On the journey to the church, Cody is in the front wagon with his brother, as well as the medic who is caring for him, currently finishing changing a bandage. The medic turns to Ren, who is on his horse beside the wagon, "pardon my late introduction. My name is Ben Mahoney. I'm a noble from the capital who served as a medic in the army. I would like to express my gratitude to you for saving us from slavery".
Ren, "don't thank me, I just showed up at the end. The two beside you did all the work". Ben glances at the two brothers before returning his attention to Ren, "that may be true, and I'll thank them both later, but this couldn't have happened without you coming to the town. I will get to see my wives again, and for that, I'm eternally grateful". Ren glances at the procession of people behind them, "you seem to have had it better than most of the others. Any particular reason?".
Ben, "I was bought by the town's doctor because of my medical knowledge. The people at the clinic were nice. They didn't treat me badly, but they couldn't openly show that or let me near patients, so I mainly attended to other slaves, the equipment, or the supplies out of sight". Ren, "I see...were you also given favourable treatment in the slave shop for your knowledge?".
Ben, "yes. Typically, the higher up in floors you go, the more valuable the slaves. In the store I was sold at, the 4th highest floor was for those who were physically strong. The 3rd highest was the educated ones. And the second highest floor was...". Ren understands Ben's hesitation immediately, "no matter how much I don't what to know or try to avoid it, it won't change the reality of it, so you don't need to be considerate of me. I also saw those floors myself".
Ben, "I understand. It can be quite a sensitive topic, but as you probably saw, it was the sex slaves on the second highest. Mainly women, but there are cases men being sold too, just not as common. The highest floor was for those who we're deemed to be of the highest calibre, or a rare race. Those that would fetch a much higher place. I'm a medic, not a doctor, so that's why I was in the 3rd highest floor. However, I was fortunate enough to be caught by a follower of Cairon, who quickly arranged for me to be sold to the town doctor before someone more…nefarious could buy me. Thanks to that, I only spent a few days in the slave shop itself".
Ren, "do you know how common slaves are in general?". Cody chimes in, his sharp ears listening to the conversation despite his eyes not leaving his brother, "they're common in every Demon town and city, some even being sold to the Vampires. The Demon King signed a non-aggression treaty with the Vampire Lord in exchange for providing them slaves, so they are always in high demand. However, because of Cairon, that shop earlier was the only slave trader in town, but most towns would have at least two or three large sellers. The guy who owned that shop owns many across the country, so he had too much influence for Cairon to drive him out like he did the others".
Ren, "I see, so what does this slave trader have to do with you two brothers? Freeing the slaves is one thing, but I doubt Zack would risk his life killing the guy if something didn't drive him to do so". Cody hastily turns toward Ren, "killing the guy?". Ren, "yeah, there was a dead Pig-guy upstairs with some bodyguards. I assume he was the owner". Cody is conflicted, but also relieved, "...yes, it must have been...I see...so he got that filthy Pig-kin". Ren, "considering the relief you have, it also concerns you".
Cody, "yeah...we have an older sister. She took care of us after our parents died. One day, she brought home a little girl she saw in the slave trader's window. She said she couldn't just leave a child there. Child slaves are seen as weak and useless, so they are generally given to specialists until they can work properly if they're bothered to be caught at all. Being dead weight, the girl probably would've been killed if she wasn't sold quickly. There aren't any specialists in the area anymore due to Cairon driving them out."
Cody looks up to the blue sky, a gently breeze blowing as he reminisces, "our sister was too nice for her own good. She treated the girl well, like she was her own little sister. The two of us didn't treat her bad, but not good either, just...indifferent. I didn't even bother to remember the girl's name. We knew treating the girl too good would only lead to trouble, but our sister...was too nice. The two of us were out on patrol when it happened. We rushed over and found our sister beaten...badly, protecting the girl in her arms despite...her legs."
