Chapter XXV
Ships are supplying themselves with goods. Troops gather their forces to head towards Vinlox. Meanwhile, merchants are busy stocking their vessels with provisions for the journey, eager to make the most of their trade opportunities in Vinlox. The plan was simple: take over Vinlox and track down Akumo Arino.
"Your Highness?" a man shyly asks as he peeks through the door.
"You may come in, Damascus," the queen replies.
As the man walks in, he bows instantly.
The Queen: "So, any updates? Knight Damascus?""
Damascus: "It seems that Akumo Arino has changed. He no longer is just the Son of Greed."
The Queen: "Oh? Any inquiries on what other essence he gained?"
Damascus: "You are the Sin of Gluttony, but it seems like Arino has the blood of the Sin of Lust as well."
The Queen: "That bitch beat me to it. She knew my plan as well?"
Damascus: "No, she is the true mother of Akumo Arino. It is intrinsic now to Arino's strength."
The Queen: "Oh, so Mammon tainted her, right?"
Damascus: "Don't underestimate Nikuyoku, Your Highness."
The Queen: "She has no chance against me."
The Queen looks over at Windon as Damascus exits the room. She takes one last look at the town, where the hustle and bustle of people is replaced by the gentle yet powerful winds of change. She smiles, respecting the fact that even a demon can enforce change throughout Earth. She slowly turns away and sets off, content with the realization that no matter how different people may seem on the surface, they all have a common ground to stand on.
"Underestimate her, hm?" she asks herself. "No, I'll never underestimate nor kill someone I respect and love so much."
The kitchen table is tense before the Queen arrives. Currents flows through the stares of the royal court, one spark could set the dining room into a warzone. One step towards the dining room set everyone straight. The rage filled atmosphere relaxes as the Queen makes her appearance.
The Royal Court: "Greetings, Your Highness!"
As The Queen sits down, everyone's rage turned into nervousness and excitement. A hush fell over the room as she was escorted to her seat. All the people in attendance were eager to hear her words, as she was well-known for her wisdom and charisma. The Queen doesn't come to the dining room that often, as she always trains during the dining hours of the Kingdom. But this particular night, she had decided to grace the people with her presence. Discussing matters of whether to invade Vinlox or go there to ask The Sin of Lust for a sparring match. Everyone was in awe of the Queen, her intelligence and strategic approach to the issues at hand. As the Queen stated that she wouldn't invade Vinlox anymore, the room filled with rage. Some people saw her decision as a sign of cowardice, while others believed it was wise to seek diplomatic solutions.
The Queen: "If you want to invade Vinlox anyway, don't be surprised if you face my own wrath in battle. I'm going to go there to spar with The Sin of Lust, if anyone gets in my way I won't back down from destroying the entire battlefield with everyone in it."
Everyone froze in fear, the Queen's adamant nature silenced the room. One person bravely stood up to ask the Queen about her decision,
Noble: "Your Highness, this is ludicrous! You don't want to take the opportunity and expand our kingdom?"
The Queen: "Our Kingdom? And who said it was our kingdom, sir?"
Noble: "U-um we did share the spoils, right?"
The Queen: "I did everything for you ungrateful scum and this is how I get treated."
Noble: "My Queen, I deeply apologize!"
The Queen: "Guards, take him to the extraction room."
The noble's eyes widen with fear. Before he could plead for his life, the guards drew him unconscious. The queen turns a cold shoulder as the other nobles shiver in her presence.
The Queen: "Those who disrespect what I've done for this land, will get sent to the extraction room just like that fellow did. Any objections?"
The room shook its head no ss no one wanted to face the wrath of the Queen. As the Queen scoffs, her displeased look saddened the room.