019: Queen In Distress

Before Andariel went to the back room, she asked Cydaea, the village's treasurer to carry on the Grand Auction while she settled the matter with the queen.

However, Andariel tugged Alice's hand urging her to get up. "Come with me."

"Why? I like it here." Alice refused softly.

"Please?"

"Ugh, fine… I'll come with you."

Alice sighed a long breath. She got off from her seat, and followed behind Andariel while holding hands.

The Queen of Arlenheim sat on a plush sofa, waiting. She couldn't stop fidgeting, her thighs pressing together anxiously. Her hands rubbed against each other, restless and tense as the seconds dragged on.

Before long, Chieftess Andariel entered the room, accompanied by a small succubus in a charming red dress.

Andariel nodded politely at the queen, offering a modicum of respect without lowering herself. Succubi and incubi bowed to no human—such gestures were reserved for their own kind. Their relationship with humans was strictly business. Nothing more, nothing less.

"To what do we owe the honor of your presence, Queen Freya of Arlenheim?" Andariel asked, her tone neutral but sharp.

The queen removed the black veil from her face, revealing a breathtaking beauty said to appear only once in ten thousand years.

Her blue eyes shone like a sapphire under the crystal lamp. The wavy and flowy blonde hair cascaded down on her back.

Alice was awestruck by Freya's beautiful face. She looked very matured, and poised despite young age, an undeniable proof that she had been very stressed out to lead a kingdom without its king.

Freya held deep respect for Andariel. She intended to offer a proper greeting, but the chieftess halted her with a simple glance. Freya's eyes eventually shifted to the small succubus standing beside her—curious and quietly astonished.

'It can't be… I never imagined Andariel would have a child…'

She was tempted to ask, but decided it would be rude unless Andariel herself made the introduction.

"It's an honor to meet you in person, Lady Andariel. You are even more stunning than your portraits," Queen Freya said, bowing respectfully despite her status. She knew well that arrogance had no place before the chieftess—Andariel treated all humans the same.

"The honor is all mine, Your Majesty," Andariel replied, placing a gentle hand on Alice's back, urging her forward. "Alice, this is Freya Drottning, Queen of Arlenheim. Queen Freya, this is my daughter, Alice."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Queen Freya of Arlenheim," Alice said, performing a graceful bow befitting a noble.

She still didn't understand why Andariel had suddenly brought her here to meet a human queen.

Is this part of Andariel's plan? To help me study humans and adapt? I mean, I was once human too… but this world is nothing like the one I knew. Honestly, with a magical presence that strong, I'm not sure I can even call her 'human' in the first place…

"Oh my… I never imagined you would have a daughter. And such an adorable one at that," Queen Freya remarked, clearly surprised.

"Well, much has happened since the fall of Diablo. I decided it was time to bear an heir," Andariel said smoothly, her lie without a crack.

"And who is her—" Freya pursed her lips before she muttered the rest. Unlike humans, Succubi and Incubi were not tied to any religion or common norms. They were intelligent immortal beings, human's common sense didn't apply to them.

"Ahh, nevermind. I'm terribly sorry for being insensitive. Please don't be offended."

"None taken." Andariel took a seat across from the queen, while Alice comfortably settled on her lap.

"Let's skip the pleasantries, shall we?" the chieftess said, locking eyes with Freya. Andariel would not hesitate to speak her mind even if Freya was a queen. "First of all, I really appreciate your generosity in purchasing our newest inventions. However, what you've done would incite a civil war within Arlenheim. Tusa Village would eventually be dragged to your war if we ought to accept the Primordial Stones. Your princes would definitely be targeting us to claim those treasures. What's in your mind, exactly?"

Freya knew all too well that her decision would spark rebellion within the Kingdom—especially among the princes. As the fourth consort of the late King, she had no true supporters in the Royal Court.

She ascended to the throne and was crowned Queen of Arlenheim by the late King's final will, which had named Freya Drottning, his fourth consort, as the rightful heir long before his death in the Great War.

But alas, Freya had never had the chance to conceive the King's child during their time together. Many whispered that she was barren. Others spread cruel rumors that she had contracted syphilis. Over the years, her name was constantly slandered with baseless accusations.

Seven years had passed since the King's death, and it was a miracle she was still alive—having survived countless assassination attempts orchestrated by the three other widowed Royal Consorts and the princes.

After a long and heavy silence, Freya finally spoke. "Given my current standing in the Royal Court of Arlenheim, I see only two options. First, accept Emperor Peter Romanov's marriage proposal—which would ultimately result in the annexation of Arlenheim into the Romanov Empire. But we all know what lies ahead if I surrender this kingdom to that wretched man. My people would surely be enslaved or drafted as cannon fodder to please the Holy Priestess in the next Crusade. Just like what he did to my King and his soldiers seven years ago!"

She took a breath before continuing.

"Second, I could accept my fate and be murdered by the princes. However... not many realize that I actually have a third, and far more profitable option—asking for your help."

Andariel leaned back, absentmindedly combing her fingers through Alice's hair as she sank into thought. But Alice suddenly piped up with a remark that made both women raise their eyebrows.

"Dear mother… Why don't you marry Queen Freya instead? I mean, your social standing and influence are widely respected, and you're backed by nobles from across the continent, right? If your marriage comes to reality, Tusa Village could expand massively, and Arlenheim would become the first multi-race kingdom."

"Alice! Watch your words. It's not that simple—and you know it."

Both Andariel and Freya turned red, their faces flustered like cooked crabs.

"W-what are you even saying? I mean... it's actually a brilliant idea, but the social consequences would be... overwhelming," Freya stammered.

"You adults think too much," Alice muttered. 

Andariel grabbed Alice by the shoulders and lifted her slightly off the floor.

"It's easier said than done. Do you understand what would happen if humans and demi-humans were to marry? The Holy Church would label us heretics!"

"And then what?" Alice shot back. "The Holy Church already crossed the line when they purged the demons in Diablo. This is survival of the fittest!"

"You don't understand, Alice. The Holy Church is too powerful." Andariel finally loosened her grip.

"Give me ten years, and I will prove that you're wrong."