“So---, is this assumed to be the reason?”

The voice was young, but it also carried a small inkling of maturity with it, and despite all of that, the tone most definitely belonged to a young man.

“Yes---, I believe to be so. Since I have been notified, by Sir Baron the night before. But given your session, I have waited for you to conclude it first, so as to tell you. Although, I did not aspected you to take such lengthened time, with this session of yours, which was rather unexpected.”

At this moment, old Wan was speaking while waiting in front of a large door, waiting for the speaker of the youthful voice, waiting for the owner of the voice to reveal himself from behind the door of the room, from where many noises were coming from, which were most likely done by the owner of the voice while hurrying himself for some reason.

“Tsk---! I believed Father was going to send another message and not this. Although, why have you not reported it immediately? Even if that meant interrupting me.”

Though while waiting, old Wan could clearly hear the clink of the tongue of the young man, who was hurrying himself even faster, for the rushing of clothes was heard even louder, as though he was late for an important attendance.

“I—. Well, I did not believe that this is more important than your training, and I know you well enough to understand that not even you think this is as important to yourself, as your training is. So I have waited for you to end it by yourself, at the very worst I would have waken at the limited time.”

“Then---, why had Father reached for you to inform me of being present here today? Is it not for this?”

With the door opened, the young man, the owner of the voice came to be visible, as he was non-other than Rowen who was still dressing while coming out of the door to meet old Wan’s gaze, while having an angered and conflicting frown at the old man.

“I do not know and do not understand why. Your father had not explained anything during our conversation, and I can not fathom the reason. At the very minimum, you will just have to meet your esteemed uncle. But more importantly, it appears that little Luise is trying to enter inside our room, through the outside window, while Lady July is communicating—, well--, voicing her concerns to end this dangerous attempt, by trying to pull her away from the walls of the building.”

“What? Luise—! Where are you?”

“---.”

“Ahh—, no I will go to—!? Rowen! Wait a moment, I am close, I will get there in a jiff.”

Yet, while finishing his last touches to his clothes, Rowen had to abandon everything at old Wan’s words, moving with his fastest speed at the large window of the hall he was in, unlocking the window to look left and then right, until he could see with his own eyes the very scene that old Wan had just described, Luise, who was currently using the protruding pieces of stone of the building as steps for her feet, while clutching at other stones of the wall of the building, while making her way up to the window where he stood.

“Young miss please, let me carry you at the very least.”

Though not far from her, her protector July was flying just so much below her, with her hands opened to catch her just in case she would slip and fall, whilst also trying to persuade her in giving up the daredevil act of hers.

“Tsk!"

“Kyaaa!!!”

"Come here, and do not make more problems for Lady July.”

But in mild exasperation and irritation, Rowen moved outside the window, grasping the protrusions of the building and carrying himself ensuing Luise's location, after which he locked her with one arm by her waist, and proceeded to carry her inside the room in several swift steps.

"---."

“What are you thinking of?! Have you lost your sanity? This is the sixth floor, one wrong move and you will fall to your—!”

"Mmm---."

Yet as Rowen was about to berate her, the person who should feel the pressure of his words seemed unaffected and unperturbed, as though a cat that could not understand the words of a human, for she was currently snuggling against him akin to a kitten to her owner.

"Luise, are you even listening to me?"

“Yes, and it makes me happy that you reached for me. But I could have arrived here alone as well, after all, my skills of infiltration are not bad. And if I am, to begin with, it is sister Adel's fault for placing meany Nicole in blocking the exit door.”

“Who’s at fault? And what do you mean by “meanie Nicole”?!”

At the same time as Luise was talking while snuggling against Rowen, the doors of the place that they were in, were opened by old Wan, as an irritated Miss Adel entered followed by her protector Nicole and Luise’s handmaid Miriam.

“I do not know you. Rowen let us go back to our bed and sleep in for this day—, ahhhh! No!!!”

“I said! Who’s fault is it? And how is it that you lose the ability to recognize me every time you are in Rowen's grasp?”

“No! Let go of me, sister Adel!"

Although, not long after her entrance, Adel moved to pull Luise away from Rowen, akin to a guardsman who would try to drag an escaped convict, as in this case, It could be said to be her own fault for not barring the windows of the room in which they were staying.

"Good morning. Rowen, are you ready?"

"To you as well mis Adel. And yes, I was just about to reach for the two of you when this---, happened."

"Verry well then. I will leave her to you since she does not want to move. Anyhow, by what I know it should be another few hours before they will reach the City."

However, after tugging at Luise several times, Adel had to give up on her attempt of dragging her away from Rowen, since the only way to pull her away was by sacrificing some of his flesh, given how firm she was hugging him.

"We should go non the less. It will most likely be packed, even if it is a sudden happening---! Good morning, sir Barron."

But while Rowen was accepting Luise as his newfound training heft, Sir Barron made his presence as well by entering the hall in which they were all present, although, one significant boar was missing from the whole group.

"Morning to you as well, little Rowen and caretaker Wan. Mmm---, if we all are ready, I say we carry on, while we are still ahead of time."

As he enter the hall full of people, Sir Barron who appeared unperturbed by any of the commotions, greeted Rowen and old Wan one after another, after which he proceeded to give his advice to the whole group.

"Sir is most right with his words. So let us proceed forward. Old Wan! Proceed ahead and procure a carriage."

"Already accomplished it a while back. Since I had expected, that there might be the possibility of a carriage shortage, once the word will be spread across the City."

"Verry well, then let us proceed on---! Luise?! Walk with me, or else I will drag you."

As Rowen was ready to move and proceed with what he needed to accomplish, he was once reminded by the fact that Luise was still attached to him, as though an anchor to a ship, making him unable to walk unless he was to use his energy and yank her in some way or form, so as to move onwards.

"It matters not, but since you asked me---."

But with his vocalization of the fact, Luise removed herself from hugging him and then tied her left arm to his right, but as though reminded of something she changed to his left hand, after which they heeded to exit the habitation in which they stood.

----------------------------------------

"City Lord! This is indeed a joyous day."

"I can concur as well. For this, is not a random choice of His Highness."

"Undoubtedly!"

"What else could it be but a well-calculated intent?"

"Aha---, aha--, ha-, aha! I thank you all, for your kind words. But to begin with, this is your City as much as it is mine. For any of my glory, is your glory as well. Aha---, aha--, aha-!" - [Two-face bottom-licking bastards! Do you think these smiles can hide your hidden nasty designs from this old Lord?]

Concurrently, dozens of middle age men and women were expressing and articulating, their congratulations words, toward a lavishly dressed middle-aged man, who was sporting a large beard of a brown-golded colour and short hair that was draped behind his back.

And yet despite the smiles and the joyous faces of all who were present, the man could not be moved even by the thickness of a hair, for he knew all of them far too well, to be fooled and misled by mere empty congratulatory words. For in his eyes, the open smiles were nothing more than their crafted facades, to put before him.

"Although! I have to say, that despite the suddenness of the occasion, the attendees have reached a considerable number. Does city Lord concur?"

"It was to be expected, after all, words and whispers travel faster than the wind. And although we are in high numbers, this is nowhere near to the standing, of a true greeting from our city."

And to this gathering, the dozens of middle-aged men and women were located at the edge of an enormous plaza, one which held thousands of men and women, young boys and young girls, as well as some really old individuals, all of whom were currently attending in the many hundred or so small groups, that were chatting and conversing between them, at the same time.

All in all, the number of people attending was beyond the ten of thousand in numbers, for if one was to close his eyes and attend only with his ears, one would be drowned by the cacophony of the thousands of voices speaking at the moment.

However, communicating was not all that the thousands of men and women were doing. For, at the same time, many relished and enjoyed the wide variety of refreshments from the hundreds of tables before them, full to the brim, with eighter food or various beverages, alcoholic or not, for both the young and old alike.

As such, the whole site was giving a strong feeling of exuberance and liveliness, even though, an underlying air of tension was laying between the many groups that were currently present, as though daggers and swords were swimming through the plaza from the glances that they were all giving to one another from time to time.

"As city Lord says---, as city Lord says."

"But in retrospect, were we to have been given the time to organise in advance, city Lord, could have expressed the full grandeur of our humble City."

"Aye! This is natural---, this is pure truthfulness."

"If you all agree, then who am I to say otherwise!? - [You old fox face scoundrels, if you want something big put the damn financial fund. Do you even know how much this whole banquet for you all has cost me already?!] - "Hmm? My Lords and Ladies, please forgive my lack of company, for I need to see my son and daughter---."

But while nodding and agreeing with the superfluous words of those before him, the middle-aged bearded man was forced to raise his eyebrow, as in the distance, a young man in his late twenties, attended by a young woman at his left, was making his way in his general direction. Yet, not far behind them, a dozen or so other people were trailing right behind the two of them, most likely protectors and handmaids, given their attires.

"---. In the meantime, please make yourself comfortable, for it will not be too long until His Highness will arrive."

"---."

"------."

"---------."

"Father."

"Father-in-law."

"You---! I---, I truly--, sigh-!!!"

