After Julia left I went to sleep and woke up in the morning feeling much better. The cramps were there but I could stand so I would try to talk to everyone today.
Felicia came in with a look of surprise as she looked at me. I was confused as to what she was looking at till I saw where she was looking.
I looked down to see Dibella had kept her promise. My clothes bulged from the new mass and I now took notice at the added weight. Oboro was probably not going to be happy about this.
“Good morning miss how are you feeling?”
She tried not to stare but I could tell she was surprised. I was surprised myself. To think those gods had the power to manipulate us on a whim like this angered me. I felt so hopeless to their backroom scheming.
“I’m okay. So what is the plan for today?”
“Seliph has asked that you join him and human delicates for breakfast. But he wanted to know how you were doing before he arranged anything.”
“I’m good enough to have breakfast with them. It won’t do me any good to stay cooped up in here. Though you might need to go to Oboro first to get me some new clothes. I think my current wardrobe might be too tight.”
“I’ll let them know miss.”
She then left and I sat back down on the bed looking out the window. The streets were just as lively as they were yesterday. With the sun rising upon the glistening streets below.
The door the door then opened again. That’s odd I thought Felicia just left. I turn to see Julia tackle me into the bed. With her giggling as she rested on my chest, but she then seemed taken aback as she sat up and looked at me.
“When did your chest get bigger?”
“It was Dibella’s doing. I didn’t get a choice in the matter.”
“Well, she definitely held nothing back. Anyways are you going to join us for breakfast?”
“Yeah I feel good enough for that but I have to talk to the human diplomats right now. So maybe we should meet up for lunch. That way we won’t have to discuss politics. I’m probably going to need a break from all the politics I’ll have to talk about today.”
“Alright, lunch it is! I’ll have to introduce you to my friends. They’ll be super excited to see you.”
“I’ll be glad to see them.”
She sat next to me on the bed and looked me in the eyes.
“So what do you think about my brother? I forgot to ask you last night.”
What did I think about Seliph? For one thing, he was strong. Even when I was at my peak my odds of beating him were low. He also seemed like a nice guy. He’s treated me well and has accepted me so far. Even when I tried to escape he only posted a guard by my door.
Wait why didn’t I hear the guard talking to her before trying to enter?
“Was there a guard outside my door?”
“No, why would there be?”
Something wasn’t adding up. I quickly stand up and release a mana pulse into the ground. I then pick up four signatures coming towards us.
“GET DOWN!”
I shove Julia into a corner and push the bed towards the corner to cover her. She screams in panic but as she does something smashes through the window and lands in the middle of the room. I quickly set up a mana barrier and turn away as it unleashes a blinding light. I then hear two crashes. They probably came from the door and window.
I shatter my barrier into small pieces before firing them in those general directions as I cloak my leg in fire and use a wind spell as I cock my fist back to launch myself forward. I then kick out at a masked figure that enters the broken door kicking him square in the in the chest and launch him back into the figure behind him.
I then stumble and fall as I wasn’t able to keep my balance due to not knowing my new form. I look up in time to see four metal projectiles coming towards me.
I roll backward throwing my hands up to generate a stream of wind that throws the projectiles off target. I use the momentum to roll back to my feet and face my new assaillants.
They both brandish swords and face me as they try to circle around me. I don’t know what to do. I don’t have a weapon and I don’t have time to charge any ranged attacks. I was able to take the other two by surprise but they had their weapons drawn and I wasn’t sure how well I’d be able to handle them in close quarters.
“DIE!”
I sense a wave of energy and reflexively jump back as they both succumb to a black flame that eats away at them and the room. I am barely able to escape it and end up in the hall.
I then look to see the two figures are back up. I duck under the blade of the first guy and kick his legs out from under him before punching him square in the chest with a flaming fist breaking his ribs and cauterizing the wounds I just made.
I then turn to the last one who is still lying against the wall. Their mask is cracked with their mouth showing a smile. They then open up their vest to reveal an assortment of shining crystals.
I jump back into the room with a burst of wind before raising my arms to cover my chest and face before I apply another barrier concentrated to protect my vitals.
