319. Faith's Formidability
Daniel Song sat in a crowded eting room with a long gilded table and walls decorated with luxurious paintings. It was finally ti for all the issues to be addressed: the Demon threat that had been let to run rampant for so long was to be tackled today. The young man couldnt help but feel a little nervous. After all, he was finally going to spill his big secret by the end of it all.
There were many influential and powerful people gathered. Individuals of note. There were the obvious Headmaster Clayton Skyshredder, princess Faith, and emperor Rowyn Ino but there were also individuals Daniel didnt recognize. Like the man with a mustache, followed by a dozen knights in shimring armor. Or the elderly man sitting next to Clayton, wearing regal robes fit for a king.
But at the head of the table was a familiar face. Salvos. A Demon girl who was currently disguised as a Human. She could beco a plethora of other creatures. From a Kobold to a Cyclops. And possibly even more. Here she was in her deceit leading this discussion on how Humankind was to deal with her own kind.
It was an irony of sorts; a tragedy of complacency; even laughable. Daniel was the [Hero] here, yet he remained silent. He allowed Salvos to speak. It showed the trendous growth shed been through, and how far hed have to go to catch up with her. At one point, they were equals. Now, shed far surpassed him.
Now, lets talk.
Salvos clapped her hands together. Daniel waited with bated breath for the revelation. The truth. The epoch-making news that would shatter everyones reality.
Clayton Skyshredder ran a hand through his beard. Princess Faith steeled herself. Emperor Rowyn closed his eyes. Everyone waited. And Salvos cocked her head.
Um, hello? That was your guys cue to speak.
What? Were you expecting to say sothing? Because I really dont know what you guys want from .
Daniel sighed. Shes grown so much, yet changed so little. He couldnt help but smile at that.
Faith wanted to cover her face in embarrassnt. This was not how she was preparing the eting to start. She had a speech prepared, and Salvos had already derailed it from the very beginning.
Thank you everyone for gathering here on such short notice.
Clayton cleared his throat as Salvos sat back down, shrugging. Fortunately, the Headmaster of Mavos Academy was more than capable of defusing the awkward situation.
As Salvos had alluded to, this discussion will not be a short one, and I would like to get to the crux of the issue as soon as possible. Princess Faith, could you please explain the reason why you ca to Mavos Academy today?
Faith nodded and stood to her feet. She addressed the room, carrying whatever leftover dignity she had as a mber of the royal family of Elutra. Even though she barely looked it after a month of travel propriety was necessary in these situations. Especially amongst rich and powerful strangers.
I am princess Faith El of the Elutra Kingdom. I am sure most of you are currently aware of the situation in my kingdom.
The Elutra Kingdom? With all due respect, your country no longer exists. It is now rely a province in the Inoria Empire.
A man with a bushy mustache scoffed from the side. Faith narrowed her eyes. His words stung, but she recognized him as one of the individuals Clayton had brought into the eting. He mustve been important.
Faith would have to conduct herself well. She bowed her head slightly his way.
I am keenly aware of the perspective outside observers could have of the situation, but I assure you, it is far more complex than that.
Complex? There is no nuance to war a war which your country instigated and lost. Dont think I am foolish enough to fall for the baseless rumors you keep trying to spread.
She blinked, and he leaned forward with creased brows.
Or did you think we all havent already heard your lies about Inoria and its hypothetical Demons?
It took everything Faith had in her to prevent a retort. She didnt know him. She shouldnt disparage him. He couldve been an influential politician in Shedos for all she knew.
I apologize if
Um, who are you?
A voice piped up. Salvos peered at the man, a puzzled look on her face. Faith blinked, and Daniel massaged his temples. A brief susurration ran through the room as the man raised a brow.
I am Jorden Duron, the Lord of Wimborne. I was called here today by Headmaster Skyshredder for what he dubbed an important eting. If I had known it was a eting headed by a disgraced princess of a forr nation, I would have sent a representative to state my opinion on the matter. In fact, the only reason I have not left this eting is due to my respect towards the Headmaster.
Jorden harrumphed, and Salvos tilted her head to the side.
Huh. So youre from Shedos, right?
Indeed.
Which ans youre not from either Elutra or Inoria.
That is correct.
That also ans you havent actually seen whats going on in either countries, so why are you talking?
The silver-haired adventurer asked, genuinely curious. Faith pursed her lips as more than one individual in the room sputtered. Jorden burst out of his seat, pointing accusingly at her.
