"This place… is beautiful," I murmured as I looked out the window beside me.
Once the carriage came to a stop at a building wider and larger than the ones we had left behind, we got out while being greeted by butlers waiting at the entrance for us.
This kind of neighborhood is quite peculiar.
"I'll introduce you to several people who might be a little difficult Lucius… but I assure you they have no bad intentions." Zaphyris said as we walked towards the entrance.
Since I had nothing to say, I simply nodded in response and she continued, "Here are the princesses of each kingdom of the continents. As part of the alliance with our lands, they are a political change of mutual interest with our kingdom."
In short: they live and grow up in the Kingdom of Atlas, showing submission with interests. A bargaining chip that reflects their strong alliance with the Aquatic Continent.
So they are not the embassies of each kingdom...
That happens because it's rushed... again.
You could have at least said so before inviting me, Zaphyris, and I would have mentally prepared myself.
Whether they are complicated people or not, today is my day off and nothing will change that fact hehe... the rest is the least of it.
As soon as we entered, the complex hall inside was exotic: everything had both an ancient and traditional design, as well as a modern one. The floor and walls were made of marble and huge stairs stretched out in front of us that connected to the second floor.
Oh? If I compare this place with the interior of the Quaramis Palace, this building is not more impressive...
When we went up to the second floor, we crossed a hallway where there were six people standing in front of a large entrance.
Some had armor and others did not, some were men, but there were also women... their only quality in common is that they all have a sword at their waist.
They don't look like the imposing armored guards I saw before, so they are probably the Spiritual Guardians of each princess. Just like Wolf.
Just as I thought that, Wolf, who was always walking on the left side behind Zaphyris, stopped as we entered the huge room and remained waiting at the entrance along with the other Guardians.
As the doors opened, the first scene was of a large round glass table adorned with holy-looking relics and a banquet of what appeared to be colorful sweets and cups of tea. My first impression was one of stiffness as I saw so many women staring at those who entered the room. Or rather, staring at me.
Zaphyris remained as serene and unfazed as ever.
"Good morning, Zaphyris-sama." The seven ladies said at the same time with a warm smile on their lovely faces.
All the ladies present in this room were young and impossibly beautiful: breasts of different sizes and dangerous curves on their delicate bodies. Only a man of good taste would understand this when he saw them.
I'm surrounded by Goddesses!
Zaphyris is older compared to them, even in here you could swear that Zaphyris is the mother of all these girls; but her age does not mean that she is not one of the favorite sexual fantasies of many men.
He he
As I was thinking that, Zaphyris urged me to sit down and follow her example. I don't quite understand the meaning of her actions, but it's clear that all of them here seem to have an intimate relationship. Inside this hall filled with some flowers and statues with animal figures, the soft aroma of tea was interesting. Even above us was a large crystal chandelier.
"Good morning, everyone," Zaphyris began and continued. "This is the boy I was telling you about: his name is Lucius and he is my current apprentice."
After hearing this, they all bowed their heads slightly in respect. Then they each introduced themselves.
"My name is Farys Di Treant Wolgarned VI of the Golden Foxes, princess of the Sacred Forest Kingdom." A girl with long pointed fox ears and golden hair with some white streaks began to greet me. Her dress was reddish and she had three furry tails that looked fluffy and delicate.
Since I entered the room, Farys is the only one who has been looking at me in a friendly way while adorably moving her three tails...
It's adorable.
They are Ancient Beast Warriors who protect the Sacred Forest Realm. Their origin is almost unknown, as they are a strange race within the lands of the Sacred Forest: one day they appeared as saviors sent by a divine mission from the Great Beast Deity.
"My name is Hilyana Tempest, princess of the Kingdom of the Armored Hydra." She was an Elf, a true one with long, pointed ears, pale skin, and green eyes. Her hair was golden, and her dress was equally green; which was in homage to her kingdom that was Enchanted by the Ancient Armored Hydra that lived in the Kingdom's Capital.
That ancient animal protected the lands of a beautiful woman he had fallen in love with. Even after her death, the Hydra continued to protect that place for thousands of years until it finally died of old age.
"My name is Ruby Alkathor, princess of the Metal Kingdom." Her body was more robust than the others due to her genetics: since they are Dwarf Blacksmiths and ancient warriors, according to many stories told in the books of this time.
Ruby's hair was short and brown, just like her eyes. She was pretty, and that was undeniable. Her continent enjoyed rare materials and her riches were superior to those of any kingdom.
"My name is Ryujinzhu Dragonroad, princess of the Dragon God Realm." Her red eyes were so menacing and sharp that they seemed to glow faintly. Her dragon pupils were bewitching yet fearful, her hair was long and black, and her skin was slightly pale. There was no doubt about it… she was a tyrannical beauty suffused with an imperial aura.
