King Cyndre and Queen Rianna, accompanied by Baroness Ysandra Fairchild, Saffron Fairchild, Lord Brice, Lord Gawain, and the rest of the King's council, proceeded with regal grace towards their thrones. They were preparing to convene with Grand Master Fennic, the esteemed Head Mage of the Fiafyr Kingdom.

"I hope Fennic doesn't start any trouble when he sees the Crown Prince again... I nearly needed to create an earth wall between them," Saffron whispered to her sister.

"You mean to say that Fennic needs to grow up and act like a damn adult for once. All he does is try to instigate a fight with the Prince. We were all there for the test, Head Master. He outright blamed Prince Quinus for a lack of talent. I'm surprised that His Highness used restraint after being insulted so openly," Brice said in a low whisper.

"True... And to think that his Highness was only eight years old at the time and he was more mature than Grand Master Fennic. Even though the Grand Master was over one hundred years old. I still can't believe it," Gawain whispered.

"Enough whispering... Grand Master Fennic's carriage has arrived at the front of the gate. I don't want to create an atmosphere that could make Fennic leave before we get the chance to have him meet Princess Rya," Cyndre said.

Silence fell over the room as each person found their place in the grand throne room.

Ysandra's eyes fell upon the Queen, who was seated on her majestic throne beside Cyndre. It struck her how much healthier her Majesty appeared compared to her previous recollections. Despite suffering from occasional morning illness over the past week, the Queen now exuded a radiant glow that Ysandra had never before witnessed.

"Is it me, or does Her Majesty look younger than usual?" The Baroness asked her sister.

"Hmm?... Maybe? But it's hard to tell. I'm not around her Majesty as much as you are, Ysandra," Saffron replied.

"It's just... I feel like she looks younger. That's all."

"You could be right. Maybe the stress from sending Prince Quinus to stop the monster stampede has caused her some distress over the months. But it does look like the weight of the Kingdom has been lifted from her shoulders. Maybe the Princess has done more than just save the Prince; maybe she's been a friend and an advisor to Her Majesty," Saffron said.

"Possibly..."

Rianna exuded an air of regality as she perched upon her ornate throne, attentively absorbing the hushed murmurs of those around her. Though she found herself in slightly higher spirits than the previous few days, a sense of uncertainty gnawed at her, leaving her puzzled about the changes unfolding within her.

'I just hope this isn't early menopause... My mother told me all about her troubles going through menopause at the age of fifty and how the doctor had prescribed her herbs and teas. I would hate to go through menopause in my early 40s...' Rianna thought as a flutter came from her belly. 'And there goes my stomach again... When I'm with Rya and her Wolfkin, I sometimes wonder if I can resist the temptation of food... I feel like I need to keep pace with those two when they eat. And it doesn't seem to affect Rya's figure... I wish I had an elf's body... Rya eats all she wants, and all it does is make her boobs bigger and her ass a little curvier... Wait!? I-I don't need bigger boobs or a butt! I'm big enough, and Cyndre keeps playing with them in bed every night... and every morning, and sometimes in the middle of the day. Why can't I stop him!? Why does it feel so good!... Ever since Rya pushed out that stupid toxic from my body, my sex drive has been through the roof. What is happening to me?' Rianna felt her stomach flutter and wondered what was causing it. Unbeknownst to her, the gentle flutters in her stomach were not mere butterflies. They were enchanting indicators of two tiny lives blossoming within her, each smaller than a Lima Bean.

The Queen let out a heavy sigh of resignation while she waited for the Grand Master to make his entrance.

Cyndre turned to Lord Brice to ask him, "Do you know if Master Hajdah will be arriving in the capital? I wish for him to be here if Fennic decides to be unsavory."

"Your majesty. I've sent him a message, but we can't be certain whether or not he'll come. If he doesn't, I'm sure we'll have little trouble handling Grand Master Fennic's attitude," Lord Brice assured.

