IX.

IX.

‘Unusual ‘Imperial Ruler’

Author's Note: Please don't even try to plagiarize, illegally copy this story (and its terminologies which are mentioned in the following/previous chapters) or even try to distribute a soft copy. Do not test me. Thank you.

Previously on ‘Tale of the Demon Ruler’: Back in ‘Earth’, that night, Dr. Markus went to visit Shouta inside his apartment where he unintentionally scared Mr. Sir and Mrs. Lady with his stained lab coat. Few minutes later, Hiiro also arrives informing Dr. Markus and Shouta about their strange observations back at Ms. Castellia’s properties and reported about the disappearance of ‘Harue’s Silhouette’ inside the ‘Rusty Gate’. Meanwhile in ‘Alementalia’, back in ‘Wathyria’, Kazuki and Kenji has an argument about that specific past event when their parents and Ms. Georgia barged in and interrupted their fight. Back in the ‘Central District’, Lilia’s group of mercenaries and Ms. Mai were also having argument when they got interrupted by the loud commotion outside their meeting place. With the help of Felipe, Rai won against ‘Lyon’ and ‘Ryo’; ‘Lyon’ got mad to ‘Ryo’ for losing in the last round, frustrated as he lost the chance to help his imaginary friend, Mr. ‘Ba-al’. Ms. Julie suddenly barged in afterwards, informing Rai and the others about the ‘Snow Bandits’ that were currently ransacking the ‘Imperial Dormitories’.

That afternoon

‘Central District’

Along the Streets,

Ms. Mai, along with Sir Yuki and Ms. Janice’s groups are seen helping their fellow villagers evacuate back to their shops and stores.

“Everyone, over here! Hurry!” Mr. ‘Aethyrian’ #1 said as he called out to the other villagers.

“Everyone! Hurry! Get your children to safety.” Ms. Mai exclaimed as she yelled back at their fellow villagers.

“Mother! Mother, where are you?” Theo exclaimed as he was carrying little Felipe onto his arms.

“Theo, I’m over here. What happened?” Ms. Janice exclaimed as she called out to Theo.

“Mother! I found this ‘Elf Child’ wandering alone along this street. Please help me return him to his parents.” Theo nervously said as he pleaded to his mother.

“I understand! Hm? This little ‘Elf Child’ seems not afraid from those ‘Snow Bandits’.” Ms. Janice said as she wondered and tousled Felipe’s hair.

“Uh? That is because I do not understand what is happening, Ms. ‘Village Chief’. Why is everyone panicking? Why they are carrying those weapons? Who are those ‘Snow Bandits’ anyway?” Felipe curiously said as he asked Ms. Janice.

“Ms. ‘Village Chief’ – Huh?! How did you know that?” Ms. Janice exclaimed and asked Felipe.

“Uh? You, your highness, have the same unique scent just like that Mister who received my card during that game. It is just sad that he also forgot to say goodbye after he simply abandoned me, standing alone that sidewalk to run away with her Majesty’s group earlier.” Felipe said as he pouted back at Ms. Janice and Theo.

“Your highnesses! Hurry, we must take cover as well.” Sir Yuki exclaimed as he approached Ms. Janice and the others.

“Everyone, we will return him back to his family later. For the meantime, let’s leave.” Ms. Mai said as she instructed to her group.

“I understand. Sir Yuki, please lead us the way.” Ms. Janice said as she commanded to Sir Yuki.

“As you wish, your highness. Mr. Carlo is currently waiting for us outside Mr. Simoun’s Bakery. We can use that shop as our temporary hiding place but sadly, that is located on the other side of the ‘Central District’.” Sir Yuki said as he explained to Ms. Mai and the others.

“Mr. ‘Upper Knight’, I guess we can use that narrow alley behind you as a shortcut to get there fast.” Theo seriously said as he suggested to Sir Yuki.

“Y-You are right! We can use this alley to get there fast. Good job, Theo!” Ms. Mai cheerfully said as he tousled Theo’s hair.

“I understand. We will take this alley. Everyone, please follow me.” Sir Yuki seriously said as he drew out his Long Sword and then started walking going inside the alley.

Inside this Dark Alley…

Sir Yuki’s group are seen carefully walking inside this dark alley, still being cautious around their surroundings.

“Do not worry, little ‘Elf Child’ we are almost there.” Theo softly said as he hugged Theo.

“I’m not worried, Sir. On the other hand, all of you seem to be scared of these ‘Snow Bandits’.” Felipe softly said as he looked up onto Theo.

“Yes, you are right. Those naughty ‘Bandits’ was once attacked our poor village and ended up stealing every metal, gems, and at least five vials of ‘Liquid Irons’ our ‘Red Blacksmiths’ use in forging those weapons.” Theo softly said he tells to Felipe.

'Snow Bandits' are troll-like, 'Alementalia's native land creatures who possess the strange magic of creating a spiraling sinkhole made of powdered snow they called as ‘White Pit’.

