Now we were on our way to the Harpy Queendom of Fulbrosia. After I made an alliance with Carrion and Shuna procured some support from some of his closest confidants, we were on our way to the Harpy Queendom of Fulbrosia.
We were delayed since Albis and Suphia were doing everything but begging or just asking to try to get more alcohol. I would've missed some attempts from them to steal, but Shuna was like a hawk keeping a close eye on them. Anything I didn't catch, she would swoop in and stop them.
It got so bad that Carrion had to get involved. He had to see what was up, so he tried some of the stuff we had and the only thing he said was, "I understand.", after that we quickly came up with a trade deal that would be expanded on at a later date.
So this trip turned into an even greater success than what was normal.
Anyway, right now, me and Shuna were traveling west from the Beast Kingdom of Eurazania. We're going from some lovely plains to a mountainous region. We also have to climb a mountain to get to the capital city. I think it's called "Jia" or something like that. It's going to be a hassle, but we can get it done.
I told Dun Stallion how good his mountain climbing skills are he just said, "I will go through whatever terrain you need me to so you can accomplish your goals.". Dun Stallion is the real MVP in this whole multi-nation trip we're doing. Complete respect to him.
Anyway, we are scaling a mountain right now. I knew it was the correct one since the obvious signs of a city on top and the occasional harpy I could see flying around. They might be a scouting or observational group or something. I'm going with the assumption that Frey or someone on the higher up know that I'm heading towards them.
I'm also going in with the assumption that they will be disrespectful and kind of aggressive since we have no wings. Just a mention about Charybdis should shut them up and start asking me seriously. It's supposed to be a great threat to them. Some prophecy about Charybdis being revived soon or something like that. Which is kind of a dumb prophecy since there are no specifics to it. At least, from what I know. How I see it is that it's a self-fulfilling prophecy. I mean, of course Charybdis is going to revive soon. If I remember, it's supposed to be some kind of cycle or something, until it was sealed, but the point still stands. That seal won't last forever.
As we kept scaling the mountain, I could see more signs of harpies flying, with some keeping a close eye on us as well. I could feel their gazes on us, as well as something more… judgemental. I don't exactly know if they hate someone for not having wings, but I do know you can't be a citizen unless you have wings. Good thing I'm not trying to be a citizen and just trying to make an alliance as a leader of a nation.
If I had to describe this place, it would be cold. Surprising, I know. Who would have thought that the higher you go on a mountain the colder it gets? Well, it's cold for me. And considering where I'm from, where the occasional inch or two of snow seems to shut down everything, don't blame me for saying it's cold.
I'm still surprised we haven't been stopped or anything. We kept making our way up the mountain and we finally made it up. It wasn't the peak, but it might as well have been since most of it was built to facilitate a city. One thing I do know is that Dun Stallion will have to wait again 'cause he's not going to be moving comfortably around here.
After commanding him to wait, me and Shuna started to go where Frey was. It's not some kind of grand palace, but it was still obvious that's where the Frey would be since it's a lot more lavish than everything else around here.
As we got closer, I realized that it was only accessible to people who could fly. Not a problem to me. I just have to jump. I grabbed Shuna and held her in a princess carry. Using magic, I jumped up and landed on a platform.
The fact that I still haven't been stopped or anything is surprising. I was expecting something or someone. Some kind of high-ranking guard or something, but nope, nothing. Not even some kind of defense. I know I was being watched the whole time on my way here, but come on. Do they really just let some random people they don't know barge in here?
Well, now that we were here, we just walked in the direction where Frey was. Not the hardest since it was easy to pick her out from the magicules she had. When I eventually reached where she was supposed to be, I came across a door. Nothing like Carrion's place. This was more humble, but still luxurious than normal.
Well, let's get started. I had the bag that carried Milim's alliance as well as Carrion's collaboration, soon-to-be alliance.
