Volume 8, Chapter 34 – Wedding Preparations, and the Queen’s Declaration

After the quiet and passionate night came an exceptionally refreshing morning. The hot summer was drawing to a close. Golden sunlight slanted through the clear glass windows, illuminating even the drifting dust motes in the air. The morning breeze was so fresh Fia felt a sense of invigoration like never before.

—It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it excitement. Her thoughts were sharper and more active than any day in the previous months, leading Fia to secretly marvel that physical intimacy was truly a cure for the spirit.

In this mentally active state, Fia had early in the morning invited her father Yelido to the Twilight Palace. Morning court wasn’t held every day; due to the recent lull in fighting, it was only convened once every two or three days.

As for now, everyone was gathered in the Twilight Palace’s reception room. Fia and Milu sat beside Yelido, who was draped in a red robe and wearing a crown. Claire and Liti sat on the opposite sofa. It was worth mentioning that Anastasia and Lucitine, due to their respective situations, were not in the reception room. The well-lit interior was both quiet and peaceful.

Because Fia and Milu were sitting beside him—Milu sat next to Fia—and Milu had brought a refreshing cool tea, Yelido’s imposing face was filled with happiness. He instinctively wanted to pat Fia’s head, but after a moment’s thought, his hand landed on Milu’s head instead. From Fia’s observation, this father of hers seemed to have already accepted Milu as his daughter, treating her even better than Liti. ¹ whoa that’s surprising

“Dofi, asking a maid to summon me here first thing in the morning—is there something important? If you just wanted to gather, quickly go call your mothers Yulisha and Bernice over. I have no appointments today.”

“Haa, Father, have you forgotten something? I just returned from the border. Shouldn’t you first ask how my negotiations with the Queen of Death went?”

“Yulisha already told me about that. She said you negotiated well with the Queen of Death, that she saw with her own eyes the Queen of Death ordering the undead to withdraw, and she told me about the undead’s military structure. Speaking of which, why haven’t I seen Anastasia? Shouldn’t she be behind you?”

“About that…”

Fia guiltily averted her gaze. She couldn’t very well say Anastasia was still fast asleep. Anastasia had made her realize that she wasn’t so inadequate after all. This uplifting discovery had restored her confidence. It really wasn’t that she was too weak, but that her opponent Claire was too perverted—Anastasia had gone limp and lost all strength before midnight.

This was also why she was so energetic early in the morning—she had achieved satisfaction both physically and mentally.

Ignoring Claire, who was secretly snickering on the sofa, Fia pretended to be calm as she answered.

“Anastasia is very tired, so I let her rest more in her room.”

“Practicing swords last night, was she…” Not suspecting a thing, Yelido naturally believed Fia. “Feeling nervous seeing the undead’s strength is understandable, but you should also be careful not to affect normal daily activities. As a servant, how could she forget her duties?”

“Geh.”

Hearing the displeased sound from Fia’s throat, Yelido quickly explained.

“I’m not blaming her, just mentioning it in passing. As a ruler, I would never go back on my word and retract a decree. More importantly, when do you and Claire plan to hold your wedding? Don’t tell me you’re waiting until the war ends. I’m only concerned with the immediate future regarding the wedding.”

“Well…”

Mentioning the wedding with Claire, Fia hesitated slightly. She had long wanted to hold the ceremony, but Claire was always concerned about the curse on her, believing herself to be an incomplete, flawed existence, unworthy of becoming queen until the curse was lifted. So the two had made lifting the curse before the wedding a kind of agreement.

However, this agreement had been made before she killed the elf god. Now that the elf god was dead, that void space contained a massive amount of corpse fragments sufficient to waive the curse, so many they wouldn’t run out in a thousand years. Fia felt Claire had no reason to be so self-deprecating.

Thinking this, Fia secretly glanced at Claire. The latter didn’t meet her gaze, instead staring preoccupiedly at the ground.