“Huh?! I’m so sorry for accidentally bumping behind you, Lady Mai.” Theo softly said as he apologized to Ms. Mai.

“No. That’s fine. Now, both of you, please stay closer to me and do not let go of that ‘Elf Child’, Theo.” Ms. Mai nervously said as she instructed to Theo and Felipe.

“Everyone, stop! Damn it!” Sir Yuki exclaimed as he instructed to his group.

“Uh? Is there something wrong, Sir Yuki?” Ms. Janice nervously said as she asked Sir Yuki.

“We finally found you, little ‘Elf’!” Mr. Troll Sub-Leader #1 exclaimed as he and his group of ten ‘Bandits’ slowly dug their way out of the ground and then seized Sir Yuki’s right foot directly inside their ‘White Pit’.

“Damn it! Everyone, get away from me! Hurry!” Sir Yuki exclaimed as he managed to push Ms. Janice and the others away from him.

“Sir Yuki?! Damn it! Let Sir Yuki go and return back to the Northern Mountains, you damn ugly trolls.” Ms. Janice angrily said as she shouted back at Mr. Troll Sub-Leader #1.

“Ugly huh? How dare you insult us like that?! Those ‘Green Ogres’ that we fought earlier are way uglier than us ‘Snow Bandits’.” Mr. Troll Sub-Leader #1 angrily said as he aimed his medieval knife and shouted back at Ms. Janice.

“D-Damn it. We have been surrounded and currently outnumbered, your highness. Sir Yuki’s right leg is still trapped inside that ‘White Pit’. What are we going to do?” Ms. Mai softly said as she approached Ms. Janice.

“Damn it! Theo, listen carefully, Lady Mai and I will create a distraction by trapping these ‘Bandits’ onto those walls. Meanwhile, we are doing that I want you to run as fast as you can out of this alley and then take that ‘Elf Child’ to his safety.” Ms. Janice softly said as he instructed to Theo.

“But? Mother, I would like to stay in here and help you fight these ‘Bandits’.” Theo seriously said as he tells to his mother.

“Huh?! I-I understand. But how are you going to fight and help us while carrying that ‘Elf Child’?” Ms. Janice said as she smiled and asked Theo.

“I wonder what they are talking about. Ow-Ouch… Damn it! Undo this ‘Alementalian’ magic at once, you sneaky bastard.” Sir Yuki angrily said as he aimed his Long Sword at shouted back at Mr. Troll Sub-Leader #1.

“Hahaha! Serves you right, damn ‘Upper Knight’! That ‘White Pit’ also acts like a quicksand, eventually sinking and crushing your right leg into pieces under that freezing, spiral-moving snow.” Mr. Troll Sub-Leader #1 boastfully said as he went mad and then laughed out.

“Sir Yuki! Everyone, we have to immediately pull him out of that ‘Pit’.” Ms. Mai said as she started panicking and then approached Sir Yuki.

“Lady Mai, please stop! If we do that, we will end up crushing his entire right leg afterwards.” Ms. Janice exclaimed as she and Theo stopped Ms. Mai.

“Now, we have them all rounded up, my fellow ‘Bandits’ seize that ‘Elf Child’ away from that guy!” Mr. Troll Sub-Leader #1 said as he commanded to the other trolls.

“Everyone, I have a plan. Hide beside me and do not move.” Sir Yuki said as he instructed to Ms. Mai and the others.

Ms. Mai’s group immediately ran behind Sir Yuki as he lowered down his Long sword.

“The ground is quaking… Everyone, get down and cover!” Ms. Janice exclaimed as she immediately hugged Theo and Felipe.

‘Oh, creepy Crawlers,

Though despised by many

Do hear out my plea

And help us out of here

I summon thee, come forth,

My Critters’ Squadron.’

Sir Yuki said as he began enchanting his ‘Earth-Alementalian’ magic, summoning a dozen of dirty rats, stray kittens, disgusting roaches, nasty fruit flies and moths followed by a colony of fire ants inside the alley.

“Lady Janice, I just saw a cockroach fly over your head.” Felipe cheerfully said as he tells to Ms. Janice who flinched afterwards.

“Mother? Mother! Come on, now is not the right time to be a drama queen. I know that you are mortified with roaches but that one Felipe saw just flew over your head and did not landed onto it. ” Theo exclaimed as he started panicking and then approached Ms. Janice.

“I see. You were that rumored ‘Aethyrian’ child who has the ability to summon and communicate with these strange creatures just like Lady Annie and Sir Akito’s. ” Ms. Mai nervously said as she glared back at Sir Yuki.

“Yes. This ‘Earth-Alementalian’ magic is quite different from what my other siblings possesses. I used to hate this magic of mine but I eventually grow fond of it.” Sir Yuki said as he smiled back Ms. Mai.

“Then, I hope this plan of your will get us out of here alive.” Ms. Mai said as she approached Ms. Janice and the others.

