Chapter 339: Grim escalation.

“We have been able to incorporate Shaturein’s culture with Griffonpeak’s, allowing easy travel between the two cities, although we have placed multiple sentries to assure peace between us,” Jenghil reported on the latest changes of Griffonpeak’s undercity, Shaturein. “There have been… troubles between the people, though. The Heartful Dance and the Blackreach Guild have been able to incorporate our people into the ‘day’ life, but that was because we already had a footing. People are still living in poverty underground.”

With the crystal securely in my storage and my tears wiped away, the next part of my schedule was a meeting with King Drangleic, the dukes, Shaturein’s pillars, and Reajaen. On our way there, I quickly gave the orphans a visit, since I was their “big sis” after all, where we left Neill and Rita behind, as they didn’t want to participate in politics and city management.

With Tasianna by my side, we quickly flew up to Griffonpeak’s royal citadel, where we were warmly welcomed by the palace’s staff. Once everybody was in the conference room, the discussions quickly began with me mostly taking in their reports.

Everything the first half was mostly trivial stuff about working together and reports and the individual duchies. Of the six dukes here, it seemed like they finally regained full control over their lands after the Griffonpeak attack and the combined demonkin sabotages through the kingdom, meaning they would now have the time and resources to put them elsewhere.

And this was why we were having this discussion. We also needed to coordinate with each other, especially Estralia.

“Creating jobs and opportunities should be one of our priorities. Money and a purpose brings stability.” King Drangleic nodded his head. “Duke Greenveil, your opinion?”

“Trust is the issue, Your Majesty. With the opening of the yeast guild and growth of the baker’s guild under our watch, we’ve been able to increase yeast production to the point we can slowly spread it to the commonfolk. Bakers we trust have been making their own yeast. However, will we be able to trust Shaturein’s thieves and lowlives with this trade secret?”

Even with the fact Artorias and Shaturein were allies now, there was clear animosity between the two factions through Artorias's dukes. They reluctantly agreed to help them, and while I thought they would warm up to each other eventually, it seemed I was too naive. Still, not like I could do anything about people’s opinions.

“Shaturein hasn’t shown their willingness to change with how they handle their mages. The arcane corruption is still in a terrible situation,” Duchess Morgiana added, looking displeased by the two representatives of Shaturein.

Duke Myrrdin, Artorias’s Grand Duke of Arcane Affairs, spoke up with his rival, criticizing Shaturein’s decisions. “As we mentioned before, we do not ask you to conform to Aleistunum laws and rules with managing mages, but surely, you must agree to stop their antics. Monster spawning will only endanger people’s lives!”

“We manage the corruption well enough, Lord Myrrdin,” Shaturein’s de facto leader, Vangrim Blackreach, brushed off the feedback. “However, if we were to immediately enforce new laws on them, the mages would be displeased and leave us. That would cut into our number of mages and create more wild mages. Things need time. Our people need time for reforms.”

“Yes, that is correct. We have been making progress,” Jenghil, the second pillar of Shaturein, agreed while pointing out information to support their claim. “Shaturein isn’t just a place for those unwanted by the ‘day’ to live in, but we are here to act on actions Artorias would find ‘displeasing.’”

“I do hope you have been following my wishes, Lady Jenghil. I know it must be hard, but I really don’t want to be associated with a bunch of cutthroats,” I interrupted her for a moment, prompting her to nod.

“Yes, Princess Hestia. No murders, threatening, or violence against innocents or those not involved in our goals. If a path must be created, we shall do it through diplomacy or bribery. My guild, Blackreach, and Sewer Management have been able to fully implement this change through promises of a better life. Those unwilling to change were given a second chance or were forced to leave and become a ‘target’ to maintain peace.”

“Estralian’s underground has also taken steps to change, Princess Hestia,” Reajaen, current president of Estralia, spoke up, informing me of their changes. “Most criminal activities of my organization and the cartels we have taken over have ceased operation. We have started to transition into supporting economic changes through alchemy and the Sarlenzia company.”