“I’ve been the one delaying Fia’s wedding. I want to understand who I am and the full picture of the curse before marrying Little Fia. Right now, I don’t even know what kind of existence I am. Marrying Little Fia now would both be too hasty and also irresponsible.”

“Hmm…” Yelido made a dissatisfied sound. Like a true father, he stared intently at Claire, his tone low as he asked, “Isn’t Claire of the demon race?”

“Not entirely.”

A thoughtful expression on her face, Claire spoke slowly.

“Previously, I thought I was just a bit special. But after spending time with Little Fia and learning some hidden secrets, I’ve started wondering if I’m even a living person—no, I should say, am I a life-form like humans, elves, and beastmen, rather than something formed from condensed energy? I think this way not only because I feel out of place in this world, but also because my body shrinks when I consume magic power, and yet my magic power can be replenished through Fia.”

Rеaⅾ оո КαtRеaԁіոɡСаfе

“More importantly, my birth was different from any Holy Son’s. Even Holy Sons from other worlds have parents. But I not only have no parents, I’ve been this size since the moment I gained consciousness. And there are those memories in my mind that don’t belong to this world…”

Finishing her words, Claire looked up at Yelido and Fia, only to find with surprise that neither Fia nor Yelido showed thoughtfulness or annoyance. On the contrary, they wore very strange expressions.

Fia hesitated a moment before answering.

“But isn’t Claire just Claire? First of all, pure energy bodies wouldn’t sweat, have the need to eat, or feel pain. Regardless of whether you’re an energy body or not, what everyone recognizes is Claire’s consciousness, not her body. Yesterday Claire said she wanted to go back to Dragonfall to confirm things. If you confirm you’re an energy body, would Claire leave me?”

“Of course not.”

Even if she were an energy body, she wouldn’t leave Fia.

“Then that’s enough,” Yelido sat up straight, restoring his usual fatherly dignity. He decisively struck the table. “Dofi’s wedding is no small matter. Even if we start preparations today, from choosing an auspicious day to inviting nobles, preparations will take several months. The wedding is decided. I’ll preside over it myself.”

“But I still don’t know the full picture of the curse—”

“No buts. The number of people in this world who could match Dofi, if not countless, is certainly not impossible to find. Yet among all these people, Dofi only acknowledges you. That alone is something you should be proud of for life. Don’t disappoint Dofi’s heart. Settle matters when they need to be settled. Face whatever problems come later together. The lifespan of elf royalty is at least eight hundred years. You two will inevitably face many more challenges in the future. Do you intend to wait until all challenges are over before marrying Dofi? I won’t allow anyone to keep Dofi waiting, even if Dofi has already acknowledged you.”

There was no trace of jest in Yelido’s voice, only seriousness and the instruction of an elder. Even Claire, who usually appeared gentle and mature before Fia, could only bow her head like a junior and accept Yelido’s teachings.

Of course, this wasn’t just a matter of seniority suppression. What Yelido said was correct reasoning. Marriage wasn’t a one-person affair. Because she felt incomplete and unworthy of becoming Fia’s queen, she had delayed the wedding. This was indeed out of consideration for Fia. But correspondingly, it was also delaying Fia. Since they had already accepted each other’s feelings and experienced various things together, drawing a conclusion sooner rather than later was the choice a mature person should make.

However, something that could confuse even Claire couldn’t be cleared up by just a few words from Yelido. Claire knew Yelido was right, but it was also difficult for her to simply agree. She kept her head down and responded softly.

“Thank you for your guidance…”

Fia, meanwhile, secretly pinched Yelido’s arm. She had never seen Claire so dejected. She and Claire had promised to definitely lift Claire’s curse. Why was her father being so aggressive?

And he was putting her on the spot too.

If she was going to marry Claire, then of course Anastasia should also marry. Would they hold the ceremony together or separately? She had no face to even ask.

“Not just Claire, but Anastasia too.”

