Chapter 86 Discussion...

Yatar Autonomous City State, situated two kilometres from its shore was a tiny island, barely spanning 400 square metres. Standing on it was an ancient temple, now almost in ruins due to a lack of maintenance.

This temple was built by a Kingdom that existed in this place more than a millennium ago, a reigning power that had once garnered trade influence for half the world. But over time, it collapsed.

And currently, this ruin of a temple was one of the few surviving architects of that era, one long gone past. There were four ships currently surrounding the island, situated five hundred metres away each, forming a layer of protection.

These ships were from Yatar City State, meant as protection to the distinguished guests that were visiting it on neutral terms. As Yatar City State was selected as the neutral grounds, they had to be responsible for protection.

Among the four ships weren't just soldiers from the Yatar City State, there were also dignitaries from all over the world. Even those from the Lerni Empire had paid a visit, of course to sour the relations between the Fornol Empire and Kekua Fornol.

Of course, they couldn't do anything at the situation, for the Yatar City State was truly monitoring everything with bated breaths.

"They've arrived." The Ruler of the Yatar City State said, staring at the Varnol that approached his location, landing a few metres away from him. One of its petals unfurled, creating a bridge for the two people to walk to the ground.

Once they descended, all the petals closed up, making Varnol resemble a bud, fully sealed, preventing anyone from entering it. Unless either Feleokruna or Felor wills it, the petals would never open.

"I suppose this is our first meeting. A pleasure to make your acquaintance." Feleokruna said, offering a formal handshake to the Ruler of the place.

But in response, the Ruler simply cupped his fists, "I'm not a Blight Human, so please understand my side."

"I don't mind." Feleokruna retracted her outstretched arm, not minding the other party's actions. After all, if she willed it, her Fornol Sunflower would manifest over her palms and melt through the Ruler's hands.

And since news of her ability had already spread throughout the world, none would dare shake hands with her, for doing so would mean that during the course of the handshake, their life and death would truly be in her hands.

"Then, I'll be taking my leave. Please ensure our safety." Feleokruna didn't spare any words beyond that, climbing onto a nearby boat that Felor paddled towards the island.

Feleokruna only exchanged a sentence with Yatar for the sake of courtesy. In terms of status alone, the Ruler of Yatar City State didn't even come close to Feleokruna. After all, in terms of size, population, resources, and wealth, it could at most compete with one of the wealthier duchies under the Fornol Empire.

And with the arrival of the Blight Humans, the power within the Fornol Empire's grasp continued to increase with the passing of every single day. Currently, Feleokruna didn't even bat an eye at the thousands of archers posted at the scene in the name of protection.

If she wished to kill them all, it would take her less than a minute. Therefore, if there existed an enemy strong enough to endanger her, these archers wouldn't amount to anything. So, she didn't spare much thought to them and calmly approached the ruined temple.

Her intention was to recruit Kekua Fornol, no more, no less. The other party was that valuable. Soon after, Feleokruna and Felor climbed onto the island, entering the temple to see four chairs placed there, with two on either side, separated by a distance of three metres.

Feleokruna took the seat on the right while her son sat to her left. Within a minute, two individuals arrived at the temple. They were Kekua Fornol and Krodn. Krodn was the Blight Human with the parasitic ability to cause flowers to bud out of trees, ones that shot out seeds like pellets once they bloomed.

As his ability was the most lethal in terms of defensive warfare and able to perfectly complement Kekua Fornol's ability, he was brought. And as he already reached Stage 3, he was pretty useful.

Kekua Fornol was at the peak of Stage 3, only shy of reaching Stage 4, her growth being accelerated as they had been able to fish for high quality Blight Cores from deeper into the sea.

Upon arrival, Kekua Fornol and Feleokruna sized up each other, also noticing that the colour intensity of their hair was more or less the same. There was a minute shade difference between the two, with Feleokruna coming on top.

But, this only meant that the potency of her ability was a tad better than Kekua Fornol, but not enough to make any difference.

'So, that's the Empress.' Kekua Fornol thought, not offering any greeting as all she did was stare at the other party.

'No wonder she's been garnering enough support for legitimacy. Her power's on par with Fornol Sunflower.' Feleokruna thought, observing the actions of Kekua Fornol, making an estimate of her, 'She indeed exudes the aura of a ruler.'

