"Keep this. I am sure your tribe will need this money." Knowing the dire situation of this tribe, this money was exactly what they all needed. The Patriarch almost cried. He was so moved by Aditya's kindness.
"Thank you." Sam thanked Aditya from the bottom of his heart. This money gave him hope for the future of his tribe.
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Scene change_______
"So this is the place where the meeting is going to take place." Aditya and others stopped in front of the small two-story wooden house. The wooden house was 5,000 square feet (464.5152 square meters) in size.
"My apologies if this doesn't suit your liking." Feeling slightly embarrassed, the Ice Elven tribe leader Sam apologized to Aditya. This was the first time that their Tribe was hosting someone so powerful and influential. Sam knew that this house isn't much in the eyes of an Emperor.
The house is majestically on a sprawling land surrounded by tall trees which were covered in a layer of snow. The exterior is clad in cedar siding, creating a warm and natural appeal. The two-story house features a combination of traditional and modern elements, with a charming mix of gables and large windows that allow an abundance of natural light to enter. A welcoming porch wraps around the front of the house, adorned with wooden railings and comfortable seating, creating an inviting spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
"I like this house. It's pretty." Alicia replied while looking at the house. This house looked like the perfect place for a normal family. And Alicia had lived in a similar type of house with her family.
"Yeah." Aditya also felt the same.
"We will explore this island." Saying that Aditya looked at Spencer. Spencer understood what his job was and firmly nodded his head. While Aditya and Alicia were away, he and the soldiers were going to check the entire house and the surrounding area. After all, Aditya can't just blindly trust the Ice Elven Tribes. Who knows the enemy might have set a trap for them in advance. It's better to be careful.
"Your Majesty, would you like me to send someone to show you around?" Sam asked quickly.
"There won't be any need for that. We will return before the meeting starts." Saying that Aditya grabbed Alicia's hand and left under everyone's gaze.
Seeing Aditya and Alicia leaving, Sam had some doubts in his head. So he decided to ask the Prime Minister about it.
"Sir Spencer, Can I ask you something if you don't mind." Sam asked while watching Aditya and Alicia walk toward the East in the thick snow. Like other islands, this island was always covered in a layer of snow for most parts of the year.
Spencer could tell what Sam wanted to ask him. He was sharp enough to read the thoughts on Sam's face. "Yes, Lady Alicia is His Majesty's second fiance. As for Lady Alicia's identity, I can't reveal it to you."
Hearing this Sam nodded his head. It wasn't that surprising. After all, he had heard that it was very normal for an emperor to have multiple Wives. He even heard of a King who had 100 wives and Concubines in some legends. It would be strange if Aditya didn't have a fiance or any wife even though he is only 19. In Noble Societies, it is quite normal to get engaged or Married at Aditya's age.
"Tribe Leader, I am afraid you will have to let us search this entire house and the surrounding area. You know, for safety measures."
Sam did not stop Spencer. He understood that he would do the same if he was in Spencer's position. After all, this was the first time the Emperor had set foot on his island. And given the ongoing conflict, it was normal for the Istarin Empire to be cautious. "I understand. I leave someone here to make sure everything goes smoothly."
"I appreciate that." Spencer thanked Sam. He knew that this meeting was mentally and physically burdening all the Ice Elven tribe members and the fishermen that live in the Blackburn Village.
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Scene change_____
While walking around the Village, Aditya and Alicia came across many things. There were many small wooden houses around the village. But none of the wooden houses could match the size and beauty of the first two-story wooden house that belonged to the Elven Tribe Leader and his family.
The village didn't lack any trees. There were tall trees almost everywhere. Each tree was covered in thick snow.
As they continued walking, they came across many kinds of Ice Elves. According to Sam, this tribe had 27 Ice Elves. A few weeks back their population was 28 but one of their tribe female married another tribe's Man and left this tribe to live with her husband. Among the 14 Anna Maria Icelands, inter-caste Marriage was a very common thing.
The population of the Ice Elves never went past 500 in these 14 islands. One of the main reasons for this is their low-birth rate. And the other reasons were the size of the islands and the lack of food.
