"Oh, I am sadden that you did not visit me, your older brother, first."
"Brother... Please, stop being annoying..." Alfred was exasperated by the overdramatic performance. "I know I was at fault for not coming straight to you after arriving, but I did send a letter saying I will be staying overnight at the Count's mansion."
"Ah, to think that my younger brother relegates my existence just to a piece of paper, how sad."
"You do know that is not the intention; stop making it sound worse than it actually is."
"However, this big brother of yours truly understand. Between this unloved big brother and this beautiful lady who is his first love, I can see why you would choose to stay with her rather than with me."
"For your information, we sleep in separate room! It is still too early for that!" Alfred's face turned beet-red as he retorted. "Enough already, you are being rude to Scarlet!"
Scarlet, who had accompanied Alfred to visit his older brother, similarly, wore a redden expression that she tried to hide by looking downwards. "It's fine Alfred. This is a rather informal visit anyway."
"Hahaha, my apologies for the act. I cannot help it, but to tease him a little. As you have known, I am Alfred's older brother, the heir to the Bisconti House, Alfonse Aneto Bisconti." With a swift and sharp motion, Alfonse gave a proper greeting towards Scarlet. "Welcome to the Bisconti family mansion in the capital. This is where I reside while attending the knight academy. Thank you for visiting."
"Likewise, I am grateful for the welcome. I am Scarlet Fragos and I am currently an adventurer." Scarlet bowed elegantly while pinching the hem of her skirt. "Thank you for inviting me to this wonderful mansion."
"Hm mm, be at ease. This is, as you have said, an informal visit, so please, make yourself comfortable. Unlike those prideful and strict nobles, I would much rather you speak in a relax manner."
"Thank you for your generosity."
Scarlet and Alfred were led by Alfonse to the dining room where warm tea and meals were served by the maids. The trio were happily chatting over breakfast as they discussed mundane subjects. The sun had fully shown itself and as the first bell rung across the metropolis, Alfonse stood up and got his equipment ready.
"I will be departing to the knight academy now. You 2 can stay and rest a little longer." Alfonse walked towards the carriage. "Oh, Alfred, perhaps you can show her around the estate before your audience with the emperor."
The carriage departed south, closer to the inner layer where several prestigious schools were built with their various focuses.
"Well, I know it is a little late but, I apologise for my brother's overdramatic actions."
"That apologies should not have come from you. Even so, it is not something worth apologising for anyway; he is of a higher ranking than I am."
"That is very generous of you milady, but ranks does not matter when it comes to respect."
"I guess respect goes both ways... but he made it obvious that it is a mere jest. Also, the subject of the teasing is you, not me."
"Well, my big brother has a penchant for teasing similar to lady Marion, so I am a little afraid of you reacting the same way..."
"Hey, I am not that dumb. Marion is special and I have gotten permission from her family."
"Hahaha, if that is the case, perhaps I should give you the same kind of permission for my brother." Alfred offered his hand to Scarlet, which Scarlet graciously took. "Let me show you around a little, we have about an hour before having to return to the Count's estate."
***
"We will now be departing to the inner district in order to have an audience with the emperor. I would suggest that all of you be in your best behaviour and watch your etiquettes." Count Ponterim turned his head towards a ministerial officer and nodded his head. "We are ready. Please lead the way."
The officer bowed with respect before mounting his decorated horse bearing the symbol of the royal family. Aria, Scarlet and Marion hopped on to their steeds and followed closely behind the carriage of Count Ponterim which Alfred and Riinol boarded. Several royal knights on horses followed by surrounding them, escorting the entire party while holding on to the flags which also bore the symbol of the royal family.
As the entire group neared the gate, the towering presence of the wall imposed the power and authority of the empire. The heavy knights guarding the gate were more intimidating in size and were decorated with the finest equipment of the empire. The security checks were extremely stringent, but with the ministerial officer bearing the emperor's invitation, they were treated with respect and were allowed to pass without much issue.
