For a brief moment, King Rymis reminisced about that meeting where he made the pivotal decision to admit those teenagers into his Kingdom. Although it brought certain benefits, Rymis was deeply rooted in tradition. He had embraced modern clothing, evidenced by Hermiel's attire – a white shirt and jeans – and also electricity, running water, embassies, and a headquarters to allow WADI to operate within his lands. Witnessing his kingdom evolve into a more modernized state saddened him, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth.
Marc coughed, placing a fist in front of his mouth, signaling that the meeting would continue.
"Anyway... let's get back to the main topic, shall we?"
"Yes, let's proceed."
"I'll lay out my proposal shortly, but first... Sepharina, could you fetch the Lost Ones' contract? It's in my office drawer."
"Of course, no problem!"
Moving towards the president's desk, Sepharina unlocked the drawer and pulled out the multi-page document. Afterward, she returned to stand behind Marc, awaiting his next instruction.
"Sepharina, could you read Article 6 of the contract?"
"Sure. 'Article 6: Liability. Being the host, King Rymis III commits to assuming responsibility for the Lost Ones. This encompasses their physical and mental health, the growth of their personal power, and their ability to defend themselves. However, Rymis III can delegate the Lost Ones to another state if he feels the need or if circumstances demand it.' Voila!"
Once Sepharina finished reciting Article 6, Rymis stroked his beard and stared straight ahead.
"Where are you going with this, Marc?"
"It's simple. Edra offers to take responsibility for one or more of the Lost Ones. This way, you still maintain some defense power. Of course, you'll choose who comes to Edra and who remains in your Kingdom, but we can discuss that later."
"Very well! I accept this proposal, on the condition that you supply me with the mana from the Sylvaria forest."
"Agreed! Now that this matter is settled, I'd like to discuss one final point, if you don't mind."
"Of course, go ahead."
"Let's talk about Gwendoline Bourcier, the teenager who, inexplicably, appeared in our world alongside the Lost Ones. At her arrival, Milityasha and I accepted her presence. But her recent feats suggest she could quickly become a threat," Marc expressed his concern.
Rymis, Hermiel, and Charnald exchanged prolonged glances, trying to fathom what Marc wanted from the unsuspecting Gwendoline. Unable to hide his confusion, Hermiel turned to Marc and posed a question:
"What do you hold against her?"
"You witnessed it first, Hermiel. Remember, during the demonic attack in the Haradi forest? You mentioned that Gwendoline wielded an unknown magic that transported you outside of the universe. Is that correct?"
"Yes, indeed. But I'm still unsure about your point... What exactly are you implying?"
"I'm merely warning you of her potential deceptive nature. Be careful! I'm not saying Gwendoline is a threat, but there are concerning signs. So, please take precautions, alright?"
"As an angelic human, with all due respect, Mr. President, Gwendoline is far from who you assume she is. She's just a teenager who took her own life and is still finding herself. I can assure you she means no harm and would risk her life to aid her friends and this world."
Marc, brimming with wisdom and kindness, smiled at Hermiel's words.
"I don't doubt it," replied Marc, "I'm just trying to be cautious. But since your angelic nature prohibits you from lying, I won't question your perspective."
He then stood up, inviting everyone else to do the same. Marc and Rymis shook hands, signifying the deep diplomatic bond they shared.
"This meeting is now concluded. We'll correspond by letter regarding who will come to Edra and who will stay in your Kingdom."
"Certainly! I'll provide the names of the future Lost Ones who will join Edra once I return to the Kingdom."
The meeting concluded on a positive and kind-hearted note. Despite their stark differences, the two leaders shared a profound friendship, solidified over the years through various exchanges.
*
After sealing the contract, Marc and the others stepped outside, preparing to bid farewell to their guest, King Rymis III. Reporters and photographers still lingered in the courtyard.
"Know that you are always welcome in Edra, my old friend."
"And the same goes for the Kingdom of Rymis. We'll always greet you with joy."
Marc and Rymis exchanged smiles, their grins illuminated by the jubilant sound of camera flashes.
