Stephen suddenly woke up and saw Melora petting the snake as it hissed. It was an odd sight, but he did not care. He moved to her side and instantly started a diagnostic as he yelled some words. The door opened as Arthur and May entered. They slowly bowed in front of her; more people came in and followed suit, except for Stephen, who was preoccupied.

  “We greet the Grand Duchess of Credoa.”

  Melora stared at them as she gently nudged Stephen away with a smile. As she was about to get up, she felt a sword next to her. She cleared the covers, and a sliver longsword was revealed. She stared at it, then fondly picked it up. She walked towards the group and raised her sword.

  “I, Melora Stormville, accept the new role as the Grand Duchess of Credoa. May I lead you all to a new age.”

  “Nos fortes sumus.”

  “Nos fortes sumus.”

  The soldiers and knights started to chant as they hit their chests, marking the rise of a new leader. After some time had passed, the soldiers and knights left, leaving behind Arthur, May, and Stephen, who all stared at Melora.

  “How long was I unconscious?”

  “For about a week. I will still need to do check-ups on your body just to make sure all is right.”

  Stephen was quite determined on that aspect, as Melora let out a small sigh.

  “Did you meet with the gods?”

  May eagerly asked as she stepped forward.

  “I met Osiris, the god of war.”

  May trembled as she made a silent prayer.

  “I felt his presence at the church, but the others did not believe me. This is truly a historic moment for Credoa. I will have to write everything down.”

  May exited the room, then returned once more with pieces of parchment and ink. She started to frantically write down everything she saw during that week and the days before that, creating a timeline. Melora was happy to tell her of the pne she was in and the fact that she met her ancestors. Arthur was more interested in the sword.

  “May I hold the longsword?”

  “I don’t mind, Arthur.”

  He carefully reached out for the sword but instantly felt great pain as he let go. His eyes widened in admiration. This was a weapon only the worthy could hold, a Stormville.

  Stephen, on the other hand, was concerned about the foreign entity within her. The weird mana was slowly growing to almost the size of a secondary magical crystal, which has never happened in the history of humankind.

  “Did you ingest anything weird while on your travels?”

  Stephen asked in a low voice filled with concern.

  “I did not eat it per se, but I was given a piece of the world tree.”

  “The world tree!!”

  All three screamed in unison.

  “You have been at the elven city?”

  “Yes, I was invited there by their Queen, an elf called Gena. They have left me with a valuable gift I would like to repay in kind.”

  The three looked at each other, sensing what her next words would be.

  “I would like to make changes in the ws regarding the creatures of the forest. This will include the seasonal monster subjugations we have been doing.”

  “Your Highness, if they are left unchecked, they can trample over entire cities!”

  Arthur was the first to oppose, with the rest following suit.

  “I agree with Sir Arthur. While they were caring to you, at the end of the day, they are just driven by their hunger.”

  Stephen knew very well about the characteristics of the monsters in the forest, and one thing was for sure: their need to survive overrode everything.

  “They are not some mindless beasts, Stephen. They are more than that, and we have reduced them to mere objects and tools.”

  They felt a rush of embarrassment after Melora scolded them, but the facts remained. It will be difficult to change not only their minds but an entire popution raised under those values.

  “I know it will be difficult, but the least we can do is try. We can’t also continue to fight them till the end of time if there is room for diplomacy, we should pursue it.”

  Arthur did agree with that notion. They expended so much of their budget on monster subjugation that they barely had anything for other equally important areas.

  “It may not be my pce, but I have a question.”

  Arthur slightly stepped forward.

  “You may proceed.”

  “Does this diplomacy involve the demons?”

  “Yes, it does. If they can unite under one voice, it will be easier to pursue diplomacy and potentially trade.”

  “Grand Duchess, if they do unite, they will pose a greater threat to humanity. If we side with them, how will the empire and other kingdoms perceive us? We might be beled as traitors. This will greatly affect Credoa and its people.”

  “I fear the General is right on this one, especially after what happened recently.”

  May spoke with a regretful voice as she nodded.

  “What happened exactly?”

  “A demon, human, and hydra wiped out four hundred soldiers and seven knights. They also left a stern warning not to intrude the forest. It has caused quite a big wave, with the surrounding kingdoms on high alert.”

  “That sounds like Adeline. I am gd she is alright.”

  Melora smiled for a brief moment.

  “As for your worries, I agree with them. We simply have to wait until they form their kingdom. The elves did hand me a crystal ball for communication, so we will secretly build retions until the time is right.”

  Arthur was content with the final resolution, as were the others. Scales slithered around Melora, affectionately rubbing her head. She had a rare smile on her face, something that warmed Stephen’s heart and calmed her mind.

  “I would also like to apologize for how I acted. A lot of people could have been hurt. For that, I apologize.”

  “No need for apologies, Your Highness. We all understand. Sometimes you just need to let things out.”

  Stephen held her hand with a bright smile, while the others nodded.

  “Arthur, I would like you to conduct a secret investigation on the nobles regarding the sale and purchase of other creatures and illegal contraband. I came with a prisoner; he should be of use. When you’re done with that, send spies into the empire. I want to know how they are controlling orcs.”

  “Controlling orcs? Hmm, that does sound concerning. I will assign the best spies, Your Highness.”

  “May, I would like you to visit other churches under the guise of a church activities. Assess their current climate and what actions they will take. It will be a useful bargaining card for the future.”

  “As you will, Your Highness.”

  “Stephen, call for a royal meeting. I want everyone to attend, especially Count Julius. Ever since this so-called ‘alliance,’ the nobles have gotten comfortable.”

  “I will arrange one promptly.”

  Stephen and May promptly left the room, leaving a hesitant Arthur who gave her a final wordless gnce. He knew the continent was entering a new era, and with that, it brings bloodshed, but he trusted Melora. In a sense, he was proud of her. He had wished the te Grand Duchess were here to witness such change.