Novel Rise of Edwin Von William Highland

Synopsis Edwin Von William Highland is a prince and the only heir to the Kingdom of Highland. As a reincarnation person from Japan, he aims to use his knowledge to help his poor Kingdom get stronger. His loving father has already taken steps to aide his son to become a great King but everything changes when the Demon King arrives.
How will Edwin Von William Highland deal with betrayal, loss of loved ones, political opponents, and the demon kings army that marches across the land?

Genre : Action, Adventure, Revenge, Fantasy, Harem, Adult, Mature, Romance, Betrayal, Royal, Noble, War, Magic, Sword, Queens, Kings, Emperor, Empress, Demon King, Hero, Elf, Reincarnation, Isekai, Slave.

Author Note: Hi everyone and thanks for reading my novel. I am kind of new at this so i don't think it be as good as a professional. I love and am inspired by Japanese novels and my work will definitely reflect that. If your not into Japanese work please ignore the Japanese reference that i like to put in angle brakes e.g <Naniiiiiii [What]> <baka [Stupid]> <Oi Oi Oi [Hey Hey Hey]>

Update Date: My laptop broke...So when ever i get the chance to use a internet cafe.
Table of Contents

chapter 1

chapter 2

chapter 3

chapter 4

chapter 5

chapter 6

chapter 7

chapter 8

chapter 9

chapter 10

chapter 11

chapter 12

chapter 13

chapter 14

chapter 15

chapter 16

chapter 17

chapter 18

chapter 19

chapter 20

chapter 21

chapter 22

chapter 23

chapter 24

chapter 25

chapter 26

chapter 27

chapter 28

chapter 29

chapter 30

chapter 31

chapter 32

chapter 33

chapter 34

 

Chapter 1 - New Life

When I was little I read a lot of manga and watched a lot of anime. My favorite type where the isekai adventures. Whether summoned, transported, or reincarnated I loved to watch as the protagonist would battle with overwhelming power or simply using luck and clever ingenuity to beat the bad guys.

I often wished that it would happen to me but it never did. Well not until my death 65 years later.
When I opened my eyes I saw the face of an elderly man. He wore a crown over his head and had white hair that made him looked dignified. With his blue eyes looking down on me the old man spook what sounded like a name, "Edwin Von William Highland"

It turned out it was my name. It took me a week to come to terms that I had somehow been reincarnated into the world of Arvenia.

At first, I was excited, I couldn't believe I was havening my very own isekai adventure and couldn't wait to see what type of cheat skills I had obtained - but that happiness would soon turn to disappointment and sadness.

Arveina was a world of sword, magic, demi-humans, and elves but that is where the similarities with my favorite manga's and anime ended.

There was no skill menu's nor any cheat like abilities, if you wanted to use magic or a sword skill you would have to spend time and effort to lean them all. I would often sigh at this but not because I am lazy or anything like that, but because I lucked in both magic powers also known as mana, and talent in close physical combat.

As heir and only child of the King, there was a lot of pressure on me to be more like my father but I never showed even a glimpse of his level of swordsmanship. Many nobles would often throw their daughters at my father, encouraging him to have another child, but he never even batted an eye at them. For him, his only love was my mother who died giving birth to me.
She had a weak constitution from birth but that did in no way hide her beauty. According to my father, he had never seen such beauty before and he will never forget it.

Part of me felt guilty. I would often feel like I caused her death but my father would brush it off as a foolish thought.

"She knew the risks but never wavered in her determination of having a child. Even now I all-inspired by her bravery; you should too." I cried like a little girl at those words. They helped me push myself to do better and in time I would realize that if magic and swordsmanship were not my callings than research and administrative talent would be.

Like I said earlier I am not lazy. While I loved my manga and anime I was no NEET. I majored in science at a top university in Tokyo and did some business management courses in the later years of my career.
My father saw my potential and when I was only 12 years old I was sent to the holy academy in the holy land.

The Holy land Kingdom is a country in the topmost part of the continent. It was created over 8000 years ago by the 12 goddesses temples the world only religion. It is one of the most advanced kingdoms on the continent only left behind by the two empires and the Saifuddien kingdom.
I remember being excited to go to the academy. It was a place where rich royals and nobles from across the continent went for their education as well as to make connections.

As I walked through the streets with my aides I was almost dazzled by magic tools that were being used by everyone in the streets and shops. Almost, because they didn't hold a candle to the technology of my former world.

I attained my classes regularly and like in my old world I didn't quite fit in The Kingdom of Highland was located at the southwest end of the continent. While its size was big it was not a rich kingdom.
Many Kingdoms and even Dukedoms looked down on it. Of cause those feelings where well-entrenched into the minds of the royals and nobles at the academy.

Many would mock me or make fun of me and some even called me 'commoner in royal robes' but that didn't hurt my feelings at all. I was determined to learn all I could and use that knowledge to help my Kingdom grow.

I would often get ideas by using my old world as a blueprint and send messages to my father on the ideas I came up with. He would often be impressed by them and had secretly established 'the high chair' a secret organization dedicated to research within the kingdom. It was made up of the most loyal of knights under the Kings guard and I was put in charge of them.

All this happened in only 9 months since arriving at the institution and I must say I was well pleased with myself. My joy was further heightened when I met the three of them for the first time.

The fifth princes of the Kingdom of Jarodor, Princess Louise Messalina Jarodor. With blond hair and red eyes like shining rubes. She was beauty among beauties. Her slider body looked amazing even if it was the kind of body is that you would expect from a holy knight in training. Her modest chest did no way devalued her as a woman but instead amplified the aura of nobility she displayed.

The twenty-fifth princess of the elven kingdom of Everwood, Siraye Inastina Everwood. With light green eyes that reminded you of the evergreen forests of Everwood, long brown hair that overflowed past her shoulders and of cause the legendary elven beauty; made her seem like a goddess. While she may have had a flat chest, her beauty was more than enough to seduce any man in the world. She was said to have a flexible body - a typical aspect of an elven ranger. Many boys would wonder just what of type positions she could do in the bedroom with such a flexible body.

The forty-fifth daughter from the duchy of Vidfamne, Lady Rania Euphemia Vidfamne. As expected of the merfolk, her beauty could easily challenge that of elves and her overflowing chest with 'boin-boin' sound with the siltiest movement could hypnotize men in an instant. With shining blue hair and eyes as well as her good proportion body you would understand why she was well sort after woman among men.

The first time I saw the three of them was from a distance. They were my seniors at the academy by three years and four years by age. They were also my fiancées.

While our engagement was not officially announced it was a well-known rumor that the royal families as well as the duchess of Vidfamne had arranged for our union. Perhaps this was the main reason I was harassed by the boys at the academy.

I would often try to meet with them but they were often too busy for us to meet in private, thus we would mostly meet at social gatherings in the city to which I was most often not invited to.

It would depress me that I would not get the chance to meet those beauties often but I would encourage myself by imaging all the naughty things we would be doing once we were officially married.
While I don't know what strings my father pulled to arrange the marriage between me the two princesses I knew lady Rania's engagement was something my Kingdom and the duchy of Vidamne had been planning for a long time.

With deep blue eyes and silver shining hair. She was one of the three heavenly beauties of the continent. She like her daughter had an overly sexy body, with perfect curves, succulent lips, and big breasts. She was the true meaning of 'beauty perfected'

In fact, her beauty was so perfect that to date she has never met a man would not be charmed by her beauty.

She had used this beauty to charm men for the past 3000 years and strengthen her duchy. She developed a policy of giving birth to children only to have them married to other families thus creating a blood tie to such families.

The children of the house of Vidfamne are renewed beauties with high intelligence. For this reason, many noble families would more than welcome them into their bloodlines. While having them marry into the main branch was something most families could not allow because of the fear of having an heir who would be long-lived thus putting the family at a huge disadvantage when it came to forming future blood ties.

Most advantageous marriages are marriages between an heir and a daughter from the main household. If the head of the family was someone who was long-lived then the chances of the child inheriting any time soon would be slim thus no one would offer their daughters to such a child. While there might be the solution of the head simply retiring early it would hurt the family image as enemies of the house might spread some bad rumors about the reason for retirement - thus that option could not be looked upon with much favor.

It was for this reason that most children of Vidfamne married branch families or became second wives or concubines but this did in no way mean they had little or no influence in the family. In most cases, they had a large influence on families.

Rania Teresa Alumet Vidfamne used that influence to protect and develop the duchy.

The duchy of Vidfamne was located southeast of Highland. A small duchy with only four cities. It is the home to the merfolk, a demi-human race that looked like humans on land and mermaids in the water. There were the smallest population among demis and the duchy was the only place you would find them in large numbers.

The duchy was not a very fertile land with sea breeze constantly blowing saltwater on the fertile land it made it hard for the duchy to grow crops in large quantity.

Rania Teresa Alumet Vidfamne knew her duchy wouldn't survive if she was to develop it in the same manner other kingdoms and dukedoms did and thus opted for the option of marring off her children and forming powerful connection on the continent.

For this reason, her daughters' marriage to me was arranged.
Truth be told such an arrangement was agreed upon 4 kings before my father but the marriages between our families always fell through for one reason or another on the part of the duchy.

This created a lot of friction between the kingdom and duchy as my royal family accused the duchess of not honoring the arrangement of marriage in exchange for the kingdom being part of the military alliance that had sworn to protect the duchy.

But the duchess always played it off as being out of her control, "Regrettably, my daughter has chosen to marry another but I could not have foreseen such an event happening; rather than dwell on the past shall we not look towards the future. I am fully committed to the joining of my family to yours or do you intend to withdraw from our arrangement?"

It was clear to see from the way she would often reply to my family's accusations that my Kingdom wasn't highly valued by the duchess, going as far as asking if we wished to cancel the arrangement. In front of such a response, my family would simply bite its pride and ask the duchess to offer another bride to which she would often reply

"Ara Ara ... I am not a daughter making magic tool you know and their others who are waiting in line for one of my daughters you know, you will have to wait a bit you know"

I can only remember the sigh my father made when he told me of the circumstances behind our engagement and I couldn't help but sigh myself.
Nether less I am engaged to marry lady Rania, part of me feels like history would repeat itself but perhaps I will be the lucky royal who marries a Vidfamne beauty.

Hmm... why do I feel like I have set off a flag?

 

Chapter 2 - Demon King, Hero, and Fairy Queen

It happened fast like a lightning strike. One day the east Kingdom of Saifuddien was destroyed overnight. A kingdom that rivaled the two empires of the west was lost in less than a day.

Oracles in the holy kingdom sent a horrible message to the holy pope and rulers of the continent. The 12 goddesses were attacked and captured in battle by a creature that they later would name "The Vulluin Demon King"

His army now marched on our continent from a new continent that sprung up from the ocean in the east. The world was in a panic as the Kingdoms, Dukedom and independent merchant city-states of the east fell one after another. The army soon called 'the Demon force' marched into the center of the continent with great ease. Conquering and enslaving anyone they could get their hands on.

The two empires were lost in what to do. They formed a collation force and sent it forth to stop the invasion.

It was at that time that I heard my finances had left the holy land to aid their kingdoms in the fight.

I cursed my own powerless self. I was only 13 at the time of these events and was not yet old enough to fight and even if I was; as the only heir, my father would probably never allow it.

Over the next 1 years I would often write letters to them but what I would get in return were responses from their retainers thanking me for the moral support I sent them in my letters.

Normally a letter written by a crown prince should be responded by the receivers' own hand or it would be taken as an offense. The only exception would be if it was addressed to someone of higher rank like an Emperor or King and even the Holy pope, but seeing as they are at war I overlooked it but my retainer would always frown at those letters.

"Just who the hell do they think they are having their retainers reply on their behalf?"

The girl who just shouted was Eve. With black hair and slender body, she was the head maid in charge of taking care of me.

"It can't be helped." I replied while shrugging my shoulders "They are fighting in a war, I am sure they have a lot on their plate especially Louise" I replied while taking a sip of the tea she had prepared

"Nonsense! It doesn't take that long to write a letter, they are probably looking down on us because we can't contribute any fighting force to the war effort"

What Eve said may have some truth to it. When the two empires allied it was shaky at best. They couldn't agree on many things and as the result, their armies were being defeated left, right and center. Swallowing their pride the turned to the pope of the holy kingdom for assistance.

The holy pope sent a holy message to the kingdoms, dukedoms, and merchant city-states on the continent, urging them to send their armies in support of the two empires war effort; calling it 'a holy war to defeat the evil demon king and free the goddess from captivity'.

Many nations and dukedoms answered the call along with the remaining free merchant city-states. merchant city-states employed mercenaries from across the continent, forming the largest army ever assembled in the history of the world. But even then it was not enough. The demons were too powerful.

The demon army was broken down into four groups

The demon ground beasts. These formed the bulk of the demon force. There was a large army of the demonic beast the moved on lard. From wolves to lizard men and even orcs; were some of the beasts that a solider would have to fight against.

The demon sky beasts. The formed the sky forces of the demon beasts. wayven, griffons, and even black dragons were rumored to be part of this fighting force. It said a single black dragon was enough to level a city the size of the holy city in 20 fire breaths.


Commanding this force directly was the superior demons. Noble Vampires and High Orcs.

The Noble Vampires were in command of the demon sky beast forces. If you're unlucky to run into one you would best say your prayers. They were too strong to fight and too fast to flee from; plus they had the advantage of flight. The Noble Vampire became notorious in the war for killing men and kidnapping women and children to keep as slaves. Their greed for gold and works of art was said to make even a pure-blooded spoiled noble-born male blush with envy.

A female's worst nightmare except for Goblins and commander of the demonic ground forces was the High Orcs. Larger than two fully grown men these beasts with pig-like faces that walked likes humans, wore armor, and wielded weapons such as spears, axes, and hammers were a force to be reckoned with.

They would kill anything that stood in their way and would capture any unlucky woman to be used as a plaything until she broke from the constant rape.

If she was really unlucky the High Orc would throw her to the goblins after having his way with her.

The demonic ground forces, sky forces, and superior demons where the three groups that the army would constantly encounter but there was a fourth they never encountered even until now.

Knowledge of them came from the Oracles and the thief guild that had successfully investigated the demon army after losing more than half its members.

They are known as 'the ten abyss kings'

They were said to be the demon kings aides and close advisors. Not much was known about them other than that each possessed a captured goddess and they were drawing power from them.

The Holy pope encouraged the alliance to rescue the goddess from their grasps but as it was right now even fighting the demonic ground forces and sky forces was proving a nightmare. General and commanders who heard the plea of the holy pope had only had thought.

Its suicide to attempt a rescue mission.

What they thought was true beyond a shadow of a doubt. Three of 'the ten abyss kings' were believed to be on the eastern part of the continent while the rest were still with the demon King on the eastern continent.

"Our Kingdoms main fighting force is with the Noble and Neutral factions. If father were to send the royal soldiers outside the Kingdom the possibility of a coup would increase tenfold." I sighed as I uttered those words.

"Yeah. That's why your father arranged marriages for the princess and lady. With the backing of their Kingdoms and duchy, the nobles would be foolish to attempt anything stupid"


"Yes, but the situation has changed a little"

"The war?"

"I hate to admit it but I am sure there many among the Neutral and Noble factions wishing for my fiancés' deaths"

He was right. Some even went as far as to wonder if assassination would be possible but they soon came to their senses when they thought of the potential destruction of their families should such a thing come to light.

"Those bastards never learn. They think that the world is their playground even during this time of crisis" After Eve replied they both sighed at the same time.

"Why are you looking down Nya?"

The voice came from the window in the room and it belonged to a cat-eared demi-human girl.

"Hitomi! When did you get back?" Edwin asked in surprise

The demi-human girl was Hitomi Shinju. Edwin's childhood friend and a member of the royal family spy service that Edwin had set up. Hitomi was eager to join it when she first heard of his desire to create it. Her agility, ability to blend in crowds and disappear made her a very good candidate.

She worked twice as hard as anyone else and soon became the commander of her own group in the spy unit simply known as 'ghosting'

She had black hair and a slender body with brown eyes. She wore a simple top with light armor with shorts. She had a black rob which she probably used to fade into shadows and a short sword on her hip.

Anyone who saw her would assume she was a member of the thieves guild and anyone with combat experience would assume she was with the assassin guild but the truth was she had the skill to be in both.

Members of 'ghosting' were required to be good at stealth and combat but Edwin never once thought of using them as assassins but it could not be denied that they could be used as such.

"Hi hi hi" Hitomi puffed up her flat chest, "did you miss me, Edwin?"

"Ah... no, not really"

"Youuuuu—Stupid...Stupid...Stupid!"

"Eh!! Did I say something wrong Eve?"

"idiot!" Eve replied with a cold stare at Edwin

"Even after I made sure to work really hard and fast for Edwin, you...you <baka, baka, baka>," Hitomi said with a teary voice

"Oi Oi you can be charged with lèse-majesté you know"

"Eh! Edwin you would charge me with lèse-majesté" Hitomi replied with a pale complexion and teary eyes

"Ah...I'm sorry Hitomi, how about I treat you to a new treat I came up with"

Hitomi's eyes sparkled at his words, "really! Is it better than those potato chips you made?"

"I don't know if they're better. Unlike the potato chip which is on the salty side, this one is on the sweet side"

"I love sweet things more than salty things"

"Then I will treat you to it"

"Yep...It's a date"

Hitomi gave a victory smile to Eve as if to strike jealousy within her

"Ara ara Hitomi, was there a meaning to your look just now?"

"No nya, just happy nya"

"Ara ara is that so. I hope you will enjoy the ice cream as much as I did."

"Nya! You tested it already?"

"Yes...Edwin-sama even fed it to me, it was like we were a real couple on a private date"

"What! Me too. Edwin, you will feed me too nya!"

"Ara ara Hitomi. Where is that pride of beast-kin you keep talking about I can't believe your acting like this."

"What did you say four eyes?"

"Your heard me muscle brain"

Sparks flew in the room. Hitomi took a fighting pose but so did Eve. Eve was formally trained in armed combat and while Hitomi would have a huge advantage if she were to lunch a sneak attack, Eve would definitely win a head-to-head situation which was the situation right now.

Hitomi knew this but her pride wouldn't let her back down.

Eve also knew that the situation was in her favor but was still cautious of Hitomi.

While the pressure was tense in the room Edwin spoke up, "you guys are as close as ever but can you please stop teasing me about feeding you guys. I know you guys are probably only acting like this to cheer me upright. There is no way you would like it when I feed you."

His expression was innocent with no sign that he had a hidden agenda that one often saw in nobles when they talked to beautiful maidens.

"Dense"

"As dense as ever nya"

Puzzled by the reply he asked, "Did I say something wrong?"

"No...Edwin-sama said nothing wrong" Eve replied before muttering in a low voice that only Hitomi's cat ears could pick up on, "but still, you should notice maidens love when it is clearly on display"

"Nya can't be helped. This is what makes Edwin - Edwin after all."

"Agreed"

Their conversation threw Edwin into more confusion before coming back to his senses

"Hitomi I take it you have something to report?"

"Nya...I do. Right now this news has not been made public but it seems a hero has been born"

"Hero!?" both Eve and Edwin asked in unison.

A hero. Someone who has the blessing of six or more goddesses. Their existence was said to shape the politics of the continent. With the power granted unto them by the goddess, they welded power unlike any other.

The reason why both Edwin and Eve were shocked by Hitomi's report was that a hero needs a minimum of six goddess's divine protection, but such a thing was impossible because it was a well-known fact that the goddess were all captured.

As far as everyone had concluded the demon King launched a surprise attack on the goddess and quickly defeated them in their divine world before destroying it and then descending to this world with his demon force to destroy all the races that worshiped the goddess.

Where the demon King came from was unknown and how he was able to enter and attack the goddess in their own divine realm was also unknown.

