Rikuto is holding his hands together in an arch on his desk as he tries to stall for time by thinking on Aramellianna’s words. She just cautioned him after a little back and forth, that the notion of independence for the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy might be less painful than what she’s going to ask for in exchange for fulfilling Rikuto’s massively increased orders on enhanced magic crystals, to the point that he wants to monopolize them. At first, he gave what he thought would be a fair mark-up above market value, but Aramellianna swiftly pointed out that the market for enhanced magic crystals is unstable at best, since they’re so rare.

But, Rikuto has one last desperate play.

“I know you’re making the diamonds artificially, your Grace.”

Her smile barely changes, amused by his attempt but unfazed otherwise. “Oh? Then perhaps you can make your own,” retorts the Grand Duchess. She’s Rikuto’s senior in just about everything in this world, save for positional authority, and she made it very clear not too long ago in the past that her authority is not much lower than the king. Nobles and royalty always have to maintain a balance for a kingdom to remain stable. But, Aramellianna’s specific position is an executioner of balance, a position specifically meant to protect the kingdom from usurpation by other noble families, and in a perfect world, prevent a crisis for the kingdom not unlike what occurred in Bromlund.

Of course, she knows very well the same thing Rikuto knows. The Grand Duchy is producing those diamonds thanks to Daniel, and Rikuto has no idea how he knew how to do something like that. True it may be that many things could be found on the internet of Earth, to be able to apply that knowledge is something else entirely. It’s not so much that Daniel is especially intelligent, but he does have a lot more practical knowledge and experience than Rikuto does. As has been the case, Rikuto’s college education has made him ideal for running a country from a bird’s eye view, as a typical leader. He has stabilized the economy of Mornistae, restored a balance between cash crops and food to prevent the people of Mornistae from suffering during economic decline, and they’ve been moving water throughout the kingdom to overcome a drought, as well as aiding countries around them with the same.

But, even that last benefit is thanks to Daniel being able to translate earth technology to magic technology, or find ways to make earth technology work without the centuries of technological advancement to get there. Being backed by Aramellianna made that much possible. How, though, he was able to obtain the resources for an atom bomb is another story, let alone assembling one.

Wherever Hekate came from, she clearly has access to nearly unlimited resources, and Daniel’s reckless use of his knowledge has them teetering on the edge with things she can’t comprehend.

“Instead of independence, at least tell me what you want…” replies Rikuto, nearly defeated. If he is going to get screwed either way, he may still be able to monopolize the enhanced magic crystals and prevent the situation from getting any worse.

“Very well. In addition to exempting the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy from all kingdom taxes, the Kingdom of Mornistae will grant the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy complete autonomy in all military matters, including offensive campaigns and defensive campaigns, as well as the construction and maintenance of Grand Duchy exclusive weapons and assets. In exchange, I will allot ninety percent of the enhanced magic crystal supply for sale exclusively to the kingdom of Mornistae for military purposes. Any reselling will be a violation of the contract.”

“You’re not holding anything back, are you?”

“Of course I am, your Majesty! I could demand that the next heir to the kingdom be one of my daughters as part of the terms of the contract, or that the kingdom of Mornistae begin paying the Grand Duchy taxes in return for carrying the largest share of paying the Imperial Defense taxes on behalf of our kingdom. That would be holding nothing back.” She smiles mischievously, and Rikuto sighs.

“Were you this vicious with His Majesty King Greydald, your Grace?”

“When necessary. You’re doing very well, which is why I helped you through the treaty incident, as well as Bromlund. Otherwise, the Grand Duchy would already be pursuing independence.”

“Fine… I don’t have much choice, it seems.”

“If I may, your Royal Majesty, I might be able to help more specifically if I knew the circumstances that backed you into such a corner. I’m happy to take advantage of whoever sits in that chair, but you seem unusually out of sorts and desperate in this case.”

