“This deception is unacceptable!”

“You can consider our engagement off!”

“Your fakery has gone on long enough! We’ll be withdrawing our investments in your territory.”

“Did you see her eyes?”

“Yeah! Like a demon-possessed. And that hair…”

“I can’t believe the Empire’s ruler is… like that…”

“Perhaps she’s cursed.”

“Is it possible she has been a servant of demons all along?”

The speculations are running rampant, intermingled with accusations and outrage at the many lies exposed inadvertently by Daniel’s entry to the hall. Hekate, particularly, can hear them better than most, and she watches from the edge of the group, which has closed in around Ryuogriar and Geirahoel, who still have the princesses.

“Is anyone injured?” asks Wenlianna urgently.

A chorus of ‘no’s come from the group of Empresses, and Neith keeps quiet, since his injuries have already healed.

Rikuto murmurs, “Well… So much for a peace conference.”

“Let’s just be glad I’m not Archduke Ferdinand,” replies Daniel. The mechanic then faces Rikuto, saying calmly, “Let’s try to get everyone settled down. If you want to hold off on the negotiations so everyone can rest today, I don’t mind. But, we’ll be returning to Fort Peony if that’s the case.”

“Give me some time to check with my people. We all came a long way for this peace summit, and it seems that our own tempers are not the only obstacles we face.”

Daniel nods in agreement. “Very well. I’m going to check on my ladies.”

Rikuto scoffs, glancing at the Fievegal’s numerous Empresses. They aren’t afraid anymore, though they are watching cautiously as the large gathering of the continent’s nobles gossip, murmur, and bicker in an uneasy uproar.

Daniel approaches his harem as Rikuto heads towards his end of the building. “Is everyone alright?”

Hekate answers, “Yeah, but Jieka and Tekten won’t stop crying.”

“Alright. Let me take them,” replies Daniel. He holds his hands out, and Ryuogriar and Geirahoel each hand them over carefully. Both goblin princesses immediately latch onto Daniel to hug him, crying, “Daddy!”

“Yes, yes, my sweet Princesses. Daddy’s here. With your Aunties and Daddy, you’re completely safe. It’s okay…”

As he tries to calm the princesses, Hekate looks at Sundenelle, and she asks, “So… Sundenelle. You were a demon this whole time?”

“N-No!” replies the white-haired young woman. It seems her magic was either self-applied or the device couldn’t handle being neutralized. She nervously glances around, while her guards stay close.

“Even my eyes aren’t that red,” replies Ryuogriar, who also has ruby-red gaze. Her eyes have a more gem-like shine to them, where Sundenelle’s are a deep red, matching the color of human blood.

“I don’t know why you would hide your hair,” adds Geirahoel. “Are you ashamed of your blood? Or are you really cursed?”

Daniel cuts off the questioning as gently as he can, but he’s a little blunt about it. “Please go easy on her. She’s an albino. It’s a genetic mutation, not a curse.”

Those who hear him, including some of the various nobles, especially gatonines and shenwulves, fall silent.

Hekate asks, “What’s an albino?”

Daniel gestures, “She’s pretty much the full definition. Her hair and skin have no melanin, and I think the same goes for the eyes, though I can’t remember now. Melanin is what gives our skin, hair, and if I am right, eyes their color. The albino mutation prevents someone from producing that naturally, so they appear pale-skinned, often with white hair, and similarly often with red or pink eyes.” He looks at Ryuogriar, adding, “I’ve often wondered if you were albino, Ryuo-Mukori. But, since dragons do come in all colors, it can be trickier for me to be certain. You also have no issues in the sun.”

This statement causes Sundenelle’s and Byleathea’s eyes to wide. Byleathea asks, “How could you possibly know that…?”

Daniel smiles, gently kissing Jieka’s head when she sniffles, having finally calmed down some. He then replies politely, “I’m not sure when it was identified as such, but it was easily identifiable in my lifetime on Earth. Her eyes are red because there’s nothing to dye the blood passing through her irises a different color. So, blood red. Her hair isn’t dyed by her own body either, so, pure white. Considering how crystal-white your hair is, I assume your illusion magic or something similar has been protecting your hair and skin from sunlight for most of your life.”