“I was wondering that as well. Now, everyone…Seize and take those ‘Snow Bandits’ out of the ‘Central District’!” Sir Yuki said as he commanded to his alley creatures.

“D-Damn it! We have to get out of here.” Mr. Troll Sub-Leader #1 nervously said as he and his group flinched in fear and then started running out of the alley.

Sir Yuki’s strange ‘Squadron’ immediately chased and caught up with this ‘Snow Bandits’ and mercilessly began dragging them one by one out of the ‘District’.

“Yes! Sir Yuki’s plan worked! Their ‘White Pit’ stopped from spiraling and we can now help you get out of there, Sir Yuki.” Theo exclaimed as he looked at Sir Yuki.

“Theo, please come in here and help me pull him out of this ‘Pit’. Hurry!” Ms. Mai said as she called out to Theo.

“I understand. Felipe, please stay in here, okay? I will be right back.” Theo said as he gently put Felipe down on the ground, beside his mother.

“I understand. Then…Bye, Bye, Mr. Rat. See you later!” Felipe cheerfully said as he waved back at Sir Yuki’s ‘Squadron’.

“What a strange way to be hunted and tossed out of this alley…Ow-Ouch, my migraine got a lot worse after seeing those icky roaches.” Ms. Janice softly said as she sighed in disbelief.

“Now, Theo on my command, we will each grab his arms and gently pull him out of there before his entire lower body get sink in, understand?” Ms. Mai said as she instructed to Theo.

“As you wish, your highness.” Theo cheerfully said he grabbed Sir Yuki’s right arm.

“Sir Theo…your odd personality reminds me of Sir Terry.” Sir Yuki said as he smiled back at Theo who got flustered afterwards.

“Sir?! I’m nothing but the only son of a poor family of former ‘Red Blacksmiths’ so please call me ‘Theo’ – Huh?! Mother, Sir Carlo has arrived.” Theo nervously said as he explained to Sir Yuki.

“Lady Mai, please stand aside. I will assist Sir Theo instead.” Mr. Carlo said as he and his group arrived and ran inside the alley.

“Sir Carlo? Thank goodness. We must hurry and help Sir Yuki.” Ms. Mai nervously said as she stepped away from the ‘Pit’.

“I’m so sorry for being late, Sir Yuki. Now, Sir Theo, on my count…one, two, and three!” Mr. Carlo said as he instructed to Theo.

“There you are, Felipe! Thank goodness, you are safe as well.” Queen Faeya exclaimed as she and Princess Faiye approached Ms. Janice and Felipe.

“Mama! Ms. ‘Village Chief’ and her group saved me from those bad ‘Snow Bandits’ who also called Ms. Perisia’s children ugly while chasing us inside this alley earlier.” Felipe said as he reported to her mother.

“Ugly?! Just to be freaking clear, my children are the most adorable two, short-horned ‘Green Ogres’ that you will ever meet! Those grotesque ‘Bandits’ should at least try to examine their reflections on the mirror before judging someone else.” Ms. Perisia angrily said as she clenched her right fist.

“Mother! Please calm down. We still need to chase them, remember?” Sammy plainly said as he was seen carrying a wooden lamp post on his right hand.

“Yes! We still need to hunt and apprehend those ‘Bandits’. Anyway, I wonder where they ran off too.” Ms. Janice said as she crossed her arms.

Few minutes later, Mr. Carlo and Theo successfully managed to pull Sir Yuki out of the ‘Pit’. Then, they carefully laid him beside Ms. Janice onto the ground.

“Ms. ‘Ogres’ Chief’, I sensed that ‘Squadron’ are currently chasing them along the ‘Main Street’ four blocks away from this alley.” Sir Yuki softly said as he rests on the ground.

“Thank you for sharing that information, Mister. Rest well, Sir ‘Upper Knight’. Sammy, bring that lamp post and follow me.” Ms. Janice said as she ran away, followed by Sammy and his lamp post.

That Afternoon

‘Imperial Dormitories’

Front Gardens…

Ricard and Glenda, two of Ms. Julie’s ‘Apprentices’ are seen waiting for her inside the front gardens.

“Children, I’m back. And I brought some back-up.” Ms. Julie said as she and the others arrived inside the garden.

“Lady Julie! Thank goodness. You see -…Huh?! G-Greetings, your Grace!” Ricard nervously as he noticed Rai smiling back at him.

“Good afternoon as well, Sir Ricard. We came in here to help you two apprehend those ‘Snow Bandits’.” Rai cheerfully said as she giggled.

“What?! But? Thank you very much your Grace but your safety must come first.” Glenda exclaimed as she tells to Rai.

“Stop it, Glenda. Her Majesty is oddly stubborn enough to ignore your request.” Ms. Julie said as she sighed in disbelief.

“Do not worry, Lady Glenda. I will be just fine. Now, where are those ‘Bandits’?” Rai seriously said as she asked Glenda.

