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Chapter 66: Alliances and Unexpected Guests
Morning light filtered through the tall windows, painting soft gold light across the bed. Varion lay on his back with one arm wrapped around Prinz, holding her close. While she was tucked against his chest, her head resting just beneath his chin, her long silver-white hair spilling over his skin. The sheets covered them, but the warmth of her bare body pressed against his was clear beneath it.
Prinz stirred slowly. She made a small, content sound and nuzzled closer before tilting her head up. Her golden eyes were still heavy with sleep when she looked at him.
"Good morning," she murmured.
"Morning," Varion answered quietly.
She stretched once, then pushed herself up on one elbow. The sheet slipped lower with the movement revealing a large amount of skin.
"Come on," she said, suddenly more awake. "I want to have breakfast with my parents. And you're coming with me."
Before Varion could even respond she grabbed his hand and tugged him out of bed.
The dining room was warm and bright when they arrived. Isolde was already seated, and Erald sat beside her with his arms crossed. The moment Varion stepped through the doorway, both parents looked up.
Isolde's face lit up with genuine relief. She stood quickly and came around the table to pull Varion into a brief, warm hug.
"I'm so glad to see you up and moving," she said, squeezing his arms gently. "We were told you would recover, but seeing it for myself is better."
Varion awkwardly patted her back and looked at Prinz, his look screaming for help which was ignored by her, as she covered her mouth hiding a giggle.
After Isolde returned to Erald's side at the table. He gave Varion a long death glare as if wishing to erase him here and now.
"You slept in the same bed as my daughter," he grumbled.
Isolde immediately elbowed him in the side without looking. Hard.
Erald made a small, pained sound and wisely shut his mouth.
Prinz ignored them both and pulled Varion to the table. The food was simple but well-made, and for a while they ate in comfortable silence. Isolde asked about how he was feeling and getting to know him in general, while Erald mostly glared at his plate and occasionally shot dark looks at Varion when he thought no one was watching.
After some time, Erald cleared his throat.
"Empress Elmesia asked that you come speak with her once you were awake and ready," he said. "She said it was somewhat important."
Prinz glanced at Varion. "I'll go with him."
"No," Erald said immediately. "She asked for him specifically. Alone."
Prinz opened her mouth to argue, but Isolde placed a hand on her arm and shook her head slightly. Prinz closed her mouth, clearly unhappy but relented.
Varion gave her hand a small squeeze under the table.
"I'll be fine," he said quietly.
She looked at him for a moment, then nodded.
The meeting room was smaller than Varion expected. Warm wooden wall, tall windows, and a simple round table. Elmesia was already waiting, dressed in a deep green gown. She smiled when he entered, though it was more serious than her usual expression.
"Varion," she greeted, gesturing for him to sit. "I'm glad you're recovered. I won't waste your time with pleasantries."
She waited until he was seated before continuing.
"I wanted to speak with you privately about the possibility of an alliance between Tempest and Sarion," she said. "Not a public one, Not yet atleast, that would cause more trouble for you then help at this point in time. But something we can begin building quietly. Sarion has resources and knowledge that could be valuable to a growing nation like Tempest. And Tempest's growing strength and connections are slowly drawing attention. An alliance makes sense, especially with the world shifting as quickly as it is and will doing more so as the knowledge of your existence becomes more and more known."
Varion listened carefully. He had expected something like this eventually, but hearing it laid out so directly still felt different.
Elmesia studied him for a moment, then leaned back slightly in her chair.
"Of course," she added, her tone shifting to something more casual, "once you and Prinz are married, we can make the alliance public without raising too many questions. It would be the natural next step after all."
Varion went still
He stared at her for a second, caught completely off guard by how casually she had said it. Elmesia noticed his reaction. A small, knowing smile touched her lips.
"You seem surprised."
"I… wasn't aware that was already decided, not that I'm against it in any way. I love Prinz. It's just a little surprising, " Varion said carefully.
Elmesia's expression softened.
"The Hero's Egg alone made it clear to Prinz's parents and to me, that you are, at your core, good," she said. "That matters more than most people realize. A Hero's Egg doesn't go to those who are evil in nature. From what I've seen and what I've been told, you've already proven yourself through your actions. Prinz's parents see that. I see that."
She let the words settle before changing the subject.
"Now, about the wider world…"
They spoke for a while about the major powers. Elmesia listed them clearly, the Eastern Empire, the Armed Nation of Dwargon which Tempest was allied with, the Demon Lord territories, and others. When she reached the Holy Empire of Lubelius, she paused.
"You should probably stop by there at some point," she said. "Have a proper conversation with their leader. Luminous Valentine is… complicated, but she's one of the oldest beings alive."
"Also getting the approval of the church would be a massive step forward for your country to be able to do business with others. The church has a lot of influence and its approval would show that your country is safe to deal with, with it being a country of monsters and new as it is. That would be a significant help."
"Also since you have a Hero's Egg, she may have insights that even I don't. She has deep knowledge of holy energy and spiritual vessels. She has also had dealings with heroes in the past so she will know things that might be useful to you and your progression."
Varion considered that for a moment.
"You think she would actually speak with me?"
Elmesia nodded.
"She's curious by nature. And a Dragonoid carrying a Hero's Egg is… unusual, to say the least. She would likely want to meet you simply out of interest. Politically, it would also be beneficial. A connection between you and Lubelius, even a small one, would strengthen yours and Sarion's position as well."
Varion was quiet for a few seconds.
"I'll think about it," he said finally.
Elmesia smiled, satisfied.
Before she could continue, the air in the room suddenly warped.
A woman appeared directly in the center of the room without any warning. She had long, elegant silver hair and carried herself with the effortless grace of someone who had lived far too long to care about normal manners. She completely ignored Elmesia, her golden eyes locked onto Varion as she began walking slow circles around him.
She reached out and poked his shoulder. Then his arm. Then she pressed a hand lightly against his chest, magic flickering faintly at her fingertips.
"This magicule signature…" she muttered, half to herself. "It's far too close to Lord Veldanava's. Even more so than Milim Nava's…"
She suddenly paused. A visible shudder ran through her body at the mention of Milim's name. She shook it off a second later and continued, her tone turning more analytical.
"But there's something else mixed in… something familiar, yet different. How is this possible? A Dragonoid carrying the Star Dragon King's presence so strongly, while also holding a Hero's Egg… The world really does enjoy its contradictions."
Varion stood very still, confused but polite enough not to push her away.
Elmesia let out a long, suffering sigh from her seat.
"Mother," she said, voice flat with irritation. "Please get out of his personal space. It's very rude. You haven't even introduced yourself."