Chapter 204: Idol of Aurena.

Chapter 204: Idol of Aurena.

Oh, to be your alchemist tutor, Miss Tasianna? Sure, I was planning to spend my vacation in Saelariel but I can take some time for you. After introducing ourselves, Krymdar the dark elf ordered a servant to bring another chair to his table and offered for us to sit at his table while we discussed things.

Oh, that would be fantastic Sir Krymdar, but arent you here with the human empires entourage? Wont you be missed? You are an imperial alchemist, after all, Tasianna asked, looking over at a group of men in military outfits decorated with a weird symbol of a gavel with an eye. According to Maverina, those were people from her home, the Empire of Folschreck.

Eshe isnt with them, hmmm.

Tasiannas alchemy abilities had stagnated Cernust had only shown her the basics after all so her only options to improve her skills were to either buy an alchemy book from the alchemy guild or to go under a tutor and absorb his knowledge. Tasianna, having learned the importance of money somewhat, decided on finding a master to save on money and to acquire a more quality education than learning by her lonesome.

When Maverina introduced us to Krymdar, a dark elf and an imperial alchemist of the Folschreck Empire, we were all a bit surprised. It got even weirder when he suddenly mentioned the fact he knew I was a princess of Kargryx, the one who went missing as an egg. Before he could explain anything, Maverina interrupted us, admitting her confusion at why the dark elf was kneeling before me, and we all sat down.

After Maverina explained the situation to Krymdar, he quickly accepted Tasiannas proposal. Although fortunate, his answer came quite suddenly. He barely took any time to think about it despite being part of the empires representatives sent to Artorias, who would most likely leave and return to the empire once their business is done here.

Dont worry about it, Krymdar waved his hand dismissively. I can return whenever I want. I might be an imperial alchemist, but in truth its just a position for me to keep watch of the humans. Make sure they dont cause any more trouble for my homeland and the people living in Saelariel.

Saori and I stopped eating the food on our plates, widening our eyes at what we just heard. Is he a spy?! I thought, wondering if I misunderstood what he just said or not. Having understood our confusion, Tasianna asked, Uhm, is this something you should be saying, Sir Krymdar? before looking over at Maverina, leisurely drinking her tea.

Its an open secret, Krymdar stated, pointing out that pretty much everybody in the empire already knew this, even mentioning how unpopular elves and half-elves were in the empires big cities. It was part of the peace agreement our alliance demanded of the empire at the end of the War for the Faefolk. The levianewts, dragonewts, and dwarves didnt want to do the whole spying thing, so we elves volunteered. We have to make sure that the atrocities that led to those wars wont be started again, right? Miss Tasianna, as a wind elf shouldnt you already know these things?

If Tasianna had been a real wind elf, she would probably know this just by being around other elves, but, given that Tasianna was a fairy who was mostly isolated from the affairs of the world until that accident happened, it's not like she ever had the chance to learn this part of history. All she knew about the world was through history books, the occasional elf visitor, and the stories fairy adventurers left behind in her village.

Krymdar shrugged it off, but it was likely he was suspicious of Tasianna now. Nevertheless, he still explained that there were other agents within the empire who could take over his duties. Although it might not even be needed, he could probably find some excuse to send to his superiors to allow him to stay around to help Tasianna.

At that moment, a servant came over to Maverina, informing her that the dukes had arrived and that Duchess Morgiana wanted to speak with her about something. Once she left us, Krymdar immediately continued the telepathic discussion we had before.

[Well, I think the best excuse for Muraina would be to just tell the truth. Im pretty sure she wont have anything against me helping our dear Dragon Princesss companion, right?]

I narrowed my eyes, looking at Krymdars smirk with irritation. [First, how do you know this? Second, who is this Muraina? Third, how do you know this!?] The fact that every new stranger somehow knew my secret was starting to get on my nerves, even though I knew there had to be a reasonable explanation for all of this. It also didnt help that he was a spy.

Noticing my annoyance, he waved both of his hands in front of him before responding. [Nothing serious, I might be a spy but I just arrived here with the others; as if I had the time to go around and eavesdrop for information on a girl. No, its actually quite simple. Muraina is the Hunters Guilds master and she recently received a report from the branch master of Firwood. The princess has hatched and is safe, was all she needed to know.]

Farron?

I was stunned to hear this but there was still more Krymdar wanted to say. [I applaud you for your cautiousness, but do not worry, Princess Hestia, the Saelari arent your enemies. In fact, I know you werent informed of this yet, but your father, Emperor Eltharion, and your mother, Sixth Empress Melloxstressa, have asked Kargryxs allies to]

[I already know.]

