Ingraine quickly jogs into the Inn, opening its two wooden front doors with ornate design. The party sees the lively and colorful interior of the Inn. On its walls, objects what’re seen as relics are littered throughout while replicas of legendary swords and equipment are scattered in glass cases. A Band playing famous folk songs of the land on the corner, and a very active lobby full of people who had earned their keep as adventurers of the continent.
Grifvet immediately heads to the main lobby, excited to see the replicas of famed swords and equipment. Pierence with a slouched back, tired from the day follows him. While the two girls, Eattare and Ingraine, talk to the Inn’s manager about staying with a Dragon pet. Bahamut, curious of the land's famed equipment and weaponry, follows Grifvet. She lands on his shoulder, her sharp nails scratches his armor's shoulder pads but nonetheless continues his excited walk.
“Pierence! Look! It's the longsword of Sir Caine!”
Pierence looks around and immediately sees a replica of King James Greatsword. A 1:1 replica of it with his shield on top.
“Amazing… look at it. This is the very sword that wounded the Demon King and killed the Great Mage.”
“Here you go again about the tales of King James. He’s powerful alright, but at the end of the day, he met his demise.”
“I know, but I always wanted to become like him. Now, here we are, helping a Dragon God that possibly has a Master that’s leading a Demon Army.”
Bahamut who was with them defends her master.
“I assure you the name Dark Knight is only a mere title for my Master. He hates, but he never lets his hate takeover the value of life. He is a very kind man, a bit out there. But kind and warm. Though we Dragons need not the company of a human to have warmth as we have our scales and thick hide… when he embraces me, I could see the warm of his heart,”
“You say that but at the same time, being a Dark Knight means you’ve done some Evil things that go against the laws of nature and balance. He can be kind but he can’t be named that without doing something that is reprehensible.”
Grifvet leans into the glass case with the replica of the greatsword “Grentiea”. The sword used by Sir Caine in slaying and driving away many of the Demon Realm’s beings back into the darkness of the night and the dense forestry to the tall mountains where they couldn’t hurt humanity. It’s also made from the holy metal used to slay the Vampire King as he defended his stricken Queen.
“Pierence has a point Bahamut. Just want the kind of Master you have? I find it odd for a man with such a title to not have committed many crimes against humanity.”
“If creating machines to make life easier is seen as a crime, then humanity will never see its full potential. He has his downs, particularly his lack of assertiveness at times or his nonchalant attitude to certain things, but I do not mind."
“Are those like the windmills? You said that it's for humanity right?”
“Yes, they created wagons with wheels that require no horse. They call it cars, the larger ones were called trucks while the long ones were called buses. But being human, they slowly changed to these metal beasts with long and short barrels. Calling them tanks and infantry fighting vehicles…”
“So your Master created these weapons?”
As they talk, the two young men walk to the other glass case on the left that has a replica of the golden longsword of Sir James and his ornate Shield with enchanted jewels.
“No. He didn’t create them, the faction he works for does. He just oversees its creations.”
“That sounds very Demon Lord-ish.”
“I assure you the faction he works for does not kneel to the Demons. They even offer their services in destroying the monsters created by the Devil.”
“The Devil? Who’s he?”
“It seems that you have a different Demon Lord.”
Confused, even Grifvet scratches his head
“Wait, There’s multiple Demon Lords in your world….?”
“Eh, wait? No. I meant, as I told you. My Master and I did not come from this land. We have cometh here from afar.”
Pierence, who was a devout member of the Holy See remembers a fact from the holy scriptures.
“I see, I guess even different parts of Dragovh calls the Demon King different names. Though the Holy See of Deus Vrax calls the Demon King Diabolo. Don’t know about the other Continents.”
The two young men look back and see Ingraine waving at them. They started walking back to the main counter, waving through the colorful lobby full of people who just came from a tiring day.
“Interesting, well, I do say your land is in better shape than ours. The grass is greener and the air doesn’t always have the smell of death.”
The party rejoins with one another and Ingraine has visible worry on her face. Grifvet walks up to her, hoping it's not that bad of a news.
“What’s wrong? Are we not gonna sleep here tonight?”
Seeing his worried eyes, Eattare sighs and crosses her arms.
“Ingraine’s just worried about the price. Thirty Aeralous Gold per head isn’t really cheap but it has food and a bath for us to access at any time. But there’s also a hundred Aeralous Gold for access to the Dragon’s Keep.”
