Chapter 129 The Aurelian Empire poses a huge threat?
Black Dragon Gate Arc
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(POV: Akashic Records)
In the grandeur of the Cross Kingdom's opulent throne room, King Grey sat at the head of a long table, deep in discussion with Sir Reginald and King James of the Shield kingdom. The air was heavy with the weight of recent events, and the atmosphere held a sense of urgency. The three men leaned forward, their voices hushed yet filled with intensity.
King Grey, his regal countenance touched with a hint of remorse, bowed his head slightly as he addressed King James. "My apologies, dear friend, for the turmoil that has befallen both our kingdoms. The actions of my wife have brought shame upon us all."
King James, his face etched with understanding and forgiveness, waved off the apology with a gentle smile. "No need for such formalities, Grey. We are allies through thick and thin. Tell me, how have you been coping with these trying times?"
King Grey summoned a forced smile, masking the weariness that lay heavy on his heart. "I appreciate your concern, James. It's been a difficult period, but I'm managing as best as I can for the sake of our kingdoms."
King James eyes softened with empathy.
He knew there was more to Grey's words than met the eye.
Stealing a glance at Sir Reginald, he asked, "How is Galtar doing?"
Like Reginald was Grey's personal guard, the same could be said of Galtar and James.
Sir Reginald met his gaze with a reassuring nod.
"Sir Galtar is faring well, thanks to the exceptional care he's receiving," Sir Reginald chimed in, his voice filled with pride. "Dr. Samras, one of the most skilled physicians and our gifted healers, are attending to him in Glenforst city. You needn't worry, Your Majesty."
Gratitude shone in King James' eyes as he leaned back in his chair, a relieved smile blossoming on his face. "I appreciate your efforts, Reginald. Your kingdom's dedication to aiding Galtar won't go unnoticed."
Sir Reginald inclined his head, accepting the praise with humility. "It is our duty and honor to assist in any way we can, Your Majesty.
"Tell me, Grey, has the Holy Sword, Devaniel, been recovered yet?" (James)
King Grey sighed heavily.
"I'm afraid not," he replied, his voice laced with weariness. "Both it and the Dragon's heart remain missing, despite our best efforts to locate them."
King James clenched his fist, his jaw tight with frustration. "I can't believe this is happening," he muttered under his breath. "Not in my reign, not after so many centuries of peace."
His gaze locked firmly with King Grey's, King James pressed on. "Grey, we haven't had a visit from the Aurelian Empire of the God Continent in centuries," he said, his voice tinged with worry. "But could it be that they are finally making their move now?"
King Grey nodded solemnly, his face etched with concern. "It's a possibility," he confirmed. "And if they do send an ambassador, it could only mean one thing: Empress Aurelia herself is involved."
A shadow of unease flickered across King James' face. "Even her disciples are formidable adversaries," he remarked, his voice tinged with both respect and wariness. "We must not underestimate the power of the Aurelian Empire."
Sir Reginald acted as an advisor. "Indeed, your majesties," he interjected, his voice filled with authority. "It is likely that the Hero goddess would choose to send an ambassador rather than appear herself."
King James nodded. "You're right, Reginald," he acknowledged. "Nevertheless, we cannot let our guard down."
King Grey's eyes gleamed with a relenting determination. "Empress Aurelia may be praised for her kindness, but make no mistake," he stated firmly. "She's a cruel, sadistic Hero."
King James was frustrated. "What do we do now, Grey?" he questioned, his brows furrowing. "It seems like everything has gone wrong."
King Grey let out a heavy sigh, his shoulders sagging under the weight of their predicament. "James, with Valtara's heart and the Holy Sword missing, it makes us look like incompetent rulers," he explained.
Listening intently, King James nodded. "And if we add Duke Veltuor's treasonous act and the involvement of your ex-wife, Bluestella, along with the poor distribution of our knights during the attack...," he trailed off, his voice tinged with frustration. "It creates the perfect reason for the Aurelian Empire to seize control of our kingdoms."