Sundenelle bows her head silently, and Byleathea tries to place herself between Daniel and the young Empress.

“What do you intend to do to her Imperial Majesty, your Grace?” asks the head Lady in Waiting. “Surely, you don’t intend to throw away all of the good will over hair and eye color.”

Daniel bursts into laughter, surprising everyone present. He can’t help it, and he continues laughing as he sinks to his knees.

“Daniel?” asks Hekate, and Jieka and Tekten look at him with big eyes, clinging to his shirt collar, but leaning away. He remembers to keep a secure hold on them, but the laughter nearly causes him to flop onto his side. He starts wheezing, and Byleathea huffs angrily, “What barbarism to find humor in such a delicate topic!”

He can hear her, and he wants to reply, but it almost makes his guffaws renew. 

After everything that has been happening, to hear such a bland and mundane question at the peak of political tensions that could lead to a full continental war is just absolutely mind-blowing to the mechanic from Earth. 

For a moment, he doesn’t feel like an Emperor who was almost assassinated. He is just a guy that was just asked a question that should be considered a dumb question, but is perfectly fitting for the situation.

“F-F-Forgive me. I wasn’t laughing at S-S-Sundenelle or you, m-m-m-my Lady,” stammers Daniel, finally taking some big breaths to stabilize his breathing. He takes one last big inhale and stands back up, feeling a little soreness in his body from an overall exhaustion and weariness. He almost thinks he’s back in his 34 year old body.

“I mean this when I say it, your Imperial Majesty…” Daniel gives Sundenelle a gentle smile. “I do find you beautiful, even now. Regardless, there is no physical appearance you could have that would deter me from seeking a peaceful state of affairs between the Fievegal and the Empire.”

Sundenelle glances at Ryuogriar briefly, and the regal dragon Empress smiles gently. “Mukori, what is the fate of the bloodlines of those with this ‘albinism’ condition?”

Daniel shrugs gently. “Poor eyesight and a higher risk of skin cancer are the big ones, I think. As for children, it can pass on, but it has moderately good chances of not passing to children. To my knowledge, the albino and their children can have perfectly normal lives. Some challenges, I’m sure…” He glances at the nobles around the room. Many are still murmuring to themselves and sending suspicious glances.

“Very well. Then, I think now is as good a time as any, Mukori,” replies Ryuogriar. She then turns to Hekate. “Your Illustrious Greatness, if you approve of what we discussed before, I believe now would be acceptable to make the declaration.”

The feldrok girl sighs in disgust. “I can’t believe I’m doing this. But, it’s going to be what we said, right?’

The platinum dragon nods with a smile, deviously winking at Daniel. He’s certain that he’s still being punished.

Hekate clears her throat, stepping towards the center of the room. She stands in front of a chair, making a more dramatic, “Ahem.”

When nothing happens, she looks over her shoulder and says more obviously, “A-HEM!”

“Oh for F-...” retorts Daniel, and Treia teases, “Do you expect anyone other than her beloved can so casually lay hands on the Empress of the Fievegal, Daniel?”

The mechanic grumbles playfully under his breath as he approaches the feldrok girl, “Keep it up, Treia, and I’m going to flip the temperature controls on your room.”

“Then I’ll just sleep in your room. Anything else?”

Daniel licks his teeth, and he stands Jieka and Tekten on the table before lifting Hekate up onto the chair. He then helps support her as she steps up onto the table from there. “Thank you, Daniel!” She steals the opportunity to kiss his cheek, which catches him off guard.

“Someday, Daniel, I’m going to really kiss you, and you won’t be able to stop me.”

The mechanic chuckles and rolls his eyes. “Make whatever this mysterious announcement is, Sweetpea. From the looks of it, we’ll be having the meeting tomorrow.”

