Sravati and Delegation from Huntara

The discussion about Sienna's journey to Ashur lasted quite a long time, stretching over the course of a week.

This was because there were many aspects to oversee and consider during the journey from Arcadia to Ashur.

More precisely, many problems would arise in Westya, and they needed to strategize how to address each of these issues.

Initially, the discussion involved only four people, but as time went on, more individuals became involved, turning it into a large meeting because ultimately, the journey became a crucial topic.

After all, Arcadia's first relations with the outside world (aside from Huntara) would heavily depend on this journey.

Not only that, but they also needed to be vigilant about the possibility of parties lurking in the shadows of Westya, such as Abyss or Divinia.

Honestly, Cien felt like he didn't know Westya at all.

From what he had heard from Ethel and what he had seen himself with Gyo and Terrion Grenhall, Westya seemed like a place with many question marks.

After that week, discussions about the journey were still not complete and would continue to be updated until the departure time.

However, Cien had a general understanding of the plan and the purpose of the journey. So, he was allowed to leave the large meeting. He would receive reports on the smaller details discussed in the subsequent meetings from Mia.

Following the discussion, Cien had to shift his focus to another important matter: diplomacy with Huntara.

Princess Sravati arrived in Death Valley with several high-ranking officials.

Their visit was to discuss the exchange of their treasures, the Eternal Ice from Huntara and the Heart of Ice from Arcadia.

Additionally, Huntara wished to establish a friendship between the two kingdoms. Although Arcadia was relatively new, Princess Sravati pushed her father to recognize Arcadia as a legitimate kingdom.

Initially, many had doubts about Cien's domain. A small, new kingdom in the midst of chaos, located in Death Valley—naturally, it raised skepticism.

However, when Princess Sravati talked about Cien Millard and the estimated strength of Arcadia, people began to listen.

Furthermore, Signa Wayde and Viscount Amary supported the Princess's decision, emphasizing that it was better to be friends than foes.

Signa even reminded them of how dangerous Cien could be if Huntara stood opposed to Arcadia.

Cien was the person who had faced the terrifying figure of the Demon God Incarnation. Confronting someone like that, Signa wasn't confident in his ability to prevail.

With this in mind, the leaders of the Huntara Kingdom eventually agreed to extend a hand of friendship to Arcadia.

When the Huntara delegation entered Death Valley, they couldn't believe that their journey to Arcadia had gone smoothly without any monster attacks. It was a strange occurrence for them, considering that Death Valley was known as the most dangerous place in Kastia.

However, when they learned that Arcadia consistently monitored and cleared out monsters along the route, they couldn't help but be impressed.

Upon arriving in Arcadia, the delegation found a bustling area filled with people hard at work.

Based on the appearance of the region, Arcadia couldn't yet be considered a kingdom.

Many of the residents still lived in tents, there were numerous newly cultivated fields, and the roads were unpaved. It couldn't even be classified as a city, but everyone knew that Arcadia's development had just begun.

With the wealth of Death Valley, the Huntara leaders were aware that this small kingdom might grow rapidly in just a few years.

Feelings of envy and greed began to stir within the Huntara officials as they saw the vast potential in Arcadia's territory.

They harbored desires to take control of this small region. The prospect of gaining control over Death Valley was extraordinary. Perhaps they could persuade Cien to join them and become a territory under Huntara..

Cien would undoubtedly be granted nobility and ownership of his territory, but with his inclusion, he would have to share a percentage of Arcadia's gains with Huntara.

For the official, this offer is so enticing, who believed that by being under Huntara's influence, Cien would reap significant benefits in terms of funds, military power, and more.

The officials began to be swayed by their thoughts.

However, suddenly, a voice warned them, directly into their minds.

That was all it said, but it sent shivers of fear down the spines of everyone in the delegation, including Princess Sravati.

"What was that?"

"You heard it too?"

"Yeah..." Sravati replied, trembling, then turned to Ian, who appeared unaffected.

"Oh, that was probably a warning from Fenrir. He is the Guardian of Arcadia. If you want to meet him, you can go up there," Ian explained to the Huntara delegation, pointing to Fenrir's dwelling.

For Ian, he had long since adapted to the existence of the mythical creature. After all, he had fought the Fenrir himself. So, it was not strange for him to hear Fenrir's voice upon returning to Death Valley.

Upon hearing the name Fenrir, the Huntara officials grew nervous.

Many were skeptical about Ian's explanation, but he assured them that what he said was a fact. Whether they believed it or not was of little concern to him.

