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Later matters are for later, but for now, work must be done. Jeongjae himself, overwhelmed by Margaret’s scolding all day, might as well have slapped her if it meant addressing the imminent threat of dragons, which was a far more pressing issue.

Guided by Margaret, Jeongjae stepped into the Royal Palace of Eramenia and gasped at the splendid sight of the grand hall, which was just as extravagant as its exterior.

Having witnessed the Emperor’s throne once before while receiving a title, Jeongjae felt that it wouldn’t be surprising if Eramenia’s ‘Great King’ proclaimed himself above any Emperor with the sheer magnificence of this palace. In terms of pure power, it was evident that the owner of this palace could very well surpass even the Demon King’s Castle.

Eramenia had never once shown its true intentions to the world. The Demon King likely planned an attack on the neighboring Elven Kingdom because they were far too fearful to act before Eramenia decided to move.

Eramenia’s windows are sharp, arrows fly swift, horses are fierce, and armor is tough. Dismounting cavalry to hand them shields turns them into the finest heavy infantry in the world. Handing horses to infantry transforms them into the most elite cavalry. With a citizen count capable of wielding weapons numbering over 200,000, every elf can fight to the last and every fairy knows how to don armor and fight; this nation could be called a military state beyond even ancient Sparta.

As Jeongjae marched forward, taking in the glorious golden-decorated walls inside the castle, he knew that looking around in such a place would be improper. He needed to walk forward confidently as if he had frequently witnessed such sights, appearing as casual as a drunkard gazing up at dried fish.

King Richard of Eramenia and Queen Angelica already knew of Jeongjae’s arrival and awaited him seated on golden thrones on a set of four stairs.

Just below the royal thrones lay an empty silver seat where Jeongjae instinctively recognized it as reserved for Margaret. In the Audrich Empire, Rose would occupy that same spot as the second-in-command, flaunting her position.

The position labeled ‘Chancellor’ or ‘Heir’ just below the first-in-command has a peculiar resonance. Not at the peak right now, yet being there signifies an impending status, or perhaps a rising star.

As Margaret, who had been walking beside Jeongjae, stepped slightly ahead to ascend the stairs and sat in her assigned silver chair, Jeongjae approached without flinching, kneeling before King Richard.

“I pay my respects to the Great King. I am Baron Jeongjae Park of the Audrich Empire, here to meet the great King Richard of Eramenia.”

“Rise, Baron. You are not merely a member of an imperial delegation today, but our nation’s most esteemed guest.”

At the King’s words, Jeongjae promptly rose. While alternating his gaze between Richard and Angelica, he paused suddenly upon noticing the Queen’s bulging belly.

“Is there a problem, Baron?”

Richard looked at Jeongjae with a worried expression. Caught off guard, Jeongjae shook his head and replied.

“No, there’s no problem. Yes, Your Majesty, I apologize for any concern I’ve caused.”

“You may speak frankly, Madosa.”

Margaret turned with a deadpan expression toward her mother.

“If something’s bothering you, just say it’s bothering you. I don’t know what you think of Elven culture, but at 840 years old, conceiving and having a baby when over 400 isn’t exactly normal even by Eramenia’s standards. I’ve no idea how I ended up in such a situation.”

“Ah, that must have been quite perplexing indeed.”

Richard finally understood why Jeongjae froze at the sight of his wife, offering a wry smile. Queen Angelica blushed, bowing her head.

“I apologize to our guest. It must seem rude for an elder fairy to sit with her belly full.”

“No, no! I simply—! I wasn’t sure if I should congratulate you on the pregnancy or if it was merely a misunderstanding, so I wasn’t sure how to offer my regards—”

“I sincerely thank you for your congratulations, Baron.”

With a gentle smile, the blonde elf Queen, resembling Margaret, responded warmly.

“Yes, the pregnancy, I sincerely congratulate you. Now, I would like to explain the reason for my visit to the Great King today.”