She nods. The feldrok empress claps her hands together a few times to draw everyone’s attention. “Excuse me, I have an announcement to make while everyone is still here. Her Majesty the Empress of the Grand Zenkon Empire, Sundenelle kos…”

“Lindenmorg” whispers Daniel as quietly as he can, and he can see Hekate’s big ears twitch to focus on him.

“... Lindenmorg, graciously came to act as a third party and mediator as needed to the negotiations between the Fievegal and the Kingdom of Mornistae. However, I’m afraid that will no longer be truly fair to Mornistae to withhold the decision I have just made. In order to foster a strong, unbreakable alliance between the two strongest powers of the continent, I, Hekate fell Lawson, sovereign of the Fievegal, have granted my blessings for my Emperor, Daniel kos Lawson, to marry Empress Sundenelle. Discussions have been had, but today marks the first day of a formal engagement, and you all shall serve as our witnesses. As to the peace summit, there is a sufficient audience of neutral, and even hostile parties, as we all just saw, so we will…” She glances at Rikuto, who is stunned by what she’s talking about, but he quickly realizes she’s looking for an answer. He nods once, and she finishes her thought. “... continue the peace summit tomorrow, so that everyone has a chance to rest and calm down. The events of the last few minutes are shocking, even if the damage was minimal. This is no time to discuss peace. I just wanted to extend the good news; the news that the Empire and the Fievegal will be entering this marriage to forge an unbreakable bond.”

There are a few snickers, which causes the feldrok Empress’s ears to twitch in frustration, but Daniel whispers, “Look down…”

Hekate looks down near her shins, where both Princesses are still standing. Tekten is holding the hem of the feldrok girl’s dress, while Jieka is imitating Hekate’s movements, even looking up at her curiously when she suddenly stops talking.

This causes a few more audible giggles from the audience, including the Empresses behind Hekate. She blushes with a happy smile, but it reminds her of something.

“For those of you who it will surely concern, Princess Jieka is the Crown Heiress to the Fievegal. As this alliance with the Empire will be one of… mmm… mutual standing, the heir to the Empire will still follow Imperial laws and customs. Likewise, officially, Sundenelle will continue to be the Sovereign of the Empire, and Daniel will be the Emperor Consort, as he is now. This should alleviate any concerns over succession for both the Empire and the Fievegal. Thank you, and We’ll all be looking forward to seeing you at the wedding.”

“Wedding!” cheers Jieka.

While it’s still an uneasy situation, there are a few who give applause, and many more that begin murmuring. Daniel helps Hekate back down, and she turns to Jieka and Tekten. “Thank you both, sweet Princesses!”

“Hektay!” exclaims Jieka as she hugs the feldrok, and she sniffles a little gracelessly from her earlier crying. She pounces onto the teen’s chest, hugging her, and Hekate holds her affectionately.

Tekten approaches the edge of the table and holds her arms up towards Daniel, and the mechanic scoops her up, letting her look around as she clings to his jacket.

“You got her, Hekate?” asks Daniel quietly.

“Of course! What kind of Step-mother would I be if I couldn’t carry around one of my adorable little daughters?”

“Alright. Though, do try to keep, uh, boogies off of your shoulder.”

“Boogies?” ask Jieka, Tekten, and Hekate in unison, all with identical cute tilts of their heads.

Daniel finds a clean handkerchief in one of his pockets, wiping Jieka’s nose before it can drip, and he uses a different clean part to do the same for Tekten. “Need a touch-up, Hekate?” teases Daniel as he holds the handkerchief.

“I most certainly do not!” snaps the feldrok girl, her ears folding back. They instantly snap back upright when Erimaya blurts out, “Oh! That’s the one I made!”

“What?” “What?” growl both Hekate and the former King of Mornistae, who is still standing with his daughters.

Daniel sighs. “I need a kid friendly phrase for ‘[F my life…]’”

“Eff mai wife?” repeats Tekten innocently, and Daniel looks at her. She just repeated the English part of the phrase, and he obviously censored himself in spite of few knowing any words of English, but he opened a whole new can of worms.

