219

Via Marea

Goddesses' Fountain

After weeks of traveling, the human and elven convoy arrived. Before being allowed entry into sacred grounds, the group were thrust into separate bathing areas to cleanse their bodies and souls of all dirt and impurities. Afterwards, the humans were given white robes similar to Larmiel's attire before entering through the marble stone halls.

The many white pillars and statues passed them by as they entered an open area. The mighty pristine lake rested within. The moon's reflection glimmering upon the water surface. Standing within the middle was Queen Rima Regenon. Her white robes clung to her body, as her gaze shifted from above to the visitors. 

"That is, Her Majesty Queen Rima Regenon. Sir Duke Trichia please enter the lake alone. There, you shall have your audience and finalize the transitioning of our non-aggression pact into an alliance that benefits both our peoples."

Larmiel and his knights kept a respectful distance from the lake. Rosemi De Lumix and Asai Trichia both took a quick glance to observe their surroundings.

The lake was so clean and clear that they could see the very base, finding it to be clear of any hidden traps or hostiles. 

Nerves began to shake as the humans were basically meeting the final boss, who single-handedly defeated Prince Victor.

"It's alright. I'll be fine, trust me." Acting out of decorum, Asai planted a small kiss upon her pink lips. Open display of affection during public and official gatherings were heavily forbidden within human society. However, the elves seemed to not care much for it. They figured the humans and their short lives were simply trying to make the most out of their miniscule amount of time within this world.

Asai, seemingly appearing unarmed, clad in only the thin white robs, entered the body of water. Slowly striding forward, ensuring his body language screamed peace and love. If he could, he would be flying a white flag above his head just to be safe.

[Rima Regenon: Lvl 99]

"No wonder she managed to beat Victor. The first prince, as he remembered bumping into the man at Mr Dream's establishment was level 88."

[Asai Trichia: Lvl 81]

Although Rima was only 18 levels above Asai. He took into consideration the external factors as well. The full moon that stood above them was surely buffing her, supplying her with energy. Just as he had seen be done throughout the battles and fights he had experienced within Via Marea.

"If either of us has any thoughts of inclination towards duelling, I'll be willing to bet that Goddess Marea would entertain it... Fighting just before finalizing our alliance would be dumb as fuck. Especially if Marea pulls another caged fight like with Arthur."

Queen Rima seemed to be highly entertained as the human duke traversed the waters until the surface level reached his shoulders. There, she stood above the human, towering over him. Her grey eyes glimmered in delight, as they traced the man's body. His thin white robes now became mostly transparent, clinging to his muscles and abs. "For a human, he's not bad."

Being so deep in water, Asai wasn't sure if he was supposed to kneel or not. This was a Queen of a kingdom, and he was but a duke. Placing his fist upon his chest, and lowering his head before the water. He bowed in respect.

"Duke Asai Trichia, As invited, greets you Your Majesty."

"You may raise your head human."

Asai's eyes went back to exploring her curves. The elven queen appeared to be unarmed, and somehow walking upon the water surface bare foot.

"Human, I understand that your kind has many fetishes." She lowered her body, her arm forward, she offered her hand for a kiss upon her royal ring. "If you'd prefer. I'll allow you to kiss my feet instead of the ring? All for the greater good and prosperity of our alliance of course."

Queen Rima was greatly tempted to literally step on the man's face. Imagining him to begin kissing, licking and devoutly begin to worship it. As a human should.

Asai, found himself greatly confused. This foreign monarch was either testing his ability to control his emotions, or literally trying to seduce him. [Masochist] wasn't exactly helping as it made the man somewhat excited. Luckily for the man, because of the skill, he felt no inclination to become enraged in response to the obvious taunt.

Asai quickly placed a kiss upon the ring. Showing great respect upon the elf. Albeit disappointing her a little, as her imagination ended.

Rima, tapped her lips a few times before realizing she had never explained her desires to meet with the man.

"Human. I've invited you to my lands not out of curiosity. I have indeed heard the rumours of your strength and skill, but what I need you for is not for my own pleasure and entertainment. There's a task I need you for. Complete it and you can consider the alliance between our two kingdoms solidified and our past grievances entirely forgotten."

"Your Majesty, what do you request of me?"

"To the east of Via Marea, there's another kingdom called Ignis, there dwells the dark elves. I need you to conquer their capital, Montt in the name of Via Marea."

"Dark elves!? Another war!? Shit, but Del Lagos will soon be entering another theatre of bloodshed against the northern kingdoms!"

"Your Majesty-"

"-I know. I've already seen the reports, courtesy of your Count Jenson. Their are potential threats north of your human kingdom. However, compared to your potential future threat. The threat upon my eastern borders are imminent. In fact, they've already launched multiple pre-emptive strikes. I don't expect you to conquer their kingdom within a week. I desire you to attack and delay their plans." A frown stretched upon her forehead. "Enough, I've entertained you enough. Take this."

Queen Rima took one of her many rings off, gifting it to the human who hurriedly took it, upon noticing the mana energies swirling within. "Never look a gift horse in the mouth" Asai decisively thought.

[The Queen's Gift]

Level Requirement: 75

Requirements: Vena's Friend

Stats

-10% Mana costs upon skill usage

[Overhaul] Appearance change to elven

"Wear it human, and then baptise yourself by drinking the water from this lake. Do so now, whilst you're still within mine and thy Goddess' gaze."

Queen Rima honestly wanted to get this over and done with. She had entertained Goddess Marea's orders enough, she believed. And Larmiel should be satisfied with her acting in accordance to tradition enough.

"Being a queen really is tiresome, if only I could wonder off alone solo and conquer other kingdoms. How fun would that be?"

However, just as Queen Victoria Del Lagos was restricted from leaving her kingdom, Queen Rima was restricted from leaving hers. Lest, they decide to disobey their creators and incur their wrath.

Asai did as told, after confirming that there were no negative properties imbued within the ring, and the lake water honestly appeared so clean that it appeared tasty. Although being water.

"Wait, I feel like I'm about to drink a certain pink-haired gamer-girl's bath water..." Shoving such thoughts away, he scooped a little water up, away from Queen Rima's feet. And drank it.

His consciousness faded, his body fell and drooped down into the bottom of the lake.

Queen Rima's grey eyes continued to observe the human, seemingly asleep.

Rosemi, from afar became increasingly worried as the man didn't resurface. She wanted to immediately dive in and pull him up, but just like Arthur's duel upon the bridge. A silver-radiance walled up the entire boundary of the lake. Allowing no persons to intrude.

"Lady Rosemi, It's okay. Your human friend is simply undergoing a trial, bestowed upon him by Goddess Marea. You should rejoice, not many get the opportunity."

"Trial!? And what happens if he fails?"

"If he fails? Then he dies."

Rosemi's eyes glared fiercely towards Larmiel, if she were armed, perhaps she would've drawn her blade already.

"Hey, It's not our fault if you humans are too weak to pass a simple trial."

kophzi