Trapped in Another World With No Magic

“Sir Neith, we’re going to the Citadel.” Daniel informs the grey dragon, who is on probation with the dragon Empresses, while Ryuogriar stands behind the human mechanic. Daniel already told everyone else his plan, and Reignleif will be joining them shortly. Aramellianna is awake now, but she is recovering from her ordeals.

“I am at your service, if you’ll have me, my Liege,” replies Neith with a humble bow.

“If you’d prefer to remain where you can visit your lady friend, I don’t mind. I’ll take Magnir or Roeta. Or, I’ll rely on my Empress, who is plenty strong enough.”

The first of the Jomsvikings shakes his head. “My Lady Roestren is aware that my duties are chaotic right now, your Grace. I will be honored to be entrusted with this task.”

“I’m curious, Mukori,” starts Ryuogriar, giving a ponderous expression and pose. Daniel looks at her, asking gently, “What about?”

“Neith was present for both you and the Grand Duchess. Does that not raise questions for you?”

“I have questions, but not for Sir Neith,” replies Daniel sincerely. “Something is wrong, but I don’t have enough information to make a decision. With myself and you three Dragon Empresses away from this location, we will still have Vaergraes and Hekate guarding everyone here, but Vaergraes has successfully kept a low profile, and Hekate is easy to underestimate. She has agreed to capture anyone suspicious, and to be suspicious of everyone.”

“My Liege… Your Grace… Are… you… implying…?” Neith can speak casually with Daniel when he’s alone, but he is extremely careful to watch his manners and tone when anyone else, particularly the Dragon Empresses. To question the Emperor and the Second Empress could cause problems, and Geirahoel would be quick to snap if she’s not in a good mood.

However, Ryuogriar is more tolerant in general. She remarks, “That someone within the Fievegal’s upper ranks can not be trusted?” She looks at Daniel, saying coldly, “I am almost certain of it.”

“The question is ‘who’,” adds Daniel. “And how do we lure them out? I have a friendly relationship with all of… uh… my consorts…” As awkward as it is for Daniel to acknowledge out loud, Ryuogriar nods proudly in agreement, and he continues, “And I trust the Einherjars. Neith, you’re often too honest for your own good, and Magnir and Roeta are pretty simple in taste.”

“Could it be Lady Senn?” asks Neith, glancing between the two.

“It’s possible, but I doubt it. She has the power to give everyone pause, and she seems to have some understanding of Earth’s technology and capabilities, even if she doesn’t fully comprehend everything we can do. If she wanted to, she could likely defeat me with ease. Truthfully, everyone could. But, I think the ‘plan’ would have shifted, now that there is a line of succession for how the Citadel is inherited.”

“Line of succession?” asks Neith.

Daniel nods. “Among the first things I did with Xyreko after Brosjak when I had some spare time was figure out how to change the spellbinding of the Citadel’s controls, which recognize me as the master. Because it’s a magical system, it can easily recognize a new master, and loyally protect that recognition until the master is dead. So, what if there’s also an inheritance of the ‘master’ role already established, even if the master dies? My country used a similar system for the ‘ruler’ of the land, which we called the President. If the President were killed, the Vice President takes over. If the Vice President also dies somehow, then… I think it was the Speaker of the House? I honestly don’t know the full chain of succession, but it was a very long list, to reduce the probability of needing to enact the lowest levels to nearly zero.”

“And, the Citadel will do this for the ‘master’?” asks Neith.

“Yes. Xyreko helped me tweak the magic to ensure that, even if something happens to me, Hekate becomes the master, and it goes in order of the Empresses. Since four of those Empresses are stronger than virtually all other beings in the world, let alone the other empresses, it’s more difficult than simply killing me and being able to take over the Citadel, which is now the pinnacle of modern technology for Zenkon.”

“More importantly, Mukori,” starts Ryuogriar as she hugs his arm to her soft chest. “Is a president higher than an Emperor?”