Rikuto hesitates to answer. It’s certainly no secret that Aramellianna is close with Daniel, and Wenlianna is even closer. They likely don’t know or understand the threat that Daniel poses, nor the weapon he developed. And, it’s possible they still don’t know that he’s in a position of power with the Citadel and the self-announced Fievegal. Though, she doesn’t seem to be as distracted as she was at the Imperial Summit. Rikuto heard it directly from Erimaya, who managed to do what even the Stalvaltan soldiers couldn’t; infiltrate and earn Daniel’s trust enough to learn about the most devastating singular weapon any world will likely ever see.

“I don’t know how much you’re aware, your Grace, but… I have it on extremely good authority and from a first-hand source… Daniel… isn’t a prisoner of the Citadel.”

“I’m aware,” replies Aramellianna with an unusual contentedness.

“You’re… aware?” asks Rikuto, surprised.

“Of course. Daniel has apologized for the misunderstanding, but he intends to stay in the Citadel. A shame. He was a true asset to the Grand Duchy.”

“That’s it?” asks Rikuto.

“What am I to do? As you may or may not know, the Citadel repelled twenty thousand troops with mere mud golems and no casualties. And, it’s likely the current invasion will meet the same fate. Time will tell, I suppose.”

“You knew all of this, and you kept it to yourself!?”

She scowls at him when he snaps, and he backs down a little, but it’s still unacceptable. However, her retort chills him to his bones. “I know that you haven’t told the Empress what Erimaya told you, and I now am certain that you are attempting to build your own super-weapon for supremacy in anticipation of invading the Fievegal once more.”

Rikuto can’t help but stare at her, stunned. He was about to recruit Wenlianna to the project, but to think Aramellianna already grasps the full extent of his goal. But,...

“Daniel brought a superweapon from Earth. It’s called an atom bomb, and though I don’t know how he built it, it’s what caused the waves of magic nullification a few months ago. The true effect, though, is the destruction of everything for miles in every direction. You may not believe me, but the calamity for which I was summoned was none other than this weapon. I’ve seen the dawnsight that the Lady Dawnseers saw, and I’m certain of it. The weapon’s effect is very distinct.”

Aramellianna listens patiently, and she doesn’t show shock or surprise. It’s unthinkable that Daniel would spread his knowledge of such an irresponsible weapon. Not if he’s planning to take over this world.

Finally, Aramellianna replies, “You AND Daniel were summoned, your Majesty. And, to think that you would ban Dawnseeing, only to claim now that you've seen a Dawnsight yourself. Do you know how suspicious that sounds?”

Rikuto sighs. “It didn't take place here, and the person who did it isn't a subject of Mornistae.”

She stares at him skeptically, adding, “Reiterating my point, hypocrisy isn't made okay by being somewhere else at the time.”

“Please, Aramellianna. I… I’m doing my best to keep it together right now. You have no idea how dangerous Daniel’s weapon is.”

“Maybe not. But, I know how dangerous his allies are. Provoking them is not an option, and I will not take part in it. So, let me add that to my terms of contract. The Stalvaltan Grand Duchy will not be continuing with any campaigns against the Fievegal going forward, and we will not provide any support save relief if the Fievegal is to attack.”

Rikuto watches Aramellianna a little suspiciously. “You aren’t plotting behind the kingdom’s back, are you, Grand Duchess?”

She again scowls lightly at him. “No more than you are behind mine, your Majesty.”

He grits his teeth, frustrated that he’s meeting so much resistance. His job -the reason he was pulled away from his home on Earth- is to protect the world of Zenkon. It is that very summoning that brought its most dangerous threat. Rikuto appears to be alone in that belief, in spite of being chosen by the goddess.

“Regardless, I’ll deal with it myself. Now, I’d like to summon Wenlianna to court. We need her to consult on our defensive equipment.” He’s trying not to outright lie, but Aramellianna is already on guard.

“Wenlianna is indisposed at the frontier, your Majesty. My apologies.”

“The frontier?”

“Yes. It seems the Iron Wyvern project encountered issues. She will likely be based out of Fort Peony for some time.”

“Fort Peony?” asks Rikuto, again becoming suspicious. Aramellianna is hiding something.

