Chapter 27: Framework 5

Elania stood stiffly, her back ramrod straight as she watched the bandit prisoners being offloaded in chains. The clanking of their shackles echoed across the wharf, drawing the attention of the massive crowd that had gathered to witness the spectacle.

Arlois glared at her, her eyes narrowed in annoyance.

“Next time, only bring back the heads,” Arlois said. “This is the first time in years that anyone has brought actual, live prisoners into the city.”

Elania glanced towards the wharfs, taking in the sea of faces that had gathered to watch the unloading. The crowd buzzed with excitement, their eyes wide with curiosity as they craned their necks to get a better view.

“None of us knew about that,” Elania said. “We were just interested in the bounty for dealing with the criminals.”

Arlois’ expression softened slightly. “It’s fine—this time. Next time, be more circumspect. We don’t have room for that many prisoners, and you’re monopolizing the arena, where we would usually host pit fights to deal with it.”

Elania’s eye twitched, but she remained silent without commenting her thoughts on… that.

Yolani walked up to join them, her eyes darting between Elania and Arlois. “Is it common for bandits to attack places and wait in ambush?”

Arlois frowned, her gaze turning distant. “There have been stirrings of problems all season.”

Elania frowned, trying to put that together. “Do you mean like the digger crabs?”

Arlois nodded grimly. “Yes, like the digger crabs. And other things, too. There have been reports of increased monster activity in the surrounding areas, and now these bandits attacking in broad daylight. Something is stirring, and I don’t like it.”

Elania and Yolani exchanged a glance, their expressions mirroring each other’s concern. If Arlois was worried, then they had every reason to be as well.

Arlois gestured toward the island, and the three women strode down the jetty and onto the wharf. The crowd parted, not daring to block the path of the demi-divines.

“The Sun Emperor’s been pressing the borders of his neighbors,” Arlois said. “Bavia, Boesia, Wenia, in the west. He’s getting bolder.”

Elania’s head swam with the unfamiliar names, the weight of the world beyond Neftasu—and now Contia—suddenly pressing down on her.

“Why not just move the city, then?” she asked. “If there’s danger...”

Arlois shot her a look, her eyes hard. “Scar to the north can’t move. They’re our allies. And this position is ideal, resource-wise.”

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

“Scar?” Elania echoed, the name feeling strange on her tongue.

“Another city-state. Like us, they have a Celestial Engine.” Arlois’ jaw clenched. “The Sun Emperor has one too. If the Monevoians get their hands on another... The Sun Emperor might take the risk of consuming one. That…”

She didn’t need to finish the sentence. The implications hung heavy in the air between them. Eziel’s words echoed in her memory.

The world couldn’t handle another Celestial Engine falling so soon.

How long was that “soon” though?

Yolani cleared her throat, her eyes darting between the two demi-divines. “What about the other nations? Bavia, Boesia, Wenia? Don’t they have Celestial Engines?”

Arlois shook her head. “No. They’re smaller, weaker. Easy pickings for the Sun Emperor if he sets his sights on them. They can make it expensive for him, but they can’t stop it. They’ll eventually submit, die, or be displaced.”

Elania’s stomach churned, a sense of unease settling over her.

The talk of war and the Sun Emperor’s ambitions gave her a grave sense of foreboding. She glanced at Yolani, hoping to find some reassurance in her partner’s eyes, but Yolani looked just as confused and worried as she felt.

Arlois turned to face them. Her eyes narrowed. “Contia will be preparing for war once more. We cannot afford to be caught off guard.”

Elania’s hand instinctively went to the hilt of Eziel. Arlois’ eyes followed the movement, her gaze settling on the weapon with a curious intensity.

“That’s a new magic sword,” she said. “Where did you get it?”

Elania and Yolani exchanged a look of shared bewilderment.

“It’s pretty nice,” Elania said eventually. “I’m hoping it will be a useful weapon.”

Arlois’ lips pressed together in a thin line. “If you want to survive, work on your [Regalia]. Your new bauble might make an excellent base for one.”

With that, Arlois turned on her heel and strode away, leaving Elania and Yolani alone on an island surrounded by spectators.

Elania turned to Yolani. “Why didn’t Arlois remember Eziel at all?”

Yolani shook her head, her expression mirroring Elania’s own. “I don’t know, but something strange is going on here.”

Elania grunted. “Why don’t we ask him directly?”

Yolani nodded, her eyes darting from side to side as she scanned the area for a place to talk. Finding one wasn’t easy; the wharf bustled with activity, the crowds milling about like ants in a disturbed nest.

“There’s a quiet spot near that building over there,” she said, pointing to a nondescript structure a short distance away.

They made their way through the throng of people, Elania’s hand resting on the hilt of Eziel as they walked. The sword seemed to hum with energy, as if it sensed the impending interrogation.

Once they reached the secluded spot, Elania pulled Eziel from her back and held him aloft.

The blade glinted in the sunlight, its surface shimmering with an otherworldly sheen. “Alright, Eziel,” Elania said. “Talk to us.”

Yolani watched, eyes fixed on the sword. But Eziel remained silent, the blade unmoving in Elania’s grip.

Frustration welled up, and she zapped the sword with a burst of [Divine Power]. Eziel glowed with an intense light, his blade vibrating with energy. Finally, the sword spoke, voice echoing in their minds.

[Why are you bothering me, Godling?]

Elania’s eyes narrowed, her grip tightening on the sword’s hilt. “Don’t play dumb with me. I know you’re always listening, and you were trying to avoid the subject earlier. Now spill it.”

Eziel was silent for a moment, as if weighing his options.

[It’s best to keep my presence hidden.]

Yolani’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Why?”

[The demi-divine would not appreciate my assistance to Elania. They would be jealous of it and wish to possess me for themselves. Your alliance with the Towers is tenuous at best, only because they think you might be useful to them.]

Elania and Yolani exchanged another worried glance.