Behind a neck high stack of documents and the scent of ink that began to fade in the air, Elliz sat gracefully at the imperial desk rather than the majestic throne. The pen in her hand moved quickly, signing warrants, military strategies, and other developments
However... there were always interruptions
"Elliz~ Elliz~!"
Her voice was shrill, cheerful and sickening. Luvienne, the Goddess of Love, floated in like an unwanted soap bubble. Her clothes were too skimpy for imperial standards, and her pampered smile was too troublesome to deal with in the morning
"Are you... still single~~? Do you want to live with me~~?" She said as she wrapped her arms around Elliz's neck, trying to rest her chin on the empress shoulder
Elliz just sighed, Not angry, Not yet, "I'm busy, Luvienne, Go away"
"No~! I miss~! Don't ignore me, Elliz~!" Luvienne tilted her face, coming closer, almost sticking their noses together
Before the visual contact became too disgusting, a cold and firm hand pulled Luvienne's head back, "Do not disturb Mother" Logos' voice was flat, sharp, and unforgiving
Luvienne glared. "Mom?!"
Then staring at Elliz as if she had just discovered a big secret, "ELLIZ! You're no longer a virgin!?"
KRACK!
The pen broke in Elliz's hand, the table shook, "Not a virgin your dumbass! I'm still a virgin, you idiot!"
Luvienne didn't back down, instead approaching again while winking, "Ululu~ Still a virgin? How cute~!"
Logos glanced over, his expression blank yet tense, "Mom, how about we just chop her up?"
"No, Logos. She... will be useful, someday" Elliz took a sip of her bitter tea, hoping to swallow some of the annoyance as well
"Huuuh!" Luvienne sneered at Logos while sticking out her tongue. "You sexless hunk of iron! Listen to your mother, what do you know about love!? I'm not even sure if you're a boy or a girl!"
Logos paused, then said softly, almost like a whisper from the depths of frozen logic "I'm... a boy"
Luvienne floated in the air, laughing amusedly "Oh yeah~ I don't see a single bar down there~!"
Logos suddenly froze, silent. For the first time, completely at a loss for words
And that was it... ever since yesterday's chaotic encounter, Luvienne decided to stay in the imperial palace. Refusing to return to her duties as the Goddess of Love, and instead...clinging on like a glamorous leech
In another corner, Javheal just laughed amusedly while placing bets. I don't know with whom, I don't know what for, I don't know what the purpose is
Daylight, Light shines through the crystal windows of the palace. Elliz sat in her quiet study, opening her Book of Knowledge, working out formulas to create new materials. Her eyes were sharp, her mind like a sea of calculations that ordinary mortals could not touch
Luvienne peeked out from behind the desk, her head tilted like a curious kitten
"Elliz~ what are you doing~?" she asked while thrusting her face, almost touching Elliz's cheek
"Nothing, looking for more efficient materials," Elliz replied briefly
Luvienne winked "You're doing great, building an empire at such a young age. How old are you... now?"
"Hmm... 14, almost 15 ...So what?" Elliz said
Luvienne screamed in surprise, "OH MY GOSH! So young!!! So cute!!!"
Her hand reached out to pinch Elliz's cheek, but was immediately held back
"Don't touch me," Elliz said coldly, holding Luvienne's hand back
But the goddess did not give up, she continued to creep closer, her hands trying to infiltrate the defense gap, even to the point of her body coming forward
"S-stop it! get off!"Elliz began to raise her legs, trying to physically restrain Luvienne
But Luvienne... just laughed and grinned, "So cute when angry~"
Elliz immediately grabbed Luvienne's face and threw her out of the room and closed the door immediately
"MY DEAR ELLIZ! OPEN THE DOOR! I PROMISE I WON'T RIOT ANYMORE!!!" Luvienne's voice and trouble, echoed from behind the door of the imperial office
Inside, Elliz was still leaning against the door, staring at the ceiling with a weary expression
"I swear by all the remnants of my sanity... if she riot again, I'll throw her into the deepest hell" Elliz muttered softly
But instantly..silence
No sound, no vibration, no cries of drama, Elliz got suspicious and started to take a deep breath "...Is it quiet? Finally."
She was about to walk back to her desk...
KNOCK KNOCK
Elliz immediately took a step, Her face was dark, Her breathing was deep
She grabbed the gun she kept under her vest. Pulling the door with one hand while pointing the gun, "STOP KNOCKING-"
It wasn't Luvienne...it was Eleanor, standing trembling behind the door with a pale face. Her eyes widened, almost crying "Y-Your Majesty... SORRY... I'M SO SORRY!!!"