“Of course. Do you think I would send my eldest unwed daughter to Twilight, forward operating base to over one hundred thousand soldiers? The Flower Garden is much more preferable.”

“What about logistics to repair the airship? Surely she would have more resources at Twilight precisely because of the additional manning.”

“As well as even more numerous spies from other territories looking to steal our technology.”

“Are you certain she’s not acting as a liaison to the Citadel, your Grace?”

“Are you accusing me?” asks Aramellianna coldly.

“You’re not denying it.”

“Because I can’t believe you would imply an accusation of treachery from one of your closest allies.” She stands up, replying sharply, “I am loyal to the kingdom of Mornistae, your Majesty. But, I will not remain so if you continue to treat me like an enemy. I have given you counsel not to make an enemy out of an entity you can’t hope to defeat, not because I have any loyalty to Daniel, but because I don’t want him to retaliate. I will not support you if you choose the path of destruction. Would you like me to ask that question again, or shall we continue to remain allies?”

Rikuto is silent. He is fairly confident, given her response, that Wenlianna is in contact with Daniel, meaning Aramellianna is in contact with Daniel. He’s not sure if she’ll turn traitor, and he can’t afford to try to arrest her. If she is in contact with Daniel, and Rikuto takes her prisoner as a traitor, it’s as good as attacking Daniel. And, without the enhanced magic crystals and the scaled up magic weapon, she’s absolutely right. He’d be walking the path of destruction. Because it’s unknown how or where she’s producing the diamonds, and diamonds are scarce in this world as it stands, Rikuto is on very thin ice trying to control the situation. He’s trying not to sound crazy by stirring up a frenzy about the atomic bomb, but he can’t let Daniel get away with creating them, nor can he allow Daniel to strong-arm the world using them.

For now, though, his hands are tied. He needs to stay on friendly terms with Aramellianna at least long enough to get his counter-weapon functional. He’ll deal with Aramellianna’s potential double-dealing later.

Of course, if she is in contact with Daniel secretly, he likely already knows about Rikuto’s weapon project. He’ll have to increase security and endeavor to identify the source of the leak.

Fortunately, Rikuto is aware of how thin the ice is upon which he’s treading. He’ll just need to focus on one step at a time.

***

“Alright everyone!” Daniel is seated in the gunner’s seat at the middle-back of the tank, with Hekate squished on his lap, since she demanded to be the one to be able to do the test firing. Ryuogriar is in the command position behind them, and Treia is the loader seated next to them, ready to load the next shell in. Gwenesphia is in the navigator position in the front right seat, down lower than the turret, with Geirahoel driving. Choul, in his dragon form, cast a shrinking spell on himself to become approximately the size of a cat, and he’s seated next to Daniel on the floor of the tank. He’ll be observing so he can command one of the tanks that will be part of the attack on Fort Twilight.

“Let’s begin the inaugural run. Ready?”

Everyone confirms with a synchronized “Ready!”

Hekate bounces excitedly in Daniel’s lap, giggling deviously. “Yes! Yes! Move forth my titan of steel! Crush our enemies! Mwahahahaha!”

“Whenever you’re ready, Geirahoel. Go slowly at first.”

The auburn haired dragon in human form hesitates with her hands over the steering levers, which throttle the energy from the engine in variable proportion to the tracks, which determines the speed of each side, and thus the direction of travel.

Geirahoel insisted on driving, since it’s Daniel’s project, but is hesitant now that she has to. He instructed her from the navigator seat during training, which is why she was happy to keep her seat.

Geirahoel eases her foot on to the pedal to accelerate, which controls a mana crystal, and the tank lurches as water rushes through the engine, along the exhaust pipes, and then out the back-side of the tank.

The tank doesn’t move.

Hekate’s ears lay down at the sides in disappointment, and she pouts, “Aww… Is it too heavy?”

Daniel smiles, and Geirahoel looks up at him also. When she last drove it, it didn’t have the turret installed, so it was much lighter.

