XI.

XI.

The ‘Third Imperial Council’

Author's Note: Please don't even try to plagiarize, illegally copy this story (and its terminologies which are mentioned in the following/previous chapters) or even try to distribute a soft copy. Do not test me. Thank you.

Previously on ‘Tale of the Demon Ruler’: That night, Sir Yuki tried to lure Rai away from the North Building; Rai notices it and the two ended up having a heated argument when Mr. Terry and Mr. Alphe barged in and interrupted their conversation. Meanwhile, Hikaru and Mayumi were waiting outside the Court Room when Rai, Sir Yuki and Eito came back, followed by Mr. Sean and Emi who returned the satchel to Rai. The next day, Rai woke up inside the Infirmary room, asking Mr. Ciyan and Mr. Sean to give her summons to Ms. Julie later. That morning Rai, who is so determined to personally deliver her summons to her other VIP guests, ended up being lost with Emi inside outside Mr. Simoun’s Bakery who told them and Eito about the alley going to the ‘Lake of Va-al’. One by one, each of ‘Village Reps’ started to arrive inside ‘Central Airport’ while Ms. Janice explains to the Hamasaki Twins what are these summons all about. Rai’s group finally arrived inside the forested shoreline of the ‘Lake’, scaring ‘Flora’ and the other ‘Beasts’.

‘Lake of Va-al’

Inside the shoreline…

‘Ryo’ and his other siblings began panicking as Rai approaches them.

“Good-Afternoon – No! Good afternoon, your Grace!” ‘Flora’ exclaimed as she and her other siblings kneeled down on the ground to greet Rai.

“Greetings, your Grace. Welcome back to the ‘Lake’.” ‘Lyon’ cheerfully said as he smiled back at Rai.

“Good afternoon, everyone. I’m just working as a mere Messenger for today so please stop being so formal like that.” Rai cheerfully said as she giggled out.

“Messenger?! Damn it. Where are you ‘Royal Guards’? You should not be wandering alone inside this secluded part of the ‘Main Island’.” ‘Ryo’ exclaimed as he approached Rai.

“I do not have those yet but do not worry, Emi and Eito accompanied me all the way in here. I just wonder what happened to them after we got lost and separated inside this forest surrounding us.” Rai said as she explained to ‘Ryo’.

“Ah, yes. Your Majesty, based on the movements of their ‘Silhouettes’, they are still inside this forest, arguing on how they will find you.” ‘Ches’ said as he reported to Rai.

“I see. Thank goodness, they are just fine. Now, where are we - Huh? Is there something wrong, Lady ‘Flora’?” Rai curiously said as she asked ‘Flora’.

“Your Majesty, look at your casual dress. It got stained and worst some parts of your skirt got torn up.” ‘Flora’ exclaimed in disappointment as she examined Rai’s dress.

“Your Grace, you are also covered with mud. What the heck happened to you?” ‘Niel’ said as he wondered and asked Rai.

“Ah, yes. You see… Eito was guiding us out of the forest when he accidentally stepped onto a hidden mud trap behind him, slipped and then fell inside it. Emi and I tried to pull him up and out of that 3-meter deep hole but we both ended up slipping and falling inside of it as well. So, Eito sighed as he decided to lift and fly both of us out of that hole afterwards.

“I understand, your Majesty. But, we should change your clothes first. Please come with me and – Huh?!” ‘Flora’ said as seized Rai’s right hand and then wondered.

“Thank you very much, Lady ‘Flora’ but that won’t be necessary. I will just ask Emi to help me change later back inside my apartment room.” Rai said as she smiled back at ‘Flora’.

“No, you must take her offer, your Majesty since you really stink. Your group probably fell onto that stinky mud trap big brother ‘Ryo’ and I placed to scare those bastard ‘Imperial Soldiers’ who were chasing ‘Sielo’ inside the forest before.” ‘Ches’ said as he approached and explained to Rai,

“Oh, I see. That is where that foul odor came from.” ‘Niel’ softly said as he covered his nose and glares back at Rai.

“Everyone, please stop it! ‘Flora’, head out and find some new clothes for her Majesty.” ‘Ryo’ nervously said as he instructed to ‘Flora’.

“No! Please wait, Lady ‘Flora’. There is something I would like to give you.” Rai said as she seized ‘Flora’s right hand and stopped her from flying out of the group.

“’Flora’ would be just fine, your Majesty. May I ask you this: What are you doing in here?” ‘Flora’ seriously said as she asked Rai who flinched afterwards.

“Truth to be told, I came in here to personally deliver you and ‘Ryo’ these summons Emi, Sir Sean and I prepared last night.” Rai seriously said as she took two envelopes out of her satchel and presented it to ‘Ryo’ and ‘Flora’.

“Summons?! Wait – What? Are you sure that you want inviting us to attend this meeting and visit the Head Quarters tonight?” ‘Ryo’ exclaimed as he seized his letter and asked Rai.

“Yes, I’m sure of that. The meeting will be held inside the North Building, Second Floor, Court Room at 21:00 sharp so please do not be late.” Rai said as she reminded to ‘Ryo’ and ‘Flora’.

“Why now? Why we, the ‘Beasts’, being invited as well?! I mean the ‘Imperial Council’ despised us once and ended up detaining us inside the ‘Underground Prison’ few months ago?” ‘Flora’ curiously said as she asked Rai.

