Chapter 111: The Arrival of the Storm
The carriages on the road progresses slowly. Suddenly, a thunderbolt strikes across the sky. Then, dark clouds start to gather and the sky darkens. A moment later, rain starts to fall.
A storm in the summer occurs rapidly and departs rapidly as well. Just a moment ago, it was still a light drizzle but now, it is already pouring heavily. The raindrops strike on the roof of the carriage, making a tack tack melody. The view outside the carriage turns blurry and the appearance of the dark clouds and the heavy downpour plunges the day into night.
“Summer has just arrived and yet it is the third consecutive day that is raining this week. Recently, the rain has been falling quite frequently. It seems that Darsos’s luck is incredibly bad.”
Judging from the low-lying and heavy dark clouds, this rain probably won’t be stopping anytime soon. The enthronement ceremony would be directly affected. After all, it isn’t suitable to conduct a ceremony in such a rainy day.
“Could it be that they didn’t prepare in advance? But, the Court Mages aren’t the type to claim their salaries without working.”
In this world of magic, even though there are many shortcomings to it, there are also many aspects of it which surpasses the technological world.
For example, the prediction and control of the weather. Old veteran hunters and rangers are able to predict the weather just by looking at the shape of the clouds. Druids who are close with nature are also able to smell the scent of a natural disaster from the wind. Mages are also able to use large scale magic to control and choose the weather they want.
Before heading out today, I went to look for Krose to ask her about the weather. I still remember how she replied me with hesitation on her face.
“…It should be sunny. However, my predictions have been erring recently. I have sensed clearly that it should have been sunny this whole week and yet it has been raining non-stop. I also don’t feel the interference of anyone else. So, either my predictions are inaccurate or the ones interfering are much stronger than me.”
It is still understandable for other people to predict the weather inaccurately. However, Krose is a Great Druid who specialises in summoning storms. For her to predict the weather wrongly is just as incredulous as a Fire Mage burning himself in the midst of cooking. On other days, it is still fine for the weather to be bad. But when there is a group of Seafolks living just by the river, the bad weather can prove to be lethal.
It has been raining heavily for consecutive days, causing the regions flooded by the river water to expand significantly, increasing the area of movement for the Seafolks. Furthermore, humans would be inconvenienced by the rainy day whereas Seafolks, adapted to fighting in water, would have their fighting prowess increased significantly.
Thus, every time it rains, the atmosphere among the garrison troop along the coast of the river would become very tense as they stand on alert in case of an enemy invasion. Fortunately, from the looks of it, the Seafolks still do not intend on making use of the rainy day to conduct an attack.
“The Mages of the Auland Empire aren’t trash. There is no way they would allow the predetermined memorial be interrupted by a rainy day. If so, there can only be one explanation —— The recent downpour isn’t a natural phenomenon. Furthermore, the one interfering in the weather possesses power far superior to the Auland Court Mages. Normally, a powerful existence like that wouldn’t be bothered with something minor like that. For him to exert so much energy to change the weather, there must be something he hopes to gain out of this.”
The carriage suddenly stops and changes its direction, leaving me a little surprised. It can’t be that Darsos would change his predetermined plan just because of a rainy day.
“Why did we change directions? Where are we going now? Are we returning back?”
Hearing my suspicions, the White Wolf Knight leading the team immediately explains.
“We have a contingency plan for the enthronement ceremony if it were to rain on the day itself. In order to deal with the storms, we have prepared two locations. One of them is the open field whereas the other is the royal family sparring field. The sparring field has been sealed to create an indoor hall.”
If other people were to hear his reply, they would most probably be impressed by the Auland royalty’s preparedness. However, from his words, I could sense the helplessness and feebleness of a certain Emperor. Without doubt, being inaugurated under the spectate and blessings of the citizens of the country while celebrating the event together with them is the ideal choice to earn their support. However, now that the enthronement ceremony has to be held in an indoor location, it could only mean that they have lost some control over the situation.
The road to the royal family sparring field isn’t easy to tread on. Other than the looks of dissatisfaction of the crowd along the way, the horses that come from all directions created a blockade. Now, when two carriages were to cross path, the one to give way isn’t determined by their social position but the level of ranking of the guests in the carriage.
It seems that as a ‘princess’ of a small country, I am not that important compared to the others. Also, spectating the ceremony in my capacity as an individual also means that I am not part of the envoy team who would be joining in the alliance, so there is no need for me to arrive in advance at the ceremony. In the end, we got jammed, not to mention the fact that we still have to give way to others. Just like that, a twenty minute journey took nearly an hour.
