I saw a thin gold line at the horizon. As the white mist began to clear up, I exhaled and saw the white breathe rising up my nose. It looks like things will get even colder soon.

Then I heard small groans from behind. There was Elliot staring blankly at Seina who's sleeping soundly on his chest. It's like inviting misunderstanding but Gram turned around only to flash a grin with a thumb up. The prince looked to me but I shrugged and covered my ears.

The prince did a face palm and slumped back. Looks like he already resigned to his fate huh? Shortly after, the carriage jumped several times with chaotic roars and screams. Also with lightnings flying randomly.

...

The carriage arrived in front of tall walls with a gate. This time, the gate is properly used as a gate so I was relieved. Hm… it's similar to Raumia's but the security is tighter. Maybe it's related to how the monarchy has no barrier to prevent outside threat.

Once we passed it, however... I saw a bustling scenery. No, bustling isn't even correct to describe it. Rows of uneven buildings not structured neatly were surrounding a street full of vendors. While there were uneven places which allowed dirty puddles to remain, people continued to walk around and living however they wanted.

I heard shouts of vendors promoting their products, I saw a group of people surrounding a street performance, I witnessed a person flying out of a bar with various laughter following after it.

Beastmen were scattered everywhere and I even saw some with bunny ears or fox ears but the majority possessed cat ears plus tails... if not looking like cats standing with two legs. Is that Nyanta-san over there?

Seriously, there are even some who possessed broad and burly figures. Looks like the feline beastmen have same similarity to humans in term of sizes and variations. In Magnis standard, of course.

"...It seems it is still crowded as ever." Elliot commented.

Well, I don't want to look at him as he received the infamous full-power slap at the cheek by the elven princess. It definitely looked funny so I refrained from taking a second glance at him. I have to maintain my dignity and humble facade as long as nobles are around.

Still, he's right. I wonder what should we do...? The place must be the expensive looking building with the largest structure right? It's at the other side of this street.

I heard a blowing horn and the crowds stopped moving before scurrying away as if receiving notice of A-class disaster. Like a sea parting into two, a cavalry unit riding something like huge black mounts appeared and approached us.

What the heck...? Are they owlbears? I stared at the mounted beasts then to the armored beastman with a sword sheathed behind his back. He must be the commander to have such oppressive aura, and he's being followed by other beastmen with... less better equipment.

Gram saluted and exclaimed.

"The honored guests have arrived safely!!"

"Hm. Good work, Scout Gramven. Return to your post later and write the full report. For now, the guests are to receive times for rest."

So we're going to get a place to rest? Oh, I hope there's decent bath...! I smiled and hoping for the best thing to do after traveling without decent preparations.

On the way, though. I felt a tug and I heard Gram whispering.

"Missy, you better brace yourself once we enter the palace."

"Huh? Why? Are we going to meet the king first?"

"The Emperor..." He corrected me. "Be careful of his temperament. He doesn't like Raumia the least bit."

...Ookaayyy... Now I'm worried. Why did he have to warn me and why am I here again if the Emperor detest Fei's kingdom? Do I smelled like him? With anxiety on my mind, the carriage passed through the town and entered another gate into the premise of a palace.

Flower gardens were scatterred everywhere but trees were more dominant. The thing is, I saw some children with expensive clothes climbing trees and jumping from a branch to another branch with ease. They even did acrobats!

"...are all beastmen this nimble?" I asked.

"You will be surprised to see several in a condition where death should have taken them yet living as if having a set of reserve lives to waste for, nya." Gram answered.

"I see. So cats really do have 9 lives." I rolled my gaze away exaggeratedly.

We arrived right in front of the building which was called as Ruler Shrine by Gram. The soldiers also got off and lined up as if receiving us but I did have a speck suspicion about the way they glared at me. They have much to experience with those feeble aura and faces lacking any sign of hardships though.

"We welcome you to the Ruler Shrine." The cavalry unit captain said. "This Urgvun Blitzen shall guide you from here onward to the place our mighty Emperor residing in."

Thus, I, Elliot, Seina, Gram and the Cavalry Leader entered the shrine looking like taj mahal. Somehow, it became a tour where this Urgvun fellow boasted about this and that of the Monarchy. More like... He's promoting with vigor like a tour guide.

"...what's his problem?" I whispered to Gram.

"Hush. He can hear you." He replied back at me.

Ugh... but I felt like going back to the day where I went for a field trip. It's when I was still an elementary schooler so I remembered useless if not embarrassing things I did. And the Freak caused so much problems.

Before long, the tour ended as we stood in front of a large gate with mural carved on it.

"Hmm...?" I frowned and made a sound.

I could see that it's more or less a legend about something. There were clouds and a Parthenon temple high above, with the sun shining in the corner and illuminating winged men as well as robed beings. In the middle was two armies baring their fangs, swords and shields at each other on top of mountains of corpses.

Some could be seen as humans. Some had the pointy ears and translucent impression, some possessed short yet muscular people swinging gigantic hammers. These must be humans, elves and dwarves.