After passing through the gate corridor, the scenery changed with decorative statues popping around the well-maintained garden. The roads were properly cleaned with almost no visible snow accumulating. Workers in proper winter uniforms could be seen tending to the pavement and the various plants dotting along the side of the pavement. The road was winding from side to side as it curved on a gentle upward slope.
"The road seems very inefficient. Why does it need to turn left followed by a long upward stretch and then turn around to the right, followed by another long stretch of road? It is not as if the height difference is big enough to warrant such a long winded pathway."
"Huh, Aria, you do not know?" Marion rode closer to Aria as they made their way up the last stretch of road. "This is the remnant from the warring period before the official founding of the empire. The city state of Elsyrium was under constant threat and as such, they built this massive wall to repel invaders and these long winding road is just another delay tactic that forces the enemies run in a straight line, making them easy target for arrows. In addition, since it is along way up, the invaders would get tired, lowering their combat prowess if they ever got to the top."
"Heh... That is very clever, but it would be useless with wind magics that allow them to fly over, earth magics that can re-structure the roads to create shortcuts or even fire magics that can propel oneself up."
"That is a good question... I guess those who could wield magics were rare during that time period and that most militias consisted of common people who do not have any magic or great aptitudes to be a big threat."
"Make sense..."
After reaching the next checkpoint where they had to pass another wall that, albeit smaller, also loomed over them at 10 meters tall. Passing through the steel gate, mansions and towering buildings greeted them with splendor. They passed through several buildings where nobles in luxurious clothing were seen walking from places to places, seemingly busy with their works. Knights on heavy armours and horses patrolled the entire area.
After a while, a large and beautiful marbled statue depicting a 4 winged and 4 faced man that poured fresh water into a large pool was erected in the middle of an open plaza. Tables and chairs were set up, surrounding the fountain, and people could be seen enjoying their meals while taking in the great view of the fountain. Several servers walked over the stone bridges that went above the street towards the middle area while carrying plates of dishes to the customers.
The ministerial officer led the group around the fountain and traveled underneath several stone bridges to exit the plaza, entering another area with rows of buildings seemingly radiating out from the center of the city. At a distance, the group could see the majestic castle standing tall with grandeur; the center of all power across the empire sat atop a small hill, surrounded by large patches of garden where workers cleaned out the snow. The castle was intricate with several wings and areas spreading out in multiple layer
While travelling towards the castle, Aria noticed a large body of water flowing from east to west, cutting through several sections of the southern part of the castle that were located on the ground level. Several large waterwheels were turning with the flow of the river, carrying water up onto 2 massive reservoirs located at the upstream, before the castle, and downstream of the river, after the castle. Aqueducts connected to these reservoir ran across the garden and into the rows of buildings. Aria remembered the fountain with the Cherubim statue and deduced that the water must have come from these reservoirs, giving the illusion that the Angelos that represented the element of water was gifting water to the people.
"The architecture of the capital is ridiculous. I am actually intimidated with how grand the innermost area is."
"I share your sentiment, Aria. Imagine being a merchant daughter and was invited to this very castle at only 4 years old. The sense of awe and grandeur surpassed any other places I've ever been to, and as of today, it still has not been surpassed."
"Haha, that is actually impressive, Scarlet. I can barely remember anything when I was brought here at the same age as you. All I remember was the magnificent appearances of the royal knights."
"I guess, that is when you start to admire knights huh, Marion." Scarlet watched the royal knights escorting them and nodded in understanding. "I can't help, but to agree with you that they do look incredibly impressive."
The northern entrance of the castle was heavily guarded where the ministerial officer had to dismount and went through the proper procedure to be allowed entry. After a detailed check, the ministerial officer mounted back and led the group into the passageway that eventually opened up to a large courtyard surrounded by walls of buildings. Multiple windows dotted the entire walls at every levels, overlooking the courtyard.
"This felt a little eerie." Aria, having reached the destination, dismounted and a stableman took care of her horse. "It is as if we are being watched from all directions."
