X.
X.
‘Let the Resetting Begin’
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’: Sir Yuki’s group, along with Ms. Perisia’s, had an encounter with these ‘Snow Bandits’ forcing him to use his ‘Alementalian’ magic in order to protect Ms. Mai and the others. On the other hand, Rai’s group was also facing the same problem back at the ‘Imperial Dormitories’; her group had encounter with the ‘Bandits’ Leader’, Mr. Tholie, making Hikaru mad and ended up summoning a ‘Fire Tornado’ inside the sixth floor. Meanwhile, Mr. Sai utterly defeated these ‘Bandits’ inside the Building D. when Vanny came back and reported what happened on Rai. That night, Sir Yuki’s group were on their night duties when Rai barged in, surprising Sir Yuki and Mr. Carlo.
That Night
Outside the Head Quarters
Front Gardens…
Rai is seen walking behind Sir Yuki as she continue to aimlessly follow him back to the Northern Building.
“Now, my hands are getting cold as well. I should have grabbed my old scarf before running out of the infirmary room.” Rai softly said as she stopped walking and then complained out.
“Your Majesty, this way please. The entrance doors of the North Building are just ahead of us.” Sir Yuki cheerfully said as she turned around and informed Rai.
“Hm? I do not think so, Sir Yuki. Where exactly are you planning to take me?” Rai curiously said as she asked Sir Yuki who flinched.
“Uh?! What do you mean, your Majesty?” Sir Yuki nervously said as he simply scratched his head.
“We already passed that building few minutes ago and I saw some of the members of the ‘Footmen’ running on that stone pathway going to this secluded part of the Western ‘Guarding Wall’ for their morning duties the other day. So, tell me, why are you doing this?” Rai seriously said as she asked Sir Yuki.
Sir Yuki got pissed off as he immediately draw out his Long Sword and aimed it back at Rai.
“I’m impressed. I should have done this after while I am walking behind you, Murder! After the party, Sir Maki told me the truth about Harue’s death before Mr. Carlo and I sent him back on the ‘Underground Prison’. You killed my little sister, didn’t you?” Sir Yuki angrily said as he shouted back at Rai who flinched.
“No, I didn’t. Technically, Sir Kazuki was the one who murdered Harue in order to open the ‘Rusty Gate’ before and are you not glad that her wish for this Kingdom came true? I mean look around you. The Kingdom may be in ruins but its people continues to strive and rebuild everything from scratch.” Rai cheerfully said as she explained to Sir Yuki.
“Stop lying, your Majesty. You cannot simply deceive me with those fabricated lies. Unbelievable! Why the hell amongst the people of ‘Alementalia’ she chose you to become her ‘Candidate’?” Sir Yuki angrily said as he wondered and groaned out.
“That is because… Before the second ‘Candidates’ Presentation started, the late ‘Princess’ Harue said that she only summoned and chose me because I was the only person on her point of view, kind enough to save her and their unborn child from doing that off the Building A.’s rooftop, six month ago.” Rai said as she explained to Sir Yuki.
“Ah, yes. I remember that. You immediately helped and befriend her after that untoward incident inside the Desserts’ area during the ‘Welcome Party’ six months ago – Wait! Rooftop?” Sir Yuki exclaimed as he wondered.
“Oh my! Spoilers alert. What you said was exactly what happened, Sir Yuki. I wonder where I did I heard that fake story.” Rai nervously said as she scratched his head.
“You are indeed the strangest person I have met, your Majesty. Unlike ‘Iytherians’, we, ‘Aethyrians’ are afraid of heights so I wonder what the hell was my little sister doing inside that rooftop you have mentioned before – Huh?! Who is there? Show us yourselves!” Sir Yuki exclaimed as he sensed someone hiding behind him.
“Calm down, Sir ‘Upper Knight’. We are not in here to fight.” Mr. Terry softly said as he and Mr. Alphe raised her skeletonized arms up in the air and carefully approached Sir Yuki.
“Mr. Terry! Mr. Alphe? Take away that sword, Sir Yuki. They are one of our allies.” Rai said as she commanded to Sir Yuki.
“Good evening, your Majesty. We came in here on behalf of the folks living inside the ‘District’.” Mr. Terry said as he tells to Rai.
“We came in here to deliver these get-well soon letters they made for you after hearing what happened to your rescue group inside the ‘Imperial Dormitories’ earlier this afternoon.” Mr. Alphe said as he presented a small, woven basket filled with envelopes to Rai.