“Although… we have continued with what we always did best, Your Grace,” Vangrim stated, implying some of the more background activities he had been doing. “Smuggling, spying, and torture of targets you deem who deserve it.”

“I am fine with morally grey actions, Mister Vangrim. Just, don’t drop down to black, alright?” I glared at the man, making sure he understood what I actually wanted. “Do what you must to not totally change your culture. I don’t think that’s possible in one generation, anyways. However, don’t just start ruining people’s lives who don’t deserve our ire! First and foremost, I am Goddess Aurena’s blessed and an entertainer to boot. This world deserves more happiness, instead of all the war and pain over all these years. More smiles.”

“Idealistic… but a goal worth fighting for. A world with less slaves or people who have to kill their neighbors to survive a single day would be a dream my ancestors would have fought for, too.” Vangrim smiled slightly, seemingly agreeing with my ideal. Knowing about Shaturein’s history and their hatred for slavers, I eased my heart a bit by working with them. “Then… can we assume we have your blessing to enact the first move?”

“Freeing slaves? Of course. Liberate them of their chains and grant them freedom. But, as I said, don’t overdo it. If you don’t need to kill, don’t.” I emphasized that fact.

“If my people won’t be put in danger, I shall listen to your orders.” Vangrim stood up and bowed. Considering the importance I placed on my own allies, I agreed wholeheartedly with it.

This wasn’t part of the original plan on why Shaturein wanted to join up with Griffonpeak. They only became one of my allies ‘cause they’ve realized if they didn’t act on it now, they might be left behind in the changes that were about to come in the future. It was for their own survival.

As such, it came to me as a surprised how Vangrim also has a secondary motive to fulfill what Shaturein always was meant to be — a haven for freed slaves and a symbol of their hatred for slavers. For such a goal, how could I see no? Eshe was against slavery, and I had no plans anymore to accept this as another piece of Peolyncian culture. Somethings had to be changed, and it seemed just right for me, a blessed of Aurena, to enforce that idea.

Even if they were nothing more than criminals now, they could still change their city for the better for the future generation. I had the chance to help them with this, so why shouldn’t I with my current position?

I then turned to the Dukes, trying to bridge this gap even if it were to be hard. “Duke Olivus, as the Grand Duke of Religious Affairs, I believe this would be a good time to help some of these people in the name of the Goddess, correct? Many of them, impoverished and lacking in hope for the future, will need the Goddess’s grace. I am planning on helping them, give them that light. I would like to sing to them, but before that, I would need help from the spiritual leader of Artorias.”

“Yes! Of course, Your Grace!” Duke Olivus stated with full vigor. “The new cardinal would be most delighted to help our brothers and sisters underground find their way back. In the honor of Saintess Eshe, I will also make sure to aid the orphans we find down there. With stability restored in Artorias, I can finally perform something to further her legacy. Your heavenly voice would bequeath down the Goddess’s mercy upon them.”

Eshe shouldn’t be forgotten. For what she did to Griffonpeak, I wanted her to be remembered. The kids in the orphanage deserved it, after all, and I wouldn’t be a good big sis if I were to abandon them.

The kids deserve happiness.

“Thank you very much. May the Goddess bless you with brilliant light,” I then drew my attention to the other dukes, giving them instructions and what I wanted them to do. This was something King Drangleic was supposed to do, but during this conference, my word had a lot of weight behind them also. “Duke Equevanna, I want you to continue spreading the Sarlenzia company’s control in Estralia. Also, please, get ready once the treaty with the dwarves is signed. I wish for you and Duke Groushia to helm Artorias participation in technological advancements.”

“I presume this will involve the dwarves, also, yes?” Duke Grousia asked, to which I nodded.

I didn’t want to do the researching and tech stuff myself, but I was willing to fling ideas out for them to work with. Like the Revolution Queen, I had the knowledge of an earthling. However, as Arcanuess Helvas and Duchess Morgiana had mentioned quite a few times, they were curious about my knowledge. I couldn’t blame them. At the very least, I could give them stuff to work with.

“I have no idea what the dwarves will do, or if I would in the future, but from my impression of Grimnir and the dwarves I’ve met, I am 100% sure they will ask me about it,” I stated, prompting the duke to agree.