“Ms. Author and I will tell you that later at the meeting. For the meantime, I hope to see you both inside the Court Room tonight.” Rai said as she giggled out.

“Hey – everyone! May I speak with all of you? Privately.” ‘Ches’ exclaimed as he looked at his other siblings.

“Yes, of course, ‘Ches’. Your Majesty, my apologies but please excuse us.” ‘Flora’ nervously said as she started walking away with ‘Ches’ on the other side of the shoreline.

“I will be fine. Go ahead and take your time discussing this serious matter with your other siblings.” Rai softly said as she tells to ‘Flora’.

“’Lyon’, could you at least stay in here and guard her Majesty while we are talking over there?” ‘Ryo’ said as he instructed to ‘Lyon’.

“With pleasure, big brother ‘Ryo’. Do not worry, your Majesty I will stay in here with you.” ‘Lyon’ said as he smiled back at Rai.

“Hey ‘Niel’, what are you waiting for? Come in here!” ‘Ches’ angrily said as he shouted back at ‘Niel’ who flinched afterwards.

“Huh?! Why – Ah! Damn it! I do have a bad feeling about this, big brother ‘Ches’.” ‘Niel’ exclaimed as he scratched his head and wondered.

“Oh no! Her Majesty is indeed in here. Hide me, ‘Ceila’!” ‘Sielo’ nervously said as he started panicking and swims away from the shorelines.

“Do not worry, big brother! I will not let her and her ‘Imperial Soldiers’ apprehend and take you back to the ‘Underground Prison’.” ‘Ceila’ angrily said as she gazed back at Rai.

“What?! You are both wrong! Her Majesty is here to -…” ‘Lyon’ exclaimed as he gently grabbed Rai’s right hand and then dragged her towards to ‘Lake’.

“Now, what the heck is this secret meeting all about?” ‘Niel’ softly said as he got pissed off and asked ‘Ches’.

“So, what are you going to do with those summons?” ‘Ches’ softly said as he asked ‘Ryo’ and ‘Flora’.

“Honestly, I’m at loss. I’m glad that finally we, the ‘Beasts’, have been recognized by our ‘Imperial Ruler’ for at least once, but… I truly believe that there is something wrong in here.” ‘Flora’ exclaimed as she started panicking and looked back at ‘Ryo’.

“My instincts tells me the same thing, ‘Ches’. Also, that strange woman never ceases to surprise me though.” ‘Ryo’ softly said as he presented his letter to ‘Ches’.

“Then, I guess you two should attend the meeting tonight.” ‘Ches’ seriously said as he examined ‘Ryo’s letter.

“What!? You are allowing them to go? I thought you all summoned us in here to stop them from doing that.” ‘Niel’ exclaimed as he glared back at ‘Ches’.

“Really?! Are you certain about that? I mean I would love to but who is going to look after the ‘Plateau’ while I’m gone tonight?” ‘Flora’ excitedly said as she wondered and asked ‘Ches’.

“I will look after your fireflies, those ‘Escapees’ and the ‘Plateau’ just for tonight so do not have to worry about it.” ‘Ches’ cheerfully said as he playfully pinched ‘Flora’s cheeks.

“Thank you so much, ‘Ches’! I owe you one. This is so exciting. I wonder what I should wear for tonight’s meeting.” The overjoyed ‘Flora’ said as she hugged ‘Ches’.

“Thank you, ‘Ches’. Now, let’s just see what other kind of tricks Her Majesty has prepared for us later tonight.” ‘Ryo’ cheerfully said as he gazed back at Rai and ‘Lyon’.

“So…why the heck I am being summoned in here?” ‘Niel’ angrily said as he shouted back at ‘Ches’.

“Ah, yes. I’m so sorry, I almost forgot you, ‘Niel’. While I’m staying at the ‘Plateau’ tonight, you head out and visit the ‘Paraíso’ for me.” ‘Ches’ plainly said as he instructed to ‘Niel’ who flinched afterwards.

“What?! Hell no. Absolutely not! That scorching place will make my luscious, white fur dry into crisp.” ‘Niel’ angrily said as he refused and shouted back at ‘Ches’.

“Then, could you please stay in here and look after the twins and ‘Lyon’?” ‘Ches’ said as he sighed in disbelief and asked ‘Niel’.

“Yes, I will just do that instead. Thank you very much.” ‘Niel’ said as he sighed in relief.

Meanwhile,

Back at Rai’s group…

“Your Majesty, these are my other eldest siblings, Sir – Your Majesty? Are you listening to me?” ‘Lyon’ curiously said as he asked Rai.

“What – My apologies, ‘Lyon’. I got distracted by that loud scream coming from ‘Ryo’s group.” Rai nervously said as she apologized to ‘Lyon’.

“I see. Anyway, your Majesty, this is my big brother ‘Sielo’ and his little sister, ‘Ceila’.” ‘Lyon cheerfully said as he introduced ‘Sielo & Ceila’ to Rai.

“Good afternoon, Sir ‘Sielo’ and Lady ‘Ceila’. It is been awhile since that time I met both of you inside that train wagon while we were going back to the ‘Main Island’ from the Eastern Region before.” Rai cheerfully said as she smiled back at ‘Sielo & Ceila’.