[We already know.]

All three of us interrupted Krymdars monologuing, causing him to comedically flinch back as if somebody shot at him. With the biggest Ehhhhhh?! expression to break his smug gentlemen exterior, we began explaining to him how we had already learned about the situation with the Dragon Empires allies from others, never mentioning Yorshka or Cernust, as I was still unsure if I wanted to trust this spy.

Clearly surprised, Krymdar began prodding me for answers but I simply kept quiet about it, stating he should do some spy work. Tasianna was a bit worried that my rude tone would anger Krymdar, but the man himself seemed to respect my privacy.

Women are allowed to have secrets. Seems like Muraina hid some information from me to turn me into a jester. By the six, this is what happens when youre away from home for so long, he said, scratching his hair and stopping the telepathic link. Regardless, I guess my flamboyance didnt matter in the presentation. Forget about it, will you three? With that out of the way, Muraina asked me if I were to meet you to direct you to her office at the Hunters Guild. If you understand the situation, you should be able to guess what we Saelari wish to discuss, Lady Hestia. She would like to confirm your safety herself.

At this point, it was a hundred percent clear to me that this Muraina was either an elf or a half-elf, purely cause Krymdar called her a Saelari. According to Tasianna, this was how the elves living inside Saelariel called themselves. With how Yorshka made my disappearance sound, and the chaos it caused the dragonewts, I do wonder how the elves would react since Silva hadnt known of my disappearance despite knowing of my identity.

As our party was intending to visit the hunters guild to continue questing for money and experience, especially Grimnir who was complaining about having zero SP, it wouldnt harm us to meet with this Muraina. We also needed to gain permission for entering the dungeon in Griffonpeak, so there was that too.

Krymdar then asked Tasianna why she wanted to learn alchemy, mentioning it would help him understand what he needs to focus on. When Tasianna mentioned she wanted to create catalysts for us out of B ranked monster organs, Krymdar couldnt help but look worried.

Thats honestly, making manatools is one of the harder procedures for an alchemist, simply because its completely different from making potions and elixirs. You literally have to keep pouring mana into the catalyst during the entire process to keep the mixture from exploding, and that means arcane corruption risks, Krymdar explained but Tasianna could only smile, unnerving the dark elf. He did not know that she was a faefolk, a being completely immune to arcane corruption.

Krymdar and Tasianna then spoke about alchemy, with the latter explaining what she had already learned. Meanwhile, Saori and I just continued eating the meal we got from the banquet, waiting for the main event of this ball. As the two of us contemplated on ordering some more from the butlers and maid walking around the dining room, trumpet sounds suddenly erupted inside the ballroom.

Hmm?

Taking it as a signal, the nobles around us dropped what they were doing and immediately moved towards the ballroom with everybody else. Ellaine was among this group with her family.

Oooh, the dukes are ready to present themselves, Krymdar stated, explaining the situation to me. Considering how the dukes of the seven duchies were literally the most important people in their respective lands just below the royal family, it would probably be considered immensely rude if their vassals didnt greet them. Like middle management not welcoming the CEO of a company level rude.

Technically, I probably should go over there just to see who the dukes were but Im naturally gluttonous without the sun up and I cant control myself when the food at the banquet smelled so good. Thankfully, my senses were superhuman with all my skills, especially my hearing.

Trumpets were blasting inside the ballroom, eventually replaced by the serene sounds of harps and geiglers. As a butler was about to announce the first ducal attendee, the combined clapping of the aristocrats began to overtake the voice of the single announcer. However, suddenly, his voice became far more audible, piercing through the clapping.

That is a voice amplification rod, Krymdar answered my confusion. It is a piece of manatech used for announcements. Using wind magic, it allows people to speak louder than usual.

In other words, it was a practical application of my [Aerokinesis] into a tool for mass use. Krymdar did mention it had a hard limit to how loud it could make the sounds, since the user would be exposed to it also, meaning my [Aerokinesis] microphone and stereo system was still better. I didnt have to deal with tinnitus when I controlled the wind.

As the dukes introduction progressed, I made sure to remember each of their names, just so I wouldnt accidentally anger one of them.

Geoffrey Wyllt Myrrdin, Venitius Siero Lecartiglio, Mazarin Colbert Equevanna, Joseph Liam Olivus, Isaac Albreaus Greenveil, Morheim Gregor Groushia, Morgana Diana Morgiana. In this order, so it should end Wait, is that Eshe?!