Elliz froze, "...Ah. You. Sorry. I thought it was the Goddess who came back" The gun was holstered, a hint of guilt surfacing slightly
Eleanor swallowed nervously "Goddess Luvienne is... away, she said she wanted to eat something"
Elliz sighed. "Really... that one" She stepped back and let Eleanor in, "Any important business?"
Eleanor nodded quickly and handed over a gold-sealed letter "This is from... the Veltherion kingdom. They just said it was important"
Elliz received the letter with a questioning look "Veltherion? What makes it important?" she muttered while checking the seal, "...Hm, no indication of a threat, please leave"
Eleanor saluted and exited quickly, probably afraid that the goddess of love would come again with something she didn't want
Inside the room, it was quiet again
Elliz sat down on a chair, opened the letter, and started reading lazily...
...then her eyes widened, "...WHAT IS THIS? A letter of commendation?!"
She reread the last part, "i would like to express my admiration, beautiful empress ive seen with the beauty of the moon and...hope for an official meeting in the near future...From Prince Lioran Veltherion"
"...THIS IS A LOVE LETTER?!" Elliz immediately stood up, her body stiffening like she had just been thrown off a cliff
"What should I do?! Do I reply? Do I... go undercover?! IS THIS A NEW FORM OF WAR?!" She stared at the window, as if hoping for an answer from the sky
In her mind, "Calm down Elliz... calm down... maybe... just reply politely? Write 'Sure, whenever you can' Yeah, makes sense, Simple..."
Then she fell silent again. Her face was flat, but her mind was exploding, "But... WHAT SANE PERSON WOULD LIKE AN EMPRESS LIKE ME? WHAT'S SO INTERESTING ABOUT IT? I REMEMBER ALL THIS TIME MY JOBS WERE JUST...war, war....and war???"
Elliz sat frozen in her chair, staring at the letter that had just been sent by the Veltherion kingdom
A compliment, a meeting request, a... love letter?
"Romance?" she muttered softly, her crimson eyes narrowed in confusion. She leaned back in her chair, closing her eyes, trying to imagine possible scenarios...
The nervous princess, the handsome and warm prince, meeting quietly in the palace gardens, with flowers scattered about...
She opened her eyes, "Wait... am I not the Empress?" Her expression changed, Disgusted, anf Frustrated
"What the hell... I want to have a romantic life too! But how?! I've never... never felt it, not even in my previous life!" she sigh, bending her knees and pressing her face into her hands
Then...BRAKK!
The door of her office opened loudly, Luvienne walked in with a candy in her mouth, "Oh~? Elliz, you look... very frustrated~" Luvienne said, her cheerful smile as if she never read the room
Elliz turned her head lazily, "Oi, you're... Goddess of Love, aren't you? Teach me about that... romance..."
Luvienne froze for a moment, then slowly pointed her finger at Elliz's face, "...wait... D-don't tell me... YOU WANT TO DO IT WITH ME!?"
"WHO WANTS TO DO IT WITH YOU!" exclaimed Elliz, throwing the document in Luvienne's face, "I want to do it with... Prince Lioran from Veltherion!"
Luvienne seemed to be hit by reality, the light around her dimmed, "...you're cruel...cruel, Elliz!" she whimpered, then her smile turned strange. "How dare you...cheating!!!"
In an instant, threads of light flew around Elliz's body. She was entangled in her chair, unable to move
"WHAT IS THIS?! RELEASE ME, CRAZY!" screamed Elliz
Luvienne approached, her eyes glowed pink, her pupils were heart shaped which enlarged like an illusory vortex, she looked straight into Elliz's eyes while bringing her face closer, "You... can't do that, baby~ You know who you belong to, right?" she whispered
Elliz's mind began to blur, her breath caught, pink light danced in her consciousness, "L-lu..." her mouth began to move...
But suddenly, a metal hand grabbed Luvienne's head and threw her far across the room
Luvienne landed softly and got up slowly, her hair in a mess, her face irritated. "Tch... you hunk of metal... look at my hair, all messed up!"
Logos stood firmly, his red eyes blazing like coals, his voice like clashing metals,"I won't warn twice"
Luvienne folded her arms, then shrugged, "Yeah yeah... you're stingy, but Elliz~ I'll be back... someday" Her body turned into a pink powder of light that exploded softly and vanished and there was an instant silence...