Seeming to sense this, Ryuogriar instantly pounces with her words. “Oooohh, Mukori, is it something naughty?”

“You will tell us immediately!” declares Geirahoel firmly. She twitches, just as quickly reminding herself that others are around. “I mean, you will tell us…”

New murmuring comes from the rest of the audience, and Hekate’s face becomes a little more sarcastic. “Oh, and now my archonnemesis is here…”

Daniel chuckles at the ridiculousness of his new life, but he can’t help but want to be a part of it overall. He’s also often impressed by Hekate’s confidence when speaking, only to make up gibberish words.

I wonder if someone else was helping her through her speech as well…

That said, the person that follows Doephluev into the room is simultaneously immediately recognizable to Daniel BECAUSE she’s unrecognizable to him, but he knows exactly what she has done.

***

Rikuto continues informing his advisors and guards about the situation. It would be irresponsible to continue the peace summit after everyone is now on edge from a direct attack right in front of them. The current plan is tomorrow to try not to overextend the burden the humongous gathering will provide on Castle Northwall. Hekate’s announcement throws its own kind of wrench into proceedings, but Rikuto can’t be overly surprised. Daniel was the first to reassure the Empress when her apparent true appearance was revealed.

Rikuto is familiar with albinos as well, but given how they talk to each other, the American already has a rapport enough with the Empress, even though his blunt and notorious stage-show of an audience with her is talked about all over the continent.

Rikuto glances at Daniel as he holds his alleged second daughter, while the first is happily talking to Hekate in the young Empress’s arms. None of them care much about etiquette, but he can’t help but notice no other goblins are present. Most of the Fievegal’s guard is comprised of Stalvaltan Guardsmen, which still consist only of eastern races.

And, Sundenelle’s gatonine guard seems to be talking to Daniel’s gatonine empresses. But, the mothers of the Princesses aren’t present.

It’s probably not useful to dig into that. It’s almost more shocking that he brought the two dragons in… that state.

He glances at Ryuogriar and Geirahoel, who are noticeably ready to pop. Their dragon-strength is probably why they don’t mind the extra weight, but their hands regularly touch their abdomens, so it’s never as if they’ve forgotten how big their bellies are. Ryuogriar, specifically, notices Rikuto looking at them, and she pastes on a deviously knowing smile. She holds her head a little higher and affectionately rubs her own belly before returning her attention to the conversation between Daniel and Sundenelle, and Rikuto has to look away.

He does seem to be roughly the same person that I sent away that day. It’s actually a little aggravating how calm and happy he seems to be… surrounded by so many women who hang on his words. 

The Japanese King sighs. I can barely keep one woman safe and happy.

He looks at Heralesse. Along with Greydald, they are interrogating the Princess about a handkerchief, apparently, and the young princess holds her head high as she explains.

What are you doing so differently, Daniel, that you would luck your way into…

Rikuto’s thoughts trail off when two more women and a blue dragon in human form walk into the room. Three of the six dragons present are knights for the Fievegal, which raises questions about how and why such powerful beings obey a human like Daniel, or allow Empresses of other races to hold positions equal to their own royalty.

That’s not what matters though. The Japanese man drops the glass of water he has been nursing to try to ease his throat, while one of his ministers tries to explain to him certain defensive measures to vet everyone again. The glass shatters, startling them, and Rikuto’s legs move before he can process it.

He doesn’t recognize the pregnant woman. She appears to be somewhat like what fantasy shows often depict as dark elves, though her skin is more of a light caramel color, and her hair is a gentle strawberry blonde color.

No, instead, it is the other woman.

A young woman with black hair tied into two braided tails, dark grey-ish brown eyes, a rather beautiful, softly oval-face, and a faintly golden tone to her skin.

His words come out without thinking, desperate to gain answers only she can give. “Ojou-san! Ojou-san! Daijoubu desu ka!? Kiken na joukyou desu ka? {Jap.: Miss! Miss! Are you alright!? Are you in a dangerous situation?}”

The young woman, along with everyone else, looks at Rikuto. Daniel’s fearless grey knight, Sir Neith, if he heard correctly, steps between Rikuto and the group, as if concerned.