"Without the goddess to grant divine protection how can a hero be born?" Eve asked

"Don't ask me. I really don't know much about divine protection and whatnot; all I know is the information that is circulating" Hitomi replied

"Hitomi, who is the hero supposed to be?" Edwin asked

"It's the former third Prince of the fallen Kingdom of Saifuddien. Hans Varma Saifuddien. Apparently, he showed up at a battle in the Dukedom of Gillhearts when all seemed lost and turned the battle into the alliance favor by killing a High Orc commander on his own with the aid of the Saifuddien Silver Sword. "

"The Silver Sword? I thought it was lost during the fall of Saifuddien"

"That was what was believed but it seems it wasn't. He is proudly showing it off and many who have seen it before say that it is the genuine sword." Hitomi replied to Eve's question

"Hero huh? This is bad"

"What do you mean Edwin? Nya"

"The Holy pope and the Holy Kingdom lost a lot of influence when it was known that the goddess was captured by the demon king. As a result there some Dukedom and Kingdoms in the west that didn't answer his call for a Holy War against the demons but if the Hero is born under the control of the Holy Kingdom those Kingdoms and Dukedom that were up to this point only offering financial or limited military support will find themselves hard-pressed to continue to do so."

"What do you mean?"

"I am sure there many who will raise questions about Hans Varma Saifuddien being a Hero but achievements mean more than speculation. Plus he did kill a High Orc commander on his own, a feat that can be done if 2 'A rank parties' join together; it can be said it was an amazing achievement. At the very least he has proven himself to have the strength of 2 'A rank parties'. Even if people continue to talk the Holy pope can point to the fact that Saifuddien's founding King was a Hero and say that the Heroes' blood that flows through him has awakened. No. That will be his first move. I don't see the pope as someone who will let this opportunity pass by. With this, the Holy Kingdom's influence will be restored"

"But won't the two Empires try and bring the Hero under their wings?" Eve asked

"They can try but if he is smart he will let the Holy Kingdom claim him and build up his own alliances, preferably with the Kingdoms and Dukedoms that have fallen through the oldest tradition of building alliances. Marriage"

"Humm...You said that this was bad earlier. What did you mean? Nya" Hitomi asked

"If. No! When the Holy Kingdom request that those Kingdoms and Dukedoms that have yet to send a sizable military force. father will have no choice but dispatch more than half of the royal knights to make up for Noble and Neutral faction not contributing to the fighting force"

"Are you suggesting they will try and use that opportunity to overflow the royal family?" Eve asked with a pale expression

"No. They are not that dumb and knowing my father he will take measures against it"

"Such as?"

"Rather than wait for the Holy pope he will probably send troupes to Everwood and Jarodor."

"I see."

By sending troupes to Eastwood and Jarodor, Highland's royal family will be sending a message to the Noble and Neutral faction that any attempt to try and overthrow the throne will not be taken lightly by Eastwood and Jardor who were more powerful Kingdoms than Highland itself.

The Noble and Neutral faction will have no choice but to keep biting their lips.

"I wish we can just beat them up Nya," Hitomi said as she sighed

"Majority of the Kingdoms military might is with the Noble and Neutral faction we can't do it, well not at the moment"

"Eh!?" both Hitomi and Eve tilted their heads in puzzlement

"Project X is making great progress"

"What!" they both shouted

"I thought the King told you to scrap that project," Eve asked

"Yeah but I couldn't get it out of my mind and I think I came up with a workaround solution to the problem"

"What are you saying Nya...As far as I know the problem that project X faced was unsolvable. Isn't that what the sages at 'high chair' said?"

"Hitomi is right, furthermore it's not like no one ever tried to find a way to solve the problem. Are telling us you succeeded were great sages of the past failed Edwin-sama?" Eve asked with a shocked expression.

"It's not like I have solved it. No. Rather I have solved it but it all depends on how the Queen of the fairies will reply to my question"

"Queen of the fairies! Edwin-sama doesn't be ridiculous. Even for the two empires meeting the Fairy

Queen is too much of a financial burden to bear. Our Kingdom could never afford it"

In this world there are spirits. They live in all of nature. It's believed that these spirits were created by the creation goddess right after she created the world and the 12 goddesses.

The spirits are not intelligent and will never listen to anyone other than the fairy Queen. A spirit that had evolved into a fairy, then a high fairy before becoming the fairy Queen.

For one to meet the fairy Queen one needs to offer payment. The usual payment is 10 million gold coins. To put it into context the two empires' annual budget is 2.5 million gold coins each and Highland is 250 thousand gold coins.

It goes without saying that paying 10 million gold coins would be stupid especially when the fairy Queen has made it known that she will not intervene nor form a contract with anyone from the races as she devotes her entire being to the protection of the spirits, fairies, and high fairies.

However, it's that devotion that is hindering my progress with project x. I need her to confirm or deny if my action will result in intervention from her.

"Did you hear me Edwin-sama!"

"Ah...Yes I heard you, Eve. Don't worry I have a full Prof Plan"

"Huh?"

Back in my world one's purchasing power was determined by the amount you had and the currency you carried. A Japanese with 1000 yen will obviously buy less than an American with 1000 dollars. That is because the strength of the dollar was greater than the yen.

If I want to talk to the Queen then in this world with one currency I need to use another currency that is stronger and in this case its ice cream.

When I researched fairies and high fairies and found out that they had a rather sweet tooth. I first tried to gain their favor by buying candies and sweets but as expected of an almost immortal race they all seemed to have had their fill of it. So I resolved to make ice cream which doesn't exist in this world and the results were almost immediate.

I had a high fairy deliver a sample to the Queen and I got word that she wanted to meet.

The future of Highland depends on her answer.

 

chapter 3: Return of the prince?

In the hallways of the holy academy, a student was running with a pale complexion. He paid no attention to the other students who laughed and jeered at him as he ran on by.

He ran through the halls, up the stairs, and down the corridor with all his might before slamming the door open

"Eve!" he shouted

"I know, we are already packing as fast as we can" the slander maid replied as she directed the other maids.

"Tch..." he clicked his tongue but not at Eve and the other maids but at the paper, he held in his hand. It was a news article that the holy kingdom issues on special occasions

"Just what were those three idiots thinking? Didn't they know what would happen in Highland if they did such a foolish thing?"

What Eve was referring to was the news that was spreading throughout the continent. After appearing a year ago the hero Hans Varma Saifuddien became the symbol of the alliance against the Demon forces. With his charm, good looks, and charisma he quickly gained the support of warriors, commanders, and generals on the battlefield.

For the first time since the war broke out, the alliance was truly united under the banner of the hero and they began to push back the once invisible demonic force.

Over time his exploits as High Orc and Noble vampire slayer spread throughout the continent and as one could imagine, it was not long before rumors of potential marriage candidates came about.

Everyone wanted to have a blood tie to the new hero. It was even rumored that the two empires were sending their two heavenly beauties to hero.

Today all those rumors were put to rest when it was announced that the hero had taken twelve women as his brides.

Edwin had predicated this up to a point. He knew that the heroes would marry daughters of royals and dukedoms that had fallen in the east as well as some in the west and central but that was on the basis that his achievements would be minor.

However, the hero surpassed all expectations including Edwin's very own. His achievements were slowly becoming on par with those of past heroes further cementing the Holy Nations' influence on the continent as well as his political value to other royal and noble families.

It's because of this that rather than some minor daughter of a high-ranking noble or royal in the west he was wedded to high-ranking daughters.

Of the twelve wives, four were from fallen Kingdoms and Dukedoms. Anyone would expect such a marriage. What shocked some was the fact that he had not only married the two heavenly beauties but also the saint of the holy kingdom.

Low-ranking nobles across the continent were surprised at this. A saint of the holy kingdom has not been wedded for the past 1200 years. They couldn't believe that such a thing happened in their lifetime.

On the other hand, high-ranking nobles already knew this would happen. They like Edwin knew that the holy kingdom will not allow the empires to monopolize the current hero through marriage and had sent the saint to the battlefronts where a hasty marriage was carried out.

Nobles and Royals across the continent thought and thought about how these unions would turn out. In political marriages where one or more wives were present, it was often the official wife who held the most power but in this marriage, there were three who could be said to be the official wife and indeed the two empires and the holy kingdom where each claiming that their bride to the hero was the official wife.

The hero himself never answered when pressed for whom he considered the official wife.

"I love everyone the same" was the reply he would give. The innocent look he gave each time made it seem real but some believed he was pulling the strings of the empires and holy kingdom while playboy nobles believed he was simply acting like a playboy; neither confirming nor denying his favorite woman.

Whatever his reason was, it was no concern of Edwin. His concern was the names of three brides. They were the names of two princesses and a lady. Princess Louise Messalina Jarodor, Princess Siraye Inastina Everwood, and Lady Euphemia Vidfamne.

His fiancés' names appeared as brides of the Hero. The news about the wedding had the backing of the holy kingdom, there was little chance that it was some baseless rumor, and with that being the case.

"Those nobles won't let a chance like this pass them by. How did we not hear about this beforehand?"

Indeed it was a puzzle to Edwin that this information did not reach him ahead of time. If the Kingdoms of Jarodor and Everwwod wanted to break off the engagement, they, needed to send a minimum of 5-month notice before it was officially recognized by either family. Such was commonly practiced. Even though his engagement with them was not officially announced their engagement was still a well-known affair. Not following procedure would greatly affect the image of both royal families.

Vidfamne was the exception on this point but only because Highland has had experienced this type of breakup from them before and such an event was uncommon on the continent when the duchy of Vidfamne was involved.

But it was unthinkable that Jarodor and Everwwod would do the same thing especially since they were kingdoms with royalty and not a dukedom.

Edwin's head raced like it had never raced before and he could only think of one possible solution

Did they elope with the Hero without telling their families?

Even in this situation, Edwin had come to the right conclusion. The three of them have found out that the hero would be holding a hasty wedding, all approached the hero, and offered their own hands in marriage.

Like knowing how it happened will help me. I need to think of how we are going to stop those greedy nobles from doing something reckless.

"This is bad Nya!" Hitomi entered the room out of breath. She looked like she had just come battle

"Hitomi! Why do you look like that?"

"Ran into members of the assassin's guild. Look like there were targeting you Edwin"

"Tch...Did the news already reach the Kingdom? No, if I had to guess this must be the work of count Gunnleifus Varma. That fat bastard was always too good at conniving."

"What do you mean Nya?"

"He probably put a request to kill me with assassin's guild under the condition that they do it at a time that will benefit his faction the most."

"Eh...can he have made such a thing?"

"The assassin guild it tight-lipped about their clients like a dead man and who better to understand the perfect time to assassinate someone other than an assassin."

"This is troublesome Nya. However, most of the members of the assassin's guild are probably on the front lines of the war and this is the holy kingdom so only the desperate or foolish assassins will try and kill you Nya. Leave your safety to me and the other members of ghosting Nya, but it will harder when we leave the holy kingdom Nya"

"Thanks, Hitomi, and I will be counting on you."

Hitomi gave a light bow before vanishing like a ninja before Edwin's eyes.

"We have completed all the preparations Edwin-sama. Should we start?"

"Yes"

"Where are we headed?"

"It will take the knights 3 months to return from the front lines. Until then we will head west to the royal territory of Kamonas."

"Ha!? Where the high chair is?"

"Yes. Father should be evacuating the citizens there from castle town as well as the other cities that are part of the royal faction to there."

"Did you agree to this in advance?"

"No, but it's the best move given the situation"

Kamonas was in the west of the Highland kingdom and was under the direct control of the royal family. It was a mountainous region with active volcanoes that spilled magma from the earth.

Because of this, it was easy to form a defensive line against invaders should it ever come to that. When the war against the demon forces started. Edwin and his father started to make preparations to use it as a last line of defense against the demonic forces.

Neither one could have ever imagined that they would be using it to defend themselves against nobles of the kingdom that had once sworn loyalty to the royal family.

***

"What is the meaning of this!? What do you mean they married the Hero?"

In the castle town of Highland, an elderly man was sitting on a throne. With a golden crown on his head and dressed in fine clothing this man projects the aura of royalty despite the frown on his face.

He was Edwin's father and King of Highland. The question he had just asked was directed at the prime minister.

"It is just as you have heard it. I have already confirmed it with the ambassadors. They all gave a troubled look when I pressed for answers. Perhaps this was truly out of their control"

"Like that will stop the Noble and Neutral factions. I can practically hear their armies marching out of their territories in the east from here."

"That why my King I must recommend we evacuate the castle town for Kamonas."

"I cannot do that"

"Eh..."

"I will have the citizens evacuate at once but I will remain here"

"You cannot do that"

"I have to. Edwin will no doubt head to Kamonas. I must buy him as much time as possible. As long as I am here the Noble and Neutral factions cannot ignore me."

"Your majesty!"

"Prime Minister Herman Clark here obey your, Kings, last command. Evacuate my loyal citizens and allies to Kamonas and await your new King's arrival. This is a royal command"

The middle-aged prime minister bit his lip in frustration. His eyes were moist but not a single tear fell. He could see the sheer will of the King he served with all his might and he knew he couldn't change his King's mind.

He lowered his head; lower than he had ever done, and replied, "As you command your majesty. I will obey"

That was the last time Prime Minister Herman Clark ever saw his beloved King.

***

Edwin and his retainers moved in the darkness. Having successfully returned to Highland thanks in large to the sills of the members of ghosting they moved as quickly as possible to Kamonas.

It had been a month since the events began to unfold. As it stood the royal knights should be returning within two months if they moved as fast as Edwin predicated.

If they could hold off the Nobles and Neutral factions for those two months then they would in a good position to counter-attack in a pincer maneuver with the Knights in the east and the forces under his father in the west.

Before the war on the demons, the forces of the royal faction were 1/3 that of the Noble and Neutral nobles.

Some Knights died on the battlefield against the demonic forces and as it stood right now, their forces were 1/5 of that of the Noble and Neutral factions.

However, Edwin had faith in the pincer maneuver. He remembered how an army in his old world overcame a huge difference in numbers using the same maneuver.

Secondly, this whole situation came about because Princess Louise Messalina Jarodor, Princess Siraye Inastina Everwood, and Lady Rania Euphemia Vidfamne broke off their engagement to him without following due procedure.

Even if their engagement was never publically made, changes nothing. It was an agreement between royalties that they would wed, except for Vidfamne which was notorious for this type of thing; the other parties had no excuses especially Jarodor whose princess was going to be the official Queen of Highland.

Edward imagined that the prime minister was leaning on them for support in return for us not making a fuss over their daughters' actions.

It would be best if they would send a small force along with the knights but that would be wishful thinking. At best they should rally the neighboring kingdoms in condemning the actions of the nobles. That is the best we can hope for. If some of the nobles change sides to ours out of fear of what the other kingdoms might do that would be the best outcome.

"Edwin-sama it's the Kamonas mountain range"

Edwin looked out of the carriage that moved fast on the dirt road. He saw the mountain range the Eve pointed to. That mountain range was the natural barrier that protected Kamonas.

There were only three routes through the mountain range. One in the south, one in the east, and one in the north. Each passage was heavily guarded. Even a force ten times would find it hard to break down the defense that protected the passage.

Edwin was headed to the north passage. This was the safest of the three given their current situation.

The Noble and Neutral faction should have already made moves to control the south and east of Kamonas the leaving the North as the only option available to him.

Edwin's thoughts proved to be true when they successfully passed through the gate in the North.

"Your majesty" a knight guard called out

"What is the situation," Edwin asked from with the carriage

"The South Gate is under attack from the Noble forces and the East gate is under attack from the Neutral forces"

"And the citizens of castle town?"

"They as well as other citizens have been successfully evacuated, your majesty."

Edwin sighed relief at the knight guard's words.

"Then I take it the King is at high command?"

High Command was the name of the castle that lay in the center of the peak city. Peak city was carved into the side of the largest mountain in Highland and the fourth largest on the continent. The Peak Mountain.

With strong, tall, thick walls that surrounded the north, east, and south of the city and the mountain that formed a natural barrier in the west. Peak city was said to be able to survive an attack from two black dragons.

It had underground caves the citizens could flee into in case of emergencies and wide roads to allow knights on horseback easy access to every corner of the city one could argue that trying to invade this city was a waste of time and money.

But money is something the Noble and Neutral had. They have been avoiding paying taxes to the royal families for centuries. Despite the best efforts of the royal family, it proved either too difficult or impossible to introduce a tax system that the Nobles couldn't avoid.

Well, not until Edwin arrived that is. His introduction of a sales tax from his home world began to trickle away at the pockets of the Nobles. This would turn out to be one of the major reasons the Nobles and Neutral factions wanted to get rid of him

"The only capable king Highlands needs, is a dead capable king"

These words would become the secret greetings of the Noble and Neutral faction members that planned the overthrow of the royal family.

Edwin of course didn't know this and was simply trying to improve his Kingdom. His father who did know this paid it no mind as he knew that the benefits for the kingdom were too large to ignore

Edwin's father's deepest wish was to solve the problem of the Noble and Neutral factions before his son took to the throne. While his leadership in battle and politics were excellent, only Edwin himself could think of a way to improve the Kingdom.

His retainers agreed.

They tried to copy the empire or other developed Kingdom but they would often fail.

Edwin knew that much like the duchess of Vidfamne, he needs a unique way to develop the kingdom.

It was when Edwin started to propose all these reforms at the tender age of 10 that he realized that his son had a talent for developing a kingdom.

Even it cost me my life, I will clear a path for you son

These were the thought Edwin's father had. These are the thoughts of a proud King and father.

The Knight guard did not reply to Edwin's question. His face turned pale and that gave Edwin a chill in his spine. He looked at the other Knight guard but despite being well trained they did not meet the eyes of the prince but instead looked away

Edwin went pale when he realized what this would mean.

"Edwin-sama?" Eve called out in a soft voice

"To Peak city! Move as fast as you can" Edwin barked an order to the coachman.

The coachman responded immediately. Whipping the horsed he drove the carriage. The horsed were already tired from the journey. The coachman knew this. He loved the horses very much as he had raised them in the knight stables but he forced this emotion he was feeling down.

Right now getting to peak city was the most important thing. The coachman loved his horses but he loved his duty as a knight even more and right now his princes need to be at peak city as soon as possible and with that in mind he drew out all of the horses' strength. He drowned any uncomfortable thoughts with these words.

For the King, For the Prince, for Highland

 

Chapter 4: The Goodbye Battle
"Father! Father!" Edwin entered the castle high command with a desperate look on his face. He called out for his father in this huge castle with the hope that his fathers' voice would be heard, but all he got was silence as the knights all-around him looked down with sad expressions.

"Your majesty," a voice finally called out to him. It was a voice he knew well.

"Prime Minister Clark! Where is my father?"

"The King is no longer among us,"

"Wh-What are you saying?"

"The King is no longer among us,"

"Don't say that line to me. Highland has a King have you forgotten that?"

In Highland, there was a tradition that was passed down. Its origin was unknown but, it was considered part of royal tradition.

When a King passed away, it was traditional for the prime minister to declare his death with these words to his successor.

"The King is no longer among us,"

These simple words signified the passing of the King and the raising of another.

"Your majesty the King is no longer among us," the Prime Minister said again.

Edwin was struck with grief. His head spun. He couldn't even tell what was up and down. He felt a deep feeling of seasick.

"Your majesty," Eve cried out as she rushed to the fallen Edwin.

Three days passed by before Edwin woke up. He found himself in a large room. He lay on a big soft bed. He felt something holding his right hand. It was the hand of a woman.

It was soft. He could feel no trace of the training it underwent in combat. It was the hand of Eve.

Edwin could see her next to the bed. She held his hand while in a deep sleep. The baggage under her eyes told the whole story.

"Eve!?" He called out in a soft dry voice. Despite it being in a low tone Eve still heard him call out to her.

"Edwin? You're awake!" she replied with a relieved expression.

"Sorry. It seems I have caused you trouble"

"Don't say that. You can never trouble me" Eve replied with tears flowing down her face.

"I won't say the same Nya," Hitomi said as she appeared behind Eve. "You scared me Nya. For a moment my fur turned white Nya"

"I would love to see a white Hitomi" Edwin teased but Hitomi didn't find it amusing at all. She puffed her chicks and crossed her hand before uttering, " Stupid"

"Hitomi, could you please get your brother," Edwin asked

"No need Nya. He is waiting for you in the reception room Nya"

"Really!?"