When we finally arrived our destination, the flow of human and carriages which far exceeds the capacity had the sparring field completely jammed. There isn’t any location by the sparring field for the carriage to stop at. Helpless, we can only lift our skirts and tread on the muddy water, causing our feet to be smeared with mud, resulting in a buildup of frustration and anger.
The only thing that is gladdening about the situation is the performance of the female official who tagged along, Rosemary.
She is one of my masterpiece in recent times. Other than the Royal Knights who keep sneaking peeks at her, the young males who keep walking into walls, through their actions, proved Rosemary’s charm.
An exquisite and enchanting oval face with a slim waist. Her curvaceous body fully displays the charm of a mature woman. Despite so, innocence is reflected in her clear eyes. Her short golden hair is combed into a cute small ponytail. The masculine gesture now and then makes her seem youthful and lively, adding a cute tone to her atmosphere.
The contradictions in her beauty gave her a complicated disposition. In the gazes of the males, her actions and her speech causes constant changes in her disposition. Sometimes, she seems like a 28 years old lady and sometimes a 18 year old girl. Sometimes, she seems pure and adolescent and sometimes elegant and seductive. It seems as though every man can find their dream girl within her.
“Arthenya.” The true name of the Goddess of Beauty is mentioned time and time again. In the eyes of the crowd, this level of beauty is beyond what mortals could reach.
Compared to a true flower, a fake plastic one carved carefully looks even more exquisite and perfect. As a masterpiece which I meticulously carved by incorporating the strengths of countless different beauty, Rosemary is definitely the most beautiful woman I have ever met.
Natural creations are an accumulation of chance and accidents. While accidents can bring one surprise, these surprises often carry some kind of flaw along with it. Rosemary’s perfect beauty is indeed not something a mortal can possess. That beautiful face is created by through matching the most beautiful features of numerous faces to achieve a harmony between all of them, resulting in a perfect creation.
He is indeed a fake flower, but he is a perfect flower who suppresses the beauty of other flowers, a terminal creation unable to be created by natural selection.
Aiyo, at this point, why did I remember a certain country’s prided plastic surgery industry? It is said that their idols do not debut if they do not fix their faces. Many of them look totally different from their children, causing quite a controversy.
Back to the topic at hand. Initially, I only wanted to make a woman capable of charming Darsos as a vengeance against him. However, as a Necromancer who is responsible for his own creations, when I set my heart into it, my world destruction level talent started working its wonders once more. The result of my pursuit for perfection is that I have overdid it once again.
“Arthenya? I think she is more like Pandora. There probably isn’t a single man who is capable to rejecting a request from a woman like this. She is a truly a troublemaker. However, that bunch of Gentlemen actually totally ignore Rosemary’s beauty. Indeed, the sense of aesthetics for Gentlemen are different from the masses.”
In my eyes, beauties are always a source of trouble while supreme beauties like this are an endless source of great trouble. Innumerable legends, myths and historical events has also proven my point of view. However, when I realised that I have went overboard once again, creating a calamity-level perfectly beautiful woman, I had no hesitation whatsoever in keeping him in Auland.
“Anyway, his phylactery is in my hand so I do not fear him playing any tricks. Let’s just send him out like that to harm others. Hehe, Darsos, accept that you will be unable to escape that cursed fate.”
I muttered a malicious curse filled with resentment. After which, I looked once more at the new achievement I unlocked before setting off for the enthronement ceremony with tears in my eyes.
【Mummy, why is this elder brother wearing a skirt? Ah! Don’t look! Hurry up and go!】
The System jumps out once more. That childlike voice also made my heart stop. I thought that my true identity is revealed.
【Ding. Congratulations for appearing in public places wearing female clothes for the third time. You have unlocked the hidden achievement —— ‘Dress-wearing Man’ and you have been awarded the honorary title: ‘Tranny Director’. After equipping the title, all living being who bear resemblance to females, un, this includes trannies, female muscular heroines, transexual and several other life forms whose genders are unknown, will feel significantly more intimate with you and their wariness against you will be lowered. The possibility of them falling in love with you is also reduced significantly. This title is automatically binded with the title ‘King of Gentlemen’ and the effect is constantly in an active mode —— “He seems not bad, it feels like I can tell him everything. He is really suitable as a sister and a soulmate. However, it feels weird to see him as a dating partner. Un, this is probably because I don’t see him as a male.”】
【System Notice: I didn’t expect that you would notice such a hidden achievement. As expected of the King of Gentlemen! Come and chant with me. Cross-dressing isn’t a crime, only cross-dressing without sufficient beauty is a crime! I am the great King of Male Cross-dressers Lord Roland, oh yeah!】
Actually, for Gentlemen and the like, I am already numb and apathetic to it already. However, that ‘possibility of them falling in love with you is also reduced significantly’ is an actual and tangible curse of misfortune. The curse makes a certain man who died inexperienced and who despite having a girlfriend but yet is equivalent to having none due to their ultimate long distance relationship, inducing an urge in him squat by the corner of the wall and draw circles.