Ice Elves in general have white hair and pale skin. Their ancestor's genes must have changed to adapt to the cold environment. Over a long period of time, the Ice Elves had developed resistance to cold temperatures and could live in such places without needing to wear thick clothes.
All the Ice Elves were thin and tall in size. Almost every adult Ice Elves was carrying a bow and arrows with them. Being ice elves, they had a natural talent in archery and in using Ice magic.
"What do you think of this place?" Aditya asked. As they walked around, they had become the center of Focus. Even though this was a big village, there were very few people living in it.
"I like this place. Even though it's slightly cold out here, it's quiet and peaceful. I would say that this place is perfect for vacation."
"If you want then I can build a small house on this island. We can come here to relax and spend our free time here."
Alicia smiled and replied. "That sounds like a perfect idea. Then I will leave everything to your hands, My dear husband." Hearing the last part, Aditya found his body pulling Alicia's towards him. The next second, Alicia found herself kissed by Aditya.
Around a minute later, Alicia couldn't continue anymore. As she felt the stares of the people. So she pushed Aditya away and then lowered her head face.
????????!
Aditya then noticed that a group of Ice Elves were staring at them. He took her hand and then continued walking.
A few minutes later, when they were alone, Alicia looked at him in hatred. "What?" Aditya asked.
"Why did you do that?"
"I don't know what are you talking about. I only kissed my wife."
Knowing that she can't continue arguing with this Man, she gave up.
????????!
"Listen, Aditya, you can't keep doing this. What people will think if you keep on doing this so openly?"
"Like I care what the people think about me."
"But still you can't..." Aditya stopped her by pinching both of her cheeks.
"Stop thinking what others think about you. The people will say 100 different things about you. You can't live to impress them. Understood?" Alicia nodded her head.
"Now, Let's go outside the village."
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Scene change_________
"Jonah, I heard some rumors about you getting engaged. Is this true?" Having nothing else to do, Spencer started a conversation with the soldiers. Sam told them that he was going to send someone with the Key. Without the Key, they would need to break inside the house.
The Soldier named Jonah is one of the first 100 Dragonians. In recent months, his rank had increased along with his salary. As his earnings increased, he didn't waste any time in finding a girl for himself.
"Yes, Sir. We are planning on getting married at the end of this month." Jonah looked really excited about this.
"That's nice."
"Why do I feel as if nowadays everyone around me is suddenly getting married?"
"It's not just you Sir. A new trend has started. Many of the soldiers are suddenly getting married and starting their own families in the Capital. Only people like us are left behind."
Spencer also felt what the Soldier was saying was true. "Sir Spencer, when are you planning on getting married?" Asked Jonah.
"Me? And getting Married? I am not sure." Even Spencer looked confused about this part. After all, he never had any romantic experienced. Spencer is a nerd. Since he was a child, he has been reading books. And after becoming the Prime Minister, Spencer never found any time for relationships. He was already abandoned by his own family. So there wasn't any pressure on him to get married.
As the question was asked, a beautiful Ice Elf was approaching them. The soldiers immediately noticed her presence. But Spencer was lost in his thoughts and failed to notice her. The girl also happen to hear the question that Jonah had asked.
"I don't know. Maybe having a Family isn't meant for me." Spencer replied while looking lost. All of the soldier's attention was on the beautiful Ice Elf, no one paid attention to Spencer's answer.
But the girl named Aria Windrider listened to Spencer's answer. Looking at Spencer's face, Aria became slightly interested in him. She was attracted to Spencer.
??????????!
Aria lightly coughed to get Spencer's attention. Spencer who was deeply lost in his thoughts snapped out of it.
Spencer's eyes fell on Aria. As both of their eyes met, he for the first time in his life felt attracted to a girl. It wasn't her beauty that attracted him. It was something in her that made him attracted to her.
Aria Windrider is 21 years old. She was 5 feet 4 inches tall girl. Compared to Spencer, she looked short. She had long white-silver hair that she had tied into a bun. Her skin was smooth and pale white.
Aria's dress consisted of two parts - a bodice and a skirt. The bodice was fitted and constructed with laces or buttons at the front or back. It had a square or round neckline and short sleeves. The skirt was ankle-length, made of sturdy fabric linen. She wore a black surcoat on the top. The outer of the surcoat was sleeveless and loose-fitting, with side or front openings. She wore a white belt around her waist, that cinched the dress and surcoat together.