Daniel laughs a little at the bluntness of that question. “That really depends on the nation whose ruler is a President versus the Empire whose ruler is an Emperor, honestly. In practice, I guess an Emperor is technically the highest, as far as I know, before you reach an actual god or something, as far as how humans rank rulers.” He cups his chin as he thinks. “My country was, at least for a time, the leading power of Earth in terms of economic strength and military power, even while another country who was arguably subordinate to mine held an emperor.” He scoffs with a hint of disappointment in his voice. “Ironically enough, Rikuto’s country is that country. The Emperor of Japan is ceremonial, to my knowledge, like the King or Queen of England, which was a Queen for most of my lifetime. Long story short, it depends on the power of the country and their specific title of ruler. Certain government systems promote and allow for greater growth, while others suppress it, so it’s a balancing act. Either way, the line of succession is active for the Citadel, and if they are in the inner circle… I suspect they know that.”

“I didn’t, and I haven’t killed you, Mukori,” replies the dragon matriarch clinging to his arm. 

He snickers lightly, using his other hand to pat her arm gently. “Yes, yes, Mukori. Not killing me is a decent place to start. But, that doesn’t eliminate anyone anymore… unfortunately.”

“What about Doephluev?” asks Neith, brainstorming.

Daniel replies quietly and seriously, “It could be Hekate, for all we know.” Both dragons wince, and the human adds, “Obviously, I know it’s not Hekate. She refused to take the Citadel when she had the chance. And, given what happened with that spy and with Mother,... there is something deeper going on… I’m reluctant to put on my tin foil hat, so to speak, but… I think it’s related to the never-ending war.”

“The perpetual war you spoke of, yes?” asks Ryuogriar.

Daniel nods grimly. “Yes. I didn’t want to believe it, but… It does seem like there are enemies on all sides… and worse, they are coordinating.”

“The amulet…” murmurs Neith.

“What!?” snaps Ryuogriar, stunned at hearing the thing that cursed Daniel brought up now.

The grey dragon clarifies, “The spy was wearing an amulet with a distinct emblem on it, but even I can’t remember it. When Emperor Daniel touched it, the emblem disappeared. Since the curse was undetectable, it was likely intended to wipe us out simply by virtue of me attempting to separate it from my Liege in a panic.”

“I am almost certain I’ve seen it before,” adds Daniel. “I was certain of it at the time. But, it was too small to make sense of without inspecting closer. Once it disappeared…”

“It was too late…” murmurs Ryuogriar. “Then, whoever the emblem belongs to has a hand in this perpetual war?”

“I think so. We’re making assumptions, obviously, and as they say in my country:” Daniel states in English, “[When you assume things, you make an ass out of ‘u’ and ‘me’.]” 

Both dragons stare at him blankly, and he clears his throat awkwardly. “It’s a figure of speech. Anyways, point being, assumptions can bite you as easily as they can help, so they’re risky. We need more information. I’m obviously not going to start executing anyone, but the most suspicious members of the inner circle are not necessarily problems. It’s the ones who aren’t suspicious at all that we need to be cautious of.”

Ryuogriar and Neith are both quiet with serious expressions. 

The human exhales deeply. “I’m not suspicious of either of you because you have tested my suspicions already.”

“Forgive me for asking this, Mukori,...” Daniel flinches in surprise at the new voice that appears at his left, like a soft-spoken ghost suddenly appearing.

“R-Reina-mukori! You surprised me.”

“Sorry. But, I wanted to ask. Who do you feel the least affection for among your lovers?”

Daniel recoils a little. He often restrains himself consciously from disrespectfully and ignorantly discussing romantic matters of others in his intimate circle with those in front of him, though there are situations like now when he is asked directly.

“Ahhh,” muses Ryuogriar as she cups her chin with her fingers. “You have a keen mind, Sister. Indeed, answer her, Mukori.”

Daniel glances at each of them, and then at Neith. The grey dragon, who has also looked at each of them in confusion, shrugs his shoulders unhelpfully. 

“I… I haven’t really given thought to it like that,” replies Daniel uneasily.