"Yes. He has been waiting for you for the past 1 week Edwin" Eve replied

"I see. Then I better"

"You have to rest Edwin. The maids taking good care of him. There is no need to rush"

"No! This is something I must do now. Time is not exactly my friend at the moment" he replied with a wary smile

"I understand" Eve replied. Like his father, Edwin was not one to have his mind changed once he had decided to do something and Eve knew that.

Edwin entered the reception room with Eve and Hitomi in toll. He saw the leader of ghosting and Hitomi's older brother. Viscount Honcho Jiro Shinju.

Honcho stood up from the furnisher he sat on and took a knee.

"Your majesty I am honored to meet you again"

"Eve, Hitomi please leave us alone"

Neither Eve nor Hitomi questions his command. They closed the door behind them as they left.

Edwin walked over to the furnisher directly opposite Honcho and took a seat

"You may rise and take a sit"

"Thank you, your majesty"

"If my guess is correct father had the prime minister take care of the evacuating of the citizens while stayed at castle town to act as bait. Am I correct?"

Honcho was taken aback at his words. For him to realize it without being told. As expected from a child of those two.

"It is as you say, your majesty"

"Then I take it as the leader of ghosting you were with him in his final moments"

It was at this point that Honcho placed two enveloped sealed letters on the table. One pink, one blue.

The pink envelope was written by your mother one month before she gave birth to you. The other was written by your father the night before his passing.

Edwin stared at the two letters. He wondered why he never got to see the pink one. Why did his father not pass it on to him before?

These questions popped up in his mind.

Honcho continued to speak after Edwin had asked him to.

After the castle town had been evacuated Edwin's father barricaded himself in the castle town. News had reached him that the Noble and Neutral forces were assembling a force in the east with great speed.

"Hump...to think those bastards would move this quickly. Its barely been a week since news arrived in Highland about those three bimbos wedding to the hero and yet such there have already gathered all their forces" the King said

"To think that while they are failures at everything else, they excel at this. Truly they are a hopeless bunch. Shouldn't we just assassinate their leaders?" Honcho replied


"Can you do it?"

"It might be possible"

"Can you do it and come back alive?"

Honcho couldn't respond to the king's question. The Nobles spent a vast fortune in acquiring some of the best protection from the thieves' guild, assassins' guild, mercenary's guild, and adventure guild.

It would be a suicide mission to try and attempt to assassinate the leaders of the Nobles and Neutral factions and Honcho knew this.

"Besides you have another important task I wish to give you"

"Which is?"

"When the time comes I will entrust you to deliver two letters to my son."

"When the time comes?"

"Hump...I am not giving up just yet. I may be old, but I still have a bit of a fight left within me. I will show those rebels that dare point their swords at their King a living hell"


In no time the rebel force arrived at castle town. The leader of them is Margrave Lance Von Winters.

While riding his white horse he stood in front of the castle city gate.

"Are you there old King?"

"Who are you calling old you backstabbing son of a bitch"

"For a King to use such language you must be coming of age"

"Hump...I am still young enough to beat the living daylight out of you. What do you say to a duel? The looser will surrender to the winner"

"Hahaha. Do you think I would agree to that?"

"Nope. A spineless man such as yourself does not know the meaning of the word honor."

"You talk too much old man but no matter. Soon you won't be talking at all."

They both glared at each other before turn their backs on one another. The war began on the same day at sunset. Magic spells were cast from either side. The rebel forces tried to climb the city wall but were pushed back by magic fire and arrows. Every time the rebels attacked they were replied.

This lasted for a week and the rebels grew restless. Edwin's father did everything to hold out as long as possible but he knew it would not be long before the castle city fell.

He had only kept a small fight force of 200 soldiers. Sending the rest along with the Prime Minister.

These soldiers along with a small squad of ghosting members who were in charge of stopping any assassins from slipping through blocked every attack the rebels threw at them.

"That stupid old man is getting on my nerves. Doesn't he see that it's futile to resist me?" Margrave Lance Von Winters spat those words with a disgusted look on his face

He had hoped that he would take the castle town by now but that was not the case. It seemed he was fighting a never-ending war.

"Patience is a virtual Margrave. Sooner or later the crown and I will become prime minister" The one who answered was a fat pig-looking man by the name of count Gunnleifus Varma. With a chicken piece in one hand and a cup of wine in the other he looked on as the battle continued

"Tch...how can you eat at a time like this? Do you know how much money we're spending on this fighting force"

"What is a little money compared to the royal throne that you will have. We can simply tax the people to recover cost anyway"

"Hump...I suppose you have a valid point. But if the knights, the King had sent return quickly. We will be in a dangerous position should that happen"

"That will not happen any time soon. I have taken measures to prevent such a thing from happening"

"Hooo...you are a cunning fox"

"You honor me too much. I hope my service will be rewarded in the future"

"There is no need to remind me. The prime minister's job will be yours once I get the throne."

Count Gunnleifus Varma gave an ugly smile. He had been planning for this ever since he succeeded his father as count of Varma. He never liked the prime minister or the royal family. He hated anything that seemed to look down on him.

That was just how high his ego was. He had calculated every action his opponents would make and moved to block them all.

The only thing uglier than his face was his ambition.

***

"Your Majesty I bring ill news from the Prime Minister," a royal knight said as he approached the King

"Hmmm...I thought I told him to focus on the evacuation of the citizens." The king sighed, "What is it?"

"Nobles in Everwood and Jarodor are refusing our knights passage to return. The royal families claim to be doing everything in their power to negotiate but the prime minister doesn't think we can trust their words"

"I see"

"What the hell? They caused no problems when our knight passed through to join in the fight, why now?" a knight shouted

"It seems a certain count has been moving in the shadows and as for those royal families, it would be better for them that the royal family that their daughters had disrespected disappear entirely,"

"Those bastards," another knight shouted

"Looks like my time is up,"

"Your majesty?"

"I had hoped we could hold out until the situation was better but it seems that will not happen. I have only one choice left."

Everyone in the room knew what he meant. The forces the king had kept were men with long years' experience and had children to carry on their names. They knew death was knocking on their doorstep.

"If any of you"

"We will follow our King!" they all said in unison before the king could ask his question

"Thank you for your service" the king lowered his head in gratitude

For a knight their no greater honor than dying for their king.

***

The doors to the castle gate creaked open in the morning of the following day. A dignified man on horseback rode out of the city with knights following in toll.

Having used up all their food rations and with no sign of reinforcements coming to their aid the King of Highland made his last stand.

"So the old goat finally shows his face huh!?" Margrave Lance Von Winters spat out

"Be careful my lord. A beast cornered makes for a dangerous opponent. We should let the mercenaries handle this and reduce any losses to our forces" Count Gunnleifus Varma advised

"Nonsense, we can't have the mercenaries kill the king we have to do it ourselves or we will look like fools"

"We can arrange for them to capture him"

"Do you think that the old fool will allow himself to be captured? Don't be a fool. Have my knights handle this."

"As you wish"

The King of Highland looked on as knights were forming lines in the enemies' camp. He saw the typical formation one would see in battle. Knights in front followed by magic units in the middle and lastly the cavalry knights on horseback.

This strategy was one straight out of a textbook and the most effective way to fight a war. The rebel knights would protect the magic unit from the enemy force while the magic unit would provide magical supports to the forces. In case the enemies try to flee the cavalry unit would chase them down.

The only weakness of this strategy was that its effect on the battlefield was based on numbers. If your opponent had three or four times your forces then the chances of you winning were next to none.

But that wasn't a problem here for the rebel forces. They had an overwhelming 100 times greater number of soldiers than their opponents. The fact that the King of Highland even stepped out of the castle town meant he wanted to flee.

That was the conclusion that every soldier had. A conclusion that would be proven wrong.

"Royal Knights of Highland! Make them fear our name!" The King of Highland shouted as he raised his sword and charged

"YAhhhhhh" The knights screamed as they followed their King.

"Is he a fool?" Margrave Lance Von Winters asked, "Or has he finally lost his mind?"

The other reason a magic unit is placed in the middle is so that the can provide magic support to both the knight forces and the cavalry knights. Magic gets weaker the further the distance one needs to cast it. To make up for the distance a magician could make a spell more powerful by adding more mana into it but that would mean that they would run out of mana faster.

As far as Margrave Lance Von Winters and the commanders could see the knights were charging on horseback – meaning they had left their magicians behind. In that case, all they need to do now is have the magician thin their numbers with long-range spells like fireball before the ground and cavalry forces surround and finish them off.

"Humm...I wonder" Count Gunnleifus Varma mumbled these words. He knew the King was no fool. He knew there must have been a reason he chose this action.

Meanwhile, the rebel commands licked their lips at what looked to be an easy victory. The mercenaries were on standby. This was a chance to gain some achievements, they were not going to miss this chance.

"Magicians fire long-range magic attacks when there within range" a rebel knight commander instructed

The magicians began to chant long-range attack spells as instructed. As soon as the King and his knights wherein range of their magic spells they fired

<Fire ball>

<Ice spike>

<Wind blade>

<Earth spike>

The magic spells flew at the king and royal knights with great speed. Avoiding them was impossible at this distance. The rebel commands watched smirks on their faces. They waited to hear the screams of the king and knights, but those smirks gave way to a surprised look.

The magic that the magicians had cast all disappeared in an instant.

Count Gunnleifus Varma was the first to notice it. Men were riding with some of the knights. They wore a long black robe with a golden crest on their right chest. In their right hand, they had a staff that he knew very well. These men were royal magicians.

Welding the magic staff that is given to royal magicians they launched a counterattack.

<Mist>

<Air Field>

By combining these two types of magic they covered the king and royal knights in a heavy white fog that approached the rebel army

"Dispel their magic quickly" a rebel commander ordered

"We can't dispel that type of magic from this distance" a rebel magician explained

"Then fire another long-range attack"

"But we can't see the enemy we may end up wasting our MP."

"Damm...it. Hold the line. Don't let anyone escape. Cavalry prepares to give chase.

The rebel commander's decision wasn't wrong. Given the circumstances, it was obvious that King wanted to break the line and escape. That was the only logical conclusion he would make given the situation

But he was wrong. From the fog, a five-column of horses appeared with knights riding them. The once widespread royal knights had formed this five-column attack force with one purpose in mind.

"They're heading straight for us!" Count Gunnleifus Varma cried out loud. As expected from a schemer he knew the kings' intentions immediately

"What did you say?" Margrave Lance Von Winters asked with a pale look on his face.

"Mages blast those knights away" The King ordered

Normally when faced with fast approaching knights on horseback the line of knights would repel them with long sharp poles. It was common for cavalry knights to carry bows and arrows to shoot down those holding the poles but tactic hardly ever succeeded.

However, the situation was different here. Those rebel knights were not about to be attacked with bows and arrows but with magic.

The magic unit behind could support them by deploying a magic barrier or canceling the magic altogether but it was too late.

<<<Fire bullet>>>

A storm of magic bullets ran down on the rebel knights burning them to ash. Their screams added to the confusion of the pale-looking rebel knights.

The King and royal knight's rod through the path that had just opened up without pausing for even a second.

"Dam...it, protect the magicians now!" the rebel commander yelled

The rebel cavalry knights rushed forward to protect the rebel magicians that were now vulnerable to attack.

"Don't run, you're already dead!" The King yelled at the fleeing rebel magicians, "kill them all; leave no-one standing!"

"Yes sir." The royal knights answered in unison. Two-thirds of the royal knights broke off to chase the fleeing magicians

Defensive magic was effective against other magic but was very weak to physicals attacks. One could make the defensive barrier stronger by using more mana but these magicians had already spent a vast amount of mana in their first strike. They couldn't form a defensive barrier to block a well-trained knight and they knew this.

There the only option was to run but the knights' on horseback were faster. The battlefield was filled with the sound of dying magicians

"Chase after them! You lot get act back into formation" The Knight Commander yelled at the rebel cavalry to give chase to the royal knights attacking the magician. His words brought sanity back into the rebel knights as they abandon the line to rush to the magicians' aide.

The commander's instructions were excellent. Anyone in his position would probably have panicked and gave stupid instructions but his instructions were the best instructions you could give on this battlefield.

All that was left was to personally stop the King as he tried to use those very instructions of the rebel commander to push through a gap created straight to the rebel camp and to Margrave Lance Von Winters

"You die here!" The commander shouted as he approached the King with his sword drawn. His sword felt heavy. His forehead was filled with sweat. He had been using wind magic to deliver his commands on the battlefield.

Knights don't have as much manner as magicians as a result they tend to run out of MP even by using simple spells. Having a low MP greatly reduces your strength and the commander could fill that now

He however didn't regret it. He knew for a fact that this battle wasn't one that you could rely on runners to deliver messages. To soldiers.

All he had to do now was pull off a miracle and win. He prayed with all his heart

Goddess give me strength.

There was only one problem with his train of thought. The goddess he relied on was captured by the demon king.

"How rear. A foolishly wise commander" The King uttered before beheading the commander with one swing of his sword. The king didn't even bother looking back as he accelerated even faster

"Dam you" Margrave Lance Von Winters. Shouted as he saw the king riding up the hill to his camp

"Margrave Lance Von Winters you traitor! Death is too good for but, I shall still bestow it upon you; prepare yourself!"

Margrave Lance Von Winters went pale. His heart began to beat faster than it had ever had. He could feel a cold chill down his spine. He could feel death approaching.

"Tch...It can't be helped" Count Gunnleifus Varma murmured

The mercenaries appeared. Count Gunnleifus Varma was no fool. He had the mercenaries stand on guard right behind him. Unlike the rebel knights, they would not be so easy to deal with

"Time to earn your pay. Kill the king" Gunnleifus ordered

The mercenaries leaped into action. The charged the approaching king

"Leave this to us, your majesty," The few remaining royal knights said as they intercepted the mercenaries

The king went ahead. He could see a clear path to Margrave Lance Von Winters who stood solid stiff. The king raised his sword and brushed aside rebel knights that tried to stop him.

"This is the end Margrave Lance Von Winters" he spat those words as he aimed for the Margrave Lance's head but his sword was intercepted by a large sword

A man appeared out of nowhere. He wielded a magic sword of elfish design. The sword was looked too heavy to be wielded by such a young medium build man but yet he did no.

There was only one explanation. He was using magic. If a human were to try the same feat their mana would rapidly diminish but one species could pull it off for a long time.

"An elf?" the king muttered before the mercenary parried his sword with such force he was thrown of his horse to the ground

"To use such force to parry like that. You must be an A rank? No S rank. The banished elf prince of Everwood, Theodemar Inanala"

The mercenary pulled back his green hood and revealed himself. With long blond hair, a pretty face, and green eyes, he looked at the king.

"It an honor to meet you king of highland"

"Hump...so the elves of Everwood have betrayed my royal house"

"I am not here on behalf of the Eleven royal families. I am simply doing a job"

"Surely you jest. You expect me to believe that the royal family of Everwood doesn't have a hand in this?"

Theodemar shrugged his shoulders almost as if he was admitting to the accusations the King had pushed forward.

"I know the king thinks highly of you but"

"But as a king, he has his duties to his people...I can understand those sentiments but that doesn't change the fact that he betrayed me. I hope he will not regret his decision in the future"

"That is why I am here king of highland; to make sure he doesn't"

The two stared at each other. The wind blew past them as if acting as a single to fight.

The king slashed his sword forward but Theodemar paired it with ease. The king launched a series of slashes all of which were paired away with little effort on Theodemar's part. He hardly moved from his position.

Tch if was just a little bit younger

The king couldn't help but think those thoughts. His age was showing in this battle.

He pulled back from Theodemar. Taking some distance.

"Hump...for an elf, your skills are amazing," the king said

"If I had met you in your prime I wonder if I would receive such a complement" Theodemar replied with a wry smile

"Probably not but luck is also something a warrior needs in battle. Just consider luck to be on your side"

"I see. Thank you for the advice. Now then shall we end this?"

"I agree," the king said before holding his sword in a reverse grip. "Allow me to show you my trump card"

Theodemar could sense the king using his magic. A human didn't have much mana compared to elves but Theodemar felt something different in the way he was using his mana. Rather than direct it outwards he was directing inwards himself.

Strengthen every bone and muscle. Theodemar was taken aback but he was seeing. A legendary technique that few had mastered

"Body strengthening technique" Theodemar murmured in amazement

Typically only elves or beast-kin would learn such a technique. For humans who are considered jacks of all trades but masters of none, achieving this proved the skill of the one who did it.

King of Highland. What an amazing human

He thought to himself before noticing the king making his move. He dashed towards Theodemar but something was off. Theodemar could feel the killing intent but it wasn't directed at him but toward someone behind him.

The king dashed forward with great speed. The rebel knights could only see a blur fly towards Theodemar. As he approached Theodemar he threw a black ball in his direction.

Normally doing such a thing could be considered a disgrace to someone of the king's caliber and standing but for him, it mattered little.

Theodemar swung his huge sword to deflect the ball but as the sword came near it, it exploded. Black smoke filled the air. Theodemar swung his sword once more blowing the smoke away.

He glanced forward to find the king was not there. He turned his head around and saw the king hurdling straight for Margrave Lance Von Winters

It doesn't matter what tricks I have to use. I am not a knight or a king. I am a father. Margrave Lance Von Winters, I will buy my son time by taking your head

The thought to himself as he swung his blade for Margrave Lance Von Winters' neck.

But just as it was about to connect, he spat blood from his mouth. His body trembled and shook. He dropped his sword to the ground. A huge sword had pierced his body.

"Unfortunately for you I tool can use body strengthening technique. Farewell King of Highland" Theodemar said as he pulled out his blade.

The king of highland fell to the ground with a thump. The noble king was no more.

"aha, aha, aha ha, aha ha ha ha." Margrave Lance Von Winters laughed once he saw the dead king on the floor. His once frightened and pale face was gone and all that remained was a face of excitement.

He walked to the corps and began to trample on it, "This is what you get you, bastard. You think you could kill the great me! Bastard. Take this and this"

His actions brought about disgust from Theodemar and some of the rebel soldiers. Trampling on the dead was an unspoken taboo but no one pointed it out to him

Even with the king's death the royal knights and royal magicians never surrendered and fought tooth and nail.

***

Viscount Honcho Jiro Shinju sat in silence after telling Edwin all he had seen and heard from the shadows.

The room was quiet. Neither one made a sound until Edwin finally spoke

"He wanted to kill Margrave Lance Von Winters in the hopes of putting the rebel forces in disarray?"

"Yes"

"I see. Thank you, Honcho. You served my father well"

"I..."

"There was nothing you could have done. Against a monster like Theodemar, you would just end up killing yourself for no good reason"

"I...know but still"

"Honcho. My father made his decision, there was nothing you could have done to change his mind"

"It is as you say"

Edwin observed Honcho's face and could see the sadness he was hiding under his face.

"Honcho you know that my father's plan was a success right?"

"What!"

"What is Margrave Lance Von Winters doing right now?"

"He is...That is"

After his victory, Margrave Lance Von Winters threw a lavish party in the castle town. He had put the head of the former king on a spike and had his retainers carry it around.

In short Margrave Lance Von Winters didn't consider Edwin a threat. He was taking his time in dealing with the useless son of the former king. This was what Edwin needed right now. It gave him time to think of what to do next

It was another thing he was grateful to his father for. Edwin glanced down at the two letters. He stared deeply at the two letters containing the last messages of his now-deceased parents

Honcho gave a bow as he closed the door. Edwin now alone in the room opened both the letters and held them in each hand

He began reading his mothers letter first

Dear Edwin,

If you're reading this then it means I am no longer alive. I'm sorry that I wasn't there for you but worry not your father will be there for you. He a dependable man as you will find out as you grow up.

You are my love and joy and even if I don't get to meet you I will always be by your side

No matter what hardship you face know that you are loved by me and your father, now and until the end of time.