With great honor, the royal family would now present the most recently blessed saintess. A woman of the empire who grew up in one of the most prosperous cities inside the Great Evida Desert. Please, grant this illustrious guest of ours a warm welcome. Saintess Eshe of Sarkafiina!

Cheers erupted once again inside the ballroom, greeting a brown-skinned woman wearing a white and red robe beaming a warm smile at everybody. Two guards flanked her from the sides behind her, Eshes knights, but nobody gave them any attention. Eshe stopped moving in front of the crowd, causing them to stop and listen to her next words.

May the Goddesss light bless everybody in this kingdom, banishing the shadows lingering over it. My name is Eshe, a simple shrine maiden who was granted the holy honor of being the newest saintess of the Goddess herself. Please, excuse me for my dreary attire in the face of everybodys efforts today, Eshe curtsied, earning an applause by everybody, especially from any noble belonging to the Olivus duchy. Tonight, the Goddess has something planned for us, so please, await it.

As Eshe moved from the entrance to the ballroom, the nobles began to gossip about what she said but that was quickly drowned out when a group of young noble ladies suddenly made a ton of noise.

Look, look, its Lord Charleslyt! Hes talking with people now! Come now, lets go over to him.

Handsome as always. Honestly, I do wonder why Lord Grand Duke Equevanna made Lord Fillion his heir when Lord Charleslyt is a B rank adventurer at such a young age. That duchy always baffles me.

You speak from the experience of someone from Lecartiglio who values strength and military experience over everything. Lord Fillion is the more proficient entrepreneur and merchant, something the Grand Duke must prioritize to keep the Grand Duke of Economic Affairs title within their house. I hear Lord Duke Greenveil had been planning something.

B rank isnt abnormal for nobles, honestly. Count and Countess Helvas are qualified B rank hunters, after all. I did spar and receive some training from the Count to get [Gale Steps], but I can definitely see him being inferior to Master Kush, Farron, and Yorshka.

From the sound of it, this Charleslyt seemed to be quite young, as the younger noblewomen were crowding around him while the older or married ones were merely gossiping. Sadly, the crowd made it impossible for me to see this person, but whatever.

Most likely the king and the royal family will be announced next, Krymdar stated. Ooh, seems like the ball will actually begin in a moment.

Truly? Well, that means we should finish our food soon, Lady Hestia, Saori said before looking over to Tasianna. Well let Lady Hestia do her thing while we focus on ou

At that moment, a large number of footsteps entered the dining room. A crowd of nobles suddenly began walking towards our table, led by four women. When I turned around, prompted by Saori pausing mid-way her sentence, I identified Maverina and Eshe among the group. The last two were obviously related, a mature lady wearing a fine dress with a young woman following behind her, looking at us with suppressed anticipation.

When the four stopped, the crowd of nobles stopped also and began looking at us with curiosity. When the name Lady Duchess Morgiana escaped their gossiping mouths, I finally understood why this woman stood before me. I wiped my mouth clean and stood up, which Eshe took as a sign to begin the greetings.

Lady Hestia, Madam Saori, Madam Tasianna. It is good to see you three again, Eshe curtsied. Saori had wanted to meet Eshe when I first mentioned her, so I had them introduced during the first theology lessons I had with Eshe. Oh, Sir Krymdar, it is good to meet you here. I did not think you would be seated with Lady Hestia and her companions.

Krymdar shook his head at her statement, still sitting down. Im not, Saintess Eshe. We simply became acquaintances just now through a favor, and as we continued speaking, the Lady Dragonewt began eating with me for some reason, hahaha!

Come to think of it, Im supposed to sit with Ellaine and her family at Duke Greenveils table, I remembered before looking over to the table in question. Count Helvas and Duke Greenveil are speaking now. Hmm, who is that young woman next to Duke Greenveil? Why is she and Ellaine avoiding eye contact?

Thinking about it when I had no idea about the situation wouldnt be fruitful, so I brought my attention back to Eshe. I didnt know you would be presented with the dukes. I was wondering why you werent with the other members of the empire. I pointed at the group of men with a gavel and eye symbol on their suits.

Oh, I thought so too, but Lycerepthor Judge Pestrodus told me I should present myself more since I am a saintess, although, Eshe gestured me to come closer so she could whisper into my ear. I do feel a bit anxious attending this ball. I admit, I would rather stay at the orphanage right now than be presented like this.

At the end of the day, Eshe was a commoner by birth and she has expressed her dislike of being surrounded by nobles whenever I asked her why she very rarely visited the cathedral. While she learned the mannerisms of a noble when she was an apprentice priestess in the past, she eventually became a shrine maiden to manage the orphanage in her city.