“Huh?”

The thought had barely crossed Fia’s mind when Yelido added.

“Claire as the future queen is already decided. Although I acknowledge Anastasia, everything has its order. Moreover, Claire’s strength makes her more suitable for the position of queen. Since Dofi and Anastasia mutually acknowledge each other, it wouldn’t be inappropriate to hold the ceremony together with Claire.”

“To… together?”

Was this something that could be said seriously in public?

Fia instantly broke out in a sweat. This kind of shameless statement, especially coming from her serious father, made her feel as if sitting on pins and needles. If this were in court, she’d have no face left, achieving social death.

She quietly glanced at Liti and Milu. Neither showed disgust; it was as if Yelido was saying something perfectly normal. Only Claire’s cheeks were slightly flushed.

Fia’s questioning tone made Yelido raise his thick eyebrows.

Rеаⅾ оո ΚαtRеаԁіոɡСafе

“What? Didn’t you say you wanted Anastasia to be the second consort?”

“That’s what I said, but… but marrying two at once…”

Seeing Fia’s stammering concern, Yelido wasn’t surprised at all. On the contrary, he puffed out his chest as if boasting about his own glorious deeds.

“Two? Even three or five, no one would say anything. You’re the future queen of Silvar. Having multiple spouses is normal. A monarch without several consorts would be laughed at.”

What Yelido didn’t say was that when he ascended the throne, he had married five consorts at once, including Yulisha. The only difference from Fia was that he’d already had three wives while still a prince, and marrying five upon ascension was just going through the motions again with the previous three. This was the convention of the World Tree Continent. In its ten-thousand-year history, no more than five monarchs had only one spouse in their lifetime. ² bruh..

Ignoring Fia’s stunned expression, Yelido waved his hand.

“Remember to inform Anastasia when she wakes up, then prepare yourselves. Later, I’ll have Yulisha teach you how to use [Mana Surge] and [Holy Tree’s Branch].”

“Cough, cough, that’s too early.”

Fia coughed repeatedly. Didn’t this old man know what shame was? Good thing she hadn’t mentioned Nola yet; otherwise, she felt he’d excitedly slap his thigh and tell her to bring Nola over so he could see her.

To stop Yelido from continuing his fantasies, Fia quickly changed the subject.

“I invited you here for serious business. Mother Yulisha has already told you about the undead’s military composition. So Father should know that the undead’s true strength isn’t as weak as previously shown. Especially the Queen of Death—she’s a freely mobile Ninth-Tier powerhouse.”

Mentioning political affairs, Yelido’s face became serious.

“I know. If Yulisha hadn’t told me your negotiations went well, I would be shifting our focus from Chaos to the undead.”

“No… Father doesn’t need to feel a great enemy is upon us. The Queen of Death is far more approachable than outsiders imagine. We have a common enemy; we’ll be allies going forward.”

“Yulisha told me that too. What exactly does Dofi want to say?”

“Actually, the Queen of Death is already in the Twilight Palace.”

“What?”

Only due to his many years of experience as a monarch did Yelido not jump off the sofa. But even so, he stared at Fia with a stunned expression.

“When did this happen? She could turn everyone within fifty kilometers into undead. How could she be in the Twilight Palace?”

“That’s a long story…”

Fia explained to Yelido while gesturing to the maid standing by the door. The tall maid quickly understood and hurriedly left the reception room.

Then, Fia heard commotion from the corridor. It sounded like multiple people were shouting, demanding to see Yelido, and their tone wasn’t friendly.

She hadn’t invited any guests besides her father.

Although the Twilight Palace was within the royal city and didn’t have dedicated guards at the door, it wasn’t a place just anyone could enter. Moreover, the officials and nobles in the royal city had all witnessed her methods of eliminating dissenters. Daring to shout in the Twilight Palace meant they didn’t want to be nobles anymore.

“Let me see your Majesty!”