P.S tell your father that I still love



Tears began to fall on Edwin's face, "I can't tell him mom. Dad is... dad is already" he said softly

His eyes slowly glanced at the letter in his other hand.

Dear Edwin,

I am sorry. I promised your mother before her passing that I would protect you but I am unable to continue to do so. I have always been proud of you.

I hope you will forgive me for joining your mother too early; I can only imagine what troubles I will leave behind that is why I want you to not worry about it.

You are free to choose what you wish to become Edwin. Even if the whole world turns against you for doing so know this; I and your mother will always love you.

From your father

Edwin cried softly. He cried and cried; then he cried some more. In this room, all alone, he cried.

Before he knew it, night had arrived. Edwin sat in the room, all alone. No one disturbed him. He sat and thought.

Is it okay to abandon Highland? Can I even win? Can live while all those who took everything from me are happy?

He asked himself these questions. He thought of answers, but none came. His stomach rumbled.

I guess I can't think on an empty stomach.

He thought to himself before attempting to call for Eve.

"You look sad, young prince"

A soft voice spoke to him before he could call for Eve. Edwin looked at the once empty furnishes in front of him.

There sat a beautiful woman. With long red hair that overflowed over her shoulder. Fair white skin, pink lips. Eyes as green as gemstones; they would no doubt be the envy of every elf. She wore a dark blue dress with sparkles like little stars and a plunging neckline that showed her well-endowed cleverage.

She was none other than the Queen of the Fairies, Queen Madeline.

Edwin was so dumbfounded that he stumbled to reply. Queen Madeline found his reaction cute and spoke.

"I have an answer to your question from 1 year ago," she said with a smile.

 

Chapter 5: Queen of the fairies

Edwin calmed his nerves. He took silent deep breaths. He was about to get the answer he had asked the fairies Queen, Madeline, a year ago.

One year ago in a luxurious café in the holy land, Edwin walked while being guided by a handsome-looking man. While the man looked human, he was a high spirit.

Edwin had met the high spirit by chance at the academy and they soon become acquaintances.

The high spirit would often come to Edwin to sample the unique food samples that he constantly made.

“Are you sure we are at the right place Ryul?” Edwin asked.

“Our spirit realm is an inferior version of the goddess realm. We can’t take the chance that the demons will attack us while we are there, that why we left it altogether. We only use it now as a quick means of transportation.” Ryul replied.

“I see.”

“She is in here,” Ryul said as he opened a door in the café.

There seated on some fine furniture was the Queen of the fairies.

“Welcome young prince of Highland” she greeted with a smile.

“Thank you for speaking with Queen Madeline. I am truly blessed to be your presence.”

“You flatter me with your words young prince but don’t think that that flattery will improve your chance of getting a better response from me.”

“I wouldn’t dare do such a thing, your majesty.”

“Alright then, you may sit down. Ryul you may leave now.”

“As you command” Ryul answered before closing the door behind.

Edwin sat down. The future of his kingdom depended on her words and it made him uneasy.

“This ice cream is a wonderful creation. I have tasted many things but this is something else.”

“I am honored by your praise”

“Now then. What is it that you want?”

Edwin took two stones from his back and placed them on the table.

“Are those spirit stones?” The Queen asked.

When spirits deplete their vast magical power they turn into small black stones. These stones are called spirit stones. The stones themselves have no use to humans as humans have no way to process them. They're so strong that they are virtually indestructible.

Most spirit stones can be found near places of high mana like volcanoes or golden waterfalls.

They are found there because when a spirit has used most of its mana it turns itself into a spirit stone to absolve mana from nature. No one knows how long such a task would take but some have estimated that it would take at least 1500 years to do so.

This just shows how vast the mana of a spirit is. Even Elves would be no match against a spirit.

“Yes. These are sprit stones that I have encased in a special crystal of my making,” Edwin clammily replied. The crystal he spoke of was glass. In short, he had put the spirit stone in a glass marble.

In this world, magic tools depend on the mana provided by the user. The more mana a user has the more they can use the magic tool. This has always been the golden rule of this world.

To try and break this rule sages have been trying to find a way to store mana. If successful it would become this world’s first battery.

However, they ran into problems. They quickly established that mana could be stored in clear crystals but there was a limit of 30 minutes, after which the mana would disappear.

It more or less sounded like a leaky battery to Edwin. One that was fast to charge but quickly lost all the stored energy.

Sages across the world tried many things but were unsuccessful.

One sage came forward claiming to have solved the problem. He fused mana to a crystal and then sealing the crystal with an earth magic spell called, “harden”

It was successful in containing the mana but there was one huge problem. It was impossible to draw out the mana. Impossible is a bit of a harsh word but to draw out 250 MP from the crystal one would need to spend 500 MP.

This of course made the crystal impractical for use. The sage wasted his life trying to reverse MP consumption and release but failed.

What Edwin had created was perfect. For every 10 MP consumption, one could draw out 110 MP worth of magic power.

Edwin had been born with little mana, to begin with, as such he was sensitive to mana all around. He would often fell ill if someone projects their mana near him.

His three finances would often do that. He never paid it any mind because he heard of how they were devoted to training their skills. Nether less he would often withdraw from their presence if he encountered them in public.

He could have asked to stop but his insecurities about his lack of mana and his fear of angering his future brides persuaded him not to do it.

It was on such a day as he excused himself from his fiancés that he made the breakthrough.

Eve who was with him complained of how his fiancés treated him. To calm her down he bought her lunch at a local café.

After having finished the meal the owner of the café showed up and presented a spirit stone to the young prince.

Because Eve was wearing her casual clothes the owner mistook her for the princes’ lover. He presented the stone as a couple's good luck charm.

Eve blushed the whole time the manager praised them as a couple and Edwin couldn’t bring himself to correct the man and embarrass Eve.

When he received the magic stone from the manager Edwin felt strange. It was the first time he had held a spirit stone. He could feel some of his mana leave his body but at the same time, he could tell that wasn’t sucked into the stone.

Curious by this Edwin decided to do experiments into the spirit stone. He found the spirit stone acts much like a magnet. It attracts mana from the air condenses it around itself.

Edwin realized he could use this to his advantage. His research resulted in what he showed the Queen. The marble was filled with mana and the spirit stone in the middle prevented the mana from leaking out.

Each marble had 60 000 MP worth of mana. An expert sage would have a capacity of 12 000 MP while an elf would have 24 000 MP worth of mana.

Having access to such vast amounts of mana would result in unbelievable power for any army.

And that was Edwin's goal. If Highland had such power they could no longer be looked down upon by other kingdoms. Not only military but economically as well. Such power would bring about an industrial revolution on the continent and Highland would lead the way.

“Can her majesty tell me if any harm was coming upon the sprit stones that were encased?”

“I see” The Queen looked at the two stones Edwin had placed on the table and knew immediately what he meant. As the guardian of all spirits, she would be forced to act if this invention of Edwin threatened the spirits.

Queen Madeline was a powerhouse on the continent. She had the power to cause great destruction if she so desired. However, she chose to rather limit herself to the protection of spirits.

Long ago a foolish king and captured and tortured a high spirit out of spite to the Fairy Queen who had refused him an audience. Her response was merciless. In less than three days the entire kingdom was destroyed.

Many had called upon her to fight them in the battle against the demonic forces but she had to decline. With the goddesses captured she and some of the high spirits had to quickly take over their roles as guardians of nature. They were not as powerful as the goddesses and it was taking a toll on them.

If they abounded this duty. The world’s nature would collapse, causing unimaginable damage.

It was the Holy pope who understood the Queen's reasoning and persuaded the others to give up on adding her to the alliance.

Edwin could go ahead with producing large-scale production until the Queen gave her consent.

“I cannot answer your question yet. I need to examine these spirit stones closely for a while”

“A while?”

“Hmmm…One year. I should have an answer for you within one year”

“I am honored for your consideration”

“There is no need for such words but more importantly how are you going to pay me for my services”

“I will be more than happy to provide your majesty with a large shipment of ice cream in various flavors”

“There is more than one flavor?”

“Yes. Please look forward to it”

“I will”

The two ended their discussion on that day and never met again, until now.

“You have an answer?”

“Yes. I do.”

“Then…” Edwin held his breath. Her words here and now held the fate of his kingdom.

“I have no problem with this spirit crystal”

“Spirit crystal?”

“I’m sorry I took it upon myself to name it”

“No, no, no. I should apologize for not naming it sooner. I am very sorry” Edwin lowered his head as he apologized.

“There is no need to go that far, young prince. What you have made is truly a wonderful invention. Because of the hard surface that covers the spirits when they turn into spirit stones, it’s very hard for them to replenish their mana. As result, they can take as long as 1000 years doing this. But from what I can tell it will take a shorter amount of time under these conditions.”

Her words shocked Edwin. He never intended for the spirit crystal to be used as a means to accelerate the replenishment of the spirit's mana. There were meant to be used as a battery for his kingdom.

Edwin’s shocked face looked cute to the Queen but she showed no sign of it on her face.

“It seems you didn’t notice where you so eager to gain my approval that you didn’t monitor the spirit crystal for too long?”

Her question confused Edwin. It was true that the time between making the first two prototypes and presenting those to her was less than seven days. He could imagine what an extra day would change anything.

“Here have a look”

The Queen placed on the table the two-spirit crystals Edwin had given her. But there was no black stone in the middle. Instead, there was a white and green color in each separate spirit crystal.

“Eh,” Edwin said in surprise

“A week after I got the spirit crystals the spirits emerged from their stone casing and began absolving the mana.”

“Really? Does that mean you replenished the mana in the crystals?”

“|No. While the rate at which the absolve mana has increased it not that far from the rate of an elf. At the current rate, the spirit should be able to regain its mana in about three years”

“Huh?”

The Queen just said something outrageous. What should take the spirit thousands of years could now be done in a matter of three?

“I know it’s hard to believe but that is the current situation.”

“I see.”

“Furthermore it seems the magic consumption has reduced to 5 MP”

“Eh?”

“You have truly made something amazing young prince. I have made up my mind. I will be moving to Highland.”

“What!” Edwin said with a surprised look on his face.

“Am I not welcomed here?”

“No, no, of course, you are but”

“There is no need to worry. I plan to keep my presence in the kingdom a secrete”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. It’s not well known but I was attacked by a demon in the holy kingdom”

“What! The demons have reached the holy kingdom”

“It was a small attack force and my subordinates took care of it quickly but as things are right now, I cannot stay there. Highland is the last place the demons will think to look for me.”

“I see. I will make proper arrangements but as you may know, right now we are in the middle of a civil war.”

“I know. But someone who could make those treats and this spirit crystal is someone I have faith in to win this war. Am I wrong?”

Edwin had a wry smile on his face. How long was she in this room?

“Yes. Make no mistake. This war will end very soon.” He replied with a firm resolve.

 

Chapter 6: Ex Fiancés POV

The castle town in the Dukedom of Gillhearts hosted a hero party. The dukedom was at the heart of the conflict. With the demonic forces aiming to capture the dukedom and have easy access to the center of the continent.

In attendance were the hero and his wives. The hero attended many such parties over the past week. He used them to form connections raise funds from nobles and merchants that attended.

It was something that was expected of a hero.

After the party was finished, in a large bedroom in the castle. Three of his wives were present.

They were Princess Louise Messalina Jarodor Saifuddien, Princess Siraye Inastina Everwood Saifuddien, and Lady Rania Euphemia Vidfamne Saifuddien.

“Did you hear what happened in Highland?” Louise asked

“Yes. I never expected it to go that far.” Rania replied.

“What’s done is done. Thinking about it won’t change anything”

“Your right but it still leaves a bad test in my mouth. What about you Siraye?”

“I have no regrets. I never wanted to marry that weak boy, to begin with, but my parents said it was my duty as royalty. His family’s fate is dreadful but I have no regrets.” She coldly replied

“Hush words Siraye. Now that I think about it was your brother who killed the king right”

“He was doing his job. It has nothing to do with my family.”

“Even if you say that. I am sure there will be many who will gossip”

“Let them gossip. Right now my sole purpose is to serve the hero”

“Ara! Do you mean on the battlefield or in bed?” Louise teased

“Wh-what are you saying! On the battlefield of course. Bu-but as his wife I must fulfill my duties in the bedroom if he so desires it” Siraye replied with a red face

“I never thought I would see that look on you Siraye. I kinder cute”

It was at that time a knock came at the door. Siraye quickly rushed to open the door. She wanted to escape the teasing before her face got even reader but when she opened the door her face became even redder.

“Hero-sama”

“I have told you to call me Hans haven’t I Siraye”

“But, but”

“No buts. Call me Hans, Siraye. Okay” he said with a smile while patting her head

“Okay” she sheepishly replied

“Han! Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be with the saint?”

He gave a wry smile to Louise’s question

“I get it. She and the two heavenly beauties are arguing again” Rania guessed

“Yes. They each want me to visit their countries” he said with a sigh. “But I can’t just leave the battlefield.”

“Why can’t you? The demons have pretty much stopped attacking. They probably want to stop the losses there have been getting lately.”

“Even if you say that Rania, what am I supposed to do once I visit those countries?”

“Isn’t it obvious?”

Everyone looked at Rania with a puzzled look.

“Right now we are at a stalemate with the demons because we lack soldiers and equipment. It will be faster to raise those things if you traveled to those countries and gathered support”

“You think so?” Hans asked

“Yes. People will find it difficult to refuse you straight to your face and if they go back on their promise their reputation will take a great hit.”

“You think too far ahead.”

“Thank you.”

“Ha, you were always the brains of our group Rania,” Louise said with a sigh

“It couldn’t be helped. We merfolks aren’t that strong on land. My brains are my only selling point” she said. But her movement caused her boobs to bounce with a ‘boin-boin; sound.

Siraye and Louise glared at Rania.

While they couldn't be called flat-chested. Their boobs were no match for her mountains.

Hans gave wry smile before speaking, “You’re selling yourself short Rania. Your ice magic is unmatched after all”

“But compared to Louise and Siraye I am week. That is a fact. You guys often end up saving me when I am in a pinch. I honestly don’t know how can pay the debt of you guys saving me every time.”

“What are you saying? Aren’t we friends? You don’t have to pay us back” Louise said and Siraye nodded in agreement

“I won’t say that I need you to repay me but if you truly feel that way then how about,” Hans said before grabbing Rania’s boobs and kissing her passionately.

“Pervert,” she said with a blushed face.

“Well then we will leave you to it,” Siraye said as her cheeks reddened

“Ha! You’re leaving?”

“Eh?”

“Want you join us?”

“You mean you want to do it with all three of us?”

“Is there something wrong with that?” Hans replied to Siraye question

“You truly are a pervert,” Louise said before she began to undress.

Siraye despite her shyness also began to undress. Before long Hans was seated on the bed while a naked Louise, Siraye, and Rania stood in front of him.

“You’re all beautiful” Hans committed

“And how many of your other wives have you told that to,” Rania asked with a mischievous smile on her face.

Hans grabbed her by the waist and forced her onto his chest as he fell back on the bed. He kissed her passionately. As they made love to one another on the bed Siraye and Louise got down on their knees and began to play with Han’s dick.

They licked it up and down from the left and right. Before long Hans was thrusting his hips behind Rania while Siraye and Louise embraced Hans from either side.

Hans changed between them. Thrusting like there was no tomorrow. He enjoyed Rania’s bouncing boobs with each thrust. He enjoyed Siraye’s expressions with each thrust,

“Ho… I didn’t know elves could make such expressions” he teased

“Don’t look at me” Siraye cried back

He enjoyed the look of ecstasy on Louise’s face.

"Your nipples are so hard. They feel so good."

“Don’t tease me like that” she screamed

The sex was passionate and intense. Hans touched every inch of their bodies. He kissed their necks, creased their boobs, and nibbled on Siraye’s elf ears, much to her enjoyment.

They did this for hours before finally falling asleep on the bed together. They slept for hours before the sun rose. None of them felt like waking up but that soon changed when they heard a large sound.

“What was that?” Louise asked in a hurry

“I don’t know,” Siraye replied before quickly running for the window. She drew back the curtain and what she saw made her pale.

In the distance stood a large creature. It looked like it had come from beneath the ground. It looked like a giant worm, but it was the size of a small mountain.

“What the hell is that?” a panicked Louise cried out

“It must be a new type of demon” Rania calmly replied, “by the looks of it. This thing must travel underground like a worm. It would have been impossible for the border forces to spot it if that is the case, but something bothers me”

“What is it?”

“Something of that size could have easily destroyed the city had it emerged from beneath the city yet it didn’t why is that?”

Just as she had pointed that out, the sky began to darken. The once rising sun disappeared in the darkness. In its place, a moon appeared illuminating everything in light silver.

The castle town prepared for battle. Hans, Rania, Siraye, and Louise rushed to the castle town wall and Hans took command from the commander who had a relieved look on his face now that the hero had shown up.

“Has anything happened?”

“No Hero-sama. Apart from that thing appearing from the ground, nothing has happened so far. I believe it’s the cause of the darkened sky” the commander said

“Your wrong” Siraye replied to his remark

“Eh… What do you mean?”

“I sense no magical power from that creature which is wired. It couldn’t be the one responsible for the sky darkening”

“I agree with Siraye. Hans, it's most likely there is a second monster responsible for this” Rania said

“Ara, Ara, It’s rude to call me a monster you know”

A voice spoke up directly above their heads

They saw a beautiful woman with golden hair, blue eyes, and flawless skin. But this woman couldn't be the one who spoke. Because she was naked. Her bare boobs could be seen by all. She had a very sad expression on her face.

She was currently floating in the air while crouching on all fours like a dog. A collar could be seen around her neck. A silver chain extended from it and was held by another woman who sat on her back.

“Hello. I am one of the ‘Abyss kings’. Call me, Ermengarde”

 

Chapter 7: The Abyss Arrives

“A member of the abyss kings?” Hans asked

“Yes. I am Ermengarde. Nice to meet you.”

She had black wings, pale skin, and two short horns on top of her head. Her tail with a heart-shaped tip swayed back and forth. She looked down on them with her purple eyes.

She wore silver shorts and a pink tube top that barely contained her massive boobs.

“You must be the Hero Hans. Am I right?”

Hans nodded to her question.

“Ho-my aren’t you cute. Perhaps I will make you my pet.”

“Like you did that woman?”

“Woman?” Ermengarde asked with a puzzled look before noticing where Hans was looking.

“Ha, ha, ha,” she laughed, “I am sorry but it so funny.”

She seductively licked her lips before pulling on her leash violently. The collar grew red and emitted a shock to the woman. Ermengarde then spanked the woman’s ass repeatedly

“Did you hear that? They think you’re a woman.” She said with ecstasy on her face. “What are you waiting for bitch introduce yourself to them”

The woman sniffed. She was clearly in pain but despite that, she began to speak.

“I am Ermengarde-sama's bitch. Goddess of love, Ruena”

The expressions of everyone below went pale. They had heard that the abyss kings all had a captured goddess but the information they had received was that the goddess was imprisoned in some sort of crystal.

goddess are divine beings whose face is never seen but here was one the goddess being used as a chair for this demon.

The way she was being treated was no different from a slave no it was worse than that. From what Rania could see this demon took pleasure in seeing people suffer. She enjoyed humiliating and torturing them.

She felt a sickening feeling but it was overshadowed by fear. While everyone else was still looking at the demon and goddess her eyes were now cast on the worm that still stood tall from the ground.

[She has something else installed for us. Dam it. We have to flee]

She thought to herself.

Excellent bitch. You answered just like I trained you to. Here is your reward. Lick it.”

Ermengarde stretched her long legs and presented her black boots to goddess Ruena. Ruena opened her mouth and began to lick the boots.

“You bastard” Siraye shouted as she drew her bow

“Stop Siraye you might hit the goddess” Louise shouted

“Tch”

“Wise decision it would be bad if my toy got hurt,” Ermengarde said with a smile on her face

“Why are doing this? What do your demons want?” Hans asked.