After excusing himself from the company of the dozen or so men and women, the middle age man waited for the two newcomers, as he came to be greeted by the young man, and by the young woman who came at his side.

While waiting for them, the middle-aged man opened his arms and put a big smile on his face ready to welcome them, although, the said smile came to be a wry one, once the greeting from the young woman reached his ears.

"I---, I already conveyed to you that since you have come into my family, as my son's wife, there is no need to use in-laws anymore, just father will do. And you boy! Any sighting of your brother and sister?"

But, after a stressful moment concerning the call which the young woman was using, the middle-aged man turned towards his son with a question that escaped his mouth almost too quickly, since the man was already looking from time and time into the distance as though trying to see or spot something.

"No---. Not as of yet. But we can be certain that once they move out, it will signify the arrival of the Royal procession. Although---, why I do not see mother. Is she---?!"

However, on the opposite side, as the mention of his brother and sister was brought up, the young man, could not help himself but twitch involuntarily, but at the same moment, the young man brought up a question of his own to his own father.

"Tsk!"

"Father?"

And as it was, once the young man question his father about his mother, the man was almost on the cusp of spitting on the ground from the irritation he had just been reminded of.

"No, no, no. She is feeling sick, so I had her stay put, just in case. Despite her yearning to be present." - [You stupid boy. How am I to say in public that your mother did not want to attend the King's arrival? These bastards are all in waiting for me to say something, so that they can reproach me with sowing negligence, or spitting to the image and honour of the King.] - "I had the head physician take a look at her condition and so---! Speaking of the devil---, there they are."

But while talking with his son, the man was forced to move his head and look towards the opposite direction of the plaza, for a commotion was just taking place as he was glancing at it.

"I see. Which means the procession is nearing."

Said commotion was nothing more than the fact that in the middle of the gathering and at the opposite side of the plaza, people and tables were being lifted just so much from the ground, after which they were moved left or right, to leave an open road free of any obstacle whatsoever.

And to create such commotion were none other than three individuals, that were currently moving closer and closer to where the old man, his son and his son's wife stood.

But as the three of them were moving, anyone and anything in their way was moved eighter to their left or to their right, while not showing any sign of stopping or giving any leniency.

Though as they continued with their forceful and domineering walk, the people begin to withdraw by themselves, not waiting to be compelled by one of the three in doing so, for there was no gain in standing in their direct path.

"Do you want to stay with me?"

"No, at the moment we will enjoy a moment of respite alone."

"Then make yourselves comfortable. But when the time arrives, the two of you should come and stay behind me."

"Understood."

"Yes, father-in-l---. Father."

As the commotion was approaching them, the son of the man eventually became restless and uneasy, for as such, he was eventually excused by his own father.

And so, he and his wife took their leave, while the three figures causing the commotion, were within the distance that a normal eye could see the particulars of said individuals. Although, to the old man and to some of the people present, making the details and numbers of hairs on someone's head, from one end to the other of the extensive plaza was still possible, even as the plaza itself could hold several million people in attendee.

"Aha---, ha--, aha-, finally! The three of you are here as well. In your absence, this old man was starting to get worried, that he had gotten the date wrong! Aha---, ha--, aha-!"

"Greetings to you, city Lord."

As soon as the young man and his wife were gone, the three who were responsible for leaving an empty road in the middle of the plaza, and dividing the attendees, were now standing face-to-face with the middle-aged bearded man.

To the middle-aged man's right, stood a man in his late twenties or early thirties, wearing a simple and formal attire of a dark green colour, a posture with a straight back and a sombre quiet face, which gave the sense that he was a man, who would go straight to the point, regardless of anything, for it was this man alone who even deemed himself to greet the middle age man vocally.

"To you as well vice-General Lison. And to my son and daughter as well!?"

"---."

But in the center of the threes group, stood a giant clad in armour, of whom, no one could be sure, if it was a man or woman that was inside of it, due to the fact, that this was a full plate armour which was hiding any evidence that a human, would even be wearing it.

Though, contrary to the vice-general that was to the right, the armoured giant gave only a nod of confirmation and nothing more. Although one peculiarity stood out like a sore thumb, and that was the shaking and trembling of the armoured giant, moreover the minute clinking sound of the armour would call one's attention to the giant, making him stand out even more, despite the fact that the height and the size of the giant armoured individual were already extremely eye-catching.

"Eh? Nothing? Then---, greetings for this old man to the renowned vice-General Octavia and the south General Humberston!"

"---."

"Eh!" - [Lass, why are you angry? And you---, do not just nod again, say something please.]

In response to his obvious antics, the giant armour gave a second nod, while bowing his head just so lower than the first time. But the old man was not interested in said action at all, for the corner of his eye twitched in awkwardness at his act.

However, the middle-aged man was more inclined to have a response from the third person, the one to his left, the one whom he was looking at with the greatest emotions.

The third person of the three was a woman, wrapt in full-plated silver armour, with only her head being uncovered, to reveal her blue-yellow eyes and hair which was a mixture of a darkened-aged gold to a pale yellow, short up the front of her face, and long behind her back.

The silver armour-clad woman had a very young appearance, for she still had a tinge of immature youthfulness to herself, but that trace could be said to be non-existing, for as anyone were to look upon her or meet her gaze, one word would naturally come into anyone's mind, and that word was "danger".

Even though this was a festive and celebratory occasion, with no one putting on any attitudes or strange dispositions, and as all the attendees appeared to behave normally, she was a different case altogether, because the mere fact that she was standing and doing nothing, with a just a half irritated face, the feeling she was giving was enough to convey and create, a sense of danger directed towards anyone who would want to approach her.

[Damnable things, what has this old man done to deserve such a wife and such a daughter?] - "Now, now---, come with me and maybe you coul---! Ehhh!" - [You lass, you would behead your own father for some spoken words?]

But as the middle-aged man tried to talk with his daughter, his phrase came to be cut short, for in that moment, he had the subtle impression of having his beard, as well as his neck, of being cut off, briefly having the belief of having his head fly off his body.

"---."

"Well, if that is the case, then let us proceed at the very front and stand subsequent to the two from the guard's branch. Although, those two fellows have been here since the earliest hour, faster than even this old man---, aha--, ah-, aha, ha---!"

"---."

However, while perceiving the strange disposition which was created between the four of them, the middle-aged man was forced to escort the three of them, to the closes greeting location, for the yet-to-be-arrived King. But while hoping to alleviate the humour and spirit of the three before him, his intent inevitably fell short of any achievement, as the three before him had no humour, words or time to spare for his old self, leaving him laughing by himself, in an awkward face off.

"---."

"------."

"---------."

"Head Captain Kado! Vice-head Captain Sove! May we join you in your attendance?"

"City Lord Pauldreddick! Do not question what it is natural, for this is the place you Sir must be in any case. So, please, wait next to me."

"Then I have to thank, and then ask forgiveness from the Head Captain."

After the awkward moment with the middle-aged man, the four of them proceeded to move to the immediate end of the plaza, where two other men appeared to be in waiting for quite some time.

And right before all of them, two rows of trees were forming a short walkway, although, said rows of trees, as well as the plaza, were cut abruptly, for as after several dozens of meters a small cliff could be seen.

And yet, the aforementioned cliff was nothing other than the heightened borders banks of a gigantic river. A river which was spanning a few thousand meters in width, and in its length, both the northside and the south side seemed to extend into the distance with no end in sight, while buildings and structures could be seen near the banks of the river, for as in the length of the river, the towering structures seemed to be following the river in its whole span.

However, before the bank or cliff of the river, and before the two rows of trees, the two aforementioned men stood there, waiting, as from behind them, the middle-aged man, the serious light cloth man, the giant armour, and in the end, the armoured cloth young lady without a helmet, came to be standing in line with the two of them.

And as the middle-aged man greeted the two of them, one of the two reacted to his question, although, if anyone else were to be in his place, they would be in shock and dumbfoundedness, for the man to answer him, the one to be called Head Captain Kado, was a small giant of a man, for he, did not only had an irregular hight, but even the muscles on his body were out of the ordinary, as only General Humberston, the armoured giant that was trembling behind the middle-aged man, could match his dimensions.

"Aha---, aha--, aha-, aha! Need not take it to heart, city Lord. The head Captain is but a bit tense due to the meeting with the King."

On the other hand, the man who was quoted as vice-head Captain Sove, was a normal man with average stature, for he and the giant Head Captain, were both wearing blue attires reminiscent of the Guard Branch.

"Aha---, ha--, aha-, is that so, is that so! Who could have thought that our mighty Head Captain can get nervous."

"I am not nervous, city Lord! But this---."

And as the giant head Captain answer the comment of the middle-aged man, no one could believe his words, for even as he stood straight as a pillar of stone, his tone betrayed him, as from the low and high inclinations in his voice, a different story could be portrayed.

"But this time---, is my twenty-seventh meeting with the current King. While I have had eighty-nine meetings with the previous King, and none with the old King."

"Metings?"

To his words, the middle-aged man was a tad bit perplexed, for he did not understand all that the Head Captain was trying to convey.