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

The human mechanic winks at Geirahoel, and she blushes, quickly spinning around. She inspects the options in front of her, finding the handle, and she presses in on the clutch. She shifts into gear, and as soon as she relaxes the clutch, the tank shifts. The creaking and rattling of metal components fills the cabin as the whole vehicle begins shaking. Geirahoel grips the steering levers tightly, easing her foot on the accelerator, and the tank begins to shake even more as it rumbles forward on its heavy metal tracks.

Gwenesphia exclaims while looking through the front window, “We’re moving forward! I-I can’t believe it! All of this metal… It’s really moving!”

“Yes! Yesss! YES!” cackles Hekate. “Faster! Go faster!”

Geirahoel slowly increases speed, and Ryuogriar leans on Daniel’s shoulder, kissing his cheek while Hekate is distracted. “I never doubted you, Mukori. I would be terrified of you were you not my darling husband.”

Hekate’s tail puffs up, and she turns like a rigid statue possessed as her soulless eyes burn holes in the platinum dragon.

Ryuogriar feigns an apologetic recoil for the ‘faux pas’. She adds, “My apologies, Hekate. I meant ‘our’ darling husband.” Ryuogriar gingerly pokes Hekate’s cheek, saying warmly, “Would you believe it, Mukori? Hekate and I shared a wonderful, bonding hug recently. We were just like mother and child…”

“Hey! I know what you’re doing!” snaps Hekate. “You’re trying to treat me like a daughter and cut me out!”

Ryuogriar teases, “Meee? Never. I love you like a sister, my darling little…”

“Graaah! Daniel! Find me something to blow up!”

“That would be the command position’s job…” remarks Daniel.

Treia scoffs, earning a glare from Hekate, since Ryuogriar’s victorious chuckle is expected. Treia stammers, “I-I… dust… or something, y-your Grace. R-Ready to reload.” She holds up one of the 130mm cannon shells for effect, smiling nervously.

Ryuogriar does sit up to peek out of the hatch above her. “Mmm… Oh! I see the target. Turret left a little bit.”

Daniel chuckles. “You have to do a little better than ‘a little bit’, Mukori.”

“Well!? What should I…? Oh…these numbers… Um… Left by the twenty?”

“Sounds good,” replies Daniel. “Go ahead Hekate. Turn us left. Geirahoel, go ahead and come to a stop.”

“O-Okay!” says Geirahoel sheepishly, letting off of the accelerator, and the tank comes to a stop. Hekate pulls the lever to turn the turret, and the motor pulls the chain. Daniel explains, “Now, watch the number in the side of the scope until we’re pointing to the number she said, and look for the target.”

Hekate nods. She aims the turret, while Gwenesphia grumbles loudly over the noise, “Daniel, this thing is so noisy!”

“Wait until the main event. Hekate?”

“I found it! I found it! Ready!?”

“Earmuffs on, everyone! No exceptions,” calls out Daniel. Everyone puts their earmuffs on, and they position themselves where they can see, opening their overhead hatches to peek outside.

“Firing in three! Two! One! Fire!”

“BOOM!” shouts Hekate as she pulls the trigger, and the whole tank violently shakes, startling the gatonines and Geirahoel. Hekate also cries out as the thunderous blast explodes forth, casting the forty pound projectile down range. Not even a single second passes before the target is decimated by the heavy impact, blasting shrapnel and dust in every direction.

The tank rocks a few more times as everyone clutches the surfaces around them for stability. Geirahoel snaps, “Daniel! What horrifying things do Earth humans destroy with this monstrosity!? There should be no reason for this!”

Daniel chuckles. “I’m afraid the answer is never going to change. When we built better armor, we built better armor destroyers.”

Hekate boisterously says, “Treia! Reload!”

“Reloading!” Treia hefts the heavy shell into the chamber, closing the breach. She grunts out a sigh afterwards. “Fwooo… That thing almost weighs as much as I do!”

“You volunteered. Need to switch?”

“I’m fine. Thanks though.”

“Ready!?” calls out Hekate. She adjusts her aim a little, firing once more. The tank shakes and thunder booms, and a crater explodes where the shell hits.

Choul asks, “My liege, is the weight of this carriage to withstand the blast?”