“I-I see. I should at least personally thank them by visiting the ‘District’ tomorrow morning.” Rai nervously said as she took the basket and smiled back at Mr. Alphe.
“Your Majesty, we should get going. The ‘Royal Physicians’ were probably worried sick right now after you left the Infirmary Room without informing them.” Sir Yuki seriously said as he put his sword back onto its scabbard.
“I understand. I apologize, Mr. Terry and Mr. Alphe but we have to leave – Huh!? What is that? Look inside that huge crevice from that part of the Southern ‘Guarding Wall’ behind you, Mr. Terry. ” Rai exclaimed as she dropped the basket on the ground and then immediately approached Mr. Terry.
“Your Majesty? What was it – Huh?! What are these?” Sir Yuki exclaimed as he wondered.
“How? No. Why are these nine, cracked skulls being plastered onto this bricked wall?” Rai nervously said as she gently touched the wall and wondered.
“Your Majesty, look at the old skull on your lower right side. Something – No! I found a name being engraved onto that skull’s forehead.” Mr. Alphe exclaimed as he tells to Rai.
“You are right, Mr. Alphe! Something like a label is engraved on this skull’s cracked forehead. ‘#9; iaK.’ Wait! Is that even a name? What does that even mean?” Rai exclaimed as she flinched in fear and wondered.
“What the hell is going in here?” Sir Yuki exclaimed as he wondered as well.
“I assume that he answer to your questions can be found on those eight highly classified documents. It is that one labeled as ‘Case File #” MCCCL-‘? My bad. I forgot what’s next.” Mr. Terry shyly said as tells to Rai and Sir Yuki.
“The complete name is ‘Case File #: MCCCLVII’, am I right, Mr. Terry?” Rai cheerfully said as she smiled and asked Mr. Terry.
“Ah, yes! That is it, your Majesty! I wonder how you knew that.” Mr. Terry said as he tousled Rai’s hair.
“I will tell you about that next time. Let’s head back to the North Building, Sir Yuki.” Rai cheerfully said as she smiled back at Mr. Terry.
“As you wish, your Majesty. This way please.” Sir Yuki said as he began walking away followed by Rai.
“Goodbye, your Majesty! Please rest well. And you…What the hell just happened?” Mr. Alphe exclaimed as he glared back at Mr. Terry.
“What? I just felt that her Majesty and the Readers should know at least a small fraction of the mortifying history of these ‘Guarding Walls’.” Mr. Terry plainly said as he stretched out his skeletonized arms.
“I see. Being part of that history still haunts you back, don’t you? But that is not the case in here! The only reason I came with you in here is to help you retrieve her Majesty’s satchel from those ‘Snow Bandits’ who ransacked and stole it out of her Dormitory this afternoon.” Mr. Alphe angrily said as he shouted back at Mr. Terry.
“I know and indeed we managed to retrieve that satchel from those ‘Bandits’. Do not worry, I safely left it, hiding it under those blankets on her empty bed inside the main infirmary room.” Mr. Terry cheerfully said as he gazed up onto the starless, night sky.
“Mr. Terry – I mean Sir ‘Executioner #5’, a friendly word of advice. We, the ‘Living Fiends’, and our plan of fully exposing that specific history to her Majesty and her ‘Imperial Council’ will not and ever change everything that happened in the past.” Mr. Alphe seriously said as he gently tapped Mr. Terry’s skull.
“I know! But I truly believe that we are doing the right thing in here. Everyone deserves to know that fabricated truth about this Kingdom.” Mr. Terry angrily said as he shouted back at Mr. Alphe.
“It is a fact that her Majesty and her ‘Nullifying Enchantment’ was able to help most of the ‘Living Fiends’ and ‘Alementalians’ to undo those ‘Cursed Marks’ and regain our normal forms but you do not have to be jealous since she is still planning – Hey! Wait. Where are you going?” Mr. Terry exclaimed as he asked Mr. Terry.
“We are walking our way out of here. Let’s go.” Mr. Terry cheerfully said as he seized Mr. Alphe’s right arm and dragged him, escaping out though the bricked wall beside them.
North Building
Second Floor, Main Court Room…
Hikaru and Mayumi are seen waiting for Eito outside the Court Room.
“It is already thirty minutes past eleven in the evening. It is so unusual for that guy to be so tardy like this.” Mayumi softly said as she wondered.
“How about we just ditch him and go back to our Dormitories? I bet that guy is still on his way out searching for her Majesty inside the other three Buildings.” Hikaru plainly said as he stretched out his arms.