Only the sound of Elliz's gasping breath in the room, "...you're crazy... Luvienne..." she whispered.
Suddenly the sound of laughter appeared in the room, "Oh~ there seems to be chaos here! Hahaha! As usual... just tolerate her!" Javhael's voice came out of nowhere to suddenly appear when the smoke exploded and he walked out with his trademark wide smile
Elliz sighed heavily, clasping her forehead in exasperation, "What do you want this time, Javhael?"
Javhael just chuckled with a satisfied expression, "Hahaha, it's simple! I want you to create new subordinates again... like that piece of iron beside you"
Logos stood still by Elliz's side, for a moment his eyes flashed red with intense pressure. He was already very sick of being called that, but still chose to remain silent
Elliz turned her head sharply, "Creating... again? Like Logos?"
Javhael twisted his staff and pointed at Elliz with the tip, "It's different this time, create your own mana!"
Elliz paused, her eyes widened, "...What do you mean with my own mana?"
Javhael immediately rolled his eyes dramatically and scratched his head, "Really, is your skill just a TAX? You SHOULD KNOW from the Book of Knowledge!!! Or else... you really never thought of doing this?!"
The silence hung,
Elliz finally muttered softly, her face red, "...Oh how stupid of me. I never even thought of it that way... so... you mean I gave birth like that?"
Javhael tapped his wand on the floor, "No, silly! It's like what the goddess Amalthea did, you've absorbed her essence, haven't you? That means you can create living beings from your own mana! But... remember, it will drain your mana completely, even Amalthea once fell after creating one dragon"
Elliz stared blankly, Then slowly she closed her eyes,
Book of Knowledge opened with its sheets shining golden
a Living Creation magic to create a living creature needs the concept of soul, Design the physical form and nature, can insert power with the note that the stronger the creator, the stronger the creation.
Elliz gave a small nod, "It's like... Amalthea's dragon back then... hmm, this is beneficial". She looked at Javhael, "Alright, I'll create it here"
But before the magic could begin, Javhael's wand poked her in the face, "Ohohoh not so fast, great skill lady. A small room like this? What a joke!"
Elliz held back her emotions, "Ah, it's complicated. Alright, backyard?"
"Perfecto!~" Javhael snapped his fingers, his happy expression like a child who got candy
They started walking through the long hallway of the palace, the sunlight reflecting off the shadows of the two strangest creatures in the world. On the way, Javhael started playing his cards suddenly, he asked in a light but strangely serious tone, "Hey, Elliz. Are you that strong?"
Elliz turned her head, a sardonic half smile rising on her face, "Of course. Why, do you want to test it?"
Javhael raised his hand, "Oh no no, I'm just curious... hmm... can you beat ....Ba'al?"
Elliz's steps stopped,"...Huh? Who is Ba'al?"
Javhael paused for a moment, then played his cards like a curtain covering his mouth, "I don't know... I also don't dare to mention his full name, let alone his status"
Elliz thought for a moment trying to remember something, "I've heard that name from Demon King Kaizer, but... never knew who he really was"
Javhael immediately brought his index finger to Elliz's lips, a sign of silence, "Shh~ it's better you don't know, I just dare not say it. And I'm a TRICKSTER god, remember?" He chuckled... but it wasn't a cheerful chuckle, It was... shaky, There was a deep fear there and that... made Elliz even more curious
Ba'al's name kept spinning in her mind, The fear on Javhael's face just now was not something to be underestimated. If a trickster god trembled at the mention of that name, then surely this figure was not just a cheap legend
Without wasting any time, the Book of Knowledge opened again. The pages spun rapidly like a storm of data, searching for a single name, Ba'al
...But what appeared was only one entry, a name only without any information
Elliz snorted softly, "Just a name? No record? Not even an entity like him...?". She turned to Javhael, "What... what's so great about Ba'al?"
Javhael stopped leaning, his eyes darkened for a moment, "Old stories... old nightmares. I don't even know the details. But...I do know one thing...Half of the gods died or were maimed because of it, And that...was just one event, Can you imagine how terrible it was?"
Elliz did not answer. She just gave a small nod, keeping the info deep inside
Arriving at the Palace grounds
The night air was filled with a magic aura, The sky began to spin
Javhael snapped his fingers. From the air, a luxurious chair appeared and he sat down casually, "Go on, continue your creation, Your Majesty. I'm here... just a spectator!"