“That is correct, Your Grace. The dwarves are the frontrunner of manatech advancements, not to mention, blacksmithing and artificer techniques. If there is anything you wish to reproduce from your world to ours, they would be the best to talk about it.” I agreed to him, but also mentioned that magical items can be useful, too, like the transmission slate.

“Oh, you’ve seen it, Princess Hestia? Oh, then would you have any ideas on making it better?” Duchess Morgiana asked me, with Duke Myrrdin’s eyes glistening in interest.

Like daughter, like mother…

In any case, the discussion continued with how they would be able to help Shaturein’s impoverished people. Creating jobs was important, but having the commonfolk of Griffonpeak accept them was also important.

“Anyways, please, consider implementing education places,” I pointed out. “I understand education is currently reserved for nobles, rich merchants, and academy students, but I would encourage you to help train people. Education and knowledge is what helps people rise from their current positions. As God Istari would say, at least.”

There was some apprehension from the dukes when I mentioned “rise above their station,” as they saw the Shaturein people more like thieves and rogues, but they couldn’t disagree with me on how it would provide jobs. They gave it some thought, but I honestly would need Saori here to help me. She probably would be able to plan this out better.

“I believe this should be most of our discussion topics,” Tasianna brought up after I gave my opinion on it, drawing everybody’s attention to the time and how long we’ve been in here. Two bells had already passed, and it was starting to get dark outside. “I would recommend stopping here.”

“I agree,” King Drangleic agreed. “We have spoken a lot, but it is about time we take a break for the day. Princess Hestia and President Reajaen must return home, of course. However, before we do, I would like for Lady Jenghil to give her first report on the state of the heroes. I heard a message had returned safely home?”

“How perceptive, King Drangleic.” Jenghil bowed her head with close eyes. It seemed like King Drangleic had spies on them. “But, yes, Princess Hestia, I have my first report.”

Her attendant brought a scroll over to me, which I accepted with gratitude. Opening it up, I began reading through it.

Three parties. All have their base in Riewelst (Capital of the Empire. Seat of the Holy Emperor and also the royal order of the Hands of Heaven)

They move out to other lands when needed. Quest, Emperor orders, with the knights, training, dungeons.

“Hero” Party: Takuma Akanishi, Aiko Hasebe, Chifuya Agano, Natsume Otonori, Hayato Odagawa.

“Champion Candidate” Party: Light Akabane, Ryuji Enokida, Fusao Sawaya, Shiki Yanigimoto, Hirofumi Nakamara.

“‘Media’” Party (We have not found information on what this means): Yuuko Takeshita, Suzuki Rokoda, Ichiyo Amari, Asuka Furukawa, Yuuki Yoneda

“Light Akabane” had to be Franz Akabane, going by another name. I did recognize some of the people on this list from what the students and Saori told me, but honestly, since I didn’t really know any of them personally, these names were saying anything to me. At least, we knew those guys were over there and still alive.

A tragedy has happened recently where 13 blessed of Goddess Aurena were slain by demonkin assassilants. Fully released to the populace. Heavy favor from the citizens to fight in the war. Danger. Calling upon all vessels to attack from the people. War threat to Home.

“Champion Candidate” party have gained popularity with them being able to protect a saint from an assassin. “Hero” and “Media” have also being promoting the church and the war. They haven’t been sent to the front or close to yet. No signs of them participating in war. More influence within the city, using their other world knowledge to remain useful.

The main cathedral of the Empire is advertising Light Akabane and Saintess Fleindia as a blessed pair. Similar to Takuma Akanishi and Saint Candidate Aiko Hasebe. No deeper information on the cathedral. No clients who know better.

We need to work more discreetly, Mistress. We are making ourselves too known.

… This is a lot of information.

“Thank you very much, Lady Jenghil. This is very helpful, thank you,” I thanked her in Saori’s and the student’s stead.

“I shall send your compliments to the girls, Your Grace,” she bowed. “However, as you could read, we need to slow down on the information. Clients are aplenty in the capital of the Empire, but I would rather not endanger my girls by having them look in too deeply.”