Rеаԁ οn KatRеаdiոɡСαfе

“Don’t stop me! You talk big about discussing jointly resisting Chaos with us, but in the end, to protect yourself by allying with the undead, you actually sacrifice your own princess! What is the meaning of this!”

“Let us seek an explanation from your Majesty!”

Yelido naturally heard the voices in the corridor. The hostile tone made him frown, and he asked the maid who had hurried back.

“Why is it so noisy outside?”

“Your Majesty, it’s the envoys who came to Blossom a few days ago.” The tall maid bowed with a troubled expression. “They believe the rumors from a few days ago. No matter how we explain that the princess is in the palace, they won’t believe us. They insist on seeing you and Her Highness.”

“Hmph.”

Yelido clicked his tongue in displeasure. The envoys who had come to Blossom included representatives from various countries—the Alfrieg Kingdom, the Northern Nations, and the newly emerged empire at the westernmost end of the continent, Moremonti. The Cold Night and the Milcandis Holy Kingdom hadn’t sent envoys, for a simple reason: they had unconditionally joined the alliance resisting Chaos.

Yelido glanced at Fia, his expression dark.

“Does the princess and king of Silvar have to appear before these humans whenever they wish? Make them leave. If they want an audience, they can follow the rules and come to court tomorrow. As envoys, they don’t even understand basic etiquette. Humans really should weigh their own level before selecting diplomats.”

“Your Majesty Florenst, shouldn’t you reflect on your own actions before questioning others?”

Just as Yelido finished speaking, three men in luxurious robes appeared at the entrance of the reception room, accompanied by two maids they had pushed aside.

Upon seeing Yelido, the two maids immediately placed their hands at their waists and bowed deeply. The three men in white luxurious robes merely gave slight bows. The man standing in the middle, whose robe bore the emblem of the Moremonti Empire, was the first to challenge.

“Please forgive our crude behavior, but we acted rudely out of an urgent desire for the truth. We have been staying within the royal city these past few days and were unaware that you had sacrificed your princess to appease the undead. It was only upon leaving the royal city that we accidentally heard: the Queen of Death demanded you offer your own princess to her as queen. The undead are the great enemy of us living. Your country, as the leader summoning us to resist Chaos, has submitted to the undead before negotiations have even begun. Could Your Majesty please explain?”

“Utter nonsense!”

Yelido rose from the sofa. His imposing expression and tall stature made the empire’s envoys, who were a head shorter, pause—elves were naturally beautiful and tall, their average height exceeding that of humans.

Still the empire youth in the middle, he frowned and explained as humbly as possible.

“Then how does Your Majesty explain the fact that the princess’s carriage was seen heading toward the Netherworld? Many witnessed this. You announced to the outside world that the princess had only gone to negotiate with the Queen of Death. But various signs, including the betrothal gifts the undead sent to your country, suggest otherwise.”

“And what about this?”

Before Yelido could say another word, Fia stepped out from behind his tall figure. The three Moremonti empire envoys each started. Even though they had seen many elf women, they had never seen one so cold yet delicate and moving.

“Standing here is the best proof. Outside rumors claim the Moremonti Empire’s strength is on par with Silvar. Judging by this, your strength may be debatable, but this reckless courage certainly suits the word ’emerging.'”

“How dar—”

“Wait,” quickly stopping his companion, the youth in the middle scrutinized Fia, his eyes flickering with uncertainty. “Black hair, crimson eyes… You… you are Her Highness the Eldest Princess?”

“The very same. Also, I need to correct your view: the undead are not unable to cooperate. If the undead join the future alliance resisting Chaos, every country’s soldier losses will be minimized.”

As Fia spoke, another commotion arose from the corridor. However, this time they weren’t shouting, but hurrying forward while whispering among themselves. Fia soon saw them—familiar faces often seen at court, including Silvar’s prime minister.

They had probably heard the news and come to stop the Moremonti envoys.

