Vaergraes would be a liar if she said she didn’t feel envy most days since becoming a major part of the Fievegal. For all of her life, she has practiced a great deal of self-restraint, cool-headedness, patience, and tranquility. She has always been able to hold her head high as an Uhl’tall Archpriestess, one of the few that can truly dive deep into the mana of the world and see what the world is trying to tell its residents. This is, of course, a romantic way of looking at the relationship between an Uhl’tall priestess of any rank and the world, which is a massive pool of mana exceeding any living being, including Hekate, but there is a strong belief that the world is very much a sentient being in its own right. Its priorities are different from the peoples that walk its surface, as well as the beasts that just want to survive its every environment. But, if the world had no will of its own, there would be no such thing as Dawnseeing, or the more ambiguous world connection that Vaergraes is capable of, which can see more, but often with less clarity or specificity.

But personally, she is a woman. As far as she knows, from how much she was propositioned during her days as the ‘Demon Tyrant’ or ‘Demon Queen’, depending on which side of the mountains one originated from, she is a particularly beautiful woman by most people’s standards, so long as their standards accept other races. Even by human standards, if one ignores her horns and dual-color skin blended like some sort of ineffective natural camouflage, she has symmetrical features, nice curves, and a fit form that would be quite attractive, as far as she knows.

And yet, even though Daniel has ‘granted’, ‘permitted’, or ‘doesn’t care’ for her to call herself one of the Empresses of the Fievegal, her chastity even after all of her years of life screams that she is not quite a full-fledged Empress. No one taunts her about her slow-moving, virtuous, and maidenly status, but they don’t have to with words.

Ryuogriar and Geirahoel, at the least, seem set on never NOT being nearly as round as actual spheres, since Vaergraes can barely remember a time when they weren’t pregnant (since meeting Daniel, of course), and Doephluev does seem to proudly present herself with her own swollen abdomen. Even Gwenesphia, who is fairly docile, has started to show, and the others have made it no secret that they have made their own efforts towards a similar goal as if it’s some sort of race.

Meanwhile, Vaergraes is still a chaste and virtuous archpriestess.

Her envy is minor and fleeting, but it is frequent, so it does cross her mind, even now, as the large, luxurious buses that Daniel had sent for the trip come to a stop in the staging area, meaning the show is about to begin.

Should I try to guilt everyone into letting me be first or second lady today? I could argue that Daniel and I both have or currently represent the enemies of the East, meaning I also represent the opposition in this peace negotiation. Would that work?

It’s not that she’s desperate to be one of many. If anything, and arguably like any one of the other women in question, she would actually rather have Daniel all to herself. She admires his talent for solving problems, even if he ‘cheats’ by using skills that come from a different world. He has proven to be courageous, overcoming his fears in order to protect what’s precious to him, and he is attractive even by Uhl’tall standards.

What’s most frustrating is that she often feels like a background character, which has possibly gotten worse now that her sister, whom she still feels a great deal of conflict and hurt about, has apparently been a traitor the whole time.

If Daniel is to be believed, it’s possible she was the manipulator using Vaergraes for most of the Archpriestess’s life, and certainly all of her time as the Demon Queen.

Vaergraes has nothing to point to that, but she also can’t explain the disparity between her memories and how Thymeria acted when Daniel confronted her just an hour or so ago.

Vaergraes’s thoughts are mostly drifting, somewhat paying attention to the conversation going on, but otherwise pondering if and how she should or could vie for a higher-ranking ‘position’ near Daniel’s side to try to solidify their relationship. She wants to make sure that he’s also deeply invested in the truth about Thymeria, and if possible, helping her free herself if she’s a victim.

After all, she has to be a victim. There’s no way my little sister Thymeria would willingly do any of that, right?

The doubts are creeping in, and during that time, she idly listens to the chatter around her. “I have a magic artisan wife who ALSO has to be an Empress sometimes. Such as today.” Daniel is the one who just spoke, and he continues with a more direct, but gentle tone meant to verify, “Is everyone…?”

