{TRIGGER WARNING: The scenes in this chapter may depict sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, physical violence, and identity-based discrimination and harassment. Please read at your own RISK!!!}
The sun was scorching hot, especially in Thalvarad, add to the fact that we are in an arid region. I was already sweating a lot in just one hour of being outside, and I'm not even doing vigorous activity! I'm just walking store to store. Maybe this is how they feel in some countries in the Middle East back on earth. Or maybe it's even worse here? I don't know; I had never been there back then.
"How much is this potion?" I asked the saleslady.
This is the last item on the list that I need to get. Most of the items Lady Antoinette requested are herbs, medicine, and potions. Some were familiar, and some were not.
'It's not like my business, so...'
"That's 2 gold coins. We also have the newest type of that potion for only 5 gold coins. It's two times more effective than this one. Would you like to try it?" She showed me the newest version of the potion, which I politely declined.
'I'm not even sure what this is for...'
"I'll get this one. Thank you for the offer." I picked up the one that I was meant to buy and handed her 2 gold coins.
I went out of her shop and double-checked the list to see if I didn't miss a thing. When I was sure that I got all I needed, I slipped the paper in my pocket and decided to go home already. I still haven't finished my laundry yet.
While on my way home, I saw a lot of soldiers marching to the west gate. What caught my attention was not because they're matching but because of the armor they're wearing. Based on what Lady Antoinette taught me, the knight wears 3 different armors on different occasions.
On regular days they wore their green-plated armor, which indicated the peaceful times. They wore their golden-plated armor in celebrating the kingdom's victory and other accomplishments. They wore their red-plated armor when they were going on a war, or the kingdom was in war.
(The armor was made of metal strips arranged in overlapping layers that faced downward. It covered the torso in two separate halves, which were fastened at both the front and back. To provide extra protection, it also included shoulder guards as well as breast and back plates, shielding the upper body and shoulders).
'Right now, they're wearing their red armor. Which means we're at war! I need to go home right now.'
I stride along the sidewalk with the growing crowd watching the soldiers march. I get it that they have the strength to fight, but can they try to hide their excitement for a little? I can hear them whispering that they're scared, but their face was smiling.
"What kind of fear was that?" I asked myself, irritated.
When I came home, I found them all busy scurrying here and there; I guess they've heard the news.
I asked one of my co-servants where Lady Antoinette is, and they told me she was in the Lord's office. So I hurriedly went there, still holding the baskets containing the items I've bought.
"My lady, I'm back!"
"Oh good! Have you bought all the items on the list?" She asked while packing some documents inside her bag; her movements were in a hurry.
"Yes, my lady. I was able to buy them all before the commotion," I answered and took the remaining gold coins in my pocket. I placed it on top of the table along with the basket I was holding.
"Good, I'm still going to need that." She finished packing the remaining documents on the table and looked at me.
"Finish packing the important documents in that cabinet. You'll know the important ones by the tag. They all have red tags. Put them inside the bag; I'll be packing Jeremiah's and my husband's things. You go, pack some of your things as well after you finish that, okay?" The lady instructed while pointing to the cabinets beside the bookshelf. She handed me one of the bags and was about to leave the room when I asked her something.
"My lady, where are we going? Is the situation really worse? How about the lord?" I asked, eager for an answer.
Like, I know that a war is really a serious matter, but I thought they said they're strong. They have super strength, and they are good at fighting too! If it was some small nation invading, I know they'll win! Unless...
"We're fleeing to our neighboring country on the west side. This country is about to collapse, that is for sure. The invaders are the military knights of the Vaelthorne Empire; even with our strengths combined, we can't win against mages who have an advantage with distance battles. And they are good with swords too. How will we win against that?" She explained.
"The fate of this nation was already decided before it even started. We're a family of merchants and not a warrior. We have to flee before this land will be destroyed. It will be hard for us to start all over again if we're caught in the war. Jacquess is now busy processing country passes in the other nation. He'll join us after he finishes all the papers we need." She added and finally left the room.
I stood still for a minute, trying to process everything I've heard. I've recently just adjusted to the ways of living here, and then when I finally did, we had to migrate to a different country? HAH! What a life!
I wonder if this is what happened to the original Seraphina. Or was it different? Thinking of it, if this is all that happened to her during those 4 years, she wouldn't come back as a villain. I mean, there's no reason! What made her come back to the Dravenhart Empire and made her want to destroy it?
"I'll just find the answers to that later. I need to start packing."
~~~~~~
[The Dravenhart Empire: Imperial Palace Meeting]
It was not long ago that they received information from one of their spies in Vaelthorne that they learned about their plan to attack the small countries in the east. All the councilors were disturbed upon receiving the news. They didn't like the sound that Vaelthorne is gaining more military power than what they have now. If they do, the Vaelthorne's power will be insurmountable, and they can't let that happen!
"Your imperial majesty, we should send reinforcements to the Eldithris Kingdom! If the Vaelthorne gains more power, it'll be just a matter of time before they'll want to invade us as well. We can't let that happen!" Marquess Ronan complained.
"But Marquess Ronan, that's still far from the future. What we need is to focus on the present. What if your fear won't happen, but we end up helping the EldithrisKingdom? What will happen to us? We'll make an enemy out of Vaelthorne!"Viscount Lewis expressed his disapproval.
"Marquess' worry has some grounds, but Viscount Lewis is right as well. What should we do, your imperial majesty?"Lord Arkin asked, turning to the Emperor, who was listening to them silently. (A member of the Council).
"I agree with Lord Arkin; you both have a point. But we received a message from the Vaelthorne Empire, and I already made a decision based on the letter I had received this morning. Let Count Vaelyn read it to you." The emperor nodded at Count Vaelyn, who nodded back.
He stepped forward and opened the letter that was sent to them earlier this morning by one of the Vaelthorne's envoys. They arrived so early in the morning to deliver an important letter from Emperor Zephyrion himself. After they received the letter, the envoys went back to Vaelthorne carrying the response of Emperor Aurelius.
"I've made this letter for the Emperor of Dravenhart to offer a treaty between the two empires. We only have simple terms that, if fulfilled, we promise not to attack or go to war against the Dravenhart Empire. We'll be good friends!
Here are my terms:
1. DON'T MIDDLE ON THE ONGOING WAR IN THE EAST.
2. DON'T EVEN SEND ANY FORMS OF HELP OR SUPPLIES.
Failing to comply, or agree, means you give permission to Vaelthorne invading your empire. We'll be enemies from here and now on. I hope you agree, but if you don't, that's okay as well. :)
From Emperor Zephyrion Vaelthorne...
That was the content of the letter." Count Vaelyn immediately stepped backward to the emperor's side after reading the message.
The councilors fell silent. They didn't expect that the emperor would send a letter himself! And not just a simple letter for a treaty, but a threat no less! It's like the Vaelthornian Emperor is so sure to win against them.
"That sounded more like a threat!" Lord Orryn frowned. (The head council).
"How should we respond, my lord?" Grand Duke Belmorn asked.
"I've already responded to the letter this morning. The decision I've made is based on what I deem will be best for the future of the empire."
"What was your answer, my lord?" Lord Jorik curiously asked. (The Head of the Imperial Librarian and a council member)
"I agreed to the treaty, as long as both empires stay on good terms. We just recently stabilized our empire again; if we go to war, we'll be on the losing side even if we win the war. But if they breach the treaty, we will not be sitting here waiting," Emperor Aurelius explained.
Everyone in the room understood the Emperor. It will be best to remain neutral for now, unless the Vaelthorne strikes first. With that, they all agreed to the emperor's conclusion and adjourned the meeting.
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