No! What are you doing!?

“Ojou-san! Anata wa Nihonjin desu yo ne? {Jap.: Miss! You’re Japanese, right?”

“Calm down, your Majesty,” replies the dragon.

“Daniel! What is the meaning of this!?”

The Japanese woman in question has a staff slightly taller than she is crowned with crystals. And, if Rikuto were to be paying attention, he might’ve noticed the shape of her ears, which isn’t much different than the possible half-elf she walked in with. They’re positioned like human ears, but elongated to soft points.

And, the woman smiles gently, and Rikuto feels a sort of coldness that comes from the smile. “Ho? Watashi ni itteru no? {Jap: Are you talking to me?}” She then turns to Daniel, speaking in English, “[Eng: Daniel, should I have prior acquaintance with this man?]”

Rikuto’s heart tightens in a combination of fear, anger, and a profound loneliness. All this time, he was the king of a country, but he remained the only Japanese person in this world. Some of the legends about other Divine Summons arriving on Zenkon suggest that he’s not the first Japanese person, but he hasn’t been able to find any solid evidence or things to truly make him feel at home.

Now, as if the world has shrunk entirely, a Japanese woman in her twenties just walked into the room, unmistakable to the two otherworlders, surely, yet she has ended up in Daniel’s harem, by all appearances.

“Se-...” starts Daniel, and the woman’s staff blurs briefly as a meaty ‘Thwack’ sounds, and Daniel yelps, “OW!” as he suddenly stumbles and drops to a kneel.

“Daddy!” cries out Tekten in surprise, and Neith looks over his shoulder.

“I have told you countless times not to call me pet names in public, Daniel. If you must be cutesy, ‘Yuna-chan’ will do just fine.”

“Yu-Yuna-san,” starts Rikuto. “Are you…? What is…?” Rikuto clenches his fists. If she is Japanese, asking extremely personal questions could be seen as rude, and she clearly has a good relationship with the American from Earth. It’s at least friendly enough to banter in front of everyone.

“Do be gentle, Lady… Yuna,” replies Neith. “My Liege has her highness.”

“That’s why I struck his shin, Sir Neith. Now then, you; how do you speak that language? Are you perhaps from the homeland of my ancestor?”

“Ances…” starts Rikuto, still a little dazed by her appearance and thinking less quickly than usual. He notices her elf-like ears finally, as well as the distinct sparkle of colorful flecks in her eyes that seem to glow like stars in the sky. The only two he has seen with that trait so far are Ryukana and the elven mage Senn.

Daniel groans as he climbs back to his feet, assisted by Reignleif, who teases him, “It seems Yuna had a leg up on you…”

The Emperor scoffs and rolls his eyes, grumbling, “Nice…” as he massages his shin. “With friends like you guys, who needs assassins?”

Yuna looks Rikuto up and down, waiting for his answer.

Rikuto continues cautiously in Japanese, “{Excuse my rudeness, Yuna-san. I just… You look like a person from my home country of Japan, which is the language I’m speaking now. I… was wondering if there are more Japanese people or their descendants here.}”

Yuna smirks, replying in a slightly archaic dialect of Japanese, but comfortably easy to understand. “{Ahh. Indeed, your words speak true. Though, I doubt my ancestor would be familiar to you. They are said to have transversed the heavens to arrive here some five thousand years ago, so much of the influence would have faded by now with only my bloodline to try to uphold it.}”

Yuna then switches back to the Eastern Imperial Trade language. “Forgive me, King Rikuto, but it is rude to carry out a prolonged conversation in a different language amongst so many people.”

He twitches. She’s absolutely right, though it happened all the time on Earth, no matter which language was the one being used. His own personal experience was when English-speaking tourists or even some other Europeans would neglect to learn basic Japanese while visiting, which could be a little annoying.