Before he finishes his sentence, something seems to suddenly burn Vaergraes’ hand. She winces silently, but it’s actually extremely painful, and she flips her hand up quickly to look at her palm.

When she does, she only barely processes that Daniel made eye contact with her, before he turned his gaze on Aoloan. Apparently, at the same time, something caused her a sharp pain as well, but on her left bicep.

Seeing it makes Vaergreas feel sick.

On Aoloan’s arm is a very obvious, if somewhat simplistic, ancient magical symbol that, while recognizable, hasn’t been used in known societies for centuries. Even Vaergraes isn’t quite sure how the magic works, but that’s not the worst of it.

The symbol on Aoloan’s arm is not unique.

That’s because the exact same symbol is on Vaergraes’ palm.

The pain from the magic symbol rapidly extends up Vaergraes’ arm, and from what she can tell, it’s also spreading through Aoloan’s body. Whatever it is, it is a curse that has been inflicted on both of them, and it has been activated by conditions that neither of them could ever know, since they had no idea they had been curse marked.

Vaergraes’ mind begins to race desperately, even as the pain races up her arm and shoulder, and into her neck. She can feel the claws digging into her head and reaching for her mind, where she tries to desperately figure out what exactly could have happened and what can possibly be done to save herself and Aoloan.

Desperation fills her expression as she feels her own face drain of color and life. She barely had any time to respond, and she wasted it all panicking.

In that panic, she could only foolishly do one thing; look at the person she is infatuated with.

And, that person is already gripping the hilt of his legendary sword.

***

No one else has noticed it yet. And, why would they? It’s not happening to them, and every now and then, a person gets stung by a bee, poked by a metallic thread or splinter they didn’t know was there, or otherwise sharply, but minorly, pained in some way.

However, Daniel has tried not only to embrace his paranoia, but to encourage it. He doesn’t want to lose his mind and distrust everyone, but he also can’t afford to relax much while in territory that he doesn’t have full control over.

As such, his reaction is as much instinctive as practiced muscle-memory. Nemaisol is one of his first, fastest, and most reliable means of defense in this world of magic.

The blade pops free of the hilt at Daniel’s quick response, and the seemingly quiet metallic noise seems to have a silencing effect over the bus, though it’s not a magical effect.

It’s more like cycling the slide of a shotgun.

Everyone looks at Daniel with concern, but the quiet also causes it to be more noticeable.

Both Aoloan and Vaergraes were in the middle of tensing up and inhaling pained breaths as something was rapidly darkening their skin like a poison.

The two demon-kin women pant heavily as their heart-rates skyrocket, and sweat has already started to form.

“Daniel!?” asks Hekate urgently. He hands the Princesses off to Gold and Geirahoel, staying focused on keeping Nemaisol ready.

“Talk to us, Vaergraes, Aoloan. I can’t help you,” replies Daniel sternly, though obviously directed at the targets of his focus right now.

“P-... Pain…” chokes out Vaergraes breathlessly. “I… It started…” She reveals her palm, flopping into a slumped position on her seat. Neith has already placed himself between the two and Daniel, and he quickly urges everyone to slip past him away from them. Senn peeks from under Neith’s arm and behind his back until Daniel says, “Neith, I have Nemaisol drawn. Check their pulses.”

The dragon nods and steps closer, checking on both women. Aoloan appears to have already fainted completely, and Vaergraes is breathing with heavy labor strangling every breath. Senn follows to inspect the mark on Vaergraes’ hand, and she finally explains, “It’s a curse mark. I think I finally have an answer to a question I’ve been stuck on for a very long time.” She sighs, but when Vaergraes coughs, this startles the elf into a defensive backwards leap.

Unfortunately, she briefly forgets that Daniel has Nemaisol negating magic over the entire bus, so her jump to gain distance really amounts to a hop, and her heel catches something on the bus, causing her to fall backwards. Daniel manages to catch her, and the elf stares up at him with wide eyes.

“You alright?”