“Please do not apprehend me, your Majesty! I clearly did not done anything wrong…for now.” ‘Sielo’ nervously said as he swam towards the shoreline and started crying out in front of Rai.

“‘Sielo’ is right! I will not let you take him out of this ‘Lake’.” ‘Ceila’ angrily said as she shouted back at Rai.

“Then, please stay inside the ‘Lake’ since I only came in here to deliver those summons to your other eldest siblings.” Rai said as he explained to ‘Sielo and Ceila’.

“Oh? I-Is that so? Thank goodness, my life has been spared for now.” ‘Sielo’ said as he sighed in relief.

“Your Majesty, may I ask you this: what happened to your clothes?” ‘Ceila’ curiously said as she asked Rai.

“Ah, this?! I will explain that later. But, for the meantime, have you seen that ugly toad wandering around this ‘Lake’?” Rai curiously said as she asked the twins.

“Oh! You mean Lady Va-al? Our apologies, your Majesty but we have not seen or sensed her strange ‘Alementalian’ magic around this ‘Lake’ anymore.” ‘Sielo’ sadly said as he responded to Rai.

“Her magic simply vanished after you met her in that afternoon tea party before, your Majesty.” ‘Lyon’ said as he tells to Rai.

“I understand. That’s so unfortunate. I also came in here to present that highly classified document about her murder case I found inside the Court Room but I guess will do that next time.” Rai sadly said as she sat upright on the ground.

“Anyway, your Majesty…about that ‘Card Game’, I truly apologized for ruining your scheduled events on that day.” ‘Lyon’ nervously said as he began groveling on the ground behind Rai.

“No! You do not have to apologize, ‘Lyon’. I truly enjoyed playing against you and ‘Ryo’ on that ‘Card Game’ so please raise your head off the ground.” Rai nervously said as she instructed to ‘Lyon’.

“Huh?! So, you are not angry at all?” ‘Lyon’ curiously said as he asked Rai.

“Yes. I’m not. Anyway, ‘Ryo’ told me that you did that in order to help your friend, right?” Rai curiously said as she asked ‘Lyon’.

“Yes, your Majesty. Mr. Ba-al desperately needs your assistance to prove his innocence after he was being involved in that abduction case in ‘Wathyria’ or…that was he told to me before.” ‘Lyon’ said as he wondered and scratched his head.

“Abduction case huh? That’s interesting. Based on what I have read on that case file, I think – Huh?! Water?” Rai exclaimed after ‘Ceila’ playfully splashed some water from the ‘Lake’, directly onto her face.

“Big sister ‘Ceila’, why would you have to do that?! I’m so sorry about that, your Majesty.” ‘Lyon’ nervously said as he apologized to Rai.

“Your Majesty, would you be so kind to hear us out?” ‘Ceila’ seriously said as she asked Rai who flinched afterwards.

“Hm? I understand. What is it, Lady ‘Ceila’?” Rai seriously said as she wondered and asked ‘Ceila’.

“Would you come with us back to the Eastern Region? Father Ocean desperately needs your assistance from those one-eyed Pirates.” ‘Sielo’ politely said as he asked Rai.

“What?! I asked her Majesty first. Wait for your turn!” ‘Lyon’ angrily said as he shouted back at ‘Sielo and Ceila’.

“Sir ‘Lyon’, please calm down. Father Ocean? Who is that?” Rai curiously said as she crossed her arms.

“Father Ocean or so what we, eastern ‘Sea Folks, call that humongous turquoise-colored, soft-shelled turtle is the one who rules over our underwater city ‘Levithia’.” ‘Ceila’ cheerfully said as she started explaining to Rai and ‘Lyon’.

“And he badly needs your assistance on how he should stop those Pirates and that Navy from invading our underwater city.” ‘Sielo’ said as he also tells to Rai.

“I see. That’s indeed intriguing. Everyone…please listen to me.” Rai seriously said as the twins and ‘Lyon’ looked at her.

“I knew it! My instincts were right to approach and ask her for some help.” ‘Ceila’ softly said as she smiled back at ‘Sielo’.

“’Ceila’, please lower down your voice. Her Majesty has not decided yet if she is going to help us or not. Let’s listen to her first.” ‘Sielo’ softly said as he reprimanded ‘Ceila’.

“Everyone…please listen to me. I would love to help you but, first, I must prioritize rebuilding the entire ‘Main Island’ and solving my dilemmas on those material exportations and transport delays from the villages of ‘Aethyria’ and ‘Iytheria’. I’m really sorry.” Rai sadly said as she tells to ‘Lyon’ and the twins.

“Oh?! I-Is that so?! I’m sad to hear that but what does exportation means?” ‘Sielo’ said as he frowned and wondered.

“We completely understand, your Majesty. We will just tell Father Ocean to wait for you then.” ‘Ceila’ sadly said as she tells to Rai.

“I will do the same, your Majesty. My friend will be upset about this though.” ‘Lyon’ said as he sighed in disbelief.

“I’m really sorry everyone. I wish I could get out of the ‘Main Island’ and visit each ‘Village’…– Aha! I have an idea.” Rai cheerfully said as she sheepishly smiled back at the ‘Beasts’.