"City Lord, need not pay head to his "meetings", for this had been just the times he had the chance to see the Kings, and nothing much."

Though once again, to the head Captain's help, was none other than his vice-head Captain Sove, who came to explain the "meetings", to which the giant Head captain was referring.

"Oh---! Well in that cas--? Hmm-!? There they are!!!"

But just as the middle-aged man was nodding in confirmation to the man, he was forced to move his head to his right, towards the north side of the sky, where a commotion was just beginning to take place.

"Alright! Everybody! Prepare to greet his highness! Secure the area! And I will say it just in case! If someone is to make even the small wrong step towards his highness, I will personally deal with whoever dares to! Am I clear?!"

At the same time as the middle-aged man and the rest of the group, took notice of what was happening in the northern part of the sky, the thousand of attendees turned as well, to be able to observe the said commotion.

As such it was not just the group of six that became aware of the racket, but the thousands of men, women and children as well, for all of them were currently seeing and witnessing a sight that could be rarely caught with one's eyes.

Nevertheless, not long after sighting the disturbance, Head Captain Kado turned around to face several guards that were some distance away from him, giving them some simple instructions, and then turning towards the large crowd upon which he presented them with a very stern and sombre look, towards several men and woman that were standing out more than they should have been.

----------------------------------------

"How are they already here?!"

"Have we miss judged the timing? No---, we should have not."

"It matters not, since they will need some time to descend. So, we can just say that we have reached the central plaza on the very cusp of timing."

Right now, as the commotion in the north was occurring and the attendees on the plaza were glancing at it, Rowen and the rest of the group were getting down the large carriage that they had travelled with, while he and Adel were giving some minor remarks at the current circumstances.

"The timing was off intentionally. Not that they would need to lie, given how many of them are here."

But behind them, Sir Barron looked northwards as well, while expressing his opinion on the time of the Royal procession, for they were not supposed to be arriving at this hour, yet now, the procession was within his line of sight, some dozens of kilometres in the distance.

"It matters not. Sir Baron, let us proceed and obtain some seats at the edge of the gathering, then we will wait and see for any message."

----------------------------------------

However, if one was to leave the commotion made by all the attendees present, and if that one were to observe the whole area from the sky, one could observe the entire plaza in which the mass gathering was currently taking place, for in that case, that said someone would be able to see, that the place where Rowen, the middle-aged bearded man and the ten thousand young and old attendees, were all currently situated within the near epicentre of the massive Ten Tree City, a city which was covered to the brim with hundreds and thousands of large and lofty structures, which were spanning over the land in all directions, for dozens of kilometres in the distant horizon.

But if one were to describe the ground on which the city was founded, one would surely say that the region was a flat, balanced and even ground, for there were no earth mounds or hills in sight, a true average and yet at the same time an unusually balanced plane.

However, if one was asked to highlight some important distinctions about the City, a well-knowledged inhabitant would probably think of two or three important characteristics.

One noteworthy characteristic that could be spoken of, could be said to be composed of several elements, for they were the two massive rivers and the spacious lake at the south of the City.

As to this, the first river was akin to a sword reaching from the north of the City, cutting it in two, however, the second river which originated from the northwest side of the Kingdom, from the direction of the Dragon Guarding Mountain Range, merely abraded the City on its southwest corner, and yet, a third piece was formed as well. But in the end, the two massive rivers were destined to encounter one another in the southern part of the City, where both of the large flowing rivers converged into a large and expansive lake, a lake with a surface area of more than ten times that of the extensive City. Even so, at the lowest point of the lake, one sole point of exit came to be produced by the accumulative water which could not be stopped, as an even bigger river continue the flow of the two, moving in the southeast direction of the Kingdom, in its search for the lowest point it could find.

As for the second vital aspect of the City, was none other than what stood in its very name and number. Because, if only one were to be blind and deaf, one could be unaware of the ten gigantic trees which stood like gods the size of mountains over the City.

For it did not matter where one was to be standing, as even from Rowen's position, the trees that were dozens of kilometres away from one another, could still be seen clearly, as their massive trunks that ranged in the hundreds of meters in width, made them look like pillars that could prop the sky above the City. Although, it was the canopies of the trees which would make one gasp in awe, for their coverage was simply too immense, leaving larger moving shadow patches all over the City, following the sun's movement during the day, and making a very strange ambience for those that lived under the shade of the trees.

However, after observing the trees for a short while, a strangeness would arise in one's mind, one that did not regard the contrast of the trees, but their locations from where they had developed and matured. Because if one were to observe the places where all the trees were located, one could easily deduce that the trees were too perfectly aligned to entail a natural occurrence, but something more akin to how a human or something with relative intelligence would perform. For in every cardinal and intercardinal point of the City, one tree could be found, which would create an octagon if one were to unite them by an external line, however, as for the remaining two, both of them were situated inside the City, with one in the halfway point from the north of the City and its centre, and with was an identical scenario of the south one, for its standing was a similar one. As such a total of ten enormous trees were circling the inside and above the City.

But while returning to the present of activities, at this moment, in the northern part of the sky, the large upheaval which attracted the attendees of the plaza, drew and lured an even more large number of gazes from the City below, as an even bigger uproar could be said to have erupted at the scene that every single living thing could currently observe within the northern sky.

The sky of the day could have been said to be a cloudy one, with many clouds floating over, via a soft billowing wind moving from east towards west. But what came from the north was nothing more than a rough and fierce awakening, as all the clouds in sight were all but gone, and every single fluffy white and blue thing that was flowing in the sky, was blown out of existence, by the advancement of more than thirty enormous ships, ships that pushed a wall of wind which blown over the enormous City as well as the Ten Trees, a wall which cleared the sky as though trying to scour any impurities from the blue dome of the world.

But as the more than thirty ships approached the northern exterior tree, they began to divide into two different directions, as one after another, the ships took to circle the City clockwise and counterclockwise, commencing to surround it from all its sides.

However, as more than half of the ships took said action, a smaller craft continued its strait path, flying past and over the first northern tree, as well as of the City below, while at the same time lowering its altitude, approaching the plaza where the thousands of attendees were waiting for the owner of the vessel to descend. Although, calling the ship small would not be appropriate, for even as it was only half the size of the numerous other ships, it was still quite sizeable given its massive proportions.

Nonetheless, while scrutinising the ships, a great distinction could be immediately made out, for as the sole ship which was traversing the City was reaching closer and closer, it could be easily deduced to be of a higher quality than the thirty ships which were slowly moving on the outskirts the Trees, which was why, the lone ship could be easily deduced to have been made with the intent of luxury and security, while the thirty other ships, had a more loose and mass-produced feeling to them. Even so, as to what they were used it could be effortlessly deduced from just looking at their exteriors, for while the smaller ship had the feeling of an extravagant carriage, the thirty ships were more akin to giant flying hornet nests, ready to explode with massive swarms of whatever was inside the said crafts, were the occasion to arise.

Yet, not too long after its entrance into the sky of the City, the lone craft passed the second northern Tree closest to the square, but before even arriving, the vessel had to land over the river and act as a normal river ship, before reaching the pier where the greeting plaza was located.

And so, after a few thousand breaths of time, the lone craft travelled half of the City's span and arrived at the right location, where tens of thousands of gazes fell on said vessel, once it stopped with its advancement.

But regardless of the myriad of gazes, nothing occurred for quite a while, not until, from the side of the ship, a piece of it detached itself, and with a loud and heavy sound, it hit and then smashed onto the stone pier of the river, and it was in this process that a platform to descent was formed, for whoever were its inhabitances.

Even so, to everyone's expectation, the first two figures to appear from the opening and step onto the platform were two men, more precisely, two individuals cloth in robes of a dark-red colour, with only their heads visible for all to see. But that was not all, for as the two men walked down and stepped over the hard stone of the pier, two other men followed, as even after those two, in packs of two, men cloth in the same robe of dark-red colour continued to descend without stopping, one batch after another.

In their process of descending, the red-robed men formed two files subsequent to the row of trees, and at the same time, bringing with them, a heavy but muted pressure, which came crashing over the thousands of attendees that could witness their arrival. Even so, to begin with, none of the men presented the appearance or demeanour of being mere footmen, as in every one of the cloaked men's eyes and faces, a rich history of battle could be read, while cold stares were shown to all the attendees that stood before them.

But while the red robe men carried a cold silence over everyone, once the subsequent two Golden figures appeared, a grave feeling of danger rushed over every single man, woman or child present, for even the more prominent figures in the large assembly had to squint their eyes and gulp their saliva in fear at two's appearance.

Moreover, not even the six figures ahead of everyone, the middle-aged man, the General, the two vice-Generals, the head Captain and the vice-head Captain had a reaction of their own, although, to say it was fear or dread which they were feeling would be hard to say, for all six of them had rather various reactions to the Golden men's arrival.

Yet as the two figures made themselves seen, it could be immediately noticed that they were wearing a half mantle, covering their respecting right and left side of the two of them, leaving only the other part of their body uncovered, allowing everyone to see part of their armour, as well as the swords and other weapons which they held over them. But unlike the men cloth in dark-red robes, the two golden armoured men had helmets over their heads, covering half of their faces, from their mouths and nose, upwards.