"Stay close to me, Shuna. I highly doubt anything will happen, but let's stick together just in case.".
She nodded and I knocked on the door. I have to show a bit of courtesy to her. A few seconds passed by before I heard someone say. "Come in.".
I opened the door and sitting on a chair was Frey. I think I know what's happening here now. All the harpies that were monitoring me must have relayed the information back to her. She knew I was on my way here and was most likely looking for her. The fact that she let me get closer to her without some kind of guard or defense in place means she knows me to some degree and has some confidence that I won't do anything bad.
Normally, I would question why, but I have a hunch Milim must have told her about me or something.
She looked at me and told me, "You must be wondering why you were able to so easily get here, right?".
"Let me guess. Milim? Considering the close relationship you two have, she must have stopped by here and told you about me. How much did she tell you?".
"She told me about how she made an alliance with your nation and how you planned to also try to make an alliance with me as well. I believe that includes Carrion as well?".
I sat down on a couch and Shuna sat beside me. This is good, it means this will go fast.
"That's true. It includes everyone in the little plan y'all had to investigate the forest. Except for one.".
She didn't have to think about it. "You mean Clayman.", she said in a hostile tone. That guy clearly has a specialty in making people hate him.
"Yes. We both know that he has other things planned than just investigating the forest. I'm sure you've heard the saying, 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend.', we both have a common enemy here. That's why I'm proposing to ally with us. That and it will make our new nation look more legit in the eyes of others.".
"Don't you fear the repercussions of allying with demon lords? All the human nations will look at you and your nation as hostile and will want to destroy you. Especially those of the luminous faith.".
"Normally, yes, but that was already going to happen anyway. And about those religious people, we don't need to worry. Holy magic or not, it'll be an easy fight. Trust me. Anyway, that's not something you need to worry about, that's a problem for us to handle. Let's talk about this alliance.".
She looked a bit troubled. She must be thinking about Clayman and his little plan to try to control Milim. Well, more like Charybdis. I highly doubt she really believes that anyone can control MIlim with some kind of fourth-rate magic item just cause it was made by some third-rate demon lord from the past who serves a cartoon villain with ambitions to rule over the world or something. Not that she knows all of that.
I just need to give her a nudge. "You're thinking about Charybdis arent'cha? About how it's going to revive and attack your country? I know Clayman is using that against you as leverage to make you accept some kind of deal. I'm telling you right now, you can forget about that. Charybdis will revive, but it will be because Clayman is responsible for it and it won't attack your country, it will attack our monster town.".
Frey's eyes widened to a comical degree. It seems she can't fathom how I know all this information.
"Before you say anything, I'm not telling you how I know this, just know that I do.". Classic go-to line to avoid having to say anything.
Frey took some time to calm down before she looked back at me. "You say all that, but what do you plan to do? Knowing all this is one thing, but how do you plan to act on all this information?".
"First of all, let us take care of Charybdis. You don't need to worry about that. Second, you can forget about Clayman and whatever he's doing. He's going to realize very quickly that his plans are going to very quickly go downhill. All I ask is for an alliance. We can write some stuff now and work out full details later.".
"How am I supposed to know if you're strong enough to actually kill Charybdis?".
"What did Milm tell you when she visited you? More specifically, about why she agreed to make an in-depth alliance with us?".
Frey started thinking and I saw the moment it clicked for her. "She said you beat her in a duel.". Her words were cut off as soon as she realized what she said. She quickly got out some paper and some writing instruments. "Let's discuss this alliance, then.".
I just gave a smile to her. I looked at Shuna, who was quiet the whole time, but I knew she was listening. I could see a smile on her face, but the kind that shows she's amused. She must have caught the slightly misleading detail about me beating her in a "duel".
Well, a few hours later discussing some details and some copies made. I had an alliance with the Harpy Queendom of Fulbrosia. Once again, we would send some envoys later for a more formal and symbolic showing.
With that out of the way, it was time to go home.