“According to the witnesses that we interviewed ten minutes ago, the second group of ‘Snow Bandits’ were last seen starting an arson inside the fifth floor of Building B. while the third group were found looting inside the apartment room along the sixth floor of Building D.” Glenda said as she reported to Rai and the others.

“We also received reports that the last group of these said ‘Bandits’ are seen wandering around the ‘Imperial Court Head Quarters’, threatening our fellow villagers who were assigned in the re-structuring of the front ‘Guarding Walls’ this afternoon.” Ricard said as he also reported to Rai.

“I understand. Thank you very much, Sir Ricard and Lady Glenda. An arson huh?” Rai said as she wondered.

“What are we going to do, your Majesty? We cannot just let these ‘Bandits’ to wander and destroy everyone’s hard work and efforts in partially rebuilding the ‘Central District’ and Head Quarters within these past seven days.” Mr. Sai said as he reminded to Rai.

“Now, everyone, please listen to me. I’m going to divide this group into three separate rescue teams. The first group, led by Sir Ricard, will go back to the Head Quarters and protect the others from those nasty invaders while the second group, led by Mr. Sai, along with Sir Eito will stop those ‘Bandits’ wandering inside the Building D while the second group led by Ms. Julie along with myself and Lady Emi will head out and visit the Building B.” Rai seriously said as she instructed to Ms. Julie and the others.

“We understand, your Grace. We will let your down.” Ricard seriously said as he started running away, followed by Glenda.

“As you wish, your Majesty. Sir Eito, please lead us the way.” Mr. Sai said as he instructed to Eito.

“I understand. Please be careful, your Majesty.” Eito cheerfully said as he drew out his Long Sword and then started running away, followed by Mr. Sai.

“Now…Lady Julie, please lead us the way going inside the Building B – Huh? Is there something wrong?” Rai said as she and Emi wondered and stared back at Ms. Julie.

“Your Majesty? A-Are you sure that you want me to lead us on this rescue mission?” Ms. Julie exclaimed as she asked Rai.

“Yes. I do trust you to lead us on this one, Lady Julie.” Rai cheerfully said as she smiled back at Ms. Julie.

“Huh?! Where did that loud explosion came from - Your Majesty! Look up there. The arson has already begun!” Emi exclaimed as she approached and reported to Rai.

“Thank you so much, your Majesty! Now, please follow me and let’s hunt those ‘Snow Bandits’.” The overjoyed Ms. Julie exclaimed as she raised up her wooden staff and then ran away, followed by Rai and Emi.

Building B.

Fifth Floor

Inside the Hallway…

Mayumi is seen arguing with Hikaru while they walking back to her apartment.

“Why? Why would you have to do that?” Mayumi angrily said as she asked and shouted back at Hikaru.

“Are you even listening to that discussion earlier? I did that to win for myself. That’s it.” Hikaru angrily said as he stopped from walking and shouted back at Mayumi.

“Not that, stupid! I mean why you would have to take off your mask and reveal your true identity in front of Lady Rai?” Mayumi seriously said as she explained to Hikaru who flinched.

“I only did that to entertain the audience. What are you so worried about?” Hikaru curiously said as he asked Mayumi.

“To Entertain - What? Worried?! Of course, you were so busy on disarming everyone that you have not noticed that same, alive guy I shot with a poisoned arrow before.” Mayumi exclaimed as she started panicking and shouted back at Hikaru.

“Oh? You mean Sir Theo? I did noticed him watching behind his mother and amongst the curious spectators during the dance performance this morning.” Hikaru cheerfully said as he scratched his head.

“You did? Then, how dare you simply ignore him? Unbelievable! Lady Lilia concocted the poison infused on that arrow’s head I used to shot at him. How the hell that witness is still alive?! W-What if he already told his mother about that shooting incident?! We will be punished and then…and then…it is over for me. I cannot let that happen!” Mayumi seriously said as she went mad and glared back at Hikaru.

“We? Mayumi, please calm down. I’m sure that coward will not do anything that will risk his friendly relationship with her – I mean with Rai. Damn it!” Hikaru sadly said as he sighed in disbelief.

“Yes. You heard me right. I will personally sell you and the other seven mercenaries out to the ‘Imperial Council’ and tell Sir Sai the truth.” Mayumi said as she threatened Hikaru.

“Do whatever you want. I’m pretty sure that nobody will never believe in you anyway.” Hikaru said as he smirked back at Mayumi who flinched afterwards.

“Hey – have you ever once thought that Lady Rai is doing all of this on her own volition? I mean I did noticed that she is mad and ambitious enough to deceive Princess Harue, selecting her as her ‘Chosen Candidate’.” Mayumi curiously said as she asked Hikaru.

“Being mad is possible but ambitious? I do not think so. Trust me, after hearing that final ruling on her assault case, her Majesty desires something more than those five ‘Imperial Crowns’ and the Kingdom’s Throne.” Hikaru sadly said as he crossed his arms.