But before the bombs have a chance to go off a black figure passes by me and fires a massive roar that unleashes another torrent of black flame that engulfs the suicide bomber. Erasing both the man and the explosions leaving only an outline of where the man's body was.
I can’t control my fall and end up rolling in the remains of the flame from earlier. It stung and seemed to sink into my skin. Luckily I had dealt with something similar before. I release a short burst of holy energy that extinguishes the flames on me. I then focus on healing the damaged areas as I take a look at the thing that saved me.
I look to see a black dog with burning red eyes. I reflexively get in a stance and charge a ball of flame in my hand. I then see the guy I punched earlier get up behind the dog as it walked back into the room.
He pulled out a bright dagger and was about to plunge a dagger into the dog’s back, but before I could launch my firebolt a dagger pierces his skull and he falls backward. The dog turned at this and saw the figure. It growled before it surrounded itself with a dark sphere. A second later Julia appeared where it had stood and Felicia walked into the room with a look of panic on her face.
“Are you okay miss? They didn't harm you did they?”
I dismiss the fireball in my hand as Julia walked in with a smile on her face acting like nothing was wrong.
“We’re okay. It was just some fools who thought they could get the jump on us. Thanks for distracting them Diana. It made things much easier when they neglected to consider the possibility of me being here.”
I was still in shock at what happened. I didn't even stop to think that Julia could be this strong. I thought she was a sheltered little sister. Guess I was still thinking in Earth terms. But to think she was this already this strong was kind of scary. I had drastically underestimated this girl.
“No problem. Thanks for the help.”
“To think they would send such weak opponents though. I thought we were going to have an interesting fight there for a second.”
Okay, I severely underestimated this girl. Felicia looked angry though as she said this.
“You were almost stabbed with a holy dagger. You should have been paying more attention to your surrounding my lady!”
“Oh yeah, thanks for the assist lady. Nice throw.”
Why were they acting so casually?
“Why are you two acting like nothing happened. We were just attacked by assassins!”
“So? It was just a bunch of weaklings.”
“We still destroyed this entire room!”
She looked around and noticed the damage that had occurred during the fight. Her flames still burning across parts of the room.”
“I guess I did go a bit overboard didn’t I.”
I quickly extinguish the flames with holy magic before they can grow any bigger. Julia didn’t seem fazed as she turned to Felicia.
“Sorry about the mess. Guess I still need some practice.”
“I’m just glad you're both okay the king would have had my head if either of you got hurt.”
“We can handle ourselves he doesn’t have to worry.”
She raised her thumb up as Felicia sighed in resignation.
“Well, I need to take Diana to go get dressed for breakfast.”
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“Alright see you at lunch then Diana!”
She then left the room and I stood there not sure what to think. It might have been an easy fight for her, but that was too close for comfort. How’d they even get inside in the first place?
“Come miss. We don’t want to keep him any longer do we? I’ll have someone else come clean this up.”
“That’s not the problem Felicia. Why are you acting like nothing happened?”
“Because the king has quite a number of people who want him dead. It is common for lords to send assassins after each other to challenge each other. Though most never succeed in killing their targets.”
“And this is common!”
“They see it as keeping each other on their toes and it is seen as a sign of respect for one’s strength. Besides in most cases, it takes a whole army to kill a lord. A measly assassin isn’t something to worry about. Though they usually avoid family and attack the lord directly.”
I walk over and take the dagger out of the person Felicia struck in the face and toss it aside. The mask then falls off to reveal a human.
“Wait it was human assassins!”
I then searched the corpse looking for anything that might identify him, but I couldn’t find anything other than some spare gear he hadn’t used in the fight.
“How did humans get inside the citadel?”
“I don’t know but this only spells trouble.”
I set his body aflame and take a step back.
“Don’t tell anyone they were human. The last thing we need is suspicion during the peace talks.”
“You have my word miss. I won’t tell anyone. Though we should get you into some better clothes. Your current clothes appear a bit, worn.”
Taking a second I look down to see she was right. The flames had eaten parts of my nightgown and it was sadly too small due to Dibella. Some new clothes were definitely going to be needed.
“Let’s go see what Oboro has in store for us today then.”
I take a few steps forwards but before I could catch myself I stumbled and nearly fall. Felicia catches me as I am about to hit the floor.