Elliz snorted softly, slightly annoyed by his attitude, but ignored. Her hand raised, a red, black, and gold aura gathered around her. The book floated, the pages opened by themselves, and Elliz closed her eyes, "Living Creation... The concept of soul. Loyalty? No... more than that, I want a creature like Logos. But this time, with different abilities... Creating is also possible"
A giant magic circle appeared on the ground, Rune lines spread out and began to pulsate. An overwhelming pressure pressed on every corner of the courtyard. The wind began to stir
Javhael, who was originally relaxed, now straightened his back, "Oooh? This is exciting!"
Light exploded from the ground, radiating straight into the sky, Elliz's Mana began to drain drastically. Her body was trembling, but she still stood straight, her crimson eyes glowing sharply
A cracking sound was heard, as if the dimension itself was giving birth to something. Figures slowly formed within the light
First was the skeleton. Then muscles, then skin. Slowly but surely... a young girl with long red hair and intense red eyes stood naked and still looking confused
A holy and cursed aura enveloped her body
Elliz still forced herself to stand and panted, but her eyes never left her creation, "You... how does it feel to be alive?"
The girl raised her hands, opened her eyes slowly, staring at her fingers like she was touching the world for the first time, "...This...is amazing..."
"What is your purpose in life?" asked Elliz
The girl looked up at her, her red eyes flashing, "To serve... my creator."
"How do you prove it?" Elliz's voice was now calm... yet contained a judge-like pressure
The girl prostrated slowly, her head pressed against the ground that was still glowing with magic energy, "I will serve my creator to the death, even if it means sacrificing my soul, my body, to the last drop of blood"
The wind stopped blowing, Elliz looked at her for a long time... then smiled with satisfaction, "Good... your name is Xaltheris"
The girl raised her head, her eyes sparkling, "Xaltheris... I like it!"
From behind his chair, Javhael clapped his hands lightly while chuckling, "Heh... amazing, what can she do?"
The sky had subsided, the magic circle on the ground had disappeared, leaving a faint trace of the former extraordinary energy that had exploded from it. Elliz stood up, still looking at her creation...Xaltheris with potential yet to be revealed
Elliz squinted, "Xaltheris... do you know how to use your powers?"
The girl nodded slowly, calm as water just waking up from a long sleep, Her hand raised and with a simple gesture, two magic circles began to form in the air
But before it was complete, a voice screeched, "Wait! Wait!!! IDIOT! Give her some clothes first or something!!!" Javhael shouted like a man with a beard fire, his face a mixture of amusement and frustration
Elliz turned her head in annoyance, her temples throbbing, "You're... too noisy"
With a single movement of her hand, a white cloth appeared and slowly formed an elegant outfit on Xaltheris' body. A long coat with gold accents and a black belt wrapped around her slender waist, enhancing her regal aura, "There, Satisfied now?" she muttered flatly
Javhael nodded with a satisfied smile, "Yes, that's enough! I just... have an aesthetic sense, you know?"
"Alright," Elliz said finally, turning her face away, "Xaltheris, show me your power"
Xaltheris bowed respectfully, and with a glance of his eyes, two more magic circles rotated on the right and left sides of her body
The air trembled, from the circles, two giant beasts began to form. A large wolf with shiny black fur, dagger like teeth, and fiery red eyes emerged from the magic vortex growling lowly, ready to receive orders
Elliz paused, amazed, "Hooo... this is interesting..."
Javhael stood up, watching seriously, his eyes narrowed, "Uhh... so she created beasts... It's amazing, I didn't expect you to come up with a concept like this!"
Elliz nodded slowly, satisfaction radiating from her cold expression, But not for long...
"Alright! Here comes the next game!" exclaimed Javhael suddenly, grinning over his shoulder, "You have a new task!"
Elliz snorted, not turning around, "What else this time?"
"Conquer the world" Javhael said with a big smile
Elliz's eyes widened in surprise, "...WHAT?! That's a crazy idea! Why would I do that?! I have my own goals!"
Javhael floated closer, his posture relaxed yet full of disturbing pressure, "Oh come on! Isn't it exciting?! A true challenge!"
"NO" Elliz's voice echoed, sharp and decisive. Xaltheris' wolf even lowered their head, sensing the subtle anger of their creator
Javhael paused for a moment, his face changing, as if realizing that the word 'attractive' was not enough to tempt this woman
Then... his sly smile returned, "...You... want to reach Heaven, don't you?"