【Ding, allow me to elaborate slightly more on it. Abnormal people, un, that is Gentlemen, would be unaffected by this side effect. Thus, please make sure to enjoy the true and sincere relationship between Gentlemen. Right, if you do not wish to be dissected, as well as for the peace of the world, please make sure not to be caught committing adultery by the Demon Marquess who is becoming more and more yandere. This is unrelated to the peace of the world? It is very possible for her to send her true body down out of a moment of rage, prompting a war between Gods, causing the direct eruption of a world war. You still dare to say that your relationships have nothing to do with the peace of the world?】
“Lord? Lord Yongye?”
Rosemary questions in a quiet voice, bringing me back from my thoughts. The royal family attendant by her side continues to maintain her smile and her manners even upon seeing me in a daze.
“Lord, our Emperor has invited you for a small discussion in the reception room.”
Looks like what has to come will eventually come. I did not think that Darsos would invite me here just to spectate the enthronement ceremony.
Under the guidance of the attendant, I swiftly arrived at the VIP room. Soon, the main character of the day arrives dressed in countless ornaments, just like a Christmas tree ——Emperor of Auland Empire Darsos the First.
“This is Rosemary, my attendant.”
I introduced him with vile intentions at heart. Rosemary slightly lifts her skirt elegantly with a perfect smile. However, she didn’t receive a corresponding response. After nodding his head perfunctory, that fellow actually continues to stare fixedly at me.
“You are still as beautiful as always. How have you been? I miss you.”
Alright, his first sentence already plants in me an intention to draw my sword and murder him. From a certain viewpoint, this is also quite a remarkable ability.
To say the truth, my current appearance is completely identical with Reyne’s. The young Reyne’s development seems to be have been delayed, leaving some space for me, who has reverted back to a young boy, to impersonate her.
“This… this fellow can’t possibly be a pervert who is into lolis?”
“Puuu!”
Behind my back, after hearing those praises from his nephew, Rosemary bursts into laughter. Although she immediately covers her mouth, it is already too late.
For an attendant to be so disrespectful, it is the same as mocking the Emperor in his face. The Emperor who has been angsty recently instinctively reaches out for his sword. But upon seeing me standing in front of my attendant to shield her, he furls his eyebrows, displaying his displeasure, although his words speak otherwise.
“What I am talking about is your disposition, the disposition of a conqueror and not your figure… Actually, your figure is also not bad for your age!”
Darsos’s voice got quieter and quieter as he displayed what it means to stab oneself in one’s own foot means with his own actions. However, as I am not a female, saying that I have no figure made me feel slightly happy instead. However…
“Males should have no figure from the start! Did somewhere go wrong? Did something go wrong from the very start?”
I could only contain those furious roars to my heart. After a short moment, I suppress my anger and ask.
“Why are you looking for me? You should be really busy now. Just speak of what you want directly.”
“Princess Roland. Are you willing to become the empress of Auland Empire? I promise you that I will not interfere in your personal life after the marriage. If you are willing to merge the two countries together, I will even grant the East Mist Communal Country the highest level of autonomy and make it Auland Empire’s richest and most peaceful district.”
“I reject.” I squeezed out these words from the gaps between my teeth. Despite being filled with rage, not being able to lash out at him made me frustrated.
I am really considering whether I should look for a Priest of the God of Fate to change my fate, even though there is a high probability they are just scammers bearing the flag of the God of Fate.
“I know that you are worried that the Auland Empire will make use of this opportunity to eat into and annex the East Mist Communal Country. How about this, you can entrust your royal power to someone trustworthy. When our second child is born…”
“Enough! There is a limit to my patience, insult me no further!”
My angry words stuffs the rest of Darsos’s words back into his throat. He stares furiously at me before eventually shaking his head, signalling for his assistant to back him up.
“Hermit, it is exactly as you said. I can’t convince her at all. You give it a try.”
“I have already said that your method may be useful in coaxing little girls, but it is meaningless in front of a true conqueror. Your majesty, since we are unable to get through via feelings, why don’t we cut to the chase and talk about official business instead.”
Hermit seems to understand my temper well and didn’t say anything excessive, cutting straight to the chase by listing out their trade and terms.
It seems that due to the changes in the situation and the signing of the contract, the Auland royalty has also changed their original goal. That proposal isn’t a simple and innocent one. In their eyes, this isn’t a means for them to annex the East Mist but a type of bribery directed towards the princess herself.