“Then…I wonder what it is – Huh!? Hikaru, come in here.” Mayumi said as she seized Hikaru’s right arm and then pulled him towards her.

“Huh!? Why? Get away from me! What was just happened?” Hikaru exclaimed as he got flustered and gently pushed Mayumi away from him.

“W-Why are you so flustered?! I only saved you from triggering and tripping onto that thin, silk-like sharp thread placed behind your lower, left foot.” Mayumi exclaimed as she blushed and explained to Hikaru.

“We are here. Huh?! Your Majesty, Sir Hikaru and Lady Mayumi are also in here to assist us.” Ms. Julie exclaimed as she reported to Rai.

“Ah! Y-Yes. I-I can see that, Lady Julie.” Rai nervously said as she flinched in fear and simply walked away to hide behind Emi.

“Your Majesty, are you alright?” Emi soflty said as she asked Rai.

“Huh?! I-I’m fine! I’m fine. I’m so sorry for spacing out.” Rai exclaimed as she smiled back at Emi.

“This Dormitory building has been invaded by those ‘Snow Bandits’ and they are currently hiding inside this floor.” Ms. Julie said as she tells to Mayumi and Hikaru.

“I see. Now, I know who placed this invisible thread trap inside and along this entire Hallway.” Mayumi proudly said as she took out her bow and arrow.

“Thin threads? That’s amazing, Lady Mayumi. Something that I expect from an ‘Archer’ with a complete 20 20 vision.” Ms. Julie exclaimed as she approached Mayumi.

“’Snow Bandits’ huh? You mean those troll-like land creatures currently looting out a jewelry box out of Lady Mayumi’s room behind us?” Hikaru said as he turned around and asked Ms. Julie.

“N-No…Stop! Not that wooden box! That is where I hide those precious gifts Kazuki and Kenji gave to me. Stop!” Mayumi exclaimed as she started panicking and shouted back at the ‘Bandits’.

“I see. Then, my hunch is right after all! Everyone, we hit the jackpot!” Mr. Tholie said as he and his troll henchmen smirked back at Ms. Julie’s group.

“Damn it! Your Majesty, what are we going to do?” Ms. Julie softly said as she asked Rai.

“Oh? So, you are the rumored new ‘Imperial Ruler’ of this Kingdom? I’m Mr. Tholie, the Leader of these ‘Snow Bandits’. It is our pleasure to meet you, your Majesty.” Mr. Tholie said as he introduced himself to Rai.

“I see…Then, thank you for that introduction. I can now identify that single, ugly troll responsible for this mess.” Rai plainly said as she looked at Mr. Tholie.

“Ugly?! How dare you insult us like that, ‘Fireiyan Witch’?” Mr. Tholie angrily said as he shouted back at Rai.

“Everyone, apprehend that rude ‘Bandit’.” Rai seriously said as she commanded to Ms. Julie and the others.

“As you wish, your Majesty. But how are we going to do that while these invisible threads are all over inside this Hallway?” Mayumi softly said she asked Rai.

“Oh! May I remind you that these sharp threads can instantly cut your flesh, eventually turning all you into paper shreds… so, please do try your best to entertain and catch us before that last set of explosives we have placed inside this Hallway explodes.” Mr. Tholie boastfully said as he taunted Rai and the others.

“Lady Mayumi, since you are the only one who can sense their invisible trap, could you at least guide us while we try to find and attempt to cut those threads?” Rai said as she took the ‘Imperial Sword’ out of its scabbard and asked Mayumi.

“But?! Ah! I understand, your Majesty. Please be careful though.” Mayumi exclaimed as she groaned out and scratched her head.

“Now, where is the first thread?” Hikaru said as he took out his Iron Spear and asked Mayumi.

“The first set of threads are 90 degrees behind you, Hikaru. Your Majesty, the second set of these threads are located around your lower waist while Lady Emi’s are located around her right leg. Ms. Julie, yours are located few meters above your head.” Mayumi said as she instructed to Rai and the others.

“Hahaha! This is so hilarious! Everyone, look at these fools trying to sway around their weapons, hoping to find and cut our invisible threads.” Mr. Tholie said as he went mad and laughed out.

“Hey Boss, how about we finally carry this box out of here? I’m sure everyone is excited to open this box back at the Northern Mountains.” Mr. Troll Sub-Leader #2 said as he presented the box to Mr. Tholie.

“I see. How about we just smash open that box in here while we watch – A stray arrow?! Everyone, duck!” Mr. Tholie said as he warned his henchmen.

“Hm? My poisoned arrow missed its targets? That is weird.” Mayumi seriously said as she lowered down her bow.

“Damn it! Everyone, follow me! Let’s get out of here.” Mr. Tholie exclaimed as he flinched in fear and then started running away from Mayumi and the others.

