386 Impending War

Claude gave Alicia a respectful bow. Alicia smiled and said: "Well, I did rough Ray up a bit but as you can see not too bad."

"Not too bad!? I was out for a day and night!" Ray complained.

"That's because you deserved it. Who told you to go run your mouth and threaten her homeland?" Lily said smacking the back of Ray's head. Ray's cheeks turned red and he kept quiet. He knew he said too much.

"Haha! It's fine, he's used to it. He's a good kid, just a little mouthy is all. Now to the matter at hand. As you must already know as the ones' bearing the title of ruler. You will become the enemy of the other continents. Now on my continent Sanavilia, there are a few factions that oppose killing the new rulers. There is always a huge fight about it in the council but the issue is that the factions who are for killing the ruler have the majority vote. I have always taken a neutral stance. I do not agree with this killing since the people who are deemed to become the ruler did not get to choose this fate.

"But that does not mean I would want a vicious person being the ruler of this world who would commit heinous crimes. That was the reason I agreed to send Lily and Ray out. I decided this time if the ruler was benevolent enough that I would support them with all my power." Claude explained.

"And? Your verdict?" Alicia asked.

"My verdict is, I wish to support you and I will also have the factions who wish to protect the ruler step in and also provide support. The problem is by doing this a world war will more than likely break out." The words 'world war' caused everyone to gasp. These words were not to be taken lightly. 

"Even if that is the case, I will not give up my life. I can protect my people as well. I will not let a single one of them die." Alicia said firmly. 

"Do you have a plan, Akari?" Tang Ming asked.

"Mhm. You know how Earth had fall out shelters? I plan to go a step further and use the old city ruins that Blake and I discovered almost ten years ago as a shelter. It is completely fortified and very deep underground. Magic could not even penetrate the area from above." Alicia figured they would not have much time to prepare so using something premade was best. "Plus there is something there that I need to pick up anyway."

Alicia was of course talking about the spirit that was resealed by her mother. She also wanted to pick up the item her mother hid beneath the frozen forest. Tang An knew exactly what Alicia was talking about and smiled. "This is a very good plan. I remember that thing. It should come in handy."

Claude couldn't help but be astonished. This girl was quick to think and was willing to relocate her entire kingdom underground to keep them safe. This was someone who truly cared for her people. He was glad he came here and spoke with Alicia. He felt his resolve growing more and more. "Princess Alicia… If I may ask. Would you allow for my clansmen to seek shelter with your people as well?" 

"Hmm? Sure, I see why not. The place I am talking about is massive. And there are many interconnecting cities. Some of which have yet to be explored. You would need to set up and transportation circle to get your people here. I'd say we give it about one week's time before anyone else makes a move. Also when you talk to the pro-ruler factions ask them if they need to relocate their people as well. But each person will need to form a contract with me. I will set up a barrier disallowing anyone who is not contracted with me and it will also keep those with bad intents from mixing in. It will keep everyone safe." Alicia answered.

"A contract, huh? This is a very good idea. I will do the same with the faction leaders when I go to talk to them. This way they can not betray us." Claude smiled and then looked at his two disciples. " I will leave these two here to help you. Feel free to work Ray to the bone." 

"Huh? What about Lily!? Master, isn't this being a little too biased?" Ray yelled out feeling aggrieved. 

"Master is smart, he knows if you do not do a lot of work you will end up causing trouble instead." Lily stuck up for Claude without batting an eye.

Ray snorted and said under his breath: "Kiss as… Ouch! Lily! Stop!" 

Lily ruthlessly pinched his waist. The two's bickering caused everyone to laugh. Alicia smiled at the scene in front of her. But it soon turned into a frown as she let out a long sigh. "After dealing with Bergath we now have to face another war… This means I will need to move the capital again as well. I feel bad for the people who live in other cities and towns… Maybe I should just move all of Alastine…." 

"Alicia… what about bringing the entire kingdom and its allies into your space? We can set up a magical barrier around it which will allow the people of Alastine and your allies to be safe and they will get to keep their homes. You can always put it back afterward.." Tang An remembered seeing whole planets in her space so a few landmasses wouldn't make much difference.

"This… Is a very good idea!"

***

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