"Safe travels, dear King, ahah!"
"Thank you!"
With regal grace, Rymis and his entourage made their way down the red carpet, met by the applause of the journalists. On the presidential steps, Marc and Sepharina beamed with joy as they watched them approach the royal carriage.
Suddenly, the assertive and deep echo of a voice pierced the air, halting the procession:
"Wait! I need to greet a friend before he leaves!"
The sky overhead was cast in an orange hue, and all eyes turned upward. A mixed-race, imposing man, Rahman, floated majestically above, his white cape billowing behind him. With hands on his hips, his purple eyes met Hermiel's, who couldn't help but smile at the sight.
"Rahman..." he whispered.
The scene was lit by the clamor of clicks and flashes as journalists seized the moment. The mixed-race man with short white hair hovered, donned in a black and gold superhero suit. The intricate golden patterns on his extremities dominated the atmosphere.
Marc and Sepharina, witnessing this spectacle, let their emotions shine through a proud smile and applause.
Radiating an aura of kindness, confidence, and bravery, Rahman gently descended to the ground, cheered on by the crowd and reporters. Hermiel and Rahman rushed to each other, their reunion a solemn affair.
"It's so good to see you, my friend!" greeted Hermiel.
"When I heard you were at the presidential palace, I had to fly here as fast as I could!"
Hermiel embraced Rahman, who reciprocated with a soft pat on the back.
"How's Marshal doing?"
"Marshal's thriving! Ever since he's training a member of the Lost Ones at Adaken, I've never seen him happier."
Hermiel and Rahman ended their embrace, locking eyes with mutual respect. Their reunion after a long absence evoked feelings of nostalgia and peace. Behind Hermiel, Rymis and Charnald patiently waited for their reunion to conclude.
"Ahhh... the Lost Ones, I'm so eager to meet them."
"I think you'll get the chance to meet some of them. Marc has invited some of the Lost Ones to Edra, so you can get acquainted. I'm sure they'll take a liking to you."
"I'm genuinely excited. I love chatting with teenagers, especially from other worlds. Reminds me of my youth, ahah!"
"How have you been?"
"Being both a superhero and an angelic human requires a lot. My free time is limited, but I love helping people. But yes, I'm still in my prime, ahah!"
"That's good to hear! Any news from Meyla?"
"Ahhh... You know her as well as I do! Always upbeat and smiling! Even from afar, her spirit seems unshakeable!"
"She is indeed one of a kind. Anyway, I must go; the King waits. We'll likely meet again soon! So, until then!"
"Until then, my friend! Safe travels! And tell the Lost Ones I eagerly await them!"
"I'll let them know. You can count on me! Farewell, Rahman!"
With a step back, Rahman offered a broad smile to Hermiel. Although angelic humans from Trillia were separated by diverse origins, they shared deep friendships. Their interaction was a testament to their close bond and mutual concern for their kind – the angelic humans, named for their reverence towards the Archangels.
Hermiel smiled back and followed Rymis to the royal carriage. Rahman waved goodbye, and Hermiel reciprocated from behind the glass.
As the carriage set off, Marc placed his hand on Rahman's shoulder. Feeling his presence, Rahman instinctively began to apologize, hands clasped as if praying for mercy.
"Oh! Forgive my unexpected appearance, Mr. President! I'm sorry to interrupt your ceremony..." Rahman implored.
However, seeing the warm smiles on the faces of Marc and Sepharina stopped him.
"Mr. President?"
"Don't worry, Rahman. As a superhero and angelic human, you're just as vital as me! It's because of you our country remains peaceful and stands strong! Moreover..."
Marc highlighted a gold and silver badge on Rahman's chest, depicting an angel-winged flame surrounded by green floral designs.
"You're our nation's pride, the mightiest of all angelic humans! A role model for our youth, and the future they'll build after the Lost Ones defeat Damahan!"
"I'm truly honored by your words, Mr. President!"
"It's I who should be honored, Rahman, the superhero of Trillia!"