“Anyway…Your Majesty, you can use the clear and clean water of this ‘Lake’ to remove those mud stains on your face.” ‘Sielo’ cheerfully said as he suggested to Rai.

“Ah, yes. I almost forgot that. Thank you very much – Huh?! That’s strange!” Rai exclaimed as she kneeled down the ground and then carefully crawled away, looking inside the ‘Lake’.

“Your Majesty! What is wrong? What happened?” ‘Ceila’ exclaimed as she flinched and asked Rai.

“Why? How is it? I-I cannot see my reflection!” Rai nervously said as she wondered and shouted back at the ‘Lake’.

“Huh? That’s impossible. I can clearly see mine while standing beside you, your Majesty.” ‘Lyon’ said as he wondered and approached Rai.

“We can see ours too being reflected onto this water, your Majesty.” ‘Sielo’ cheerfully said as he and ‘Ceila’ gazed back at Rai.

“I-I understand since I can clearly see all of your reflections expect mine. What the hell is happening in here?” Rai softly said as she mumbled under her breath.

“Your Majesty! I’m sorry for interrupting you but I came in here to tell you that one of your attendants has arrived.” ‘Ches’ exclaimed as he barged in and approached Rai’s group.

“I see. Thank you, Sir ‘Chester’. Everyone, I will see all of you soon – Ah! Emi? Emi, what happened to you?” Rai exclaimed as she turned around and noticed Emi standing beside ‘Ches’.

“I’m back, your Majesty. And this? My clothes are covered with thorns and eventually got torn off after I failed to pull Sir Eito out of those vines and then rolled onto an ivy bush. Do not worry though, I will be fine.” Emi said as she explained to Rai.

“I understand. I guess you can now leave and clean up yourself first while I wait for Eito in here.” Rai said as she instructed to Emi.

“But!? A-Are you certain about that? I mean I can still stay with you and wait for that stupid guy to come back in here.” Emi nervously said as she tells to Rai.

“That won’t be necessary, Lady Emi… Your Majesty, I’m back.” Eito cheerfully said as he and ‘Flora’, along with ‘Niel’ and ‘Ryo’, all approached Rai’s group.

“Eito? Thank goodness, you are back as well – Ah! What happened to you?” Rai exclaimed as she ran away and then approached Eito.

“My apologies for being so tardy and while in this weird appearance, Milady.” Eito nervously said as he tells to Rai.

“Your clothes?! You are all covered with dried leaves and twigs, mud, tied up with these vines and dirt. What exactly are doing while being lost inside that forest?” Rai exclaimed as she wondered and asked Eito.

“Please allow me to explain. Emi and I were searching for you on that part of the forest when I got entangled with those vines and ended up hanging upside down. Emi tried to help but she also ended up stuck inside that ivy bushes and then abandoned me afterwards to find you.” Eito shyly said as he explained to Rai.

“I did that so that I can ask her Majesty to help me stop you from wrestling that poor tree.” Emi angrily said as she tells to Rai and the others.

“Wrestling a tree? That’s new.” ‘Flora’ cheerfully said as she approached Eito.

“I only did that because I have been hanging upside down on these trees’ prickly vines for almost twenty minutes. I respect our Mother Nature but what happened to me is just unfair!” Eito angrily said as he suddenly punched the tree behind him.

“Big brother ‘Ryo’, look. That tree’s trunk formed a small crevice after he punched it.” ‘Niel’ softly said as he whispered to ‘Ryo’.

“Amazing! This fool managed not to get his right hand unscathed after that.” ‘Ches’ softly said as he smirked back at Eito.

“Uh? Is it just me or there is actually something creepy, slowly climbing up onto Eito’s nape?” Rai said as she wondered and asked the others.

“’Ha! You are so foolish! I shall give you this medium-sized forest tarantula as your parting gift. Or so that tree you just punched said to me.” Emi cheerfully said as she tells to Eito who flinched afterwards.

“Amazing! You have the ability to understand these trees?” ‘Niel’ exclaimed as he approached and asked Emi.

“No. I cannot. We, ‘Aethyrians’, can only interpret and translate what these trees and even the tiniest land insects’ short thoughts that they would like to rely on us.” Emi said as she explained to everyone.

“I see…Then, Mr. Spider away from me! Get away from me!” Eito exclaimed as he started panicking and then carelessly jumped inside the ‘Lake’.

“That foolish guy just jumped onto the ‘Lake’ – Wait! Your Majesty, we have to help him. Hurry!” Emi exclaimed as she suddenly dragged Rai away with her.

“Stupid! I lived somewhere once around the Western Plains and ‘Iytherians’ like this guy, who are currently drowning inside the ‘Lake’, cannot swim unlike the villagers living near the Eastern Ocean.” ‘Niel’ said as he sighed in annoyance.

“That fact does not matter right now! We have to help him! ‘Sielo & Ceila’, this is an emergency so could you please swim over there and save him?” ‘Flora’ angrily said as she asked the twin ‘Sea Leviathans’.

“Immediately, big sister ‘Flora’! Let’s go and save our sister’s future boyfriend, ‘Ceila’.” ‘Sielo’ cheerfully said as he smiled back at ‘Ceila’.

That Afternoon

‘Imperial Dormitories’

Building B.