“Oh. Indeed.” He helps her back to her feet, and she straightens her dress. Rather than act like a maiden, the ancient elven sage instead drops right back into the task. “I wasn’t as sure about my leads back then as you were about these two, but the, mmm, servants I was looking into were snipped like stray threads and left only with this mark.” She scoffs as she looks at Vaergraes, who is doing her best to listen, even having become instantly exhausted from being exposed to the curse for only a couple of seconds before Daniel disabled it with Kaeralegier’s power. “I began to think I was the cursed one for a time. But, Thymeria is secure in the Citadel, yes? How could she have activated a failsafe, assuming that’s what this is?”

Vaergraes’ eyes are barely open, but they shift a tiny bit as she tries to widen them in surprise. Her weary gaze tracks back and forth between Daniel and Senn, desperate for more information.

Daniel notices Neith checking Aoloan while he listens. He even presses his ear to her chest.

Daniel replies to Senn, “Two possibilities come to mind right away. Thymeria escaped, or…”

“Someone else is pulling the strings, right?” offers Hekate, trying to be part of the conversation and the solution.

Daniel nods in agreement. He was about to say those exact words.

“We’ll need to reach Sir Magnir as soon as possible, then,” urges Yanidere. “I can send a rider to Fort Peony.”

“No, there won’t be time. We’ll need to move quickly. If I stow Nemaisol, though, the curse will take effect.”

Senn adds, “It’s quite tragic. They will go mad and attack everyone around them in a fury. It only ends in death.”

“But, the fact that they’re not attacking means Daniel disrupted it in time, right?” asks Gwenesphia. “S-So… What do we do now?”

“If I had known about it before the activation spell was started, I could have dispelled the marks,” thinks Senn aloud. “But, there won’t be time before we’re fighting them off with everything we have. I don’t particularly enjoy fighting anyone I’ve seen in swaddling clothes.”

This causes a tiny smile to form on Vaergraes’ lips, giving her some hope.

“I… can make a terrible suggestion…” starts Doephluev hesitantly.

Everyone looks at her, though a dark suspicion causes him to momentarily need to convince himself.

No. She wouldn’t dare make a joke about that right now, would she? Relax, Daniel. Hear her out.

“We could cut their arms off.”

Daniel’s hand tightens on Nemaisol. If she weren’t someone he is fond of, he probably would have started to draw the blade in anger. It must show on his face, because she desperately adds, “Wait! Please listen! I’m sorry, but,... I did say it was a terrible idea.”

“Explain,” growls Hekate. She also has her hands balled tightly into fists, and her tail has started to puff up.

Doephluev coughs lightly from a frog catching in her throat. “Sorry, but I am serious. If the curse was already bound to their souls, like the one that almost killed you, my Love, Senn, Vaergraes, or myself would have detected it with relative ease, since we’ve been looking for it. Because it’s not, it’s actually no different than these.” Doephluev starts to gesture at herself, but it quickly hits her, and she’s momentarily embarrassed. “Oh… Right. Uh…” She starts to look towards her belly, but her dress is in the way of her efficiently revealing it.

“Your tattoos?” asks Kera’tai.

“Yes!” replies the archoneldwyn with some relief in her voice. “If severed from the user, the tattoos I and the other two used would become useless. Even damaging them can disable some of the more complex ones.”

“Then, can’t we just scratch it with Nemaisol?” asks Hekate. “Like the barrier spells in the Dragon’s keep?”

Doephluev has only heard stories about it, since she wasn’t there, so she glances at Daniel for help. He asks simply, “Why sever their arms if damage to the mark will suffice?”

“Oh! Uh…” Doephluev tries to think, but she can’t come up with an alternative. Her reply is hesitant and soft, which is unusual for the normally-mischievous former assassin. “Because I don’t think it will. Not all spells are as delicate as the ones that would work for. Even some of my tattoos can have large chunks missing from them and still work. If anything can save these two, severing the mark completely from their bodies before it binds to their souls should do it. We could even… uh…” She glances at a few different people, and Daniel realizes it’s almost exclusively the dragons.