And as the two of them moved forward, one sole person came to be following them, a man in his early thirties, wearing a crown over his head and a heavy mantel-like robe, which seemed to be akin to the mane of a lion.

Though once the man appeared, the gazes of all present fell on the said man like a waterfall, as at the moment, the smile which the man held on his face, was almost ruined by a swift and minute twitch, once everyone's gaze fell on him.

But as the man appeared, his lax and easy attitude, made the silence and dread, brought by the Red and Golden Guards, dissipate so slightly from the mind of many men and women that were present.

But behind the Crown man, a young woman with long and dark hair came following him, dressed in a long and simple gawn, several steps behind him, while two other young women with short hair shadowed her to the left and right, as they exited the vessel.

In the end, one last person came out of the craft following the man and three women. The last person was another male, a middle age man to be precise, with long brown hair over him, cloth in a loose dark-purple coarse robe.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

However, after the middle-aged man reached the outside world as well, the men in dark-red robes continue to appear in batches of two, as though the craft was full of said men.

"---."

"South Province King! It has been a while since the last time we had a face-to-face encounter such as this."

And as the entourage of the new arrivals came nearing the greeting party, the Crown-wearing man, took several steps ahead of the two Golden Guards, while making a small gesture of opening his left hand towards the one who appeared to be the leader of the greeting party.

"Greetings to Your Highness! This humble servant, south province King and Lord of this Ten Tree City, Pauldreddick Bluefinger, in the name of my father, Paulfrid Bluefinger, I humbly greet and welcome your Majesty to our little City!"

"Equally! On behalf of my father and grandfather, I greet the South Provance King, as I impudently step on your City, so please forgive me. Also, I must ask forgiveness for bringing so many of my retainers, since they would not stop bugging me from taking them alongside me, on this small excursion of mine."

As to whom, was the head of the greeting party, that was most obvious, for it was the middle-aged bearded man, the current Lord of the Ten Tree City and contemporary King of the Southern Province, Pauldreddick Bluefinger.

"There is no need, no need. His Majesty needs no forgiveness. After all, my Ten Tree City is forever welcoming to the many visitors that may want to dwell in it for a day or two."

However, in exchange for the greetings, city Lord Pauldreddick, moved his left hand to his chest, and presented a small bow forward for the Crown man, who in return gave a nod and a smile to the middle-aged man.

"And how could I forget about my south army General and vice-Generals! As well as my guard Head Captain and vice-Head Captain!"

But after the city Lord, the Crown man gave a look and a nod towards all those before him, from the giant armoured General Humberston to vice-General Lison, vice-General Octavia, Head Captain Kado and vice-head Captain Sove, the man did not miss any of them, as he moved from one to the other, nodding and smiling continuously.

In return, they all greeted the man with their left hand at their chest and a small bow. However, not all of them gave the same greeting to the man, with only one out of the six to be precise, as during the whole procedure, the one to defer, showed a look of mild irritation while squinting her eyes at the Crown man with some animosity hidden beneath, as though between the two of them a hidden conflict had already erupted.

"Please, please, your Highness, step forward and address a word or two, to those that have gathered today, to witness your imposing figure." - [You stubborn girl! Giving your old father a headache already---, sigh!]

Nevertheless, as the middle-aged city Lord was scrutinizing his surroundings, he could not miss the act that his daughter was putting, as such, he promptly intervened and moved the Crown man ahead, so as to not created any unnecessary tension or problems, since the golden guards, were already with their gazes on her.

"Yes---, yes, but how could I have forgotten to do so." - [She definitely harbours resentment over my decision.]

And to follow up on the city Lord's action, was non-other than the Crown man himself, who did not appear to be disturbed in the tiniest, as he was expecting such a reaction already from this "vice-General" of his.

But as he moved forward to face the crowd that was numbering more than ten thousand or so, the man took a deep breath to up his chest and face them in the most grandiose manner he could.

"I am delighted to see you all here today! Although this is but a short visit, I can only make a toast to our future prosperity! But know that your presence has given me the greatest reward already!"

With a loud and clear voice, the man pushed his words across the expansive plaza, so that all who were currently attending, could hear him well, while a glass of red wine appeared in his left hand, which was raised above his head.

"Long prosperity to the Kingdom!"

"To our prosperity!"

"May the King prosper with his rule!"

"Prosperous may be the King---!"

In response, thousands of glasses were raised, and an uproar of celebratory words were shouted by the men and women, who the crown man was facing.

However, if a third party unrelated to any of the present were to be spectating, one could deduce that some of the celebratory words were said in appearance only with no backing whatsoever, while the majority had an uncertain and unconfident underline, as though even the men and women that were shouting and saving said words, did not believe themselves for one moment or were highly uncertain about the validity of their own words.

"Your Highness. Please follow me."

Although, after his short words to the attendees, city Lord Pauldreddick proceeded to guide the man, through the clearing that the two vice-Generals and General had caused upon their initial arrival.

And as the two of them took off onwards, towards a massive building in the distance, the entourage which the Crown man had arrived moved as well, with the red robe guards moving ahead of them, forming a wall between the attendees of the plaza and all of those whom they were guarding.

Though while moving through the large crowd, the men, women and children continue to bow towards the Crown man who was continuously giving a smile and a raise of his left hand, at so and so intervals, in what appeared to be a tour of showing one's face to its subjects.

"---."

"------."

"---------."

"Shall we proceed to leave to our headquarters, or do you want to patrol the city's Lord estate vicinities? Sigh---! His Highness had already left, so you can breathe now."

However, out of the foremost group to meet the King, the Head Captain of the guards and his vice, were the only two not to follow the procession, as they stood still where they had first planted their feet.

As of right now, vice-Head Captain Sove was attempting to get a simple opinion from the motionless giant next to him, who was all frozen and was barely audible, for not even his breathing could be heard.

"Phueee---! This was harsh."

"Mmmm---. Anyway, what are we to do now?" - [What the fuck was harsh?!]

"Phueee---! I will go on patrol. You return and deal with the trouble for the day."

"Alright." - [Go on, circle city Lord Pauldreddick's estate, if that is what you so want. Maybe you will get selected for the following Golden Guard selection.]

After the red robe men were done with their descent from the vessel, they continued to follow the King in the distance, and at the same time, head Captain Kado proceeded towards a group of guards in the distance as he appeared to give up instruction in a serious and grave manner.

Yet at the same time, vice-head Captain Sov took his leave as he moved on some distance away from the large craft that was docking on the riverbank next to the plaza, and slowly glided over the river at an incremental speed, as after not more than a dozen breaths he was whizzing above the river and landed on the other bank of the river altogether.

"Well, this part is done. Now---, as for the monotonous facet of the day."

----------------------------------------

"So---, Uncle Pauldreddick. Now that we are all here, we should initiate this meeting without any delay."

"But of course, your Highness. Although I need to shamelessly ask for a short bit of respite before we start."

"Hmm?"

But after moving out of the plaza, the large entourage of people was escorted by Lord Pauldreddick in the direction of one of the closest, and most prominent buildings that stood at the edge of the square, since a meeting was all that needed to occur, as this could be said to be the whole reason as to why, the current King of the Kingdom, was visiting Ten Tree City in the most abrupt manner, leaving most of the nobles and powers of the surrounding region to scramble at the plaza in showing deference to the crown.

Though as hasten as the King was, city Lord Pauldreddick appeared to wish for a moment more. An action which left the King at a slight loss for a moment.

"And before this---, I must pardon myself, from the crime of not greeting the young Elixir maiden, Queen Bona. As well to the Left and Right Golden Protectors, and to the Royal Advisor, Wusun."

And as partially described by city Lord Pauldreddick, who appeared to be biding some time for himself, the large hall in which the gathering was happening, had almost all of the guests from the King's side, as right now in front of the city Lord Pauldreddick, the King's flank was occupying half of the hall, with the Crown man himself, the current King of Earon Kingdom, stood ahead of everyone by a foot, nearest to a low table that was filled with food and drinks, that no one even looked at, or touched to eat any of the edibles or drink the various alcohols on it.

"Lord Bluefinger."

And as to his words, subsequent to the King's left, stood the longed hair young woman who had followed the King since they had descended from the large vessel, first Queen Bona, a slender and tall woman who looked to be in her early twenties.

But to the King's right, seated on a large couch, was the middle age man with long brown hair that was dressed in a dark purple robe, to whom the bearded middle-aged city Lord addressed as Royal Advisor Wusun.

Ultimately, to the city Lord's greeting, Queen Bona greeted him in accordance, while Royal Advisor Wusun gave the man a deep nod in return.

However, while the first three were seated on large and soft woven chairs, the Left and Right protectors were standing still on their feet behind them, uncaring and cold, not reacting in the least to the man's words, while giving the general feeling of observing the room as a whole and nothing more. Although, to someone with a proficient eye for physical conflicts, one could observe that their standing positions seemed ready to explode in any direction, ready to fight at any given moment.