Inside the Six Floor, Hallway…

Sir Yuki’s group are seen helping their fellow ‘Footmen’, ‘Upper and Lower Knights’ and ‘Archers’ in rebuilding the entire Hallway.

“Alright! Everyone, we are almost done. Let’s hurry and finish plastering these walls before the sun sets today.” Sir Yuki cheerfully said as he instructed to the other ‘Imperial Soldiers’.

“One more re-sweeping along this Hallway and I’m done.” Mayumi softly said as she sighed in relief.

“Thank goodness, my back is already aching from helping the others on carrying these 100 red bricks all the way up in here.” Hikaru said as he groaned out and then stretched out his arms.

“You deserved that since it was your fault why this floor is being repaired right now.” Mayumi said as she giggled out, teasing Hikaru.

“Huh?! Let me rephrase that. We clearly did not this kind of punishment from her Majesty.” Hikaru cheerfully said as he playfully pinched Mayumi’s cheeks.

“I-I understand. Now, could you please stop this – Stop! That tickles.” Mayumi cheerfully said as she smiled back at Hikaru.

“I clearly know that the arson was my fault but my back ache is killing me.” Hikaru exclaimed as he complained out.

“I’m sorry to hear that but as per Majesty’s order, you still have to continue helping the others in repairing this Hallway.” Kazuki exclaimed as he and Kenji approached Mayumi and Hikaru.

“Look over there! Sir Kazuki and Sir Kenji are back to the Head Quarters” Ms. ‘Archer’ #1 said as she squealed out, disturbing the Sir Yuki and Mr. Carlo from their work.

“That voice…Kazuki? Kenji? Welcome back to the ‘Main Island.’!” The overjoyed Mayumi said as she dropped her broom stick and then hugged the Hamasaki Twins.

“Oh my…what is this? Are the two of you being summoned as well?” Hikaru curiously said as he asked Kazuki.

“Sadly no, Sir Hikaru. We only came in here as per Ms. Phoebe’s request to get Mr. Nile safely back to the Head Quarters.” Kazuki politely said as he glared back at Hikaru.

“I see. Then, what are you doing in here?” Mayumi curiously said as she asked Kazuki.

“I came in here to find and help you clean inside this Hallway while – Kenji? Kenji insisted to come with me.” Kazuki said as he sighed in disbelief.

“Good afternoon, everyone. I also came in here to give my assistance to these ‘Soldiers’ rebuilding this floor.” Kenji cheerfully said as he waved back at the ‘Archers’ staring behind Mayumi.

“You just came in here to greet your damn fan girls, didn’t you?” Kazuki angrily said as he got annoyed and asked Kenji.

“Yes…probably. Being famous to the Ladies of the ‘Archers’ Circle’ is hard but I cannot help it though.” Kenji said as he smirked, teasing Kazuki who flinched afterwards.

“And because of that strange popularity, Lady Annie even asked him to join in our ‘Circle’ but you obviously refused making her upset afterwards.” Mayumi said as she got annoyed and stares back at Kenji.

“Damn you! I thought you came in here to visit Mayumi as well.” Kazuki angrily said as he shouted back at Kenji.

“You two…that is enough.” Sir Yuki seriously said as his group approached Kazuki and the others.

“Our apologies, Sir Yuki. This stupid guy initiated that conversation.” Hikaru politely said as he glared back at Kazuki.

“I see. Then, Sir Ricard is also in here to report us something. Sir Ricard, please step forward.” Sir Yuki said as he summoned Ricard upfront.

“Immediately, Sir Yuki. Good afternoon, everyone. I came in here to deliver this message from her Majesty. Her Majesty and her attendants are back from their trip and said that Sir Yuki, along with Sir Carlo and the two ‘Imperial Soldiers’, who successfully managed to apprehend the Leader of the ‘Snow Bandits’ during the arson incident yesterday are hereby requested to attend the meeting tonight. ” Ricard cheerfully said as he reported to Sir Yuki and the others.

“Apprehend? ‘Snow Bandits’ – Wait! What the heck is happening in here?” Kenji exclaimed as he wondered.

“We understand, Sir Ricard. Thank you very much.” Hikaru said as he sighed in annoyance.

“Everyone, truth to be told, Hikaru and I managed to apprehend that ‘Snow Bandit’ during that incident yesterday. I wonder who informed her Majesty about that.” Mayumi curiously said as she crossed her arms.

“Ah, yes …I was the one who told her Majesty about that.” Mr. Carlo nervously said as he confessed to Mayumi and the others.

“What?! Why would you have to do that, Sir Carlo?” Hikaru angrily said as he asked Mr. Carlo.

“Please calm down and let’s hear him explain his side everyone.” Sir Yuki cheerfully said as he smiled back at Hikaru and the others.

“Is it wrong to think that both of your efforts should be credited and must be rewarded by her Majesty?” Mr. Carlo confidently said as he wondered and asked Hikaru and the others.

“Mr. Carlo is right. I guess you should attend the meeting tonight.” Kazuki seriously said as he smiled back at Mayumi who got flustered afterwards.

“Then, if you insist like that…I would not mind doing that.” Mayumi nervously said as she responded to Kazuki.

“How about you, Sir Hikaru?” Kenji seriously said as he asked Hikaru.

“Oh, now you are asking me? Hm? Let me see…No. Thank you.” Hikaru said as he sighed in annoyance.