He sighs in disgust, feeling sick that they even need to be having the conversation. “Annihilate it…”

Doephluev nods without a word. A grim silence holds the entire bus for a long time.

Yanidere asks nervously, “Um… Wh-... What do we do… about the summit?”

Again, there’s a pause, and Daniel looks at Ryuogriar, who is the effective second-in-command regardless of whether or not Daniel or Hekate are first.

Ryuogriar lets out a quiet exhale. “We must not let our enemies know how close we’re getting, and what countermeasures we have. And, we certainly must not let outsiders know of the turmoil that actually can hurt us. We will proceed as the Empresses of the Fievegal and have our spectacle. They must be wondering what’s taking us so long by now.” She looks at Vaergraes, continuing, “Until a solution presents itself, Mukori will need to keep Nemaisol drawn and near them both, which means;” She looks at Neith next. “Neith, you must not tolerate any intrusions. Everyone in Nemaisol’s field of effect will be vulnerable to attacks that don’t rely on magic. As the Second Empress, I order you to take no quarter if your boundaries are crossed.”

Neith bows. “Very well, my Empress. It shall be done.”

Daniel instructs, “Mukori… All of you,... Buy me as much time as you can. I don’t care what you say or do, or what you imply about what I’m doing. Preferably, the usual humorous pranks will do.”

Ryuogriar cups his cheek. “Worry not, Mukori. I will make you the envy of every man in attendance today.”

“U-Um… Neith w-will be here, too…” murmurs Gwenesphia a little nervously.

“Like I said. The envy of every man in attendance,” repeats Ryuogriar with a wink. Her face turns grim when she looks back at the two demon-kin women who are at the mercy of looming curses.

“I… do not have an alternative to Doephluev’s suggestion… Curses are… messy.” She kisses Daniel briefly, saying tenderly, “Do what you must do. Just be merciful about it.”

The mechanic is quiet, and the platinum dragon Matriarch starts towards the exit to lead the group. “Come, everyone. Daniel shall…”

“I’ll stay,” replies Doephluev. This surprises even Hekate, who has been in several bickering matches the last few days with the archoneldwyn over the former-assassin wanting to play the Sovereign Empress for the duration of the peace summit.

Doephluev explains, “The horrendous idea was mine. And,... I may prove useful in any case.” She gives Daniel an apologetic and meaningful look, and the mechanic nods.

“Then, I’m staying too,” declares Geirahoel. As soon as Hekate starts to move to volunteer as well, Ryuogriar grips both of their shoulders. “If everyone stays, the purpose is defeated. We all have roles to play, and the former assassin is right. She is the most useful in… this situation.”

“I’ll be staying as well,” replies Senn. “Healing isn’t my forte, but I am familiar with curses.”

Geirahoel complains, “Dragons are the only ones that can fight against our enemies without magic! If Onii-chan is guarding the area, who will guard Mukori and the others?”

“The Stalvaltan Guards,” states Aramellianna, leaning partially on Yanidere and Yormolett. “The Dragonslayers are at your disposal.”

“And, I’ll stay,” replies Gold. “I’m not one of Daniel’s mistresses, and I wasn’t going to participate in the summit anyways.”

She hands Jieka over to Ryuogriar, adding, “I also won’t hesitate, whatever happens.”

Ryuogriar nods once in agreement. “Senn, Neith, Gold, and Doephluev will stay and assist Daniel. The rest of us, we should go. We must project that the Fievegal is invincible, even against the dark hand trying to pull old strings.”

Hekate glances at Daniel, and he says gently. “I’m counting on you, Sweetpea. Show no weaknesses, and do try to promote peace. But, remember, no matter what I want, you are the Empress of the Fievegal.”

Hekate smiles, and her ears flatten gently as she enjoys his words. “Thanks Daniel…” Her big ears perk up just as suddenly, and she says excitedly, “Ah! If anything happens, yell. I’ll hear it, no matter what.”