Yet whilst half of the hall was ruled by the King, the Queen, the Royal Advisor, and by the Left and Right protectors, the other half was occupied by only four individuals, city Lord Pauldreddick who stood facing the King, General Humberston who stood to the city Lord's right, and the two vice-Generals Lison and Octavia, who stood a step behind the two of them.

"Shall we start?"

Though in a haste to begin, the King, gazed at all the present before him, ready to proceed through what there was to speak and debate for this gathering, while looking at the middle-aged bearded man before him.

"Yes. He---, should arrive at any moment now."

"He? Uncle-, you do not mean--, that he is here---!?"

"Open!"

But while the King was keen to commence the meeting, city Lord Pauldreddick halted him a moment more, for he seemed to be waiting for someone else to join them, though that said someone else seemed to be at their doorstep, as a soft and muffled voice came from beyond the entrances of the hall, which came to be heard by everyone present.

Yet, upon hearing those soft words from beyond the doors, the Crown man, the King, was forced to frown his eyebrows for a moment, as after an instant the understanding of who the middle-aged man was waiting, for it dawned on him, a fact which did not cause him to be happy, but rather irritated, for he knew all too well of whom he was conveying off.

"Open them now!"

"A moment please."

"Please wait a moment Lord Od---!?"

"If you do not open these fucking doors for me! Then I will do it myself!!!"

"Bang!"

And it was after the moment in which the Crown man came to an understanding of whom was about to arrive, that the person in question, that had popped into his mind, came in a hurry, slamming the doors wide open to crash against the walls, whilst shouting loudly, as though he was in his very own house.

"Clang!" - "Crack!" - "Crash!"

"Miss Bona!"

Yet, just as everything was ensuing, a responding gale stormed into the hall, and the Left protector moved to engage against the loud man with his spear pointing at the man's throat.

But even as the Left protector had no intention of harming the man, a clanging sound, of metal hitting metal came to reverberate inside the hall, after which the sound of a crack and a crash came to be heard, as the stone floor of the room was broken from what most definitely could be a swift and hard object crashing into it.

"Octavia! Left protector."

And the one to create the subsequent ruckus, was non-other than the silver-armoured young woman, vice-general Octavia, who from the sitting position in which she was, she was capable of intercepting the Left protector's spear, with an even greater speed, and while using the tip of her sheath slender sword, was able to redirect the spike end of the spear into the stone floor, creating the loud and heavy impact that cracked and pierce the floor of the hall.

"Miss Bona! I see you still follow this clown face of a "King"."

However, the man that had just arrived, had no care for the commotion that he had just caused, for he simply walked over the sword and spear at his feet, passing the vice-General and Left Protector, and in the end seating himself between the two parties in the room, although, his eyesight did not move away from the slender woman seated to the left of the King, who was very close to him giving the position of their seats.

"Disdaining the King. Disrespecting the Queen. Punishment!"

"Clang!!!" - "Crash!!!!!"

But upon hearing the words of the man, the Left protector was incensed, as through brute force, he was able to wrest his spear from the sword that was continuously thwarting him.

However, as he was making a semi-circle from the opened doors of the hall to the man that was walking inside, just as he was about to hit the man over his right shoulder and have him kneel, the same slender sword came one more time, redirecting the spear into the stone floor with an even heavier and loud crashing sound.

"General Octavia, remove thy sword."

Nevertheless, the left protector was not pleased with having his enforcement thwarted two times in a row, as such he directly address the young woman before him, while at the same time, the pressure from him increased, as though a dam which was ready to flood the land, for everyone, could instantly feel his deep cultivation begin to rise and crash against them.

Although, on the other hand, the young woman before him, seemed unperturbed by the pressure he was emitting, for her gaze was as still and unmoving as ice, though still appearing as irritated and angry as the moment that she had met her father not too long ago.

"Easy! Easy the two of you. If you are going to fight you might destabilize the sound-dampening formations on this building."

"Left protector, you can rest. It is useless to teach an insufferable bastard to behave as a civilized human."

Regardless, the two's act could not last for too long, for in a moment city Lord Pauldreddick and the Crown man stepped in one after the other, addressing the two opposing parties that were just a step away from a real clash.

"I see no seat for me, so I will take out mine if you do not mind. Miss Bona, how have you been these few years?!"

But while positioning himself in the middle of the room with a seat that he had made appear out of nowhere, the man could be finally seen, for he was a white cloth skinny man, lean of build, yet pale-looking, with slackened eyes that were giving an overall impression of a sluggish and uncaring man.

However, from his moment of entrance, with the rackety shouting, his eyes came to be fixed on the woman that was to the left of the King, which now was practically face to face with her, since the entrance of the hall stood on the woman's side. Even so, it was evident that the man seemed to have a stronger desire suppressed beneath his eyes while looking at the woman.

"Lord Odvon. It has been a few years since the last time we met. And fortunately for my little self, I had no problems with my health. So there is no need to worry."

"Good to hear, good to hear."

"Firsh."

Although as the man named Odvon seated himself, and began to convert with the long black hair Queen Bona, a wave of anger incidentally came from a very close position to him, as the man that was next to the Queen, the one to command half of the room and rule in name over everyone, gave the man he called Firsh a heavy glare of irritation, whilst calling his name in a monotone and soulless manner which spoke of boiling yet controlled temper.

"Savien."

Nonetheless, in response, the man offered the same proposition of name-calling, with no honorifics or otherwise, while from his tone and face could be read something else entirely diverse from the Crown man, as there were no emotions or strong feelings directed towards him, as though he was just reminded of his existence and blurting out his name for no important reason what so ever.

"Now, now, now. There is no need for any tension. Lord Firsh, why do you not give us the vocal report so you can return to the important work that you have spoken of?!"

Although, after reading and sensing the weird tension, and danger between the two men, city Lord Pauldreddick intervened as soon as possible, for he had no desire to see the King fight the young Lord of the Odvon lineage.

"Well, since you want to hear it from my mouth, then here it is---. Mmm! What?"

However, as the man called Firsh was about to speak, King Savien brought his hand up high so as to stop the man, for he appeared in thought concerning something else at the moment.

"I had not asked or investigated this, but why were you in Rud at that time?"

"What do you think? I was obviously waiting for an Emperor stage practitioner's body to drop from the sky, why else would I be in that little backwater of a City?!"

As King Savien posed his query to the man, the gazes that were fixated on the Crown man moved on Lord Firsh, as a strange frown of stupidity happen to appear on his face, after which he gave a simple and fast response in return.

"Now---, now I am regretful for asking such a question."

But to Lord Firsh's response, the King could only shake his head and ask himself, why had he even requested this question to begin with, for even he was not the only one to be slightly taken aback by the ludicrous words of the answer, as most of those inside the room were mentally shaking their heads, for they knew that the man before them, had voiced his words in pure truth, with no lies or irony about himself.

"Can I continue?"

"Yes, please go on."

"As I was about to say, damaged dantian, multiple almost critical injuries on his arms, legs and torso, a heavy trauma to the head, cracked and broken skull, ruptured organs and internal bleeding, mind in disarray. When he was brought to me, he could not say one word accurately, so I tried to stabilize his dantian and stop his bleeding, but his mind was too damaged, so the dantian destabilized and it had already begun to dissipate gradually. Well, you can draw your own conclusions as you want, after all, that is your task, not mine. Anyway, Miss Bona have you been ill recently? May I examine you?"

But after looking at the King, Lord Firsh begin to express the same words that he had already written down half month ago in Rud city, as he had examined the dead King practitioner, that the two commanders under the south General Humberstone had brought him to try to save and or investigate with regard to its injuries.

"Firsh, you can leave!"

As he was done with his report which everyone had already read, Lord Firsh moved his sight from the large crowd and to the Queen once again, asking the same manner of question about her health circumstances.

Although, in response to his words, King Savien seemed incensed, almost ready to explode, even though he was retaining his anger under his control, since he knew the bastard before him, was doing it intentionally, so as to fight and humiliate him before his wife.

"I must thank Lord Odvon for looking out for my wellness. But I can assure my Lord, that I am in perfect health and soundness. So my Lord can be at ease."

"Well---! I tried. Anyhow, since there is no need for me, I then must bid fare well, to the old Sirs, Lords and my friend Octavia. Miss Bona, it has been a short, but delightful pleasure seeing you once again, till we will meet again."

"---."

"------."

"---------."

"Advisor Wusun?"

"My King."

Though, shortly after Lord Firsh's departure, as the number of people returned to the original nine, King Savien who was finely at peace after seeing that man leave, turned his head towards city Lord Pauldreddick who gave him a nod, after which, he turned towards his right, looking at the middle-aged man in the purple dark robe who up until now had not said a single word, as though he was nearly a distant observer and nothing more.

" "We can deal with you in every way we want, crippling or killing you is all depended on our disposition, you are not qualified to even know what we are doing.". This is all I can infer from what young Lord Odvon had described with regard to the injuries of the dead, and from the circumstances that are surrounding the said affair."

