A man wearing a suit of armor pushed aside a heavy wooden door. He stepped into the room, his boots leaving deep impressions on the plush carpet behind himself. Ahead of him, a woman was sitting on a throne-like chair, a cup of tea in her hands. A saucer lay on the table in front of her, on top of a pile of docunts. She raised an eyebrow at the approaching knight as she placed her cup of tea onto the saucer, folding her hands in her lap, smoothing out the wrinkles in her noble dress. Well?
Everything youve asked for has been secured, Grand Duchess, the knight said, dropping down to one knee. The magicians are ready to proceed with the summoning ritual at any ti.
The woman, Apollonia, nodded, her golden hair falling in front of her face. She swept it back with her hand and leaned into her seat. And what of the other dukes? Have they responded?
Everyone youve sent the invitation to has accepted, the knight said. He added after a short pause, Including the demon lord.
Apollonias hand that was reaching for her cup of tea froze in midair. Her? She accepted an invitation? She is personally coming to attend my autumn banquet?
The knight nodded, and Apollonia collapsed back into her chair. Unbelievable, she said, deep wrinkles appearing on her forehead. She turned down every single invitation ever sent by any noble. For what reason is she attending the banquet? Could she have found out?
Anything is possible, Grand Duchess, the knight said, his knee still on the floor. While I was outside, I couldnt shake off the feeling of a pair of eyes watching . I wasnt able to find anyone, but I was highly uncomfortable. He paused as Apollonias green eyes narrowed into slits. I dont an to alarm you, and its possible my paranoia was acting up again. But as an insurance, may I suggest relocating the position of the summoning portal? The fortress by the dragons is relatively empty, and no one will travel that far north during the banquet.
Very well, Daniel. I leave it to you, Apollonia said. Rember, youre my most trustworthy retainer. Dont betray my expectations.
If all goes well, youll be empress before the flowers bloom next spring, the knight said, lowering his head even further.
A faint smile appeared on Apollonias lips. And if things dont go well?
They wont. Nothing short of a natural disaster will stop your plans from coming to fruition, the knight said and raised his head, eting his masters gaze through his visor. Even if it costs my life, I will accomplish anything you ask of .
Dont be stupid, Daniel, Apollonia said. The last thing I want you to do is die. Do you understand?
Yes, Grand Duchess!
***
Excuse . A man with a mustache leapt onto the drivers seat of the wagon that Vurs party was in. He nodded at the five people before facing Tafel. Were about to enter Grand Duchess Apollonias territory.
About ti, Alora said as she stretched her arms and legs out. It was getting too cramped in here. Her gaze drifted about before landing on Stella and rvin. Especially with these two annoying things talking up a storm.
Its not my fault! Stella wailed. This stupid genie is too persistent! Hurry up and make a wish, Vur. I cant stand this anymore! Hes so annoying that he makes want to destroy the whole world to get him to be quiet!
The man with the mustache cleared his throat. Our leader says well have to part ways soon. Weve brought you to the nearest human fortress according to our original agreent. He flinched as Stella glared at him. Ill be seeing you then. It was nice traveling with you. Before Vur or Tafel could respond, the mustached man leapt off of the drivers seat and entered a different wagon in the convoy.
Tafel poked rvins side. You should really take a hint. Won dont like n who are too persistent despite stories saying otherwise.
rvin shook his head. Im sure I can sway Stellas heart with enough ti. A flower blossod in his palm, and he flew up to Stella, holding it out towards her. Please, accept this small token of my love. Even if you wont accept , this
Vur! Hurry up and wish! Stella tugged on Vurs hairs, interrupting rvins speech. You trust , right? Right? I was the one that told you to beco an elentalist dragon to grow up faster. And I wasnt wrong; you really beca a full-fledged dragon, didnt you? Stella bobbed her head up and down, speaking again instead of letting Vur open his mouth. Then you can trust again. Your best interests are in my best interests, and you wont regret listening to my advice. Okay? Tafel wants you to beco more independent and develop your own hobbies and likings, but this dumb genie will drive insane before that happens! So Ill tell you what to wish for, got it? Actually, Ill give you a whole list of things you can wish for, and then you can pick one of those items.
Vur nodded. That sounds a lot easier than finding out what I want by myself.
Youre being used by Stella again, Tafel said with a sigh.
I never used Vur in the first place, Stella said, sticking her tongue out at Tafel. She flicked her wrist, and a fireball flew out of Vurs shoulder, striking towards rvin, who had flown even closer to Stella. Okay, let brainstorm so ideas for you. She put her fingers on her temples, below her horns, and closed her eyes. A high-pitched hum echoed from her throat as her forehead entered a cycle of scrunching up and relaxing. Okay! These are my wish suggestions: Wish for the ability to take on a second subclass. Wish for all the gold that rvins capable of making. Wish for a never-ending jug of alcohol. Wish for a plate that can duplicate food infinitely. Wish for a larger mana pool. Wish for more physical strength. Wish for the ability to speak two sentences at once. Wish for the ability to think about two different things with a hundred percent of your thinking ability at once. Wish for more stamina. Wish for an aura of charisma that makes people automatically trust you. Wish for faster reflexes. Wish for the ability to go to sleep instantly without tossing and turning for thirty minutes. Wish for Tafel to be more affectionate
Excuse ?
Wish for Alice to be less grumpy.
The hell?
Wish for your elentals to beco stronger. Wish for rvin to beco mute. Wish for rvin to fall in love with his own reflection. Wish for rvin to fall in love with a rock. Wish for rvin to leave your cute, adorable fairy queen daughter alone. Wish for rvin to go away. Wish forStella paused and took in a deep breath, her face bright red from speaking nonstopthe ability to never have to use the bathroom again. Wish for a wallet that always has money inside of it. Wish for all the mosquitoes in the world to die. Wish for more wishes. Actually, no, dont. If you wish for more wishes, hell never leave. Wish for anything, please, just make a wish soon! There had to be sothing you liked in all my suggestions, right?
Vur scratched his nose. You spoke too fast. Can you repeat them?
Stellas face darkened. She flew down to the sun-like rune on Vurs shoulder and patted the pattern. Sheryl, its clear Vur doesnt want to make a wish. Help burn rvin to ashes, okay?
I really think you should give up on Stella, Tafel said to rvin. Fairies dont feel love. Shell really make you disappear, you know?
I dont believe you, rvin said. Stellas so beautiful. Im sure shes even more of a beautiful person on the inside. Shes just saying those an things because shes shy.
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