「Rivelune is a sprawling metropolis that stands out amidst the vast expanse of the Eses continent.
Its picturesque location is perched in the middle of the Neutral Region, making it only accessible by the Rabastines or Great Forest.
The city is divided into two major parts - the outer and inner city - which are separated by a large wall.
The outer city is home to the common folk and traders, who make a living by fishing and farming.
This area is made up of several districts, each with its unique charm and character.
Further into the city is the inner city, where the noble and aristocrats reside.
The inner city is divided into several wards, and each ward is governed by a powerful family.
These elite families control trade, politics, and military affairs.
The most prominent ward in the inner city is the Royal Ward, which is home to the ruling family, King Luka and Queen Siegrid.」
Rolo had guided Archibald, Rumia, Lamperogue, and Lutessa to the Royal War.
Where the ruling family of Rivelune, King Luka and Queen Siegrid, resided.
Upon entering the throne room, they saw the walls that reached high into the ceiling and the flowing water around them.
The throne room was grand and elegant, with flowing water adding to its beauty.
King Luka and Queen Siegrid were seated before them.
The five of them bowed their heads in respect, and King Luka graciously welcomed them, thanking them for their aid.
After their aid was acknowledged by the king, they all bowed in respect.
Rumia attentively took note of the queen's physical features and confidently asked, "If I may, your Majesty, are you of the high elf race?"
Queen Siegrid smiled warmly and replied, "Yes, I am a high elf. May I ask, are you from Velvana?"
Rumia beamed with joy hearing the queen's reply and replied, "Yes, your Majesty, I am from Velvana. It is an honor to meet you."
Archibald and Lamperogue exchanged looks, impressed by Rumia's instant familiarity with the queen.
Queen Siegrid then turned to the king and shared, "It has been quite some time since I have had the pleasure of meeting another elf outside our kingdom."
King Luka nodded approvingly and commented, "It's always refreshing to meet with diverse individuals such as yourselves."
Rolo, who brought Lutessa, Archibald, Lamperogue, and Rumia to the palace, then asked, "Your Majesty, would it be alright if we could start with our debriefing?"
The King gestured with his hand and replied, "Yes, you may proceed."
As they began the debriefing, the queen leaned back in her throne and observed them with a curious gaze.
Her skin was as smooth as ivory, and her pointy ears were adorned with diamond jewels. Her golden hair cascaded down her back in loose waves, and her sapphire eyes sparkled with wisdom and kindness.
King Luka, on the other hand, had a commanding presence with his broad shoulders and muscular build. His piercing green eyes seemed to scrutinize everything and had a calming effect on those around him.
"(So, the queen is a high elf but stays in Rivelune?
Wouldn't that mean she married into the royal family, the king's consort.
That's mighty convenient.)" (Archibald)
"Heroes from across the empire have gathered to help us," King Luka told them.
Archibald leaned forward and asked, "I understand that not many people want to accept this offer due to its suspicious nature, but why wasn't a reward included? It would have surely attracted more helpers."
The king nodded and replied, "I had the same idea initially, but after talking with Undine, the great water spirit's spirit doll, I was advised against it."
Lamperogue chimed in, "That makes sense. The four great spirits are known for their righteousness. If Undine had offered a reward for this mission, it would look like she was leading us to our deaths, and we should overlook it merely for the reward."
Archibald nodded in agreement, impressed with the two boys' intellect.
As for Lutessa, she was quiet, too shy to speak up.
The Queen then took note of Lutessa's attire and asked her name.
"I'm Lutessa Aquila Jorgelia," the young girl replied shyly.
"Are you a priestess?" the queen inquired.
Lutessa nodded and added, "I'm a priestess in training, and I belong to the Vayetran Belief."
King Luka gasped in recognition, "Isn't that the religion that worships Saint Augustus Vayetra, the first Magic Emperor?"
Lutessa confirmed it, and the Queen's face fell into concern. "This could be an issue. We are of the Spirit Religion, not the Vayetran Belief," she said.
「Take Note: Elves belong to Spirit Religion, most humans and members of the Eses continent belong to Vayetran Belief...」
Lutessa quickly responded, "It's no problem, Your Majesty. I am happy to help in any way possible."
The queen smiled at Lutessa, "You are truly a saint. We are honored to have you on our side."
"(I don't even know what religion I belong to... was it he Arthurian Belief or something like that?)" (Archibald)
As Rolo stood by the door, he allowed the four to ask questions, and it was a tense moment as they fired them one after the other.
"What's the plan of attack against the Byzan Army?" asked Rumia.
King Luka leaned forward on his throne and hesitated for a second before answering, "The Great Forest was once a part of our kingdom before the Byzan Army took over. We are weaker when it comes to numbers, but we have a secret advantage. Our heroes are stronger."
Archibald thought for a moment and added, "That's a simple and good plan except for the fact where you forgot to mention that General Vorkalth is already with the Aquos Chronicles."
King Luka frowned, "Yes, you're right. I'm afraid we're unlucky in that aspect."
Lamperogue looked from Archibald to King Luka and then the queen and asked, "How exactly do we plan to win a battle against them when the Byzan Army already has the water spirit and her power source?"
The king let out a heavy sigh, "I'm in despair. We've been trying to figure that out for months now."
Rumia's voice broke the silence, "And how long do we have until a full-on confrontation with the opposing forces?"
"It's likely they'll be prepared to attack in a month's time," replied the queen.
Archibald then asked the burning question, "Do you have a spy in the Byzan Army's forces?"
King Luka widened his eyes in surprise, "How did you know?"
"(Uh, I've watched a lot of movies like these...)" (Archibald)
Archibald shrugged it off, "Just a lucky guess."
The king then revealed, "We do have a spy in their ranks, but we haven't heard from them in months."
Lamperogue was blunt with his words, "They've most likely switched sides or are dead."
The king and queen looked at each other, their faces filled with concern.
"Without the Aquos Chronicles and the blessings of the great water spirit, our village may not hold out much longer. It is likely all our bountiful harvest and abundance of water may cease, if we do not restore order." (Luka)
As the king explained the situation, Rolo could feel the weight of their mission heavy on his shoulders.
He sighed, feeling the pressure and the gravity of the situation at hand.
The king then turned his attention to Rumia, asking her if she was the leader of their party.
Rumia was caught off guard, not realizing that they had already been deemed a party.
However, Archibald's reassuring smile gave her the confidence to stand firm and answer the king.
"Yes, I am... Your Majesty." (Rumia)
"Thank you," the king said, and Rumia felt her cheeks turn warm and her eyes widen.
She hadn't expected gratitude to affect her so much.
It touched her, and she found herself even more determined to help.
"We'll all help restore your village, no matter what," Archibald echoed Rumia's sentiments, and the queen was almost in tears.
"Thank you so much," the queen said, her emotions overflowing as she conveyed her gratitude.
The words, coupled with a queen almost in tears, were too much for Lutessa.
She felt a lump form in her throat, and she had to excuse herself.
The king and queen were taken aback, but Rolo understood the pain.
"Please forgive her, she's just emotionally invested in the situation," Rolo explained.
The king nodded in understanding, and Rolo took the initiative to excuse the group from the throne room, bowing respectfully as they left.
The air was heavy with emotion as they walked out, still feeling the weight of the situation.