"Indeed... I hope he's in a good mood—"

A large shadow passed by the windows to the throne room, which caught everyone's attention.

"Was that a Wyvern?" A knight asked with a little fear in his voice.

"No, whatever it was, was too big and slow to be a Wyvern," Lord Brice countered.

"I thought they only live in the Dragon Isles by the High Elves continent. There's no way one would live this close to the continent," another knight commented.

"But no one is sounding any alarms? Lord Brice, take some men and see what it is. I don't want any surprises," King Cyndre ordered.

Lord Brice nodded and ordered a few knights to follow him outside.

They exited the throne room and went straight for the main castle doors.

***

The guild master's carriage made it's why into the palace grounds and was slowly approaching the main entrance.

Fennic's expression was one of evident boredom, in stark contrast to the nervousness displayed by the other four members as they anticipated their meeting with the infamous Dark Elf Princess.

Fennic looked around at his companions, sensing their growing unease. 'They're trembling at mere rumors,' he thought to himself. 'If they're already this scared after encountering just one Dark Elf, how will they possibly muster the courage to face an entire army of them? Pathetic is what it is! We'll be eaten alive before the fight even begins.' He crossed his arms in frustration, trying to figure out a way to bolster the courage of his fellow mages.

"We are here," the coachman announced as the carriage stopped at the palace's entrance.

"Alright, remember that this Princess is more afraid of us than we are of her. Don't let her intimidate you," Fennic reminded as he exited the carriage.

"Yes, Grand Master!" the members responded.

As Fennic and his team emerged from their carriage, a massive floating object suddenly swept past them, casting a shadow over the entire area.

"What is that!? " yelled a Royal Guard as everyone on the palace grounds watched this strange object floating in the air start to descend into the courtyard.

'What in the world?' Fennic thought as he covered his eyes from the glaring sun. It took him a while before his eyes adjusted to the light.

"That's a floating ship!?" shouted a Royal Guardsman as the airship began settling on the ground.

The airship resembled a massive 100-foot vessel with a zeppelin-style balloon perched atop it. Instead of a crow's nest, there was a large enchanted torch emitting flames that burned brightly, providing the necessary lift to keep the balloon aloft.

The airship was equipped with two propellers located at the front and back of the aircraft. These propellers had the ability to rotate, providing the airship with maneuverability and control. Additionally, the ship's flag proudly displayed the crest and banners of House Coldforge.

The sleek black airship cut through the sky with a quiet grace, while Fennic listened to the sound of the dwarves barking orders at the crew as they readied themselves for a landing.

Fennic and his companions were taken aback by this unexpected turn of events.

'So the Dwarves have mastered flight? What!? Don't tell me—'

"Grand Master Fennic! The years certainly haven't been too kind to you!" boomed the jovial Arathar Corldforge, the former Baron of the Galfrei Domain.

Fennic's expression turned sour as he caught sight of the old dwarf, whose face was creased with a wide grin and hearty laughter. Meanwhile, Hajdah hastened to join the older dwarf's side.

"Grand Master Fennic, I apologize! Arathar is always a challenge to quiet down, even in the best of times!" shouted the Dwarven Arch-Mage.

"You have some nerve, Arathar," Fennic said in disgust.

"I've always had balls of steel! I'm surprised that you haven't figured that out in all these years," Arathar bragged as he grabbed his junk.

Fennic could feel a vein throbbing in his forehead, a sure sign of his building frustration.

"Don't worry, I'm not here to cause trouble. Just helping the kid and his fiancee," Arathar said in a friendly manner as the airship was about to touch down.

'Is he siding with the Crown Prince?' Fennic pondered as he watched the enormous ship nearing the grassy courtyard.

The captain bellowed additional commands while the Dwarven crew swiftly manipulated levers, prompting the landing gear to extend and firmly secure the airship to the ground.

"Captain Kron!" Hajdah yelled out.

