The delegation entered the throne room and were met with monsters wearing uniforms. The entire room was very well kept and even had maids and butlers; at the center of the table was a magical crystal ball. They all stood before Adeline as they slowly succumbed to her charm. One of the nobles cleared his throat.
“I am Count Julius Belton from the great empire of Segar. We came here looking to start a conversation regarding the nature of our future retionship.”
“Does this mean you recognize Arbegon as a legitimate Kingdom?”
“Of course.”
“Then give me my respect.”
Julius looked to his fellow nobles, then back to Adeline.
“I greet you, Queen Adeline of Arbegon.”
“You forgot to bow.”
Julius bit his tongue, holding back his anger at bay. They all slowly bowed and repeated the greeting. A huge smile painted her face as she stared at the delegation, she was more than satisfied.
“Good, now let’s begin these talks.”
“If you return the iron wall, we promise never to intrude into the forest.”
Adeline let out a wild ugh which slowly turned eerie. Tymon and Bihse exchanged a brief look while Azazel and Gena remained quiet. Tymon raised his hand.
“I am afraid that won’t be feasible. What we can agree on is that you respect the borders of Arbegon.”
The delegation whispered amongst themselves, then turned to Adeline.
“We would try to convince the Emperor to accept that concession. We feel that is fair.”
“You only accepted this because you need time to a mass your forces, then attack us again. Isn’t that your pn all along?”
Julius narrowed his eyes as he stared at Adeline. This was truly not a normal, stupid monster. She needed to be the primary target to be killed, he thought, perhaps sending their best assassins.
“Yes, that was our intention.”
“Do you all accept this temporary peace?”
“There is no reason to turn it down.”
Gena spoke as the rest nodded; Adeline was of the same mind. Just then, the door swung open, and the butler came in.
“Stefan from the Grand Duchy of Credoa has arrived. Shall I let him in?”
“Yes, let him in.”
Stefan entered and stared at the delegation, maintaining a distance. Adeline was already aware of the animosity. She was interested to see how the two reacted.
“I greet Queen Adeline of Arbegon. I am Stefan, the grand wizard of Credoa and advisor to Grand Duchess Melora.” Stefan bowed respectfully.
“I hope the Grand Duchess is doing well.”
“She is, Your Highness.”
“This human has an impressive amount of mana and is quite skilled as well. His outfit is full of different runes – very interesting.”
Azazel started to scan Stefan. He did not know whether to accept the compliments or be concerned by how easily Azazel saw through him. His other concern was the delegates from the empire; he was unsure if the news had already reached them.
“I wish to discuss something with you in private.”
“Private? We cannot allow that; you are still part of the empire.”
“You forget where you are. Now leave.”
Julius and the nobles left, leaving Stefan behind.
“What do you wish to talk about?”
“We are currently at war with Segar; I was informed on my way here. Before I left, another delegation arrived, possibly looking for military support. I fear things might have soured.”
“That does not sound ideal. Do you have a way to contact them?”
“Yes, I came with a crystal ball.”
Stefan pced the crystal ball down and muttered a spell, but it did not glow. He tried once again, but the result was the same. Panic set in as he tried multiple times, resorting to the ball shattering.
“I am sorry, but I have to return this instant; this is a very bad sign.”
“Gena, I am passing command to you. Stall and make sure the delegates do not leave.”
Adeline stood up from her chair and raised her hand. Her great weapon flew towards her. She then tapped the table as Alfred came slithering and coiled around her waist and neck.
“I will go. Even if you leave now, you won’t reach in time.”
Azazel suddenly shot up from his seat as a mixture of worry and anger could be seen on his face.
“What is the matter?”
“My wife; something is wrong with her.”
“Where is she?”
Azazel turned towards Adeline as his metallic wings unfolded.
“Credoa.”
He shot up like a missile, destroying the roof. Adeline, sensing the urgency, unfolded her bck wings and flew out through the hole. She could see Azazel from afar and gave chase.
“Hold on, Alfred.”
Alfred contorted as Adeline shot through the air. Adeline was fast, but she still could not reach Azazel, who was boosting his speed and increasing his altitude. Adeline covered her body in mana and pushed even further, finally catching up. The two now flew side by side. Adeline was also worried about Melora, knowing her capabilities, but that did not ease her thoughts. Her heart started to beat faster. The sky and clouds were breathtaking, but neither of them paid attention. Their rge wings fpped, producing small gusts of wind as they passed several birds. A rge roar, simir to a trumpet, could be heard as something rge blocked the sun. Adeline looked up and saw a rge feathered bird the size of a dragon. It let out another roar as Azazel finally paid attention to it.
“Sorry, we can’t py today; she is in trouble.”
The rge bird roared once more as it descended; it almost felt as if it was urging them to climb onto it. Azazel let out an annoyed grunt as he sat down; Adeline followed. Once they grabbed onto its fur, the rge bird ascended into the heavens and started to fp its rge wings. They flew way above the nd, almost on the cusp of space, as she saw simir rge birds. It roared once more as the birds fell into formation. The speed started to increase as Azazel directed the rge bird. Adeline found it odd that she was unable to understand it, and Azazel was able to. The bird itself felt very comfortable to sit on, and the fur was soft. A few hours passed, with Azazel’s mood not improving. Azazel slowly got up and stared down. He closed his eyes and concentrated hard. He then seemingly jumped off as Adeline followed suit.
“THANK YOU, BIG BIRDY!”
The bird let out a roar as she caught up with Azazel. A damaged forest came into view. It looked as if someone bombarded the area. She unfolded her wings and dove faster. She could see an army of undead with scales, a rge white body, and a small group that was being slowly surrounded. Alfred uncoiled and fell to the ground as he transformed into his massive body; a huge thud could be heard as he promptly went to work. Adeline hovered over the battlefield as she saw grotesque chimeras slowly moving towards the group. Azazel had already nded as he tended to a woman who she presumed was his wife. She scanned the area until she saw familiar golden hair. She let out a sigh of relief as her heart calmed down.
“What are these abominations? Is it a chimera?”