Reignleif pouts softly, pushing her lip out and everything. “Does that mean I am low on the list, Mukori?”

The mechanic grits his teeth. He has told Geirahoel and only Geirahoel that she is his favorite, though everyone seems to know. However, that is a close race between Ryuogriar and Reignleif for an extremely narrow ‘second’ place. The dragons aren’t hesitant at all about expressing their affection in their own ways, and make Daniel feel truly at home. Everyone else remains rather cautious with him, like he is more powerful than he is. 

“N-No! I… Listen…” He glances at Ryuogriar, but she gives him a very devious smirk. She is planning on exploiting this moment no matter how he answers.

“Now, now, Reina. Everyone knows that our sweet youngest sister is his favorite.” She feigns a sigh with her palm on her cheek. “We are simply mistresses…”

“That’s not true!” snaps Daniel suddenly, tensing with embarrassment when his own words sink in for him. He sighs, “Listen,... No one needs to remind me I’m in an impossible situation. I know it. I really do… I think I know what you want from your question, Reina-Mukori.” He looks at Reignleif, who cocks her head. She’s the shortest one present, and her dress and mantle make her look rather cute. The human adds gently, “Obviously, I don’t have any intimate feelings towards Veiranoei. Vae and I have been reserved with each other…”

“Vae, hmm?” asks Ryuogriar, not missing that for a moment.

Daniel sighs. “Yes. I think, for her age, she’s as innocent as she appears. She is a hard worker, and likely is too busy upholding her duties to scheme or pursue romance.”

He thinks, concluding softly, “I guess that leaves Aoloan, Kera’tai, and Doephluev. But, I think Doephluev is very obvious with her ambitions, so I have no real fear of her.”

“And, you fear the other two?” asks Reignleif.

“Well, not exactly. I guess… I don’t feel as close to Aoloan as anyone else. I like her, but…”

Everyone remains quiet in thought for a moment. It becomes awkward, and Daniel asks, “Why? Have any of you noticed anything?”

“Not specifically, no,” replies Ryuogriar. “But, anything I could say of Aoloan, unfortunately, I could say of almost everyone else. I’m not especially close with anyone but the other three first empresses.”

“Same,” replies Reignleif, “With exception of Wenlianna, and… I… um…”

“Doephluev has been working with you, yes?” asks Ryuogriar dryly. “I understand you have more of a rapport with her. Still, hopefully this narrows down our list.”

“Hardly,” replies Daniel. “Aoloan had a chance to destroy me when it was her, Kera’tai, and the Goblin Queens when we met. And, she knew I had no power of my own.”

“True,” replies Ryuogriar.

“For now, my Liege, I will operate on the assumption that the only ones exempt from suspicion are her Greatness Hekate, the Dragon Empresses, and I should believe Lady Wenlianna, yes?”

Daniel confirms with a dip of his head. “I think we’re safe eliminating them.” He touches the cheeks of Ryuogriar and Reignleif with his palms. “I am certain about you ladies.”

Both Dragon Empresses smile, and Reignleif makes a somewhat dry joke, “You hear that, Ryuo? We are at least in the top five.”

“Indeed, Sister Reina. I suppose we’ll have to settle for top five…” The eldest of the three Dragon Empresses sighs with her palm on her cheek. “Though, if we count how often that lustful assassin seduces him…”

“Alright,” interjects Daniel. “I think it’s best we depart, since we’re all here.”

“Yes we are.”

“Jesus!” exclaims Daniel as he flinches from another new voice appearing directly behind him. The bearer of that voice speaks with a seductive and amused tone, and is none other than the ‘assassin’ in question; Doephluev.

“For f-... Doephluev!?”

“I have told you countless times, my Darling Beloved, I only serve you. I shall accompany you wherever you shall go. Assuming you don’t escape me.” She glares lightly at Neith, who doesn’t flinch under her gaze.