"Aye!"

"Prepare the gangway! We are setting off!"

"Aye, Master Hajdah!"

A team of stout dwarven crew members dashed to the edge of the airship and swiftly operated a lever. This action caused a lengthy wooden staircase to extend out from the side of the airship and reach down to the ground below.

"Let's go," Hajdah ordered as Arathar followed the dwarf mage down the wooden gangplank and towards the Royal Guards, Fennic, and his four stunned guild members.

"So... Are you ready to apologize to the Crown Prince, Master Fennic? Or are you going to try and pick a fight with him again?" Hajdah asked as he reached solid ground.

Fennic narrowed his eyes, and he didn't answer. Instead, he turned his attention to Arathar and Mystic Laika, who had come off the airship behind Hajdah.

"Mystic Laika..."

"Grand Master," Laika replied respectfully.

"Glad to see that you're doing well," Fennic said sincerely.

"And I'm glad to see you are well, Grand Master."

"Hmpf," Hajdah scoffed and rolled his eyes.

"Pay him no mind, Hajdah! He's just a sucker for dwarven women. Aren't that right, you crusty old human," Arathar said loudly as he gave the Grand Master a solid slap on the back that made Fennic grit his teeth.

"Arathar!? I'm surprised that you are still alive... Your lack of manners has faded ever since you retired," Fennic growled as he glared at the old dwarf, who was smiling at him with a shit-eating grin.

"Who me?... I have another fifty years in me or some more. I don't want to leave you heartbroken if I were to pass too soon. Aren't I right!?" Arathar replied before giving Fennic another slap on the back causing everyone around them to grimace or smirk at the two old men.

Fennic clenched his jaw until the pain subsided, "Honestly?... Death couldn't come soon enough for the both of us..." The Grand Master muttered under his breath before glaring at Arathar. "So, is this new monstrosity one of your projects?"

"You mean the airship!?" Arathar exclaimed while slapping the old mage on his back again, causing his eyes to water up. "I wish I could take credit for this beautiful piece of modern engineering, but it was all the kid's idea. I thought he had a screw loose or something when he sent me the plans for this ship almost three weeks ago. I swear that the kid must have a bit of the Dwarven heritage running through his veins because no human would have come up with something so genius! Right, Laika?"

"He's right. Prince Quinus is a genius, and we are fortunate to have him as the next heir," Mystic Laika agreed as she nodded her head in confirmation.

Fennic glanced at the ship before returning his attention to the dwarf who was still slapping him on the back.

"So, this was the Crown Prince's doing?... This makes it all the more evident that I will h—"

*Slap!*

"Love him!? I know! He going to bring the human and Dwarven races together in harmony at this rate," Arathar interjected cheerfully.

"Arathar!?" Fennic shouted angrily; his eyes looked red with fury. "If you slap me one more time! I will—"

*Slap!*

"Stop complaining. I know you enjoy the attention, you Old kook," Arathar laughed loudly.

"You're a dead man!" The Grand Master yelled as he grabbed his staff and channeled his mana into it.

Arathar taunted with a hearty laugh, "Come on, old man, give it your best shot!"

The guards quickly sought cover as Hajdah, Laika, Hanna, Livia, Ulysses, and Balthazar cautiously took a few steps back from the two individuals.

"Waterball!" Fennic shouted, sending a large ball of water hurling at Arathar's head. As the powerful water ball hurtled toward the old dwarf, it crackled with energy, promising to unleash serious damage upon impact. However, just before reaching its target, the ball's Mana destabilized, causing it to burst and drenching the ground and everyone nearby in a chaotic and harmless spray of water.

"Hey, aren't you supposed to be the big shot in charge of all the mages in the Kingdom? Or have you gone soft in your old age?" Arathar teased with a smirk.

"What!?" Fennic was baffled as he tried casting another spell.

"Wind bullet!" Fennic yelled out, and the mana destabilized in his hand, causing the wind spell to disperse. "What is going on!?"

