Chapter 219: Hestia, Unwilling Mediator.

Chapter 219: Hestia, Unwilling Mediator.

I know I mentioned I would help you get an appointment, but I didnt say I would participate in this, Muraina! I have no interest in politics! Pouting, the energy in my body slipped out of me and I slumped onto the table I was sitting at, having lost all interest in keeping up with any decorum despite being in a place where I had to. My anxiousness to keep it up was gone.

Sighing deeply, I forced myself up to see Muraina and Krymdar sitting on one side and King Drangleic and his two advisors Ulquint Myrrdin and Armado Lifcio. I was sitting all alone to the side, sitting besides none of them as if I was some uninvolved third party. In fact, for today, I was exactly that.

A mediator.

Gahaha, if somebody young doesnt want to talk politics, then most of the time it is better if we leave them be. Without passion, it would just be a waste of time, Lord Armado expressed, causing me to feel something akin to a kinship for this old, muscular man. He was putting my thoughts into words so clearly, as if he knew them personally!

What a wonderful old man. I wish Kramps could also be this understanding.

But, from looking at the eyes of these adults in this room I dont think I was allowed to be absent.

I apologize, Princess Hestia. However, I believe it would be best if this discussion would have you around as the third party. In politics, its not unusual for a neutral faction or the leading party, like an emperor or their children and ministers, to help resolve the disputes between the debating participants, and you are the closest thing to a neutral party we have, Muraina explained to me with a smile.

King Drangleic, with his feathery crown on his head, nodded, looking stoic today save for the glare he gave Muraina and Krymdar. I agree. In a diplomatic discussion, the goal for the representatives is to strive towards the main goals of their country. What we seek out from speaking with each other. These discussions can become heated, so having somebody presiding over it is a must.

Seeing Lord Ulquint and Lord Armado nod to King Drangleics statement made me believe this has happened often enough between the nobles, especially the dukes. As king, his duty was to keep the kingdom united. Making sure the dukes didnt accidentally argue themselves into wars probably is a necessity, especially if what I learned from watching the rivalry inside the royal academy could be used for the real world politics of the kingdom.

There is certainly a strong rivalry, but I havent read about any large-scale wars between the dukedoms. Things probably happen in the shadows, but Actually, lets not think too much about that topic. I dont want to deal with it.

But, its not like I have any experience in this. I havent done anything like this before in either life. If the King and Muraina needed a mediator for their discussion, then there wouldnt be a better person for the job than me due to my royal status. On the other hand, it was not like I was the most assertive person out there, and I was now responsible for making sure these two factions would come to a good conclusion.

The princess may be mentally 16 years old, but biologically she is only a year old. Having to involve her with this farce wouldnt have been needed if you Artorians hadnt been complicit in the Folschreck Empires atrocities, Krymdar spat out poison at the three humans sitting across the table, looking unamused.

Krymdar! Muraina called out his name with a stern voice before snapping at his forehead.

No, it is fine, Lady Muraina, the King stated. I let out a silent sigh when I heard this but my fears were reawakened when I saw his expression. I am well aware of the Saelaris hatred for my people and kingdom; after all, I understood your message very well when you shot my father and his griffon down while he was on his way for a diplomatic mission. I only consented to this farce simply because I owe Princess Hestia for protecting my people and land.The initial posting of this chapter occurred via Ñøv€l-B!n.

Your Majesty! Lord Ulquint raised his voice at King Drangleic. Your father was very adamant in his wish to rekindle our bonds with the Saelari. Please, as your advisor, suppress your emotions for the kingdoms future.

Oh boy.

A headache was already brooding and my stomach felt troubled by the idea of having to take care of this. I was really questioning my decision to keep my promise to Muraina after leaving Ellaine at the academy.

After the King and Muraina moistened their throats with some water, Muraina wanted to say something before the discussion opened. King Drangleic, first of all, I would like to strongly apologize to you for what happened in the past. As we mentioned in the letter that our Majesty, King Elutis Anduriol of Saelariel, sent to Artorias, the ambush on your father, King Vendrick var Artorias, was made by an insurrectionist faction who wished to dethrone King Elutis because of his dealings with the royal family of Artorias. It was a misunderstanding and we dealt swiftly with those despicable kingslayers.