However, after being asked by King Savien, Adviser Wusun made his assertion and deduction known to all, as the room stood silent and listening to him as though children to a teacher, for it appeared, that the man's opinion was highly valued by all of them.

"Mmm. Anything from my General and vice-Generals---?!"

"Advisor Wusun is correct."

But equally, another quiet man broke his silence, as the armoured giant General Humberston, made his first words be heard. But said words were anything than normal, for they had strong animalistic brutality hidden beneath, which could be understood upon the very first word, even as his voice seemed to be filtered through the use of some sound-dampening stone or formation. However, if one was attentive, one would observe that the moment that the giant spoke, the minute trembling and shanking of the armour, was halted for a very short brief.

Even so, the armoured giant was not alone in giving his opinion of agreement, as vice-General Lison and vice-General Octavia agreed upon advisor Wusun's view of the matter, with a responding deep nod of their heads.

"Sigh---. It was necessary, since the weakness to act, can not be displayed. But at the same time, I can not send you, one of the Kingdom's strongest, into a region that has an unclear jurisdiction, while also holding the potential for unknown Emperor stage practitioners at large in that area."

Even so, while vice-General Octavia gave her approval over the words of Advisor Wusun, her irritation and anger directed towards King Savien did not diminish in the least, even as the man stood to tell his rationale behind his action, inevitable of the fact that it all was a useless pursuit.

"Before the negotiation, one must act to see with its own eyes, run with its own feet and touch with its own hands. One without even that much courage will most definitely be looked down upon. A tragic necessity true, but this is not the first nor it will be the last. Notwithstanding the fact that a strategy on this scale and scope, can not have its strongest warriors move as they desire. So I apologetically ask General Octavia's understanding."

But after King Savien, Advisor Wusun came ahead with his own rationales towards the young woman, which had part of her anger retracted for a brief moment, as the middle-aged man showed a small bow towards her.

"That being said, we are now forced to go with your initial suggestion. As such I will have to bother you with this very task, albeit shortly and unexpectedly."

"Rumble!!!"

However, as she was calming down, the words spoken by the King, made vice-General Octavia narrow her eyes, while delivering a hefty amount of pressure on the room as a whole, although, to combat her arm-twisting presence were non-other than the two golden protectors behind the King, as both of them entered in a contest of mental intimidation and force with her.

"Aham!" - "Clap!" - "Aham!"

"Well---, your Highness. Since were are past this argument and the resolution is in sight, I hope you can take a look at what my son, General Humberstone has to offer His Highness." - [Girl, are you intent on killing this old man with this neck-bending anxiety?]

"Oh! Please do! Please do!" - [Move on, faster, faster! I need to escape from her glare as soon as possible.]

But to Octavis's act, her father, city Lord Pauldreddick was forced to interlock himself again with another topic, changing the focus of the matter and to exempt the King from his daughter's anger.

Although, the city Lord was not the only one who wanted to move matters on and change the subject, as even the King himself was desiring the same development.

"Son!"

"Yes. But of course---, please accept my gift--, for His Highness. May-, His Highness's Father, encounter a fortune over the "Earon Empire"!"

"Splendid piece and excellent craftsmanship!"

With a further push from city Lord Pauldreddick, the armoured giant was fast to procure for somewhere, a small, glossy yet dark little box, which he then proceeded to opened it by its upper half, letting it half open, revealing the item inside of it to the eyes of King Savien and those subsequent to his position.

As to what the item inside the box was, it was nothing more than a golden ring to be worn to one's thumb finger, an extremely well-polished and inscribed ring, as from its polished portions, one could see his very own bent golden reflection, however, from its engravings, one could observe the image of a lion, tiger and a cat, that seemed to be dancing and jumping around the circle of the ring.

"Hooo---! Then I must thank General Humberstone's family for this generous gift, at the behest of my old Father."

"This is but a small gesture, but a small gesture."

However, King Savien did not just look at it for its beauty alone, for not a moment later after being presented, the man used his right hand to pick, and then sense the ring's content, as after a short momentary closure of his eyes, a small exclamation escaped his mouth, whilst in its eyes a strong glint of shock appeared for an instant, after which he shifted his gaze from the ring before him, to the seated armoured giant not too far from him, scrutinizing him for a moment longer with a remarkably profound gaze.

"Small or big, gratitude must be offered, but that reminds me, Uncle, how is your snake and rat infestation inside your residence."

"Oh---!? His Highness must really care for this old man, but his Highness must not worry, for these are only small snakes and little rats, nothing to be worry or preoccupied about, truly nothing but a teeny problem."

However, after the gift of the ring and show of gratitude offered by King Savien towards General Humberstone, his next words, were successful in catching off guard city Lord Pauldreddick, who felt ambushed for a moment, yet an instant later, he was already in his joyful manner of presenting his words at large.

"Then---, does Uncle know, about city Lord Philidor's viper infestation?"

"Eh!? This---, it has been some time since I have spoken with Brother Lord Philidor. Although, if it is a snake infestation, it will be dealt with directly by senior Philidor himself, since that senior is more of a hands-on kind of "gentleman", after all, "His Father" is a big shadow that nobody can escape once he is present."

"Indeed, that senior's "Father" had been equally blinding, the same way Adam stands nowadays." - [A genius you can not escape from. What a---, no, just another headache to be dealt with.]

But the young King did not let the middle-aged city Lord take a rest, as with another query, city Lord Pauldreddick found himself in a second ambuscade by the man, though equally fast, the middle-aged man recovered himself almost too quickly, whilst delivering and insinuating something particular concerning his answer in his last words, which were immediately understood by the young King, who nodded and then concurred with city Lord Pauldreddick's words.

"On another note, Uncle Pauldreddick, how is the City standing with the crisis requirements?"

"Mmm-, on this--, for this issue---,"

However, the subsequent inquiry brought a heavy and solemn air upon the room, as both the young King and the middle-aged city Lord, became solemn with faces that had not been brought up even once till this point, as it seemed that the subject carried a gravity which was too heavy on the both of their hearts.

"On this issue, all I can say is that the City could function in isolation for ten years at full capacity or twenty if we cut in half the required needs."

"Mmm. Then does Uncle has a more precise insight concerning the rest of the Southern Province, which might differ from the official reports?!"

To continue the now heavy air around the room, Kings Savien became even more solemn and menacing, as with a bearing that was a complete change from when Lord Firsh had been around, he gave the middle-aged man before him a deep and profound gaze for several breaths of time.

"Discrepancies indeed exist. Although, not many cities stand to have this concern, as for the more problematic ones, they will be dealt with in a very short time from now."

And to follow the case, was city Lord Pauldreddick himself, who materialised a heaviness and staunch graveness on his face, that spoke of the gravity which he embodied right at this moment, for he appear as though ready to kill in cold blood at a moment's call.

"Aha---, aha--, ha-, aha! Indeed, as everyone says, the South is the most prosperous Province."

"Aha---, aha--, aha-, aha! His Highness must not jest, how could we be the most prosperous, when we can barely keep up with the Central region and the Eastern province."

However, once the two men began to laugh, all the heavy pressure and gravity that the two had brought up, dissipated at once, as though all which had ensued between the two of them was nothing more than a stunt made by themselves.

"In that case, shall we continue with a debate on how are we to present our preposition to the South Lake Chie---!"

"My King! Dear, he has arrived."

"Mmm?!"

But as the two leading men were about to change the spirit in the room, King's Savien felt a tugging on his felt arm, as Queen Bona moved closer to him, so as to notify him of certain somebody who had just arrived at the doors of the hall.

"Oh! He has finally arrived."

And as the man was informed by his Queen, he was reminded of his other objective for which he was here today.

"My Lord and my Generals, I must ask of you to give this King a short break, for I have a need for a break and a private moment."

[Mmmm. I see.] - "As His Highness desires. We will continue our discussion after this short interlude, for this old man as well, needs a brief respite."

It was as such, that when the man was informed by his wife, he was forced to excuse the other half side of the room for a moment of private time.

Even so, it was not difficult to understand the reason for his action, for both the city Lord, the General and the two vice-Generals could immediately infer as to why, they were excused for the time being, after sensing the numerous presences beyond the door of the hall.

"My King."

"Your Highness."

"Your Highn---."

And it was so, that city Lord Pauldreddick, General Humberstone, vice-General Lison and vice-General Octavia, rose from their respective seats, and proceed to exit the room, not before three out of four of them excused themselves as to proper etiquette in front of the young King and the rest of the guests.

And as the four of them exited the room, they were greeted by the distinctive sight of the two women who were the hand-maidens and protectors of the Queen, as the two of them were escorting a large group, at which front stood Rowen, Luise and Adel, while behind them were Lady July, and Lady Miriam, Luises's respective protector and hand-maid, Lady Nicole, Adel's protector and hand-maid, which stood beside them as well, and behind all of them, old Wan and sir Baron, the two most old individuals that were following the young in front of them.

But while being at the front of the group, city Lord Pauldreddick gave a smile and wave of his hand at the youths who stood to his right.