“As if I am going to let you do that!” Hikaru angrily said as he aimed and immediately threw his three medieval knives at Mr. Tholie’s group.

“Everyone, duck!” Mr. Tholie nervously said as he instructed to his henchmen somehow managed to evade and roll away from Hikaru’s knives.

“Damn it! My knives missed and hit onto the wall.” Hikaru said as he got frustrated and scratched his head.

“Now, you have done it. ‘Troll Slingers’, open fire!” Mr. Tholie angrily said as he commanded to his henchmen.

Mr. Tholie’s henchmen immediately took out of their wooden slingshots and started firing their rocks back at Ms. Julie’s group.

“Damn it! These medium-sized rocks can indeed hurt and cut like those medieval knives. Everyone, stand behind me!” Hikaru said as he uses his Iron Spear to defend himself.

“Ah! Fine! Everyone, you are almost finish cutting those threads behind you – Your Majesty! Look out!” Mayumi exclaimed said as she tried to warn Rai but it is too late.

Rai got startled as she went off guard and then fainted after being hit by multiple rocks directly onto her face.

“Direct hit! Everyone, we have a direct hit. Her Majesty is down! I repeat, her Majesty is down.” Mr. Tholie boastfully said as he went mad and laughed out.

“Your Majesty!? Your Majesty! Are you alright?” Ms. Julie exclaimed as she, Hikaru and Mayumi immediately approached Rai on the ground.

“Rai! Come on…Rai, wake up! Wake up.” Hikaru exclaimed as he trembled in fear, trying to wake up Rai.

“Look at these purplish black bruises and cuts she acquired onto her face after that attack. Sir Eito will be displeased to see these.” Mayumi nervously said as she examined Rai’s injuries.

“This is bad. Her Majesty fainted after being hit by those rocks. We must immediately bring her back to the Head Quarters.” Ms. Julie nervously said as she tells to Hikaru and Mayumi.

“We will. Right after… I clean up this mess.” Hikaru angrily said as he stood up from the ground and glared back at Mr. Tholie.

“Hikaru, I know that you are mad but please calm down. Her Majesty’s safety comes first, right?” Mayumi exclaimed as she tried to stop Hikaru.

“Where did that strange, burning smell came from - Oh no…Sir Hikaru, Stop! There are explosives planted inside this floor.” Ms. Julie exclaimed as she shouted back at Hikaru.

“You will pay for that.” Hikaru angrily said as he aimed his Iron Spear back at Mr. Tholie.

“Damn it. Your Majesty! Your Majesty, please wake up and help us to convince Sir Hikaru to stop before this entire Dormitory building explodes. Your Majesty!”

“‘Within the abilities given to me, I command thee,...’” Hikaru said as he began enchanting his spell.

“Hikaru?! Damn it! Everyone, we have to get out of here. Hurry!” Mayumi exclaimed as she warned to Ms. Julie.

“‘Light up’, my Iron Spear.’” Hikaru cheerfully said as he threw his Spear away and smiled back at Mr. Tholie.

Few minutes later, multiple simultaneous loud explosions inside Building B. were heard after that.

Building D.

Sixth Floor…

Mr. Sai and Eito, along with Mr. Alphe and Mr. Terry’s groups are seen fighting off these ‘Bandits’ along the Hallway.

“Huh?! Did you heard that?” Eito exclaimed as he lowered down his sword and wondered.

“Damn it! It is been a while since I had this intense kind of work-out.” The overjoyed Mr. Sai said as he continues punching and kicking these ‘Bandits’ away from him.

“Your highness, I can see that you are completely enjoying beating the hell out of these ‘Snow Bandits’ but I think we should stop right now.” Eito nervously said as he tells to Mr. Sai.

“Stop? I do not think so. I will not stop until these ‘Bandits’ tell us where the hell there leader is. Here is the last one… catch!” Mr. Sai cheerfully said as he lifted the last troll up in the air and then forcefully throw it back at Eito.

“Wait – What?! Your highness, please stop doing that!” Eito nervously said as he managed to catch the unconscious troll onto his arms.

“Splendid, Sir Eito! You simply managed to catch all of those 10 trolls I threw back at you.” Mr. Sai exclaimed as he approached and tousled Eito’s hair.

“Uh? Thank you, your highness. I will now round them up on that corner and – Welcome back, Mr. Alphe and Mr. Terry.” Eito said as he noticed Mr. Alphe running towards them.

“Your highness, we are back.” Mr. Alphe, in his Human form, said as he and Mr. Terry kneeled down on the ground.

“Good. Now, where are those ‘Bandits’?” Mr. Sai said as he crossed his arms and asked Mr. Terry.

“My apologies, your highness but the other ‘Bandits’ has managed to escape out of this Building. They used some sort of magical portal to save their fellow trolls out of here and disappeared afterwards.” Mr. Terry said as he reported to Mr. Sai.

“I see. A portal huh? You must be referring to that hanging bridge perhaps.” Mr. Sai curiously said as he scratched his head.

