the king asked, intrigued.
"They have. Their training has already begun. In total, they managed to summon fifteen, all with excellent professions and skills," Sarah explained.
"Well, our goal was to seal an alliance to combat the dungeons, and that seems accomplished. Once our heroes are trained, they can collaborate with them. However, the increase in dungeons is a problem. We don't even know why they appeared or how they continue to multiply. My daughter, you'll send a letter to determine the date of our meeting. You've done good work," the king said with approval.
"Thank you, father," Sarah replied with a bow.
"And you, my son?" the king asked, turning to Raphael.
"Nothing has changed so far, father. I traveled to the kingdom of Ria, that vile country where humans, demi-humans, and other races coexist. They refused any kind of support or alliance," Raphael reported with disdain.
Cries of outrage rang through the hall. The idea of coexistence among races was intolerable to many. One noble raised his voice passionately:
"My King, how can we continue to tolerate the existence of these heretics who reject the teachings of the goddess and her Church?!" he exclaimed vehemently.
The hall murmured in agreement, heads nodding. The atmosphere was charged with emotion and resentment.
"You all know that the Kingdom of Ria, despite its neutrality, remains one of the most powerful realms. Attacking them would start a war we might not win. Not to mention we have the dungeon problem, which is a great threat," the king declared firmly.
"But isn't that why we're forging diplomatic alliances?" retorted the noble insistently.
"Yes, but for now, we will not attempt anything reckless. We will take our time, forging military and diplomatic alliances with other kingdoms, big and small. All with the goal of increasing our strength and becoming one of the greatest superpowers. After that, we'll see what to do," the king explained, his strategy well thought out.
"But why wait so long? We have the Church and now Ecclésia with us. Let's burn those heretics who deny human supremacy!" shouted the noble passionately.
"Do I need to remind you who currently rules the kingdom of Ria?" the king said in a serious tone, his piercing gaze sweeping across the assembled nobles.
There were gulps in the room, and a heavy silence settled. Their hatred for those who refused to worship the goddess had made them forget who ruled Ria.
"The Queen of Flames! The most powerful red mage to ever exist on the continent! Capable of setting an entire kingdom ablaze single-handedly the Queen Edelgard!" the king declared, his voice ringing with undeniable authority.
The nobles fell silent, aware of the danger a direct confrontation with Ria and its fearsome queen would pose. The room was now heavy with reflection and fear. Everyone fully understood the implications of the king's words. The threat of Queen Edelgard was not to be taken lightly.
Queen Edelgard, nicknamed the "Queen of Flames", was feared across the continent. Her destructive powers were legendary able to reduce entire armies to ash and obliterate cities and even dungeons in an instant. Her very name alone was enough to instill terror and make even the bravest tremble. Her past acts of destruction had left indelible scars, etched into the collective memory of neighboring peoples.
Observing his advisors' reactions, the king continued:
"We must be strategic and patient. It is crucial to strengthen our alliances and solidify our defenses before considering any action against Ria. Their current neutrality gives us a window to prepare, but never forget the power we could face."
A murmur of agreement spread through the room, the nobles nodding in understanding. The king's pragmatism seemed to soothe them, though tension lingered.
"My daughter, continue corresponding with Ecclésia. We must set this meeting soon to consolidate our alliance," the king ordered Sarah.
"Yes, father. I'll take care of it today."
The king stood, concluding the session:
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a difficult road ahead, but together we can overcome these challenges. Let us be cautious, but resolute. May the goddess guide us."
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Special thanks to Rebecca/Amari/Zezima/Crowny_66/Bored dragon/ Sky_Shay/A_F_D/Fidelissama/Morgan/Arjunn/TheGreatSucc/Jared/ Grimjaw/Damion/ for her power stones.
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