Daniel sighs, while the dragons scowl at the archoneldwyn dressed in rather elegant maid attire. She fits into a strange position, since she was supposed to effectively be Daniel’s servant with the express purpose of restoring the archoneldwyn race. She receives Daniel’s affection enough to be considered a consort, or even an ‘empress’, but she is not as welcomed by the others because of her role as an assassin that nearly killed Daniel.

However, Ryuogriar starts the greeting. “Doephluev. I was wondering how long it would take you to arrive.”

“You flatter me, your Grace, but I am always nearby my Beloved in case he should ever need me for anything.”

“Indeed. Be sure not to get in the way.” Ryuogriar turns away to walk onto the shuttle, and Neith follows her, knowing everyone else will be close behind.

And, right she is. Daniel looks at Doephluev, who gives him a smile.

“Doephluev… I’d… like to ask you for a favor,” starts Daniel gently.

She frowns, knowing that his request is likely to be something that runs contrary to the brief conversation that just took place. She murmurs in a tone meant to ensure her disappointment is apparent, “I am at your service, my Love…”

Daniel hesitates, and Ryuogriar comes to a stop to listen. He finally explains, “You caught the spy quickly, and… I’d like you to watch over everyone here.”

“M-Me?” asks the archoneldwyn in surprise. “But… I want to sabotage everyone else.”

“Yes, and everyone knows it.” The two Dragon Empresses present scoff dryly. Daniel adds, “I also know that you’re smart enough not to cause any harm, because you’re going to be suspect number one.”

Doephluev pouts a little, but she can’t help the slight smile of amusement that forms on her lips at Daniel’s assessment of her.

“Is this an order, my Beloved Darling?” asks Doephluev, trying to entice him into changing his mind by flirtatiously dancing back and forth.

“No, but I would greatly appreciate it if you would look after everyone.”

She crosses her arms with a bit more sass behind her demeanor. “What’s in it for me, then?”

Daniel smirks. “How about a diamond?”

She looks away with a huff. “Please save me a seat, Empress Ryuogriar.”

The two female dragons chuckle as Neith watches quietly.

The mechanic sighs. “Five diamonds and three new custom-made dresses.”

This catches her interest, but she doesn’t yield yet. “Mmm… Better. But, diamonds are like ears of corn to you.”

“You know the dresses alone will take a lot of my time, right?”

She smiles, feeling a little proud. “Yes, and you’re asking for a lot of my time.”

“You could ma-...” starts Reignleif before Daniel quickly covers her mouth. “Five diamonds and five dresses,” counters Daniel. “I’m not going higher.”

The former assassin ponders the offer as if she’s deep in thought. “One diamond, but I get to pick the jewelry it’s on, five dresses, a nightgown, and three sets of lingerie,” counters the archoneldwyn mistress boisterously.

This causes the dragons to twitch, and Daniel hesitates. Value-wise, the diamonds carry a great deal more weight. With five of them, she could easily afford to run away and go into hiding, and Daniel would likely never see her again. With the lingerie specifically, Daniel can design outfits, but for the delicate fabric-work, he’ll be leaving it to actual seamstresses. She’s overtly telling him that she wants gifts over payment, particularly gifts that feed her vanity.

Daniel sighs. “Deal. So, you’ll protect our allies here?”

Doephluev smiles and hops to kiss his cheek. “Yes, my Love. Don’t expect me to serve them, but I’ll at least watch out for threats to anyone on the airship.”

“That will be great. Thank you.”

She presses close to him, leaning her chest against his. “Don’t be gone too long, my Beloved. I might get bored and unruly.”

Daniel rolls his eyes and kisses her hand to send her off. He jokes, “Sometimes I wonder who the servant is supposed to be.”

“Well, if you’re offering…” 

The Emperor turns her around by the shoulders, retorting bluntly, “Get going. Contact us over the radio if you need anything.”

“As you wish, my Darling!” replies Doephluev cutely, turning around to see them off.

Now free of the delay, Reignleif walks with her arms wrapped around Daniel’s to be escorted onto the shuttle, and Ryuogriar leads as Neith waits at the shuttle’s ramp for everyone else to board first.

