Countess Herleva Mirielis visited the royal capital to answer Empress Allatou Estrith Demiurgos, among the numerous nobles in the land and beside the beast region that the royal household even interfered with because this was the reward they anonymously requested as their strongest clan joined and helped the Marauding Queen and supported her brother to become the Sovereign king, the north and some areas in the south-east region were given a title of Dukedom
Countess Herleva Mirielis, a prominent noble in the land, made her way to the royal capital by transfer gate to address Empress Allatou Estrith Demiurgo's summons. She was among the numerous nobles who had gathered there, including those from the Beast female nobility.
This visit was in response to the unanimous request of most of the loyal nobles to finally request the Tridentum dukedom to recall their sworn fealty toward the empire, because when the empire was being ruled over by the former Duke Gilvores Dallmethad and ex-husband of empress Allatou, many nobles now questioned the Tridentum dukedom, concerning their stand over the former regent's actions, as they never upheld their oath to safeguard the empire.
The nobles believed that by recalling the Beast Dukedom's sworn fealty, they could restore stability and loyalty within the empire. Additionally, they hoped that this action would send a strong message to those who wished to challenge the authority of the empire and its noble hierarchy. By reaffirming their loyalty, the female nobility aimed to demonstrate their unwavering support for the empire and deter any potential rebellions or uprisings. They were determined to protect their privileges and maintain the social order that had been established for centuries.
Their strongest clan had joined forces and supported the Marauding Queen and her brother's war campaign to become the Sovereign King before ascending into power. As a result, certain regions in the north and some areas in the southeast were granted the prestigious title of Dukedom and united all of their clan under one flag that swore to be the Royal family shield and protectors.
This consolidation of power allowed the ruling clan of Allatou Estrith Demiurgo to solidify their control over the twelve realms and instill fear in any opposition. Countless times instability and wide scale battles emerged within Allatou Estrith's reign, the Tridentum dukedom never turned away from their sworn loyalty and waged war to eliminate the Marauding Queens' enemies, but a few years after getting married to Duke Gilvores Dallmethad due to political intrigues and power struggles,
Queen Allatou Estrith Demiurgo found herself facing internal conflicts within her own loyal force. The once-united force that followed her has now become divided, with different factions vying for control and influence. This internal turmoil threatened to weaken the Queen's hold on power and posed a significant challenge to her ability to govern effectively.
The constant power struggles and infighting among those nobles and politicians not only hindered her ability to make decisive decisions but also created an atmosphere of distrust and uncertainty within the dukedom. As a result, the stability and unity that once characterized Allatou Estrith's reign are now replaced with division and uncertainty, making it increasingly difficult for her to maintain control over her realm.
And because she was still young at that time many used her naive and carefree personality to their own gain, especially those from the Dallmethad clan and their loyal followers, who saw an opportunity to manipulate and exploit her inexperience. This further exacerbated the power struggles within the Beast dukedom, as rival factions vied for influence and control over Allatou Estrith's decisions.
Countess Herleva Mirielis recalled those days when she saw Allatou's frustration in the political game and how it weighed heavily on her. Allatou's frustration grew as she realized the extent of the manipulation and exploitation she was subjected to, causing her to question her own abilities and judgment in ruling her realm effectively. She just wanted to fight and have a family of her own.
Even when she was still a young student in the main unnamed capital with her close friend Laerdya Galadhiel, Allatou's free-spirited and untamed personality, combined with her natural fighting abilities, made her a formidable opponent at the old academy in the main unnamed capital. Despite having the same physical build as the young Hilas Gallien, who would later become the Viscountess of Ivlares City, Allatou consistently defeated her in combat.
