[City of Delforde, Capital of Edra]
From the vast expanse of the sky, twilight descended with an almost caressing gentleness, casting the towering skyscrapers of the bustling city of Delforde in a soothing orange glow. These majestic buildings appeared to blend into the heavens, their silhouettes rising proudly into the atmosphere.
Delforde, the vibrant capital of Edra, unfolded in all its urban splendor. Its streets interwove in a contemporary architectural tangle, a dance of modern lines and daring angles. The buildings, silent witnesses to the city's evolution, seemed to reach for the skies themselves.
The city's frenzied life was mirrored in the continuous flow of road traffic. The streets were like the arteries of a living creature, pulsing with unending energy. Vehicles glided with mechanical grace, creating a moving painting where each vehicle added a splash of color to the urban canvas.
At the heart of this ever-bubbling landscape, the populace went about their business with palpable determination. Sidewalks became rivers of humanity, where individuals of all backgrounds and aspirations converged. They appeared driven by the spirit of a new age, an age that embraced modern ideas and the opportunities of the future.
This forward-looking perspective distinguished Edra from its neighbor, the Kingdom of Rymis. While the latter remained closed to technological advancements, favoring a conservative approach, Edra eagerly embraced progress. Delforde, with its intricate tapestry of architecture and urban life, stood as the living symbol of this new era, where the boldness of modern ideas shaped the horizon.
In the subway, an uneasy atmosphere prevailed due to the stark silence of citizens engrossed in reading news on their phones. Abaguo's voice, which had shouted earlier in the day, had lost its significance, and since the Kingdom of Rymis lacked technology, no one knew what had transpired in Haradi.
At the city's core stood a governmental building, its flag waving proudly atop. A colorful mosaic of red, white, and blue stretched across the fabric, adorned with a white cross formed by opposing bars and depicting a bird with broken chains at its feet. This emblem was that of the democratic nation of Edra.
A paradisiacal garden graced the courtyard of this governmental structure, now seemingly belonging to the nation's president. Within, a long red carpet was laid, starting at the presidential residence gates and ending at the building's entrance. As one marched along the grand carpet, National Guards lined either side in solemn attire, standing tall and unyielding. They held assault rifles emitting a hypnotic bluish glow, with helmets of gold and silver shining on their heads. Some were elves; others were humans, all bound by a protective force.
The street leading to the presidential seat had been closed and shielded from the public by impenetrable magical barriers. Further down, a royal carriage neared the presidential palace. Inside, Rymis III was accompanied by Hermiel, Charnald, and a few soldiers. Peering through the window, Hermiel was mesmerized by the view before him.
"Your Majesty," Hermiel started, "I understand that your dynasty compels you to uphold certain customs, but why do you consistently reject the technologies Edra could offer our Kingdom?"
"For the simple reason that my Kingdom doesn't need these 'technologies.' Magic works just as well. Besides, I like retaining a certain uniqueness."
"Still... cars could be more useful than these carriages. I've also heard Argha and Edra use a revolutionary tool called the Internet. It's for long-distance communication and offers many other possibilities."
"You might be right… I might consider embracing the Internet someday..." he sighed with a smile.
As they drew closer to the presidential residence, an imperial melody filled the air, played by a symbolic symphony, brimming with palpable pride. Drums, trumpets, kettledrums, and fifes echoed, clearly conveying the joy and pride of the Edrians. This great national anthem managed to touch the hearts of all, even those of Rymis III, Hermiel, and Charnald.
"Wow... I'm getting chills!" exclaimed Hermiel.
Upon arrival, presidential guards robotically and fearlessly opened the carriage door, allowing Rymis and his entourage to disembark. Down the street, numerous journalists were capturing the King and his humble servants' arrival. Moreover, some appeared to be broadcasting live on television. Straining his ears, Hermiel could catch a reporter's voice:
"...Yes, indeed. As you can see, King Rymis has arrived in Edra, accompanied by an angelic human from his nation, Hermiel Vini. Today marks the beginning of an important meeting between our president, Marc Emmanuel, and King Rymis III..."
Leading the way with a dramatic flourish of his cape, Rymis walked with an air of grandeur. Hermiel and Charnald instinctively followed.
The music hadn't stopped but rather played with an even grander tone, signaling the evident pride of Edra. Standing on the presidential palace's steps, Marc, Edra's president, patiently waited with a committed stance for King Rymis to join him. Marc wore a politician's suit with a blue tie. His short brown hair and blue eyes conveyed the impression of a wise and great man. Beside him stood an elf, dressed in an off-shoulder black and white shirt, a headband adorning her head, further enhancing her elegant figure with a lavish white skirt and heels. Her hands folded near her waist, her twinkling blue eyes and long white hair, swaying in the wind, added even more to this inspiring image.
On the palace's flanks, numerous journalists captured the illustrious march of Rymis and his servants, as they bravely approached Edra's president.