“It's definitely a factor that allows the cannon to be so big, but the weight mainly comes from the armor. The primary goal of a tank is to deliver allied firepower to where foot soldiers can’t reach, either by blowing up walls or withstanding enemy attacks.”

I understand withstanding arrows and spears with ease, Mukori,” starts Ryuogriar thoughtfully. “But, you might as well send us in dragon form. Even if this vehicle can withstand magic attacks, it is much slower than even a drake.”

“Maybe, but I can't manufacture people who are important to me, Mukori. The tank can fight, and we can make more if it's destroyed. Many more. We could even make one for every mage, if we have the material for it. A tank is replaceable. Dragons, and even goblins, aren't.”

There’s a moment of reverent silence as they all take a moment to appreciate the sentiment.

Hekate jokes, “We can let Ryuo go, though, can’t we?”

Ryuogriar smirks at the feldrok Empress. She retorts, “Why don’t you go, our great, illustrious, magnificent Empress Hekate? Since you’re so invincible.”

“And I’d win, too! But, we’re the kinder, gentler Fievegal. We’re all about being only slightly more powerful than our enemies.” She shoots a devious smirk at Daniel, who rolls his eyes. The young feldrok girl sits back down in Daniel’s lap, getting comfortable. She points, “Now then, my minions! Let us return to the Citadel and begin our plan of attack!”

Treia and Gwenesphia both cheer, “Yes, ma’am!” They blush when they realize they’re the only two who respond. Daniel chuckles, and Hekate blushes furiously as well. “What’s so funny!?”

“Sorry. We’re not a very cohesive unit, are we?” asks Daniel.

Ryuogriar, Geirahoel, and Choul glance around at the others, and then each other. “Should we have said something?” asks Geirahoel. She looks at Gwenesphia, immediately to her right in the navigator seat.

Gwenesphia nervously replies, “Um, we usually just confirm together, as a sort of show of camaraderie. Y-Your station is higher than ours, so…”

“Do it again,” blurts out Geirahoel.

“What?” asks Daniel.

“Do it again.” She looks at Hekate seriously. “I’ll get it right this time. Do it again.”

Hekate cocks her head, flopping her big ears in the same direction. She nods proudly, saying, “Now, my minions! Let us go forth and conquer this whole world! Mwahahahaha!”

“Yes, your greatness!” cheers everyone, having been guided by Geirahoel telepathically with her desired response. Hekate blushes and chuckles, since even Choul and Ryuogriar said it.

Hekate relaxes in Daniel’s lap as she leans back against his chest. She asks as Geirahoel begins driving back towards the Citadel, “Daniel, will you be mad at me if I conquer the whole world?”

“If you can manage it, Hekate, and you don’t become evil along the way, I’ll be proud of you.”

She blushes and hums, taking his arms and wrapping them around her to get truly comfortable.

***

Daniel reads over a manufacturing report from the foreman, delivered to him via the transport station. They have three MDMs running, and the ogres are running two, while goblins are running the third. The ogres are able to reset the machine faster, allowing for heavy parts to be made without delay. The goblins seem to be capable of grasping the programming, and have been able to make a greater variety of the listed parts Daniel has requested, able to make the appropriate adjustments to cycle through various parts.

They also have better eyes for inspecting the completed components, making them excellent at quality control.

Given that he’s not a business mogul, Daniel has no deadlines or quotas yet. The teams are moving well for being new operators to machines not from this world.

Xyreko appears. “Daniel, there is a mysterious presence at the east gate.”

“Mysterious presence?”

“I detect virtually no threat from this presence. Humanoid, small frame, hidden by a cloak. The guards have turned the individual away, but they have decided to take a seat against the wall.”

“They didn’t identify themselves?”

“Not while I was specifically observing. Apologies. I was focused on the trial run of the tank.”

Daniel nods. “I understand. Take me there, and I’ll investigate.”

“Pardon?”

“You said the threat is minimal. And, they don’t appear to be trying to sneak in.” Daniel gestures at the display she’s showing him, where demon-kin citizens are walking past without the figure moving. In fact, the small figure looks rather pitiful.”