“You see…How the heck are you so calm after that incident this afternoon?! It was your dangerous ‘Fire-Alementalian’ magic’s fault why that arson almost incinerated half of that Hallway.” Mayumi exclaimed as she got pissed off to Hikaru.
“Well, what happened earlier is also partially your fault as well. You should have not summoned that fierce tornado further igniting my ‘Blue Fire’ that eventually destroyed half of that Hallway.” Hikaru said as he smirked back at Mayumi.
“What? Oh! Now, you are pinning this on me? Just to be clear, you were the ones who went mad and initiated that fight with that ‘Snow Bandit’.” Mayumi angrily said as she pouted back at Hikaru.
“Setting that aside, I forgot to thank you for helping me today. Thank you, Lady Mayumi.” Hikaru cheerfully said as he smiled back at Mayumi.
“W-Why are you thanking me?! Have you not realized that we are in big trouble tonight – Your Majesty!” Mayumi exclaimed as she got flustered and noticed Rai’s group arrived inside the Hallway.
“Oh! That stupid guy is back and being accompanied by her Majesty and Sir Yuki.” Hikaru said as he pouted back at Rai and Eito.
“We are here, your Majesty. Sir Eito will further guide in here back to the infirmary room so please excuse me.” Sir Yuki politely said as he tells to Rai and then immediately left the Hallway afterwards.
“Ah, yes. Thank you very much, Sir Yuki.” Eito cheerfully said as he waved back at Sir Yuki.
“Good evening, everyone. About what happened today, I – Huh!? Sir Eito? What are you doing?” Rai nervously said as she got flustered and asked Eito.
“Do not worry, Milady. Please let me handle this.” Eito said as he gently pushed Rai away from Hikaru and Mayumi.
“Oh no, I thought you were already done reprimanding us. Your Majesty, please have mercy on us!” Mayumi exclaimed as she ran away and hid behind Rai.
“Ahem! No. I’m not and you know why... Both of you almost incinerated the entire Building B. earlier this afternoon! You used your ‘Alementalian’ magic inside a residential area which according to King Markus’ degree, we are strictly not allowed to and not to mention her Majesty ended being injured like this. Milady looks like a walking mummy.” Eito angrily said as he started lecturing Hikaru and Mayumi.
“Ah, yes. The ‘Royal Physicians’ had to put those white bandages to cover up her Majesty’s bruises and cuts around her face.” Hikaru calmly said as he explained to Eito.
“I know! Ah! Now, what are we going to do, Milady?” Eito exclaimed as he turned around and asked Rai.
“I see. I was unconscious on the ground when all of these things happened. Thank you for telling me that, Sir Hikaru.” Rai cheerfully said as she smiled back at Hikaru.
“But? This stupid guy should at least be punished for intentionally risking everyone’s lives living inside that Dormitory.” Eito angrily said as he suggested to Rai.
“Hm? So, that was you thought huh? So, what we did was wrong?!” Mayumi angrily said as she shouted back at Eito who flinched.
“Hey – stupid ‘Upper Knight’. Listen to me, Lady Mayumi and I only prioritized her Majesty’s safety from those evil ‘Snow Bandits’. We only did the most important task each of us, ‘Imperial Soldiers’, trained and obliged to do so. Am I right, your Majesty?” Hikaru seriously said as he looked at Rai.
“Yes. You are right, Sir Hikaru. But…both of you still should have prioritized first saving the lives those ‘Imperial Students’ living inside that floor rather than Her Majesty’s. Your Father – I mean the 9th ‘Imperial Hero’ would not be impressed with you, Sir Hikaru.” Eito seriously said as he glared back at Hikaru.
“I agree with Sir Eito. It is my fault that I got off guard during that encounter with those ‘Snow Bandits’. I promise to do much better next time.” Rai said as she stood up beside Eito.
“Your Majesty, a simple ‘thank you’ would suffice. You also do have not to nag us like that.” Mayumi seriously said as she got pissed off to Rai.
“Then, ‘thank you’, Sir Hikaru and Lady Mayumi. By the way, Hikaru…I do not need you to save me again. I’m no longer that weak and helpless best friend you had before.” Rai seriously said as she glared back at Hikaru who flinched afterwards.
“Uh! I would like to disagree with you, your Majesty. You are still like that. I’m your former best friend so could you please stop denying it?” Hikaru said as he insisted and then smirked back at Rai.
“Oh, is that so? Then, I ask you this: if I were so weak, one of you including Sir Kazuki should have been crowned as the new ‘Imperial Ruler’ right now but… from what I clearly remember that is not what happened inside the ‘Central Plaza’.” Rai cheerfully said as she giggled out, taunting Mayumi, Hikaru and Eito.