In retrospect, Rowen and the rest of his group, bowed towards Lord Pauldreddick and his entourage as they were leaving the room, although, the middle-aged man was the only one to recognize them, for the three behind him did not do much, other than give short and fleeting glances at them while passing.

However, while passing Sir Baron, both city Lord Pauldreddick, as well as the three high-ranked military leaders, nodded and greeted the man without making any sound, and equally while letting the four of them pass, Sir Baron himself gave his greetings in return.

"---."

"Please come on in, and take a seat for yourselves!"

Yet as the four of them departed and walked on the long corridor of the building, King Savien beckoned to the large crowd who stood outside, to enter and take the seats opposite to him, as he stood seated on his chair, while sporting a mild smile on his face as he was declaring his will.

"Your Hign---!?"

"Ahem!" - "Ahem!"

But as Rowen and the rest were a step inside the large hall, and as he and the rest were about to greet the man, he found himself stopped mid-way, by a force which was blocking his bow, after which he was forced to look up at the man who was clearing his throat, as to attract his attention. And as Rowen was looking at the man, he could see and clearly notice his expectant grinning face, which was waiting for something else entirely.

[Sigh---!] - "Greetings to Uncle Savien and Aunt Bona."

"Aha---, aha--, ha-! Nephew Rowen, come on in and seat yourself." - [Truly, this has a different feeling from just being called " My King" or "Your Highness" all the damn time.]

"Aha---, little Rowen."

However, after being called uncle by Rowen, the man appeared content, as though savouring the taste of an unusual meal, which he could not taste very often, though equally, his wife subsequent to his left seemed to have a similar reaction to his own.

"Your Highness. My Queen!"

"Your Hign---."

"Niece Doer, Niece Philidor, please take a seat, for I will not eat you. Aha---, aha--, ha-! Please, please, come on in, do not be sh---! Sir Baron! What a coincidence, please take a seat as well."

And to follow after Rowen, was Luise and Adel, who stood just a step behind him. But as everything was ensuing, their protectors followed after them, as they were invited and allowed by the man, who was waving his hand frantically, beckoning all of them to enter, as he appeared to be in a good mood.

Although, at the sight of Sir Baron, the man caused a small and surprised act of wonder, as though not knowing that he was going to be present as well.

"Your Majesty."

"Your Highness."

"Your Highn---."

"Enough with that, enough with that. Just take your seats and places, stop greeting me, otherwise, we are going to be here all day long."

And to continue the round of greetings were the protectors, old Wan and Sir Baron, who were all of a sudden cut by King Savien himself, who appeared impatient and irritated, as he halted their salutations towards himself while hurrying to position them in front of him.

"Advisor Wusun!?"

"My King, I will proceed to it immediately."

However, as the large group was positioning themselves, the King turned to his right, as with a hushed voice, and with a knowing glance, he commence to whisper towards Advisor Wusun, who appeared to already know what there was to be done, at the call of the man. As such, advisor Wusun rose from his seat and then bowed towards the ones present, after which he left the room, in but a short breath of time.

"---."

"---."

Although, after Advisor Wusun departed the hall, the room fell into a long silence, as the King and the Queen continued to smile at the large crowd before them, which in turn, made the two girls and the young man at the front, freeze under their smiling gazes.

As for the two golden protectors, it was impossible to say that they were gazing upon anyone since their helmets had no carving for their eyes, which would give anyone the impression that they were sightless.

"So, nephew Rowen!? For us two to meet, there is a need for this poor old Uncle of yours to travel to a different City, produced a special invitation, and only then have a face-to-face meeting?"

"Do not worry darling, little Rowen is not such an ill-mannered child."

"But---, honey. After years and years of staying and learning in the academy of the Capital, the City where this Uncle of his lives and works, we had met only once when he had begun his studies, then, not once had he ever visited me or you after that."

But upon seeing the faces of all present, the man and the woman began to put an act before all of them, for it was far too contrived and manmade of a conversation, with exaggerated body gestures between the two of them, which made it obvious for everyone, that Rowen was the target of their facade.

"Mmm---, if uncle---."

What?"

And yet, at the two's show, Rowen was forced to speak out of embarrassment, as at this moment he was having the impression of being a child who was exposed for having misbehaved and was revealed at large.

"If Uncle had wished to see Rowen, all that Uncle needed, was to inform my protector, and Rowen would have visited without delay."

Even so, due to his embarrassment, Rowen's manner of speech was altered greatly, as he was in a mental confusion between performing with courtesy and cordiality which was supposed to offer the King of the Kingdom, and that of consideration which he would ought to offer, to a close member of his distant family member.

"No, no, no, no! That is not what a meeting between a nephew and an Uncle should be like. You should have just reached for me, be it in my free time, my fishing time or the times that I am in a very longwinded and boring meeting, which holds no critical importance whatsoever since it is all inflated over-reaction by the old folk, who have no better thing to do, other than running their own mouths till they are tired out. That kind of time is the right time. You should not feel reserved, because, with your Uncle's wit, I can give you pointers on your cultivation at any time."

"Then Rowen will remember."

"Though on the other hand, Niece Luise, you seem to be making a lot of headaches for Brother East King."

"May your Highness---."

But while chatting with Rowen, the man appeared to be more relaxed and more at ease than in any of his previous meetings. Even so, in his midway point of talking with Rowen, the man turned his head towards Luise, who appeared flustered and slightly irritated at the mention of her father

"I beg Your Highness forgiveness, for my fool and nuisance of a father."

"Aha---, aha--, ha-, niece Luise, you need not worry, for it is but a small remark, a small remark." - [Little girl, if so, am I not a bigger fool for allowing your father to become King of the East province? Sigh---, no wonder Elias is having such a hard time if you are willing to humiliate him like this.] - "Although, This Philidor niece, is your family well? It has been some time since I visit Green City, and now, I feel like I could lose myself if I were to take a short walk around the city."

With King Savien's attention on Luise's remarks, the corner of his eye and mouth twitched, as even he was not prepared for the words, that came from the little girl in front of him, as such, he turned his head towards the last young girl, Adel which stood in front of him.

"Your Majesty's words of concern will bring great joy to my father, grandfather and great-grandfather's ears. And as to answer your Majesties inquiry, although I can not relate to the time of your Majesties last visit, Green City is still, a prosperous and vibrant city as it has always been."

"Aha---, aha--, aha-, niece Philidor, I am sorry if my question had troubled you, since you were not even born the last time I had visited the old fortress. In any case, if the City is as safe and sound as you express, then all is good. Aha---, aha--, aha-!" - [Mmmm---? Stupid me! What am I doing trying to get information from this little girl.]

To young Adel's answer, the man seemed to become a tad bit odd and apologetic, as he appeared to laugh it off, while putting a laid-back and casual manner of conduct to hide his intention which escaped with his words.

Even so, some of the more astute in the room, were able to see his slip-up immediately, for this was akin to pieces of a puzzle which offered some insight into any of their speculations.

"Although it has been some time sir Baron, it pleases me to see you again, though, have you given any thought to my proposition." - [Catch it!]

And to end with the front row of notable individuals before him, King Savien turned to confront Sir Baron, who at this moment was glancing in the direction of the window, as though trying to stay out of any discussion.

"The King flatters this lowly one, but non the less, this lowly one is incompetent and unqualified, may your Majesty provide it to a more young fellow. May a long life befall your Highness." - [You wish.]

"That is understandable, but Sir is getting in on the years, so you might want to settle down with wife and kids." - [Catch my bait you stubborn boar of a man.]

"Matters of life, love and parenthood are affairs of life which will transpire on their own, no need to hasten fate, for fate has its own pace. May the King be blessed by all the Gods who look from the above, and scare those who wait from the bellow." - [You are wasting your breath, I am not your second Adam.]

However, it was impossible to avoid Kings Savien, for the man appeared fully intent on having a conversation with Sir Baron, one way or another, for they were having an attrition battle of words, which had a very old beginning, with no end in sight.

"True words, but this is also fate, may Sir Baron ponder my words for a long time." - [Damn it! You obstinate boar riding Baron.]

"This lowly one will remember you Highness's words for his entire life. May the lineage of the King be eternally blessed with fortune and prosperity." - [Save your breath you conniving fraudster.]

Even so, it was not impossible to decipher the meaning behind one another's words, as the King was forced to relent, knowing that the man before him would not fall for any open trap, moreover, if anything underhanded was to be done, sir Baron would probably turncoat and run away.

"Good, good, good. Anyhow it seems that everything is satisfacto---!? Yes, dear."

"My dear King, I am sorry to interrupt. But I seem to have the need to walk for a moment."

But as King Savien was trying to put up a front for his vexation with the fact that Sir Baron was always deflecting his offer, a tug came again from his left, as Queen Bona gently pulled at his arm, interrupting and making him know her current desire.

"Truly? Well then let us mov---."

"There is no need for you dear to escort me, since I have these two young nieces here." - [This is what you hoped for, no? Now I will give you some time.]

But while trying to appease her, the King was rejected as an escort, for the Queen seemed to have other plans, which did not require the presence of the man.