Sir Reginald cleared his throat. "Forgive me, King Grey, but aren't you being too hard on yourself?" he interjected. "We had numerous Court Mages assigned to various tasks, and the Holy Knights couldn't have reached Zarbon in time due to the vast distance from the Royal Capital."
King James nodded, appreciating Sir Reginald's support. "Reginald is right, Grey," he stated firmly. "We can't blame ourselves solely for the failure. There were factors beyond our control."
"That isn't necessarily the biggest problem here." King Grey frowned.
Curiosity sparkling in his eyes, Sir Reginald pressed further. "Could please enlighten me, your majesty?" he inquired, eager for clarification.
King Grey took a deep breath, his voice heavy with regret.
"The knights failed to protect the Archbishop and as such, he was captured and forced to unseal the sacred box. When the head of the church is subjected to such a vulnerability, the blame ultimately falls on us, the monarchs." (Grey)
Sir Reginald nodded thoughtfully, his eyes narrowing with concern.
He was starting to understand how grave a situation this was.
"If the Archbishop were to report back to the Aurelian Empire about the insult he and the Holy Church of Melcius during the surprise attack, it could lead to even more disastrous consequences for our kingdoms."
King James' face twisted a bit. "Indeed," he agreed, his voice tinged with regret. "The Archbishop, manipulated by the Empire, could use this as an opportunity to turn our people against us and make them more willing to accept Aurelia's rule."
King Grey's hands trembled slightly, his face pale with fear.
He took a deep breath to steady himself before speaking.
"The people might be swayed by the illusion of divine approval," he said, his voice filled with sadness. "But what they fail to comprehend is that Aurelia and her followers consider themselves divine humans. They have no interest in forming alliances with the elven or dwarven races, let alone coexist peacefully with the Beast Kingdom."
King James nodded solemnly, his voice filled with an undercurrent of determination. "We must remember that while the Human Continent is our rightful home, Aurelia sees us as obstacles to her divine reign," he explained. "Should she become the ruler of just our two kingdoms, then most likely she'll trample any other kingdom and Empire that stands in her way."
"And take control of the entire Human Continent." (James)
"You and I both know she won't hesitate to erase any other non-human species on the continent." (Grey)
Sir Reginald voiced his concern, a bit confused. "But if that's the case," he began, furrowing his brows, "why hasn't the Aurelian Empire just taken over whenever they wanted? Surely, they have the military might to do so."
King James leaned back in his regal chair. "The Shield kingdom has a deep-rooted connection with the Hero God, Melcius. The Pendragon family, Gal's bloodline, has served as the protectors and defenders of the continent since time immemorial. There is a pact, forged centuries ago, that binds us to the divine power of Melcius."
Reginald's eyes widened with realization, the significance sinking in.
"So, the Aurelian Empire cannot simply conquer our kingdoms without a just cause," he deduced.
Grey nodded solemnly, his gaze focused beyond the throne room.
"Exactly," he confirmed. "You see, the founding of the Holy Church of Melcius was a means to solidify the bond between our two kingdoms. Long ago, the kings of our realms were the closest of friends, united by their mutual faith in Melcius and their desire for peace. The church became the heart that connected our people, strengthening our resolve against outside threats."
Reginald bowed his head, determined.
"Then, what should be our next course of action, Your Majesty?" he enquired, eager for guidance.
Grey's eyes sparkled with a glimmer of hope, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "We must continue our search for the Holy Sword and Valtara's heart," he declared. "These ancient artifacts hold immense power, but as long as the populace doesn't know it's missing yet, we can avoid any senseless panic."
"I shall dispatch my well-placed spies throughout your kingdom, gathering any valuable information they can find from the public about the events surrounding the attack." (James)
While it had a small chance of offering any help, in a hopeless situation, one had to exhaust all options.
Grey extended his hand towards James, who grasped it firmly.
The two kings rose from their chairs, a renewed sense of purpose radiating from them.
"We will get through this, my friend," Grey assured him.
"Indeed." James smiled.
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