Theodore mentioned that there was some kinda drama that happened between Eshe and the nobles from the city she came from, but I didnt think it would be good to ask about it, since it had nothing to do with me. Eshe clearly wasnt a big fan of nobles, but prying into people's past was just plain out rude.

Oh, but let us continue speaking at a different occasion. I just wanted to greet you today, Lady Hestia, but I shouldnt take up the time of these noble ladies. After handing the floor over to Maverina, Eshe then left towards the empires representatives.

Lady Hestia, may I present to you Lady Duchess Morgiana. An illustrious member of the mages guild who possesses the rank of Master. In addition, with Lord Duke Myrrdin, she is one of my two vice guild masters, Maverina introduced me to the woman next to her.

While I havent familiarized myself with the hierarchy of the mages guild just yet, I knew my rank was that of an Arcanist, the rank below Master. From what I understood, Arcanists were experienced mages who have the abilities of a rank C adventurer but werent as experienced as a Master; reaching Master rank also required a substantial amount of contributions to the guild.

I knew that Houses Morgiana and Myrrdin were the magic-focused ducal houses of Artorias and were rivals when it came to claiming the distinguished title of Grand Duke of Arcane Affairs. Looking at Duchess Morgiana, she had long dark pink hair kept together in an updo, revealing sharp, almost elvish long ears. In addition, I was also fascinated by her peculiar irises, which had a large, thick blue ring around the pupil in each of her green eyes.

The Duchess curtsied. Lady Hestia, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. I am Duchess Morgana Diana Morgiana, one of the seven dukes of His Majesty, King Drangleic.

I replied by copying her curtsy. Y-Yes, it is a great honor, Lady Morgana. I am Hestia Atsuko, a guest of King Drangleic from one of Loatryxs kinkyuro clans. I have been waiting to meet you for a long time for my surgery.

As my mana paths connecting my left wing to my body were severed during my battle with the garm matriarch, it has become impossible for me to fly without relying on either wind spells or my rocket boosters. Ever since I had met Ellaine, I have heard that the Duchess of the Morgiana House was one of the kingdoms few mana surgeons, and possibly the most skilled one.

I felt a bit anxious since my goal to fix my wing damage was so close in hand, but the nobles around us werent interested in this part. They were more focused on the rest of my introduction.

Guest? What? I heard there was a supposedly a dragonewt noble visiting Greenveil as a guest of Duke Greenveil, but His Majesty is sponsoring her too?!

Thats the young lady, right? The one that the professors at the academy have been discussing. How is she speaking so casually with Lady Duchess Morgiana? What is this kinkyuro?

Annoyed at the background fuzz, I opened up my mouth again to hopefully silence everybodys gossiping, asking, If this isnt rude to ask, Lady Morgana, are you possibly a half-elf? I pointed out her sharp ears, wondering why nobody had mentioned them to me.

Duchess Morgiana reacted to my question by looking over to Tasianna and Krymdar, frowning a bit. The nobles behind her also began to look uneasy, causing me to wonder if what I asked was taboo.

She then returned her focus back to me to speak, Let me just say, House Morgiana does have elven ancestry, that is true as evidenced by our ears and extended lifespan. HoweverI am humanand so are my children. She then turned around and bowed deeply towards Krymdar and Tasianna. Krymdar didnt show much of a reaction, looking at the Duchess with a lack of emotions, while Tasinna returned a bow out of respect.

Noticing this, the rest of the nobles also bowed out of respect, almost reminding me of Manuela when she first learned Tasianna was a fairy. The duchy of Morgiana used to have a very amicable relationship with the elves and fairies until the War of the Faefolk. While the people of Morgiana were regretful and apologetic for staying neutral during the war, many elves became antagonistic towards their old allies. While Tasianna forgave humanity, Krymdar seemingly hadn't yet.

The Duchess then clapped her hands together. About the surgery, Lady Hestia, it had been arranged and prepared for. If you wish, we could perform it tonight after the ball. I will restrain myself from the wine if you so desire. I nodded to her offer, too happy to decline. Perfect, then let me please introduce you to the surgeon who will perform your treatment.

It isnt you, Lady Morgana?

I will be the main surgeons assistant, to make sure everything works out. However, I wish to give a promising surgeon some experience if you would allow it. The Duchess then pushed the young lady from behind her forward and introduced her. This is my heir and only daughter among my four children. A magic prodigy even for her age.