“What?! Absolutely not after what happened last night. Imagine this… I’m being alone and trembling in fear while inside that same Room with her Majesty and her new ‘Imperial Council’?! Just imagine that!” Mayumi exclaimed as she got pissed off and shouted back at Hikaru.

“To be honest, I do regret that I made Rai upset last night. Now, I do know how to apologize to her after that.” Hikaru sadly said as he scratched his head.

“Mayumi, what are you referring to?” Kazuki curiously said as he asked Mayumi who flinched afterwards.

“A-Ah! That was nothing, Dear. Come with me and let’s continue sweeping over there.” Mayumi nervously said as she seized Kazuki’s right hand and started dragging him away from Hikaru.

“Dear? Such a weird endearment for a young couple like them.” Kenji said as he sighed in annoyance.

“Anyway, let’s just finish our cleaning tasks this afternoon and then prepare ourselves for the meeting tonight.” Sir Yuki said as he instructed to Hikaru and the others.

That Night

‘North Building’

Second Floor

Inside the Court Room…

Rai’s first set of VIP guests are seen waiting for her on the left side of the Court Room.

“Sir Sean, you do not have to do this. I’m fine!” Ms. Julie nervously said as she stared back at Mr. Sean.

“No. I must refuse. As one of the ‘Royal Physicians’, I must personally re-bind your right leg’s bandages before her Majesty arrives in here.” Mr. Sean cheerfully said as he insisted to Ms. Julie.

“I’m so sorry, Lady Julie. I should have went back to our make-shift clinic this afternoon to replace this old wheelchair my big brother insisted me to use for you.” Mr. Ciyan sadly said as he apologized to Ms. Julie.

“No – not at all! You do not have to apologize. I should be the one thanking both of you for bringing me in here after I stubbornly went out of the infirmary room to attend this meeting myself.” Ms. Julie exclaimed as she smiled back at Mr. Sean and Mr. Ciyan.

“Lady Julie? Lady Julie, what are we going to do about them?” Ricard nervously said as he asked Ms. Julie.

“I cannot believe that the ‘Yellow Queen’, Queen Faeya and Lady Francine are also invited in this meeting.” Glenda softly said as she tells to Ms. Julie.

“We do wonder that as well, little children. But based on those summons they presented to us earlier, I must say that our odd ‘Imperial Ruler’ is really up to something shocking, again. I guess.” Mr. Sean cheerfully said as he tousled Ricard’s hair.

“I wonder what they are talking about.” Ms. Francine cheerfully said as she smiled back at Queen Faeya.

“Ah, yes! I assume those ‘Imperial Soldiers’ also received a letter like this signed by her Majesty herself.” Queen Faeya nervously said as she presented her summons to Ms. Francine.

“I do have one as well. Sir Eito actually went out to find and deliver this to me as per her Majesty’s command at yesterday noon.” Ms. Francine said as she tells to Queen Faeya.

“I see. Then, I wonder why the heck she summoned us for tonight.” Queen Faeya said as she crossed her arms.

“By the way, I’m sorry for the late introduction, your Grace. I’m Lady Francine of the ‘Faction’. It is my pleasure to meet you – Uh?” Ms. Francine said as she wondered.

“Ah, yes! I’m Queen Faeya, a ‘Fiend’ representative of the ‘Yellow Faeries and Elves’. It is my honor to meet you, Lady Francine.” Queen Faeya nervously said as she introduced herself to Ms. Francine.

“Good evening, everyone! I’m so sorry we are late!” The drunk Ms. Janice said as she slammed open the front doors inwards and shouted out inside the court room.

“Oh no – Ahem! Announcing the arrival of the ‘Village Representatives’ of the Southern Volcanic Regions, ‘Fireiya’!” Ricard exclaimed as he made the announcement in front of Mr. Sean and the other guests.

“Good evening, everyone! Let’s drink!” The drunk Mr. Sai said as he raised up his bottle of beer and shouted out.

“Lady Janice, Dear, please stop that. You are embarrassing yourselves to the other guests – Huh!? The ‘Yellow Queen’ is…Dear! Look over there!” Ms. Mai exclaimed as she started panicking and approached Mr. Sai.

“Uh! My head still hurts. I should have not emptied that last champagne bottle Sir Theo served to our table this afternoon.” Lilia exclaimed as she groaned out and went inside the court room.

“A-Ahem! Announcing the arrival of the ‘Village Representatives’ of the Western Plains, ‘Iytheria’!” Glenda exclaimed as she made the announcement in front of the other guests.

“Thank you very much, Lady Glenda. Now, that is what you get after you ignored my warning earlier.” Miko cheerfully said as he reprimanded Lilia.

“Oh! How I missed working inside this…Ah! I just wish that her Majesty would still sign my resignation papers after I suddenly abandoned her and went on that unplanned vacation trip in ‘Wathyria’ three days ago.” Mr. Nile exclaimed as he got worried and scratched his head.

“Do not worry, Mr. Nile. I’m sure she will understand that. Anyway – Is that Lady Francine?!” Ms. Annie exclaimed as she noticed Ms. Francine and wondered.

“Akito, wake up! We are in here.” Ms. Aya softly said as she went inside the room, carrying Mr. Akito onto to her back.