Yes, I am aware of that. King Drangleics expression had calmed down after drinking that water, looking regal as he spoke with Muraina. If that scene from before hadnt happened, I wouldnt be worried about him exploding again. However, you must understand that, as the current King of Artorias, I cannot trust those words so lightly. His assassination happened while we were escorting him through your forest. Even if our own security measures could be questioned, the number of elves who ambushed us would have overwhelmed most reasonable convoys. Your inability to prevent such a large force from gathering casts significant doubt on the elves goodwill, Lady Muraina.

It sounds like King Drangleic witnessed it all happen. Honestly, the idea of Papas death is just something I don't want to ever think about. I cant even begin to imagine what King Drangleic had to deal with after that day; at least, I can understand his rage now.

As I clenched my hands together at that thought, King Drangleic continued, However, as King, I have a responsibility towards my kingdom to see it flourish. As his son, I have a responsibility to see my fathers and grandfathers ambitions come to fruition. With how much Duchess Morgiana and Duke Myrrdin have toiled to rebuild the trust we lost, I will, at the very least, see this discussion through without letting my emotions interfere.

Thank you very much, Your Majesty. Muraina nodded, followed by a disgruntled Krymdar.

As both King Drangleic and Muraina kept silent for longer than needed, I took this as a sign for me to participate in this discussion. To figure out how to drive this meeting forwards, I guess. U-Uhm, well, as I mentioned before, I wanted to organize this meeting for the reasons of fulfilling King Drangleics and Lady Murainas requests of me.

After I left Ellaine at the academy, Muraina told me to pick up Krymdar at his house before bringing them directly to the castle, as I had already made this appointment before Id left the city for that Quest. I had thought it would take a while to set up, but it seemed the king had enough time today since he only needed to work on documents today.

Now, since this was an official diplomatic talk between two ruling forces, the Saelari and the Artorians, the atmosphere was more formal than most talks Ive had in the past with either King Drangleic or Muraina. As such, people were addressing me as Princess Hestia since I was officially here as a neutral party from Kargryx. Kinda. Not like I wanted to be.

Nobody had told me beforehand about being the mediator for this discussion, so I had no idea what I was supposed to say after this. I had no choice, it was [Telepathy] time. [Muraina, help!]

[Sorry about this. Okay, listen. As a mediator, your job is to make sure that both parties reach the goal theyve settled on reaching, as I said before. In this case, I want to know what happened in Firwood while Artorias wishes for an alliance, or so I presume. Open by telling us what we both want, set the debate rules, and then allow us to give our opening statement.]

I did exactly as Muraina instructed. When King Drangleic frowned when he heard Muraina was suspicious of the incident in Firwood, I added the trust cannot be created with mistrust argument Muraina told me during our meeting at the guild, which seemed to have appeased him.

Since King Drangleic and Krymdar seemed to be the most explosive although I shouldnt underestimate what Lord Ulquint and Lord Armado might feel about their previous king being assassinated I asked everybody to only speak when asked and to not interrupt each other. Obvious enough, but Im a nervous dragon trying to do something I had no idea about, so why not.

Then, please, allow me to begin, Muraina requested, to which King Drangleic agreed. Through rumors Ive recently heard from traders and merchants who had visited Firwood, there was a recent accident where the local alchemy guild was destroyed, and, when I asked a few contacts on the matter, they only told me to investigate the matter myself. As such, I went over to Firwood and managed to piece together that something also happened in Rashan village, as saint candidate Asaka was sent there to help.

Asaka? One of Saoris students, right?

As you should know, I am a fae whisperer, King Drangleic; I am able to speak with the lesser fae and elementals. Unfortunately, none of the spirits there would tell me what had happened, as though theyd been told to stay quiet. As such, I am here today to ask you about this information. King Drangleic, if this is information my correspondents are actively hiding from me, then I would naturally become curious.

Was the person Sir Farron Nordor? he asked without waiting for an answer from Muraina. She didnt answer him but it felt like he already knew from his content nod. I hope that didnt mean Farron was in trouble.