Arathar exclaimed with delight, "Ha ha! It works! Haha!" He raised his right arm, adorned with a shiny black gauntlet accented with gold trim, and pumped his fist in celebration.

Fennic and his companions were filled with bewilderment, their brows furrowed in confusion, while Hajdah and Laika let out exasperated sighs, their faces flushing with embarrassment.

"What's going on!?" Fennic yelled again, glaring daggers at the old dwarf.

"Lord Arathar was working on a new piece of armor for—"

"The kid," Arathar interrupted Hajdah. "I tried everything to get these two mages to throw some of their deadlier spells my way after I finished this gauntlet. They told me that I'm Ironside's greatest treasure, and if I were to be killed, then the people of Galfrei wouldn't recover. Hmpf! If I were to keel over from munching on a sandwich, there would be three more proud dwarves ready to step up as master smiths and carry on the legacy," Arathar boasted proudly.

Fennic was getting irritated. "You made a gauntlet that can stop spells? You're insane," he said.

"Nope! This baby can stop almost any incantation that is thrown its way. The only thing it can't block is an enchanted item that's imbued with magic. So, Maja's skills or abilities could get through the destabilization field. And there is another issue..." Arathar grinned.

"What's the issue?" Fennic asked.

"It uses double the amount of mana it would take to destabilize the spell that's through its way. I think I could have taken on a few more of those water balls before it would have drained my reserves," Arathar admitted while looking at the gauntlet. "Anyway, I had to use almost all of the liquid ether that the prince provided me to create it. This thing makes a Sorcerer's Snare look like a child's toy," Arathar gloated while puffing out his chest.

"That's amazing! You created a gauntlet that has the abilities of a Sorcerer's Snare! Those artifacts are rare. How is this even possible to do without an artificer or a mage?" Livia asked in astonishment.

"The answer is simple... I'm just that good!" Arathar started laughing.

"But...this gauntlet can stop every incantation? Correct?" Laika asked, trying to get a better understanding of how it works.

"Well, it's designed to stop elemental spells... I'm not sure if it can disrupt unique mages, like Illusionist, Time Space, or the Green Word spells. Never got a chance to test it. But I sure that's fine," Arathar stated, still admiring his work.

"I can't believe what I'm hearing... You actually made a gauntlet that can defend against the powers of an Archmage or a Mage Lord. Are you not worried about someone trying to steal it or replicate the design?" Ulysses questioned with a frown.

"Hahaha! I doubt anyone could duplicate my craftsmanship. And you need liquid ether to accomplish the task. And, unfortunately, that resource is only found in labyrinths. And this thing isn't fully like a Sorcerer's Snare. It can't stop an incantation from a distance; the gauntlet can only create a ten-foot field around itself, but that's pretty good, right?" Arathar explained while holding up his hand and making a fist.

"Still... I'm impressed that you managed to make something like this in such a short amount of time," Ulysses stated

"Stop complimenting him! You're only going to make his ego worse!" Fennic complained.

"HAHAHA! It's too late!" Arathar laughed triumphantly as he took a step closer to Fennic, patting him on the shoulder. Both Hajdah and Fennic grimaced at the master smith's arrogant demeanor.

"He's only gotten worse as he's gotten older," Hajdah whispered to Laika.

"Well, at least he's having a good time, even if it's at our expense," Laika whispered back.

"Yes, but at what cost?" Hajdah whispered in reply.

Fennic regained his composure and with a steely gaze, he cleared his throat to capture Arathar's attention. "If you wanted someone to unleash deadly spells at your face, then all you had to do was ask!"

"You would have held back... Speaking of which, how's your back?" Arathar said while taking off the gauntlet.

Fennic squinted at the dwarf, feeling a surge of anger and the urge to strike him now that Arathar wasn't wearing the glove. However, he thought better of it, fearing that the wily old dwarf might have another trick hidden up his beard.