The world seemed to fall silent, Elliz turned her head slowly, looking at Javhael straight, "...How did you... know?"
Javhael laughed loudly, carefree and crazy, "Hahahahaha!!! Of course I know! Who do you think I am?! I want to go there too, to be honest"
But Elliz was getting suspicious, "What's your real goal?"
Javhael turned his head, his eyes momentarily... blank, "Out of this world system. Aren't you curious, Elliz? Imagine...A world with no borders, no systems, no gods, no 'strings of fate' that structure everything from the beginning...Absolute freedom!"
Elliz remained silent, part of her tempted, the other part... watching Javhael wondering, "...God of games, and your ambition is greater than the other gods? You are... Weird"
Javhael snapped, offended like a child, "Don't equate me with them! They're monotonous, neutral, boring! I'm not like them! I want more than this...more than the system, more than the world!"
Elliz squinted, "Do you want destruction or liberation?"
Javhael smiled darkly, "I just want... to see a truly free world, and for that... I need you. You're the one variable the system can't predict, you're the loophole"
Those words left Elliz speechless, herself as the loophole? What does that mean?
Xaltheris turned her head, looking worried, "My Creator... are you alright?"
After hearing the last sentence from Javhael, Elliz fell silent. Not because of doubt, but because of the emergence of one question that loomed in her mind, "Something higher than the gods... could there really be?"
Before her thoughts drifted too far, Javhael raised both hands dramatically, "Alright! My business here is done! I bid you farewell, your highness! HAHAHAHA!"
Pink smoke exploded from the floor, complete with small firework sparks and the sound of a silly magic toy, then he disappeared like a cheap magician
Elliz just let out a short sigh, her face turning serious again, "It's true... if you want to be free, this world must be conquered. Not everything can be solved with words or good intentions...i can see mom then?"
In the Realm Between
Javhael returned to his realm, an abstract place between existence and nothingness, full of floating puzzles and unfinished conversations. But he didn't have time to relax, a guest arrived uninvited, "Your face is not pleasant today, Luvienne~" Javhael said as he tossed a coin into the air
Luvienne, pouted, her eyes glowing pink but filled with annoyance, "It's so hard to conquer that woman... I've never been rejected before, but she doesn't even look at me. That makes me want her even more"
Javhael moved away slightly with an amused expression, "Euww... what an unworthy intention from a goddess, pervert"
"Shut up." Luvienne snorted. "she's mine."
"Relax," Javhael replied casually, crossing his arms. "You can enjoy your results later. I'll make sure she'll be within your reach."
But Luvienne felt suspicious of something... "are you sure he won't interfere?
Javhael's expression changed, "who?
Luvienne swallowed and said, "Lucifer..."
Javhael was instantly serious "He won't interfere," he said, "Lucifer never leaves hell, no matter what. He... won't see Elliz"
Luvienne remained agitated, "If you're sure..."
"Calm down, Luvienne. No one will fail us" But the voice was not as firm as usual. Even Javhael began to think of the possibility he was avoiding
At the same time
In her room, Elliz thought about when to meet the prince... "tomorrow? Too soon...in two days? Well...I'll free up my time to meet him...Prince Lioran from Veltherion"
2 days later...Elliz put on her pet hat in front of the large silver framed mirror. Her eyes sharp yet tired, she prepared to meet Prince Lioran, one of the few things in this world that made her hesitate
Knock knock
"Come in," Elliz said simply
The door opened, Xaltheris walked in with her new look, hair in two pigtails, black uniform with a red cape hanging down. Her boots were shiny, "Everything is ready... Mother," she said respectfully
Elliz nodded, "Good. Mind your manners once we get there"
Suddenly Xaltheris asked while looking back, "What about Logos?"
Elliz turned around, in the corner of the room Logos stood still like an obsidian statue, his body barely moving, "Hm... Logos is too conspicuous. It will attract attention," Elliz thought. "Logos, you will stay here"
Logos nodded slowly, his eyes never blinking, "I understand. The empire has to be maintained after all. My presence will cause too much attention"
Elliz was slightly stunned, Logos... understood even more deeply than she did, "Good you understand," she murmured awkwardly, "Xaltheris, let's go"
As they exited, Xaltheris turned to Logos while beaming, "Take it easy! I'll bring you some souvenirs!"