[As expected of a hero even in this situation he is calm. Very little was known of the demons' reason for war. Perhaps there was room for negotiations.]

This is what the knight commander near him thought

“We want death, destruction, and everything in-between” Ermengarde replied with an even bigger smile

“Why…why do you hate us?”

“Hate? We don’t hate you. You’re just in my master’s way”

“In the demon king's way! What do you mean by that?”

“Ho nothing important or rather nothing you need to concern yourself with, seeing as you are going to die shortly.

“This discussion is pointless. Release the goddess Rania immediately and we might spare your life” Siraye shouted

“For an elf, you’re rather rude. To think you would threaten me like this. You must want to court death”

“We are not afraid of you. We will defeat you no matter what” Louise declared as she unsheathed her sword. Hans followed suit and took a fighting position

“We will defeat you and set the goddess free. Goddess Rania, hold on just a little while longer”

The goddess didn’t react to his words and kept on licking Ermengarde’s boots.

“Are you sure about that?” Ermengarde said while pointing at Rania

“Rania?” Hans called out to her

“We have to flee”

“What!?” everyone cried out

“It seems you noticed little one. That’s right your opponent isn’t me. It’s them.”

From the west and east of the castle town, two new worms appeared with a thunderous sound. They pierces the sky and stood tall like mountains before all three fell to the ground with a large bang.

They opened their mouths and thousands upon thousands of demonic beasts came out.

Everyone had pale faces. They couldn’t believe what was in front of their eyes.

A black magical circle appeared behind Ermengarde.

“Well then, I will take my leave. Please play well with my pets” she said before yanking the chain she was holding. “Move bitch!” she commanded.

The goddess crawled on all fours through the circle before it disappeared.

“Dam it. It must have been some sort of teleportation magic” Hans shouted

“We don’t have time for that Hans. We have to flee.” Ruena shouted

“And abandon the people! I can’t do that”

“You don’t have a choice. We can’t win against an army of that size”

Ruena was indeed correct. This surprise attack was perfectly executed. Right now the castle town had only 1/3 of the alliance forces. Even if the other forces were to be summoned this instance by Ruena calculation they would still be outnumbered 9000 to 1.

[So this is the power of the demonic forces. Where have been all this time?]

“Hans we have to go,” she said again.

Hans stood motionless. His right hand with his sword was the only thing moving, as it shook.

“Not again. Not again” Hans mumbled

Louise reached out and grabbed his shaking hand. She stared deep into his eyes.

“Live today and save the world tomorrow. Don’t worry we will be right there with you,” she said with a smile

Hans looked at his other fiancés. They both nodded at Louise’s words

“Alright,” Hans said.

This day marked the pushback of the demons. Hans looked back at the burning city while on horseback. He, his fiancés, and members of nobility had all escaped. The people of the city however did not. Those who tried were destroyed by the demons.

Hans with a troubled heart pushed on forward

 

Chapter 8: Revenge part 1

It had been a little over a month since the fall of the Dukedom of Gillhearts. The Hero and his party were currently trying to raise the morale of the people while also aiming to gather more financial support from nobles.

He didn’t need to do much. Most of the work was done by his fiancés in the background while he attained public gatherings and used his charm the nobles and his charisma to gather volunteers from the local people and adventures.

Everyone followed the action of the Hero. Everyone but a young prince of the poor kingdom called Highland.

Edwin’s focus was on one thing alone. Revenge.

He stood atop the city wall and looked at the plain below. An army of over 10000 rebel knights, magicians, and some mercenaries stood.

Standing against this force were 200 royal knights. The knights wore armor never seen before. Silver in color with red capes behind their backs. What made this armor even more unique was the shining crystals that could be seen on their chest. Each royal knight had one shining crystal on their chest with one exception.

She stood ahead of the royal knights. With long light blue hair, red eyes, and a beautiful face. She stood in her armor with two crystals on her chest.

She was the new commander of the royal knights.

Margarita Prigent. Daughter and heir of the house of Prigent. The house of Prigent was the knighthood family that has produced royal knight commanders for generations.

Despite not having a noble rank the Prigent family was well respected among the royal nobles and even the neutral faction could not bring itself for generations, to question the Prigent family until Count Gunnleifus Varma took over as head of the faction.

“Margarita, I will give you one more chance. Surrender and I will spare your life. You can leave a comfortable life as my mistress”

The man who shouted those words with the aid of wind magic was the commander of the rebel army. Count Gunnleifus Varma, used his authority to have his second son Boril Varma take command.

Boril found the beauty of Margarita too much to bear. He wanted Margarita as his woman. He was constantly licking his lips as he fantasied about what he would do to the beautiful knight.

[I wonder how she will look like on a leash.] He thought to himself

Margarita stood there quietly with a smile on her face and showed no emotion to his words and behavior.

She calmly waited for the word of her master and childhood friend. When Edwin was still only 8 years old Margarita was assigned to teach him the basics of using a sword.

Edwin had no talent whatsoever for swordsmanship, but that didn’t stop him from trying. He would often follow her training routine until she finished swinging her sword.

One day she asked him why he pushed himself so far when he had no talent.

His reply was something she had once heard from her grandfather.

“If I have no talent, then I will make up for it with hard work” he replied with a wry smile.

Margarita could help but see this young boy in a new light from that day. While she never said anything to him because of the difference in their social standing. She nether less made more effort to behave more lady-like around him.


Not that the dense Edwin would realize, and Eve and Hitomi were never going to point it out to him.

Edwin took a deep breath before speaking. He had done all he could to prepare for this day.

****

After speaking with Queen Madeline of the fairies Edwin left the reception room. Leaving instruction with Eve to take care of Queen Madeline.

Queen Madeline was to be treated as a royal guest and her true identity as a fairy queen was to be hidden.

Edwin beckoned Hitomi to follow him as he headed to see Prime Minister Herman Clark.

Both Eve and Hitomi followed his commands without uttering a single word about what transpired between him and Viscount Honcho. They saw it immediately when he came out of the room.

They saw the aura of a king.

The door to the war council opened and Edwin walked in. Standing around a round table were. Prime Minister Herman Clark, Viscount Honcho, Margarita Prigent, and other Knights.

They looked at Edwin in surprise. They didn’t know what to say to him. It was Prime Minister Herman Clark that eventually broke the silence.

“The King is no longer among us,” he said. Just he had said before. Edwin couldn’t accept those words before but this time it was different.

He was different.

“Then I will be King” he replied firmly. He had weak mana but no one doubted what they felt.

The aura of a king.

Prime Minister Herman Clark was the first to take the knee and soon the others followed.

“Long live the king, long live highland” they chanted

Soon the meeting began anew.

“What is happening?” Edwin asked

“A new force has appeared in the north. No doubt Count Gunnleifus Varma’s doing. They want to crush as soon as possible. As it stands right now we can last close to a month but after that, it will be tricky”

“What about the knights sent to Everwood and Jarodor?”

“I am afraid they have been lost.”

“Huh…What do you mean?”

“We got word yesterday that the Dukedom of Gillhearts has fallen”

“What!”

“It seems an abyss king showed up with a vast army and a new type of demonic beast that travels underground.”

“Underground?”

“Yes. It seems to be a worm type demonic beast that travels underground with an army of demonic beasts within it”

“Sounds scary,” Hitomi said

“Indeed. Because it travels underground you can’t detect it until it’s too late” Margarita Prigent pointed out

“Did the hero survive the fall of the Dukedom of Gillhearts?”

“Yes. He and his wives, along with most of the nobility present at the Dukedom of Gillhearts escaped. The Hero is currently heading toward the Holy kingdom. No doubt to regroup and reorganize. Unfortunately when the Dukedom of Gillhbattleground

Jarodor and Everwood became the next battleground. Our knights were still in the east and were caught up in a demonic attack and perished.”

Edwin saw the pained expression on the prime ministers' face and asked a question, “Do you believe they were used as meat shields?”

The whole room went quiet for a second before the prime minister continued.

“Officially they claim that the knights died during a surprise attack by the demonic forces but I do believe they were used as 'meat' shields to buy the two kingdoms time to reorganize.”

“Those bastards. I will make them pay” a knight uttered

His thoughts were mutual among everyone in the room.

“Everything has a time and place. Right now my concern is to take back my kingdom” Edwin declared

Everyone in the room nodded at his words. The goal of everyone right now is to defeat the rebels.

“Do you know how the people under their control are being treated?”

Prime Minister Herman Clark sighed before speaking, “They are taxing the people to death. No doubt they wish to replenish the war funds they had spent. I fear it won’t be long before those decide to flee the kingdom but…”

“There is nowhere for them to go. With the fall of the Dukedom of Gillhearts, many kingdoms and territories will be wary of allowing in refugees." Clark nodded at Edwins' words,

“Most of the continents' food was produced in the east by kingdoms like Saifuddien but now that those territories have been lost, the amount of food to go around is decreasing. I doubt anyone will want to spare what little they have on refugees.”

“It won’t come to that. In one month, I will have taken back Highland”

“Huh!?” every screamed

 

Chapter 9: Revenge part 2

“What do you mean by that?” Viscount Honcho asked with a surprised look on his face

Edwin smiled before placing on the table a shining crystal.

“This is?” Prime Minister Herman Clark asked

“It’s called a spirit crystal. This is project x realized”

“What!” Viscount Honcho and Prime Minister

Herman Clark shouted in unison.

They were the only ones in the room apart from Hitomi who knew amount Project X.

“What is Project X,” Margarita asked

Prime Minister Herman Clark and Edwin took turns to explain project X to everyone in the room. Prime Minister Herman Clark explained the nature of the project and Edwin explained how he came to solve the problem.

“To think your father isn’t here to see this” Prime Minister Herman Clark said with a pained expression

“I know the feeling but now is not the time. Edwin-sama. I take it you have an idea on how to use this to win the war?” Viscount Honcho asked

“Yes. I am planning to make a new type of armor that provides its user with mana. I am also planning to make tools and other equipment. For now, I think I will be able to provide armor for 500 knights as well as the members of ghosting”

“Members of ghosting don’t need metal armor. If anything, it will cause us trouble. Please focus on weapons if I may suggest” Viscount Honcho pointed out.

Members of ghosting were trained as spies and assassins. Armor would only hinder their movements that’s why they never bothered using them.

“The armor I talking about is special. Not only will it be lighter than the leather armor you currently use but it will enable you to use the magic <vanish>” Edwin pointed out

“Huh!?” it was Hitomi who cried out this time, “I will be able to use <vanish>?”

“Yes. Thanks to the fairy queen it will be possible to match the spirits mana to people's mana wavelength and allow them to use the spirits elemental skills. From there it is a simple process of matching a light spirit's wavelength to yours.”

“And the fairy queen agreed to help with this. What did she ask for in return?” Prime Minister Herman Clark asked with a serious tone.

Everyone knew that simply talking to the fairy queen was an expensive venture, furthermore, this queen made it clear that she would not intervene in the matters of mortals.

The price for her aide must be a massive one. This is what Prime Minister Herman Clark was thinking.

“She has made three requests. First, we are to shelter her and her aides at no cost to her. Second, she asks that we attempt to rescue the goddess. She has yet to mention the third request.”

“Your majesty!” Prime Minister Herman Clark

“The first request aside, the second one is impossible. Even the hero from Saifuddien had to withdraw when he faced a member of the abyss kings.” Hitomi committed

“I must agree with Hitomi,” Margarita spoke, “As we stand now, we cannot do such a thing.”

“We can and we will,” Edwin spoke up. His voice was clear and with authority. “We are not the same poor small kingdom of yesterday. We are more. Follow me and I will show you wonders the likes of which the world has never seen, and when all is said and done Highland will stand tall as the most powerful kingdom to have ever existed.”

“I will follow,” Hitomi was the first to reply

“I will follow too,” Margarita answered as well

“So will I.” the rest of the knight replied

“I guess I cannot leave my king to walk this path alone. I will follow too.” Prime Minister Herman Clark replied, and Viscount Honcho nodded to his words.

“Thank you. I swear I will not fail to lead you all to victory.”

That month was spent with the creation of the armors and weapons. It turned out that for most of the knights having a single spirit crystal fused to their armor was the limit they could endure.

Despite Edwin creating a control mechanism using the circuit board of earth as a reference, he could not stop the feeling of discomfort they would feel if a second one was added.

The only exceptions were Margarita, Hitomi, and Viscount Honcho, who could all take on a second spirit crystal.

Queen Madeline told Edwin that over time the other knight’s body would grow accustomed to having spirit crystals fused with their armor and be able to take on a second crystal but, she couldn’t tell him how long that would take.

Not that it mattered. As it stood now, they still had an unprecedented power advantage.

Edwin then turned to other equipment. He left the creation of arms to the sages as his mind wandered to the two types of equipment that were crucial to winning battles back on Earth.

This equipment would mean the difference between perfect victory and victory.

If Edwin was going to build a strong kingdom, he needed a perfect victory.

 

Chapter 10: Revenge part 3

From the top of the castle town wall, Edwin looked at the rebel army below. He heard the words of Boril Varma.

Boril Varma constantly used wind magic to try and persuade Margarita to join him. Margarita on the other hand didn’t so much as flinch in Edwins' eyes.

[Isn’t this guy wasting his magician’s mana and shouldn’t he address me to surrender.] Edwin sighed at those thoughts. [I admire Margarita she looks so calm, it must be her knight training]

The dense Edwin couldn’t even notice the vein on Margarita’s forehead. She desperately wanted to behead Boril Varma but held back until Edwin gave the order. She was so enraged that she was on the verge of destroying Edwin’s perfect victory if Boril Varma continued to push her buttons.

If Edwin didn’t give the order soon she might just charge in and kill him.

“I feel sorry Margarita, she must be very furious right now”

“I agree...Nya, that guy is pushing his luck Nya. She will probably rush to kill him Nya”

The two that spoke were Eve and Hitomi. Their words contradicted what the dense Edwin thought of Margarita's state of being and he silently let out an, “Eh…”

“Edwin-sama, it is done” The one that spoke now was Viscount Honcho. The members of ghosting were task with killing any and every spy. In Edwin’s mind, a perfect victory involved not a single word to leaked to the outside world about the armor he had invented which the fairy queen named “spirit armor”

[That queen likes naming things] Edwin thought to himself while thinking back on how things.

“Thanks, Honcho” Edwin replied before approaching the edge of the high wall.

Edwin took a deep breath before speaking with the aide of wind magic. He had done all he could to prepare for this day. All that was left was to act.

“You traitors and thieves. You are the shame of Highland and on this day. By our blades, you shall perish!”

With those words, Margarita began to walk forward with a smile on her face. Her look sent a shiver down Boril Varma’s back.

“Stupid bitch you would die for that stupid prince. Fine then; go and die in hell” Boril Varma spat those words in anger. “Magician’s fire your magic” he ordered

<Fire Ball>

<Rock Spike>

<Ice Spike>

The magician’s all fired their magic at the royal knights. This was going to be the first true test of the spirit armor.

<Dispel>

The magic bombardment was dispelled in an instant.

There was a surprised look on the magicians' faces but not on Boril Varma‘s.

“Tch…like father like son. I won’t fall for your father’s stupid trick.” Boril Varma uttered. His father Count Gunnleifus Varma had told him of how the former king of highland hand the magicians ride with the knights into battle.

The solution was simple in Boril Varma's eyes. Have Edwin's magicians exhaust their MP. He assumed the magicians were disguised as royal knights to make them hard to spot but he wasn’t going to be fooled.

“You can’t defend against physical and magical attacks. Archers fire right behind the magicians” Boril Varma ordered.

His tactic was not bad. The magicians would have to block either the magic attacks or the arrows. If they divided among themselves the duty of dispelling magic and physical attacks, some of the attacks would make it through.

That was what Boril Varma was aiming for. However, it never came to be.

<Dispel>

<Air Shield>

Margarita had cast ‘dispel’ to cancel the magic attacks and immediately cast ‘air shield’ and created a shield of air that blew away the arrows.

“What the hell was that? Where did that wind come from? Was it magic? But how many magicians would it take to create such magic?” Boril Varma was agitated he screamed his questions as he lost his cool.

“Tch… The magicians will run out of mana at this rate. Those guys are on foot and have no spears. They probably ate the horses during the time they were trapped and don’t have the resources for spears. Calvary unit charge the enemies at once” he ordered

But the Calvary unit did not move. They didn’t understand how the royal knights did what they did but they could feel the killing intent they had. Especially Margarita, They could feel the blood lust she was giving. Despite the royal knights not having horses the rebel calvary knights couldn’t help but wonder.

[Is it that they don’t have horses or they don’t need them in this battle?]

Those thoughts sent a shiver down their spines.

“What are you waiting for? My father will have your heads if you disobey my orders. Now attack” Boril Varma yelled again.

With the threat of Count Gunnleifus Varma over their heads, the calvary swallowed their fear and charged.

They rode their horses with pale expressions and their expressions became even paler when Margarita unsheathed her sword. It shuns a light blue color and emitted a silent buzzing sound. They could tell that it wasn’t an ordinary sword.

<Air slash>

Margarita chanted as she swans her sword with one hand. A blue wind in the shape of an arc raced across the plain to the calvary charging at her. The calvary knights couldn’t dodge the attack or block it.

With one swing of her sword, Margarita had destroyed the calvary knights.

Panic gripped the rebels as the mercenaries begin to flee.

“She is a monster!”

“Demon!”

“I am not getting paid enough for this shit.”

“This job is not worth the fee.”

The mercenaries shouted as they fled

“Come back you cowards and fight. What do you think my father is paying you for? We outnumber them it won’t be long before that bitch runs out of magic power”

“Who are you calling a bitch?”

Boril Varma heard those words from behind him. He slowly turned around and found Margarita standing right behind him.

“How?”

“Body strengthening technique. The late king taught it to me. At that time I like most humans lucked the mana needed to use it, but I now have all the mana I could ever need to match and surpass any elf or beast-kin.”

“What are you saying?”

“It doesn’t matter if you don’t understand. It’s not like knowing will help you where you are going.”

Her bright smile brought a shiver down Boril Varma’s spine. He could finally feel the killing intent Margarita was giving off. He quickly got on all four and kowtowed (dogeza) to Margarita.

“I am begging you; please spear my life. I was only doing what my father asked me to do. I didn’t mean any of the things I said. Please believe me.”

“I believe you, but like you, I too must follow my king's order. There will be no survivors today. You and your trash, are not needed in Highland”

With one swing of her sword, Margarita had beheaded Boril Varma.

The battle between two armies usually takes months or weeks. Rarely does it take days? However, on this day, 200 knights killed over 10000 strong enemies within hours and without breaking a sweat.

“You have made something terrifying your majesty.” Prime Minister Herman Clark committed once the battle was over

“I know. That is why we cannot allow anyone to find out about our new weapon until we are ready”

“Nya, you can leave that to us, Edwin. Ghosting will not allow one spy to return home Nya.”

“I am counting on you, Hitomi”

“Edwin-sama, the preparations are complete," Eve reported after receiving word from another maid.

“Then open the gates and prepare to go on the offensive. I will reclaim Highland in 2 days,” Edwin said.

 

That's interesting! Thank you for sharing!

 

Chapter 11: Revenge part 4

As the city gates opened, horses carrying large metal carriages appeared. Each carriage could carry upwards of 50 knights in full armor.

When Edwin thought of what was needed to win the war and improve the military might of Highland, several things popped up in his mind, but he narrowed it down to two fundamentals.

The first was mobility. It would take weeks to move an army a distance of 20 kilometers in this world at a huge cost. There would be the equipment, food, and tents that had to be carried. Even if you had access to a large earth dragon, it would still be an expensive endeavor to take.

Edwin solved this using the spirit crystals. The carriages had a wind spirit crystal that lifted them off the ground and made it lighter for the horses to pull. He then attached spirit crystals to the harness of the horses. The coachman would use this to strengthen the horses as well as restore their fatigue.

All this resulted in the creation of the spirit carriage. Not surprisingly, it was the Fairy Queen Madeline who so named it. She took it upon herself to name all of his inventions.