Fennic lashed out, "It could be better, no thanks to you! If your son was here he would have stopped you! But it seems you left your son back in Ironside, aye?" It was clear that Fennic was trying to divert the conversation toward a topic that Arathar wasn't happy to discuss.

Arathar let out a sigh as he gazed up at the airship. Perched on the side rails, he saw Baron Zellin Coldforge, his son, looking pale and unsteady as if struggling with a wave of seasickness.

"Oh? So he is here," Fennic replied with a smirk.

"Aye, he is... Turns out my boy lacks the stomach for such excitement... It's a damn shame... This is why you're still single, Zellin!" Arathar bellowed at the top of his lungs.

"Shut up, fa—oh goddess!" Zellin turned away from everyone who was down on the ground and started puking.

"Wait, wait! Not on the desk, My Lord!" Captain Kron yelled before the sounds of the Baron hurling echoed throughout the courtyard.

After Zellin regained control of his senses, he slowly raised his gaze to meet the eyes of the captain and his crew.

"I refuse to vomit on the pristine grounds of the Royal Palace!" Zellin shouted, desperate to conceal his embarrassment.

"I—Very good, My Lord... We have someone clean this," Kron said while trying not to puke himself.

"What a shame... If he was a real man, he would be able to keep his stomach under control," Arathar said while shaking his head in disappointment.

Zellin glared at his father before apologizing to the captain and his crew. The Baron slowly made his way down the gangplank and towards the ground.

"Sorry you had to see that," Zellin said.

"No problem, My Lord," Laika said.

"I'm sure it's not something that is easy to get used to at first, My Lord," Hajdah said.

"I thought I told you not to eat those spicy dumplings?" Arathar shook his head in annoyance.

"You were the one who dared me," Zellin retorted.

"Yes, well, we need to be heading inside the Royal Palace, son," Arathar said while trying not to laugh.

"I hate you..."

"It's a Father's job to annoy their child," Arathar laughed.

Fennic looked at the Baron with pity and sympathy. He wanted to punch Arathar in the face, and this was the first time he'd seen Arathar in over a decade.

It was at this point when Lord Brice and a small company of Knights showed up.

The Head of the Fiafyr Royal Council was impressed to see such a ship parked within the palace grounds. There were some races that had these strange flying ships, but this was the first time I had seen such a ship so close.

"Well, I be damned... The Coldforges have outdone themselves this time... Duval isn't going to like this," Brice whispered to himself with a smile. This development was going to drive another wedge into the Prime Minister's hold over his allies.

"Hello, My Lord, it is good to see you," Brice greeted the Baron with a bow.

"You as well, Brice... I'm sorry that I didn't respond earlier. But it seems like the Prime Minister has been requesting votes on a lot more Measures that require my presence," Zellin sighed.

"Duval is getting desperate. But I think he's losing grip on the House of Lords," Brice said with a chuckle.

"I hope so. I'm getting tired of him forcing this peace treaty with the Divine Three and their allies," Zellin groaned.

"Don't worry, My Lord. Once Princess Rya wins over the court then whatever influence that Marquess Duval had will disappear," Brice smiled.

"Princess?... When did the Saintess become royalty?" Zellin asked.

"You haven't heard? Princess Yuliana Vellanax adopted her as her own daughter. Some of the Lords are weary that Princess Rya tricked her into doing that, and they are afraid she might do the same thing to them. Luckily they seem to be warming up to her—"

"Ahem!" Fennic cleared his throat loudly.

"Oh, please forgive my rudeness, Grand Master Fennic... I wasn't aware that the Baron was coming to the palace at the same time," Brice quickly apologized.

"So me and my members should leave then?" Fennic asked with a glare.

Lord Brice didn't know how to respond to the Guildmaster. He completely forgot about the meeting to help mend the relations with him and the Crown Prince. So Rya could get access to the Guild's library.