"Indeed, if that is the case I will wait for you here." - [Well done.]

"Then please wait for my arrival dear. These two nieces, follow me please."

"As my Queen desires."

"As my Queen wishes."

Although, hidden beneath the act of the man and woman, was a simple move of pulling out everyone other than Rowen out. As it was so that with Queen Bone in toe, Luise and Adel exited the room, with their respective protectors and handmaiden, as they followed the Queen and her two protectors who strolled away from the room.

However, the larger group of young women were not alone, as with a bow to the King after rising from his seat, Sir Baron took a pleasure pace behind them all, moreover at his left stood the Left protector of the King, as he had been ordered by the King himself to follow them.

"---."

"------."

"---------."

"So---, nephew Rowen, I see that you have grown a lot from the last time I have seen you. Mmm---, yes, I sense--, the pressure of a rank 6 dantian! I see-, I see. Good, good, good. Last time, you were still at rank 3, but now, you have made quite the advancement in the last few years."

"Not so much as I have hoped, but I thank Uncle for the compliment. However, regarding this---?!"

And it was in no time, that the large meeting hall stood to be inhabited by only four men, as on one side, stood the seated King and his Right protector behind him, and on the opposite side, a seated Rowen, with old Wan who stood behind him, akin to the Right protector.

"Oh!? Nothing much, truly nothing much. But before I tell you as to why I have called you here---, I must hear of your story, since I have heard that you have made quite a number of friends down south, and happened to transpire through a very perilous event on your road back to Green."

"It could be said so, but why is Uncle asking?" - [He already kno---, no given the talking birds of the kingdom, this much is nothing since the report of the guards is all he needs to read.]

Though after hearing the man's query, Rowen could not but become a bit inquisitive of his Uncle, since he seemed to be reluctant in explaining the reasons for why he was called.

"Well---, I consider it to be a good personal merit, when one makes some good friends through dangerous and treacherous ventures. However, why do you not tell your Uncle about your friends as I am quite curious about the---!?

"Well---, it is nothing of great significance, but when I have first arrived and then have been given a squadron for myself, I have met an upright fello---!"

"Oh! Little Rowen, wait a moment."

But to the man's strange behaviour, Rowen was able to sense bigger inconsistencies, which were strange given the man's usual matter-of-fact character which he knew he had, and yet, right now, he could only begin to talk about those whom he had in mind of taking under himself.

However, just as Rowen was about to speak, he was stopped by the very man who had posed the very question, for he was looking in the direction of the door while holding his right hand upwards so as to stop Rowen from speaking.

"Well---, please come in! For I was just about to start explaining to my nephew, what he has to do. But since you are here, we can begin to talk about the whole issue together."

"---."

----------------------------------------

"---."

"------."

"---------."

"Sigh---------!!!"

"Is this better? And how did you actually tire yourself from this?"

Presently, the long black hair young woman, Queen Bona, was massaging the right temple of the man, who can be said to have caused the entire commotion of the day, with his forced and short entrance over Ten Tree City's aerial space, which had made hundreds of noble families to rush at the arrival location, just for the few moments in which he had strolled passed the plaza, and this man was none other than King Savien, who right now had no inkling of his prior self, for he was seated with his head onto the lap of the young woman, free of his crown, letting her to massage his aching head that never seemed to stop.

And as to why they could be in this situation, it was quite obvious, for they were no longer in Ten Tree City, and into their personal flying craft, which at the moment was surrounded by the thirty enormous bee hive-like ships.

As for them, they were both in their personal room, seated on a long sofa which allowed the woman to rest her back, and for the man to extend his legs, while in this intimate closeness.

"Yes and no---, in truth, I can not help myself but to sigh with exasperation, when I begin to think of the overall situation."

"Then---, do not think about it, let yourself some space for your mind."

"If I could---, I would have done it already."

But while in her lap, and as he was expressing his frustration which was causing his headache, the woman brought to his ear, the simplest solution while showing a playful smile, to which the man was not in the mood to entertain, for he knew that if he could, he would erase his own memories, just so that he could have a day of bliss.

"Although, changing the subject---, have you met--, with-, you know who?! Have you met her!?"

"Ahaha---, yes I have. The South Lioness reached for me while walking with those two nieces. And well---, she seemed to have always been close by the meeting hall."

"And? How was she?"

With the change of the subject, given that he much desired something just so as to not have to think of his own pain, the man became quite eager about the woman that his wife had encountered while on her stroll, for he seemed to become quite eager for a clear and more profound answer.

"Well, she still had the same face as always since our time in the academy, though you made the right decision to not see her, otherwise she might slap you to death, if you were to present yourself before her as you are right now."

"Sigh---------------!!!!! When is she going to give up her anger on this stupid thing."

To his wife's answer, the man took the golden crown that was laying not too far from him, and begin to fiddle with it in his hand, while sporting a foul face as though he was looking a something which he found to be extremely irksome.

"Why ask a silly question, to which answer you know it already."

But seeing the man playing with his crown and nearly wanting to break it in half, the woman broke into a mischievous smile once again, as though pouring cold water on him, and stopping his action.

"And when will that happen? With the stress my father had dumped on me, I have barely been able to grow in the past dozens of years. This decade alone, I had hardly any advancement. That being said---, advisor Wusun--, I nearly forgot you were here as well-, well that thing, anything from the court alchemist, with regard to my stomach pain?!"

"As of present, no. But I have been informed that they will have something in the following weeks, though your Majesty should visit the mental physician for this has a high likeability of being both a physical and mental illness."

"Damn it!"

However, while in what is supposed to be an intimate moment of theirs, the man and the woman, were not alone inside the room, as Advisor Wusun, had been inside as well all along, and it was only due to the man's relaxed moment, for which he had nearly forgotten that he was still with them.

"Sigh---, anything on your part?"

But while giving a sigh of defeat, at the negative answer for his second of stress and discomfort, the man gave a deep gaze of expectancy at Advisor Wusun, who fell into a moment of ponder, after being asked by the man.

"South King Pauldreddick is a loyal man with deep ties to the Kingdom, so his betrayal is nearly impossible, and any attempt from any enemy to force him to betray us is almost improbable. Her daughter, on the other hand, is a wild card who has a profound value to the Kingdom, just by not leaving us, she can attract many gazes onto our side. Although giving her ability and power, we can not try to force her, so I advise a more indulgent approach, since she does not look approvingly on to your Highness."

"I was thinking on the same line as well, although the fact that she does not like me is something she does with nearly every man she has encountered or fought against. Please continue."

"Well, as for our "General Humberstone", we have seen his action, which we need to debate within the presence of your Father. Although, the rumours of him being a coward are still circulating, without showing signs of stopping, which we can do nothing about. As to a more broad view of the situation, vice-General Lison has already provided a personal description of the overall situation of the southern army, from which we have found several Commanders with rather suspicious activity, which will require a hidden internal investigation."

"What do you think? Buyouts, deserters or traitors?"

"Are they not all the same at the end of the day? Although this will need a surgical and delicate approach, so as to not destabilize the composition of the army. I suggest we do the usual, retirement and promotion."

With the subject of potentially questionable linkages inside the Southern army, King Savien took a more serious face, as he gave a deep look in the direction of Advisor Wusun, who at this moment was cupping his chin with his right hand, while having his eyes close, for he appeared to be in deep thought, pondering over his words.

"Well---, there is no other way, so we will go with the usual. Anything else to add?!"

But after hearing the suggestion of the man, King Savien, relaxed himself, and let his temple's head be massaged by the young woman, who held his head in her lap.

"The last topic to add---, would be the fact that I have made contact with Grand Lord Paulfrid."

"What?! Is this true?"

Though on the notion of the last issue, the man let the lap of the woman as he rose to his feet in surprise at the statement, even so, he was not the only one for even the woman was a tad bit surprised at the information.

"---."

"And? What happened after that?"

"Nothing of notorious importance, since this has been nothing more than a simple contact and exchange of some small greetings."

"Just that?"

"Just that."

"Then---, have you assessed Lord Paulfrid's power? How is he in terms of amassed energy?" - [Tsk! How can this be it.]

But to Advisor Wusun's report, the man lost all energy and fell on the lap of the woman again, as though a deflated balloon, and yet, he knew that there could have not just been a simple greeting between the two of them, even so, he could not do anything about, since even he, was not so privileged as to know, what the old generation of the Kingdom, which was always in deep seclusion, was sharing with one another.

"Three steps deep, a safe approach."

"Well, that is the wise approach---, after all, not everyone is just ready to die for the Kingdom's cause."

"Then, how it was on your Highness's end, with Adam's third son?"

"No problem with little Rowen, although we can only wait and see what will happen with their hearing. However, we need to prepare and send out our invitation to the War State and East Empire, for the fifty years meeting with the bastards to the north is approaching. And a second one, since forty years have passed since the last West Boarder incursion has happened."

"Indeed, since dark hands have always appeared to prop the Ural Empire, we as well need more friendly hands to sustain us as well."

"Then I will leave the preparation in your hands."

"Verry well, I will have our invitation letters prepared in due time.