“Are you okay miss?”
“Adrenaline is wearing off, and I used quite a bit of magic back there. Some breakfast will do me some good. Just help me to Oboro. I’ll be fine in a minute.”
She didn’t seem convinced but it wasn’t like I could go back to my room.
“Alright, I’ll help you walk until then.”
“Thanks Felicia.”
We made our way to the room Oboro was in who was working on some new clothes working as fast as her hands would allow her to move.
“I’ll be done it just a minute. I didn’t think you’d change this much in only a day.”
Felicia set me down in a nearby chair. I sat there and watched Oboro work while I tried to rest. The fight had taken more out of me then I cared to admit. I had panicked and wasted a ton of mana at the beginning of the fight. I also didn’t control of my body with the precision I had wanted.
I was aiming for that person’s head, but I ended up hitting them in the stomach. I then decided to fight defensively, but they were too close to charge any spells and I didn’t have any weapons.
If Julia hadn’t been there I might have been in trouble. She saved me two times during the fight. Even if I did end up getting a little bit burnt from the remnants of her flames.
But the main question was why were human assassins after me? I had expected them to launch a rescue operation, not an assassination. Had they given up on me? If so then they needed me dead before they could attempt another summoning.
Well sorry for whoever sent you, but I won’t go down easily. I still had to get home to my family and no one was going to stop me.
Oboro finally finished her stitching and held up the finished product with a satisfied look on her face.
“Okay done! How about we get you out of those ruined clothes now.”
I got up and changed into a more fitting bra before slipping into a simple indigo dress and put on some sandals. Felicia then brushed my hair as it was a mess from last night before we went to see the others for breakfast.
When I entered I saw Seliph sitting in his usual spot reading some letter while waiting for everyone to arrive. Uther was also there waiting with his arms crossed. I took my seat and addressed Uther.
“Good morning Uther it’s been a while.”
He turned to me and had a puzzled look on his face.
“Good morning, you look, different today.”
Selih looked up and had a slight grin on his face.
“So she really did do it last night.”
“Yes though I think Dibella took it a bit too far.”
Uther looked lost trying to piece together what he had just heard. He then gave up and drank some water that was in front of him.
Katerina then entered the room dressed as well as she could with the clothes she had. She glanced at me and had the same look as Uther but didn’t say anything as she took her seat as well.
A minute later Elbert entered the room with a stupid smile on his face.
“That was the best sleep in my life. You need to tell me how you make those mattresses. I’d kill to have one back home.”
He then looked around at the quiet atmosphere with a frown on his face.
“Come on guys no need to be so shy. We’re all friend here right. Also, did your chest get bigger last night Diana?”
Elbert was his happy self it seemed. He still had that happy go lucky attitude around him. Katerina looked annoyed but didn’t seem to expect that he’d act any differently.
“We were just enjoying the peace and quiet till you showed up.”
“But we have so much to talk about. What’s for breakfast!”
He took his silverware and started looking around for food like a hungry dog. Seliph gave a good chuckle.
“Flora our guests have arrived. Please bring out the food.”
He set his letters to the side and picked up his silverware as well. Flora then brought out five plates of food and set them out before us.
We all dug in while Katerina gave a silent prayer before starting to eat herself. Uther ate slowly while Seliph, Elbert, and I ate with extreme vigor. Katerina looked disgusted at us.
“You don’t have to eat like slops. You should have at least some grace. Especially you, Diana, it is unbecoming of a lady.”
Flora snuck behind me and grabbed my shoulder.
“She’s right miss. You should be work on your manners.”
“But Seliph is doing it as well!”
“Just because he isn’t using his manners doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be miss.”
Uther looked annoyed at the proceedings and spoke up first.
“So now that we are all here should we begin. First of all, I would like to confirm with you, Diana. Are you in fact Done the hero that was summoned?”
“Yes, I am Done though now I am called Diana.”
“You plan to marry Seliph correct?”
“That’s the plan right now, yes.”
“And you haven’t been forced into any of this and are going along with this willingly? He hasn’t harmed you or done anything that has impaired your judgment?”
“I am acting with a sound state of mind and I am choosing to marry Seliph.”
