186

Einhoren

Royal Castle

"Your Majesty, we've already sent one hundred scouts along with another one hundred mercenaries to explore the northern lands. The guilds no longer wish to assist our endeavours. What are your orders?"

"Duke Jeffrey. If the guilds no longer wish to send their adventurers into the north. Then, may I suggest you try contacting the elves? I'm sure they must have mercenaries for hire also? I haven't forgotten that we're not exactly allies, but with the non-aggression pact in place, it should still be possible to conduct business no?

We've sent so many exploration teams, yet none have returned. I sincerely hope for our sake that the northern lands are simply infested by hordes of beasts and monsters due to the absence of humans. Thus, resulting in dungeon outbreaks foe centuries." Jeffrey nodded twice before sating his curiosity.

"Why do you say so Your Majesty?"

"I say so, because if it's not monsters and beasts, but another sentient species that dwells above us. Then I dare say, we better hasten our preparations for war."

"Your Majesty, we're already doing our utmost. Anymore pressure on the noble houses and common people and there will be revolts. The common people believe we're preparing another campaign against the elves, and after our terrible defeat under the orders of prince Victor. The people hardly desire another conflict. Saying that this rumoured possible threat up north is just a ploy for you to sharpen your blade."

"Duke Jeffrey, send a delegation to Vena. I no longer see a need for secrecy. Show the people of Einhoren that we're truly acting in their best interests. Whatever information we currently have, share it all with Queen Rima Regenon."

Queen Victoria Del Lagos, sipped on her tea. Her motions completely frigid, not yet able to fully control her strength.

"Also, the preparations are completed yes?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. We have gathered as many masonries, builders, carpenters, and our soldiers will handle the logistics and security."

"Good. Build the mountain keep sturdy. Don't cut any corners. Whatever is out there, I want it to remain out there."

Victoria glanced out through the window. Towards the north. From her vantage point, she could see a long line of humans already beginning the long journey north, to begin the next royal project.

"This is definitely going to cut into our national budget for years. A castle to replace the missing dragon. To cover the entire mountain pass with stone walls. If someone told me earlier that I had to build such a colossal thing years ago, I never would've even listened. Yet, somehow. Duke Jeffrey, you managed to convince me. I do hope you continue utilizing that brilliant mind of yours for the kingdom."

"Actually... Your Majesty, the idea wasn't entirely mine. My daughter was the one who suggested it. Of course, even I doubted the idea at first. Imagine if we're just simply mistaken, and that there is no threat up north. The resources, man power and costs we'll incur for nothing could possible be used by the disheartened and less loyal members of nobility to create discord."

"Ah! Rosemi. I hope she is well. Speaking of the girl, where is she?"

Duke Jeffrey hesitated, just slightly.

"My daughter is currently chasing Duke Asai Trichia's shadow. The man is ever fleeting, and I'm unsure whether this is just another one of my daughter's whims or if she indeed has grown feelings for the man."

Currently, as much as Queen Victoria desired Asai as a man. She had to be patient, and wait out the current discord of the capital. The nobles weren't fully satisfied with only Victor's abdication. A minority desired the entire bloodline to step down, so they could prop up a king of their own deciding, whether as a puppet or for their own household's glory, it was a mix.

If Victoria were to suddenly marry and cement an alliance with ether ducal households. Duke Jeffrey was confident that the less-loyal faction would intentionally cause a civil-war. And although the Queen would never lose in battle, due to being blessed by Goddess Marea, Victoria understood the potential threats from both within and external. Especially if they were both to simultaneously occur. Thus, she had to play the long game.

In addition, Rosemi was like a sister to her. If she did manage to make the man fall in love with her, then she'd deign herself to only giving them her blessing.

kophzi

[Robin: Lvl 68]

[HP: 100 MP:200]

[Skills unlocked:]

[Winged Foot]

Increases movement speed by 40%

[Disappear]

70% chance of Vanishing

[Divinity]

Increase Divine Elemental damage by 20% and Elemental defence by 10%.

[All in One]

Shoots 13 arrows at once. Each arrow deals 80% of normal attack.

[Detect]

Detect any players or monsters in Vanish mode within a 30 meter radius for 60 seconds.

[Chloe: Lvl 46]

[HP: 115 MP:140]

[Skills unlocked:]

[Bow Mastery]

20% boost in Bow and arrow damage. +20% maximum range

[Kael's Quiver]

Summon Kael's arrow at 1% of maximum mana expires after 60 seconds

[Thunderstorm]

Electricity element added to attack. Additional 120% Damage added to a regular attack.

kophzi

Source: Pininterest