Edwin didn’t object to this, but it was obvious she was going to add spirit to any of his inventions.

Edwin watched the spirit carriages leave the city, and the knights in the plain broke up into 3 groups and boarded the carriages.

Prime Minister Herman Clark and Edwin had concluded that for a perfect victory to happen, they needed to attack in all directions. North, South, and East.

Prime Minister Herman Clark would stay in the city while Edwin would head east to the capital of Highland with Margarita, Viscount Honcho, Hitomi, and Eve.

Edwin was wearing golden armor with a red cape behind him. While Viscount Honcho, Hitomi, and Margarita cold boast to being able to use 2 spirit crystals, Edwin had them all beat with 4 crystals.

When Edwin first showed the armor with the 4 crystals to everyone, they were shocked. They did not understand how someone with weak mana like Edwin could do such a thing.

Edwin played it off as talent, but the truth was that he had made a secrete contact with the Queen of Fairies, Madeline.

***

This contract allowed Edwin to use any spirit crystal with ease. When he asked why she would do such a thing for him, Queen Madeline replied.

"This world will end if nothing is done. I luck the power to fight on the front lines, therefore, I will entrust that to you."

“Why did you not make a contract with the hero?”

“I thought of doing that, but when I met him, something seemed off.”

“Something seemed off?”

“Yes. But I can not explain it clearly. He did not seem like a trustworthy person.”

“That's all?”

“As I said, I can’t explain it properly, but he gives me the creeps.”

“Eh…When did you meet him anyway?”

“When was it? I think it was 5 days before I got attacked by the demons. That was just not my week,” Queen Madeline sighed as she recalled the events that happened that week.

“Did you tell the allied forces your feelings?”

“Yes, but they all ignored me. The holy kingdom was especially condemning of my ‘woman’s intuition’, as they called it. Who could have thought that the goddesses’ believers would be so thick-headed? When they come back I will get them to reprimand them.”

“Wait, you have met the goddesses before?”

“Of course, I am like their young sister, you know.”

“No, No, No. I did not know anything of the sort,”

“Well, it not like I made it public, but it was the goddess who raised me from a simple spirit to a fairy and then a high spirit before I finally became a fairy Queen.”

“Really?”

“Yes. That’s why Edwin," she said softly before grasping his hand, " Pease, please save them,” her eyes were moist. She was truly pleading from the bottom of her heart.

“Leave it to me. I will need first to develop Highland, but that will not take long.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“I am. I should be able to get Highland ready to fight the demonic army within 2 years.”

“I will leave it to you then.”

Edwin nodded at her words.

***

While Edwin, was remembering the past, he saw a small blink light from his right wrist. He moved his arm in a manner that resembles someone trying to read the time on their watch back on earth. He concentrated on the blinking light and channeled some manner into it. In the next instant, a screen appeared in front of his eyes, and there he could see the beautiful Margarita.

The second thing Edwin had created shocked everyone, including Queen Madeline, who made it her mission to name it. She argued with Edwin over what it should be called for a week until bulling him into accepting her proposal to call it a spirit phone.

Edwin had successfully recreated the cellphone in this world. Edwin knew that communication was a huge advantage in war. Up to now, a general would either use wind magic to voice their commands, but the problem with that was that the enemy could, also her your battle plans. Some generals solved this problem by speaking in code.

Another method was to use signal flags to issue an order, but they were very ineffective in wartime.

When Edwin showed this off to Prime Minister Herman Clark, he nearly fainted. To use a spirit phone would require a lot of mana that humans didn’t have, but with the aid of the spirit crystals, it was no longer a problem.

Margarita spoke through the spirit phone, “We are all ready to move out, your majesty.”

“I understand, I will move out immediately.”

“Understood!”

“You truly have made something unbelievable there, your majesty” it was Prime Minister Herman Clark who said those words. His face would turn pale every time he thought of the spirit-phone

Edwin only replied with a wry smile.

“You are leaving?” the one who spoke next was Queen Madeline.

“Yes. I will be starting now.”

“Whatever happens, do not die.” she had a serious expression on her face

“I won’t”

“You promise”

[What are you, my mother?] Edwin said those words in his mind

[How rude. I am not trying to be your mother, you know, but if you die, it will cause me a lot of problems]

[Eh…!]

[Ah…]

[Queen Madeline….you can read my mind?]

[No, I can’t!]

[You just did it again, didn’t you?]

[Looks like I have been busted, taehe…]

[Don’t taehe me! Since when?]

[Ah…since we formed the contract. It’s what happens when you form a contract with a spirit]

[I didn’t know that!]

[Well, you didn’t ask]

[Dam it]

[Now...now there is no need to panic. It’s like I will reveal that you secretly like big boobed women or anything like that]

[Don’t say it!]

“Your majesty, is something the matter?” Prime Minister Herman Clark asked

“It’s not true,” he uttered in a panic before coming back to his senses,

“Edwin-sama is something the matter?” Eve asked next with a concerned look on her face

“Ah, no…nothing is the matter Eve.”

[Why don’t you, just confess your love to see her in cat ears?]

[Stop it]

“We are leaving!” Edwin said before fleeing the scene. Queen Madeline looked on as Edwin fled from her. She should probably tell him that she can read his thought no matter how far he is, but she kept quiet. She wanted to tease him a bit more before telling him anything.

Edwin began his journey to reclaim his kingdom and seek revenge. He looked on as the carriages ahead of him moved at amazing speed. He clenched his hand into a fist.

[Count Gunnleifus Varma, Margrave Lance Von Winters, Theodemar Inanala, Jarodor, Everwood, and Vidfamne. You will regret everything] he thought to himself.

 

Chapter 12: revenge part 5


One day after Edwin began his march to the capital, Count Gunnleifus Varma had a pale look on his face. He had ordered his second son Boril Varma to send a report every day from the front lines, but he didn’t receive one yesterday.

As far as he knew, Boril Varma had advanced to the city after the defensive positions on all the three narrow entrances to Kamonas were abandoned.

Count Gunnleifus Varma found it suspicious but did not intervene in his sons' command of the forces. Boril Varma had a bad personality and loved to abuse women, but he was also a great strategist and military commander despite this.

This is why Count Gunnleifus Varma put him in charge and why no one objected to it.

Count Gunnleifus Varma trusted his son, but that does not mean he didn't have a backup. Among the mercenaries hired were those who also sent him daily reports. He also hired a different team of spies from the thieves’ guild, but none of them were reporting back to him.

If that wasn’t bad enough, many of his spies in the eastern, northern, and southern towns were no longer sending reports.

He couldn’t make sense of what was happening.

He scratched his head as he gathered his thoughts. He concluded that Boril Varma had failed and had been killed along with the rebel forces he commanded. While he was right on that account, two things puzzled him.

[How could he have killed all those people and leave no trace? And is he responsible for what’s happening to the north and south as well.]

Count Gunnleifus Varma could understand if Edwin was responsible for eastern cities falling but for the north and south cities to fall as well. Even he could think of any scheme that could have such an effect.

He thought and thought until he came to one conclusion.

[It is dangerous to stay here]

Later the night, Count Gunnleifus Varma fled the capital. His carriage rode through the night at great speed. He was heading west to his territory. Sighting the ill health of his daughter, he convinced King Lance Von Winters to allow him to leave the capital.

Count Gunnleifus Varma was loyal to no one. He didn’t believe in betting on a losing horse or going down with a ship. As far as he was concerned, everyone else was a rug on the ladder to success, and he wasn’t afraid to step on them.

“Tch…This isn’t funny. That shitty brat. I don’t know how he is doing it but this is his doing. Those dam assassins, how could they fell to kill one little brat.”

When Edwin was still studying in the Holy Kingdom, Count Gunnleifus Varma had arranged for assassins to assassinate him. Hitomi, as well as other members of ghosting, prevented that from happening.

“Hurry up, I need to reach my territory at once,” he shouted at the coachman.

[If I can get to my territory, I can set up a defensive position against Edwin. If I hold out long enough, maybe I can negotiate with him. No, that won’t work. Edwin was too close to his father, he won’t forgive me that easily. I guess I will have to flee to Jarodor, but that is way too close to those dam demons. Maybe I should flee to one of the empires. Yes, that is the right decision. I will flee and buy my time. I will watch what is happening in Highland and wait for an opportunity to strike.]

Count Gunnleifus Varma had a disgusting smile on his face. He was already making plans in his head on how he could make an opportunity for himself. He was so in his thoughts that he was taken off guard when the carriage suddenly stopped.

“What the hell is going on!?” He shouted as he peeked out the window.

Even though it was night, the moon shuns brightly in the cloudless night. He could see an empty road ahead of him, which made him confused.

“Why have we stopped!” he shouted, but the coachman made no sound.

Furious, he got out of the carriage and walked to the coachman's side. He shook the coachman only for the coachman to fall over to the ground. He was dead.

“Guards!” he shouted, but all the knight guards on top of their horses followed suit and fell to the ground one by one.

Count Gunnleifus Varma fell on his ass. His face began to get paler and paler by the second. He trembled with fear and the sight before his eyes.

“You look extremely pale, Count Gunnleifus Varma. Whatever is the matter?

A voice spoke to him from the coachman’s seat. There in black clothing stood a beast-kin. His eyes reflected the moonlight as they pierced Count Gunnleifus Varma’s very soul.

“Viscount Honcho.” He spoke

“His majesty suspected that you would flee the capital and sent me ahead of him. To think he was right. You are truly worthless. Abandoning your new king just like you did the old.”

“It not my fault. Margrave Lance Von Winters forced me to betray the king. I didn’t want to do it.”

“Save me the bullshit. Anyone with half a brain can tell that you are trash. You would probably sell your mother if it would bring your profit.”

“That not true. Listen to me Viscount Honcho-sama. I am innocent. Spare me.”

“I will not,” he replied before jumping and unsheathing his sword. It shined a light blue and had a buzzing sound to it.

“Wait, Wait. I surrender. Take me to Edwin-sama. Let me talk to Edwin-sama” he said as he crawled backward from Honcho.

Viscount Honcho sighed at his words before channeling mana to a gem on his wrist. It shined before an image appeared in the air. Viscount Honcho took a knee before speaking.

“Your majesty, Count Gunnleifus Varma wishes to have a word with you.”

The image on the screen was none other than Edwin. Count Gunnleifus Varma couldn’t understand what was happening here. He had never seen such a magic tool in his existence. He was so overwhelmed by what he was seeing, that he forgot his fear.

Honcho quickly reminded him. Count Gunnleifus Varma felt a pain in his right chick all of the sudden. He grasped it with his left hand. When he pulled back his hand.

[Blood!?]

“You’re in the presence of the king of highland. Show proper respect” Viscount Honcho said with a terrifying glare.

Count Gunnleifus Varma quickly got on all fours and bowed to the image of Edwin.

“You have something to say, Count Gunnleifus Varma? Speak I will allow it.”

Count Gunnleifus Varma had met Edwin on a few occasions. His impression was that of a boy filled with dreams and nothing more. He couldn’t feel any of his father’s aura from the boy. This made him think of Edwin as a weak child, but that was different now.

Even if what was before him was nothing more than an image, Count Gunnleifus Varma could feel his father's aura from the boy, no, it was more than that. He knew that he had to pick his words carefully.

“Great king of Highland, Edwin-sama. I am honored that you would allow this humble me to “

“I do not have all night, Count Gunnleifus Varma. Do you have any reason as to why you shouldn’t die here and now?”

Count Gunnleifus Varma shook with terror. Edwin’s words chilling, to say the least.

“I have a fortune that-“

“I have already taken your territory and fortune.”

[What! When! How!]

Those thoughts crossed his mind, He was still receiving daily messages from his territory even today. How was it possible that he already could take over his territory without him noticing?

He could only think of one possibility. He did it as soon as he left the capital. The fact that he was talking to him right now over this magical tool meant that Edwin had the capability of talking to his spies in real-time over a vast distance. It would have been easy for him to order his forces to attack the moment he left the capital.

[With such power, one could rule the world. Dam it why didn’t I know the royal house had such a magic tool. No, that not right. My spies would have told me of such a tool, which means it was developed while they were trapped in that city! How? Who? Tch…]

“Your majesty I have many friends across the continent. Connections that would be of benefit to you-“

“I don’t need them.”

“Eh…”

“Your connections are not needed for the Highland I will make, or rather, Prime Minister Herman Clark and Viscount Honcho’s spy network are more than sufficient. If that is all then.”

“Wait, wait. Please wait. I have many skills and talent, I could be very useful in your kingdom.”

“True, you are very talented despite your many flaws, and I did consider recruiting you, but,” he spoke before glaring at him, “The goddess of death demands its pay!”

Count Gunnleifus Varma by now had lost all color. He was white as a ghost.

“I thank you for your service to Highland. Now kindly die.”

“Edwin-sama!!” he cried as the image disappeared,

“You heard the king. It is time to pay the goddess of death,”

Count Gunnleifus Varma screamed as Honcho slowly approached and beheaded him.

A historian would later name this event as, ‘the goddess of deaths' calling.’

Edwin’s line, “The goddess of death demands its pay!” would be used by several legendary adventures, knights, and assassins. There was no goddess of death, but the phrase nether less became a cult favorite across the continent.

 

Chapter 13: Revenge part 6


In the middle of the night, King Lance Von Winters slept in his royal bed. He laid there on the giant bed deep in sleep when a loud explosion rocked the room.

“What the hell is happening!?” he shouted.

A knight rushed into the room, “We are under attack, your majesty.”

“What! Who dares to-” he began to say those words when he suddenly thought.

[Dam that Count Gunnleifus Varma. He must be behind this. He was always too greedy for his good. He must have lied about his daughter being sick and snuck out of the capital to plan his attack. Why did I ever trust that snake? No, he is so low he has to look up to see a snake. He will pay.]

“Prepare the royal guards at once, we will counter attack immoderately.”

As soon as he spoke those words, a second larger explosion came from the direction of the city gate.

The explosion was so massive it turned the night sky into daylight.

“What the hell was that?” he asked.

***



“Edwin-sama, we are approaching the capital,”

“Understood. Begin long canon bombardment. Start with the small magic shells and then use the medium magic shells to blow up the gate.”

“Understood!” Margarita replied before her image disappeared.

“To think the sages would come up with something like this” Eve uttered while next to Edwin

“I agree Nya. I thought only Edwin would come up with ridiculous item Nya.” Hitomi followed up.

“Don’t look so down on our sages, and I am not that ridiculous,” he replied to the two of them.

“But still-“

“The concept of a magic shell cannon has existed for a long time, but much like other great inventions, it had that one drawback.”

“Ah, mana, Nya”

“Yes, Hitomi. It takes a considerable amount of mana to operate. Even elves found it too troublesome to use.”

“But with our spirit crystals, we can use with no problems at all,” Eve concluded,

Edwin nodded at her words, “Yes, it seems the sages were worried that the knights will have too much power if they didn’t help in the fighting and researched for a weapon they could use. The result of that research was the magic cannon.”

“I see. I didn’t know they were worried about their positions in the new Highland.”

“Neither did I. However, their worries are baseless. I intend to make Highland the most advanced magic kingdom to have ever existed. It’s a no brainier that they will be needed and will hold as much influence as the knights.”

“I am sure they will be relieved when you tell them that.”

Edwin sighed. His inability to see the worries of his retainers made him worry a bit.

[I need to do better]

Just then, an explosion happened. The attack had begun.

“I guess I will head off Nya”

“Right. Take care of yourself Hitomi. If you find yourself in danger, you can retreat.”

“Humph…who do you think you're talking to, Nya? I too want some achievements, you know. I will kill every spy Nya.”

Edwin asked with a puzzled look, “Why do you need achievements Hitomi?”

Hitomi sighed at his words, “As dense as ever”

“Dense”

[Ara, Ara dense indeed]

“Eh…” Edwin couldn’t understand why Hitomi and Eve said those words. He was even more confused as to why he had heard Queen Madeline’s voice in his head.

***



King Lance Von Winters looked out his bedroom window and saw the once big city gate burning and falling to pieces.

His expression went pale. He couldn’t begin to imagine what power brought about such destruction.

[That Gunnleifus, he was hiding such power all along. Dam it. I must flee]

Just then another knight entered the room.

“Your majesty, we have identified the enemy”

“Then what are you waiting for spit it out. Is it Count Gunnleifus?”

“No your majesty, its former crown prince, Edwin Von William Highland.”

“What did you say? Isn’t he supposed to be trapped in the east? What the hell is doing here in the capital?”

“We don’t know your majesty, but as it stands now we can’t defeat his army. We have never encountered such a foe before. It can’t even scratch them.”

“Tch…We are abandoning the capital. Prepare for my escape immediately.”

“At once, your majesty.”

The king and his guards raced through the halls of the castle. They were headed to a secrete passage in the castle gardens.

The king cussed the boy who had come to steal his throne in his mind. He couldn’t understand why he couldn’t have died already like his father. As soon as he ran into the gardens, he stopped. Standing right ahead of him was none other than the boy he was cursing.

Edwin Von William Highland stood with a terrifying gaze.

“Long time long see Margrave Lance Von Winters,” Edwin said with a cold voice.

“You shitty brat, I am king now.” He replied

“King? Highland has only room for one King.” He replied while releasing his blood lust.

Margrave Lance Von Winters stepped backward in terror.

[What is this? When did he get this much power? I have to escape, I have to flee]

“You hold him off while I escape,” he commanded his nights, but before they could move.

<Air slash>

Edwin launched a series of air slashes. They were so fast that the knight couldn’t doge them, and as a result, they were all beheaded.

Margrave Lance Von Winters fell on his ass in fear. As bodies with no heads fell all around him.

“Don't run, you're already dead!” Edwin said as he approached him

“No, no. Spare me”

“Like you spared my father!”

“I didn’t mean to”

“Your excuses and lies, waste them on the goddess of death.” He said before beheading Margrave Lance Von Winters.

It was a clean strike without hesitation. This was the first time Edwin had taken a life with his own hands, but despite the Japanese in him, he felt remorse for doing so.

All he felt was a sense of accomplishment.

In the capital, a large image floated in the night sky. It could be seen by all. The image, they saw was of a young man wearing golden armor and holding somebody's head.

“Isn’t that King Lance Von Winters?”

“The King is dead?”

“The King is dead!!”

Knights and citizens alike began to utter those words.

Edwin raised the head high before speaking, “I, Edwin Von William Highland. The rightful ruler of Highland. I have taken the head of the traitor Lance Von Winters. All rebel forces are to lower their weapons and surrender immediately. Make no mistake, anyone who disobeys this order will be killed without mercy. You have seen my power and might. Your lives are mine to command.”

The image disappeared, and the rebel knights stood in silence. They already knew that they had lost the moment they saw the powers, the other knights welded.

One by one, they lowered their swords and fell on their knees.

“The enemy has surrendered. The capital is ours! victory!” Margarita shouted with wind magic.

There was a loud cheer in the capital.

When Margrave Lance Von Winters took over the capital. He found it empty as its citizens all fled to the east. He brought the people from his factions territory to occupy the city.

At first, the people were happy, but within a week, all that changed. To pay for the war, the tax was raised more the ten times the original. Knights and mercenaries looted and raped daily.

The people, more or less, became slaves.

It was for this reason that ghosting was easily able to ally within the capital. They were many who helped them gather intelligence and shelter them in their homes.

Despite that, at the time, the chances of Edwin winning were next to none, the people were so desperate for a change that they chose to secretly supported Edwin.

The citizens took to the streets and danced and sung their freedom. The rebel knights and mercenaries were gathered and sent to the dungeon.

Edwin used the spirit phone to contact Prime Minister Herman Clark with the news of victory.

Hitomi’s POV <extra>

I could see large explosions coming from the city of Nya. Looks like the fighting is getting serious Nya.

I am in the forest in the east of the city. I am waiting for potential spies that might come through Nya.

Edwin said that the elves will most likely use this route to escape for Everwood.

I cannot let that happen Nya.