With the topic slightly awkward, Jeongjae quickly opened his mouth to get to the main point. King Richard nodded and leaned forward to listen.

“I too have been curious about why the Baron arrived so urgently. Surely it can’t be just to see my daughter or to tour the Kingdom of Eramenia? While I wouldn’t mind such reasons, from the rumors I’ve heard about you, you’re not one to cross borders without prior notice for trivial matters.”

“You’re correct, Your Majesty. I have come for two urgent news items.”

“Speak.”

“First, as the leader of the Southern Alliance and with permission from the lord of Eramenia, the hero of the Empire who fought under the laurel banner, Count Arthur Harker, passed away this dawn.”

“What?!”

“What did you say?!”

Richard’s expression soured instantly, and Margaret couldn’t contain her excitement, leaping to her feet. It wasn’t common for an ordinary fairy to react so intensely upon hearing that ‘Arthur Harker had died.’ In fact, most wouldn’t even know who he was or how important he was.

Yet for Margaret, who had fought long against humans, and Richard, who had been closely observing the situation with the awareness that he might jump into battle at any moment, that name held significant meaning.

“W-what happened? Is the Great Sage alright? She would’ve deeply adored her father!”

Margaret trembled, unable to shake off her concern for Jenis. Jeongjae nodded with a somber expression.

“The Vampire Lord invaded Baron Harriet’s Territory, completely devastating the land. Count Harker joined the battle to stop him and ultimately… succeeded in killing the Vampire Lord, but then was killed by the hands of the Demon King. As for Jenis… I think she’s processing it in her own way. Probably.”

The three high elves exchanged glances, sharing silent communication about this shocking news. As Margaret slowly returned to her seat, trying to compose herself, Richard frowned and opened his mouth again.

“Dead by the hands of the Demon King? The Demon King appeared in person, you’re saying, Baron?”

“Yes, the Demon King is a woman. Her name is Violet Moriarty. She is the daughter of the previous Demon King, James Moriarty, and a half-blood mixing the blood of succubi and vampires. There is no doubt about this fact.”

“Confused information indeed. If all the intel you provided is true, the world… the world is in turmoil. Do you understand? Count Harker’s death will not simply pass lightly over the Audrich Empire.”

“I might not grasp it fully myself.”

Jeongjae humbly bowed his head.

“But his daughter seems to understand that reality better than anyone. She mentioned that the chaos in the Empire would enchain everyone, including herself, but also said that Eramenia wouldn’t have the luxury to care about that problem.”

“That sounds a bit foreboding, Baron Park.”

Margaret nodded, swaying her head side to side. Jeongjae felt a tense gulp in his throat. The upcoming story was one he dreaded to voice. It was a simple yet necessary tale, but a complicated topic in front of the masters of Eramenia.

“There are talks of dragons planning to invade Eramenia. A count of ten. A scale that has never existed in history and should never exist in the future.”

“What?!”

Richard couldn’t hold back his excitement, abruptly standing. Margaret, who had already guessed this from Jeongjae’s earlier words, sighed deeply and hung her head. Queen Angelica, though not rising from her seat, turned pale, shaking with fear.

Perhaps concerned for his pregnant wife’s health, King Richard gestured for Angelica to step back.

“You stay back and collect your thoughts. Such matters are not for one carrying a child.”

“Then I shall excuse myself.”

Angelica quietly stood from her throne, not declining her husband’s consideration. Jeongjae, suddenly feeling apologetic, bowed deeply toward Angelica.

“I apologize for my insensitivity. The thought that such shocking news could harm Your Majesty and your child didn’t cross my mind—”

“Do not concern yourself.”

Richard interrupted Jeongjae. Though he said “don’t worry,” the tone hinted at his displeasure over the distressing information affecting Angelica. Jeongjae felt like a sinner once again, hunching his shoulders.

He hadn’t considered that aspect thoroughly enough. It was a part he should have been more mindful of. Ten dragons. Not even wyverns, but ten dragons.