“You are more troublesome than I thought. Oh how I wish I could straggle you right now.” Mayumi angrily said as she got pissed off to Rai.
“Then, I dare you to do it. Right here, right now.” Rai cheerfully said as she smirked back at Mayumi.
“Alright, ladies! That is enough. How about we go back to our own quarters and rest for the night, am I right, Sir Eito?” Hikaru nervously said as he gently pulled Mayumi away from Rai.
“Y-Yes, you are right. So, please calm down, Milady. Calm down.” Eito nervously said as he tells to Rai.
“Aha! You are right, Sir Sean! Her Majesty is standing and waiting for us outside the Court Room.” Emi exclaimed as she, accompanied by Mr. Sean, approached Rai and the others.
“There you are, your Majesty! Uh? Did I already told you, Sir Hikaru and Lady Mayumi, to go back to your apartments and rest for the night?” Mr. Sean curiously said as he glared back at Hikaru and Mayumi.
“Yes, you did, Mr. Physician! Let’s go, Lady Mayumi. I will walk back to your apartment.” Hikaru nervously said as he started pushing Mayumi out of the Hallway.
“Hey – Sir Hikaru? I need to teach that damn woman a lesson – Wait! Let me go! I said elt me go. ” Mayumi angrily said as she tried to stop Hikaru who kept ignoring her request.
“Sir Eito, I thought you were with the ‘Upper Knights’ guarding the other three ‘Walls’. What are you doing in here?” Mr. Sean curiously said as he asked Eito who flinched.
“I know but – Milady, could you please stop staring at me like that?” Eito nervously said as he tells to Rai.
“Do not worry, Sir Eito. Sir Sean and Lady Emi are here to accompany me for the night.” Rai cheerfully said as she smiled back at Eito.
“I-I understand, Milady. I will see you tomorrow then – Uh? Lady Emi, you forgot to close your satchel.” Eito cheerfully said as he noticed Emi’s satchel.
“Oh this – Wait! This is not mine. You see…Sir Eito already ran out away.” Emi said as she sighed in annoyance.
“I knew it. Is that my satchel?! Lady Emi, where did you found it?” Rai exclaimed as she wondered and asked Emi.
“Your Majesty, Sir Sean was the one who found your mystery satchel on the top of your empty bed inside the infirmary room.” Emi said as she gently took the satchel off her right shoulder and gave it to Rai.
“Is that so? Thank you so much, Sir Sean. I wonder what I will do if I were to lose this satchel and those important files I hid inside it.” Rai nervously said as she hugged her satchel.
“Your most welcome, your Majesty. Now, could you please sign my resignation papers?” Mr. Sean cheerfully said as he asked Rai.
“Oh, that file? No. I cannot do that. Not until Mr. Nile comes back from his vacation leave in ‘Wathyria’.” Rai cheerfully said as she tells to Mr. Sean.
“Uh! Why? Why is this happening to me? I simply did not want to work as the ‘Imperial Court’s temporary ‘Marshal’.” Mr. Sean said as he scratched his head and groaned out.
“Do not worry, Mr. Sean. Let’s go back inside the court room and help me finish those official summons I have been preparing for the members of my ‘Imperial Council’.” Rai said as she gently opened the two-way door beside her.
“Your ‘Imperial Council’ – Wait! What do you mean by that, your Majesty?” Mr. Sean exclaimed as he slammed open the door and started chasing Rai inside the Court Room.
The Next Day
That Morning
Inside the Main Infirmary Room…
‘Oh? Hm?
You are our new
‘Imperial Ruler’?
What a shame!’
“Uh? Who are you – it is morning already?” Rai exclaimed as she slowly woke up and sat upright on her bed.
“Yes, your Majesty. Good morning to you as well.” Mr. Ciyan cheerfully said as he approached Rai.
“Good morning, Sir Physician. I wonder who carried me back in here after I fell asleep inside the court room last night.” Rai said as she scratched her head.
“About that…Sir Sean – I mean my big brother told me that he gently carried you back in here after you finished signing all of these summons you kept inside your satchel.” Mr. Ciyan said as he presented the satchel to Rai.
“Ah, yes! I almost forgot that. Anyway, how is Lady Julie?” Rai said as she jumped off her bed and asked Mr. Ciyan.
“Your Majesty, the truth is…Lady Julie is fine but she still needs to stay and rest in here after obtain those 1st degree burns on her right, lower leg from the arson incident yesterday. Her ‘Apprentices’, Ricard and Glenda were also currently asleep beside on this bed right now.” Mr. Ciyan said as he reported to Rai.