Not long after Fenrir's warning, Cien and several others from Arcadia, including Ethel and Mia, arrived to greet them.

"Yo, Sravati. How have you been?" Cien greeted casually.

The delegation, who had heard Cien's greeting without addressing Sravati's royal status, felt as though Cien had just insulted them.

However, before they could retort, Sravati raised her hand, signaling her subordinates to calm down.

"Lord Millard—no, Uncle Cien... are the rules still the same? Does status and caste not apply in Death Valley? Is that still true even though you've established Arcadia?"

Sravati asked with a serious expression.

Cien was momentarily taken aback by this question, then he burst into laughter.

Yes, even though this had become a small kingdom, Cien would uphold that rule. Status and caste didn't apply here, whether they were the King of Westya or the Princess of Huntara.

Cien didn't care.

"Yup, so relax. No need to get tense about formalities like status."

Now Cien understood why he always felt reluctant to establish his place as a kingdom.

Perhaps it was because he was afraid it would create a barrier with his friends in Death Valley.

Cien simply wanted to live a relaxed and peaceful life in this cursed place. Even though it had become a small kingdom, the organization he formed wasn't about nobility.

To Cien, it was only established to oversee the well-being of the residents in Arcadia.

"Yup, no need to be too formal."

Although Cien knew that formalities wouldn't disappear entirely, at least he didn't want to experience the rigidness of the nobility system he had once endured.

Cien will still show etiquette in Arcadia, but only to respect their status, not to acknowledge the power behind it.

Even if they were offended, there was nothing they could do. If they dared to challenge Arcadia, Cien would gladly accept the challenge.

Cien then guided Sravati's delegation to their residence in Arcadia, a large house next to the shop.

Discussions between the two kingdoms would take place tomorrow. For today, Cien allowed them to rest or enjoy the atmosphere of Arcadia.

However...

"Even though you are important figures in Huntara, here, don't use your status to act recklessly. Remember, there's always someone watching. If you dare to cross the line, we won't hesitate to take lives."

Cien's warning to the Huntara delegation was well heeded, and it weighed on the minds of everyone from Huntara that night.

In the evening, Cien invited Sravati to have dinner at his house.

The invitation was not declined by the Princess. Arriving in casual attire, she visited Cien and was quite surprised when she met Huntress.

Learning that Kirana was Cien's daughter made Sravati feel like she owed even more to the Millard family.

"Damn it, Ian! Why didn't he ever tell me about this?!"

Sravati cursed Ian for not reporting Kirana's identity to her. Ian himself was currently enjoying drinks with his Arcadia friends at Yelina's Restaurant.

Not only Ian, but Sravati also felt annoyed with Signa, Shiwa, and even Mia for not telling her about Cien's family when they visited Huntara.

She felt like a child who had been left out of the games by her friends.

"Maybe because this isn't something important," Cien remarked as he brought a new chair for Sravati.

"Why isn't it important?"

"Because I'm nobody, Your Highness," Kirana replied.

"Ah, don't call me Your Highness. Sravati is enough. Don't forget, you're an important person now. You're the Princess of Arcadia."

"Is this really a kingdom?" Kirana asked, turning to her father.

"Is it?" Cien grinned.

"Sigh... alright, alright. Let's eat before the food gets cold," Ethel interjected, ending the conversation in front of her.

On the other hand, Lilinette wasted no time in serving herself and began eating while paying little attention to others, she had already munching on her food while gazing at Sravati, who was chuckling beside Kirana.

The dinner that evening felt peaceful, filled with laughter and stories. It brought Sravati's day to a close with happiness.

The next morning, Sravati woke up and instructed her delegation to prepare for the meeting in the afternoon.

Then, she listened to preliminary reports about Arcadia, including updates about the people she had sent there and their situation.

They also discussed various products offered by Arcadia, from raw materials to herbal plants and weapons.

After the brief discussion, Sravati left her residence and asked Ian to guide her to meet Fenrir.

Learning about Fenrir's presence in Arcadia and his role, she was curious about the truth behind the legends of the nightmare beast of Huntara.

She wanted to express her gratitude, even though she felt it was long overdue.

Sravati also heard about a history she had never known before, involving Proxy, Hela's skills, and more. It piqued her interest and made her eager to learn about this history in Arcadia. She decided to ask Cien about it later.

Ian didn't know much about it, or rather, he didn't care.

Despite being one of the first to hear about Proxy from Cien, he had little interest in the subject. Sigh...