Daniel laughs, petting her head. “Will do. We’ll join you as soon as we can.”

Wenlianna approaches Daniel, clutching her notebook. “Daniel, Mukori… I… I know what’s about to happen… S-So… Um…”

“If we figure out a way to break the spell otherwise, we’ll make notes,” replies Daniel softly. “Whoever these people are… They messed with my family.” He gives her a gentle smile, and she relaxes a little.

Other than Daniel, Gold, Senn, Neith, and Doephluev, everyone else files out of the bus, leaving the five with Vaergraes and Aoloan.

Vaergraes does her best to shift her position to remain dignified, and Daniel approaches, kneeling in front of her. “Vae… If you have any alternatives, anything…”

She manages to shake her head. “Do it.”

“But…”

She wearily lifts her left hand, which is the one free of the mark. “You will have to take care of us more lovingly, Daniel. Perhaps spoil me and Aoloan for a change.”

He manages a small laugh at her newfound shamelessness, even in the face of the awfulness they’re talking about.

Doephluev offers with a gentle tone, “I’ll concede to that. Vae has helped me a lot.”

Daniel knows that she’s referring to the history and culture of the archoneldwyn, which Doephluev never cared for before becoming pregnant. Now, she and Vaergraes have been doing as much research as possible, and the Uhl’tall archpriestess has employed her small team of agents to return to the temple and functional capital of the Demon Covenant to retrieve anything they could find while performing routine espionage on the Hegemony that took the Covenant’s place.

The human from Earth continues to hesitate. When the fateful day came, he had to make a hard decision that made him sick for days afterwards. It was something that he and his family had discussed in passing, but he always expected that, in a worst-case-scenario, they would be receiving a folded flag, which he had successfully avoided. He never ever considered that it would actually be him signing one of the most painful documents he has ever had the misfortune of placing his name on.

“I trust you… Daniel.” Vaergraes manages a smile and reaches for him. The mechanic takes her hand, and she squeezes it as much as possible with her sudden exhaustion.

“Neith. Get everything you need ready for triage. Senn, is there any possible alternative?”

“None that I know of.”

Neith offers, “At best, I could possibly suggest… uh… stopping their lives while Senn dispels the curse, and then using revival potations afterwards.”

“No good,” counters Gold. “If Doephluev is right, the curse will bind to their souls before we can do anything else once Nemaisol’s effect is stowed.” She also asks, “Speaking of, is now a bad time to ask how Nemaisol managed to negate magic over such a wide area?”

“I’ll explain later,” replies Daniel. Which, thank you, Kaeralegier. I reacted without even thinking to warn you.

“{Pay it no mind, Daniel. At this point, I can pretty much read your mind without actual words forming. And, I agree with Doephluev and Gold. At best, a god or goddess could use their wish-granting power to save them, but that might alert whoever is involved to the true nature of our existence. Wield me, and I’ll make my blade mono-molecular with an electrical charge. I think it should be fairly painless, but as soon as the flesh parts, blood is going to spray because there won’t have been a pain-triggered tightening of any of the muscles.}”

Daniel takes a breath, and Neith offers, “If you prefer, my Liege…”

“No, I’ll be using Nemaisol. I’ll make it as painless as possible.” He looks at Vaergraes. “If you’d like some rum beforehand…”

“Yes… I think that will be nice…”

“M-Me… too…” murmurs Aoloan wearily.

“How much did you hear?” asks Daniel as he slides between the two so he can comfort them both.

“Enough… You… have to remove it from me completely… right?”

Daniel nods. The succubus closes her eyes and braces herself. “And,... potations?”

Daniel smiles. “You’ll be more hammered than Aramellianna is for the peace summit,” jokes the mechanic softly.

Gold has already returned from the storage area with a bottle of rum and more than two glasses. She starts pouring as she says, “We should probably keep Aoloan and Vaergraes hidden, since we’re hiding how much we know, yes? It’s probably best to have them sleep. I’ll watch over them.”