Cody struggles to get the words out, taking a breath before continuing, his tone changing to repressed anger, "my sister took the girl out for a walk. She was all nice and clean. They were spotted by that damn Pig! He probably remembered the girl and decided to make an example out of them. The Demon King's laws support that scum, so there was nothing we could do! Zack was about to rip the guy to shreds, but Cairon also got there at the same time, stepping in and putting an end to it. Cairon took them to the doctor. The girl was fine, thanks to our sister protecting her, but...they said our sister would...never walk again. Cairon said it would be best if they seek asylum, saying 'a person who's known how to treat slaves favourably will make enemies, but no allies'. He took them to the church in the middle of the night, and after a while, we were told the Dark Elves took them in. Cairon made sure to look after my brother and I after the incident".
Ren can almost feel the pain radiating off Cody, wanting to relieve it if only a little, "I see...you have been through a lot. I wish there was something I could do about that...we're heading to the Dark Elves' Country after the church. You can tag along and search for your sister if you want. I'm sure we can get you asylum there". Cody meekly smiles, "I appreciate the offer, but we'd probably have to seek asylum at the church. We can't just go there as we want, so it may take a while. And the Dark Elves might not even be willing to take us in the first place".
Ren, "I probably have enough leeway to swing that, I am their King after all", can't believe I just said that. It felt so wrong that I'm cringing. Both Cody and Ben just stare blankly at Ren, not know what to say, which unsettles Ren a little, "what?", as i thought, it was cringy! Cody tilts his head in confusion, "King?". Ren, "yeah". Cody, "of what?". Ren, "the Dark Elves". Cody processes that for a second before slowly turning to Ben. After a second of mutual understand, the two burst out laughing, Cody slapping his knee "...AHAHAHAHA. You? King of the Dark Elves? I have heard such a good Joke in a while! Ahahahahaha".
Ben joins in, "yeah, it's been a while since I laughed so hard. I wouldn't mention that around any Dark Elves though. They wouldn't find it funny in the slightest." Ren gets slightly annoyed at their blatant disbelief, well, not that I don't understand, but you don't have to laugh so much. Ren calls out to the individual on a horse more towards the front of the caravan, "ELZA! Can you come here for a second?". Once she turns and makes eye contact, Ren waves and beckons her to come over.
The two of them freeze for a moment, looking to the Dark Elf slowing down her pace to match them. They can't help her name from rolling off their tongues, "El...za?". Ren, "that's what I said". Elza pulls up beside Ren, "what's going on?". Ren, "these guys don't believe I'm King of the Dark Elves". Elza looks towards the men, pausing for a second before reaching for her sword, " shall we cut them down?". The two recoil at the threat, Ren quickly stepping in, "relax, she's only joking".
The two look at Elza once more, her ominous smile making them quake. Ren motions with his hand, "calm down, Elza. You're scaring them". Elza takes her hand of her sword to reach over and flick Ren in the side of the head, "I'm still annoyed at you". Despite wanting to roll on the ground in pain, Ren bares it with a forced smile as best he can. His reaction only makes the other two fear Elza more.
Elza's attention returns to the other two, "so, what's going on?". Cody and Ben exchange looks of desperation, silently pleading for the other to talk. Cody quickly gives in as to not wear on Elza's patience, "em...are you actually the Queen of the Dark Elves? You're, em...here without any escorts or anything...". Elza, "do you think any Dark Elf would get away without any consequences impersonating their Queen?". Cody, "...probably not". Elza, "well there's your answer. You're either talking to the Queen or can get an award for turning me in".
Sensing the annoyance in her voce, Cody can only find the situation he's in as nothing but scary. He quickly bows his head, "I apologise. I didn't hear that the Dark Elves had a new King", Ben also following Cody's lead. Ren takes his hand away from the side of his head, "it only happened a few days ago, so it's no surprise. I don't blame you". Elza, "we did set off immediately, so there was no time for news to travel. That or the Demon spies are slacking".