After that, they take off bound for the Citadel.

***

Empress Sundenelle nurses a work-related headache as she reads a handful of various reports from all over the Empire. Taken individually, they are relatively innocuous. However, together as they are, she sees the bigger picture.

After the elimination of Fort Twilight, the Fievegal has made contact with Mattarglos, an allied territory to the Empire, but not a vassal state nor a traditional noble-supported kingdom. Mattarglos operates with a declared ruler, but doesn’t weigh noble rank and etiquette as highly as the other kingdoms. Strength and merit are greater priorities, and because the land is much more difficult to live in thanks to rough terrain, cold weather, and abundant monsters, no one bothers to try to undermine and invade them.

That is, until the Fievegal has shown interest in them before all other kingdoms. If the reports are to be believed, and that is speaking for the ones coming from merchants, the Fievegal is already establishing a trade presence in Mattarglos. Though the goods are limited to a degree, it is undoubtedly Daniel and his allies. 

Not to mention the recent celebrations of the defeat of three of Mattarglos’s most troublesome monsters, which all came in rapid succession.

Grand Prince Yaulander has also made moves of his own, visiting Mornistae for mysterious purposes, only for rumors to arise of a new hero being summoned.

Sundenelle groans, “Could they have succeeded?”

“Your Majesty?” asks the captain of her guard.

“Nevermind. Has there been any word on the progress of the Fievegal invading Mornistae?”

One of the other advisors replies, “No, your Illustrious Grace. It seems they have secured the Stalvaltan territory and have held borders since. Though, the supposed summoning has caused quite a stir in the kingdom as a whole. Reliable information is buried in less useful rumors and claims.”

“I see…”

Sundenelle weighs her options for a moment, and one of the Imperial Dukes serving as a minister clears his throat. “Your Majesty, if I may be permitted to speak.”

“Go ahead.”

“Thank you, your Majesty.” He asks cautiously, “Should we not send out missives to cut off all trade with anyone claiming ties to the Grand Duchy? A great deal of their funding undoubtedly comes from the enhanced magic crystals…”

“And cut off our supply of crystals as well, Duke Walliskah?” asks the young empress with her forehead propped up by her hands. “The danger of a monopoly is exactly this scenario, but no one else has positively identified the source of the enhanced magic crystals. I have magic artisans pursuing rumors that they are merely gemstones, such as diamonds, but even so, the largest diamonds seen to date pale in comparison to the size of a single enhanced magic crystal, which are consistently large.” She wants to flop her head down on the desk. The number of people in her office are limited to a handful of ministers, trusted nobles, guards, and her mother as her lady-in-waiting.

Byleathea raises her hand gently, and Sundenelle looks. “Yes, Lady Byleathea?”

“Your Imperial Majesty, the Empire is indeed in a precarious position when it comes to the Fievegal. But, if the two separate issues of the Stalvaltan Duchy and the territory of Mattarglos are not combined into one, I fear we are in grave danger of massive instability.”

“I agree, but if we are to treat one or the other in either way,...” Sundenelle sighs. She stands up and approaches the territorial map laid out on the large table nearby. It depicts known troop positions, but with the Fievegal and Daniel’s technology, the map is constantly out of date. She points at the mountains, specifically where Fort Reeffjord is represented. “There are two fortresses that now allow passage through the mountains with Fort Twilight lost, Reeffjord and Peony. Mattarglos all but completely controls access to Fort Peony, and it is undeniably the smallest passage of the three fortresses. Additionally,...” She points to the map as everyone gathers around it. “Fort Twilight is confirmed to be merely a crater at this time. While it was too large to determine from stable ground, it is not impossible for a passable route to exist across the crater. A very large passable route. If we dedicate energy to trying to chase the Fievegal out of eastern territories, we open ourselves to invasion at any one of the three fortresses.”

The captain adds, “Additionally, your Majesty, if the reports are accurate, the Fievegal can move large numbers of troops through the air using the strange flying carriages, though there are no confirmed reports on how many vessels the Fievegal possesses.”