Krymdar raised his arm, looking as if he wanted to add something, so I gave him permission to speak. From my own investigations on the subject, Ive learned that members of the Yanderu Elusuess had recently visited Firwood for a job. Davison, or something like that, was the employer, but I wasnt able to learn what they were doing there. Last time I checked, Davison was the alchemy guild master of Firwood, and I also learned he wasnt the most ethical alchemist, having been banned from the alchemy guild in Estralia for modifying monsters into grotesque, deranged abominations.

King Drangleic then turned to me. His bad mood was hidden behind a stoic mask. Princess Hestia, you have not told them?

Yikes. Come on, Hestia, show some confidence. Youre a dragon! It doesnt matter if its politics or battle.

Disregarding the political ties between Kargryx and Saelariel, as you know, King Drangleic, I am not a politician nor do I have many patriotic feelings for my home empire. In addition to this being Ellaines decision, I believe I should show more favoritism towards the kingdom Ive been a guest in for more than seven months, I explained, gaining a glint of a smile from the arvisian king. Also, you kept my secret and didnt spread it around too much. That by itself meant I shouldnt say anything without your consent but King Drangleic, if I may, if you wish to pursue your kingdoms goals, I believe this is a perfect time to explain everything.

Noted. Thank you for your honesty, Your Highness. The king then turned back to Muraina and Krymdar. Princess Hestia, could I ask you to encase us in your [Room]?

I nodded, understanding what he meant by this. Conjuring up a grey magic circle on the wall of the room, I activated the spell and expanded the room to encompass the whole table with everybody in attendance, sending us all into my subspace.

Lord Ulquint, Lord Armado, and Krymdar showed their bafflement at the situation, but King Drangleic and Muraina were already used to it. They stared at each other until King Drangleic decided to continue after everything calmed down.

As Princess Hestia mentioned before, Artoriass goal is to rekindle our diplomatic relationship with the elves and hopefully build our relationship up into an alliance. This is also our goal for the dwarves, however, he paused for a moment, creating some suspense. However, to do this, the dwarven kingdom has set forth a single condition - abandoning our vassalage to the Empire and fully align ourselves with the western alliance. Among my seven dukes, the majority have agreed to this proposal.

Considering how the elves, dwarves, levianewts, dragonewts, and dragons were all allied with each other, you really could call it a great western alliance.

Hearing this, not only Muraina, but also Krymdar seemed to be baffled by what they had just heard. As Muraina seemed to be reassessing the situation, considering her silence, Krymdar was instantly aiming for the details. You do know that is a death sentence, since you are a majority human kingdom, correct? Even if you are an arvisian, King Drangleic, we elves will not forget that your roots lie with the Leosfalt Kingdom, and my people will never agree to sacrificing their lives for you humans.

There was obviously venom attached to every word Krymdar said to the king. His hostility towards humans was obvious enough. However, the king stayed professional. I do. After all, this would mean abandoning the holy capital and the holy emperor. It would make us a pariah in the eyes of the other human countries, and an obvious target for a crusade. However, I don't plan on endangering my people before preparations are finished.

Aside from the past, you also wish this alliance with us for our protection, correct? Muraina stated, to which Lord Ulquint nodded.

We have spoken with the dwarves of the Ankor-Nazta; at best, they will grant us shelter from the wars to come if we abandon the empire. Their stubbornness, pride and loyalty to the Saelari and the people of Loatryx prevent them from asking you for aid, and we understand the dwarves cannot continuously defend our borders. Within their holds, though, that is another question.

Hmph! If you ask me, isnt that too despicable? Dwarven lives will perish for your kingdoms survival, for your selfish wish to break your vassalage, Krymdar interjected himself almost forcefully, something that I couldnt overlook. It was as if he wasnt even interested in forming bonds, despite not being part of the isolationist faction.

Krymdar, please, settle do I wanted to say but somebodys deep voice drowned my voice out.