Logos gave her a flat look, "You know I don't do accessories"
"Well, you'll like it," Xaltheris replied nonchalantly, then walked away waving goodbye
Logos just stood in place. But as the door closed, he stared at the window
The morning sky was still covered in a light mist when Elliz walked down the main hallway of the empire towards the outer gate, the strands of her white coat fluttering softly in the morning breeze. Behind her firmness and sharp gaze, today she looked a little different there was hope tucked behind her steady steps
Romance, one thing she rarely prioritizes. But... maybe this time, she allowed herself to hope
In front of the car with the imperial emblem glittering on the side of the door, Lyra was waiting. She bowed respectfully and opened the car door in a perfectly respectful manner
Elliz just nodded slowly and got in. Lyra closed the door and sat in the front seat. The group was on the move, leaving the Melavonian palace at the heart of the most advanced empire in the world
From behind the window, Elliz looked at the world that had changed. The city that was once just stone buildings was now full of crystal towers, magitek transportation lines, and a sky dotted with witches flying by. Magic and technology, humans and demons, everything was starting to blend together
"Well... indeed, many demons are now more afraid of me than even gods..." She thought, "it's this advanced... it all passes so quickly"
A faint smile graced her lips, but was immediately pierced by Lyra's half amused, half honest comment, "Uhmm... Isn't it because you're always in your office, Your Highness?"
Elliz sighed softly, "Well... I don't know. Being an Empress is like that. Advanced countries come with great responsibility"
The journey to Veltherion the kingdom known as the epitome of purity and western nobility took 3 days
Veltherion Main Gate
"Who are you!?" shouted a gatekeeper as the car slowly slowed down.
But before suspicion could be aroused, his eyes caught the flag fluttering majestically beside the car, the Flag of the Melavonian Empire
"Open the gate! The Melavonia Empire has arrived!!!"
Panic spread like waves. The soldiers immediately ran to open the carved iron gates, making way for Elliz's vehicle
Citizens gathered along the main road, whispering with curious and shocked faces. An Empress... coming here?
Veltherion Castle
Inside the castle, Prince Lioran was sitting reading a document when a servant ran in, "PRINCE! The Empire has arrived!!!"
Lioran got up, his face shocked and awkward, "she... really came?"
He immediately ran to the upper balcony, seeing a car stopped in the palace courtyard. Slowly the door opened,
The figure of Ellizabeth Von Melavonia descended gracefully, her steps were steady, full of majesty as well as a cold charisma that made the air seem to hold its breath
Lioran descended from the steps, greeting her with a little nervousness, "W-welcome to Veltherion, Empress Ellizabeth Von Melavonia..."
Elliz smiled gently, the wind playing with her long white hair, "Ah... I told you, just call me Elliz"
In the Castle Living Room, Tea was served on an antique table with a hand embroidered cloth typical of the western kingdom. Elliz sat with her legs crossed, sipping her tea slowly, her eyes calmly looking at the prince in front of her
Lioran sat down with perfect posture, although his fingers grasped the cup a little nervously, "I didn't expect... you would come here. It's really... sudden."
Elliz put down her cup slowly, "I don't mind. I just want to go out... once in a while. After so long, it feels like the outside world is interesting again"
Lioran looked into her eyes. For a moment, he forgot her title. Forgot that this woman was the strongest person, who even demons feared
What he saw now... was just a girl, who for the first time, seemed to want to live like an ordinary person
Elliz sat up straight, her gaze calm, but inside her mind... "Damn damn damn!!! What am I supposed to do here!? Be a charismatic woman... like a normal one! Smile... don't be awkward... GAH why does this feel like a battlefield!?"
But from the outside, she looked calm
With a gentle smile, Elliz opened the conversation, "Is there any particular need to call me here, Prince?"
Lioran looked a little nervous, but eagerly replied, "Sure, I... really want to meet, Besides, I want to discuss about the alliance, And to be honest, I want to learn from you from your strength"
That word made Elliz pause for a moment, her eyes narrowed, "Alliance...?"
Instantly Elliz's tactical mind began to pattern. She glanced at Lyra who was standing firmly behind her
Lioran continued, "I've heard of the Phantom Vanguards, your legendary personal army"
Elliz thought quickly. "Hmmm... this is advantageous. With the strength of Lioran's Eagle Force Troops, Veltherion's royal elite troops, and my strategic advantage, this could be an important buttress for the upcoming divine conflict"
She smiled slightly, "Oh? I like that. But... it seems too simple a request, doesn't it?"