"Let's sit and talk." Feleokruna said, motioning at the other chair for Kekua Fornol to be seated at. Kekua Fornol sat opposite to Feleokruna while Krodn sat opposite to Felor.

And surprisingly, it was Krodn that took the initiative to speak, staring at Felor to ask, "How strong is the Central Guardian?"

"Terrifyingly so," Felor said, displaying his palm, "It tanked my beam like it was nothing minutes after it was birthed."

"Which is why I called forth this meeting." Feleokruna said, staring at Kekua Fornol, "The power of the Blight Humans is increasing, especially with the inclusion of the Galtori Tribe."

"If this continues to increase, it'll spell disastrous for the Fornol Empire."

"So, what do you propose?" Kekua Fornol asked calmly, intending to see to what extent Feleokruna would go.

"Dukedom," Feleokruna said, "You'll get the status and resources necessary to maintain a land large enough to be called a Kingdom."

"Not interested," Kekua Fornol refused in an instant, "I can create something of such a scale on my own."

She made eye contact with Feleokruna, "After all, I can indeed draw forth enough influence on the people, especially the Blight Humans with parasitic abilities."

'She indeed can do that.' Feleokruna thought, sensing a sharp increase in the number of Blight Humans with parasitic abilities.

Before, if the parasitic abilities were weak, the Blight Human was killed on sight while if their parasitic ability was strong enough, they were joined to an assassination unit created to specifically target Blight Humans.

But now, the moment a Blight Human with a parasitic ability appears, their respective family quickly hid their identities, making it seem as if they died an unfortunate death while in truth sending them to Kekua Fornol's care.

Moreover, along with their family members, they also sent forth enough money and other items as basically bribe to ensure their family members were treated amicably in the secluded domain for Blight Humans with parasitic abilities.

Therefore, Kekua Fornol's influence was indeed rising as she quoted.

"You attaining Duke status is just a front." Feleokruna smiled, stating solemnly, "In truth, it's to stabilise your legitimacy."

She then pointed at Felor, "You can marry my son here and become the next Empress of the Fornol Empire. This way, the goals of both are fulfilled."

"I'm after your ability while you're after the throne." Feleokruna stared at Kekua Fornol, smiling upon noticing the other party's surprise, "It's a win-win situation."

"I understand now," Kekua Fornol let out a wry smile, figuring out Feleokruna's intentions, "You're hoping our children would inherit an ability that's a fusion of my Root House and Fornol Sunflower."

"Exactly!" Feleokruna nodded, "A fusion of the two would eliminate the weaknesses of both powers and turn us into a terrifying power, enough to contest against the Guardian Tribes."

"One of our spies noticed the existence of the Southern Guardian Tribe. The Galtori Clan belongs to the West Guardian Tribe." Feleokruna said, "This means that there still exists the Northern and Eastern Guardian Tribes somewhere."

"But, with Root House and Fornol Sunflower combined, we'll gain enough power to contend against them." Feleokruna said, "To make that a reality, giving you the title of Empress is a small price to pay."

"So," She looked at Kekua Fornol with expectant eyes, "What's your decision?"

"Before that," Kekua Fornol asked, "What's the source of the Devil Fruits?"

"You'll know once you become the Empress." Feleokruna said, sporting a mysterious expression, "That's your sole chance to understand the truth of this world."

The terms proposed by Feleokruna were pretty simple but overbearing in terms of lucrativeness. After all, her proposal directly shortened Kekua Fornol's struggles from decades to mere days. All she had to say was nod in response before attaining everything she desired.

"That, suppose I do accept," Kekua Fornol stared at Felor, "What happens to the people under me?"

"Your wish," Feleokruna shrugged, "You can recruit them or dispose of them. I won't interfere since I already have plans of retiring."

Her eyes turned seriousness, "I can't waste time with management when my rival, Xuna is growing strong at a staggering pace. Only I can face her, so I'll be focusing on solely growing strong."

As for the person in question, she too was at the scene, hidden within the mouth of a bird that was hidden in a corner of the temple, within audible distance from the four Blight Humans.

Xuna hadn't come alone, for hiding deep in the waters, at depths beyond what the people could scout were the Southern Guardians, Tuglai and Hukla. Moreover, Yihan was next to them, having created a thin straw using his armour that peeked out of the water surface, through which he inhaled air.

Eight of the most prominent elites of the world had gathered at the scene.