Hmph! Your Majesty, and this is why Lord Duke Lecartiglio did not vote in favor of your decision to abandon our vassalage. We lose young men and women every year in the Empires conscription, but we would lose even more if we were to break off from them. It was Lord Armado. His rage-filled expression was further accentuated by the scars on his face. The elves are too prideful, too arrogant to regard us humans as anything more than children. With their long lifespan comes an inability to change. Your Majesty, I speak as the former Marquess Lifcio that Lecartiglios nobles will not abandon our land, even if it means death.

HEY! I let my voice heighten, knocking on the table to catch everybody's attention. I dont like getting interrupted like that. Krymdar and Lord Armado, stay on topic here. If you want to continue spitting venom on each other like a bunch of snakes, then please leave this subspace. Its annoying, and prolongs everything.

Muraina nodded. Shes right, Krymdar. I brought you here since you wanted to learn the details of the Firwood incident, but if you continue on like this, then youll only be wasting everybody's time.

Lord Armado, I understand your anger, but as my advisor, I ask you not to interrupt our kingdoms honorable guest. Princess Hestia is not used to being a mediator, so let us act like adults and not burden our juniors too much, King Drangleic agreed.

I apologize for my discourteous behavior, Princess Hestia. May Marsven punish me for this transgression.

I too must ask for your forgiveness, Princess. This was an unsightly display of myself.

Jeez.

After that was settled, King Drangleic agreed upon revealing what actually happened in Firwood to Muraina and Krymdar, having taken my words about trust and mistrust to heart. To nobodys surprise, Muraina and Krymdar were shocked, disgusted, and displeased at all this information. Learning how all of this would have continued happening if I hadnt been there to help caused them to be even more conflicted.

This is not good, King Drangleic, Muraina stated while massaging her temples. This is not good at all. The death of Fairy Princess Schuri two years ago was already good enough ammunition for the isolationists to stop any actions we from the enforcers wanted to do to open our borders to Artorias. Even without evidence, there were already scores of elves ready to hunt down humans within the Morgiana duchy; there would have been a bloodbath if we hadnt stopped them.

Krymdar continued for Muraina. And now this? An onnikai beast? Hundreds of onnikais possessing the bodies of deceased adventurers to attack a village? Princess Hestia, could you please elaborate on this? This is something Ive never heard about.

I explained to them how the onnikai we named Kiiro was granted a blessing by the Goddess of Death, Ilsaphone, where it was able to help its fellow fae in controlling the bodies of the deceased. Using the mana slime created by the catalyst it was imprisoned in, this gel allowed the awakening of zombies without necromancy.

Normally, undead would count as monsters and have access to the System. These zombies, however, were like puppets controlled by their onnikai master using that slime. Ilsaphone had planned to create her own patron race through this method. Through this slime, the onnikai would reform the corpses body and experience its memories, finally becoming a copy of the body's former owner.

The first four successful beings became Saoris garms: Uno, Song, Sarasa, and Quatre. They inherited the bodies and memories of the garms who died a few years ago, even recognizing Saori as [Belzacs Successor] and Alpha, instinctively.

Ancestor Goddess Ilsaphone is planning this?! This is This is truly a concerning situation for us all. We dark elves trace our lineage back to her and the Goddess of Vampires, Vivachel. Why does Ancestor Goddess Ilsaphone not consider us as one of her patron races? Krymdar looked uneasy at what I told him, only to return back to the subject at hand, angrier than before. King Drangleic, what do you have to say about this Firwood incident? Why were you planning on hiding this information?!

I also wish to know this, King Drangleic, Muraina agreed. This is a blatant disregard of any potential trust we Saelari may form, considering how problematic this is. If our opposition was to find out that the King of Artorias was hiding this from us elves, even King Elutis could not excuse it any longer.

You say it as if King Elutis cares about us, Lady Muraina, King Drangleic responded.

He is one of the leaders of the enforcer faction, King Drangleic. He wishes to mend our wounds with Artorias, but this If you cannot be truthful with us, then how will you expect any elf to be able to let bygones be bygones?

Through their prolonged life and pursuit to record information down in the name of Istari, elves rarely forget or forgive. I understand that, King Drangleic replied. However, how could you expect me to be truthful after what happened in the past? My father and I trusted the Saelari that their forest would welcome us, but what did we gain from this trust? Death, agony, and pain. When I considered my options, making sure the Saelari wouldnt have a reason to further detest us was my highest priority in this matter.