“I see. Then, here is your letter of summon for my surprise meeting tonight.” Rai cheerfully said as she took the first white envelope out of her satchel and presented these to Mr. Ciyan.
“A letter of summon? Wait! Surprise meeting?!” Mr. Ciyan exclaimed as he asked Rai.
“Also, my apologies but could you give this one to Sir Ricard later? I still have to deliver these remaining letters to the other VIP guests living inside the ‘Central District’.” Rai said as she presented the second letter to Mr. Ciyan.
“As you wish, your Majesty. But – Ah! Welcome back, Sir Sean and Lady Emi.” Mr. Ciyan exclaimed as he smiled back at Mr. Sean and Emi.
“Could you stop calling me that? Anyway, good morning, your Majesty. Good news, I finally managed to deliver those nine letters to those selected ‘Village Representatives’ you asked me to send out onto that water fountain last night.” Mr. Sean cheerfully said as he reported to Rai.
“I see. Thank you very much, Sir Sean. Now, could you – Why are you smirking like that?” Rai curiously said as she asked Mr. Sean.
“Could you now please sign my resignation papers?” Mr. Sean said as he asked Rai.
“No. Not until Mr. Nile is back. I hope I made that clear last night.” Rai said as she got pissed off to Mr. Sean.
“Why?! When this horrible nightmare will end?” Mr. Sean angrily said as he groaned out.
“Anyway, Good morning, Lady Emi.” Rai said as she approached Emi.
“Ah, yes. Good morning, your Majesty. I brought you some new clothes for your today’s trip going to the ‘Central District’.” Emi cheerfully said as tells to Rai.
“Thank you, Lady Emi. But how did you know that?” Rai curiously said as she asked Emi.
“’Emi’ would be fine, your Majesty. Truth to be told, while I was helping you arrange those letters last night, I wondered why would you want to invite those ‘Beasts’, ‘Fiends’ and ‘Snow Bandit’ on your meeting tonight so I woke up early and ran to your apartment to get these clothes and surprise you.” Emi softly said as she smiled back at Rai.
“Hm? You will see. Anyway, speaking of those summons, here are yours. The other two are intended for Sir Maki and ‘Mi’.” Rai said as she took another three letter out of her satchel and gave it to Emi.
“What? We are being summoned as well? His highness – I mean ‘Mi’ would not be pleased with this.” Emi exclaimed as she examined their letters.
“Your Majesty, are you certain that you do not want to summon a ‘Royal Messenger’ to deliver those letters for you?” Mr. Sean curiously said as he asked Rai.
“Yes, of course! I would like to personally meet these people I have invited for tonight’s surprise meeting.” Rai cheerfully said she tells to Mr. Sean who flinched.
“But? A word of caution though. Inviting Sir Maki, Sir Miko and especially Lady Lilia will not end this meeting well.” Mr. Sean seriously said as he pouted back at Rai.
“What?! Lady Lilia – big sister Lilia is being summoned as well? Really?” Mr. Ciyan exclaimed as he wondered.
“Do not worry, everything will be just fine. I will ready my Plan B. just in case. Emi, let’s go.” Rai said as she went out of the infirmary room, followed by Emi.
One Hour Later
‘Central District’
Along the streets…
Rai and Emi seen trying not to worry as they continue wandering along the streets of the ‘District’.
“Your Majesty, I maybe so bold to say this but…I think we are lost.” Emi said as she glared back at Rai who flinched.
“I know! I know. You do not have to remind me. Oh how I wish Eito is here to help us read this ancient map of the Kingdom.” Rai exclaimed as she started panicking beside Emi.
“Uh? Your Majesty, you probably forgot this since you are busy trying to decipher that map but an hour ago, you asked him to deliver those summons to Sir Yuki, Mr. Carlo, Ms. Francine and Lady Faeya, remember?” Emi said as she sighed in disbelief.
“Ah – yes! Thank you for reminding me that. Anyway, is this the right way going to the ‘Lake’?” Rai curiously said as she flipped the map twice and wondered.
“Your Majesty, flipping that map upside down thrice will not help us find the right way going to the ‘Lake’ though…your lousy navigating skills led us outside Mr. Simoun’s Bakery.” Emi said as she and Rai looked at the busy shop beside them.
“Good morning, your Majesty! What a pleasant day to witness you and Lady Emi aimlessly wandering along this street.” Mr. Simoun cheerfully said as he noticed and approached Rai and Emi.
