"Individuals aspiring to become legends, and creatures capable of battling the Vylkr vines. These are the only bits of information I can offer you for now," Orion said, his wry smile still lingering.
Ironically, he couldn't help but reflect on the situation.
The Prismerian Kingdom was eager to escape the mountain and return to the surface, braving whatever dangers awaited them. Yet, Orion was certain that if given the choice, the Village would willingly isolate themselves from the outside world, much like what they did to the farm.
"As for the rest, you'll have to see it for yourself," he concluded.
Queen Selene stared at Orion with wide eyes, her ears perking up the moment she heard his words, absorbing every bit of information that spilt from his lips.
'Runaway Cities, individuals aspiring to be legends, and creatures capable of battling the Vylkr vines,' she thought, repeating these words like a mantra, as if trying to etch them into her memory.
She wasn't alone in her attempt, as Elysia was doing her best to commit these words to memory as well.
Queen Selene felt her lips tremble as she finally spoke to Orion. "Is... everything you've said true?" Her voice was tinged with a mixture of excitement and apprehension.
Although his descriptions were vague and left her craving more details, she sensed his reluctance to share further information, so she left it at that since it wasn't as if she could compel him to divulge more than he was willing to provide.
"Yes," Orion nodded in response.
While he had his doubts about the validity of Stronghold Leader Drakar's information, considering how confident and sincere he had seemed when proposing their escape before plummeting them in the hot balloon, he also considered the possibility they had been deceived by the caravans.
This would mean that Stronghold Leader Drakar was out there searching for a place that might not exist.
As for the consequences of lying to the Prismerian Kingdom, Orion was prepared to face them when the time came.
Queen Selene nodded solemnly at Orion's words, then turned to Elysia, saying, "You may leave us, Elysia. We will discuss your punishment later." She had regained her composure, maintaining control over her emotions, which had briefly threatened to overwhelm her.
Elysia nodded, her body trembling slightly one last time before she turned and left, closing the door behind her.
Queen Selene spoke, saying, "Firstly, I am thankful that you've given me any explanation, no matter how vague it may seem. I also apologize for the rude behaviour of my headmaid; she isn't usually like that. Perhaps something might have unsettled her today." She smiled faintly as she gazed at Orion.
Orion responded, "I don't believe you should punish her, at least not this time. Since, it's her first time doing something like this, perhaps a warning would suffice. If she repeats her mistake, then you can give a more severe punishment."
Since Elysia might be carrying his child, he wasn't comfortable with the idea of watching her be harshly penalized.
Queen Selene nodded in response and said, "Alright, I'll remember that."
She could see that her efforts to make Orion more comfortable in the Prismerian Kingdom had paid off, especially with the way he had responded to Elysia's issue.
After all, it was Elysia's interjection that prompted him to answer in the first place.
Queen Selene cleared her throat and continued, "Ahem! Let's continue then. Have you thought about the proposal I offered you in exchange for the promises you earned from various clan heirs?"
Orion nodded and replied, "Yes, I have. I would like to hold onto them for now."
Queen Selene stared at Orion, her brows furrowed in confusion for a moment, before she shook her head and released a deep breath.
"I'm confused. While you can make any reasonable request according to the limited number of wishes you currently possess, I don't think you're unaware that, given the current state of the kingdom, they are essentially useless," she said. "Yes, you have the strength to enforce your requests, but just in case you aren't aware, it's not too late to realize that the Prismerions are stubborn individuals. Our confinement in this mountain has only increased our stubbornness, which had even led to the Three Great Slaughter. They would rather die fighting than entertain the kind of requests you might wish for."
"Also, just in case I haven't mentioned it, the royal family is prepared to offer something valuable in exchange," Queen Selene quickly added, her words making Orion raise a brow. "However, if in the end, you choose not to accept, I can only uphold the promise made by the king and ensure that your requests are granted."
Despite completely understanding what the Queen was trying to convey, Orion simply nodded and said, "Alright," before swiftly moving on to the next topic.
"I'm curious to know if the royal family or the Crystalforge clan plans to retaliate," he asked, his gaze curious.
Orion wasn't overly concerned about Queen Selene's words; he could tell that she was anxious due to the current situation and was attempting to indirectly persuade him to work with them.
'Force them with my strength?' Orion snorted at that statement.
Why should he use his strength when he was sure that they would go above and beyond to ensure his wishes were fulfilled due to his status as a foreigner from beyond the mountain and his strength?
So why would they take such a risk and refuse his request, especially when he hadn't even planned to ask for too much and might very well be their only way out of this insufferable mountain?
Of course, unless he was dealing with individuals whose brains needed a jump-start from the sun, Queen Selene's words might indeed be true.
But truthfully, he was already tempted to give his promises to the Royal family, as he could probably guess what they were going to use them for, based on the impression he had drawn from the king's speech.
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