Ren turns fully to Elza, "apparently, they have a sister who sought asylum and was taken in by the Dark Elves. Would they be able to go and stay with her?". Elza, "seeking asylum is pretty rare. It happens only a handful of times a year, so I deal with them personally". Ren, "her legs are broken. She probably also had a little girl with her. A human girl". Elza doesn't even need to try and remember them, "ah, them. I remember them vividly. The child wanted to stay and take care of the Wolf-kin girl instead of going back to her homeland". Cody, "that has to be them!".
Elza, "she works at an inn in the capital because she said she could cook. I'll ask one of the guards to take you them once we get there and process the paperwork". A voice that was not participating in the conversation until now surprises them, Zack, "we appreciate it". Cody, "Aniki, you're awake!". Zack, "it's hard to stay unconscious when it's so loud". Ben, "please don't move too much. We're almost at the church, where we will be able to better treat you". Zack, "I couldn't move much if I wanted to, idiot".
Ren, "you're pretty capable, taking on all those people by yourself". Zack, "the staff weren't any trouble. It was the bodyguards that were tough, but that doesn't matter anymore. I got retribution, so it's over". Ren, "I heard what happened. I understand why you did what you did. Your actions today helped us and all the people behind us". Zack clicks his tongue, "I figured this sentimental idiot would blab". Cody, "they're helping us! it was the least I could do".
Zack goes quiet for a couple of seconds, almost not wanting to put it into words, "if you're here, that means Cairon died". Ren is caught off guard by the sudden slap of reality, "...yeah". Cody is even more caught off by the unexpected declaration, "WAIT, WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! Cairon's dead?". Zack, "that's what he just said, idiot". Cody scrambles on his seat, "I mean, how? Why?". Ren doesn't hide the truth, the thought to do so not occurring to him, which he will beat himself up over later for, "he killed himself". Cody is rightfully even more confused now, "HIMSELF??? WHAT DO YOU MEAN?".
Ren, "he said it was the only way to protect his kids and the innocent people in town. The Demon King was holding them hostage to keep Cairon chained down...", I'm an idiot! His sacrifice will go to waste if this gets out, "I'm swearing you guys to secrecy about this information". Zack, "don't worry about that. We became two of Cairon's closest subordinates. He thought up a lot of plans, and we even helped make a few of them...this was one of them, as unlikely as we thought it would be... How was his last moments?". Ren can feel the anguish in his voice, "they were admirable. He breathed his last with his family by his side...I liked the guy, even if I just met him. I believe we could have been friends if things had been different".
Zack, "he had that effect on people. I see...so he was with his brats." Cody looks like his world has just ended, "I don't get it though! I know he made those plans, but...but...I never thought my idea would come to pass, not like this. Why would he do it? He loved those two too much to leave them. Why...". Ren puts an arm on Cody's soldier as he trots alongside the carriage, "because I will defeat the Demon King. I was going to anyway, but he decided to bet on me", I'll make that a winning bet, no matter what, Cairon.
The group goes quiet for a couple of seconds due to them trying to process what they heard. Cody wishes he could be reassured by Ren, but nothing anyone says at this moment will take away the pain. Zack cuts through the silence in annoyance, "shut up you moanbag. Cairon decided to do it. He thought this way was the best decision. Accept it like a man". Zack's reprimand does little for anyone, even himself. Elza sees it as an opportunity to break away from the topic, "we can see the church, just down this slope. We'll be there in a flash".
They quickly arrive at the church, Ren's group silent the rest of the way. A nun comes out to see what's going on with two guards, her white and black attire elegant compared to the nuns back in Ren's world. Ren and the girls approach her to explain the situation, Liza and Lorilay joining in behind Ren and Elza. The nun listens to their explanation eagerly, "I understand. You did well to bring them here, especially in one piece. We can get them all back to their homes, but it will take a bit of time. We don't have the resources to care of all of them at the moment".
Elza, "if you can send one of your staff members with our group, we'll send them back with all the necessary things you need". Nun, "sparing whatever you have would be very benevolent of you. Given the size of this group, I can't send an escort with you to protect our messenger in case a monster attacks. The one who goes with you will be able to request aid from our branches in the Dark Elves' Kingdom, so please protect them until then. I'll send Agnes with you. May God watch over you on your journey".