“Sir Simoun! Please help us. We have been running in circles along these streets.” Rai said as she cried and shoved the map onto Mr. Simoun.
“I-I understand, your Majesty. But first, May I ask you a question?” Mr. Simoun exclaimed as he asked Rai.
“Yes. What is it?” Rai curiously said as she and Emi looked at Mr. Simoun.
“What are you doing in here? And where did you get this ancient map?” Mr. Simoun curiously said as he asked Rai.
“Ah, yes! Emi and Eito insisted to come with me as I try to deliver these letters by myself to those ‘Beasts’ and ‘Fiends’ today.” Rai cheerfully said as she tells to Mr. Simoun.
“What?! Summons? You could have asked someone to do that for you.” Mr. Simoun exclaimed as he took the map off his face.
“And bother everyone who are doing their best in rebuilding the Head Quarters? No. I would not do that. I have received and read enough written reports about those multiple transport delays of those wood and red brick supplies we exported from ‘Aethyria’.” Rai seriously said as she got pissed off.
“Delays? That is indeed bad news, your Majesty. Without those additional supplies, rebuilding the Head Quarters might as well be postponed for another three months or more.” Mr. Simoun softly said as he tells to Rai.
“Your Majesty, I’m really sorry. Well…actually ’Mi’ was the one who insisted me to report you that.” Emi nervously said as she scratched her head.
“By the way, where is that little ‘Gold Eater’?” Rai curiously said as she asked Emi.
“Ah, yes. My big brother Maki and ‘Mi’ were currently resting inside my room back at the ‘Imperial Dormitories’. My big brother seems to be happy after you officially pardoned and finally let him out of the ‘Underground Prison’.” Emi cheerfully said as she tells to Rai.
“I see. Now, where are we? Ah, yes. Sir Simoun, could you at least tell us the right way going to the ‘Lake’?” Rai said as she asked Mr. Simoun.
“Yes, of course! Your Majesty, you can use this dirty, narrow alley beside my Bakery as a shortcut going to the ‘Lake’.” Mr. Simoun cheerfully said as he instructed to Rai and Emi.
“Thank you, Sir! Now, I no longer needed that map – Huh?! What is that?” Rai exclaimed as she wondered.
“Your Majesty! Look above us. I saw two ‘Iytherian’ royal aerostats passed just above the ‘Central District.” Emi exclaimed as she reported to Rai.
“Oh? Those VIPs that I invited last night have arrived earlier than I predicted – Huh?! Eito!” Rai exclaimed as she noticed Eito.
“Yes! You are right, Lady Emi. That aerostat belongs to the ‘Iytherian Reps’.” Eito said as he arrived, surprising Emi and Rai.
“Sir Eito, welcome back! Where the heck have you been?” Rai exclaimed as she turned around and asked Eito.
“Ah, yes. I only took me ten minutes to finish that task you assigned to me earlier. I was searching for you along this street when I passed by that lovely flower shop and bought this bouquet of red roses for you.” Eito cheerfully said as he presented the bouquet to Rai.
“Your Majesty, you are blushing. Hm? I wonder why.” Emi curiously said as she teased Rai.
“N-No! I’m not. I-I just had a flashback. That’s all – stop staring at me like that!” Rai nervously said as she got flustered and shouted back at Emi.
“I knew it. It took me another fifty minutes to pick these wrong flowers for you. I should have chosen those white roses instead. I’m so sorry, your Majesty.” Eito sadly said as he took the bouquet away from Rai.
“No! Please stop. I do like these flowers, Eito. Thank you so much!” Rai cheerfully said as she smiled back at Eito.
“Y-Your welcome, Milady – Huh?! Mr. Simoun, take this ancient map off my face.” Eito exclaimed after Mr. Simoun suddenly shoved the map on his face.
“Your Majesty, you still have to deliver those letters, remember?” Mr. Simoun said as he tells to Rai.
“Ah, yes! I almost forgot that. Let’s leave, Emi.” Rai said as she hugged the bouquet and then immediately ran inside the alley.
“Your Majesty, please wait for us.” Emi nervously said as she also ran away, chasing Rai along the alley.
“Your Majesty! Hm? Why would you have to do that, Sir Simoun?” Eito angrily said as he asked Mr. Simoun.
“Let’s see…are you not that rumored ‘Upper Knight’ who was once had an arranged marriage with the dead Princess Harue?” Mr. Simoun curiously said as he asked Eito who flinched.
“What?! Me? No! That is absolutely not me. Why would you thought of that?” Eito nervously said as he trembled in fear and wondered.
