Chapter 184 Meeting The Empress
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After a heartfelt reunion, Arthur leaned back in his seat within the elegant and vibrant room of the Jade Maiden Palace.
He listened attentively as Eve, the enigmatic beauty before him, began recounting the events that had unfolded in the empire during his absence.
"Eve, tell me everything," Arthur said, his interest piqued.
Eve's eyes sparkled as she delved into the intricate web of political machinations, the growing strength of the other princes, and the preparations taking place in anticipation of the Grand Martial Arts Tournament.
She painted a detailed picture of the shifting alliances, the power struggles, and the current state of affairs within the empire.
"Prince Kalius has been making strategic alliances and expanding his influence," Eve informed him. "Prince Cedric, though reclusive, has also been amassing formidable forces. And as for Prince Xavier, his military might is unmatched. The empire has become a powder keg, with each prince vying for supremacy."
"But amongst all, Prince Julius is the one who has not made much movement except his recent visit to the Heavenly Sword Sect."
As she spoke, Arthur couldn't help but admire Eve's insightful analysis of the empire's dynamics.
She had always been his trusted source of information, and her knowledge was as vast as it was accurate.
Their conversation took a more somber turn as Eve shared concerning news about Helia, Arthur's devoted maid.
She had been thriving in the Hartfield Royal Academy, even founding a faction of in the academy as Arthur instructed her. However, recent events had placed her in a precarious situation.
"Helia faced an obstacle," Eve explained.
"A rival faction, backed by Prince Kalius, has been making life difficult for her and her faction members. They're trying to undermine her influence."
Arthur's brows furrowed at the news. Helia was like a sister to him, and he couldn't stand the thought of her being in harm's way.
"Is she all right?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Eve nodded reassuringly. "She's a resilient one, and also very strategic in her means. She's holding her ground, but it's become a tense situation. You might need to step in soon."
"Of course," Arthur replied, determination flashing in his eyes. "I'll ensure she receives the assistance she needs, after all...I too will be joining the fray in the academy."
Their conversation shifted to a different topic, one that Arthur had been eagerly awaiting.
He inquired about the progress of the three individuals he had discreetly sent to Eve for a specific mission.
Eve's eyes twinkled mischievously. "They are exceeding expectations, Prince. Their plans are progressing smoothly, and the seeds you planted are beginning to bear fruit."
Arthur nodded, satisfaction washing over him. He recalled the bandits he had met when he went to Blue Crystal City.
After some more chatting and catching up, Arthur reluctantly rose from his seat. "Eve, it's been wonderful seeing you again, but I must return to my palace. There are matters I need to attend to."
Eve smiled, her veiled face hiding her emotions. "Take care, Arthur. I'll be here if you ever need my assistance."
With a final, lingering glance, Arthur made his way out of the Jade Maiden Palace, a wealth of information and insights at his disposal.
Back in his royal palace, Arthur summoned Luke. As Luke entered his presence, a sense of purpose emanated from him.
"Luke," Arthur began, "I have arranged a teacher for you, someone who can help you unlock the full potential of your martial spirit."
Luke's eyes widened with anticipation and gratitude. "Thank you, Prince Arthur. I'm ready to learn."
As they conversed, a subtle presence entered the room one that neither Luke couldn't detect, but Arthur did.
The Shadow Guard, cloaked in darkness, materialized before them, his shadowy presence causing a reaction from Luke.
"Wha-?!"
Without delay, the Shadow Guard whisked Luke away, disappearing into the shadows before the young man could react.
"What?!"
Luke found himself in a dimly lit cave, the walls adorned with eerie shadows. He was immediately on guard.
A disembodied voice echoed through the cavern, its tone filled with authority and expectation. "Your training begins now, young one. I do this for the Prince, and I hope you will not disappoint me."
His eyes widened in surprise and understanding.
'So this was the training Master talked about. But isn't this too abrupt?' he thought.
But nevertheless, Luke's determination blazed within him as he faced the unknown challenge ahead. "I won't disappoint you, nor Prince Arthur. I'll give it my all."
In the palace, Arthur watched the place where Luke had stood, a thoughtful expression on his face.
He had entrusted Luke with an opportunity for growth, and he hoped that it would lead to great strength – a strength that would be crucial in the tumultuous times to come.
