Episode 16 That's Quite Big

As Eyseck and I made our way towards the palace's grand exit, the Cor of Helios, Lagos Verdan, extended a gracious invitation for me to join him for a glass of Helian wine. While Eyseck was looking somewhat fatigued from the day's events, I thought it might be a good opportunity to engage in a more personal conversation with the Cor.

I turned to Eyseck and smiled, trying to convey my gratitude for his understanding. "Eyseck, you look exhausted. Why don't you go ahead and get some rest in our quarters? I'll join you shortly."

Eyseck nodded, his emerald eyes showing a hint of concern. "Of course, Your Majesty. Please enjoy your time with Cor Lagos Verdan. I'll be in our quarters if you need me."

With that, Eyseck made his way towards our quarters, leaving Lagos and me to enjoy our conversation over a glass of Helian wine.

Lagos and I settled on an airy porch, providing us with an unobstructed view of Helios' moons. One moon bathed the landscape in a gentle pinkish glow, while the other shone brilliantly in pristine white, casting a dreamlike ambiance over the temple.

With a polite gesture, Lagos poured a glass of Helian wine for me. To my surprise, the wine was entirely transparent, like a crystalline elixir. I accepted the glass graciously and raised it in a silent toast before taking a cautious sip. The wine was as exquisite as it looked, with a delicate, fruity flavor that danced on my palate.

Lagos leaned back in his seat, his eyes fixed on the moons. "Our moons are rather spectacular tonight, aren't they, Queen Reina?"

I nodded in agreement, appreciating the breathtaking view as I savored the unique taste of Helian wine. Tonight, I was proud of myself for acting like a classy lady. Except for that part where I tried to death-stare my way into having Lagos speak to me first.

As we continued to enjoy our wine and the mesmerizing moonscape, Lagos must have noticed a chill in the evening breeze. Without a word, he gracefully removed his outer robe and draped it over my shoulders, a gesture both protective and considerate.

"Thank you, Cor Lagos."

"Please, call me Lagos, my Queen." He took his seat next to me.

I smiled. It was good to see that my previous inhibitions about the Cor of Helios were false. He seemed like a pretty nice guy. "Then, call me Reina, Lagos."

"Your name is beautiful," he turned his body toward me as he reclined in his seat.

"You won't believe what it actually means."

"What does it mean?"

"It means 'queen.' Don't you find it silly that if you were to address me as Queen Reina, you are essentially saying Queen Queen?"

He chuckled. "My, it's like it is your destiny to be placed as Queen of Proxima, then."

As we sat on the porch, sipping our transparent wine under the enchanting moons, the conversation between Lagos and me flowed naturally. I couldn't help but be curious about his role as the Cor, and so I ventured to ask.

"What about you?" I inquired, careful not to overstep boundaries. "If you don't mind my prying, I learned that the role of Cor is given to a child of prophecy."

Lagos set his half-empty glass down, and I sensed a hint of reserve in his response. "Yes," he replied with a measured tone. "Even before I was born, there was a prophecy of 'a child of twilight' who would be born and release Helios from the Scourge. Well, as you know, considering how I look, I was taken away from my mother the moment I was born and lived within the temple."

I took a thoughtful sip of wine, considering the weight of his words. "It must have been rough to be put at the helm like that at an early age."

"Not in comparison to your struggle, I believe. Right after vanquishing the tyrant Queen, you made your moves known to the Quadrant. Strong, kind, and wise—that is how you are known here."

I chuckled modestly. "Oh, you really do flatter me too much, Lagos."

He returned my compliment with a candid response. "I am only saying what I see. For some reason, it is quite easy to talk to you."

I nodded, acknowledging the warmth of our conversation. "I could say the same for the child of prophecy."

Lagos paused for a moment, his expression shifting. "No... I... In the end, it seemed like I was not the child of prophecy after all. It was you who blessed us with the cure for Scourge. Not me."

I shook my head gently, refuting his self-doubt. "That's untrue. If not for your beautiful features, I wouldn't have sent you a message." I gave him a mischievous grin.

He smiled, but there was a hint of humility in his eyes. "Now it is you who is flattering me too much."

As we enjoyed our conversation under the moonlit skies of Helios, something peculiar drew my attention. In the heavens above, there were lights that did not resemble the natural twinkle of stars. They monotonously blinked and moved in a manner that seemed intentional.

I couldn't help but ask, "What are those lights?"

Lagos followed my gaze to the celestial display and explained, "Those... are the only line of defense in Helios. Our laser reflector satellite system."

A surge of excitement coursed through me. This was exactly what I had been seeking—a potential alliance and access to Helios' legendary weapon.

"I was wondering, are satellites better than shields when it comes to deflecting incoming enemy lazer fire?" I asked.

He nodded and explained, "Oh, they do more than just deflect the enemy's torrent of lasers. They reflect ours too."

I was intrigued by the clever tactic. "That's genius. It makes it challenging for the enemy to predict the source of the lasers." I leaned in closer. "I heard about something big."

"Big?" Lagos responded with curiosity.

I pressed on, "A legendary weapon? Have you heard of it, my Cor?"

Lagos gave me a knowing look. Perhaps it was me calling him "my Cor" that ultimately flicked a switch inside him. "I see, so that's what you wanted all along."

I scooted closer to him, eager for information. "How much output can it give? Y'know, if it exists. Metaphorically."

With a playful grin, he replied, "I can't tell someone I'm not married to such confidential information regarding my planet's defense system."

Undeterred, I tried a different angle. "Well, what's the damage threshold, then?"

Lagos leaned in and whispered the measured amount in my ear, making me gasp.

"Th-that's big. Really big."

He nodded, pride in his expression.

A few days later, my anticipation for the signing of the marriage documents was all over my face. Armed with the knowledge of Helios' defense system, I was eager to make progress in securing our alliance with the Cor of Helios after last night.

Cardinal Senos observed us closely, his eyes narrowing as he addressed me, "Your Majesty, you and Cor Lagos seem to have developed quite a close connection during your visit to Helios."

I nodded, acknowledging the observation. "Yes, we've had some engaging discussions, and I believe it's important to build strong relationships between our planets."

Senos' expression remained guarded as he replied, "Of course, Your Majesty. Building alliances is crucial, but we must ensure that our interests are protected."

It was clear that my interactions with Cor Lagos had not gone unnoticed, and I needed to tread carefully around this geezer.

I skimmed over the contracts, and something caught my attention.

"Celibacy?" I uttered, and it felt like the room echoed it back to me.