I am the Lord of Wimborne. I do not care if youre over Level 100. I will not tolerate such disrespect from you
Yep. Well youre a Lord, and shes a princess. If you wanted others to respect you in the first place, maybe you shouldve shown them the sa respect.
He flushed, face burning with anger..
Headmaster Skyshredder! Are you not going to intervene?
Clayton took in a deep breath and raised a hand.
That is enough from the both of you. This argunt does not pertain to the matter at hand. I ask that princess Faith continue with her statent.
Thank you, Headmaster.
Faith was glad that that was over. She faced the room, taking in those gathered as they settled back down after that interruption was dealt with.
But I must confess, I cannot fault Lord Jorden for his suspicions. It is only fair that aspersions be cast to the veracity of my words. Especially since I have co here today for the very thing he accuses of.
Jorden snickered, and a few faces exchanged confused glances. Clayton kept a straight face, but she could tell he was curious about where she was going with this. A man with red hair one of the ones sitting next to Salvos spoke up.
Princess Faith, I am aware of your countrys predicant. I am truly sorry to hear about the outco of this war. However, I cannot lie and say I do not agree with so of Lord Jorden Durons apprehension about your motivations behind your claims.
Youre Lamarr the Warrior King of Traith?
It took Faith a mont to place where she knew him from.
One of the Seven Councilmbers of the Eastern Kingdom Alliance?
I am but a humble man hoping to do whats right. Sothing as audacious as a great power like the Inoria Empire employing the use of Demons in war is unheard of. Outrageous, even.
Salvos scowled as he nodded.
Co on, Lamarr! Youre supposed to be on our side!
I am on the side of the truth.
I agree with King Lamarr here, Salvos.
A bulky man agreed. Faith didnt recognize him as she did Lamarr, but she saw the familiar crest he bore. That of Vaun Qieur Empires world renowned Swordsguard Forces.
We are here as representatives of our country. We cannot make any brash decisions, even if we are here on your behalf.
The forr princess blinked. Jorden muttered under his breath with a frown.
Is that vulgar woman truly the reason why soone of their statuses are here? Ridiculous
Faith would have to rember to thank Salvos later. Again. Even though shed already thanked her many tis
I apologize, Sir. I do not believe weve been introduced.
She bowed to the bulky man, and he returned a smile.
You may call Gallus.
Those are understandable worries, King Lamarr, Gallus. And I am certain it is one many of you have here today. After all, as many of you are already aware, my country has fallen to the Inoria Empire. You may believe that I am here to ask for aid in retaking back my nation. Or maybe to seek refuge to protect my surviving family mbers.
Her eyes flickered to Bel who was sitting next to her. He looked sickly, especially after the long journey, but he forced himself to attend this eting. She also thought of Iance and Hope. Neither were in any shape to attend this eting. Not that Faith wouldve wanted them here. Theyd only worsen things.
The forr princess of Elutra shook her head.
I will tell you right now: I am not here to plead for your help.
There was a pause. Willow frowned, and Gavyns brows snapped together. They were the only two resistance mbers present, and they hadnt been briefed on what Faith wanted to say. They definitely didnt expect this.
This is a warning. Not to just those of you here, but to the rest of the Human lands. I was wrong before. In the past. Inoria is not employing Demons under their command. It is the opposite the Inoria Empire has been taken over by Demons.
The other shoe dropped. A deluge of questions was unleashed on Faith. She turned, facing questions and accusations from all sides. Jorden was the first to speak.
More lies! Youre saying that just so you can get revenge on the Inoria Empire!
Lamarr stared at her dubiously.
These are bold claims, princess Faith. I do hope you have proof to back it up.
I have witnesses.
She replied calmly.
Salvos herself can testify on my behalf.
Yep! I saw Demons lots of Archdemons! They were weak, though. Id have thought [Changelings] would be stronger than that.
The silver-haired woman tapped a finger on her chin. Clayton crossed his arms.
I would not doubt the words of my own students. However, for a matter with as much gravity as this, I do not believe the words of a single adventurer will be able to sway the minds of entire nations.
Then what about the words of a single child?
Faith smiled wryly, gesturing towards a boy. Not her brother. It was soone else, seated next to her brother. Clayton leant back in his chair, speaking the boys na and title simply.
Emperor Rowyn Ino.
Greetings.
Rowyn stood to his feet. Gallus raised an amused brow.
Now this just beca interesting
A girl in the corner of the room the one Salvos had brought with her squeaked.