“Please take me there,” repeats Daniel.

Xyreko bows. “At once, your Grace. I’ll also summon Choul to protect you.”

“Please do, but tell him not to arrive on guard.”

She nods, and Daniel is teleported to just inside the east gate, with Choul arriving by flight moments later. He kneels at Daniel’s feet crisply after landing. “My Liege. I am at your service.”

“You don’t have to be so dramatic. Come on. We’re investigating a suspicious person.” Daniel leads, and Choul follows. They head out through the gate and approach the hooded figure, who is seated in a small ball against the wall, wearing a simple brown cloak.

Daniel sighs, and the small person twitches.

“What the hell are you doing here, Erimaya?”

The young girl looks up, revealing herself to be none other than the second princess of Mornistae. She scrambles to her feet. “Daniel!” She hugs him, and Daniel doesn’t stop her.

Naturally, he doesn’t let her get away so easily. “Erimaya,...”

“I-I’ll explain! B-But, I had to get away! Please don’t send me back!”

Daniel sighs. “Let’s go inside. You’re probably hungry.”

As if to agree, a tiny rumbling comes from a tiny stomach. She blushes, her gaze going almost dizzy. “I-I-I… y-yes please…”

“You know this person, my Liege?” asks Choul.

“Yeah. She’s Hekate’s friend.”

As soon as he tries to back away, she goes weak in the knees, leaning against him. “S-Sorry… I… I’m…”

Daniel sighs one last time, scooping her up to carry her in a princess carry. She squeaks, adding as he walks, “She’s the Second Princess of the Kingdom of Mornistae. Princess Erimaya. And, she’s in huge trouble.”

She fidgets in Daniel’s arms, murmuring nervously, “P-Please go easy on me, Daniel… I have a good reason.”

“You’ll explain everything,” replies Daniel sternly. But, he adds more gently, “After you’ve had a moment to eat and rest. I’m not a monster.”

She smiles, leaning against his chest. “Thank you.”

“I’m surprised, Sire. Your social savvy is impressive.”

“Choul, not funny. She’s a child.”

“I-I won’t always be!” retorts Erimaya quickly. Daniel scowls down at her, and she shrinks.

Daniel brings Erimaya to the dining hall after taking her to wash her hands, and he uses the panel to order a simple meal of a burger and fries, one of the meals he added to the menu, and which can be prepared rather quickly. He orders one for himself, Erimaya, and Choul. And, while they’re waiting, he retrieves a blanket for Erimaya to help her warm up a little more. She smiles sweetly. “Thank you, your Grace.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“Ahhh, is this the small child who got you banished?”

“I did no such thing!” yells the small princess. She fidgets nervously. “It was outside of my control… after he saved my life.” She turns quickly pleading, facing Daniel. “That’s why I knew the only place I’ll be truly safe is here!”

A golem enters carrying a tray of the three meals, and Daniel says gently, “Alright. Let’s eat first. I have a feeling you’ll like this, Eri.”

She smiles, asking, “Oh? What is it? Omelette? Pizza? Hekate told me about so many things!”

Daniel helps the golem distribute the three trays, and Erimaya admires it. Choul hums, taking his seat across from the two.

“Um… do I get utensils…?” asks Erimaya sheepishly, looking at the other two, who also don’t have utensils.

“I can have some brought if you want some, Princess. But, this is the Fievegal.” Daniel picks his up and takes a bite, and Choul does the same.

Erimaya picks up her burger and smells it. She trembles a little, eager to taste it. She takes a bite, and she gasps. “Wh-Wh-What is this!?”

“Cheeseburger, your Highness,” replies Choul.

She takes another bite, humming happily. A little bit of grease runs down her chin. She hums in surprise, and Daniel retrieves a napkin from the table and dabs her chin for her. “Aren’t princesses supposed to be prim and proper?”

She blushes, retorting, “I-I’m not used to eating something like this! A-And…” She takes another nibble. “I-Ish sho yummy…” murmurs the princess delightedly.

Daniel chuckles, eating his own as well.