Ren and the girls go and prepare their horses, giving them feed and water while they wait. After a few minutes, a woman approaches them, "abbess Martha has explained the situation to me. I'm Agnus, a nun recently posted here. Normally, members of the church wouldn't be allowed to travel with travellers like this, but these are special circumstances. As long as I'm with you, the Demon races won't attack you", giving the group a thumbs up like she's doing them a huge favour.
Ren, I guess her outfit informs the Demons of who she is. It would be hard not to attract attention with the gaudy white and gold clothes...it hurts to look at. Makes me appreciate the modest habit back on Earth. I hope it doesn't attract monsters with its flashiness, "nice to meet you. I'm Ren. This is Liza, Lorilay, and Elza". Agnus, "its a please to meet you all, especially the Queen and King of the Dark Elves", giving them a deep bow. Ren, "you don't need to flatter us. If we leave now, we should be able to reach the capital at a good time tomorrow".
Agnus rises from her bow, "I'll go and prepare my things. It should only take a few minutes". A couple of seconds after she leaves, Ben shows up, "pardon the intrusion, you Majesties. One of us asked the church for some pen and paper. They took the liberty of taking down the details of all the people who were slaves. Rather than entrusting everything to the church, could I ask you to send word to our families that we're safe now? I apologise if I'm overstepping my place", he says while giving a bow.
Ren, I thought Liza said people don't need to bow, "no need to worry about that. Elza, is asking the Dark Elves for their help with this alright?". Elza, "I don't mind. I'll send it directly to my ambassador staying in the Human Capital through a reta...retas. They can take it from there". Ren can't but inquire to the unknown word upon hearing it, "reta?". Lorilay chimes in, "it's a bird that every country uses to send letters. They're plentiful, and highly intelligent, so they're great messenger birds". Ren, "so that's how you communicate in this world. Well, I don't see any problem with that if Elza's willing to do so". Ben bows as he hands over the paper, "thank you so much. My wives must have been worried sick. They'll be relieved once they hear I'm ok", Ben then leans in and whispers, "don't worry, I'll keep what you said a secret".
Having handed over the papers, Ben quickly makes himself scarce. Ren, ah, I forgot that Ben heard it too. Good thing he told me. But he bowed again...ah, it's probably because I'm foreign royalty. Human rules don't apply. Ren looks over the group of slaves as Ben returns to them, noticing something "I don't see any Elves among the people that were freed. And I hardly see any Dark Elves. It's mostly Humans".
Elza, "Dark Elves are known for their physical strength. I assume any that were caught were sent to places with mines or the like. And we are a tribe of warriors, so we typically fight to the death. Personally, I think highly of the women who were able to live through slavery, but I'd rather die than let anyone bar my husband touch me. I assume a lot committed suicide on that premise too. Plus, Dark Elves' bodies are more toned, making them less desirable than human women".
Ren struggles to digest her explanation, "oh...I see." Elza, "as for the Elves, it's more difficult to explain, but there's a special reason. They are also rare to catch, living up in the mountains with capable defences". Ren tries to shake off the gloom, "well, less slaves is all that matters. Now, why don't we address the elephant in the room", as he looks at Liza, clearly wanting to change the topic. Liza tilts her head, unsure why he's looking at her. Ren, "do you two have any opinions?". Lorilay and Elza in unison without skipping a beat, "I'm jealous". Ren flinches and looks at the both of them with exasperation, "I meant what we should do from now on!", that answers if Elza wants a baby or not.
Liza looks at the two, guilt creeping into her expression. Lorilay walks over to her, getting right up in her face, "what are you looking so sorry for? Trying to rub it in?". Liza, "no, not that. We were on a journey to defeat the Demon King. I didn't think I'd get pregnant this quickly. I thought a few months to a year would be the earliest it would happen. This throws everything off, just as we were getting started. It means that I can't travel with you guys anymore. You'll have to go on without me to find more comrades".