“That is alright. This is enough information for now. Have them just standby and send in any public information, or anything important to us,” I ordered, to which she bowed once again.

Considering the importance of this information, I wanted to share it with the others, but for some reason, King Drangleic stopped me. He said that Jenghil herself would explain everything to them, as he needed to talk to me about the Empire for a moment. Outside of Tasianna, the king’s advisor Ulquint, the king himself, and me, everybody else left the room.

Ulquint came over to us, asking for me to hand him the parchment with the info. After he read through it, the old man heaved out a deep sigh. “This is an issue. If they demand us to send troops any time soon, or wish us to participate in the war, I can already hear Duke Lecartiglio scream in our ears, Your Majesty.”

“Agreed. Bringing up the alliance with the dwarves was to fully bring him over to fully support me. I shouldn’t break that promise.” The king closed his eyes with a pensive face. After some moments passed, his feathered winged arms rattled as he stood up, moving over to the window. “Especially with the fight currently happening over at Annencia, it really isn’t the time to anger him any further.”

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“Fight?” I raised an eyebrow at the sudden mention of a battle.

“Yes, Princess Hestia.” He turned around, nodding with an aloof expression. “I apologize for not informing you of this sooner, but I believe you must have been occupied with Elyonda. I didn’t want you to have more on your plate. The grimgarians have finally begun their assault on us.”

“Hold on, don’t leave me with such a vague reply!” I stood up at how he ended that sentence, demanding to know more.

“Port Annencia, the kingdom’s only port, was attacked by a large armada of grimgarians ships and tamed sea serpents about a week ago. From messages, it seemed they had been besieging the port and prepared anti-air measures towards our griffon and hippogryph knights. The quantity of enemies doesn’t allow us to launch an attack on them, but the terrain of the port means—”

“STOP!” Outraged by the fact he kept something this important from me for a whole week, I stomped over to him, shouting for him to stop talking. “Why did you keep this from me? What is this supposed to mean, huh, King Drangleic? I thought we were allies?”

Undeterred despite my attitude towards him, the king remained resolute“Because you already have enough on your plate, Lady Hestia. Are you telling me that you would have enough time to also participate in this fight while your presence is needed over in Elyonda?”

“I can fly over there and breathe fire on them! King Drangleic, we are allies! If Artorias is threatened, you have a right to ask me to help you! That is what allies are for! Not to leave me in the unknown, just so you can solve your problems alone!”

“Lady Hestia, this isn’t like that attack you stopped in Greenveil. This is a full on assault with siege weapons, commanders, and even a general. There are sightings of B rank ogres, trolls, orcs, and also gnolls. Not to mention, their beast tamers managed to collect quite a number of sea serpents and merfiends to help them in their attack. You cannot just fly over and fight like it's some evening stroll! You can get injured, Your Imperial Highness!”

“I understand that, I’m not an idiot who doesn’t understand something like that! But don’t you think that I would want to fight alongside you and your people? Don’t forget! I am a dragon. I am a great boon for your war effort!”

“And what do you presume me to tell your mother if you were to fall in that battle? Or, even if your mother were to be there to protect you, what exactly do you presume would happen if we were to be bereft of you until you are fully matured? Before the alliance with the dwarves is settled. Before news of the Empire demanding levies and knights from us? We wouldn’t have you as our religious and political bulwark to protect and help us in the future! I am not a fool, either, Princess Hestia. As king of Artorias, I take these issues seriously where I have advisors listen to my thoughts before I make a decision!”

Our voices clashed against each other as we argued. I was irritated at how he hid this from me, while King Drangleic was unfairly talking it down as if he was protecting me or something. I understand it would be problematic if Mother were to force me to Kargryx, something I had told King Drangleic since I wanted him to know of the deal I made with Mother.

I wanted to continue making him understand why this exactly annoyed me, but it seemed like he was unwavering with his decision. Even Tasianna came over to me, grabbing my shoulder to calm me down and speak normally.

“This discussion will go nowhere if both of you argue over each other,” she advised me.