For a moment Spencer looked dazed staring at her. Aria also took this moment to look at Spencer. A few seconds later, Aria coughed once again to draw Spencer's attention.
??????????!
"Ah....my apologies. How can I help you?"
Aria slightly smiled seeing this and replied. "I have been sent with the Key." Aria gave Spencer a bronze key.
"Thank you." Taking the key from Aria. Spencer gave it to Jonah.
"Search every single corner of the house. If you find anything suspicious or feel that something is off, report it to me immediately. Did I make myself clear?"
"??????, ??????"
After the doors were opened all the doors went inside. Spencer and Aria remained outside. Spencer took out a small notebook. He opened the notebook and began to write something on it.
Seeing Spencer being so focused, Aria couldn't help but feel curious. "May I ask what are you doing Sir?" Spencer stopped writing hearing Aria's voice from behind.
"Nothing important. To make sure that I am not forgetting any important tasks, I have developed a habit of writing them down."
"Ohh...." After answering, Spencer realized that normally he wouldn't answer such questions.
He closed the notebook and put it inside his storage ring before turning to Aria. "May I ask what is your name?"
Seeing that Spencer was finally interested in her, Aria smiled and sweetly replied. "It's Aria Windrider."
"Aria.........That's a really nice name." Spencer muttered without even realizing that Aria had heard what he said.
"Well, thank you."
"Can I know your full name?" Aria asked in a hopeful tone.
"It's Spencer. Spencer Newman." Spencer was enjoying his time talking to this village girl.
"Spencer is a nice name."
"Thank you. Aria, can I ask you something?"
"What is it?" Aria tilted her head and looked at Spencer. She did not realize how cute this looked in his eyes.
"I heard that every Ice Elf are expert at hunting and archery. Is that true?"
"Hahaha! From where did you hear such nonsense?" Aria laughed and asked.
Seeing this Spencer felt a little bit embarrassed for asking such a silly question. "Not everyone is good at hunting and archery. Yes, we are blessed with the natural talent of archery. But without training, we are not that good. In this tribe, out of the 27 members, only 15 of them are proper archers, and among them, only a few of them are experts at hunting."
"I see."
"Sir Spencer, can I ask you something?"
"You can drop the '??????' part and just call me Spencer. I don't mind at all. And go ahead. I will try my best to answer your question."
Aria smiled and nodded her head. "Are you single?"
"No." Spencer replied casually.
"Do you have any crush or anyone whom you love?" Although Spencer didn't understand why Aria was asking such questions, Spencer answer them truthfully. As he saw no reason to hide this information from her. If Aria was asking for sensitive information about the Istarin Empire, then Spencer wouldn't have replied.
"I don't have a crush." Hearing this, Spencer found Aria smiling even more. This made him confused.
'Why is she so happy?'
The next second, Aria took a step forward and came close to Spencer. "If you're free, then I can show you around this island."
"As much as I would like to accept your offer, I can't. But if I manage to complete my work before the meeting starts, then maybe I can spare some time for you." Spencer honestly replied. Spencer has to stay here and oversee everything. After all, Aditya had entrusted him with this job.
Hearing this Aria looked slightly disappointed but she didn't show it on her face. "I......"
????????!
She was interrupted by a loud voice. Spencer and Aria both frowned and looked at the person who just called her.
It was the son of the Elven Tribe Leader. His name was Sontar. Sontar was as tall as Spencer. But his body was leaner.
Seeing Sontar, Aria stepped back. Spencer noticed and also noticed the displeased look on her face.
Sontar walked up to Spencer and Aria with a jealous look. "Sir, I would like you to stay away from my fiance. You're our respected guest. Please stay that way." In a meaningful way, Sontar was warning Spencer to not overstep his boundaries.
Hearing this, the frown on Spencer's face grew. Spencer felt like slapping this arrogant ant. Who does he think he is?
Hearing that Aria was engaged, Spencer felt some pain in his heart. He felt uncomfortable. It was very difficult to explain in words. For the first time, in his life, he had experienced such emotions.
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[2500+ words chapter]
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