"You have quite the sense." Marion followed closely behind Aria. "The design also originates from the time before the Empire where if the front gate was breached, the enemies would be exposed in the courtyard once they got out of that tunnel. Then, archers would be pelting them from those windows, essentially making this courtyard an execution ground."
"I see... The system must be so effective that even now, royal knights are monitoring for any sign of danger from those windows. As one would expect from the security system of the empire's royal castle."
Several workers were tasked with transporting the monsters materials to a nearby storage facility as instructed by the ministerial officer. The Count and his companions were led to a waiting room after several flights of clockwise winding stairs and long passages. Servants brought out refreshments of tea, pastries and cheeses from the guests to enjoy while several knights held on to their equipment, keeping them safe.
After waiting for several minutes, a knock was heard and a royal knight entered after being given permission. "Count Ponterim, the emperor is ready to meet you."
"I thank you for the great news." Riinol stood up and dusted off some of the pastry crumbs on his coat. "All of you, remember to be respectful and follow the greetings as practiced."
""""Understood.""""
The guests were greeted by a butler who bowed to the Count and respectfully led them towards a large wooden door, decorated with a sword and shield insignia on the right, while the left door was decorated with an 8 pointed star. The butler told the guests to wait in front of the door while he entered through a small door located further down; likely an inconspicuous way to enter and informed the emperor of the guests' arrival.
After a while, the door opened inward by 2 royal knights, each on the left and right sides. An announcer shouted at the top of his lung to announce the presence of the incoming guests. "Announcing the arrival of Count Ponterim and his entourages!"
Riinol took the lead and entered with steady steps before the others followed closely behind; the gazes of the high-ranked nobles and those holding ministerial positions pierced at them. Along the laid red carpet, their footsteps where silenced and a heavy atmosphere came crashing down at them. At the end of the large hallway, a large throne atop a stage loomed over the crowd; imposing its authority.
Riinol stopped at around 10 meters from the throne and knelt while keeping his head down, avoiding direct eye-contact with the most-powerful figure in the Empire. Aria, Marion, Scarlet and Alfred followed suit, but they knelt a step behind the Count.
"You may all lift your head." A strong and dignified voice echoed within the chamber. "You may all speak your names."
Riinol was the first to lift his head before the rest followed. His gaze fell upon a gallant figure sitting upon the throne: the Emperor of the Coronamars Empire, Sirius Sekhmet Tyr Mars. The golden eyes with hues of red stared upon them with the pressure of a fighter while his dark blonde hair was neatly combed back and an ornate crown rested upon his head.
"Riinol Sur Ponterim. The current head of the Ponterim House and the bearer of the title of Count of the glorious Coronomars Empire."
"Marion Els Savion. The daughter of the current head of the Savion House who bear the title of Marquis of the glorious Coronamars Empire."
"Alfred Aster Bisconti. The son of the current head of the Bisconti House who bear the title of Earl of the glorious Coronamars Empire."
"Scarlet Fragos. A citizen of the glorious Coronamars Empire."
"Aria. A citizen of the glorious Coronamars Empire."
Sirius carefully examined the 5 guests and rested his head upon his right hand. "I have read the reports that you gave, Count Ponterim, and I used to think that it is unbelievable. However, the very fact that Earl Sultier presented the carcasses of those new beasts, it would make your report much more believable."
"I thank you for your magnanimity in reading my humble reports despite your busy schedule. I have brought with me several more carcasses of the new beasts and the equipment made from them."
"In that case, let me see them."
As soon as the emperor decreed his wish, the butler exited the hall and motioned with his right hand. A group of knights pulled in several carts into the midst of the hall for everybody to witness. Count Ponterim rose and walked towards the carcasses.
"Your majesty, as you can see, these are creatures that we have no records of, and if I am permitted, some of them exhibit bizarre characteristics unlike any we have seen; especially this creepy beast that was terrorising my County."