Taking in a deep breath, I cooled down my heated head. With a glare, I prodded the king to explain himself.

“Lady Hestia, war does end in a single day. Even if you are stronger than most normal B ranks, are you strong enough to stand up against multiple B ranks when you had trouble with them in the past? What if an A rank were amongst them? Even if you were to prevail against them, what if you were injured and unable to fight when Elyonda gets attacked?”

“…” I bit my lips at that thought.

It would mean only Larent and Neill would be around to protect the city. Sure, Mother could intervene but that was the sorta trump card I had to hold back at any cost. I couldn’t afford to get warped away when so many things were happening.

Then again, maybe there were more high valued fighters like those two amongst the fighters in the city. There was also Tehmrayn and Master, who both could take on countless fighters, I had to admit. I probably was underestimating Tehmrayn by quite a bit, since I only have seen Larent and Neill in action.

“War is about accessing the situation and taking care of every single outcome, Princess Hestia,” Ulquint lectured me. “Negative results should always be considered, and it is the role of the generals and leaders of an army to assume what would be the best course of action. In this case, sending you to the frontline would not be for the best, having you defend the next Champion of Yeostar would.”

“… Okay, I get your reasoning.” I had to admit. “However, why keep this from me? At the very least, I should know!”

“That is true, yes. I do apologize for that, but Ulquint and Duke Lecartiglio advised me against it. You would have rushed to the scene of battle, they assumed.”

“Trust goes both ways.” I shook my head, admonishing both the king and his advisor. “I understand you did this in the best interest of me, but I deserve to know these things, do you two understand? Sure, I am a child before the both of you when it comes to politics, military, and probably a lot of other important topics, but you can’t know what I will do if you don’t tell me. If the both of you treat me like a child, how am I supposed to improve my image to the both of you? Haven’t I been doing my best to act like a proper princess whenever we have these meetings?”

“You have, my lady,” Ulquint agreed with me, bowing deeply in apologuz. “You stir and provide ideas similar to what a royal should be doing, without completely taking over the discussion. Your knowledge of the smaller details is still a bit lacking, but that can be excused due to your busy schedule. Please, do not be too angered at His Highness, I cajoled him into it.”

“Haaa, yes…” I sighed, waving my hand to tell him it was okay. “Urgh, whatever, let us leave this behind us. Just, please, talk with me? This alliance is made between us as equals. At the very least, just imagine it being an investment for my growth.”

“Yes, you will have my word, Princess Hestia.” King Drangleic bashed his chest and gave me a short bow.

“Good. Then, please, elucidate me. What has been happening?”

It didn’t take long for me to once again express my irritation at being left in the dark when both mentioned how they sent Yorshka, Farron, and Gael into the conflict. It finally made sense why Priscilla was so despondent lately, and it made me question why they would send Farron, who had just recovered from his injury, into battle like this. Yorshka, sure, she was plenty strong by herself, but Farron. He was still rusty.

The reasoning they gave me was that they wanted to only send Yorshka into the fight, but that Farron and Gael both interjected themselves in the discussion. That if his wife would go, Farron would go, too. And if his two best friends would go, then Gael had to join them since they were a party once. Since King Drangleic told them to stay quiet about it, they told Priscilla to not tell me.

“They should have arrived at the siege already. They are probably fighting right now,” King Drangleic assumed. “Although, due to the terran advantage we have in Annencia, even with a large force, it would take the grimgarians time to defeat not only those three, but also Duke Lecartiglio and his retainers. The man is a veteran adventurer and knight, before he took over his father’s titles. He has fought against Carmaniate with his retainers during his early knighthood, and I wouldn’t trust anybody else with my armies.”

“Port Annencia has defences constructed with the help of levianewts in the past, so they are well equipped to protect themselves from a sea siege. With the mountains surrounding the city, it is a prime position for our knights to swoop in with their griffons and hippogryphs.”

It started to sound like they weren’t having too much of a problem there, but it still seemed weird to me to call staying in a siege a good thing. While the port might not starve, since only their path to the sea was blocked, it probably wasn’t good for morale.