Grifvet freezes, leaving Pierence to save the situation.
“Ingraine, don’t worry I’m sure with Bahamut, we could regain that money lost in no time!”
Pierence looks sideways as if to laugh at Ingraine’s problem.
“I CAN HEAR YOU LAUGHING PIER!” Ingraine comically extends her arm and points it at Pierence’s head.
“I apologize. But you know, it's just that your still afraid to lose money Ingraine.”
“Do you know how heavy gold coins are and why we only have a few hundred?!”
Eattare butts in, stopping the catfight that was about to occur.
“Okay guys, C’mon. Grifvet, could you take Bahamut to the Dragon’s Keep? It’s behind the bathing area.”
“Mhm! No problem.”
The small dragon tilts her head, curious about what their Dragons keep looks like.
“A what?”
“Oh my, you’ve never been to a Dragon’s Keep before?”
“I have, but thou don't know why a human would invest in a Cave or a Castle Tower.”
“Uhhh, Bahamut…”
Grifvet scratches the back of his head and speaks.
“Bahamut, the Dragon’s Keep we meant isn’t a Cave or a Tower. It’s a stable made for Adventurer’s that’ve tamed other Dragons.”
“But exactly why do I have to be there?”
“You're a Dragon?”
Bahamut shows visible confusion. Waving her head as if to think while Eattare swings around, her purple Mages robe’s scent filled her vicinity.
“I cullionly, I'm not liketh the oth'r dragons!”
“Uhhh.. what?”
“I apologize, I still tend to talk in old tongue.” The small dragon breathes in and out. “I am certainly not like the other Dragons. Maybe those bumbling idiots would willingly encase themselves in a small room, but as a proud Dragon God, I need to be outside.”
Grifvet says his goodbyes for now and takes the obviously annoyed Bahamut to the Dragon’s Keep. He walks through multiple hallways, passing through the Inn’s various rooms and the bathing area with the canteen for eating opposite of it. At the back of the Inn, he opens a door that leads to the stables. Horses litter the place, and the smell of manure and urine is thick within its area. Bahamut is even more visibly annoyed.
The teenager in light knight armor goes to the back of the stables and opens another door. It leads to a beautiful open area where the Dragons could fly about in their leisure. There’s also a Bell near the main door that the smarter Dragons could ring for meat to be served to them. There were various Dragons, the most apparent of them are the Earth Dragons that made up almost sixty percent of the keep. Though some are rare like Red Dragons and Ice Dragons. One thought stood out of them all, a Dragon drenched in Black Scales but with Red lining.
They were flying about a miniature stone tower and around an artificial lake just as big as a man's feet. All of the Dragons seem to be very young and new. With some still trying to learn to properly fly by themself. Bahamut senses this and feels like she’s about to become a Mother figure to these as she’s the only adult Dragon within the entire keep. Grifvet immediately sets her down. The other Dragons turn their head at the new guest in their temporary home.
“Grifvet, as much as I like this keep, I think they’re seeing me as their Matriach.”
“Aren’t you technically their God though?”
“I am but I’m not particularly good with the little ones. I’ve always been around the more adult ones.”
The curious Dragons land and they start walking to Bahamut. Probably thinking about what she is and why they’re attracted to her.
“Uuuggh. They’re inching closer to me, Grifvet.”
“Awww, they think you're their mother.”
“Ugh, I can see my night is gonna be a long one.”
On the next day in the Capital city of Grandure. Saint Elizabeth, formerly known as ElizadeathMotherf is being transported in a stylish carriage, being drawn by six horses with uniforms that have the color of blue and gold. They were surrounded by the Royal Knights of Breznick on horseback. Inside, she’s conversing with a man wearing what seems to be a Victorian era uniform of a high ranking officer but he has very few medals. Elizabeth on the other hand is wearing a beautiful orange dress.
“Prince Sigured, I hope you’ll all be able to listen to my plea.”
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
“Do not worry Miss Elizabeth. I’m sure the Congress, his majesty’s advisors will hear you out. A Sword Saint hasn’t come to this continent for almost two hundred years now. Geraldia was always the place where Heroes came to be.”
“Of course.”
Their carriage enters the North gate of the Capital city. Soldiers wearing freshly polished armor stand at ease. Breznick’s Royal Guards encase the carriage with their horses as it enters the busy city roads, covering all 360* degrees. The citizens of the city could only look in awe of the expensive and impressive looking wagon, rapidly traveling the stone road that heads straight into the main castle. Some of the citizens could see a faint image of an attractive woman with an expensive pair of earrings. It shines bright, taking the attention of the commoners.