“A bridge? What you do mean, your highness?” Eito curiously said as he asked Mr. Sai.

“Nothing! Hahaha! Anyway, I have no choice but interrogate this sleepy troll instead.” Mr. Sai seriously said as he seized the last troll’s collared vest and sat him upright on the floor.

“H-How the heck are we going to do that, you highness?! You single-handedly defeated these twenty ‘Snow Bandits’ along this Hallway, knocking all of them dead and unconscious.” Eito exclaimed as he got pissed off and wondered.

“Hey – Damn troll! Wake up and tell me where are you hiding those explosives?! Hey! I said wake up! Wake up. ” Mr. Sai seriously said as he shouted back at the unconscious troll.

“Sir Sai is completely ignoring you, Sir.” Mr. Alphe softly said as he sighed in disbelief.

“I’m just glad that he is not our ‘Village Chief’.” Eito softly said as he sighed and scratched his head.

“Stop it! You are making me remember the exact reason why my wife gladly chose this stupid guy to become the next ‘Fireiya’s Village Chief’ instead of our own child.” Mr. Terry softly said as he scratched his skull.

“Wait – ‘White Skeletons’ like you can talk!?” Eito exclaimed as he flinched in fear and stepped away from Mr. Terry.

“Yes, we can, Sir ‘Upper Knight.’ I assume that this is the first time you have a close encounter with us, ‘Skeletons’.” Vanny softly said as she slowly emerged out of the bricked wall beside Eito.

“A-Ah, yes. Y-You are that ‘Skeleton’ Sir Sai has asked to locate and find her Majesty’s group. ” Eito exclaimed as he flinched in fear and stepped away from Vanny.

“Oh my? Welcome back, Vanny. I’m expecting some good news for you.” Mr. Terry seriously said as he approached Eito and Vanny.

“Ah, yes. I found and managed to take and save her Majesty’s group out of that arson after that fierce ‘Fire Tornado’ appeared inside that floor, on that building beside this one. But…unlike the other survivors…the thing is… her Majesty is already wounded after I arrived and saw her being unconscious along that Hallway. ” Vanny nervously said she reported to Mr. Terry and the others.

“Did you heard that, Sir Eito? Her Majesty is – Hey! You cannot just leave. I’m not done talking to you.” Mr. Sai angrily said as he tried to stop Eito from running out of the Hallway.

That night

‘Imperial Court Head Quarters’:

Northern ‘Guarding Walls’

Outside the North Building…

Sir Yuki and Mr. Carlo, along with Ricard and Glenda, are seen guarding near the ‘Footmen’s Barracks situated few meters away from the ‘Guarding Walls’.

“Good evening, Sir Carlo. Glenda and I are in here to accompany you for this tonight’s guard duty.” Ricard cheerfully said he and Glenda approached Mr. Carlo.

“Thank goodness! Please help me convince this stubborn guy to stop working and rest for the night.” Mr. Carlo said as he got pissed off and glared back at Sir Yuki.

“I already told you not to worry about me. After you and Sir – I mean Theo saved me from being trapped inside that ‘Pit’, Lady Mai managed to summon her own ‘Fire Bird’ and asked it to use its flaming wings to slowly thaw and heal my frozen legs remember?” Sir Yuki said as he sighed in annoyance.

“I know that but you still need to rest back inside your quarters.” Mr. Carlo exclaimed as he insisted to Mr. Carlo.

“Speaking of quarters, Sir Eito has asked us to tell both of you that Her Majesty, Lady Emi and Lady Julie are still unconscious while resting inside the Main Infirmary room.” Glenda said as she reported to Sir Yuki and Mr. Carlo.

“I see. After obtaining those wounds, I just hope that Her Majesty will wake up before that ‘Snow Bandit’s trial starts tomorrow.” Mr. Carlo said as he scratched his head.

“’Snow Bandit’? Wait! Her Majesty’s group caught and apprehended one?” Sir Yuki exclaimed as he asked Mr. Carlo.

“Yes, your highness. Reports said that after that loud explosion inside Building B., Sir Hikaru and Lady Mayumi has managed to chase and apprehend at least one of these ‘Snow Bandits’ before they ran and escape out of the sixth floor…” Ricard said as he reported to Sir Yuki.

“We even saw them patiently waiting for Sir Eito outside the main court room before going in here.” Glenda said as she also reported to Sir Yuki.

“I-I see but with the ‘Footmen’ exhausted from their morning duties, who are going to guard the other three ‘Walls’ from those ‘Snow Bandits’?” Sir Yuki said as he wondered.

“Ah, yes. About that, Sir Yuki has instructed our fellow apprentices to guard the Southern walls while on the other hand, he sent the ‘Upper and Lower Knights’ out to guard the Eastern wall. The members of the ‘Archers’ Circle’ are also on their way out to the Western walls as we speak.” Mr. Carlo said as he reported Sir Yuki.