Now, why did I present myself as an idol? Well, obviously, it was to distract people from the idea that I was a champion of Aurena. A champion was somebody who performed Divine Quests for their gods, so the demonkin would probably become wary if they knew me as a champion. However, the first-ever idol was born on Peolynca. They probably couldnt understand the concept of an idol immediately and would probably think of it as another variation of a saint.

If you wish to understand what an idol is, then please think of my performance today. In addition, if you truly wish to understand what an idol does, then I would like to invite all of you to my concert on the sixth of SpringBloom, to celebrate the founding of Artorias, in the lower citys merchant district, I informed everybody. However, I would also like to show my appreciation for everybodys hospitality, as such, my adventuring party shall sell everybody attending the concert yeast-leavened bread and pastries!

What! The numerous nobles did not shout this; in fact, it was only Duke Greenveil. He looked over to Count Helvas, who could only bow his head and show him a wry smile. The rest of the guests were of course flabbergasted, as they just heard the luxurious yeast was being sold.

I snapped my fingers, signaling Saori and Tasianna at the banquet table to reveal trays full of donuts, cake, muffins, and other yeast treats to the audience. I would like everybody to try them, although I would ask everybody to remain fair and not hoard everything for yourselves. It took my handful of retainers much sweat and effort to make the yeast and bake everything. As such, I must apologize for my inability to make more in such a short time.

Make them feel bad about it, that way, nobody is allowed to complain, Count Helvas told me when I presented them. Nobles were greedy, especially Greenveil nobles who were gourmets. Yeast-baked goods being shared freely would be an instant success, so to prevent people from taking too much, I had to make sure everybody understood how hard it was to make. Yeast was still considered a luxury, so people would consider me as a very caring person as such.

If you enjoy the treats today, then please, I will sell more on the sixth. In addition, through my retainer, Ellaine Fiero Helvas, I have made an agreement with her family House Helvas and House Greenveil to produce yeast within Artorian borders. Loatryx wishes to share our wealth under my name, Hestia Atsuko. As an idol of Aurena, this is another duty of mine.

Clappings erupted once again in the audience. I have successfully stolen everybodys focus.

213 humans and beastmen have become your followers

Total follower count updated. Total follower of [Young Sunfang Dragon, Hestia Atsuko Kargryxmor]: 654

Build up, build up, build up, ready the nuke and drop another bomb! I need 2500 followers for the next milestone but with how much Ive been promoting myself through the restaurant and now here, I will reach it!

Of course, not everybody was super thrilled about this. Duke Greenveil, for example, was flanked by a devilishly smirking Saori and a wryly smiling Count Helvas, both pushing the Duke into speaking about their deal together. Saori made the Sarlenzia company want our fulinoe leaves even more, and now we will force the Duke to need our yeast recipe even more.

Smart choice to not share the recipe, just that we will have them work with us to spread the yeast. Jeez, so devilish.

As I left the stage, people were obviously trying to speak to me now, but I told them to give me some space to drink water after all the singing. Krymdar then came over to me, asking me with a smirk why I decided to share the yeast around, something the elves used to spread to Artorias.

This is not your yeast, Sir Krymdar~ I said, causing Krymdar to grow even more curious but he did not pursue it more. He kneeled once again before leaving the ball entirely. As I wondered if I was being a bit too bratty somebody else came over to speak with me.

And this was somebody the nobles around me did not appreciate.

Greetings, Lady Idol, may the Goddesss light shine upon you. My name is Pestrodus von Spitzwald. I am a Judge of the Lycerpth, the international police force of the empire of humans. I would like to speak with you.

Why have I only gotten in trouble with the law since I came over to Griffonpeak?

A note from AbyssRaven

The quickest way to a person's heart is through song, food, and maybe a cute girl. I think.

Today's song comes from "Ai no Chiisana uta" from Moona Hoshinova: Rawr

If you guys want to support me, Hestia and "A Dragon Idol's Reincarnation Tale" (or just read up to 17 advance chapters + any Patreon-only chapters) please check out my Patreon: Rawr!

If you guys enjoyed this chapter then, please follow the story. If you guys want the story to grow, then giving it a rating or a favorite will do wonders: Rawr

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Thank you for reading this chapter.

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Thursday, September 9, 2021 3:00:27 AM Germany [Member of Zard Skwad]

Bio: Hey there, AbyssRaven here. I'm just an avid Light Novel and Fantasy story reader who randomly thought of a story and began writing about it.

I eventually found out that I've been spending a bit too much time with building, planning, and researching for the story, that I've decided to just share it with others.

Writing is mostly a hobby for me, but I would still love any kind of criticism to improve on it.

I'm also german, so please excuse anything that sounds a bit weird...I wouldn't mind you pointing it out though.

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