This time, after many years of isolation, Allatou has a changed attitude and a newfound sense of purpose. She no longer seeks to prove her strength through battles and victories, but instead desires to use her skills to protect and guide others. Allatou has realized that true strength lies not in defeating others, but in helping them find their own inner power and potential. With this shift in mindset, she is ready to step out of her isolation and embrace her role as a mentor and guardian in the realm.
but her ferocity in battle is still there. At this time, she was seen as more reserved and contemplative, no longer seeking out combat as eagerly as before. However, when forced into a fight, her skills remained unmatched, leaving her former challenger, Viscountess Hilas Ugrihron, in a sense of relief because, in a very awkward situation, Empress Allatou would soon become her mother-in-law. Countess Herleva Mirielis and already married and saw how they were both caught off guard by the unexpected turn of events in their lives.
They could only follow the flow of destiny and see what would happen, hoping for the best outcome for everyone involved. As the wedding preparations began, Countess Herleva, Laerdya Galadhiel, Empress Allatou Estrith Demiurgos, former Homunculus Imperial Huntress commander Roshia Lierin, known as Zeta with the betrothed Hilas, and Irles Filri found themselves forming an unlikely bond, navigating the complexities of their new family dynamic together.
As Empress Allatou Estrith Demiurgos entertains her female invited guests all over the land and waits for the arrival of the female Tridentum dukedom representatives, the event is casual because Allatou never liked to adhere to strict formalities. She believed in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere where everyone could feel at ease. Despite her royal status, she always made an effort to connect with people on a personal level, fostering genuine relationships and leaving a lasting impression on those she met.
And now, without those old politicians breathing down on her neck about protocol and tradition, Allatou was able to fully embrace her authentic self and lead with compassion and empathy. This approach not only endeared her to her subjects but also allowed for open and honest discussions, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation among all attendees. And now, without those old geezers, Empress Allatou could truly relax and enjoy the company of her guests.
She relished the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations and learn about the lives and experiences of those around her. This genuine approach to socializing allowed her to form strong bonds and gain valuable insights that would ultimately shape her decisions as a ruler.
The grand hall in the Royal Capital of Sheol was a testament to Empress Allatou's commitment to inclusivity and equality. Its grandeur and opulence were matched only by the diverse array of individuals who gathered within its walls. From all-female noble dignitaries to local commoners, all were welcomed with open arms, creating an atmosphere of acceptance and unity.
The grand hall became a symbol of the Empress's dedication to fostering a society where everyone's voice was heard and valued; he was emulating her son's own belief in the power of diversity and collaboration. The Empress understood that by embracing different perspectives and experiences, she could make more informed decisions that would benefit all of her subjects. This inclusive approach not only earned her the respect and loyalty of her people but also inspired other leaders to follow suit in creating a more equitable society.
Kitsune Countess Filauria Keaneiros, Haftling Baroness Leena Erdan, and a few female invited warriors and hunters were all having a heated but meaningful conversation with each other, including Irles Filri Hellmane.
Leena Erdan and Irles Filri were both known to be skilled at stealth warfare. Sadly, as their conversation continued, she personally could not accept that Irles Filri was more feared in the region with an unconfirmed number of kills under her belt, as it challenged her own reputation as a formidable figure.
She wanted to prove her dominance and establish herself as the true queen of stealth. To achieve this, Leena Erdan wanted to challenge Irles Filri to a duel, where they would put their skills to the ultimate test. This would not only settle the score between them but also serve as a spectacle for others to witness her unmatched prowess in combat.
However, an overwhelming fear crept down Leena's spine as she considered the consequences of challenging Filri. She knew that failure could not only damage her own reputation but also endanger her life, as Filri was known for her ruthlessness. Nevertheless, Leena's burning desire to prove herself pushed her to overcome her fear and ask for the duel.
Kitsune Countess Filauria Keaneiros stared at Leena Erdan and pointed out that it was better to casually cast an assessment spell at Filri and see if she could beat her in single combat. After a few minutes, Haftling Baroness Leena Erdan decided to take Filauria's advice and cast an assessment spell on Filri. As the spell revealed Filri's strengths and weaknesses,
Leena decided to approach the idea differently. Instead of allowing her pride to cloud her judgment, Leena decided to just stop and walk away,
And despite the fact that Irles Filri Hellmane was already expressing her annoyance toward her, the only thing that was maintaining her composure and murdering aura was the idea that her mother would scold her for being unladylike and might ruin her reputation, as they all know she will soon become the Left Sinister Queen.