Each one of those massive lizards is a disaster on the battlefield, and now ten of them were preparing to invade Eramenia. It’s shocking news that, in ancient times, a messenger bearing such bad news would have been executed on the spot.

Watching Angelica slowly clutch her belly and disappear behind the palace, Richard turned to Jeongjae again.

“Whose prophecy is this? Or is it observational intel? Either way, I must know the source of this news.”

“It’s from Jenis Harker. The Great Sage of the Magic Tower testified that it is undoubtedly the truth, so inquiring with her would offer more certainty.”

“No, then there’s no need to further inquire.”

Richard’s expression hardened.

“The red eyes of Reina are a great invention that cannot be mimicked by Elven magical tech. There has not existed a magical item capable of accurately seeing the past, present, and future like that since the Great Sage walked this earth a millennium ago. The Great Sage is of a status only those chosen by that staff can hope to attain. If the Great Sage has affirmed this, the chances of it being incorrect are nonexistent.”

“Father, grant me power.”

Suddenly, Margaret, who had kept silent for a moment, looked up at King Richard with determination etched on her face.

“You speak of power, Margaret?”

“Eramenia must take up arms. Did you not see the discussions in the council?”

“You didn’t participate in the council, Margaret. If dragons are plotting to invade our nation, it would be difficult for us elves to take up arms unless it’s officially announced.”

Richard wore a pained expression. As a king, he had a duty to actively heed the conservative anti-war opinions within the kingdom.

“It’s not difficult for me to lend you power now. Simply announcing the news given by this wizard to the kingdom would have anyone willing to take up arms rally around you. Yet I fear what may happen afterward.”

“What do you mean by ‘what happens afterward?’”

“That the four armies following the hero return home with the necklace. Right now, a significant part of Eramenia’s safety relies on the hero’s legion fighting against the Demon King’s army in the west. Though I cannot increase his power, to be frank, to be honest, I too…”

Richard was a wise man. While he pretended to oppose Eramenia’s involvement during arguments with Margaret, it was all merely a guise, a political maneuver.

In truth, Richard, living for over a millennium, understood better than anyone that the Elven Kingdom would eventually have to face the Demon King.

“I would prefer not to send them back. If we do, the Northern Expeditionary Force may not be able to counter a major offensive from the Demon King’s army and could be significantly pushed back. This would jeopardize the situation at the frontline and the very existence of the Audrich Empire. Especially since if it’s true that Arthur Harker died… the Empire could very well shatter with a single decision.”

“On that point, you need not worry, Father.”

Margaret suddenly stood, affirming her stance. Richard looked down at his daughter with a bewildered expression.

“What do you mean, my daughter?”

“They won’t be returning. Even if news of Eramenia’s defeat and the white flag reaches them, they will never return to their homeland.”

“I do not understand your words. How can that be?”

“Because they are my subordinates.”

In that moment, Margaret stood tall, shining brighter than King Richard himself.

“And because I commanded them not to return under any circumstances. Do not worry. Whatever news comes from Eramenia, the forces under this princess shall surely not disobey my commands and try to return to the forest. So, please, trust me and help me gather power, declare the threat of dragons, and help me seize all military power of the kingdom.”

Margaret knelt before the King, bowing her head. King Richard, contemplating with mixed feelings as he looked down at his daughter, swallowed once and spoke.

“I grant it.”

Richard frowned with a complex expression.

“But Margaret, being someone who can make even the wisest elves succumb to such blind loyalty, you’re either destined to be a beloved ruler among all elves or merely the seed that divides the kingdom.”

“I do not know which it is, Father. Yet, it remains just as clear as the forest is green that I am the only one who can take up arms and face the enemy at this moment.”

Margaret’s gaze was sharp and clear. She did not mind her father’s doubts about her possibly being a seed of division. That was how firmly rooted her confidence in herself was, as a proud fairy monarch.

 

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