"I have read about it. Khezu, if I recall correctly." Sirius rose and walked towards the carts while telling the rest to ease up, allowing them to stand up. "This blind creature roam in the dark chambers of caves, paralysing its prey with electricity before devouring them whole. The equipment made out of this beast, can it generate lightning?"
"Yes, it can, your majesty." Riinol motioned his hand towards Aria. "This young lady is the origin of all the knowledge and skills to forge and fight against these invaders."
"I have heard." The Emperor approached Aria, towering over her with his massive frame and a battle-hardened aura, signaling his vast experiences on the battlefields. "I know about you, young lady."
A bead of sweat rolled down Aria's forehead. "Your majesty... I..."
"I have no interest in the affair of a noble house. As long as it does not interfere with the national policy, they have the autonomy to do whatever they desire. However, I do feel it is a little pitiful: letting go such talented girl to be an adventurer. What do you think about joining the royal knight order once you are 15 years old?"
The audiences buzzed in whisper over the generous offer from the Emperor.
"Um... I... My apologies, but this offer is too sudden..."
"What is this insolence!?"
"How ungrateful!"
"The Emperor has shown you such generosity and yet, to refuse!"
Sirius raised his hand to signal the audiences to quiet down. "Every single subjects of the Empire should be treated with respect, for they are all children of our Lord. I may be the emperor, and I may move her according to my will, but in the eyes of our Lord, she has her own soul, her own will, her own desire, those are all for her to keep."
The Emperor walked back to his throne and sat. "When the war was over nearly 5 years ago, I thought peace would blanket the empire for several decades. However, the presence of these invaders would warrant another war, a war against nature itself. Do any of you have opinions, suggestions or even solutions?"
The crowd buzzed with discussions as they contemplated about the next best possible actions. Aria, Scarlet, Marion and Alfred bunched together, finding comfort among themselves with familiarity. Several nobles approached Riinol in order to get a clearer picture of the happenings back in Ponterim County.
"Your majesty, if I may." A tall noble man stood out from the crowd and walked towards the emperor. "I, and a few others are in the opinion to gather up the army and fight against these beasts. We are the center of this continent, the center of the world, the strongest empire and the divine protector of Sol; we command authority that others cannot hope to match."
"In other words, you suggest that we prepare as if we will be fighting another war."
"Indeed, your majesty. We will hunt down as many of those monsters and craft equipment out of them. Lord Flare has blessed us with the chosen one and those who bear the mark of Angelos. In addition, our nation is a pool of talents, commanders, knights and soldiers who had left their remarkable achievements in the past battles. We will conquer the nature, the same way that we have done with the lands and seas."
The whole crowd murmured and a few nobles stepped out to voice their agreement. The proud nobles of the Coronamars Empire prided themselves as warriors who fought valiantly on the battlefields and the act of running away was seen as cowardly. The vast majority of the ministers and nobles were vying for wars in order to strengthen the empire as a whole, placing their beloved nation as the true ruler of the world.
The Emperor raised his hand to control the heated crowd. "I have heard your opinions and suggestions. I am of the same thought as the majority of you. However, it will put a huge burden on the citizens of the Empire to provide large supplies for the military. We are still in the recovery phase."
"The proud citizens of the Empire would be willing to put down their lives on the line for the military. The lives of the citizens will be the one at risk with the appearance of these new monsters and that can be the reason to increase their support for the military." The noble representative boldly walked towards the middle of the walkway and turned towards the crowd. "Our Empire is the strongest on the continent and possibly even in the entire world; we will showcase our strength to our neighbours by taking down as many of these foul beasts! We will craft as many equipment from their carcasses and proudly wear them as a symbol that we are the master of the world!"
Cheers of support erupted in the assembly hall as they shouted out their proud heritage of being a conqueror. Several nobles who had served in the military were eager to venture out once again into the battlefield, ready to earn glory by taking down as many monsters as they could. Their pride and greed knew no bound.