She nods. “Yes. I don’t think the Grand Duchess is truly a hostage, either. I think the Grand Duchy, if we can get spies into their borders, would appear rather safe and quite amenable to the Fievegal, meaning they likely have full economic support in both directions. The problem is, I don’t want to escalate the war any further, and I had believed for a moment that Daniel can be reasoned with. It seems getting in touch with him is the difficult part.” She looks at the map.

Duke Walliskah adds as he points to the capital of Mattarglos, “Your Grace, I know that information is difficult to obtain on the exact whereabouts, but there does seem to be some credible evidence that the otherworlder Daniel is in the capital of Mattarglos, having celebrated the fall of the monsters.”

“And, what about outside of Mattarglos? What kind of rumors are we hearing?” asks the young woman. She has a pretty good idea of the answer, but she’s wondering if it’s fading or getting worse.

Finally, Marquis Rambok clears his throat. “Your Imperial Majesty, the… incidences of the otherworlder Daniel’s name have increased. While there are some mentions of the monsters of Mattarglos, more often,... it is the negative rumors?”

Sundenelle sighs in disgust as she holds her head with a hand. “Such as…?” she grumbles.

“Well… It seems to be a common belief that he keeps the company of demons…”

“That one is true, but not exclusive to demons. Next.”

“The vulgarities toward the second princess of Mornistae get brought up frequently, though they seem to have gotten more dramatized.”

“Of course…”

“And… Well…”

“Go on…” urges the impatient Empress.

The men gathered around glance at each other uneasily, and Byleathea clears her throat. “Some of the rumors claim that he enslaves and beds children, your Majesty.” While she managed to deliver it with a straight face, her own tone betrayed a struggle to finish the sentence.

“And, can I trust that Yaulander’s faction is the one spreading these rumors?”

“That is the safest bet, your Grace,” replies Duke Walliskah respectfully. “Hekate being in his inner circle does little to quell such rumors, though she obviously does not behave as a slave.”

Sundenelle scoffs, and she looks at the map. Walliskah adds, “Merchants in league with Grand Prince Yaulander’s faction are the ones carrying such news and rumors to other territories. It seems the Fievegal’s visit to Mattarglos was convenient for them, as they will likely run into friction with any other territories from here onward.”

“One thing is clear, Daniel is not a politician. He doesn’t seem to be doing anything about his reputation. I’m a little surprised Aramellianna kos Stalvaltan isn’t taking a more active role in trying to battle Yaulander blow for blow in the social landscape.”

“Is it possible she actually has been… conquered by the Fievegal?” asks the Marquis.

Sundenelle shakes her head. “I don’t think so. The Stalvaltan family had a mutually beneficial relationship with Daniel, specifically. Daniel didn’t strike me as the kind to turn on his allies.”

Byleathea adds, “Additionally, the eldest daughter is said to have been taken with him. It is likely, hostage or not, Aramellianna would lean more in favor of the Fievegal for her daughter’s sake.”

The men around them bow their heads respectfully. It is no secret that, while her role was less fiery and charismatic than Sundenelle’s, the woman now serving as her lady-in-waiting played a large role at disrupting the internal infrastructure of the palace, granting Sundenelle an opening to turn the fight for the throne in her favor. And, the very first thing Sundenelle did, known to the people in this room, was to ask Byleathea if she wished to be the Dowager Empress, even though she was only ever a legal consort to the Emperor. Byleathea politely declined, opting to serve as lady-in-waiting to help bolster Sundenelle’s personal authority.

There would be no one to go behind Sundenelle’s back.

Or at least, almost no one.

“Captain, have some men sent to find out what Yaulander is doing in Mornistae. If the Grand Prince is acting beyond his capacity, then I’d like to get ahead of it before he makes the current situation worse. Duke Walliskah, I’d like you to try to make contact with Daniel or any of the women of his inner circle as soon as possible. We need to establish reliable means of communication.”

Both men bow, confirming their new orders. “As you wish, your Imperial Majesty.”