“Agreed,” replies Senn. “The enemy believes they will die from this mark. The smell of blood will be plenty to hide the fact that they’re still alive. But, until we have secured our situation, it’ll be best to let them believe that their assets within our ranks have successfully been removed. Otherwise, they’ll resume more direct means.”

Daniel nods. He helps both Aoloan and Vaergraes take sips of the rum, while Gold pours two more glasses, drinking one herself. “Senn?”

“Not now, thank you, Gold. I don’t want to become Daniel’s next mistress.”

The group chuckles, including the two weary cursed women.

After getting the two suitably inebriated, Vaergraes takes a deep breath and looks at Aoloan. “Ready, Aoloan?”

“As I’ll ever be…”

The Uhl’tall archpriestess looks up at Daniel. “Remember, Daniel. You agreed to spoil us, so keep your promise.”

The otherworlder Emperor carefully draws Nemaisol fully, nodding in agreement. “I promise. Promise me you both will stay with us.”

“I promise I won’t leave you,” replies Vaergraes. “Ever.”

“I couldn’t go anywhere if I tried,” adds Aoloan softly. “I was conquered by the Harbinger of Calamity. My life is no longer my own.” She winks at Daniel, and Doephluev finally makes her grim joke. “Alright. Do it quickly, Daniel. They’re getting too cheeky.”

Everyone laughs, in spite of the serious situation.

That said, they do need to find some positivity, or else they could falter.

Daniel explains gently, “Nemaisol’s blade will be so sharp, you shouldn’t feel it. So, don’t move and don’t look. It’ll be over before you know it.” He has introduced atomic theory to those who took any interest in it, but it would take too long to explain how a mono-filament or mono-molecular edge works. Because it is truly composed of a single strand of atoms, it represents virtually perfect sharpness, able to pass through solid matter and separate the bonds so cleanly, the cut would be invisible until the parts are actually separated. On Earth, it was only a borderline sci-fi theory, because there weren’t any known materials that could maintain a string of bonds strong enough to cut through materials without breaking. Even a spider web, single strand of hair, or a single fiber of cotton have a cross section of thousands or millions of atoms, which share the load of the tension.

Both women nod appreciatively at Daniel’s reassurance, and Neith helps situate them in the best position to carry it out. He and Daniel then begin pre-applying tourniquets to their respective cursed arms.

“We’ll start with Vae,” remarks the human. “Her first aid will be relatively easier to stabilize. It’ll minimize the time that the more severe location will need to be sustained. As soon as magic is back, we’ll start applying potations and healing magic, right?”

Doephluev and Gold both nod. Senn adds, “I’ll handle the healing magic. Gold, please incinerate the curse-marked parts.”

Gold nods again wordlessly, waiting with her arms crossed. Doephluev sits near Daniel, ready to help Neith begin triage immediately.

“You’re going to ruin… your dress…” murmurs Vaergraes.

Doephluev jokes, “We can all strip down first if you prefer. They are rather pretty dresses.”

They all look at Daniel, including Neith and Gold, who are also similarly dressed fancy, rather than solely armor for the grey knight.

Daniel sighs. “I suppose there’s no rush, is there…?” He looks up at Gold and Senn, adding, “I promise not to ogle, but I leave your involvement up to you.”

Senn and Gold both smirk at him.

“We are wearing underwear, Harbinger. Nice try, though.”

Vaergraes and Aoloan laugh at him as he realizes she’s right.

***

Sundenelle approaches the line formed by the Stalvaltan soldiers that have formed a perimeter around the staging area. The captain approaches when he notices her, bowing politely on behalf of all of the guards, who need to remain on watch. “Your Imperial Grace. Welcome.”

“Thank you, Captain. I am here to welcome the Fievegal delegation. May I enter the staging area to be the first?”

Muindis ponders the request. He wasn’t forbidden from allowing guests, but they didn’t really address it. That said, given the last couple of hours alone, he really shouldn’t be entertaining security exceptions. That said, having a good relationship with the Empress of the Grand Zenkon Empire would benefit the Fievegal, since the Empire is the backbone of the eastern military force that could resist major conquest. This isn’t the goal of the Fievegal, but it could also take the strength out of the warhawks on both sides of the mountains if the largest military forces were to unite under friendship.