Once the battle was over and as the citizens celebrated, Hitomi kept a close eye out.

“Here they come Nya.”

Five figures moved under the moonlight. They quickly but quietly. Typical movement for an elf in the forest.

“What the hell was that?”

“I don’t know. We have to report this to Everwood.”

“Dam it. Do you think Highland will attack Everwood? We did use their soldiers as meat shields after all.”

“Don’t say that. As far as the world is concerned, those soldiers died by an ambush from the demons.”

“Tch… we already having a hard time dealing with the demons. We don’t need to have an enemy at our rear.”

“You said it. If we have to split our forces, we will be in a tight pinch.”

“How about Jarodor? There is in the same boat as us. Won’t they join forces with us?”

“What are you fools talking about? Didn’t you see those weapons and armor they were using? We can’t possibly beat that.”

“Tch…your right.”

“Enough. Stop talking and run faster. Let the higher-ups worry about such things. All we need to do is get the information back home.”

“I can’t let you do that Nya.”

“Who said that?” one elf said as they all stopped.

“Who is there?”

“It just me Nya,” Hitomi said as she looked down on them from a tree.

“A beast-kin.”

“Why didn’t we notice her?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“That right. Let’s quickly take care of her and move on.”

“That’s the problem with you elves,” Hitomi said while shaking her head. “You don’t recognize death when it’s staring you in the face.”

“What did you beast-kin?”

“Now you see me, now you don’t,” Hitomi said before invoking the <vanish> spell

“She is gone?”

“Where did she go?”

“Is she hiding in the shadows?”

“That didn’t look like any show technique I have ever seen”

“That’s because it’s not a technique. Its’-” an elf started to speak before his throat was slit. He coughs out blood before falling to the floor.

“Nooooooo” They screamed, but that didn’t stop Hitomi from stabbing the heart of another elf.

“Dam you. Everyone! use a defensive barrier.”

<Air shield>

<Air shield>

<Air shield>

The elves used magic to create a vortex of wind around themselves. This should have prevented Hitomi from coming close, but.

<Dispel>

“What just happened?”

“I dispelled your magic Nya”

“Impossible! You’re saying you have more mana than three elves.”

“Believe or don’t believe. You are still dying here.” She said before slicing the necks of two of the elves at the same time.

“What are you?” the last elf said with a pale face.

“Hitomi. Edwin’s childhood friend. Member of ghosting and your executioner. Repent for your sins against Highland with your life.”

With her last swing, Hitomi ended the life of the elf.

 

Chapter 14: Aftermath

It has been 4 days since the fall of the capital. The royal crest of Edwin’s household once again flew over the capital and border watchtowers of Highland.

Everwood, Jarodor, and Vidfamne took notice of this. With no information coming from the kingdom and all spies sent there never returning, Everwood and Jarodor pressed Vidfamne to send an envoy to determine what happened in Highland.

Vidfamne had no direct action in Highland, and with its connection across the continent, Everwood and Jarodor felt an envoy from Vidfamne would have a better chance of returning alive.

“Ha…Those fools are going push this onto me.”

In her castle, Duchess Rania Teresa Alumet Vidfamne sighed. She held two letters from the Everwood and Jarodor royal families requesting her to send an envoy to Highland.

“What will you do?” asked a lady next to her. She was Shelley Lancaster. An official advisor to the duchess and her longtime friend. 800 years ago, Duchess Rania Teresa Alumet Vidfamne found Shelley Lancaster. She was only 13 years of age and was being sold as a slave.

She, not liking the thought of one of her kin being a slave, bought her and raised her like she was her daughter. She taught her many things about politics, and soon Shelley Lancaster proved to have talent.

Over time Shelley Lancaster worked her way through the ranks until finally becoming the duchess personal aide and advisor, a role she took seriously and with pride.

“I do not have a choice. I have to send an envoy to Highland. I too am curious to how that fool Lance Von Winters lost to his kingdom to a child, and all in one week.”

“Do you think he was betrayed by Count Gunnleifus Varma?”

“The possibility does exist, but the question that would come to mind is, where is Count Gunnleifus Varma? I don’t see that guy staying quiet with the borders to Highland closed.”

“True. That guy always loved the finer things in life. Then can we assume he is dead as well?”

“Yes, and it scares me.”

“It does?”

“The former king was a good ruler, but even he was overthrown. Prime Minister Herman Clark excels at management but not military or political affairs. I really can't think of anyone capable of turning the tide so quickly. The only possibility is…”

“The former crown prince, Edwin Von William Highland”

“Correct, but from the reports I got from Euphemia, there was nothing special about that boy. If anything for a royal he should have been a disgrace.”

“Could it be that lady Euphemia was mistaken?”

“It’s hard to believe, but that is looking to be the most likely scenario at the moment.”

“Then how are we going to approach Highland?”

Duchess Rania Teresa Alumet Vidfamne thought for a moment. How she approached this would determine the relationship between Vidfamne and Highland. While Vidfamne in no way aided the downfall of Edwin's father there was the matter of her daughter canceling her engagement to him.

Highland might attempt to hold Vidfamne liable for triggering the revolt by not going through proper procedures to annul the engagement.

Past marriage arraignments with Highland have always failed similarly, but this was the first time that such an action caused serious trouble for the royal house of Highland. Duchess Rania Teresa Alumet Vidfamne didn’t think she could, just play it off like she did so many times before.

Lady Rania Euphemia Vidfamne was someone who resembled Duchess Rania Teresa Alumet Vidfamne very closely in terms of beauty and intelligence. Duchess Rania Teresa Alumet Vidfamne was finding it had to believe that the Euphemia could misjudge the character of someone.

[Was he hiding his capabilities? Or did he develop them in this time, or perhaps there is a third party I am unaware of?]

She thought to herself. If Edwin was responsible for the events in Highland, then clearly, he was a capable man.

However, she could not reprimand her daughter for marrying the hero.

A hero is indeed a valuable asset to marry into one's family, especially during times of war. With her marriage to the hero, Euphemia had secured Vidfamne place in the alliance, as an important member even though they were not sending troops or aides.

Vidfamne could not afford to do either, as they couldn’t do so. Their troops roughly number just over 4000 for the whole territory. They were well suited for defense, but not attack.

Vidfamne also could barely afford to raise crops for the local population. Sending food out was also not an option. The only thing they could afford to send as rations would be fish, but it spoils quickly and is not practical for a marching army.

Another advantage would be the children born between them. It is well known that children born from strong fighters tend to become strong themselves.

The union between Euphemia and the hero would result in strong grandsons or granddaughters.

[Granddaughters?…hum]

“Shelley”

“Yes”

“I will send you to Highland. Find out as much information as possible and-”

Duchess Rania Teresa Alumet Vidfamne laid out her instruction to Shelley Lancaster. Shelley paid close attention to her words, never showing any concern that her life would be in danger if she went.

Two days past and Shelley Lancaster was in a castle town in the east of Highland. The town was the capital of the territory of former Count Gunnleifus Varma. She had never visited this place before, but she noticed that the coat of arms that were once associated with the house of Varma no longer flew and were replaced with one she had never seen before in the registry of Highland crests.

“I have kept you waiting envoy. My apologies.” The person who spoke was a beauty. Her long light blue hair was tied in a ponytail, her red eyes stared at Shelley Lancaster as she walked across the room. She wore an expensive-looking knight’s armor. She must be a high-ranking knight. “I am Count Margarita Prigent. Through the benevolence of his majesty, Edwin Von William Highland, I have been given the rank of count and this territory.”

Shelley Lancaster stood up as soon as she heard her introduction. While they were still just speculating, at least now she confirmed that Edwin Von William Highland had indeed take back his father’s kingdom.

“Greetings count Margarita Prigent, I am aide and advisor to Duchess Rania Teresa Alumet Vidfamne. Shelley Lancaster. It’s an honor to meet you.” She said before curtsying

“There is no need to be so stiff. Please have a seat.”

“Thank you very much.”

“Now then, what brings you to Highland?”

Margarita wasn’t beating about the bush. She came out and asked Shelley as to what reason for her travel.

“I wish to seek an audience with his majesty, Edwin Von William Highland-sama, to re-establish the connection between the Highland and the Duchy.”

“I see. It’s unfortunate, but his majesty is too preoccupied right now to receive visitors. We should reschedule this for another time.”

“Eh…”

“Is something the matter?”

“No, no, no. I do not mean to be disrespectful but…”

“There is no need to hesitate. I assure you I have full authority to speak on his majesty’s behalf.”

“Is that so.” She replied with a wry smile. “Then his majesty was expecting my arrival?”

“Yes, you could say that he was.” She replied with a smile.

[Is this for real. Did king Highland calculate that Everwood and Jarodor would request Vidfamne to send an envoy? There seems more to this king than meets the eye.]

“May I enquire as to the reason the king is unable to meet me? Perhaps the duchess can provide some support.”

“Surely you jest. Vidfamne shouldn’t be in a position to help another country.” Her reply was clear, and while it had no menace behind it Shelley Lancaster could help but think that there was.

“The duchess has many connections. While Vidfamne may not be able to provide direct support, perhaps she could speak to one of her connections to aide Highland.”

“Ah…I see your point, but with demon king advancing, it wouldn’t look good to have resources diverted to a kingdom that was recovering from a civil war, furthermore Highland is not a member of the alliance, and I fear accepting such a thing, would lead us to be forced to accept joining the alliance.”

Highland was one of four kingdoms that didn’t join the alliance. However, it was the only one on the continent to do so, with the other there being island kingdoms in the west and south of the continent.

“Highland still has no desire to join the alliance?”

“Yes. We wish not to join or fight any country that is part of the alliance.”

This statement was something Shelley couldn’t ignore. The reason Everwood and Jarodor were so desperate to find out what was happening in Highland was due to the danger of Highland attacking them while their forces were concentrating on the demons in the east.

A battle on two fronts would have been devastating for them, especially since they had no idea as to how Edwin had managed to take back his father’s kingdom so quickly.

Some even thought of spreading a rumor that he had cut a deal with the demons, but the royal families blocked such actions. It was already gossiped of how they betrayed Edwin’s father. If such rumors were to originate from their kingdoms, whatever noble reputation they had left would be dragged in the gutter.

“You will not attack any country that is a member of the alliance?”

“Yes. It is a shame to say this, but our circumstances are not that good. His majesty wants to focus on rebuilding Highland rather than pursue war. As a knight, I must admit that fills me with rage, and many knights think the same, but his majesty is adamant that pursuing war will not be good for the kingdom.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, it is. However, should certain kingdoms initiate the attack, we are well within our rights to retaliate. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“Yes, you’re right on that account. I am sure no kingdom would want to bother Highland as it is rebuilding. Such an action would be shameful.”

“I am glad you think so.”

“Well, all that is left is the matter of the marriage between his majesty and Lady Rania Euphemia Vidfamne. Unfortunately, there will be no union between the two, but the duchess hopes this will not cause a strain in our relations.”

“I am sure it won’t. After all, Highland is well accustomed to Vidfamne not meeting its obligations on the matter.”

Shelley could only give a wry smile at Margarita’s words.

“Well, a lot of things happened in the past. Our duchess is fully committed to the union of the two houses and would like to propose that his highness takes some of her granddaughters as...”

It was at that moment the mood changed. The air felt chilly. The once smiling Margarita now had dead eyes and was releasing an evil aura.

“You would offer a non-Rania to his majesty?”

Because Duchess Rania Teresa Alumet Vidfamne had adopted the policy of marrying off her children, who in turn had their own children. There was a need to separate her direct children from those who were born from them.

It was for this reason that she gave Rania, as the first name to every daughter she gave birth to.

This way, even if her daughter gave birth to three more generations, it would be easy for the short-lived humans to know who among them was a direct decedent of the duchess.

“Of course, we are not asking his majesty to take a granddaughter as a wife, but as a concubine. Furthermore, the duchess will be willing to have his highness have as many as he wishes. Think of this as our way of apologizing for Lady Euphemia’s rudeness to his majesty.”

The daughters born from Duchess Rania Teresa Alumet Vidfamne’s children were all beauties. It was well known that many would seek to have them as wives and mistresses. However, their beauty could not be compared to their mothers.

“I understand. I will inform his majesty of Duchess Rania Teresa Alumet Vidfamne suggestion.”

“Ah…thank you.”

“Will that be all?”

“Well, if you do not mind, I would like to inquire as to how his majesty reclaimed his kingdom.”

Edwin had predicted this would happen and had prepared a story of how King Lance Von Winters and Count Gunnleifus tried to kill one another over the throne.

The story was nothing short of drama, as he created a story where King Lance Von Winters was a womanizing king and Count Gunnleifus was a man who had developed feelings for King Lance Von Winter's wife and sought to overthrow him to be with her.

In the insuring infighting, Edwin took the opportunity to kill them both and take back his kingdom.

Margarita explained the story like a school girl reenacting a scene from a romantic TV show, which she had watched on TV.

[While I can believe that Lance Von Winters was a womanizer. Count Gunnleifus falling in love with his wife? That’s bullshit. This means this story is nonsense. What are you trying to hide?]

“That is amazing. His majesty was lucky that those two fell out.”

“Hump…his majesty would have dealt with them one way or another.”

“In other words, their fallout was not needed to take back Highland?”

Margarita lost her composer for a second before calmly replying, “As a knight, that is what I believe but what I believe and reality are two different things.”

“I see.”

Their discussion ended there.

Shelley headed back to Vidfamne. She didn’t meet with Edwin, much to her dismay.

Had she done so, she could at least gauged what type of person he was.

All she knew for certain was that Highland was hiding something, but at the same time, they had no desire to start a conflict with Everwood or Jarodor.

Having found out that the latter part meant that Vidfamne had full filled the request that the royal families of Jarodor and Everwood had given her duchess.

 

chapter: 15 Lady Rania Euphemia POV

In a luxury room in the Holy capital of the holy kingdom Lady Rania Euphemia was deep in thought as she reread a letter her mother had handwritten to her.

Her mind went back and forth, trying to remember when she was engaged to marry a young royal from a poor kingdom that bordered her mother’s duchy.

Many attempted unions between the two families had fallen through before. For this reason, her mother had on many occasions, warned her not to do anything that would jeopardize her union with the young prince.

She had no desire to go against her mother, but when she first saw Edwin she couldn’t help but sigh at a future that looked bleak to her.

Everyone at the academy looked down on Highland, and while his personality was certainly better than those stuck-up nobles and royals, she still couldn’t bring herself to look favorably on the marriage.

When Princess Siraye and Princess Louise both expressed the same views, her mind couldn’t help but wonder about the possibility to annul the marriage. The only solution she could think of was to present someone of higher standing to the prince.

She knew her mother would not object in such a situation. It was for this reason that her heart couldn’t stop beating when she met Hans Varma Saifuddien. He was the rising hero of the war. With his good looks and fighting capabilities, no one looked down on him even though his kingdom fell. Rather he was a beacon of hope for the rest of the world.

When she heard of his rushed wedding, she was the first to suggest that they too should marry the hero.

She was happy to marry the hero, but over time doubt crept into her mind about how her engagement to Edwin ended and how she never gave him a chance. She brushed them aside every time she saw Hans, kissed Hans, and made love to Hans.

However, no matter how hard she tried to recall her beloved Hans, she couldn’t shake this feeling of regret.

“Hans was worried because you didn’t come you know.” The one who just spoke was her friend and fellow wife of Hans, Princess Louise.

She and Princess Siraye walked into the room. Their body was sweating. You could tell they were doing heavy exercises, but it was the form at athlete or worrier would do this late in the night.

“I will be sure to make it up to him before we head on our journey south.”

“Please do. We did our best to destruct him, but in the end, it all about boobs isn’t it.” Princess Louise replied

“What are you saying? Hans is not like that.”

“Every man tends to search for big boobs, even Hans is no exception to this.” Princess Siraye was the one who replied,

“As I said, Hans is not like that…”

“Are you saying you haven't noticed him taking glances at your boobs when he thinks we are not looking?”

Euphemia could only blush and give a small wry smile, “I am sure it not like that.” She mumbled softly.

“Enough of this. More importantly, why didn’t you come to his room? The other wives are getting aggressive lately.” Princess Louise uttered

“Can’t be helped, everyone wants to be the first one to fall pregnant after all.”

“True. I feel sorry for Hans. We would normally rotate the nigh duties throughout the week, but as it stands now, as soon as one woman leaves, another one sneaks in.”

“Yes, as we left. I sensed the saint behind us. I think she entered his room after we turned the corner.”

“Seriously!?” Princess Louise responded to Princess Siraye statement, “I guess she isn’t so pure after all.”

“Don’t say that, Louise. I can only imagine the pressure she is getting from the pope right now.”

“True. I definitely wouldn’t want to be in her shoes right now, but it’s not like we don’t have troubles of our own.”

“Agreed. With the fall of the Dukedom of Gillhearts. Both Everwood and Jarodor have become the next battlegrounds. Our forces are holding out, but I dare not think how long they can endure.” Princess Siraye sided as she sighed

“I am afraid another problem may have just been added.” Euphemia, she said as she waved the letter in her hand. “I received a letter from my mother, it seems, Edwin Von William Highland has retaken his father’s kingdom.”

“Eh”

“Haaaa”

Both Louise and Siraye were shocked at the news they had just heard. Siraye was even more shaken up. It was her disinherited older brother who works as a mercenary, who killed Edwin’s father. It was not hard to imagine Highland attacking Everwood.

Such a move on Highland would be fetal to Everwood that could not afford to have its forces split.

Siraye and Louise pressed Euphemia for more information. She told them of the contents of the letter her mother had written.

From the information that was written, it was clear that Highland was not seeking conflict with Everwood or Jarodor, but at the same, time Highland had cut off all trade and diplomatic relations with the two kingdoms.

It was also clear that the relationship between it and Vidfamne was still somewhat uncertain. No formal reply to the duchess proposal of Edwin taking concubines from among her granddaughter had been received a week after the proposal was issued, and travelers and traders were not allowed entry into Highland.

The letter conveyed the story of how Edwin won back the kingdom as told by Margarita to Shelley but the duchess and Shelley raised doubt about it being true.

“My mother curious about the possibility that I misjudged the prince.”

“Humm…certainly that story of Margrave Lance Von Winters and Count Gunnleifus Varma having a falling out sounds suspicious,” Louise replied

“But that would mean that in less than a week, he took out both of them, reclaimed the kingdom, and all of this was done with Everwood, Jarodor, and Vidfamne not hearing a word of it until his family’s royal crest once again flew on the border towers. Is such a thing even possible without Count Gunnleifus Varma betraying Margrave Lance Von Winters?” Siraye was the one who pointed out the main sticking point in that theory. Wars are won in months or years, not weeks or days.

“That is why my mother is asking if I was wrong when I evaluated him.”

“We all didn’t spend much time with him when he was in the holy kingdom, but I don’t think our evaluation was wrong,” Siraye replied

“Then does that mean he had a third party help him?” Louise asked.

“My mother thinks that’s a possibility, but she can’t think of anyone within Highland with that capability.”

“True, if such a gifted person already existed in Highland, the coup would have never been successful.” Louise pointed out.

“Then does that mean he recruited someone from the holy kingdom?” Siraye asked, but Euphemia shook her head before replying.

“Isn’t that impossible. He didn’t have friends or associates. The only noble events he attended were the once held by the merchants who traded with Highland, and even they only invited him out of obligation.”

“Then we can rule out the possibility of a third party, but that would mean,” Louise uttered

“There is a high chance for our evaluation of Edwin Von William Highland to be wrong.”

 

Chapter 16: Vidfamne

It had been 13 months since Shelley Lancaster met with Count Margarita Prigent in highland.

Everwood and Jarodor had each lost half of their territories to the demonic forces.

Lady Rania Euphemia, Princess Siraye, and Princess Louise were currently in Everwood. Having split away from the hero 8 months ago, they headed to their home countries to rally volunteers among the local population to join the hero's army.