That said, he also would probably be guilty if he had arrived in America, having neglected his English studies in school, since it was a minor course, and he was focused on becoming an architect in Japan.

“You’re right, Lady Yuna-sama. Or, is it ‘Empress Yuna-Heika?’”

“I’m flattered you retain the honorifics, but ‘Lady Yuna’ is plenty.”

“Please allow me to call you Yuna-sama, my Lady. It… will be a kindness.” Rikuto wants to admit that it would alleviate the isolation he feels. As much as he does care about Heralesse, he felt out of place almost every day. He feels homesick every now and then as well. For once, he doesn’t feel so hopelessly lost, even if the situation is far from ideal.

“Very well, I’m flattered. May I call you Rikuto-ou-sama, then?”

The young Japanese man glances at Daniel who has a neutral expression as he watches. He briefly gives attention to Tekten as well, meaning he doesn’t seem particularly jealous or intimidated by Rikuto being able to speak to Yuna in her ancestral language.

Is he that confident in his harem? Or is she a slave? That is the trope, isn’t it? All the women of the harem are slaves to the MC?

Rikuto clenches his fists a little, and he replies politely, “Formally, yes, though I would appreciate it if you called me just Rikuto-san.”

She smiles. “Very well, Rikuto-san.”

He wants to ask her, but he has to wonder what the right course would be. If it were me… I’d want to be asked…

As frustrating as it is, the young King from another world asks, “Daniel,...” He glances nervously between him and Yuna, unsure if he’s making the right choice. Though, he does realize that his thoughts come from a world where feminism has had a massive influence on social interactions of all kinds.

He resigns himself to his instincts, asking, “Daniel, will Yuna-sama be a part of the negotiation itself?”

Daniel cocks his head, but he replies, “She will. She’s…” Yuna shoots a small glare at the human as if she’s ordering him to hide something. He sighs. “She’s a highly-experienced diplomat. I’d be a fool not to rely on her wisdom.”

Yuna then says a little bluntly but quietly and with a warm tone in her slightly archaic Japanese, “{Be mindful, Rikuto-san. Daniel doesn’t care about his reputation outside of the Fievegal, so I suspect he doesn’t mind what will be said if he is seen with a dozen women.

You have a wife already, don’t you? Rumors will start if you continue to show such obvious interest in another woman.}”

Rikuto flinches. “{You’re right. My apologies.}” He then switches back again to the common language between everyone present. “What of my Queen? Will I be able to return with her and the Princess tonight?”

Daniel replies gently, “I’m afraid not, your Majesty. The dresses they are wearing alone are part of the bargaining chips I intend to employ, as are their status as my captives.”

“As if I’ll allow you to hold them a moment longer!” snarls Greydald, pulling Heralesse and Erimaya behind himself. “Guards!”

The Royal Guards of Mornistae shift, but they cautiously hold their ground, only forming a partial circle to defend the retired king.

Wenlianna tries to urge the most diplomatically, “Your Majesty Greydald! They’ll be safe! Don’t try it.”

Hekate adds coldly, “Those dresses and jewelry are worth more than the economy of your entire kingdom, and you are surrounded by our new allies. If you wish to take your daughters now, you will be surrendering all rights to your territory. I would encourage you not to resist.”

Daniel gestures with his head towards Rikuto, and the Japanese man gets the hint. Regardless of his own feelings, logic is needed, and Rikuto doesn’t want the war to continue. Even if the void artillery can do significant damage to the Fievegal’s toughest strongholds, Daniel still has advantages.

“King-Father, please calm down and listen!”

“He’s right, Father! Daniel has promised me a great deal if we cooperate!”

“No! I won’t hear it!” shouts the king. “How much longer must my children remain prisoners!?”

“If we have to come and take our compensation,” warns Ryuogriar, “I expect it would be the rest of their lives, rather than possibly, and almost certainly, tomorrow.”

“Guards, escort the Queen and the Princess. I shall…”

A woman who is slightly shorter than the king appears behind him, and Rikuto can sense a near-bloodlust coming from her. She is the half-elf or half-dark elf that entered with Yuna.