_____
As Luke was spirited away by the enigmatic Shadow Guard, Arthur turned his attention to the next matter at hand.
He summoned Sun Wukong, the now prideful 'Monkey King'.
'Hmm, he was always prideful originally though...at least the previous him.'
"Sun Wukong, what are your plans for the days leading up to the Grand Martial Arts Tournament?" Arthur inquired.
Sun Wukong grinned, his mischievous demeanor still intact. "I've got an itch for adventure. I plan to roam the continent, gather some some things that are waiting for me to take them, and maybe even stir up a bit of trouble along the way, hehe."
Amusement danced in Arthur's eyes as he considered his Wukong's words. "I can help with that."
With a wave of his hand, Arthur conjured a badge adorned with the symbol of the royal family – a token of his favor.
He also presented a ring filled with ample resources, a sight that even surprised the ever-lively Sun Wukong.
"Consider these your travel companions," Arthur said with a smile. "And take this thick book as well. It contains invaluable information about the various places on the continent. It should prove quite useful on your journey."
Sun Wukong accepted the offerings, genuine gratitude in his eyes. "You're not as insufferable as I thought, Arthur. But remember, when I return, I'll challenge and defeat you."
Arthur chuckled, their camaraderie intact. "I look forward to it, Monkey King." He didn't take what Sun Wukong said to heart at all.
"You still look down on me huh? Don't worry you won't be complacent for long," Sun Wukong grinned.
With a final wave, Sun Wukong left the palace, ready to embark on his continent-spanning adventure.
Once he had departed, Arthur took out a special token and activated it to transmit a message to the Emperor.
He informed the Emperor of his intention to visit the Empress, a gesture of concern for her well-being.
The Emperor's response came swiftly, "I am already with her. Come to her chambers, Arthur."
Arthur nodded in acknowledgment and made his way to the chamber where the Empress rested.
He was accompanied by a few servants who followed respectfully in his wake.
Upon entering the chamber, Arthur beheld a sight that filled him with both sorrow and determination.
The Empress lay serenely on a pristine, luster-glowing jade bed, her eyes closed as if in deep slumber.
A protective rune barrier enveloped her, with ethereal lights floating within, lending an otherworldly aura to the room.
The Emperor stood at her side, his expression a mixture of worry and hope.
As Arthur approached, he couldn't help but wonder about the mysterious ailment that had befallen the Empress, shrouding her in an enigmatic coma.
As Arthur entered the chamber, he greeted the Emperor, who was standing vigil beside the ethereal Empress.
There was an air of somberness in the room, one that weighed heavy on their hearts.
He approached the Empress's bedside and observed her features. Her beauty, even in her current state, was undeniable, but her skin was as pale as death itself.
A hint of life remained, as evidenced by her faint breaths, which Arthur could now sense with his newfound power.
He could also detect a peculiar, negative aura lingering in her soul, a disturbance that filled him with unease.
'What is this negative aura?' Arthur wondered about what he was sensing with his soul power.
He was also certain tha Emperor couldn't sense it as his soul power was not as strong as Arthur's.
The Emperor spoke softly, his voice tinged with sorrow. "Arthur, she has been growing weaker by the day. If this continues, I fear she may lose her life."
Arthur's gaze remained fixed on the Empress as he pondered the situation.
Then, a glimmer of determination crossed his eyes, and he turned to the Emperor. "Your Majesty, I might have a way to help her."
The Emperor's eyes widened with hope, and he nodded earnestly. "Are you sure? If there is a way please tell, I trust you. Anything you require, do not hesitate to ask. If there's a chance to save her, we must take it."
Just as their discussion began to take shape, a message interrupted them.
"Hmm, I understand. Tell her to wait, I will be with her shortly."
"I will be leaving now. I have a meeting to attend to. You can spend some time with your mother in the meantime."
With that, the Emperor departed, leaving Arthur alone in the chamber. He glanced around the now-empty room and, with a quiet authority, issued a directive to an unseen presence.
"Leave. I wish to be alone."
In response to his command, a certain corner of the room trembled ever so slightly, and an invisible figure, likely a guard, complied with Arthur's request, and his presence disappeared.
Now alone, Arthur summoned Cora and Aixen, who appeared by his side simultaneously.
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