Haftling Baroness Leena Erdan politely excused herself and casually walked toward the other side, where Irles Filri Hellmane was located, and Kitsune Countess Filauria Keaneiros soon Irles her and saw she was struggling to walk in confidence as if she saw her deepest fear, was Irles Filri Hellmane truly that strong now,
As she recalls, she only has a level of 256, which is significantly lower than Leena's level of 320. Kitsune Countess Filauria Keaneiros asked Leena Erdan; she was already shaking in fear and told Filauria that the Irles Filri level is now 800. But something else made her fear for her life; something was guarding her beyond the shadows, and her consciousness was linked to a truly powerful and terrifying being. It was the same feeling of fear when she faced the Marauding Queen before in a battle, and she knew that this time, the threat was even greater. The memories of the Marauding Queen's relentless power and destruction haunted her.
Irles Filri reminded her of the immense strength that awaited her in the depths of darkness that were guarding her; it was her other self, a manifestation of her own fears, weaknesses, and insecurities. This dark entity was her bad personality incarnate, a constant reminder of the battles she had fought within herself. She knew that, in order to overcome this formidable foe,
but she never had any problems with her other self; she was born shy and introverted. Growing up, she had always struggled with social interactions and found solace in her own company. However, as she embarked on her journey to survive under the care of her mercenary father, she realized that her introversion was a weakness and might bring disastrous consequences for her father's safety.
Her ability to introspect and analyze situations from different perspectives allowed her to strategize and plan meticulously. Thus creating a persona who was more equipped to face death with a smile, she became adept at masking her true nature, learning to appear confident and outgoing when necessary. This new persona not only helped her father's safety but also opened doors to new opportunities and connections that she never thought possible. With each successful mission, she grew more comfortable in her role, finding a balance between her introverted self and the killer side she had created.
It was savage and violent; without a doubt, it was still her psyche, and it was created out of a need to overcome her weakness and be the best assassin she could be. Despite the conflicting emotions, she embraced her dual nature, harnessing the love and rage within her to become an unstoppable force in her deadly profession. Hers presence sent shivers down her spine. She couldn't shake off the feeling that this entity was unlike anything she had ever encountered before, and the thought of facing it filled her with an overwhelming sense of dread.
Ramiel knew about it and openly accepted everything about Irles Filri, because he too knows that the mind is truly a powerful weapon; it can create and destroy.
Ramiel understood that Irles' ability to embrace her dual nature was something he liked in the first place; she was shy when they first met, but as they got to know each other, Ramiel saw her instantly transform into a fearless and merciless individual. Irles' unique blend of vulnerability and strength intrigued him, and he admired her ability to channel her emotions into her work.
At times Ramiel will kiss her, and her reaction always surprises him; sometimes she will blush and shyly look away, while other times she will passionately kiss him back, unleashing a fiery intensity that leaves him breathless. Even when they were making love, her reaction was always unpredictable. Ramiel loved the way Irles would lose herself in the moment, surrendering to their connection with an intoxicating mix of tenderness and raw desire. It was a reminder of the depth of their bond and the power they held over each other's hearts and bodies.
But unlike Ramiel, who saw this other side of her as alluring and intoxicating at the time, Haftling Baroness Leena Erdan only saw her untimely death if she continued her challenge toward Irles Filri. Leena had witnessed the darkness that was lurking beneath Irles Filri's charming facade. She knew that crossing paths with her meant risking her own life, as she had seen the devastating consequences she had inflicted upon those who dared to oppose her.
Leena's intuition told her that there was no room for underestimating the danger Irles Filri posed, and she couldn't shake off the feeling of impending doom if she were to confront her head-on. as if it knew she was being estimated and judged. She couldn't comprehend how someone could find beauty in such darkness, and it saddened her to think that the Empress's only son was captivated by it.