A-as in the emperor of the Inoria Empire?
Seriously? This cannot be real. Why is the emperor of the Inoria Empire with Elutras royal family?
Jorden gaped. Lamarr leaned forward, intrigued.
Might you explain what is going on, emperor Ino?
Of course, King Lamarr.
Rowyn managed to maintain his poise even with all the outward pressure. Faith didn't particularly like Rowyn, even if she didnt dislike him either. She was grateful for his help, but she blad him sowhat for how things went in Ertos, and that was about it. No grudge, no amity.
But she couldnt lie and say she wasnt impressed by his current deanor.
I can assure all of you, what princess Faith says is the truth. My empire the Inoria Empire is now nothing more than a puppet state. Our politics, our governnt, and our royal family are nothing more than re playthings to Demonkind. [Changelings] who have disguised themselves as Humans work from the background, running things as they so desire.
He clenched his fist as he continued.
My parents were murdered by these Demons. It was not an assassination attempt carried out by a desperate Elutra as the world has been so led to believe. It was a lie. A justification for retaliatory action during a ceasefire. They were sacrifices, just as the people of Ertos will be.
What are you saying, emperor Ino?
Lamarr placed a hand on his chin. But before the boy could answer, Jorden quickly interrogated him.
How do we know youre not an impostor? How do we know youre not being forced into this? This is insane. How could an emperor betray his own nation?
Rowyn held his gaze.
You may test in a [Truth Zone]. I support everything princess Faith has said today. And I am doing so not to act against my country's interest. Rather, it is because I care for my country, I wish to save it.
That
Jorden opened his mouth. But Clayton cut him off.
Thats enough, Lord Jorden. I do not believe emperor Rowyn will lie about such matters. If we wish to test his word, we can do so later.
An elderly man sitting next to the Headmaster nodded in agreent.
This revelation is quite startling, but it only makes sense. After all, the Prival Demon has been trapped in Inoria for far longer than even Id have imagined. I never believed Inorias forces could be so effective, especially when split between two fronts.
That is a fair assessnt, Thorsten.
Thorsten? As in Thorsten Siegfrid? Faith knew that na anywhere. He was the [Archbishop] at the very head of the Den of Souls. But what was he doing here?
He smiled at Clayton.
So, Inoria has been the Prival Demons base of operations, and it is restoring its forces there. It seems you called here for a good cause, my old friend.
If Faith was being entirely honest, she didnt know much details about this Prival Demon. Sothing major had occurred, but it happened when she was trapped in Ertos, cut off from the outside world.
However, from the brief conversation shed held with Salvos and Daniel just a few hours earlier, she knew what was going to be said next. Rowyn shifted his feet, clearly hesitant.
Thats not true.
What do you an, emperor Ino?
Clayton studied Rowyns facial expression. The boy clearly didnt know where to even begin, and neither did Faith. Otherwise, shed have already taken over.
Instead, another man answered for them. Daniel Song.
Rowyns saying that the Prival Demon is a separate threat. That these Demons in Inoria are working against the Prival Demon.
Impossible. All of Demonkind falls under a singular banner. The banner of the Demon King, Regnorex.
Thorsten spoke with a dark gaze. Even the na of the Demon King sent a shiver down Faiths spine. But Daniel didn't react. He stepped forward, insistent.
Well, thats not the case now. The Prival Demon is rely a rebel. A rogue Demon acting up against the Demon King. But he is not the real threat. He simply foreshadows what is to co.
Clayton understood what Daniel was saying. The Headmaster of Mavos Academy spoke grimly.
A full scale invasion of the Mortal Realm. Not just a rampaging Demon. Not just a group of Demons taking over a single country. But the return of Regnorex himself.
Yes.
The young man hung his head, letting the implication settle in. The room was silent for a mont. Even Faith was absorbing it. She couldve winefred just as much the entire ti, but shed been too focused on the fate of her kingdom the entire ti. Now that Elutra was already lost, she knew the truth.
But not everyone believed it. Jorden rolled his eyes.
Now, who is this guy and why should we believe him? What, is he going to say hes the Emperor Nor Maran? Is he going to claim to be the Watcher himself?
Daniel paused. He exchanged a glance with Salvos. They spoke without words, and Faith wasnt sure what to expect from them. She certainly didnt expect what ca next.
I am Daniel Song.
Sighing, he got to his feet.
And I am a [Hero] from Earth.
Oh.
Faith blinked. The third and final shoe dropped, and the room interrupted into chaos.
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