Or, if the rumors are to be true and it isn’t just a prank, marriage.

“Your Grace, I can escort you, but I’m afraid it will have to be only you. Since I’m sure…”

“May I bring only my Head Lady-in-waiting?” asks the young Empress. She gestures to Lady Byleathea.

Muindis is surprised. “Your Majesty…” starts the Captain.

“I should be afraid of being taken prisoner? Of course. But, I would expect my Fiance to come to my rescue. Now, may my attendant and I meet with him?”

The human captain looks at the guards standing watch over the perimeter. The declaration is rather awkward and blunt.

Sundenelle laughs warmly, hiding her face behind a folding fan. She snaps it shut to reveal her big smile. “Daniel accepted my proposal, though he has been dragging his feet on planning our wedding.”

Muindis makes his decision, and he hopes that it’s acceptable to the Emperor and Empresses. He turns to signal for four guardsmen to join him from the standby ranks, and they respond instantly, sending four men over. The chosen guardsmen jog close, and Muindis explains, “If you accept, my men and I will take responsibility for your safety, your Grace. But, I ask that you cooperate with my instructions in turn.”

“I understand. I only wished to be the first to extend my greetings, since I’m not actually a listed party for the peace summit specifically, as our Empires are already forging treaties and connections.” She looks over her shoulder, saying, “Sir Ecklevon, I trust you have no objections?”

“No objections, your Majesty. We shall await your return here.”

“I assume that’s acceptable, Captain?” asks the Empress.

“It is, your Grace. And, pardon the late introduction. I am Captain Muindis of the Stalvaltan Guard.”

“A pleasure, Captain Muindis. I’m of course Empress Sundenelle, and this is my chief attendant, Lady Byleathea.”

Byleathea curtsies, and Muindis professionally kisses the back of each lady’s right hand. “The pleasure is mine, my Ladies. Please, if you’ll allow me.” Muindis offers his arm to escort the Empress, and one of the four guards that arrived steps up to offer his arm to Byleathea, “My Lady.”

“Come, Lady Byleathea,” instructs Sundenelle as she takes the captain’s arm. “Let’s find out what’s taking my Fiance so long to show his face.”

Byleathea chuckles as she follows. “Yes, my Empress.”

The two walk gracefully arm in arm with their respective escorts, and many of the Stalvaltan Guardsmen subtly stare at them. The younger ones are unable to hide their starstruck gazes, though all of them remain respectfully quiet, only speaking when the path Muindis takes passes close by. “Greetings, your Majesty. My Lady.”

The two women give regal nods, and Byleathea says quietly, “I find it curious the Stalvaltan Guard have not been changed to the Fievegal Royal Guard, or something of appropriate equivalence.”

“Agreed. Is that a taboo topic, Captain?”

“Not at all, your Majesty. Though, to my knowledge, it hasn’t specifically been broached. We are faithful soldiers of the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy, and the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy has pledged fealty to the Fievegal. Our name also carries a great deal of pride and history.”

“Are all of the Guardsmen loyal as you describe?” asks Byleathea a little less delicately than Sundenelle would prefer, but it is a good point. For a very long time, the Stalvaltan family was pledged to the Kingdom of Mornistae.

“I will not assume the Empire’s knowledge of the situation, but the Grand Duchess appropriately entreated his Majesty Rikuto, warned him, and then held true to her word when he did not heed her advice to avoid war with the Fievegal. To say more would be grossly above my station.”

Sundenelle replies warmly, “Thank you for answering this much. You must understand, though, that loyalties tend to be questioned when they’ve changed once.”

“Of course, your Majesty. Though, if it is not too bold, this is often relatively unquestioned when an Emperor forges new alliances.”

The young blonde Empress can’t help but smile. He’s indirectly referring to her hoping to ally herself with the Fievegal in spite of those of the east working to undermine and destroy the rising empire.