Lioran looked surprised to hear that
Elliz looked at him softly, her smile turning slightly teasing, "Well... I'm grateful too. I have some time to relax thanks to you, If you don't mind, I'd like to stay here for a while. I've never been to Veltherion before, and this place is... relaxing"
Lioran's face reddened slightly, but he quickly replied, "Of course! I'll prepare a room for you. It may not be as grand as the imperial palace, but... I hope you are comfortable"
Elliz laughed softly, polite yet warm, "Don't be so formal, Just relax"
In her mind "Good! This is going well... relaxed talk. Hmmm... is it time now...?"
She then raised her face with a light expression, "Can you show me around? I want to see the country."
Lioran smiled widely, like a knight who had just received a holy order, "Of course! It would be my honor"
Elliz nodded slowly, "Then, I'll go to my room first. The noble clothes will be too conspicuous if I go out for a walk"
She rise gracefully and walked out followed by Lyra and Xaltheris. Outside, Elliz turned to her two confidants, "Okay, so here goes. You guys are free to wander around or monitor, but block anyone suspicious. I want to... enjoy this"
Lyra sighed softly, looking at Elliz with a flat expression "Uh... Your Highness, I'm glad you might be... in love, but are you sure you want to... go down to the 'casual' level?"
Elliz immediately snorted, "Just do it already! I have to change my clothes. It's time for the 'no pressure romance' operation to begin!"
With that, she disappeared into her room, followed by the sound of fabric friction and zipper rubbing. Xaltheris just stood there staring out at the balcony
"Is there something you're interested in?" Lyra asked.
Xaltheris did not answer, but her body stiffened. She began to create several small surveillance beasts with her fingers and released them towards the city
"No..." she whispered, "but... something feels strange"
Lyra gave her a strange look, then stretched her body, "Alright... my duty this time is just to be... a scout for the imperial couple. If it's for the sake of Her Majesty's happiness, I have no problem"
In front of the Veltherion palace gate, Lioran was waiting. This time, he was wearing casual clothes...a simple dark brown coat, dark pants, and a linen shirt
The side door opened. And out from inside, Elliz without a crown, without a regal robe. She was wearing a light creamy white dress with a simple skirt and leather shoes. Her long white hair was only loosely tied to the side. Her appearance... like an ordinary country girl
Lioran stared in awe, "g-gosh... You look... so beautiful"
Elliz blushed slightly, "Hahaha... thank you. Now... let's take a look around."
From the top of one of the palace buildings, Lyra sat squatting with Xaltheris, both of them watching from a distance
Lyra pursed her lips, "I can't believe that the official duty of the empire is to scout... first dates. But if it's for the sake of Her Majesty's happiness... I'm willing!"
But Xaltheris did not answer. Her eyes sharply gazed at the direction of the city market far to the east
"Eh?" Lyra turned her head, confused. "Xaltheris???"
Without answering, Xaltheris jumped down from the rooftop, her body vanishing in a swift movement
"Xaltheris!? Hey! Where are you going!?" Lyra grumbled, then immediately jumped to follow her footsteps
Amidst the rapid footsteps, Xaltheris continued to break through the street, her eyes sharp, not blinking in the slightest. Without explaining anything, she went down a small passage that led to an old aqueduct, a sewer line that even the palace guards rarely touched
Lyra, slightly surprised by the unusual direction, chased after her from behind, "Oi! What's going on, Xaltheris!?"
But the girl kept running. Her breathing was regular, but her pace quickened. Her body darted like a small shadow with a clear mission "There's a sect... they're hiding here," Xaltheris said without turning around
Lyra frowned, "A sect?! How did you know?"
Xaltheris replied coldly, "My little beast... they detected something in this underground area. There are five of them, not many. But... they shouldn't be here"
Lyra immediately became serious. She realized, Xaltheris was not the type to talk without foundation, "Where exactly?"
Xaltheris closed her eyes for a split second, the sensory connection activated. Her little beast, which took the form of a mechanical insect with misty wings, displayed location feedback into her mind, "Just to our right"
Lyra did not wait for a signal. She instantly spun around, drew her faintly glowing long sword, and smashed through the stone wall with a single hard slash
Dust flew up, and behind it five red robed figures stood around a glowing symbol on the floor
One of them gasped, "Wait-What the hell!?"