“I can see you’ve already started getting the attention of our citizens.”
“Oh please Prince Sigured. I’m not very comfortable wearing this.”
“Oh why would that be? You look very attractive already, with this dress, you look like someone with a beauty worthy of inheriting a Kingdom’s wealth. Such beauty like yours shouldn’t go to waste, always underneath a heavy golden armor.”
“If only beauty was enough to lead a Kingdom I would’ve already done it. King Breznick isn’t fond of conversing with other Royals, I do excuse that.”
“No worries, I’ve been curious about Breznick’s great Sword Saint. The woman that took on a once mighty Undead Army with a Dragon God from what I’ve heard.”
“Those… times were of the old. Let us not dwell further in them. Bahamut by all means, is not as powerful, the Seven Pillars hampered her powers as she came under the rule of a human man. Such is the fate of beasts that wish to mingle with us.”
“Nevertheless, it's still an achievement. My Fathers Ancestor, King James the Conqueror was unable to slay a Volcanic Dragon God. It still pains the citizens of today about his end. You seemed to be very stressed, Miss Elizabeth. Are you not accustomed to this?”
“Truth to be told, I’m not. I’ve never been treated like this before and my only duty was to serve my King and fight for Breznick as the head Knight.”
“Well, I hope my Father will hear your side's story. I’m also sure the Congress would like to know how you moved such a beautiful Kingdom deep inside our territory.”
“Yea… I hope.”
After about 20 minutes, the speeding carriage goes straight through the gate that divides the Inner and Outer part of the city. The white wall has a beautiful bronze lining, symbolizing the city's immense wealth and power. On it were statues of the old Knights and Heroes that came from the land, emboldened in Gold, shining everlastingly and the gates were made of the purest steel of which no battering ram can go through it. Inside it were streets after streets of Manors and Mansions. The wealthy that lived there were properly aligned on the sidewalks, bowing elegantly as the shiny wagon passed by. As they were about to enter the last wall that heads into the gigantic castle of King James the Conqueror, Breznick’s Royal Knight slowly peels off and the King’s Honor Guards take over. One Royal Knight of Breznick is left, tailing near behind the carriage.
Inside, the gigantic front yard was decorated finely by flags of both Breznick and James, confetti scattered throughout the air, it had an almost fairytale-like atmosphere, greeting the guests to the Castle with a Blue and Gold Carpet that leads to the entrance. The Castle’s Maid and the Nation’s Generals and High Ranking Officials were all lined up outside the large two-door entrance, ready to greet the Sword Saint and Prince. The carriage stopped right at its doors and was dead center to the beautiful carpet. Everyone then breathed in, readying themselves to simultaneously greet the Sword Saint of Dragovh.
“Welcome Miss Elizabeth Graine and Prince Sigured”
The greeting was proper and professional. They were all aligned almost perfectly, and their uniforms were spotless. Even the Maid's black sleeves were properly ironed and everyone greeted had a smile. Elizabeth was visibly not used to this and all she could do was smile back at the overwhelming greeting given to her, the Prince first steps down, he stops by the door, he lowers his head, his left hands reach out and his right hand behind his back. Elizabeth is visibly confused.
“Uhhh.. Sir Prince?”
“A gentleman should take every opportunity to please such a pretty lady.”
Elizabeth gently holds Sigured’s hand as he aids her in getting off the carriage’s steps. After getting down, a military band starts playing the anthem of the Kingdom of James. The castle’s staff and government officials lifted their heads and started clapping, greeting and saying welcome to her and the Prince. As they approached the entrance of the castle, a tall woman with extremely long hair that reached her ankles was standing still like a statue. It caught Elizabeth’s eyes, her extremely white dress was gleaming as if it was a mirror. Her Crown has the design of two Dragons meeting each other with very Victorian style carving.
“Sir Prince, who’s that intimidating lady near the entrance?”
“Ah, I did not expect to see her here. She’s Queen Catherine of the Dragonkin. It’s because of her that the continent's Dragon population isn’t out and about burning everything.”
“She’s a Dragon God?!”
Prince Sigured’s face was very calm, as if he’s enjoying Elizabeth’s innocent reactions to the inhabitants of the continent.