If so... the other army composing of horned fiends and people with beast ears were... the demi-humans and demons. Then, way below was...

"Oh, the Oracle. I never thought I will see another mural such as this." Seina murmured with both a hint of awe and disgust.

Why? I exchanged looks with Gram and Elliot but they simply smiled bitterly.

"Beyond this point is the Holy Chamber. As you have all been permitted by the Emperor, this one will step down." The beastman with deep blue cat ears raised his head slightly and gave a nod to Gram.

The two quietly stood beside the gate and it opened with loud tremor. Wow... it feels like we're going to enter a secret catacombs. Will there be the snake-hater man with cowboy hat showing up next?

Since there's nothing that welcomed us, Elliot took the first step to enter the Holy Chamber, followed by Seina. The two really gave off noble aura and I exhaled in secret. I'm seriously tired of acting as a noble. At this rate, it'll become a habit and I, for one, never liked the idea of living a life like a snob usually appearing in Medias and soap operas.

As I passed through the gate, I felt as if my hair just stood on its end for a moment. Ugh...? I have a bad feeling...

I shortened the distance with the other delegates of our side and we walked through a long hall surrounded by pillars. The lighting isn't too dark nor too bright but every step I took cause more unease piling up, narrowing my vision a little bit.

Then, the two in front of me abruptly stopped. I nearly let out a shriek and stopped just in time but I frowned when Elliot bowed.

"It is a great honor to be under the audience of the Emperor once again." He said. "I, Elliot Albasque Von Aeinsland has arrived to represent my homeland, Aeinsland Kingdom."

"Likewise, Seina El' Etria Serilia has arrived on behalf of the North Territory." The elven princess said before bowing down gracefully.

With a slight snort, a reply "At ease." Could be heard and the two settled back to standing pose. I observed them and then ahead of us.

Beyond the two was a stairway. Ending only after four meters high, lying on the top was a throne seated by a handsome man with prideful air enveloping him. His arm rested on the armrest and he supported his chin with it while looking down on us.

But... I sensed it. A spark of light glimmered in his eyes when he laid his gaze on me. It took him a while and his sleek dark blonde hair swayed. His triangular furry ears with stripes twitching and his tail swayed from the right side to the left side calmly.

"And you?" He inquired. Though there was nothing to hint about his impression, the shudder I felt forced air to stop from leaving my lungs.

...what a pressure. So this is what a Divine Beast is capable of. I registered this fact and exhaled the moment I put little strength to claw my palm with my fingernail.

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"My name is Charlotte Augmund and I represent Leimburg Royal Academy. It is a great pleasure to meet one of the Divine Beasts in flesh."

As I bowed, I heard a chuckle and I looked up at him.

"Their daughter, huh? No wonder." He said with a smile. "You have prepared your cards well, O prince."

"I am simply favored by luck this time. I do not believe I am at the apex yet."

"Luck is also a form of strength, prince. Know that being favored by it means you possessed the talent ready to be nurtured."

His Highness broke a bitter smile but it felt like he was content about it. Then I felt the gaze returned back to me.

"But you. You... are inexplicable."

...inexplicable...? I wonder what he meant by that. Does that mean I don't have the talent? Well, I guess I am since I'm ridden with illness and misfortunes. I'm more like a plague bringer.

Even so... Why is he staring really hard at me? Don't tell me he has ulterior motive...?

"No matter." The Emperor said. "Welcome to my abode. I am the Emperor of the Golden Tiger Monarchy - Valden Waltzen. With the three of us, now we can begin the conference regarding our Territories' future relationship."

...Huh?

He left the throne and descended down the stairway. With every step taken, the pressure gradually built up and nervousness affected the three of us. Who wouldn't when being confronted with the menace showing no gaps in defense? Even his gait was elegant while also fierce.

But...

The beastman passed by Elliot and Seina, the two stood still as if frozen over. No... I don't think they are surprised and in daze. The odd sensation drifting in the air was odd and with a little focus of aura, I was horrified.

The surrounding was densely packed with something sinister. Normal people and newly awakened Warriors would have not noticed but with my degree of experiences, I could see the blood red aura encompassing the whole Holy Chamber.

And it all originated from the Divine Beast Valden.

Fear ran down my spine in forms of cold sweats. I could hear my heartbeat beating terribly fast and I stared at the man who's approaching me. His eyes solemn, his prideful air vanished and he was... glaring at me while taking out a scimitar next to his waist.

*WHOOSH* A profound sound of air splitting sound could be heard. The lightning speed quick draw sliced emptiness and I took two jumps to recover my composure.

"What... What are you doing!?" I shouted. Did he want to kill me?!

But... but...! Elliot and Seina are still rooted at the same place. How could they not notice!? I started to panic but I heard the Emperor snorting.

"I missed. Looks like you are 'the same'."

Same...? Same, he said...? I blinked once and the figure of the beastman vanished from my field of sight.

