It was early morning on the day of departure and the city of Galos was absolutely bustling. Since the news of a war had now been officially announced, individuals began to make their moves publicly.
Today in particular was busiest as a large number of individuals were leaving the academy to take part in the war.
Juliet's group or rather Henry's since he had done all the work, gathered fairly early at the docks with everyone who'd be going with them being present.
The earliest to arrive was Ariel and the rest of the elves who Henry had allowed to let aboard as a condition from Aron. He thought doing this would be problematic but getting Aron aboard and his people was far more beneficial.
Time passed and soon almost everyone had been present on the large vessel brought by Juliet which surpassed even the Sovereign in both size and power.
This meant the number of people they could bring along could even amount to a small army. The elves aside, Claudia had brought the members of her formerly established Sovereign faction which largely held the same members as when it was unofficial. Henry and Esmerelda were the only other two with small factions that they brought along whereas Juliet had none.
"Where is Aron?" Henry currently stood on the deck of the large vessel with the other important members of the newly formed group as they waited for Aron and Evanora who were yet to arrive.
Jin who was already present on the deck was casually drinking out of a tunkard while leaning against the rail when he noticed Henry was looking at him as he asked this. "He didn't tell me what time he'd come, he just said he'd find me." Jin spoke up without being asked and shrugged his shoulder before looking into the distance with a grin.
Lucas who was also on deck made no comment on the matter and chose to return inside the ship to see Mirai and Sharla as he currently found it hard to face Aron.
"He'll be here soon." Juliet muttered with confidence as she turned her gaze to the inclined boarding platform.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtJust like she said soon they could hear footsteps coming from the platform but they didn't seem singular.
Before they could question anything Jagu's large figure could be seen first soon followed by Aron's who wasn't much lesser.
Seeing Aron bring another powerful ally brought great reassurance to Henry and the others present but it didn't end there. The enigma that was Evanora soon followed and many thought that was the end but the sounds of footsteps could still be heard.
The source soon revealed herself to be Lady Rose who came up elegantly with her two scouters in toll.
"Are we the last to arrive?" Aron ignored the odd looks he was receiving and directly asked this to Henry who just nodded hurriedly. "Yes, but that's no problem as this airship has very few that can rival it. More importantly will she be traveling with us?" Henry asked the question on everyone's mind as he looked to Lady Rose.
A proper powerful second generation figure that could easily contest for a title if she so wished to. "Yes she will, her expertise will be needed if we're lucky enough to discover something of use." Aron answered briefly before receiving a smile from Henry.
With Lady Rose's presence the power of their group had risen exponentially. Everything was now starting to look like it would workout for the best.
"I wasn't aware you'd be coming Lady Rose, I ask that you wait a bit as I ask someone to prepare the airship's best room for you." Henry offered politely but received an impatient sigh from Lady Rose.
"No need, I shall be sharing a room with Aron so just have someone lead me there, I have a lot of work to carry out."
This one statement caused great shock from everyone present, even Aron gave Rose a questioning side glance for a moment but he didn't deny it. 'I suppose she'll explain later.'
"That's fine, just make sure Evanora and Jagu's rooms are nearby." Aron confirmed and added before receiving a small nod from the still shocked Henry.
Aron had left out Jin because he was someone who couldn't be trusted blindly despite his usefulness. Evanora being close was a must whilst Jagu had become far more obedient to Aron than he could've initially predicted.
He wasn't afraid of Jin hearing this. Aron needed Jin to know that he lacked trust in him, how Jin responded to this would determine what Aron's stance on him would be in the short future.
For now Henry called for a servant and had them lead Aron and the others to their respective rooms. Since Evanora and Jagu would have rooms next to Aron they followed along leaving a confused number of people on deck.
"Tell Scarlett and Claudia that everyone is accounted for so we may start off." Henry waved his hand towards another servant and passed on those instructions before walking away into the airship for some rest. He had been working tirelessly throughout the week so he greatly looked forward to resting while they made their way towards the boarder.
…
Meanwhile Aron and Rose had been lead to their room and were currently getting settled. For Aron who didn't have much luggage sent over this didn't take long but Lady Rose had brought over a plethora of books and other reading material that she was currently sorting into the shelves of the bookcases. Luckily for Rose the room was quite large and so she could house them all.
"Why the sudden announcement?" After Aron quickly sorted his things he turned to Rose to inquire why she said they'd share a room, the concept itself didn't bother him but he was curious as to why she did this.
"Well during our time here it would be rather inconvenient to keep visiting each other to discuss matters. At least this way none can guess when we're discussing something private, it's a small benefit but useful all the same." Lady Rose explained without bothering to turn towards Aron who simply accepted her explanation and added nothing more.
…
That same day during evening, Sayiva's airship had made it into Aethela waters and was approaching the continent's shore.
Unsurprisingly they were a great number of airships that flooded the sky and patrolled the continent's boarders making it easy for Sayiva's own old airship to be spotted and approached.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmAfter being surrounded by other airships, Sayiva went up to the deck with the intent of destroying those who stood in her path.
[ Don't act rash, we need subordinates! ]
[ If you encounter someone stronger then it is all over… ]
[ Put your pride aside for now ]
The echoey voices advised but Sayiva clicked her tongue in irritation. "Why should I bow my head to lower beings…" she muttered whilst completely ignoring the advise being given to her.
She was very prideful and left no room for common ground. The other voices said nothing more and went silent as she finally arrived on the deck and cast her somewhat lifeless eyes on the deck of the largest and most forefront airship which was only a few meters away.
"I couldn't believe my eyes when they described the airship that approached our territory but it really is you, Aethel's treacherous princess Sayiva." A tall green eyed elven woman with golden hair and clad in armor stood on the deck of large airship and met Sayiva's gaze as she spoke with a hint of anger in her voice.
'So this body's owner was of great royalty? A traitor too it seems.' Sayiva thought but said nothing on the surface, she had never once inquired about her past from any member of her crew as it didn't interest her in the least.
In her eyes it was only natural for lower beings to worship her existence. Even now she looked down on those who approached her and felt she could completely annihilate them but a strand of hesitation had now been planted into her mind thanks to Aron and Rose.
Could their be others like those two in Pesia? What would happen if she clashed with them before acquiring bodies for her fellow existences which currently took refuge within her.
This feeling of having to be cautious greatly displeased her and she couldn't help but show this on the surface with a scowl.
"Do you still not speak after all you've done? Did you expect to be welcomed back simply because your older sister ascended to the throne? Then-" before the buxom elf could vent more another elf, a male of shorter stature with simple features appeared behind her and gave a bow before speaking. "Lady Lier, the queen has sent word that princess Sayiva should be escorted to the central settlement immediately." The young looking elf announced causing the one addressed as Lier to grit her teeth.
"Princess Sayiva! I Commander Lier of her majesty's outer force will escort you to the central settlement as per her summoning. Refusal to abide by this will require me to use force and apprehend you." Lier announced while glaring at Sayiva who simply gave no response.
Instead she turned to her subordinate and said something in a low tone before returning into the interior of the airship. After she left the male subordinate went to the front of the deck and spoke loudly. "Our queen Sayiva says she'll allow you to escort her to the central settlement, be sure to do so dutifully." The young man announced with great courage.
General Lier subconsciously reached for the great sword on her back after hearing such disrespectful words both towards her and her true queen, however she stopped midway and clicked her tongue in irritation before walking away and passing instructions to a subordinate as well.