“She’s the good type. She made a pact with humanity for the cooperation of both Dragons and Humans. It’s because of her that our transport and logistics industry is this popular and our Air Cavalry still dominates most of the skies. She is also a Queen, one of the last Dragon Kingdoms, but be assured she is a good woman.”
As the two reached the entrance, the tall maiden only performed a bow as the doors of the castle slowly opened. Awaiting her inside was the King and the Queen, both dressed in the finest cloth known to the continent, their crowns were full of rare enchanted jewelry and even though visibly old, the King had a stature and aura of a young lad that still has a lot of gas.
“Hello Miss Elizabeth, Sword Saint of the Kingdom Breznick. I am King James Arnheit the Powerful VIII, fifth generation Son of the great Conqueror himself. Pleased to be acquainted.” The King then moves his two hands to reveal his beautiful wife that’s just standing right next to him.”
Queen Vivian who was way too pretty for her age bows and greets the Sword Saint. Her long black hair reached her heels and her blue eyes shine at the beautiful sight of the entrance and her Son with the Saint.
“Hello Miss Elizabeth. I am Queen Vivian Arnheit, the second in command of our beautiful and powerful nation. I hope you’ll enjoy our nation's culture and tradition.”
“O-of cour-se.” Stuttering a bit to the presence of the powerful humans. She bows and awkwardly smiles. Prince Sigured sees this and interjects to avoid an awkward atmosphere.
“Oh Father, how has my brother been doing?”
“Oh, ya’ mean those two lil’ buggers?” The Queen then tugs King James' coat, to remind him that he is within the presence of the Holy Sword Saint. He refigures his stance and clears his posture.
“Miss Elizabeth, please do follow us to the Throne room. The Papa of the Holy See is also awaiting to see you there!”
“There’s a Pope?!”
The King and Queen instantly fall in silence. Prince Sigured on the other hand puts his hand on his mouth, avoiding to laugh. But what she said got to him so hard that he let out a loud laugh that could be heard. The King was trying to keep his posture but also fails to hold it in and laughs his face off. The Queen could only put her face on her palm in disappointment to the two men. Elizabeth could only stand in place as the two laughed their eyes off. The King was on edge of crying from his laughter.
Getting even more annoyed, the Queen claps her hand and the two straighten up immediately.
“I know that the atmosphere is very positive and healthy, but lest we not lose our composure?”
“O-o-of course my love!”
“Of course mother, I apologize.”
The King then started walking through the immensely large hall. Its giant pillars were made of Marble and its base of gold. The floor tiles were also made of this, and the carpet they stood on was in the colors of the Kingdom’s theme of Blue and Gold and the ceiling seemed as if it could touch the clouds from how tall the castle was.
“This Castle here took the Nation almost five decades and a half to build. The Castle of Saviours is what we called it, a Castle devoted to the countless Heroes that fought against the Demon King's Armies and Four Hundred years ago, the Vampire Queen Elizabeth Bartley. Our Kingdom was only eighty years old at that time after its absolute destruction from the third reset. Still very young. If it weren’t for our Heroes, the Demon King or the Vampire Queen would’ve already conquered most of the continent and enslaved or tortured humanity.”
Prince Sigured walks near to Elizabeth and whispers to her.
“I apologize for my Fathers tangent. He’s… very proud of our Kingdom's achievements.”
“Eh-ehehe-eh… It’s uhm, fine. King Breznick isn’t really any different.”
“Seems that we both have the same struggles of a proud boss.”
Queen Vivian hears a bit of chatter from behind her and she turns her head, her eyes full of fire and brimstone, ready to cast a Fireball at the two. They could only act as if they weren’t whispering at one another at all.
“I do apologize for the long walk to the Throne Room. My Ancestors might've overdone it with the Castle. Anyways, Miss Elizabeth, do you have any questions about our proud Kingdom?”
“Who’s the current Pope?”
“Saint Alexandreious! The man's great healer and known to be able to burn even the highest levels of Demons with his mere presence!”
“Huh, a Saint. What about that lady we met at the entrance?”
“Lady?”
“Excuse me Father, but she’s talking about her Majesty Catherine.”
“Ah! The Dragon God! A fine woman indeed! If it weren’t for Vivian, I’m su-” a smack quickly hits the head of the King, silencing him.
“Pl-please forgive my husband's immaturity, he has been like this since he was a child.”`
“My Wife, please do calm down. Jokes are meant to be funny, not a call for violence.”