As much as I didn’t want to. I couldn’t say anything else him. In order for this to work, they have to believe I’m being genuine.
“Alright, if that’s what you say.”
He balled his hands into fists tensing up probably in anger. Could he have been the one who sent assassins after me?
Elbert finished his plate and drained his glass before addressing us.
“See I told you Uther, she is Done, and with that, we should begin the talks of a treaty between us Seliph. I looked over the documents and agree with most of the demands. But it will take me quite some time to arrange for the finalization of the terms.
For now, I propose a ceasefire so that we may begin treaty discussions within our individual kingdoms without the need for our armies to be at each other's throats.”
Seliph nodded at this.
“That will work. I will send delegates to negotiate with your countries, but hearing that pleases me. Now, what about you Uther and Katerina?”
Uther spoke first with Katerina following suit.
“I will agree to the ceasefire for now.”
“Then I will agree to it as well.”
I was glad that worked. I thought it would be harder to convince them.
“Well, how were the festivities last night. As you all know I wasn't feeling well so I wasn't able to take part.”
Elbert seemed excited to talk. He probably had a good time at the party.
“It was amazing. The food, drink, and music were all amazing. Not even Katerina’s famous parties could compare. No offense Katerina.”
“None taken, he is right, it was an enjoyable party. The people there also seemed nice enough. I had a couple of interesting conversation with the people that attended.”
“Of what nature Katerina?”
“Purely of the business. Nothing you’d be interested in Elbert.”
That sounded weird I thought there would still be some hatred between the two groups.
“Really I thought it would take longer before talks like that started.”
“It was mostly merchants wanting to expand their businesses. This peace could possibly make us all richer.”
Seliph looked pleased hearing this while Uther seemed to fume with anger.
“It’s as good a start as any. Now if you’ll excuse us Diana and I need to take care of some business. I wish you all a good day.”
I got up with Seliph and we walked out of the room together. Elbert was thanking us for the food as Flora cleared the table. We then made our way to his office where he sat back behind his desk. He sat at his desk and sighed as if he dreaded what was coming next.
“So I heard you were attacked by assassins. What happened? Flora only found the charred remains of only one assassin, but there were signs of more.”
”I fought off some assassins this morning. It wasn’t anything big.”
He eyed me trying to see if I was telling the truth. I tried my best but he didn’t seem to buy it.
“I’ve been attacked by assassins a number of times. But I’ve never seen a demon assassin use these.”
He then tossed the metal projectiles that they had thrown at me on the desk.
“I know that it was a human assassin attempt. They were too loud and messy compared to demon assassins. They shouldn’t have attacked you until at least next week. They also did a poor job of hiding their movements. We found your guard stabbed in the heart by a holy weapon. I know you tried to hide it was a human assassin attempt, but why?”
“Because I this peace to come to fruition. Letting this war continue any longer is only playing into Mara’s hand and I want to do all I can to stunt her plans. Besides they weren’t that strong.”
“Don’t lie. Facing four fully armed human assassins unarmed is no easy feat. Especially since you still haven’t completely recovered from all your changes yet. So...”
He took a deep breath and straightened up before looking me in the eyes.
“We’ll share my room together.”
Wait what the hell!
“No way! I’m not sharing a bed with you!”
“I’m not saying that! I’m saying that we’ll share a room together. There will be two beds and we won’t be sharing one. That way I can make sure you are safe.”
“Are you saying I can’t protect myself?”
“No, but it will also solidify our engagement.”
“Don’t you think you’re going about this too fast?”
“Look I can get you another room, but you will be at a much higher risk than if you just stay with me.”
I hated to admit it but he was right. I wasn’t scared of being in the same room as him. I had been on trips and had shared a room with guys before. What I was scared of how that dynamic would change now that I was a woman. Maybe it’d be fine and work out like those light novels I read on Earth. Besides if it meant less assassin then sure why not.
“Fine, I’ll stay in your quarters for the time being. Now, who do we have to meet this morning.”
At this, he rubbed his hand between his nose grimacing.
“My mother, so it will definitely be an interesting morning. She’ll be here any minute.”
‘KNOCK KNOCK’
“And there she is. Come in mom.”
Oh boy, time to meet the parent. I hope I come out of this alive.