“My turn! Announcing the arrival of the ‘Village Representatives’ of the Eastern Ocean, ‘Wathyria’! Welcome back, Sir Akito, Lady Aya.” Mr. Sean exclaimed as he made the announcement in front of the other guests.

“Thank you, Sir Sean. You seem so eccentric tonight. I wonder what happened.” Ms. Aya curiously said as she intentionally dropped Mr. Akito on the floor.

“Ouch! Damn it. That was rude, Lady Aya.” Mr. Akito angrily said as he complained and shouted back at Aya.

“Big brother Maki over here! I’m over here.” Emi cheerfully said as she called out to Maki.

“I understand. I’m coming!” Maki said as he shouted back at Emi.

“And last but not the least…Announcing the arrival of the Substitute ‘Village Representatives’ of the Northern Mountains, ‘Aethyria’! Welcome back to the Court Room, Sir Maki.” Mr. Sean exclaimed as he made the announcement in front of the other guests.

“Maki? Maki is back?! For real?” Lilia exclaimed as she went mad and then approached Mr. Sean.

“Yes, I’m back and still alive, Lady Lilia. That ‘Marshal’s Robe’ fits well onto you, Sir Sean.” Maki said as he sighed in annoyance.

“Lady Iysa has sent this black hawk and ordered the three of us to represent our ‘Village’ for this night’s meeting.” Emi exclaimed as she explained to Mr. Sean.

“I understand, Lady Emi. But? Where is your fellow sub-representative – Huh?! Who threw that small pebble onto my forehead?” Mr. Sean angrily said as he shouted out.

“Ah, yes! The ‘Golem King’, ‘Mi’ is also in here as the third sub-rep from our ‘Village’. He is right over here, standing above my head.” Emi said as she tells to the other guests.

“I recognized that ‘Beast’! Everyone, stand back! That tiny ‘Gold Eater’ was the one responsible for the destruction of the entire Eastern Building during that invasion before.” Ricard exclaimed as he warned the other guests.

‘What!? Can you tell

This stupid child

That the invasion before

Was solely ‘Sielo’s fault

Not mine.’

‘Mi’ angrily said as he began stomping onto Emi’s head.

“I understand, your highness. This little mud doll is mad at you, Sir Ricard.” Maki said as he sighed in annoyance.

“That mythical ‘Beast’ is also invited in this meeting. What the heck is happening in here?” Ms. Aya softly said as she wondered and looked back at Mr. Akito.

“It is thirteen minutes past nine in the evening. I wonder what is taking her so long.” Ms. Janice softly said as she wondered.

“Your Majesty - Ahem! Announcing the arrival of our new ‘Imperial Ruler’, Lady Rai and her entourage.” Mr. Ciyan nervously said as he noticed Rai’s group outside the Court room and made the announcement in front of the other guests.

“G-Good evening, your Majesty!” Rai’s VIP guests said in unison as they welcome her inside the room.

“Good evening, everyone. I would like to apologize for being late tonight. It took me several minutes to find and adjust the ‘Imperial Crown’ onto my head.” Rai cheerfully said as she carefully walked inside the room and approached her desk.

“What a glorious evening, your Majesty! And what’s this? Your entourage brought us an uninvited guest inside the court room.

“You are right, Mr. Nile. Her Majesty specifically asked me and Mr. Carlo to bring this ‘Snow Bandit’ and present him in front of everyone tonight.” Sir Yuki said as he gazed down at Mr. Tholie.

“Untie me, damn bastards! What the hell do you want from me?” Mr. Tholie angrily said as shouted back at the other guests.

“A ‘Snow Bandit’?! So, the rumors were true then?” Mr. Sai exclaimed as he wondered and asked Rai.

“Yes. Everyone… I thank all of you for coming in this meeting tonight. To be frank, I summoned all of you in here to – Uh? Is there something wrong, Sir Sean?” Rai said as she stopped and got interrupted by Mr. Nile.

“Your Majesty, please do continue while I try to record your speech on these papers.” Mr. Sean said as he whispered to Rai.

“Thank you, Sir Sean. Now, where was I? Ah, yes. I summoned all of you in here to ask you to nominate only one person you think qualified enough to represent your ‘Village’ in my new ‘Imperial Council’. Rai seriously said as she instructed to her guests.

“Only one person? What the hell is she doing?” Ms. Aya said as she whispered to Mr. Akito.

“Then, I nominate Sir Sai, our currently ‘Village Chief’ to represent us in the ‘Council’.” The drunk Ms. Janice cheerfully said as she waved back at Rai.

“I accept her nomination for – Uh?! Where is my beer?” The drunk Mr. Sai said as he sat upright on the floor and wondered.

“I understand. Thank you, Sir Sai and Lady Janice. What about the other three ‘Villages’?” Rai curiously said as she asked her guests.

“I, the current ‘Court Marshal’, nominate Lady Annie, our former ‘Village Chief’s daughter to represent us in the ‘Council’.” Mr. Nile cheerfully said as he raised up his right hand.

“What?! But why me?” Ms. Annie exclaimed as she wondered.

“Thank you very much, Mr. Nile. What about the rest?” Rai curiously said as she asked her guests.

“I nominate Sir Akito, our temporary ‘Village Chief’, to represent us in the ‘Council’.” Ms. Aya cheerfully said as she raised up her right hand.