Marquis Rambok asks, “Shall I attempt to curb the rumors, your Imperial Majesty?”

“You may try, but I would temper your expectations. Attempting to drown a rumor might only cause it to burn brighter.”

“I would suggest,” starts Byleathea, “that rumors regarding the Fievegal and its members are their own concern more than ours. It is true that Grand Prince Yaulander likely has a hand in the rumors, but the Empire is not automatically liable for the result.”

Sundenelle nods in agreement, adding, “Given how he behaved, I doubt Daniel or his companions care about such rumors. The very fact that they seem to be making inroads into Mattarglos will carry a great deal of weight in any further negotiations.”

“Then, your Grace… Are you intending to carry on negotiating with the Fievegal?” asks Duke Walliskah.

She takes a breath and sighs. “I’m willing to gamble a little further. He may have made a fool of me, but I can still turn it around. Daniel and I will be wed, and in exchange, the Empire will not begin sanctions against the Fievegal’s trade negotiations with Imperial territories or our allies.”

The room is awkwardly silent, and she sighs. “I am aware of how it looks. However, the technology Daniel has introduced through the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy, as well as the Fievegal, cannot be overlooked. If I can make a deal with Daniel and set it in stone with something as simple as marriage, I think it is a worthwhile arrangement.” She looks at the small fox-like statue meant to represent the Fievegal on the map. It is currently set over the location of the Citadel. “Beside that, I believe he and I share almost all of our enemies.”

“But, the demons…” starts Walliskah.

Sundenelle shakes her head. “The Covenant has been quiet since the Fievegal captured Fort Twilight. There have been no reported scouts. If our own troops weren’t scattered to try and intercept retaliation from the Fievegal, it would be an adequate time to attempt to push through the mountains. But, we need to understand the borders of the Fievegal better, or we’re looking at a conflict we may struggle to win. Daniel has demon allies, just as he has human allies. He may be further along with ending a seemingly endless war than all of our soldiers combined have achieved so far.”

“I urge you to take your time if this truly is your decision, your Imperial Majesty,” urges Byleathea. “I would recommend a lengthy engagement period to try to further assess the otherworlder’s true intentions.”

“I agree, your Grace,” replies Walliskah. “As much as it pains me to agree with your plan, if you can secure the loyalty of a force that can hold back an Imperial battalion with ease, further conflicts may take a more positive turn for the Empire.”

“If the Covenant is still intact, we’ll need all the strength we can get. Though, if Daniel is to be believed, the dragons are no longer a part of the Covenant.”

“That does not make them our allies, your Majesty,” replies Byleathea. “You must be careful not to insult or provoke them during this gamble of yours.”

“I’ll be careful. Duke Walliskah, be sure to get us in contact with him as soon as possible.”

“Of course, your Majesty.”

With that, she dismisses her retainers to carry out their tasks and return to their normal duties. Byleathea remains behind, as usual.

“Mother,... Should I focus on recovering my reputation with the nobles?”

“To do so would be directly opposing the Fievegal. While I don’t like what we just discussed, it’s clear that we can’t recklessly engage the Fievegal in combat. If what they say is true, and there are more of the airships used to bring them here, then they can easily bypass the mountains that still restrain us.”

Sundenelle nods. It’s obvious, really. She has already lost any prolonged war with the Fievegal. If she can preserve her dignity in any capacity by making everyone believe that she’s the one orchestrating the wedding, and if she can get Daniel to agree to some beneficial terms for the Empire, then she can likely gain a great deal.

Now, she just has to get in touch with Daniel again, and try to reduce the damage from Twilight being eliminated and Yaulander scheming behind her back.

They need to sort out who the enemies really are.

***

A/N: Hey Dear Readers! If you didn't catch them already, Chapters 29-31 have been rewritten to improve the battle with the Feral Feldrok. I have updated the old chapters (in their appropriate positions) to be the new material. If you haven't read the updated versions, I hope you might check them out!

In any case, I hope you continue to enjoy! Thank you for reading!