In her assigned room, Queen Celeste gracefully dons her elegant dress. She reflects on the auction's implications, 'There were many cloaked figures, likely wealthy enough to outbid me. I need a solid plan.' She takes a seat, her mind racing with strategies.
Mindy, the attendant, stands at the center of the room, her expression a mix of professionalism and hidden exhaustion. "Go ahead," Queen Celeste instructs calmly.
Mindy, nodding with a semblance of enthusiasm, sets up the magical array for teleportation. 'Finally, a day off. This has been utterly exhausting,' she laments internally, her mind crying out for a break. She activates the array, creating a rift. 'I should consider a career change. I'm really not cut out for these high-pressure situations,' she muses, her thoughts filled with complaints.
As Queen Celeste steps through the rift, Mindy waves her off with a warm smile that masks her inner plea, 'Please, let this be the end of it. Maybe she won't return, and I can finally quit...'
The rift closes behind the Queen, leaving Mindy alone with her thoughts.
Queen Celeste emerges from the rift, her regal presence commanding attention. The sound of her steps echoes through the halls as everyone around her bows in deference. She ascends to her throne with an air of authority, crossing her legs with a poised elegance.
Elise and Alaric approach and bow respectfully before her, awaiting her command. After a brief pause, she speaks, "You may speak."
Alaric, with a hint of concern, inquires, "How was your trip, Your Majesty?"
The Queen, tapping on her throne thoughtfully, issues her command in a calm yet firm tone. "Alaric, bring me all the wealth in the treasury. That won't suffice. Secure a loan from Duchess Rosalind. I require a substantial amount if I am to succeed in this endeavor." Her words reflect her strategic mind, always calculating the next move.
Alaric's expression shifts to shock, his voice cracking as he grasps the gravity of her request. "Your Majesty, is this truly necessary? With our current resource shortage, this could lead to an economic downturn."
Queen Celeste's response is unwavering, "It doesn't matter. The potential gains far outweigh the losses. Failing to invest might cost us our status as a great empire."
Resigned to her decision, Alaric nods in understanding. "I will procure as much as possible, Your Majesty."
Alaric, ever the dutiful servant, hesitates before posing a question to his monarch, "Your Majesty, may I ask what this investment is for?"
Queen Celeste, her fingers rhythmically tapping the throne, maintains her composure. "You'll know in due time. Prepare a new squadron; ensure they possess basic or advanced archery skills. We need to bolster our military. We're poised for expansion," she declares, her voice resonant with authority.
Alaric nods, understanding the gravity of her words. "Understood, Your Majesty. The neighboring kingdoms show no signs of unrest; peace reigns, albeit temporarily." Rising from his bow, he adds, "I must attend to these tasks immediately," and gracefully exits, leaving the Queen with her thoughts.
Turning her attention to Elise, Queen Celeste commands succinctly, "Speak."
Elise, with due reverence, delivers her report. "Your Majesty, the Elven Kingdom has proposed a trade agreement. In light of the incident at Equinox Academy, they've extended an offer for a select group of our students to spend a semester in their country."
Queen Celeste's fingers cease their rhythmic tapping, a sign of her contemplation. 'Elves seeking a trade agreement, those stubborn elves? Intriguing...' She inquires further, "What of Duke Alister's stance on this matter?"
Elise nods, her MST device projecting the holographic message from Duke Alister. She reads, "[I commit to funding and constructing the trade route, it shall traverse Duchess Rosalind's territory before reaching the capital. My condition is non-negotiable: my daughter and her close friends, 'Biana Rosalind, Lysandra Rya, and V(No family name),' must be part of the delegation to the Elvin Kingdom. This isn't merely a request; it's an invaluable life experience. Please understand my intentions stem from a father's concern.]"
Queen Celeste exhales softly, a faint hint of irritation in her breath. 'Will he ever allow her the freedom to choose?' Her thoughts are clear, yet she inquires, "Are there any foreseeable complications with his conditions?"
Elise shakes her head. "None, Your Majesty. The students in question appear well-acquainted, having met Isadora during their first semester. While Biana's inclusion may raise concerns, Professor Ayla, an elf herself, assures their safety and well-being. Additionally, Professor Thaddeus inquires whether you wish to include your children in this opportunity."
Queen Celeste, with a dismissive wave, concludes the matter, "Send them. Let them experience life beyond the empire's borders."
Elise, awaiting the Queen's approval, asks tentatively, "May I?" Queen Celeste gives a subtle nod, granting permission. With a swift motion, Elise disappears in a whirl of wind, reappearing at a window in the castle's throne room. She efficiently retrieves Aira and Liam, grasping their ears firmly. "You two are really nosy," she chides.
Aira protests, her voice tinged with surprise, "H-hey, I just got here!" Yet despite her complaint, Elise escorts them both before Queen Celeste, bowing respectfully once again.
Aira and Liam, standing before their mother, release a collective sigh. Aira, trying to break the tension with a forced smile, speaks up, "H-hi, Mother. Liam and I were just training." Liam, his demeanor more serious, addresses the Queen directly, "Mother, I don't wish to go to the Elven kingdom."
Aira quickly adds, aligning with her brother, "That's right, Mother. I wish to stay here." Internally, she harbors frustration toward Liam, 'This idiot. He's going to anger Mother. He should be sent far away,' she silently seethes.
Queen Celeste observes her children with a detached expression. 'These two are immature, craving the throne despite my efforts to steer them away from such desires. They're a lost cause.' She contemplates their future, 'I wanted them to live fulfilling lives away from the burdens of rule. It seems I've failed them.'