A peculiar characteristic of her is that she had patterns engraved on her cheeks.
They don't look like tattoos, it's more like a birthmark inherited from their very ancient ancestors.
They are descendants of the Ancient Primordial Dragon Gods, who were considered at that time as the Gods of the Heavens.
Their power was beyond all understanding. These beings descended to earth and took on human-like forms, then reproduced and began to form entire nations.
Dragon people are known for their wisdom, philosophy, and magnanimity. They are not as aggressive compared to other races, but they are dominant and sometimes imposing.
At the time, their continent was a World Power but since they were not interested in that title, they gave it to the Kingdom of Atlas, who was the second-strongest continent.
The humility of the dragon people is intriguing: the Dragon God Kingdom is the strongest in the world and its power is far superior to the Kingdom of Atlas; but since they are magnanimous and selfless, they give way to the weaker ones.
If they wanted to, they could take their place as the World's Leading Power, and without much effort crush anyone who stands in their way.
But they prefer to sit back and watch as the weak fight each other for world power.
When there was the First Great War, the demons did not fight against the dragon people, so if that had been the case, then there would be no such Imperial Hero God in history.
I found it strange not to find much information related to the exact causes of the First World War, since that would help me get a general idea of the origin of the second one to come... the same thing happened with the story about the origin of Seneca...
All that information disappeared from the books.
From what I've been researching, the demons seemed to want to do something specific: the true cause behind the war. But there's no information about that either.
I only found general overviews of the events of the war.
"My name is Galystia Medicis, princess of the Divine Empire Kingdom." Her natural beauty of human features was perfect, Galystia was a blonde with amethyst eyes that hypnotized unconsciously.
Her personality seemed more affectionate than the others. Galystia seemed more curious than the others and her smile was suggestive, but at the same time she was very refined and modest... she has a lot of presence.
"My name is Asthia Betelgizer Von Anima, princess of the Abyss Realm." Her hair was long and dark purple with bright hues, as were her dark eyes and pale demon skin. Her gaze was disdainful, but her personality was the same as the other girls: even her smile was refined and playful.
Her appearance could be a product of her chilling ancestors, but Asthia breaks with that trend: she is not what her ancestors once were and tries to be like everyone else while demonstrating her inner strength.
It would be interesting to observe it closely.
Now comes the last of the princesses...
Although we already knew our names.
"My name is Aphril Quaramis, current princess of the Kingdom of Atlas." Her gaze was casual, but she had great strength and it could be seen in her presence.
It's hard to believe that she's the daughter of "Zaphyris the magnanimous generous" since Aphril gives the impression of being more stubborn and almost always has a slight frown in disapproval... but that makes her more beautiful and is part of her natural charm.
After everyone introduced themselves, I bowed politely, giving my most perfect posture. "It's an honor to meet you all."
It wasn't part of my daily routine, but I asked Zaphyris to give me some lessons on etiquette. She gladly agreed and it's now included in my schedule.
I considered this necessary, since it will be essential for my image in these times.
"This is strange..." Ryujinzhu murmured softly, but it could still be heard throughout the room.
"Is something wrong?" Zaphyris asked after tasting the steaming cup of tea in her right hand.
"It's nothing special, Zaphyris-sama, it's just that..." He said that while still looking at me…
Now that I think about it, ever since I entered this room, one look kept falling on me... she had been staring at me this whole time.
"May I ask you something, Lucius?" Ryujinzhu said directly.
"Yeah?"
"What did you do with your spirit circuits?" After that question, all the princesses looked at me at the same time.
"I'm afraid I don't even know." I have no explanation for that.
But still, I'm surprised he noticed it first.
He really is someone to be feared.
"I guess I'll go snoop around a bit too…" Farys, who couldn't contain her curiosity, looked at me closely as her eyes shone brightly. "Huh? What is this…?"
The next to look at my spirit circuits was the curious Galystia and Asthia, then the rest ended up giving in to curiosity.
All their reactions were the same.
"Oh? Is that possible?" Asthia asked with intrigue and confusion.
"No, not at all," Ryujinzhu replied.
"Hmm, that seems spooky…" Hilyana said. And along with those words, Ruby, Galystia and Farys all nodded in agreement.
Aphril continued to look at me in bewilderment and said nothing in particular.
Did you want to bring me for this awkward moment, Zaphyris-sama?
When I looked at Zaphyris for answers, she simply kept her eyes blatantly closed as she elegantly sipped her tea...
Oh? So that's how it is... I hope you don't hold it against me when I accidentally call you "mother-in-law" one day.