A murderous intent! I turned and drew out Tyrfingg only for the silvery white blade clashing with onyx colored scimitar. But the force was too much for me to handle and I was blown away for more than half the width of the Holy Chamber.

"Gah!?" I made sound with blood and air leaping out from my mouth when my back struck a pillar.

I fell down but I sensed the murderous intent right above me. The moment my feet and hands landed on the marble floor, I rolled with all of my strength and the scimitar cleaved the floor with a large gash wound.

How...!? I couldn't even sense nor detect his aura! Had I not recognized the killing intent, I would have died for sure!!

The Emperor silently pulled out the scimitar and I readied a stance. Beads of sweats trickling down my cheeks and I glanced to the two noble children before going back to the Emperor.

"...what in the world are you doing, esteemed Emperor...?" I asked.

"Isn't it obvious? I intend to put you in peace, Alex's daughter." The Emperor answered.

...He's trying to kill me...? So... this Quest is a trap from the beginning...? But I could tell that the two over there are frozen solid. Is it by magic or something else, I'm not so sure. Even so, that means he's acting out of his own will.

"Why do you want to kill me? I believe this is our first meeting and I have never once did something which caused your enmity."

I focused Aura to coat my body in secret, little by little while keeping distance with the Divine Beast.

"Yes. You are guiltless. You have never done anything nor did you ever wronged my people. You are an extremely young existence who have barely experienced the world's malevolence as well as majesty."

The Emperor answered. Approaching me casually but without leaving a gap in his defense, it was obvious he would attract his enemy to pick the initiative but I'm not a fool.

I knew that gait. I memorized similar fighting techniques at school. But because of that... He's too menacing. Damn, what should I do then...?

"However... the fact that you are an Oratoria while possessing the same feature with her is more than enough of a reason."

"What...?"

How... how does he know... No. Just now... what did he say? It caught me off-guard and the Divine Beast vanished from my view.

*SMASH!!* Before I noticed, I was planted into the wall, slabs of stones and bricks shattered alongside my bones and I could feel my entire body racking in pain. A lump rose up from my throat and I vomited blood.

Then I detected a movement with my Aura. I grit my teeth and threw myself to the side, watching the Emperor slashing the spot I was at with soundless swing. How fast could that swing be to not even let out any sound?!

*BOOM!* several deep gashes were carved upon the wall. Even though he swung his sword only once, I think he's fast enough to do rapid attack with a mere swing. So scary but now is my chance!!

I bounced off the ground and thrust Tyrfingg at him. The beastman simply arched his body slightly and the blade missed in a hair breadth. Shock couldn't even describe it when the opponent could not see the blade aiming for his blindspot.

As an alarm went off in my head, the murderous intent reached me and all I could do was to brace for the upcoming strike diving deep into my stomach. I was smashed down to the floor, kneecap planted in my belly and air left my lungs alongside a mouthful spray of blood.

In my blurry vision, I saw a streak of white and I reflexively moved my head, dodging the scimitar piercing deep into the marble floor like a hot knife slicing butter. I slashed at the Emperor and he grabbed the Tyrfingg's blade with ease. A growl was let out and he displayed a sharp canine glistening in white.

"Give up. You will have no need to see any more nightmare as long as you surrender your life." He said.

"...even my nightmare is my own, not yours. So I shall refuse your offer!!" I shouted and released my grips over Tyrfingg.

My right hand blocked the Emperor's vision and I cast fireball with moderate amount of mana. An explosion blasted away the Divine Beast while blinding me for a moment. My ears ringing but I took out the black katana, wobbling yet standing my ground.

"...impressive." A familiar voice spoke out. "But you are far weaker than her."

Splitting the smokes like a bullet, the Emperor swung his scimitar from below. I parried it, turning and executing a low slash.

*SWISH* The Divine Beast dodged easily by disappearing and reappearing behind me. I clicked my tongue while blocking his attacks just barely for so many times I have lost track of my surrounding and myself.

Before I knew it, the last attack I blocked sent me flying. I landed yet I couldn't muster any strength. Hu-huh...? What happened...

I looked down and found my body riddled with wounds. So many red. So many wounds. My uniform was in tatters and red stained them but something was strange. How... could I not notice it...?

"Hmph. It doesn't look like you were sent here by your father. Alex is not a man who will risk his family, and that must by why he sent you to Raumia. If so... Arthur must have used the opportunity when he's out of the country. That fickle human really has a bad habit."

The Emperor approached. His steps were like chiming bells in my mind and I wanted to run away from him. But I couldn't. My body... already reached its limits a while ago......

"Blame your fate if you must. For this is the inevitable once you stepped into this place. No one will save you and should you be left alone, the gods are never going to stay silent. It will be too late for you to run away when the time comes."

I saw the blade of scimitar aimed at me, fear encroached my heart and the Divine Beast muttered.

"You can sleep for now, Irregular."

Then... a silver flash of light turned my world pure white before all faded back to pitch-black darkness.