“You’re right. So long as betrayal doesn’t take place, no one questions an Empress forging alliances. And, I do know about the Grand Duchess’s warnings. I ordered the evacuation of Twilight as a sign of good faith towards the Fievegal, only for it to be annihilated and cost the lives of several thousand of the Fievegal’s citizens and soldiers. It’s… reassuring that Daniel was willing to pursue peace.”

“Our Emperor and all of the Empresses have always wished for peace, your Majesty. I truly do hope an end of the war comes out of this summit.”

“You and me both.”

The group stops just a little ways away from the bus at the center of the formation. Just as Muindis is about to ask the door guards to knock, the door opens.

Emerging from the large vehicle one by one are the Empresses of the Fievegal, and seeing them causes both Sundenelle and Byleathea to gasp.

Muindis knows why.

After all, he probably couldn’t afford a single thread of the rare cuddlewool that adorns the first woman to emerge from the self-propelled giant carriage.

While she’s surprised upon seeing the guests upon emerging second, Ryuogriar’s serious expression broken momentarily by her surprise now turns into one of a warm grin.

The voluptuous dragon woman’s dress is a combination of stupefying wealth mixed with a near vulgar sexuality that can nearly-literally stop hearts of men and women alike. The pearls and jewels provide peeks at her shoulders and the tops of her large breasts, and her waist is hugged neatly by the dress to show off her large, egg-pregnant belly and curvy hips. The skirt is gently flared naturally, rather than using a heavy pannier or stuffy petticoat, and her shoes glisten like jewels.

Following her is Hekate, who has her economy-crushing tiara on in addition to a dress sharing the same expensive qualities of Ryuogriar’s, but more modestly emphasizing Hekate’s cuteness, rather than bordering on inappropriate. Her skirt is frillier than Ryuogriar’s, and it flows further outwards on its own. But, it stops just below her knees, revealing her jewel-encrusted knee-high boots.

Each of the women that emerges afterwards are all across the spectrum between ‘cute’, ‘beautiful’, and ‘sexy’ with their various styles of dresses, all made of dyed cuddlewool from the rare glalias, pearls that have a uniformity and spherical shape that is abundantly rare in single numbers, let alone the hundreds of small and medium sized ones that all of them are wearing.

The Stalvaltan Guards quietly joke among themselves that they hope even one or two pearls falls off the dresses and won’t be missed.

Sundenelle and Byleathea are well-dressed as well, flaunting the wealth of the Empire, which is certainly significant as well. However, their entire collection of jewels, goldworked stitching, bulky panniers widening the hipline of their dresses, and every other trick of showing off the financial strength of the wearers pales in comparison to what the Fievegal is all but mockingly brandishing now.

“Empress Sundenelle. It’s a pleasure to meet you again. Though, I suppose this is the first time we’ve met in person.” Ryuogriar’s tone radiates maturity and an edge of teasing enticement.

There’s an awkward silence, and Byleathea clears her throat. She subtly elbows Sundenelle’s arm as she whispers, “Sun,...”

This snaps Sundenelle out of her trance. She was, admittedly, hypnotized by the unimaginable beauty of the dragon Empresses, specifically, and Ryuogriar knows it.

Sundenelle straightens her posture and returns the greeting. “Empress Ryuogriar, I am truly pleased to meet you as well. I know it might be time consuming, but please allow me to extend my greetings to each of you personally.”

“Of course. Be my guest,” replies the dragon woman as Hekate steps up beside her.

All of the women curtsy, and they exchange greetings, with Sundenelle correctly greeting each of the Fievegal’s Empresses by name, with exception of Veiranoei, who is the newest addition.

The Stalvaltan women join in, greeting Sundenelle and Byleathea as well. Something seems off about Aramellianna, but Sundnelle is still struggling not to falter at the breathtaking wealth in front of her that feels like it could collapse the economy of the Empire if they were so inclined.

The peace summit hasn’t even begun, and the surprises are in full swing.

***