The Queen lifts her hand once again, ready to smack King James. But she lets out a sigh and continues onwards to the throne room. The throne room was breathtaking with a second floor balcony for officials, large decorated windows surrounding it with stained glass, giving a view of the Garden on the left, and the recreational area on the right. There, the Papa was waiting next to the King’s Throne. His Templar guards were sparkling in holy light with visible Halos floating over their helmets. The Papa was wearing a very exquisite Papal Regalia and his Triregnum, the great Papal Hat was gleaming with Legendary Sapphires, Rubies and Emeralds. Elizabeth could sense his immense divination from outside and within his vicinity, his Divine power could be at the level of a Dragon God.
“By the Gods! She’s here!”
The Papa, also known as the Pope or Papacy and his Templars quickly kneeled down in the holy presence of the Sword Saint. Of course, Elizabeth was flustered by this. She hastily bows.
“U-uh thank you for your hospitality sir Pope.”
“Do not worry Saint Elizabeth.”
“Uh, how did you find out about my Saint status?”
“It’s a trade secret between us Royals, but as the Papa, I can see everyone’s abilities if I wish to do so. Hence why when you entered the room, I quickly knew that you were real. It showed me… even though you don’t have an Adventurer’s ID and we have no way to track your records or growth that you are of the Divine kind just from how the Mana in the air reacted to you.”
“Thank you again. But are you gonna be here the entire time?”
“Of course! The Holy See is the biggest religion here in the continent of Dragovh and Geraldia. Though we’re also making strides in the Island of Kerikus and the Continent of Meridian, the Twelve God Dioceses is a bit more popular amongst the Commoners in the countryside.”
“Oh I see, so those Cathedrals and such were yours?”
“Yes my child! You people are very special from what I’ve heard. Having an infinite amount of revive. Though it’s not impossible, it's certainly rare to see so many having the ability to do it.”
“I just hope the stigma that we’re monsters has disappeared. We’re still human.”
“Of course! That’s why you being here already assures the entire church of your kind's legitimacy!”
As the Papa continued on, King James and Queen Vivian sat on their throne with Prince Sigured standing to the right of the King. Sitting down, his entire facial emotion changed, as if to shift back to work from break.
“Papa Alexendreious, please do let the great Sword Saint speak her mind to us.”
“Of course. I apologize, Saint Elizabeth. Please do speak of your urgent request to us.”
Turning her body and facing the King, her face was stoic and full of confidence.
“I must have an audience with the continent's major powers. Even if it's just their representatives, it must be done.”
“And for what particular reason? We have no problem with your request, Saint Elizabeth. But we cannot just hand out such an invitation without proper reason.”
“In the North, there’s an army, an army far more powerful than the Demon Lords’. Right now, they’re sealed by the great six mages. But the seal isn’t gonna last long with such powerful people. It’ll only be a matter of time till they awaken once again.”
“You say this yet are you sure they’re Evil?”
“No your majesty. But I do think they’re worse than Evil.”
“Oh? And why is that?”
“They bear no flag nor allegiance to any Kingdom or group. Not even an ideal. Their mission is to make machinations that could end all of humanity or wipe out a large portion of it while selling it to anyone willing to pay. They also have a trump card that I’ve heard.”
“I see, and do they use these machinations for both Good and Evil?”
“Yes, your majesty. But under such untrained people, who knows what they would do with such weapons. I’ve personally seen and experienced first hand how dangerous these things are. Please, do believe my words.”
“Hmmm... that is indeed a stark situation. I shall accept your request. Come back here this afternoon.”
Back at the Inn, Bahamut is disciplining the young Dragons. Even though she’s the same size as them, her authority made the younglings aligned like a formation. She was giving them an earful when Grifvet entered the Dragons Keep.
“You are all Dragons! Act like one! We are a proud species that no human or demon could topple. Even Vampires would rave upon our power! Our Scales tougher than swords smithed by the best Dwarves! Our Wings to wash away all those who dare question our might! And the tail to swipe the faces of those who look at us with bravery! No- oh, Young man. I was giving these youngsters some lessons on behavior.”
“It’s kinda cute. You got them all lined up like that.”
“It's only natural. As their Queen and God, I must exercise my authority to the unruly.”
Bahamut roars at the formation and the Dragons quickly scatter back to their daily routines. She then opens her wings and flies to Grifvet’s shoulders.
“Now that’s over with, depart. Lest we wait.”
“Yea, no worries. Let’s go.