Rеаd on КatRеαԁіոɡСаfе

Although Fia had long heard that this newly emerged empire called Moremonti, founded by mercenaries, didn’t stand on ceremony, she hadn’t expected even their envoys to be this reckless. It was truly eye-opening.

Upon seeing that the Moremonti envoys had already spoken with her, the nobles bowed their heads in shame. But Fia didn’t mind; their timing was perfect.

“Since I am standing here, the rumors outside are just rumors. You gentlemen have trespassed into the royal residence. Shouldn’t you leave something behind? It’s only because you are envoys that I haven’t had your heads removed immediately. For ordinary people, it would not be so.”

The Moremonti empire’s envoys instantly turned pale. However, Fia noticed that the youth in the middle looked relieved, as if he had truly been worried about betrayal and came to verify, not seeking death.

The youth placed his left hand on his chest, his right hand behind his back, and bowed deeply to both Fia and Yelido.

“Since Her Highness the Eldest Princess is indeed in the royal city, the misunderstanding is resolved. I apologize for our recklessness to Your Majesty and Her Highness. We come from a country founded by mercenaries and are unfamiliar with your nation’s etiquette. We beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness. We are willing to accept any punishment your nation deems fit, but please allow it to be decided after discussions on resisting Chaos conclude. Two cities in Moremonti have already been occupied by Chaos and undead. Confronting Chaos is imminent.”

“Why so many people? Is this the living’s morning activity?”

Suddenly, a mature female voice came from outside the crowd at the door. Fia couldn’t help but curl her lips. She had indeed sent a maid to invite Lucitine; her timing was perfect.

Fia gestured to the crowd, signaling the nobles to make way for Lucitine. Lucitine naturally walked to Fia’s side. Although she didn’t understand the living’s etiquette, she still had the ability to read the atmosphere. Fia and these men in white luxurious robes were clearly in a standoff.

She looked at Fia questioningly.

“What’s going on?”

“They took that misunderstanding seriously,” Fia shrugged helplessly. “The misunderstanding about me becoming your queen.”

“I see.”

Seeing this atmosphere, as if they were casually chatting about household matters, the Moremonti envoys couldn’t help but twitch. They noticed that whether it was Yelido, or even the surrounding Silvar nobles, everyone looked puzzled by this suddenly appeared tall pink-haired woman. Especially the air of ignorance she exuded made them feel like they were dealing with a simpleton.

Admittedly, they were initially stunned by Lucitine’s beauty, but beautiful women were common; what mattered was inner quality. If not for Fia’s words to Lucitine including “the misunderstanding about me becoming your queen,” they would have already found a way to politely withdraw.

That was until Lucitine dropped her casual demeanor and switched back to the authority befitting a Queen of Death.

In an instant, a bone-chilling coldness that made one feel like falling into an ice cellar washed over them, accompanied by a suffocating queenly pressure. Those of insufficient strength began swallowing hard.

“It seems I forgot to introduce myself. I am Lucitine—but that is not a name you may use. Venex Ravi Tartaros , Queen who governs the Netherworld and the Wall of Sighs. The notion of Fia becoming my queen is absurd. In any world, the strong are respected. Fia’s strength far surpasses mine. It should be me becoming Fia’s subordinate. My presence here now is proof enough.”

“Ah… ah?”

Although no one made this sound, Fia could see from the twitching facial muscles and eyelids of the three envoys, the Silvar nobles, and even her father Yelido that everyone was in a state of extreme shock.

And as if to add fuel to the fire, Lucitine, in front of everyone, put her right arm around Fia’s shoulder, standing side by side with her.

“Confronting Chaos is the duty of all countries on the World Tree Continent. We undead are irreconcilable with Chaos. If an alliance resisting Chaos is formed, the undead will forever be at the forefront. And, if any of you show signs of targeting my queen, Dofilia, I won’t mind ensuring that souls from your countries never pass through the Wall of Sighs again.”