“I see. I should have not asked you that. My bad.” Mr. Simoun nervously said as he apologized to Eito.
“Ah! Sir Eito, we need your help! Hurry!” Emi exclaimed as she went out of the alley, searching for Eito.
“I’m coming! See you later, Mr. Simoun.” Eito said as he immediately ran away while smirking back at Mr. Simoun.
‘Central Airport’
Inside the Tarmac…
The ‘Fireiyan Reps’ are seen waiting for the ‘Iytherian Reps’ and ‘Wathyrian Reps’ to unpack their luggage out of their aerostats.
“Uh! Are we not done yet?! Theo is still waiting for me inside the ‘Central Train Station’,” Ms. Janice angrily said as she shouted back at the other ‘Village Representatives’.
“Oh my. So, you are really planning to ditch her Majesty’s invitation for tonight?” Ms. Mai curiously said as she asked Ms. Janice who flinched.
“Lady Janice, you are setting a bad example to Sir Theo. When the right time comes, your son will be taking over the village as the – Hm? Did I say something wrong?” Mr. Sai seriously said as he looked back at Ms. Janice.
“No. Not at all, Mr. Sai. It’s just that… my son told me that he does not want to become the next ‘Village Chief’. He got upset after I told him that and ended up locking himself inside his room last night.” Ms. Janice softly said as she scratched her head.
“Sir Theo got mad at you, huh? My daughter, Yukari has also the same reaction after her stupid father insisted the same thing to her before.” Ms. Mai sadly said as she looked at Mr. Sai.
“Stop it! Listen to me. That was not what exactly happened before – Huh?! Welcome back to the ‘Main Island’, everyone!” Mr. Sai cheerfully said as he noticed Ms. Annie and the others.
“Thank you for waiting, everyone. We are back, your highnesses.” Ms. Annie cheerfully said as she and Mr. Nile approached Mr. Sai’s group.
“Mr. Nile? Is that you, Mr. Nile? You looked ten years younger than the last time we saw you partying inside the Grand Hall.” Ms. Mai exclaimed as she looked at Mr. Nile.
“Ah! This? The Hamasaki Family and the villagers of ‘Wathyria’ really made my vacation trip relaxing and enjoyable. They even prepared me this seafood souvenir basket before we left the ‘Trading District’ last night.” Mr. Nile cheerfully said as he presented the basket to the ‘Fireiyan Reps.’
“We can clearly see that, Mr. Nile. Anyway, am I the only why are being immediately summoned like this?” Lilia angrily said as she crossed her arms.
“Lilia, please calm down. I’m angry as well. This letter also ruined my vacation trip with Atsuki this coming weekends.” Miko angrily said he tells to Lilia.
“Same sentiments, Sir Miko. Ah! My sea friends will get upset to me after this.” Mr. Akito said as he is seen standing beside Ms. Aya and then groaned out.
“My apologies Akito but these summons come first. I’m just glad that Mother and Father – I mean Pirate Captain Antonia and Navy Admiral Anderson, along Mr. Charlie all agreed to look after the village while we are gone to attend this surprise meeting.
“Speaking of this meeting, I assume that we all already know why we are all in here.” Ms. Janice seriously said as she looked at the other ‘Village Representatives.’
“Uh? That is also our question, Lady Janice. What are these summons for?” Kenji curiously said as he, Kazuki and Ms. Phoebe approached Ms. Janice.
“Ah, yes. Good morning, Sir Kazuki and Kenji. You see…when a ‘Village Rep’ received this summon, they are obliged to attend the meeting on which the ‘Imperial Ruler’ assembles and presents the new members of her ‘Imperial Council’ to the leaders of ‘Organizations’ inside the Court Room.” Ms. Janice seriously said as she explained to the Hamasaki Twins and Ms. Phoebe.
“Dear? Dear! It is rude to stare at those twin children.” Ms. Mai softly said as she pinched Mr. Sai’s right cheek.
“M-My bad. I cannot help it – No! I mean look at them. Both of the twins really looked like just Miss Va-al when she is still alive twelve years ago. ” Mr. Sai exclaimed said as he gazed back at the Hamasaki Twins.
“Uh? Sir Sai, is there something wrong?” Kazuki curiously said as he asked Mr. Sai who flinched afterwards.
“Ah – No! My apologies. Please do not mind me.” Mr. Sai nervously said as he got flustered and scratched his head.
“I see. Then, your highnesses, we will go ahead and help you load your suitcases inside those horse-drawn carriages waiting for you outside the Tarmac. Please excuse us. ” Kazuki politely said as he and Kenji immediately ran away from Mr. Sai’s group.