Before she can act, Rikuto panics. He employs his most secret power, gripping Greydald’s arm. He speaks sternly to try to mask it, but he has no choice. For now, a tactical retreat is the best way to avoid keeping the already tense atmosphere from boiling over. “Your Majesty, Heralesse and Erimaya are safe. Yield for now, and I guarantee they’ll be returned.”

Greydald’s expression drains of all hostility as the effect burrows in. The former king might have been able to resist if he was prepared for it, but the otherworlder King has only tested his ability on prisoners in secret, so no one really knows about it.

“Please relax, Father.”

Greydald finally relaxes, and Heralesse glances between Rikuto and Greydald. The former king replies with a very quiet tone, “Yes… I’m sorry… I was just so worried…”

“They’ll be safe. I promise. Hekate, Daniel, please forgive yet another outburst. Tensions are high, and family is involved.”

“I understand,” replies Hekate. “If suddenly-shounen clowns attacked my family, I would make sure they regret it quickly.”

The word ‘shounen’ causes Rikuto’s eye to twitch. He has no idea if Hekate knows that the word, in theory, just means ‘boy’ or ‘youth’ if it’s Japanese. Given the context, it sounds almost like that was the intent, but Hekate doesn’t have anything other than the black hair that could suggest her being a descendant of a Japanese person, where Yuna’s ears are the only trait that doesn’t match a Japanese appearance.

Still, more important is trying to get through the next couple of days. “Heralesse…” starts Rikuto gently.

“Don’t worry about us, Rikuto. I’ve actually been stealing technology from them, since they’ve been treating us so well. I… would like to ask you to strongly consider their terms tomorrow. You can check me for spells if need be, but they really do seem to want to get along.” She tugs on her own dress, saying with a scoff. “These dresses alone should be some proof.”

Rikuto glances at Daniel. His plan was to potentially use his secret ability on Daniel, but it’s still unclear if the American is still immune to magic or not.

The half-elf woman walks past Greydald, Heralesse, Erimaya, and Rikuto from behind Greydald, saying with a chilly, smug tone, “You made a wise choice, your Majesty. Human weak points are quite fragile.” She doesn’t ever look at Rikuto, but her words send a chill up Rikuto’s spine.

Was… she talking to Greydald or… me?

She approaches Daniel, saying affectionately, “My Love, let’s return so we can relax. Hekate is just going to keep picking fights.”

“Hey!” exclaims Hekate. “I only picked some of the fights today!”

Rikuto watches, and the pink dragon Roeta stands by to escort Heralesse and Erimaya back to the Fievegal’s group.

Heralesse reassures Rikuto, “Please, consider their offers tomorrow. Please?”

Rikuto nods. “As long as it’s within reason. I can’t just surrender.”

“I know, but we won’t have to. They only want the artifact.”

Rikuto twitches, his face draining of color.

“I know, I know… But, they insist that they only want it to prevent it from being used again. I-... Is it true… that you used it?”

Now, he feels sick.

How? How could they possibly know about that?

“I-... I’ll explain later… Now’s not the best time. And, as for the offers, I’ll think about it.”

She smiles and nods. She cups his cheek, saying softly, “See you soon.”

“Same to you, Heralesse.”

She smiles, and she kisses his cheek. The young Queen then turns to her father, saying, “Father, please don’t worry. We’ll be back tomorrow.”

“Alright…” replies the former king idly. Rikuto will have to deal with the aftermath, but for now, he needs to keep from sparking war. Even if he doesn’t want to give up anything to Daniel, he does need to make sure to not be the spark that ignites the powder keg.

Erimaya then hugs the retired king as well. “If you keep being so angry, Father, I really will run away with Daniel!”

“I understand…” murmurs the King. “Be safe, both of you.”

Roeta walks with them calmly, and Rikuto watches their backs. Hopefully, the didn’t notice him still holding the aged man’s wrist.

***