Chapter 60: An Encounter with an Unexpected Visitor

Three weeks had passed since the confrontation in the Izulte forest.

In the capital city Amiria within the courtyard of the Regalia Castle a calm and routine atmosphere prevailed. In the heart of the castle, within the training arena of the Royal Guard knights an unusual scene was captivating everyone's attention.

Their monarch Jonady Kaya was crossing swords with Lord Gilbert captain of the Royal Guard. The servants and knights accustomed to this ritualistic spectacle had gathered around the makeshift arena to watch the duel.

While this might have seemed surprising in another nation, here it had become a daily event to which all castle residents were accustomed.

This day, however, a peculiar tension filled the air. Many whispered that this time, Jonady might triumph over his mentor. The training had taken on a competitive edge over the weeks, and the young king, while always respectful towards his opponent had not hidden his desire for victory.

In the arena, blows were exchanged with growing intensity. Jonady's movements were more precise and faster than ever before, eliciting a rare smile from Lord Gilbert.

Normally impassive, Gilbert seemed almost amused by his pupil's enthusiasm and progress.

 "Your Majesty, show me what you've learned during our traing sessions!".

Gilbert called out, summoning earthen spikes that suddenly shot up from the ground to trap the king.

Jonady reacted swiftly, leaping backward to evade the attack.

The move which appeared to create an opening, prompted Gilbert to rush forward and seize the advantage.

But it was a trap Jonady, with a mischievous smile, executed a feint followed by a powerful kick that sent Gilbert to the ground seizing the opportunity, he disarmed his opponent and pointed his wooden sword at him.

"Do you surrender?" Jonady asked, his triumphant smile lighting up his face.

Gilbert lying on the ground, burst into sincere laughter before responding:

"Yes, Your MajestyI yield your progress is impressive you have reached the Ascendant stage a remarkable feat. I have no doubt you'll soon reach the Enlightened stage at that level few could match you."

Amused by the compliment, Jonady extended a hand to Gilbert to help him up.

 "Stop flattering me, Gilbert. Sure, I've improved a lot, but I know that their steel space for growth so i will still count on you for more training sessions."

Gilbert smiling at those words, accepted Jonady help and stood.

A thunder of applause erupted from the spectators Marcus, a red-haired knight murmured to his comrade Robert: "The young monarch is improving at an incredible pace."

Robert with an admiring smile, replied: "Hmm, I agree his relentless training is clearly with the Gil paying off."

After the training session, i retired to my oval to work.

Having swapped my training attire for a more casual outfit i entered to find Kaylen, my advisor buried in a pile of documents.

"How is the gold extraction progressing?" i asked, settling into a chair.

Kaylen dressed in a white jacket and focused, on his work barely looked up as he replied: "The site is complete we've already begun producing ingots and with the decrease in animal attacks the rice strawberry and banana harvests are thriving."

I nodded satisfied,his gaze drifted to a map of the world laid out on the table.

Curious i picked it up and began studying it, something i hadn't taken the time to do since arriving in this world.

The map revealed the strategic position of the Kingdom of Ednia: an island of 36,197 square kilometers a nation in the middle of the ocean surrounded by potential enemies.

To the east lay the archipelago of Imnisfir, home to merfolk a race known for their ambivalent relations with humans to the west was the central continent of Alderia, hosting several nations.

Given Ednia's isolated position, land-based conflicts were impossible but our direct maritime neighbors could posed a possible threat.

These included the Katakiel Empire ruled by demons ,the Great Confederation of Azulferia an alliance of various races; and the Kingdom of Koderbok habited by giants.

In my thought i muttered a phrase from my former world:

"The politics of a nation are determined by its borders and neighbors."

Lost my thought i was abruptly pulled back to reality by the unexpected arrival of Sienna. Dressed in her usual white jacket and wearing her glasses, she nonchalantly took a seat beside Kaylen.

 "Sienna, how many times do I have to tell you not to barge in like that?" Kaylen protested, visibly annoyed.

I was amused raised a hand to calm his advisor:"Let it go, Kaylen. We're used to her antics."

Sienna chuckled before turning to me:

"Your Majesty, my team and i have almost finished installing the sonic repellents, in the Izulte Forest .These devices integrated into the lampposts along the roads, emit a sound imperceptible to humans but unbearable to animals this will ensure travelers' safety."

Kaylen despite his irritation, listened with visible interest.

Sienna, aware of her success, asked with a radiant smile:

"So Kaylen,what do you think? Impressed?".He averted his gaze, refusing to give her satisfaction but Jonady couldn't help but notice his admiration.

The conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Raelia, dressed in her military uniform accompanied by Nilyna with her red-haired maid.

Their grave expressions immediately caught Jonady's attention.

"Jonady, you should come right now. We have some visitors."

I closed my eyes, placing a hand on my chin for a moment as i thought:

Visitors? I don't recall receiving a request for an audience this week. Could it be a noble? No matter, we'll see.

Intrigued Jonady, followed Raelia to the throne room. Surrounded by armed knights he took his seat on the throne. Beside him stood Raelia, Nilyna, Kaylen, Sienna, and Gilbert.

Before them knelt three figures in long white woolen cloaks, bowing in respect.

Gilbert stepped forward and added: "You stand before our monarch. You are permitted to reveal your faces."

The strangers complied two of them were tall goblins with green skin and piercing eyes.

The third removed her hood, revealing a face that drew everyone's attention: an elf with long ears, a unique blend of white and dark gray hair, and sparkling emerald eyes.

Her elegant posture, rune embellished necklace, and the bow slung across her back confirmed her noble origin.

A murmur spread through the room. Sienna, surprised but curious, whispered: "An elf, huh?"

Even Kaylen, usually impassive, seemed intrigued.

Jonady raised his hand to command silence. The elf her eyes fixed intently on the human sit on the throne spoke in a clear and determined voice:

"Hero Jonady Kaya, I beg you... P-please help the Great Confederation of Azulferia."