“Poor twin children. Young Lady Emi’s ‘Alementalian’ magic worked perfectly fine on them.” Mr. Akito softly said as he sighed in relief.
“Anyway! Everyone, please hear me out. Would you like to stay and eat at my newly established Diner#2 inside the ‘Central District’ before we all head to the Head Quarters tonight?” Ms. Janice cheerfully said as she asked the other ‘Village Reps’.
“Let’s go, Lilia! I have always wanted to try eating inside a local Diner. Hey Lilia! Lilia? Are you listening to me?” Miko cheerfully said as he pleaded to Lilia.
“Damn it. Fine. We will take your gracious offer, Lady Janice.” Lilia said as she sighed in annoyance.
“I would like to take your offer as well, Lady Janice. I ended up starving myself after I refused to eat something while still riding on that giant ‘Iytherian’ balloon going in here.” Mr. Akito said as he tells to Ms. Janice.
“Ah! I almost forgot to thank you, Lady Phoebe. You immediacy agreed and allowed us to use your aerostat just to get us back in the ‘Main Island’ safely today.” Ms. Aya cheerfully said as she smiled back at Ms. Phoebe.
“No – I mean the second aerostat being parked behind us belongs to Master Eito so you should be thanking him not me. I’m just his mere ‘Aerostat Pilot’.” Ms. Phoebe nervously said as she explained to Ms. Aya.
“Do not worry, Ms. Phoebe. I will help you explain everything to Eito later. Anyway, where the heck is my little brother?” Lilia curiously said as she wondered.
“Lady Lilia is right. According to the tradition, her Majesty should have come in here to welcome us as well.” Ms. Annie said as she wondered.
“Uh? I saw and met her Majesty and Emi waiting for Hikaru and Mayumi outside the ‘Imperial Dormitories’ after my private investigation on that arson case inside the Building B. earlier today.” Mr. Sai said as he explained to the others.
“Arson in Building B. huh? Wait! That is where my little sister stays. What the heck happened while we are not in here?” Miko exclaimed as he got worried and asked Ms. Janice.
“We will tell you that along the way. For the meantime, let’s leave before I change my mind and run away going to the ‘Central Train Station’.” Ms. Janice cheerfully said as she started walking out of the Tarmac.
‘Lake of Va-al’
Along the forested shorelines…
“Ah! I already told you not to take this muddy pathway, Sir Eito! Now, look what happened to us.” Emi angrily said as she shouted back at Eito.
“Huh?! Why is this my fault? You insisted to take this pathway not me.” Eito exclaimed as he shouted back at Emi.
“Could the two of you please stop fighting? We are almost outside of this forest.” Rai calmly said as she pleaded to Emi and Eito.
“Uh? Did you heard that?” ‘Flora’ curiously said as her wings tingled and wondered.
“Everyone! Stay alert! My ears heard the voices of these three ‘Imperial Soldiers’ arguing while wandering inside this forest area in front of us.” ‘Niel’ exclaimed, scaring his other siblings.
“No, you are wrong, ‘Niel’. I can only sense the presence of two ‘Silhouettes’ aimlessly walking around as they search their way out of that forest.” ‘Ches’ said as he reported to ‘Ryo’ and then sat upright on the ground.
“’Soldiers’?! Why am I being apprehended again?! Big brother ‘Ryo’, please hide me. I’m scared.” ‘Lyon’ exclaimed said as he trembled in fear beside ‘Ryo’.
“Do not worry, we will not let them do that again. Her Majesty specifically asked me to find and tell you that – Huh!?” ‘Ryo’ exclaimed as he noticed Rai rolled out of the green bushes beside him.
“Your Majesty?! Wait! Is that really you?” ‘Niel’ exclaimed as he approached and asked Rai.
“Yes, Sir ‘Niel’. Good morning everyone – Ah! Look at my clothes. They ended up being stained from that mud pit we fell from earlier.” Rai exclaimed as she examined her clothes.
“Your Majesty! What are you doing in here?” ‘’Lyon’ curiously said as he ran towards Rai and asked her.
“Ah, yes. I personally came in here to deliver these summons to you, Sir ‘Ryo’ and Lady ‘Flora’.” Rai cheerfully said as she took the last two letters out of her satchel and presented it to the ‘Beasts’.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you very much for waiting. Happy New Year and I'm sorry for the late update. Anyway, Here is Chapter X and enjoy reading. Will try to update this/next week so stay tuned. – Cheche – chan.