Ren, Lorilay, and Elza refute in unison, "not happening". Liza is rightly shocked at their response, "what do you mean? I can't continue on anymore", things were picking up in pace and were going so well that I feel like this couldn't have come at a worse time. Not that I didn't want it, but I wish we got some more comrades first...or maybe this is actually the ideal time? Lorilay, with an expression that says this is a given, "so we'll wait until you can". Liza, dumbfounded "why? Don't you know how long that will take?".
Elza, "we'll need as many people that can put up a fight as possible. We can't do a journey like we just did without you. This one was a once-in-a-lifetime fluke. There are few with your level of strength, so we can't just abandon you and hope someone else makes you redundant", not that I've seen you fight yet, but it's a given at this point. Lorilay side-eye's Elza, "did you have to put it so harshly?". Elza is genuinely confused by this, "what do you mean?". Lorilay sighs and turns her attention back to Liza, "don't mind her".
Liza shrugs it off, "it's not like I'm leaving forever, just a year or two". Ren, "I can't exactly leave you alone while your pregnant, or when you give birth, can I?", it's my kid too...I feel a pit in my stomach as I said that…reality hits like a bitch. Liza thinks for a couple of seconds but sees that they're all serious, "are you really sure? I would need to retrain my body after I give birth as well, so it will take a while". Ren, "of course I'm sure. I'll use the time to train, like we discussed before. I may be more capable than we initially thought I would be, but I'm not capable of defeating the Demon King just yet".
Lorilay, "if Ren still needs training, then we all do too. Also, I couldn't leave you by yourself during the pregnancy. We should all stick together, that's what friends are for". Elza, "the Dark Elves know the importance of having a child, so that is the top priority, even over defeating the Demon King...just a little. But while you're out of commission, we can scout out possible talents and make a more concrete plan on how we should proceed. I will not allow a repeat of today to happen again".
Ren goes and takes her hands into his, "so there you have it. No more discussion about us continuing on without you". Liza is stunned silent for a couple of seconds before returning Ren's hand embrace, "if you guys are so insistent about it, I won't say anything more. Thank you, everyone, I really have some good sister wives...and a good life partner". Ren, "yes you do, even if we aren't married yet. The question is, what should we do in the immediate future?". The group enters into deep thought, but Liza quickly offers a course of action, "...we should probably go back to my parents. There would be a massive uproar if they found out later rather than sooner. They can also provide the best care for...everything".
Ren, "I don't have any problems with that. Does this mean you will finally tell us who you are? Since we'll be meeting your parents, it's also sooner or later. I'm curious about your last name in particular". Liza takes a deep breath, resolving to explain everything, but Elza interrupts her before she can, "if she's been so against it till now, she won't tell us until the last second, right?", as she gives Liza a wink. Just then, Cody walks up, clearly nervous, "sorry to interrupt, but would it be ok to take a minute of your time...your Majesties?", giving them an awkward bow.
Elza, "yes, you can. Be at ease". Cody, "thank you. We heard you are about to leave soon, so I just wanted to thank you for all that you've done". Ren, "it's no problem, really". Elza, "I'll have one of the guards who will be in the convoy show you to where your sister is when you get to the capital. I'll also take care of the asylum procedures for both of you". Cody bows profusely, "we can't thank you enough. I hope we can be of use to you in your country".
Elza, "don't worry about that, just focus on yourselves. Life isn't easy for those who seek Asylum. Ren will take care of the Demon King in the future, so relax and focus on your family". Ren, "what she said". Cody raises his head, thanking them once more before walking back to his brother. After another minute or so of waiting, Agnes returns with her horse and luggage, "I'm ready to go when you are, your Majesties". Ren sighs internally from being called that so openly once again, I'm used to bowing, but not the 'your Majesty' part, "lets go then", and they set off to return to the Dark Elves' capital.