“Hey - What?! Me?! Are you mad?” Mr. Akito angrily said as he shouted back at Ms. Aya.

“Thank you very much, Lady Aya. What about your group, Sir Maki?” Rai curiously said as she asked her guests.

“Lady Emi and I nominate ‘Mi’, the ‘Golem King’, to represent us in the ‘Council’.” Ms. Aya cheerfully said as she raised up her right hand.

“What?! Are all of you insane?’ I cannot simply imagine working with that devious ‘Beast’ inside the Court Room.” Lilia exclaimed as she shouted back at Maki’s group.

“Then, that settles it. I, the ‘Imperial Ruler’, hereby declaring these four ‘Village Representatives’ as the first, new members of the official ‘118th Imperial Council’ and -…” Rai said as she carefully sat down onto her chair.

“No way! How the hell should I explain this to my friends?!” Mr. Akito exclaimed as he wondered.

“Good luck, ‘Mi’. I hope you do not regret this.” Maki said as he looked back at ‘Mi’.

“Wait! Your Majesty, I would like ask your explanation on why you agreed with their nominations – Huh?!” Ms. Annie and Queen Faeya exclaimed as they ran towards Rai’s desk and wondered.

“Congratulations, Mr. Sai! Do not worry, I shall look after the village while you were gone.” Ms. Janice said as she gently pat Mr. Sai’s back.

“And? Is there something else, your Majesty?” Mr. Sean curiously said as he asked Rai.

“Ah, yes. I almost forgot that. Aside from the four persons representing the ‘Villages’, I officially declare Ms. Francine, Lady Julie, and Sir Sean as their Organizations’ Representatives in my -.... Huh?!” Rai cheerfully said as she smiled back at her guests.

“What?! A-Are you certain about that, your Majesty?” Ms. Francine said as she approached Rai.

“Yes, Ms. Francine. And in addition to that, I’m also officially assigning Queen Faeya and Mr. Tholie as the ‘Living Fiends’ and ‘Bandits’ representatives joining them in my ‘Imperial Council’.” Rai said as she continued her speech.

“What?!” Rai’s guests exclaimed in unison as some of them simultaneously approached Rai onto her desk and wondered.

“This is madness! H-How the hell you could invite such creatures in your ‘Council’?” Maki angrily said as he asked Rai.

“To answer that question, I just thought that it is much better to give everyone, regardless of what their physical appearances are, a chance to present themselves to my ‘Imperial Council’. Their honest objectives and possible ideas could also aid and guide me in rebuilding the entire Kingdom.” Rai seriously said as she responded to Maki’s question.

“But?! Are you not scared that they might betray you afterwards?!” Lilia curiously said as she asked Rai.

“No, I’m not. Betrayal sometimes comes from that one person you trust the most.” Rai sadly said as she stood up from her chair and then stretched up her arms.

“Your Majesty, speaking of the Kingdom, should we keep our sworn enemies out of it instead of officially including them in your ‘Council’?!” Mr. Sean exclaimed as he wondered and asked Rai.

“You are right, Sir Sean but as the opposing saying goes ‘Keep your enemies close’. Or did I just made up that right now?” Rai said as she wondered and asked Mr. Sean.

“Ah! This is getting out of hand. I’m leaving!” Miko angrily said as he groaned out and then scratched his head.

“Please wait, Sir Miko. I would also like to add that starting next week, you will be working as my ‘Court Scribe’ while Lady Lilia will be working as your fellow ‘Court Marshal’. On the other hand, Sir Carlo will be my ‘Royal Advisor’ working alongside with Sir Eito as my ‘Royal Guard’ and Lady Emi, being my official attendant while I am working inside the Head Quarters.” Rai said as she continues her speech.

“What?!” Rai’s guests exclaimed in unison as they all glared back at Mr. Carlo.

“What!? M-Me as your ‘Royal Advisor’ – Your highnesses, you are all scaring the shit out me so could you please stop looking at me like that?!” Mr. Carlo nervously said as he shouted back at the other guests.

“Your Majesty, are you certain of that?! I mean you can still chose someone else more suitable for that very important role.” Sir Yuki exclaimed as he reasoned with Rai.

“No. I already made up my mind. Anyway, good evening, Mr. Tholie.” Rai cheerfully said as she approached Mr. Tholie.

“Your Majesty, I must confess, you are one interesting and insane ‘Imperial Ruler’ that this Kingdom and its people never had before.” Mr. Tholie seriously said as he smirked back at Rai.

“Thank you, Mr. Tholie. I was about to meet and give you your letter earlier this afternoon but I forgot to do that because – Huh? Someone is knocking at the doors.” Rai exclaimed as she looked at Ricard and Glenda.

“Your Majesty! I’m sorry to interrupt your assembly but could you at least talk some sense to this heartless guy?!” Kazuki angrily said as he suddenly slammed the doors inwards and went inside the Court Room.

“Your Majesty, I’m so sorry we are late. This stupid guy insisted that – Hm? What did we missed?” Eito cheerfully said as he wondered.

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Thank you very much for waiting. I had a failed job interview yesterday so I'm sorry for the late update. Anyway, Here is Chapter XI and enjoy reading. Will try to update this/next week so stay tuned. – Cheche – chan.