Ryo woke up feeling refreshed after a peaceful night's rest in his palace in Eldoria. The warmth of his fiancées' goodnight kisses still lingered in his mind, making him smile slightly as he got out of bed. As the morning sun bathed the palace in golden light, Ryo quickly prepared himself for the day ahead. After attending classes at the academy, he made his way to the royal meeting hall, where the Elf Queen and the Dwarf Chieftain awaited him.
The moment Ryo stepped inside, the dignitaries turned their gaze toward him, their expressions both serious and expectant. The Elf Queen, an elegant woman with emerald-green hair and radiant golden eyes, exuded an aura of wisdom and grace. The Dwarf Chieftain, a sturdy man with a thick silver beard and deep-set eyes, gave off the air of a seasoned warrior. Despite their contrasting appearances, both leaders carried themselves with the dignity befitting their status.
After the formal greetings, the meeting began. The Elf Queen and the Dwarf Chieftain spoke in clear terms, expressing their intent: they wished for Ryo to marry their daughters and form an alliance between their nations and Eldoria.
Ryo sighed internally. 'Again?' he thought. It was becoming clear to him that the powerful rulers of the world saw his marriage as a means of securing strong political ties. It was as if they were trading their daughters for stability and power.
Sensing his thoughts, the Elf Queen smiled knowingly. "Don't be like that," she said gently. "This is your fate. You might be unaware of it now, but one day, you will understand."
Her words lingered in Ryo's mind. What did she mean by 'his fate'? He had long since realized that his rebirth in this world was anything but ordinary, but there were still so many things he did not know. Nevertheless, the meeting concluded with the agreement that both nations would grant Ryo additional lands within their territories, just as the Vampire Lord and Dragon Emperor and Demon lord had done.
With the formalities settled, the Elf Queen and Dwarf Chieftain expressed their desire to explore Eldoria. Ryo, though still occupied with thoughts of his 'fate,' decided to guide them himself.
As they walked through the streets of Eldoria, the visitors were taken aback by the bustling activity of the citizens. The Elf Queen marveled at the advanced yet harmonious blend of nature and civilization, while the Dwarf Chieftain was fascinated by the intricate craftsmanship of the buildings and infrastructure.
Their first stop was the inns and cafés. The Elf Queen was particularly impressed by the open-air café, where elves, humans, dwarves, and even beastkin sat together, enjoying various delicacies. "Such a diverse community living together in harmony… it is rare to see," she admitted.
Ryo nodded. "That's the goal of Eldoria—to create a home where all races can coexist without prejudice. Here, strength and ability matter more than bloodline."
The Dwarf Chieftain chuckled. "Aye, that's a fine way of thinking. A strong ruler ensures that the people thrive. I see now why many are calling this land a paradise."
They then arrived at the bathhouse, a concept foreign to the dwarves and elves. Seeing the separate sections for men and women, the Elf Queen was intrigued. "A communal place for bathing? And with such clean facilities? This is quite an innovation."
"The hot water and relaxation boost vitality," Ryo explained. "It's especially popular among adventurers and warriors. After a long day, they can heal their fatigue here."
The Dwarf Chieftain grinned. "Hah! I can see my people making great use of this."
Next, they visited the Hunters' Guild. The elf queen observed the quest board filled with various requests from different regions. "You allow all ranks of adventurers to take on missions here?" she asked.
Ryo nodded. "Unlike traditional guilds, our system ensures that newcomers can grow without being limited by their background. There's also a fair reward system to prevent exploitation."
The Dwarf Chieftain clapped Ryo on the back. "Lad, you're onto something big. Your governance is practical and benefits everyone, not just the elite."
Finally, they visited the newly designed clothing stores, where the Elf Queen was enthralled by the modern yet elegant designs. "These clothes… they blend comfort with beauty," she mused. "And they suit all races?"
"Yes," Ryo confirmed. "We designed them with adaptability in mind. Fashion should be for everyone, regardless of race."
By the end of the tour, both the Elf Queen and the Dwarf Chieftain were thoroughly impressed. Eldoria was not just a growing kingdom; it was a vision of the future—a nation where unity, innovation, and prosperity flourished.
As they prepared to leave, the Elf Queen looked at Ryo once more. "Eldoria is special because of you, Ryo. The world will soon come to see that."
Ryo remained silent, her earlier words about his 'fate' still echoing in his mind. For now, however, he focused on the present—his growing responsibilities, his ever-expanding list of fiancées, and the future of his nation.
And so, with two more alliances secured, Ryo's journey continued, leading him ever closer to the destiny that awaited him.