"Little miss." Sirius changed his gaze towards Aria. "What is your opinion? Did Lord Flare blessed you with more information?"
Aria was little startled. "Your majesty, I am afraid, it is not my position to comment."
"Save the formality. I am asking, not as a king, but as a believer of Lord Flare. Speak your mind, I will not blame you for anything."
"Aria, please." Riinol approached Aria after slipping away from the riled up crowd. "That burden of knowledge, we would like for you to share it. As Duchess Grania had said, you are given the same authority as the Angelos and it is your duty to spread those powers and knowledge to those you can trust. You can trust us, trust the Empire and its citizens, for we will share and walk the path that is given to us through you."
Aria blinked as she gazed upon the sincere eyes of the Count. "...In that case, I will convey all that I know and make a rather radical suggestion."
"Your majesty." Aria bowed towards Sirius before looking up in determination. "I propose creating a branch of the military to combat these monsters and that they will be responsible for monitoring the ecology of the world while dispatching personnel to take down the monsters."
"Hoh... Is our current military system insufficient?"
"! My apologies, I do not mean any disrespect. However, I think that a guild similar to the adventurer's guild will be a great addition to the military prowess of the Empire. I think that in the near future, the appearance of these news monsters will increase in frequency and there is a need for a system to respond to such threats. The current system of the Empire's army is build upon war against other nations; in other words, against humans. However, we are currently facing a crisis that comes, not from human politics, but from the chaotic temperament of nature itself."
"Your majesty, I am in agreement with that suggestion." The noble representative stood beside Aria. "Establishing another branch of the military with the Chosen One as a symbol to fight against these beasts would greatly garner support from the populace, and will also strengthen the beliefs of our Sol religion. The churches all over the Empire and the Grand Papacy in the South will definitely throw resources to our cause, including their treasured light magic warriors. Thus, is my opinion, your majesty."
"Wait, wait Duke Baikal; doing so would be an insult to our military system that has led us to countless victories. Our current military is built upon speed and competency of the commanders to circumnavigate the enemies and it has proven useful even against hordes of monsters."
"Against many local monsters. The monsters we are going to be dealing with are not of this world. Have you not read the reports? Have you not seen these monsters' remains? They are far larger and mystical than any beasts we have had records of. They are akin to dragons from myths and legends. In fact, these young ladies had come face to face against such calamitous beast."
"..."
"Your majesty, the Duchy of Baikal will fully support the effort to take down these monsters; including the making of a guild focusing on hunting these beasts." The Duke of Baikal bowed towards the Emperor. "Miss Aria, I look forward to working with you."
"Yes, likewise, and thank you for the support."
"The Duchy of Charme will also support the war effort against these foul beasts." A beautiful lady adorned in colourful jewels stepped out of the crowd. "I apologise on my father's behalf for he is busy with issues back in the duchy. As his eldest daughter, I, Rosa Spina Charme, will speak on behalf of the head of the Charme House."
Marion, who saw the lady courteous manner, gulped with a little bead of sweat. Her eyes met Rosa's and was wavering as the latter gave out smile.
Rosa gracefully bowed and faced the entire crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, to all the nobles of the proud Coronamars Empire, should we let these foul beasts stain the sceneries of our beautiful nation? These ugly creatures do not belong in this world and Lord Flare has bestowed upon us the power to solve this crisis; through her, the Chosen One, we will vanquish them from our gorgeous land! The knowledge that she has, must be an oracle from the God. As a devout follower of Sol, what right do we have to question what Lord Flare has given us?"
Many other noble houses and ministers looked at each other before voicing their support, rallying behind the 2 duchies and the Emperor who agreed to Aria's suggestion.
"Hm, long time no see, miss Marion." Rosa stepped closer to Marion. "How is Manifique? I hope he is doing well and thriving back in the Savion Marquisate."
"Thank you for your well wishes. My brother is doing very well."