“I understand. Now, we are in here to guard the Northern Walls from these ‘Bandits’. On behalf of her Majesty, we must not let those ‘Bandits’ get inside the Head Quarters and rescue their troll friend who currently being detained inside ‘Underground Prison’ – Mr. Carlo? Sir, are you even listening to me? “Sir Yuki seriously said as he glared back at Mr. Carlo.

“Speaking of Her Majesty…Am I the only one noticed that is something weird happening in here?” Mr. Carlo exclaimed as he wondered and asked Sir Yuki and the others.

“Father, what do you mean by that?” Glenda curiously said as she wondered.

“I mean – based on the incident this afternoon, I concluded that her Majesty is the most unusual ‘Imperial Ruler’ that this Kingdom have.” Mr. Carlo exclaimed as he tells to Glenda and the others.

“I’m intrigued on how you ended with that weird conclusion, Sir.” Ricard said as he wondered and scratched his head.

“You see… I have been working as the ‘Footmen’s Captain’ for twenty years and this is the first time I saw the people of ‘Alementalia’ not being terrified partying or hanging out with our new ‘Imperial Ruler’ unlike the time when the ‘117th Imperial Family’ ruled over the entire Kingdom before.” Mr. Carlo said as he explained to the others.

“Hm? Is that so? I wonder why. ” Rai softly said as she arrives behind Mr. Carlo and Sir Yuki.

“I do also noticed the same thing as well, Mr. Carlo. Truth to be told, I found her Majesty’s odd personally strangely appealing after she miraculously and successfully rallied our fellow villagers and those ‘Living Fiends’ to fight against their one enemy this afternoon. Nobody even her previous predecessors, former King Markus and his son Prince Shouta has ever done that before.” Sir Yuki seriously said as he tells to Mr. Carlo and the others.

“So, you also think that I am weird?!” Rai softly said as she exclaimed as she asked Sir Yuki.

“Then…Princess Harue’s words were true after all! Remember that incident inside the main court room where she promised to everyone that her ‘Chosen Candidate’ will bring peace, order and prosperity on this Kingdom? It is happening right now.” The overjoyed Glenda exclaimed as she smiled back at Ricard.

“Uh!? Glenda, please stop. Have you not heard the bad news? Princess Harue has passed away – I’m so sorry, Sir Yuki.” Ricard nervously said as he apologized to Sir Yuki.

“No! Not at all, Ricard. What you probably heard is indeed true. Harue – I mean my little sister has – Huh?!” Sir Yuki said as he flinched in fear and slowly looked behind him.

“Princess Harue is already dead?! When did that happened?” Rai exclaimed as she poked Sir Yuki’s back and looked at him.

“G-Good evening, y-your Majesty!” Sir Yuki and the others exclaimed as they immediately kneeled on the ground to greet Rai.

“Ah! Your Majesty - w-what are you doing in here, your Grace? I hope you realized that it is not nice to spy on into someone’s conversation.” Glenda said as she flinched in fear and looked at Rai.

“Glenda, shut up! I’m so sorry about that, your Grace.” Ricard nervously said as he pinched Glenda’s right cheek.

“Good evening, everyone. I’m currently off-duty so you do not have to be so formal in front of me.” Rai nervously said as she tells to Sir Yuki and the other.

“We understand, your Majesty. But? I mean - we thought you are currently resting inside the Infirmary room. May I ask what are you doing in here?” Sir Yuki politely said as he asked Rai.

“Ah, yes. I’m in here on behalf of Lady Julie’s request to bring this wooden telescope to her apprentices.” Rai cheerfully said as she presented the telescope to Ricard and Glenda.

“What?! Thank you very much but you really do not have to do this, your Majesty.” Ricard nervously said he approached Rai.

“Sir Ricard, Lady Julie is hoping that this telescope could help you hunt those ‘Snow Bandits’ and – Uh? Is there something wrong, Lady Glenda?” Rai said as she wondered and asked Glenda.

“My father is right after all. You are indeed weird.” Glenda cheerfully said as she smiled back at Rai.

“Glenda, shut up! I apologize for that, your Majesty.” Mr. Carlo nervously said as he pulled Glenda away from Rai.

“No! I really do not mind it at all.” Rai said as she giggled and smiled back at Mr. Carlo.

“Your Majesty, if I may, can I walk you back to the main infirmary room?” Sir Yuki said as he asked Rai.

“Yes, of course, Sir Yuki. Please do that before I get mad trying not to get lost inside that Fortress.” Rai said as she sighed in relief.

“Mr. Carlo, you are in-charge while I’m gone…and then, your Majesty. This way please.” Sir Yuki said as he instructed to Mr. Carlo and then started walking away followed by Rai.

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Thank you very much for waiting. Merry Christmas everyone and I'm sorry for the late update. Anyway, Here is Chapter IX and enjoy reading. Will try to update this/next week so stay tuned. – Cheche – chan.