"Welcome to Edra, Rymis! Did you have a good journey?" Marc inquired.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Marc. It's genuinely a pleasure to see you again. Yes, my journey was pleasant."
The continuous sound of camera shutters enriched the ambiance with an air of significance and tension.
One by one, Hermiel, Charnald, and the others shook hands with Marc and the accompanying elf. When it was Rymis's turn to greet the elf, he offered a courteous peck on the cheek.
"How are you, Sepharina? You look radiant today!"
At this, Sepharina, the stunning elf, immediately beamed.
"Yes! I'm doing well! And you, always looking as strong and charismatic as ever!"
"Thank you! It's a joy seeing you this happy!"
Sepharina merely nodded at Rymis's words, blushing with flattery. With a hand gesture and a smile exuding genuine kindness, Marc invited Rymis and his guests to enter his residence.
"Let's begin our meeting without delay."
As Marc moved deeper into the palace, all who followed fell silent, and the uninterrupted symphony of footsteps took over, thereby muting the repetitive sounds of camera shutters.
*
In the opulent presidential chamber of Marc, gold and intricate patterns shone in the light of the lamps illuminating the walls. They were adorned with a map of the world and Edra. With the national flag bearing his likeness, Marc was prepared for the diplomatic exchange. A black table was positioned in the center, surrounded by five chairs made of wood and steel. Marc was the first to sit down, promptly followed by Sepharina, who sat beside him. Rymis and his guests followed suit.
Clearing his throat, Marc began the conversation confidently, "Firstly, I want to thank you personally for making the journey to Edra for this occasion. The same goes for you two, Hermiel Vini and Charnald Tones."
"It's true that the appearance of the archdemons of emotions has made my task challenging, but it's always a pleasure to engage in dialogue with you," Rymis responded.
"I share that sentiment. I always appreciate the good rapport we share when we talk," Marc acknowledged, turning his gaze to Sepharina. "Sepharina, could you fetch the green file from my desk, please?"
"Of course, Mr. President!" The young elf rose cheerily, grabbing the green file filled with documents about the Kingdom of Rymis. She handed it to Marc before taking her seat beside him.
"Thank you! Now then..."
Marc meticulously scanned the papers, focusing on the essential details. After a few minutes, he introduced the first topic, "To start, the resurgence of the archdemons of emotions threatens the peace I've strived to establish during my two presidential terms. Consequently, we need to devise a plan to ensure peace between our nations, despite the demonic threat. You're aware that last night, a seismic tremor rocked the entire planet. Following this, we lost contact with several satellites, then Abaguo's voice resonated across Trillia... It further complicates the situation. We must be prepared for a potential rebellion."
"Indeed. When we heard his voice, we were uncertain if we should return to the Kingdom or continue our journey to Edra. But knowing Marshal, our realm's second angelic human, and his exceptional combat prowess against archdemons, we pressed on," Rymis stated.
"Ah! His feats during the showdown with Abaguo four years ago were nothing short of remarkable. Nevertheless, I hope you don't come to regret this decision and that nothing adverse has transpired in your kingdom during your absence."
"I hope so too," Rymis concurred.
"Back to the primary issue... We know your kingdom shelters the archdemons of emotions. Even though their exact location is unknown to us, it's highly likely they plan to destroy the world or dominate it, as they did eight hundred years ago. We can only speculate about their intentions."
"They are demons... their sole purpose is chaos and destruction."
"I completely understand, but it's information that remains unverified."
"You're right," conceded Rymis.
"To best prepare Edra for a direct confrontation with the archdemons of emotions, I propose halting our trade of electricity and food for three months. I must redirect funds toward our military defense to ensure lasting peace. In return, Edra pledges to provide magical weapons, soldiers, and mana from the Elven Forest of Sylvaria. I know you're hesitant about adopting new technology, so you're not obliged to accept this offer."
Rymis contemplated Marc's proposal, the silence in the room amplifying the palpable tension.
"It's a generous offer, Marc. But while I'm no fan of technology, I can't halt the trade of electricity and food. My people need power, and yours need our food."
"The suspension is only temporary, aimed at reallocating funds for military defense. If you decline, we'll need an alternative. The defense is paramount."
Hermiel interrupted, "Allow me to weigh in. Marc, have you considered asking Argha's president for additional weapons and military blueprints?"
Sighing, Marc replied with a smile, "Sadly, Milityasha has done her part with the WADI. She has maintained balance between the Kingdom of Rymis, Edra, and her nation, Argha. Not only that, but she also detained numerous demons and archdemons in Edra. Asking her for additional weapons and plans would be audacious and ungrateful."
"I see," Hermiel acknowledged.
"In any case, our primary concern is the defense of Edra and your kingdom. We're in the dark about the archdemons' next move, so we must brace for the worst."
"I concur. But we need electricity. You can't fathom the catastrophic repercussions of its absence."
Pondering another solution, Marc paused, then, in an inspired moment, snapped his fingers and exclaimed, "I've got it! Why not bring the Lost Ones to Edra?"