"My my, of course he is; what a silly question from me. I do beg your pardon. Afterall, a man of such beauty and marvel can never be weighed down by mere inconvenience. As expected of my fiancee." Rosa's red eyes turned sharp as she flicked back her side bang. "You, on the other hand, how could you do that to your brother? Running away from home and causing him no less of a worry. He was stressed, trying to find you across the vast land of the Empire. Oh, that poor man, he had creases upon his dazzling brows that tainted his beauty."
Marion was really taken aback from the overdramatic description of her brother. "That, umm... I apologise for the trouble I have caused."
"You ought to be, you naughty girl." Rosa let out a sigh and gave Marion a light knock on her head. "You are of a noble birth of this Empire, try to behave like one and fulfil your duty."
"Sigh, understood."
"I have heard enough." Sirius raised his hand again to gather the attention. "I will approve of the creation of a military branch specialising in handling these otherworldly beasts. We will gather as many capable individuals, including blacksmiths, to hunt, gather and craft equipment out of these monsters. Miss Aria."
"Yes, your majesty."
"I beseech you to give out your knowledge and prowess to the Empire. Protect this nation, protect its populace, protect this world from the invaders."
"Your majesty, that is a given, as someone who had been bestowed with power and knowledge from our Lord, I, together with my companions, will pave a way out of the impending crisis."
"That is a relieve to hear. Now then, we will discuss the next step we shall take." Sirius beckoned a man to come up on the podium. "Prime minister Avari, you are to oversee the development of the proposed guild, ensure that we have enough budget and manage the domestic market so as not to put too much of a burden to the populace."
"As you command, your majesty."
"I will send letters to our neighbouring nations as well, warning them about future crisis that will befell upon this land." Sirius looked at Riinol. "Count Ponterim, I will also issue a warning to them, at your behest, to forbid entry on the land of Niflheim."
"I thank you for your graciousness your majesty."
"Miss Aria, what do you propose to name this new branch of the military."
"Yes, your majesty. Based on the knowledge bestowed upon me, I propose to name it Hunter's Guild."
"Ho... That is a good name, simple and yet meaningful to its purpose." The Emperor rose from his seat. "Upon my name, Sirius Sekhmet Tyr Mars, I declare the founding of the Hunter's Guild!"
Cheers of agreement erupted as the crowd became determined to make a name for themselves. The heated atmosphere lasted for a while, only to be interrupted by an exhausted knight who barged in through the main door.
"Your majesty, I apologise for the insolence, but I deliver an urgent news!"
The air turned sharp as the crowd paid close attention to the knight who passed the letter to the butler. The butler walked up to the podium and passed the wax-sealed letter to the Emperor. He handed over a small letter knife which Sirius took and cut the seal, opening the letter and taking out its content. As he read, his eyes turned sharper and his forehead creased with wrinkles.
"Sigh, this is unbelievable."
"Your majesty...?"
"Take a look yourself, primer minister."
"... This...!"
"Yes, I thought that monster currently residing at Niflheim is already ridiculous, this one is estimated to be more than twice the size."
Aria, who overheard the Emperor, widened her eyes in disbelief. "Your majesty, may I?"
"Yes." Sirius motioned the primer minister to hand the letter over to Aria. "A creature was seen walking amongst the hilly plain in Coteau Viscounty."
"That is, just south of the capital.." Duke Baikal mumbled with sweat dripping down his head.
"That creature is walking straight, heading towards Elsyrium. It has reddish colouration and is walking on all 4 legs. A creature of gargantuan proportion that the earth shook with every steps it took. Viscount Coteau, who wrote the report, describe it as a walking mountain, covered in rusted armour that seems to be soaked with blood. A walking disaster that destroyed everything on its path."
Aria's face hardened after she read the letter. Marion, Scarlet, Alfred and Rosa who happened to be nearby approached her, trying to figure out the dreadful content of the letter.
"Miss Aria, care to elaborate." Rosa peeked around the crowd who had grown restless.
"It is the Old Mountain Dragon, Lao-Shan Lung."