The first one of the two to wake was Singing Grove, who jumped to her feet, not recognizing the room at first. She realized she was still inside the palace, as she had stayed in a similar room once or twice when the council was being ford.
Then, her mories snapped back into place, and she rembered why she was there. And, more importantly, who had done this to her.
It had been centuries since she was last defeated in combat, and even longer since she had lost consciousness to an enemy.
Even though she realized that Astaroth was not an enemy, per se, he had gone from an annoyance to an actual threat in her mind.
'If he grows into that power he used, we may just see the birth of a new god… When was the last ti that happened? The Ash Elves?'
Her mind cald down a bit, as she understood there was no risk in the imdiate.
Singing Grove was old enough to know how the gods played their gas—one of them in particular, who played this ga viciously, Gaius.
The last ti a new god had risen, when the lady of the stars was created, back when the Ash Elves finally separated from their oppressors, many gods had touched mortal ground, to make sure the new one knew who was at the top of the food chain.
And before her, many others had to pass through the sa thing.
Singing Grove had a feeling Astaroth would not play nice if the sa thing happened to him. So she wanted to at least warn him.
But then she thought again.
'What's the point? It was probably a fluke. A power spike given to him by all his soul tampering and demons. How would that kid ever beco a god…'
Although she wanted to et him, Singing Grove wanted to first get back to her office and refresh herself. Maybe even catch so rest.
She would never admit it, but whatever Astaroth had done to her and her soul, she felt completely drained.
Leaving the room, she made sure to tell the guards in front of the royal chambers that she would co back on the morrow to speak to the king. The guards saluted the councilwoman, assuring her they would relay the ssage.
Phoenix, who was still inside the room with the sleeping Astaroth, had heard it but chose to say nothing. She wanted to wait for the next day as well.
The day may not have been very far along, but she could also feel a certain ntal drain.
'Is this caused by the domain thing she used?' she wondered.
Seeing as Astaroth was fast asleep, Phoenix decided to go back to their duties and let him sleep. There were still a few matters to attend to that day.
Nothing of major import, but nonetheless, things that required her attention or Astaroth's.
Reaching the throne room, she saw that there were a few new nobles in there, already waiting for her and Astaroth.
This was the first matter.
Phoenix walked toward the throne, her heels clattering on the stone floor, which caught the attention of the three young n and won.
"My Queen!" they saluted, bowing deeply.
The table in the center had already been removed, and they waited for her at the foot of the dais.
"Gentleman, Ladies. It is a pleasure to et so fresh faces around here finally. Let get seated and we shall get to this matter."
The new nobles said nothing, letting the monarch reach her seat before they stood ramrod straight before her.
Phoenix looked at them and wanted to giggle. But she kept it in.
"At ease. We are here to discuss your titles and the advantages that co with them. So let us speak plainly, shall we?"
The three young n and won relaxed a bit, hearing her words.
They waited for her to start the conversation, knowing their place.
"We have granted you the titles of baron and baroness, and will all be attending royal court starting next week, given councilman Finnegan clears you to do so. It will depend on how he deems your court manners. But I digress," Phoenix said, waving her hand aside.
"Talks about expansion have been going around in the council talks, and since the possibility is getting closer and closer, we are starting to give out titles and land. The baronies you will receive will beco your responsibilities, as well as your seats of power.
"We will grant each of you gold from the kingdom's treasury, to launch your estates, as well as so residents willing to move out, to start a new settlent. With this, for the first year, the adventurer's guild will also protect your settlents, for a fee, and the mbers of Paragons, given you can entice them by yourselves.
"Each one of your lands will lie at the edge of our current safe zones, far from each other, so you can explore and expand at your own convenience, given you can protect your land. I know this is an enormous responsibility, but Councilman Finnigan has deed you not only worthy, but adequate.
"Once the lands you will be granted are ready for your arrival, we will set your departure dates. Until then, you are to attend the court etings and learn how to deal with affairs with hands-on experience. Questions?"
Phoenix could already see she had set deep anxiety into the three young nobles' hearts. Unfortunately, they had accepted the honour of the titles.
Now they had to accept the responsibilities that ca with them.
Looking at each of them, she knew what each had done to earn their titles, and she approved. But she sohow wondered how they would fare once they were in a ruling position.
'I hope Edmond wasn't wrong about their characters. If he was, we'll have three additional problems on our shoulders.'
At that mont, Astaroth woke up in the rooms above, feeling like he had used all his mana, aether, and stamina, all at the sa ti. He felt drained.
His body was like lead, heavy, and hard to move. And his mind was like walking through a bog.
'Urgh… I won't be using that again for a long ti. Now I know the difference in power between and Mythical creatures…'
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