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"There is something else we need to discuss, please don't leave. I know I made you upset over my rude remarks..." Everfrost apologized. "But if you and your friends truly carry such tremendous power, not only could you help us, but you could help us improve this continent after its recovery..."
"..." I looked back. "And what do I gain from this?"
"Ah..." Everfrost was left speechless after my remark.
"Oi, Blake!" Elfriedden roared, running towards me and grabbing my shoulder. "We're friends, right? You can't just walk away from my mom! I've respected your mom all this time too!"
"...Fine." I sighed. "Because you're my good friend, I shall listen to your mother's whims. But let me tell you something, Elfriedden. Don't betray our friendship thinking you can use me for your political games."
"T-That's... not what we want..." Elfriedden muttered, feeling frustrated. He was clearly doubting his own statement.
I sat down again, looking back at his mother.
"Tell me what's happening in this country already." I sighed. "Elfriedden said his father discriminated him for having been born with his spirit and a one-star talent, is that true?"
"Yes, the King... I am only his third concubine. I am not even seen as his wife. This is because his wife rotates around who gives the best child." Sighed Everfrost. "I used to be the Princess of a smaller country of the continent, you see, the Elven Kingdom of Alfheim encompasses mostly everything in the continent. Smaller countries are only left to exist because of the King's whims."
"And?" I asked.
"And well... Don't you think this is wrong?" She sighed. "This system, it's wicked, and strange. It doesn't make sense. People shouldn't be discriminated for such things."
"Are you saying that only because your son was discriminated like this?" I asked. "Or do you truly believe it for all people? As a noble, I've noticed you're quite arrogant. You talk about discrimination is... Don't you think quite ironic?"
"No, I don't think so..." Erika said.
"Everfrost, have you gone out of your mind?!" Cattalina asked. "Do you truly intend on dethroning the King?!"
"Not really, but I want changes." Everfrost said. "I've been growing my political faction in the shadows. Waiting for this opportunity. This is truly for the best of everyone. The King and his close family have grown too corrupted with their own ideals of what power is, and discriminate those born with "bad" talents, or even commoners too. Despite there being the ability for growth."
"When exactly did this started?" I wondered, as I suddenly thought of a possibility.
"For at least the last thirty years that my former husband has been like this." Sighed Everfrost. "I can't say he was suddenly possessed or something, it was a gradual change. Perhaps the desperation of the incoming war has made him become very stressed, or something else..."
I do have many theories of what could be happening to him, some including old enemies. But until I see him, I can't confirm anything.
"Anyways, you're offering me half the country?" I laughed. "You're very greedy, Everfrost! But somehow, that's exactly what I expected the mother of my arrogant friend would be like. You fit my image of you almost perfectly."
"D-Do you accept my terms?" She asked. "I can give you more, anything... Even myself."
"Mother?!" Elfriedden blushed. "What are you talking now?!"
"Well, I am single now so..." The Queen Everfrost blushed. "I see he has many girlfriends, once he grows up..."
"Enough, I don't have any intentions like that." I sighed. "And I won't take half the country either."
"Then... what do you want?" Everfrost looked into my eyes.
Of course, what I want is...
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