They had no time to draw their weapons when Lyra already lunged like lightning
In one twisting motion, Lyra slashed through two of them, blood splattering without them having time to scream. The other two retreated in panic, trying to form a spell, but couldn't
Only one person remained who was trembling violently, his face deathly pale, his robes now soaked in the sweat and blood of his comrades, "He-help... F-forgive me... please..."
Xaltheris stared at the man warning Lyra, "Just catch this one"
Lyra approached slowly, She looked at the man coldly, then raised her foot, "Go to sleep"
A swift and precise kick landed on the man's face, knocking him out instantly with an almost comical sound
Xaltheris approached, examining the man's unconscious body, "He'll live. We'll take him home, use the memory stripping technique... and find out who sent them... I'm sure Logos can do it"
Lyra cleaned her sword with a handkerchief, "Do you think this is related to Elliz?"
Xaltheris stared at the symbol on the floor. The symbol glowed dark red and was a spiked spiral that ended like a gaping eye, "I don't know...better get some information first, I'm not sure what this symbol is"
Lyra gripped the handle, "This... is not just a stakeout. They came with a purpose"
It was a calm night, Veltherion's night sky sprinkling moonlight onto the stained glass windows of Elliz's beautiful room. Behind the soft silk curtains, the Empress was lounging in a chair, dressed in a white evening gown
Elliz's mind was still floating in memories of this afternoon, Lioran's smile, the soft taste of the local honey cake, and the serenity she rarely felt amidst the chaos of the world
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
"Come in" Elliz replied briefly
The door opened. Lyra and Xaltheris walked into the room with serious expressions
Without saying a word, Lyra pulled someone's body from behind her and threw it to the floor
A red robed man was now lying helplessly, his body still not fully recovered from the effects of Lyra's previous kick
Elliz straightened her seat, startled but still calm, "Hm? Who is this?"
Lyra answered quickly, "We found him with a group of underground sects. They were hiding... under the sewers of this castle"
Xaltheris added tonelessly, "There were originally five of them. Four have already been eliminated. This one... is for you"
Elliz stood up slowly. Her eyes sharpened, "The sect... under Veltherion castle...? How dare he disturb my prince..."
Lyra, almost turning her head in shock, exclaimed, "Eh?! Your prince?"
Elliz's smile turned... sweet and deadly, "Oh you don't know? We were walking together, touring the town, eating honey cake, and talking all afternoon. It was romantic, wasn't it? Too bad there's some asshole who wants to ruin it"
Lyra turned to Xaltheris with an expression, is she really in love?
Xaltheris distracted, "Perhaps we can enlist the help of Logos to..."
"No need," Elliz cut in
He slowly walked up to the man, then crouched down. Her hand touched the man's head with a slow motion, Threads of Memory, a skill that reads a person's memory but has a time limit
Instantly, the man's eyes turned bright red, and his body convulsed. His memory and mind opened up like an old book that was forcibly pulled out to be read
The image in his mind showed the symbol of a demonic sect, a discussion full of whispers in an ancient language, then...
Lioran, They mentioned the prince's name, not to kill... but to control. The plan was so systematic as to make Lioran a puppet, control the Eagle Force Troops, and slowly rule the throne of Veltherion from within
"Control...hmmm..." murmured Elliz, her voice turning cold
It absorbed the man's last memory and slowly, slowly sucked out his essence, his life force, his soul, his ambition
The man's body dried up... shriveled like sunburned flesh, until only skin and bones remained
"Hm. Where did you guys come from...? Ah..." One word appeared clearly in her mind, North
The watching Lyra said, "North... the northern part of Veltherion is... The Desert, Al-Khan Kingdom territory, that's far from here. Why would they infiltrate the heart of Veltherion?"
Elliz turned her body to face the window, looking up at the moon hanging in the sky, "They are quite brave. They want to challenge the empire... and ruin my precious rest time"
She turned around, her demeanor changing instantly from calm to commanding "Xaltheris... kill the remnants of that sect. Don't let a single one escape, I'm sure there are still some left in this kingdom"
Xaltheris bowed, "As your command"
With a snap of her fingers, demonic wolf beasts emerged from her shadows they were soundless, black as night, and began to disappear into the hallways of the castle, trailing the scent of blood and dark magic
Lyra leaned against the door as she sighed, "It looks like our night will not be as peaceful as you imagined, Your Highness"
Elliz smiled flatly, then turned her gaze out the window, "The desert kingdom of Al-Khan, yes...demon cults, and mind control" Her smile grew, more insane and dangerous, "It looks like it will be fun"
To be continued...