But you risked worsening the situation. If any elf outside of us two, had learned about this, the interpretation would have been too easy for the isolationists. The King of Artorias hid this fact from us as he was personally responsible for it.

Lady Muraina, House Artorias would never! Lord Ulquint rebuked. Artorias was founded on the agreement to reject the decision of the Leosfalt Kingdom. We Myrrdins and House Morgiana have done much to assure to the Saelari that this was the case.

Krymdar sighed at his statement. Only to those who have already converted to the enforcers, Lord Ulquint. But there are enough arrogant Saelari who experienced the War for the Fae firsthand who are not willing to change after what weve seen. They spread their vitrol to the younglings, the most impressionable of us all, those who have not left the forest for the last 200 years. All you need is a little spark to create a giant fire, uncontrollable for even our wise King Elutis.

Silva would be a good example of this. Her hatred for the humans mostly came from books and word of mouth alone, and this prejudice has caused her to avoid human contact as much as possible. She would be the sort who was easily swayed, at least thats what I understood from our interaction together.

What!? But, but, Father! Ellaine wanted to complain, but she wasnt sure what to say exactly. However, her father knew exactly what to respond to.

Your brother is just like you, Ellaine. He has found a drive to become stronger, to better himself for his future. As his father, if I agreed to your decision to join Lady Hestia, I cannot reject his wish.

Father, I know Lord Charleslyt is a powerful warrior, but Ive heard some unreasonable rumors about his participation in the underworld. Besides, the people he composed his party with cannot be people Brother would willingly work with. If Brother wishes to become stronger, then why not join Aurora? Right, Lady Hestia? Ellaine looked at me with desperate eyes.

I have nothing against it. The more the merrier, but only if Jonathan really wants to, I replied, knowing it would only soothe Ellaine for a moment.

See, father. Please, persuade him to join us!

But her father shook his head. Your brother decided on this journey because he envies your growth, Ellaine. This is the reason why he wanted to make you the heir of our House. However, I managed to persuade him into another idea. I suggested another duel to decide the heir, as you, my daughter, surrendered your birthright before you could fight for it.

A-And he accepted?

He nodded. Your brother wants to see how you and he will measure up to each other after your journey of strength. Ellaine, in your childhood, you became envious of your brothers talents and growth. Now, in your adolescence, the roles have swapped Jonathan is now envious of your hard work and new life. Now, he wants to experience it for himself.

S-So, this means that Brother will become an adventurer. But what if what if he dies? Ellaine forced those words from her mouth, looking terrified at that idea.

Ellaines mother answered this question, That is our eternal worry, Ellaine. For you, too. But every chick must depart from its nest one day to experience the world. It is the hardest duty for every parent, but all we can do is wish you two the Goddesss mercy and blessing. Your father and I worried our parents also, and now it's yours and your brothers turn.

Lord Helvas nodded his head to his wifes statement. You just went on a trip to fulfill a B rank Quest, that is what you informed us. Ellaine, do you have any idea how much you worried us?

Ellaine stayed silent, realizing what he meant.

I trust Lady Hestia and Miss Saori with your safety, but as your father and mother, we cannot help but keep praying that you will return to us with your bright smile. This would have happened even if you hadnt decided to become an adventurer, and would have lived your life as a noble daughter and gotten married. It is the parents duty to see you off with a smile, but our hearts are more fragile than the mask we put on every day.

I understand, father, mother. Thank you for your love and support.

Ellaine and I left her fathers office. After walking silently to my room, Ellaine suddenly stopped and looked up at me. Lady Hestia, when is our next adventure? Her smile wasnt the brightest, but a fire seemed to have been lit in her eyes. A new flame. As if the path before her had become brighter and clearer.

I chuckled. Well, lets not copy Jonathan and leave the academy without notice, right? Lets go see Lady Thyra tomorrow.

A note from AbyssRaven

Now that was a real politics chapter. The Dragon Idol Summit is not planned for the future!

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!

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Thursday, October 21, 2021 11:51:10 PM 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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