The Hero had traveled east from the holy kingdom towards the two empires. He as well; was raising an army. As it stood, the number of volunteers and mercenaries that had joined up across the continent resulted in an army so large it dwarfed the previous allied forced by more the ten times.

As it stood, the army would be the largest the world had ever seen. No coin was spared to arm and train it for a full-out attack on the demonic army.

Many in Jarodor and Everwood held their breaths in anticipation of the army coming to their aide. Half of their territories were stolen, and a once allied kingdom of Highland was now no longer an ally.

They were trapped between the demons and a potential enemy. Should the worst come, they will be wiped out?

None was more concerned about this potential than Duchess Rania Teresa Alumet Vidfamne. If Everwood fell, the next target for demons would be her duchy.

She sighed at the reports that came, telling of another elven city falling to the demons.

As it stood, the best possible evacuation for the citizens of Vidfamne would be through Highland. If they went north from Highland, they would come to the gloom forest, which connected the Holy kingdom and the two empires.

However, for the past 13 months, the duchess had been unable to get in contact with the king of highland. All attempts to reach him have been to no avail.

Even the prime minister has been impossible to get in contact with. She was not used to being treated like this, especially by highland.

Normally, the royal family of highland would be the one seeking an audience with her, but the situation has reversed.

[What are they thinking] she thought to herself.

“Your tea duchess,”

“Thank you, Shelley," she said before sipping the tea. “Still no word from Highland?”

Shelley shook her head, “Every time we send an envoy, they get turned back at the border. It would seem my first entry was just a means to use Vidfamne to quell the fears of Everwood and Jarodor about a possible Highland attack.”

“I agree, but does that mean they no longer value Vidfamne? Or was my suggestion of him taking some of my granddaughter’s as concubines seen as a high insult?”

“hmm…it is had to tell.”

“Indeed, I don’t like where this is heading. The demons are getting closer to us, and Highland is the only reasonable escape route.”

“Yes. As merfolks, we could swim, but that would mean abounding our property and facing off against the Lamias. They are stronger and faster than us underwater. The damage we would take is unimaginable.”

Duchess Rania Teresa Alumet Vidfamne sighed at Shelley’s words.

The lamia was one of the four races that lived on one of the four island kingdoms west of the continent.




Lamias had a human upper half body and snake-like bodies below. They could swiftly move underwater, and with their long tails, they could catch and crash merfolk with ease.

Laminas like ghouls, harpies, and medusas were once habitats on the main content, but about 5200 years ago, they had a falling out with the largest member of the continent – humans.

Laminas, ghouls, harpies, and medusas were demi-kin with one difference. They could not have a child with humans. It was not long before corrupt nobles and merchants who wanted gold, land, and other resources started spreading rumors that they weren’t demis but monsters and should be hunted as such.

Any human with half a brain could tell that these were nothing but lies, but what is a lie compared to a gold coin.

It wasn’t long before tales of harpies and Laminas attacking human villages and travelers were heard. With pressure from high nobility and against its better judgment, the adventure guild was forced into accepting subjugation requests of the demis.

It tried all it could to prevent such a thing from happening, but when, the then holy pope did not offer his aid and mounting pressure from adventures who felt their livelihood being threatened by mercenaries who had no issue accepting such quests, the adventure guild finally buckled under the pressure.

Hunted like monsters, the demi-humans turned to the goddesses for aid, and the goddesses responded by creating 4 large islands to the east of the continents. There, they sent the four demi-kin to live.

The four demi-kin felt betrayed by the goddesses.

[Why must we be treated like monsters!?]

[Why must humans take our land? We did nothing to them.]

[I will never forgive them!?]

[Goddesses, we reject you!]

Such thoughts echoed among the demis as they looked across the waters to the continent they once called home.

One particular demi didn’t mind being on an island away from humans. She never liked humans, to begin with.

She was the queen of the Laminas.

Proud and powerful, she couldn’t even count the number of adventures she had sent to an early grave.

She showed no mercy and had no affection for anyone. Anyone that is, except for one.

A beautiful woman who was now known as one of the heavy beauties. She sparkles as she swam in the water. Her singing made the waves seem calm even if they weren’t.

She was her best friend even though she was of the merfolk, but that didn’t matter. The Laminas and merfolks were close allies. Even though they couldn’t have children with each other, there were many couples between the two.

Their relationship was so close that humans even began to think they were the same species.

You can imagine how the Laminas felt when their close allies refuse to go with them to the island.

Not a single merfolk decided to leave the continent. Not a single one.

The Laminas were furious to the point of insanity. They cursed the merfolks and vowed vengeance on them.

This was how the merfolk Laminas war began. Under the direction of the goddesses, invasion of the four lands and vice-versa was forbidden, however, countless battles happened at sea.

The Laminas would stalk the waters of Vidfamne. It became so bad that the merfolk now feared to enter the waters.

The duchess fearing this used everything in her power to form an alliance that would defend Vidfamne from the threat of the Laminas or any other that would do her people harm.

She created an alliance of kingdoms and dukedoms that swore to protect Vidfamne from harm. And all it cost was marriage, the universally acknowledged price between nations.

Gold easily comes and goes, but blood ties last forever.

“Duchess, is something the matter?” Shelley asked out of concern. She rarely saw the duchess drift into deep thoughts.

“No, no. I was just remembering something from a long time ago.”

“Is it about the past marriage arrangements with Highland?”

“No. This was a different matter altogether.”

“I see.”

The duchess put on a wry smile before continuing, “How long before Euphemia and her two friends arrive?”

“Lady Euphemia, Princess Louise, and Princess Siraye should be arriving within 2 days.”

“Is that so? While the hero goes to the empires to raise an army after the alliance forces were destroyed, those three went to Jarodor then Everwood to lay the groundwork for a massive push back against the demons. I’m sure the nobles of both kingdoms were happy for their arrival.”

“Yes. It confirmed that the two empires and the hero had not forgotten about them. The only complaint they must have is that the army is not already marching to their aid.”

“Yes. I am sure they can’t comprehend just how much money it takes to support a force that exceeded the alliances' previous force by more than ten. However, I too must voice my displeasure. If Everwood were to fall, we will fall with it. The only thing between us and those demons is Everwood. Jarodor is too far to rely on their aid, and I seriously doubt they would offer it despite being part of the alliance.”

She was right.

Jarodor had a lot of bedrocks underneath its soil, which meant that those large demonic worms that moved underground with a large demonic army within them were mostly never seen there.

It would seem they had difficulty traveling through such soil.

On the other hand, Everwood had no such protection, but the elves never had a real city, to begin with. They constantly were on the move within the forest, and their capital with the world tree in its center constantly moved in the forest.

It’s well-known that a fool traveling in the forest without the company of an elf was likely to get lost and die there. Even human scouts found it hard to navigate the forest kingdom.

All these factors meant that both Everwood and Jarodor were doing a fine job holding the demons back despite having half of their territories destroyed or conquered by the demons.

However, it was only a matter of time before they fell. If the hero, and the new armed forces did not arrive soon to aid them, there was no doubt in anyone's mind that they will fall.

“This new army must march as soon as possible. Unfortunately, with the fall of the east, my influence has greatly reduced. I have limited pieces to move. I can't afford to annoy the merchants or the nobility of the empires, not when we may need to abandon Vidfamne.” She bitterly uttered those words

“Please calm down, my lady. I am sure everything will turn out alright.” no sooner had she spoken those words than a thunderous sound was heard.

Shelley and Duchess Rania Teresa Alumet Vidfamne looked outside her window. It was like the world was making fun of Shelleys' words.

What stood at a distance from the capital of Vidfamne was a large demonic worm.

 

Chapter 17: Towards battle?

What Duchess Rania Teresa Alumet Vidfamne saw in the distance was a monstrosity. She couldn’t help but go pale from the sight of the demonic beast towering into the sky.

[How did it get here? Did Everwood fall? Are there more? Can we evacuate the city?]

Such thoughts raced through her mind when the worm fell flat onto the ground with a thump. The shockwave shook the city.

She stood there and watched as a demonic army marched out of the worm. Even from this distance, she could feel their evil aura and bloodlust.

A knight barged into the room.

“Duchess, a giant worm has appeared in the north.”

“I can see that.” She replied

“There are also reports of demons in the sea.”

“What did you say!?”

“Merfolks that were swimming reported that they were attacked by unknown creatures in the waters. There have been a few casualties, and as it stands, it is assumed that the waters are filled with demons.”

Duchess Rania Teresa Alumet Vidfamne had an uneasy. In the absolute worst-case situation, escape through the sea was an option, but with that option now cut, there was no hope.

“Tch…This appears to be planned.”

“Do you think an abyss king is here?”

“I don’t know, and it wouldn’t matter. We can’t fight a force this large and powerful.”

Just then, another knight entered the room.

“Reporting. The demon's army is splitting into four groups. From what we can see. Two are headed for the cities in the east, one may bypass the capital and head to the city in the west.”

“How long before they arrive?”

“Our best guess is just under an hour for the cities in the east and two hours for the city in the west. As for the capital…”

“There is no need to tell me that last one, I can see clearly for myself. Send messages to the two cities in the east and have them prepare for an attack. Have the city in the west evacuate to Highland immediately.”

“To Highland?” Shelley asked in shock

“There are still members of the alliance, they can simply ignore our citizens fleeting to their borders, and besides, their final destination will be one of the two kingdoms. If we explain that all we seek is a passage, they will have help.” She walked over to her desk and wrote something on her official paper that had her crest.

“Send this along with the message to the west, it will explain to the governor there what he must say once he reaches Highland.”

“Understood duchess,” the knight replied before asking with a heavy heart, “Should we send the messages for military aide as well.”

“If it will make you feel better, then do it, but no one will come. Even if they did, it will probably be too late.” She replied without a shred of emotions

They turned her vision back at the approaching army. The knights quietly left the room.

“You should flee the capital, Shelley. With your skill, I am sure you make it.”

“I will not. I vowed to be by your side forever.”

“Vows can be broken you know. I broke a vow a long time ago.”

Shelley was taken aback by her words which she said with a sad tone.

“Nether less, I will not leave.”

The duchess turned to her with a wry smile.

“Then prepare for battle. We will kill as many demons as we can.”

***


In the capital of Highland, Prime Minister Herman Clark moved through the halls of the rebuilt capital. He sighed with every couple of steps he took, but not because of the message he carried in his hand that had arrived an hour ago from Vidfamne, but at the scene, he was forced to see every day.

Spirit-cars, Spirt-trains, Spirt-Tv, and Spirit-light. These were just some of the inventions that his king, Edwin Von William Highland.

Of course, they were all named by the Fairy Queen Madeline.

Highland, in 12 months, had become the most highly advanced civilization on the continent.

Gone were the dirt roads and uncomfortable carriages.

Gone was the stink that dwelled in the cities.

You would find nothing by well-made roads and buildings as tall as mountains. His majesty called them skyscrapers, and the only reason Queen Madeline couldn’t name them spirit skyscrapers was because no spirit stone dwelled in them.

She had no choice but to limit her naming to his majesty’s other inventions.

Prime Minister Herman Clark sighed again as the door in front of him slid open without him touching the doorknob.

[I will never get used to these spirit-doors.]

Edwin had installed automatic doors throughout the castle. Mostly because it was cool but also for security reasons.

His friend and member of the secrete group ghosting had one day informed him that the best place spies usually collect their information was from hiding behind closed doors rather than stealthily sneaking into the room.

When Edwin heard that, he couldn’t help but think,

[What if the door automatically opens when you come near it?]

And that was all it took for him to design and develop the spirit door.

In the room Edwin called ‘the situation room’, Edwin, Eve, Hitomi, Margarita Prigent, and Queen Madeline were watching images on a spirit tv. It was a live feed from Vidfamne.

One of the members of ghosting was reporting the attack of the demons on the duchy.

“Your majesty, we have received a request for military aid from Vidfamne,” Prime Minister Herman Clark spoke with a somewhat tired expression.

“I can’t believe they sent one, Nya” Hitomi retorted

“Agreed, after the way they have treated Highland, have they no shame,” Eve replied with a cold expression on her face.

In reality, when Duchess Rania Teresa Alumet Vidfamne permitted her knights to ask for military aid, she assumed that they would send the request to Everwood and Jarodor only. She didn’t realize that they still assumed that Highland was an allied nation and sent a request there as well.

The duchess was planning on having the citizens in the west flee to the empires through Highland. Asking Highland to come to her aide, on top of the request for the passage for her citizens, while their relationship was strain would have been unthinkable to her.

“I can see why they would request it. This situation doesn’t look promising at all.” Edwin replied.

“Hump, they're just getting what they deserve,” Margarita Prigent uttered, “They reap what they sowed. Why don’t they ask the hero for assistance?”

“He is currently forming a new army in the empires. Even if he was to rush, it would probably take him a little over a month. Vidfamne won’t last that long. No, from the looks of it, I doubt they will last a day.”

“Your right. Merfolks aren’t that strong on land, and the enemy greatly outnumbers them. I don’t see this going well for them.” Margarita replied to Edwin's observation.

“Then what will you do?” Prime Minister Herman Clark asked

“What are your thoughts?”

"Ignore it!" Margarita, Hitomi, and Eve replied at the same time.

“I will leave the decision to you. However, we are still a signatory to the Vidfamne alliance. If we ignore this, our reputation we take a stain.”

“Huh, what garbage are you speaking, prime minister!?”

“Indeed, Vidfamne or anyone else has no right to criticize us for ignoring their request given our relationship at the moment and Vidfamne’s past treatment of the Highland royal family.”

“That’s right Nya, and it not like Jarodor or Everwood will send reinforcements to Vidfamne, Nya”

Margarita, Eve and then Hitomi all voiced their opinions on Prime Minister Herman Clark’s remark.

They were right but, at the same time, failed to understand what he meant. No king of Highland had ever betrayed their words or the words of the previous king.

As of now, Highland was still a signatory of the Vidfamne alliance. While no one might say anything about them ignoring the request, for the royal family of highland personally, it will be a stain on their name.

[I should have canceled that alliance when I had the chance.]

Edwin thought to himself.

[Ara, Ara, I thought you kept that alliance to prove Highland’s desire not to go to war with Everwood and Jarodor?] Queen Madeline said in Edwin’s mind.

[Yah, but now we have this kind of situation]

[Is the army not ready to face the demons?]

[Hummm…I suppose we can enter combat now, but we are still far from launching a full-scale attack on the demons in the east.]

[Then isn’t this the perfect opportunity]

[What do you mean?]

[This is a chance to face the demons and test the strength of the army. Vidfamne is near Highland, if something goes wrong, you could always retreat, and because the battle will take place in Vidfamne, there will be no threat to the people of Highland.]

[You have a point]

[While I am at it, I will give you another piece of advice.] she said before giving a sexy smile in Edwin's direction

Hitomi, Eve, and Margarita all thought the same thing when they saw Queen Madeline's sexy smile directed towards Edwin.

[Tch...another rival]

 

Chapter 18: Is this the end?

How long had it been?

A week, a month, or perhaps a year.

She thought those words before dismissing them. It had barely been 5 hours but Duchess Rania Teresa Alumet Vidfamne was exhausted. She stood on the balcony of her castle. It was designed to go all the way around the castle. This allowed her to view any side of the city and help defend it against any attack.

The demons had surrounded the city and lied siege to it. They crashed the gate and walls as arrows and magic spells rains down on them. Merfolks weren’t good at physical combat but had great archery and magic casting skills that were surpassed by only the elves.

This and their long life span is probably why the Elven royal family of Everwood accepted one of the duchesses daughters as a wife to one of their sons rather than a mistress or concubine.

This was one of Duchess Rania Teresa Alumet Vidfamne greatest achievements. Perhaps that’s why she was not so eager to have the union with the royal family of the poor kingdom of Highland.

“Please drink this recovery potion,” Shelley Lancaster uttered as she gave a small bottle to the visibly tired duchess.

“Tch…there is no end to them.” She uttered as she drank the

“Indeed. No matter how many we kill more replace in seconds.” Shelley committed next to her.

They were fighting a losing battle. The demons attacked in droves.

<Water dragon>



The spell water dragon was a high-ranking spell that Duchess Rania could use. She controlled the water that surrounded her castle. Lifting it in the air to form an Asian-looking dragon. Its long slender body danced in the sky.

“Go!!” she commanded and the dragon fell from the sky. It swallowed the demons that surrounded the city wall and gate before dragging them to the depths of the sea.

If she didn’t do that from time to time the number of demon bodies by the city wall would make a foothold for the demons that follow.

Eventually, they would spill into the city.

However, no sooner had she cast that spell than a whole new demon force descended on the city wall.

It was plain to see. The demons had numbers to spare.

[Tch…a normal army would have given up by now.]

“Duchess look out!” Shelley screamed

<Ice spike>

Without even a side glance, Duchess Rania pierced the flying demon with her magic.

Apart from the demon ground beasts, there were some demon sky beasts. Thankfully there were no wayven, griffons, and even black dragons but that didn’t that these small flying demonic bats were not annoying.

They heckled the archers and magic casters on the city wall. Knights would constantly have to fight them off.

“If it’s not one thing, it’s another.” She uttered. Her words were to be proven true.

A huge explosion rocked the city gate. The strong wooden gate was blown to pieces.

From the flames and some loud footsteps were heard by the knights nearby.

From the smoke it appeared, a female’s worst nightmare except for Goblins and commander of the demonic ground forces.

A High Orc.

Larger than two fully grown men with a pig-like face, it walked like a human and wore armor while welding an ax and hammer.

“Rooooooorooroorororoor”

It roared causing the knights to buckle under with fear.

It chuckled at the sight of the knights.

“Kill the men, rape the women, take everything, and burn the city.” It ordered

The demons rushed in like a flood.

The goblins ignored the male knights and made a beeline straight for any female they could see.

<Water dragon>

Duchess Rania cast her magic once again. She needed to block the flood of demons rushing in and take out any that she could at the same time.

She also couldn’t ignore the high Orc, but luckily he just stood there at the gate, not moving an inch.

She was not going to miss the opportunity.

“Go!” she commanded

The dancing dragon fell at a rapid speed. It went straight down before making a 90-degree turn before slamming into the ground. It now moved swiftly along the main road of the city. It was heading straight for the demons, gate, and high orc.

The Knights jumped out of the way while some of the demons that had rushed in earlier were swept away with the water dragon as it approached the Orc.

“Hump…futile.”

<Cancel>

Just before the magic could reach the Orc it was canceled.

Duchess Rania had a paled complexion.

[How!? Even an elf of the royal family cannot cancel my magic. Even from this distance, it should still… Wait … Does that Orc have more mana than me?”]

Cancel is a basic spell that every magician learns. It’s a spell that cancels magic. Two factors affect the spell.

The first is mana. When one side has double the amount of mana as the other side, their magic can't be canceled.

The second is the distance. If the side with a larger size in mana fires a long distances attack, the side with the less amount of mana can cancel it. Of course, all this depends on the distance between the two and the mana gap between them as well.

An attack from far away by someone who has double the mana might be canceled, but one from someone who has four times the mana may not.

Duchess Rania Teresa Alumet Vidfamne has always been confident in her mana pool, furthermore, the water dragon spell uses water that surrounds her castle, which means she doesn’t have to generate the water required allowing her to further strengthen the dragon.

Canceling that attack should be impossible. At least that is what she thought until now.

She glared at the Orc who by now had noticed her.

“Humm…I will leaver to you then?” Orc casually spoke

Right before her eyes, Duchess Rania saw black wings appear from behind the Orc. She was briefly puzzled as she never heard of an Orc with wings

But those wings slowly rose to reveal a black hared ma with very white skin.

“Noble vampire.” Duchess Rania uttered

The Noble Vampires were in command of the demon sky beast forces. If you’re unlucky to run into one you would best say your prayers. They were too strong to fight and too fast to flee from; plus they had the advantage of flight.

The Noble Vampire became notorious in the war for killing men and kidnapping women and children to keep them as slaves.

Their greed for gold and works of art was said to make even a pure-blooded spoiled noble-born male, blush with envy.