Without addressing her children's pleas, Queen Celeste turns to Elise, effectively dismissing them, "Take them to their rooms. Ensure they depart for the Elven kingdom as planned." Elise acknowledges with a nod, "Understood, Your Majesty."
Aira, her frustration boiling over, starts, 'Why does Mother always disregard me? Am I not fit to rule? I've always been at the top, no matter the competition, I always make sure to make it to the top without cheating like my stupid brother, so why? Why does she ignore me?' "Mother! I—" But Elise, ever the enforcer of decorum, cuts her off, "Enough, Princess. Her Majesty has much to manage. Do not cause a scene."
Liam, his resentment thinly veiled, clicks his tongue and walks away, his thoughts filled with ambition and defiance, 'One day, I'll claim that throne, and she'll have no choice but to acknowledge me. I won't forget what she did to father. I'll be king and execute her.'
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Lilith strides confidently through the rift, turning back to flash a mischievous smile at Leo just before it snaps shut. "Bye~ Bye~ See you tomorrow~" she teases, her voice light and playful. Leo, left behind, smiles awkwardly, his mind flooded with relief. 'I'm free from this torment,' he silently rejoices.
The rift closes, and Lilith proceeds towards her destination—the towering structure that has been the bastion of magical knowledge for ages. The tower, a majestic edifice standing a thousand meters tall, is crafted from striking white and black marble, adorned with magic crystals of all colors. "Ah, it's good to be home," Lilith hums contentedly as she enters.
Inside, the tower's inhabitants greet her in almost perfect unison, "Hello, Grand Mage." Their voices blend in a chorus of respect and acknowledgment.
A young mage, in his thirties, approaches her. His deep blue hair and eyes give him a striking appearance. "Tower Master," he begins with a hint of confusion, "for the last five minutes, we've been inundated with loan requests from various countries."
Lilith, unfazed, smiles gently and makes her way to a platform. "Do not concern yourself with these requests. Decline them all. We won't be lending any resources for the next 24 hours." She pauses, then remembers something important. "Ah! Almost forgot, inform the council members to meet me in office 2756."
The young mage's eyes widen in surprise. "Office 2756? The treasury department? Understood, I'll handle it," he says, his smile returning.
With a wink and a snap of her fingers, Lilith teleports away, proceeding to her next destination within the tower. As she walks, an elderly lady, leaning on her cane, greets her. "Well, look who it is. I didn't expect you to come here today."
Lilith matches her pace with the older woman. "I had no other choice. I'm going to need a substantial amount of money and resources," she explains, her tone a mix of seriousness and nonchalance.
Lilith, her steps echoing through the halls of the tower, turns with a playful smirk. "So Dana, looking younger, aren't we? Did you finally shake off that curse from those shitty witches?"
Dana, an elderly lady with a timeless grace, sighs and lightly taps Lilith's back with her cane. "Mind your words, Lilith. Our adversaries deserve recognition for their prowess. And yes, the curse is lifted," she responds with a mix of reprimand and pride.
Her dark eyes gleam mischievously. "Soon, I might even appear younger than you," she teases.
Lilith frowns theatrically, tossing her black hair back. "Younger than me? Oh please, as if that's ever going to happen," she retorts with equal jest, her tone a perfect match for Dana's.
They enter an office, settling into their respective seats. Dana's gaze turns serious as she inquires, "What brings about this urgent meeting?"
Lilith, with a heavy sigh, leans forward and rubs her temples. "A national-grade weapon," she begins, her voice laced with frustration. "It's capable of leveling entire cities. And the worst part? There are no usage requirements. Literally anyone could wield it." Letting her face fall onto the table, she groans, "Donaaaa... I'm so tired of being the tower master... How much longer must I bear this burden?"
Dana exhales deeply, her tone turning slightly teasing. "What a predicament. My memory's a bit foggy, but remind me, who was it that advised you against taking this position? Who warned you'd regret it? I just can't seem to recall," she says, her words tinged with a playful chide.
Lilith glares back at her, puffing her cheeks in mock annoyance. "I know, I know. I should've listened to you," she admits, the words seeming to cause her physical pain.
-
The council members, each a distinguished figure in their own right, sit attentively in their seats as Lilith adopts a more professional demeanor. "We must decide our course of action," she begins with authority. "Should we attempt to obtain the weapon, or stay out of this affair?"
One elder, stroking his long beard, speaks up thoughtfully, "This is indeed a predicament. A national-grade weapon... But from your description, Lilith, the weapon itself isn't the core issue, is it?"
A council member with striking pink hair and purple eyes, her skin tanned, chimes in, "There are two primary concerns. Firstly, the introduction of a new weapon type that anyone can use will disrupt the current balance. And secondly, those bidding for top priority in the auction are likely driven by one of two motives: either defensive strategy against potential attacks or, more ominously, to acquire firepower for offensive purposes."
Another council member, a man with a neatly trimmed brown beard and hazel eyes, adds his perspective. "We must remember our position of neutrality. Interfering in potential conflicts could make us a target. Our decision lies between acquiring the national-grade weapon for ourselves or securing all top-priority slots to prevent misuse."
Lilith nods, considering their inputs. "Not necessarily. While it's true we can't openly side with any nation, we know some are more trustworthy than others. My proposal is to only bid if an unreliable source is leading for a top-priority slot. Regarding the national-grade weapon, if it falls into the hands of a country within our agreements, we can deploy mages to monitor their actions closely. The challenge lies in the anonymity of the bidders. I may need to negotiate with this enigmatic group for information on the winning bidders."