Once she’s finished, Erimaya tries the fries, and she hums in delight as well, dipping them in various condiments; Daniel’s recipe for ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. Erimaya favors the mayonnaise, surprisingly enough, and she enjoys the whole meal.

It’s just as their finishing that the door bursts open, and Hekate storms in. “Daniel! I-... E-Eri!?”

Erimaya springs to her feet. “H-Hekate! It’s so good to see you!”

They run to each other, hugging warmly. Hekate asks the obvious question, “What are you doing here, Eri? A-And, why didn’t I hear anything about your escort?”

“Because,” starts Daniel with a somewhat stern tone, causing Erimaya to flinch. She gives a sheepish look, and Daniel finishes, “Erimaya is still due for a good scolding, which I was going to give her before telling you.”

Hekate protectively hugs Erimaya, saying sharply, “Don’t you dare, Daniel! I won’t allow it! Erimaya did nothing wrong!”

Daniel smirks at her, putting his chin on his hand. “How do you think she got here, Hekate? Do you think what she did was smart? Safe?”

“I… Well…” Hekate looks at Erimaya, who looks at her with worried eyes. “Sh-She’s alright now…”

“Hekate, have I scolded you without reason?”

“You do things that I have to scold you, too!”

“This isn’t about me right now. And, I do my best not to do those things again. Erimaya put herself in serious danger. Isn’t that right, Princess?”

“Y-... Yes…” replies Erimaya sheepishly.

Hekate hugs her firmly, but says nothing.

Daniel sighs. “I’m not your parents, Erimaya. But, I can imagine they’re worried sick. When did you leave home this time?”

“U-Um… A-About th-three weeks ago…”

“Why?” asks Hekate gently. “Did assassins come after you again?”

Erimaya shakes her head. “N-No… I… It’s just… I think… I think Rikuto is going to be… um… H-H-He’s making a weapon… He found out about your god-killer weapon, and he started working obsessively on magic weapons.”

“Why did you feel the need to flee and travel here? Why not send us a message through the golem?”

Erimaya looks down, fidgeting with Hekate’s blouse. “I wanted to apologize. I-It’s my fault… I’m sorry…” Her eyes water, and Hekate coos, “It’s not your fault. We shouldn’t have told you.”

“Can you tell us anything about his weapon?” asks Daniel. “What it looks like, what it does?”

“I can’t… He was gathering all of the magic artisans and artificers in the kingdom, as well as all of the mages. I-I think he’s desperate to find anything that can compete with your weapon, since he… he believed me… when I said you had it.”

Daniel nods. “It’s a widely known weapon in our world, and the country Rikuto comes from has a particularly unpleasant history with them. It was before either of our lifetimes, but my country used it against his in a large scale war. They have held it as a bitter memory ever since, and it’s taken very seriously. For good reason, of course. But, as I feared, he’s desperate to remove it and its creator in this world from the board.” Daniel looks to Choul. “We’ll need to be careful with Twilight. It’s been three weeks, and anything could be possible.”

“Of course, my Liege. And, what of the princess?” He looks at Erimaya, who in turn looks to Daniel for his answer.

“She’s welcome here!” declares Hekate, still protectively hugging her friend.

“I-I don’t want to go back, Daniel. Please don’t send me back.”

“Eri…”

“Please?”

Daniel hesitates. If Rikuto is neglecting his royal duties or showing weakness or vulnerability, then it’s very possible Erimaya and the rest of the royal family could be in danger.

“Are you sure you don’t want to be with your family? They could be in danger as well.”

“I’m sure. They imprisoned me in the castle and treated me like a villain because I tried to defend you.”

“I’m sure you’re exaggerating a little…”

She puffs her cheeks in a mighty pout. “Either way, I left a note. I’m taking an extended leave of absence here, where I know I’ll be safe no matter what.”

Hekate nods. “Mm-hmm! And, I’ll show you all of the coolest things, and the wonderful meals Daniel came up with! We’re going to have so much fun!”

Erimaya smiles and replies just as warmly, “Thank you so much, Hekate! I knew I could count on you!”

***