“As long as you are willing to become the empress of Auland, you will become the most authoritative person in the Empire, second to only the Emperor. The women in the back palace is free for you to touch. It is sufficient as long as you bear two children of the bloodline of the Auland royalty. Also, Darsos isn’t a man who gives into lust, so you don’t have to worry about him forcing himself onto you. Rather than saying that you are a couple, it is more like a relationship between collaborators.”
“Children?” Enraged to the limit, I even started laughing. However, the other party thought that it is a sign that my determination is wavering, so he steps up his persuasion.
“Military might, wealth, beauties, land, whatever you desire, we are able to fulfill it. Why limit your attention span to just that small country by the border? If you accept our conditions, the whole Auland is yours. Our future lies in the whole world. With your assistance, we would be able to dominate the world!”
“Why me? As a countryside princess, how am I deserving of such prestige?”
This time, the one replying is Darsos himself.
“Don’t put yourself down. Who dares to underestimate the Twin Stars of the Mist Bloodline. Besides, judging by just how you were able to activate the Scarlet Conqueror’s final form proves that you have the quality of a conqueror, not to mention your Angel Bloodline. You are worth us putting our stakes on. What does the East Mist counts as? The continent extends far and wide, waiting for our discovery and dominance.”
“Besides… Although I might be a little unreliable, my intuition tell me that if I were to want to conquer this continent, you are a factor that I cannot lack. Your true potential and strength is definitely not just limited to the extent you displayed. Alright, I admit that these are all excuses just to convince myself. I have fallen for you and I think that you are the one most suited to be my empress. Marry me. Together, from the Auland Empire, we will rule over the entire world, bringing our own order upon Eich.”
Indubitably, this is a kind of bribery. If the one listening to these words here is really the princess of that small country, compared to returning to her poor and weak homeland and struggling for the fate of that country in the ice lands, being the queen of a large country is a much better decision. Not to mention, when the person he is convincing is a 14 year old lass, the probability of success is much higher. However, he has miscalculated right from the start. This option was never one that I would have taken.
“Lord, can I laugh? I really can’t take it any longer.”
Rosemary who is disguised as an attendant may seem calm on the surface, but I could stifled laughter in his voice from his phylactery.
“Hold it in!”
Should I say, as expected of the legendary King of the Winter Wolves? That incredible intuition of his allowed him to see through part of my disguise. However, the problem is that he has been wrong right from the very start!
“I would still have to reject your offer. I will claim whatever I want for myself. I don’t even want to consider such a foolish matrimony. Besides, your proposal today is a mistake by itself. In the future, you, probably, will regret it.”
“I, Darsos, never regret my words.”
Alright, this time, it is my turn to try my hardest to stifle my laughter. The one who said that he would ‘never regret his words’ previously was the old Lion King, but he didn’t end up well. I estimate that there is a high possibility he probably regretted his actions eventually.
As for Darsos, no matter how I looked at it, it is obviously the plot development that would lead to a tragedy. My mood suddenly lifts and I smile mockingly.
“Hmph, I look forward to the arrival of that day. Who knows, when the contract loses its potency ten years later, we might even end up crossing blows.”
Finally comprehending that his proposal and his plan to bribe me have failed utterly, Darsos sighs and shrugs lightly. He seems to be on the verge of saying something when the door to the room suddenly opens.
“Who is it? Didn’t I say that no one is allowed to enter?”
The Emperor’s furious roar made the man shiver. However, recalling the intelligence he just obtained, the royal attendant rushes to the side of the Emperor’s ear and whispers into it.
Although he is speaking silently, my ear which isn’t too far away from him has always been sensitive.
“The water level has suddenly risen, the Seafolks have climbed to shore. The defense line along the river has been breached!”
“Lord Bastlar has started fighting with the Nine-headed Dragon!”
Even before the enthronement ceremony even begun, the situation in Auland Empire’s capital, Kagersi City, went out of control. War has already erupted.
ps：总算完成了，也四点了….难熬的六月总算结束了….大家月票很给力，又欠了六次爆发，咱慢慢还吧
Arthenya <-> Pandora.
Truthfully, I don’t get the link here. When I first saw the word, I thought Arthenya would be Athena but it doesn’t seem so (she isn’t the Goddess of Beauty either, it is Aphrodite) I tried googling but there isn’t any results.
Gonna reach the climax of the arc soon :> A dozen or so more chapters to the next arc~ Feels like an accomplishment every time a new tab opens by the side of the chapter list.
BTW, please do point out grammar mistakes so that I can take note of it the next time I work on the chapters