“However, there is a more dire issue to all of this.” But that was just the appetizer, now came the main course. “Our scouts have noted how the siege is losing numbers, not because of our attacks, but because they are advancing further south. Ports in Atadoro and Rakatheen have been attacked by those grimgarians.”

The Atadoro Kingdom was Artorias’s neighbor to the south while the Kingdom of Rakatheen was further south from the former. Unlike Artorais, both countries had better access to the seas, possessing quite a few ports to their name. The problem with that, was that just east of Rakatheen was the Divide of the Five Princes.

“Port Annencia was made to be defendable, since it is our only port. On the other hand, Atadoro’s ports were geographically not as well defensible. Some of those ports, mostly the smaller towns and cities, have already been looted. People have died, and I heard grimgarians were storming into those lands. It is full out war for them.”

“Tsk. That’s bad, then.” A cold sweat poured down my back. “I had ordered three Caedhulen merchants ships to dock in Annecia.”

“For what reason?” The king seemed confused, but for good reason. I hadn’t told him about how I paid them 3% of my funds to have them pick up some adventurers.

“Elyonda is currently plagued with pirates. They needed help taking them down, so I had those Caedhulens travel to Annencia to recruit mercs to help. I heard Caedhulen ships would take only two days to get from Elyonda to Annencia, and I paid them at an express price to have them sail faster!”

The problem here was that Adhi and crew were on one of the ships! Since he was practically broke, I hired him to get some mercs over with the Caedhulen merchants and sailors in the city. I thought I was doing them a favor, but now I was sending them towards a fleet of grimgarians!

Oh shit!

“I-I need to move,” I stated to them.

“Lady Hestia!” Tasianna stopped me. “Are you sure about this? I know they might be in danger, but Caedhulen ships are known to be maneuverable. Normal ships cannot catch up to them, especially with how those merchant ships are made for quick travels! Not to mention, tomorrow is your concert! We haven’t finished training yet, Lady Hestia. I still haven’t gotten the dance choreography and song down yet! Neither have you!”

Tasianna was once again my partner-in-crime on stage. We have been training a lot for the upcoming concert whenever I didn’t need to train with Mother, Neill, or Master. This did present a problem, but what was a concert when lives were on the line, especially if I was the one who sent them forth!

“Tasianna, I can’t sing and dance with a clear conscience while I don’t know if they are dead or not! I need to know and save them if possible!” Nothing would stop me. Adhi has become a good acquaintance, I couldn’t leave him to die even if his ships were good at evading.

“But your maid is correct, Lady Hestia,” Ulquint supported Tasianna. “Reports sent to us made us aware the ships are human-designed. Not the best, but they were strong enough to carry weapons and countless grimgarians. Most are galleon and frigate types, not suited for sea chases. They are made for transportation while being armored. Caedhulen bladshars are clippers. They are fast.

Galleon? Frigate? Clippers? What? What now?

“Stop, Ulquint.” King Drangleic stopped him from interfering. “However, Princess Hestia, before you move, please assess your situation properly. The grimgarians have started their war on us humans, and that means we need to start fighting back. Do not forget, if they work with the demonkins, then they know you. How much they know about you is a mystery to us, but be aware that you are strategic personnel they would want to get rid of.”

I nodded to his advice and excused myself, now that the information I needed was gained. I quickly moved out of the palace after saying my goodbyes, flying over to the orphanage where I noticed Rita enjoying herself with the kids while Neill looked exhausted as hell. Apparently, Neill was harassed by all the kids with “Big Sis Neill” after they admitted she was my sister.

“Big Sis, are you leaving already?” The orphanage kids asked me with puppy eyes, making me feel even worse. However, I had to go.

“I’m sorry everybody. I know I should stay longer to play, but I need to go. Somebody needs me to help them,” I admitted to them, hoping they would understand.

“… Are you going to be a hero, Big Sis?” One of the orphans, Abi, came over to me. She, like most of them, mourned Eshe quite a lot. “Then go, Big Sis! Help them! We can wait!”

“Ah! … Yeah, I will! Stay safe and listen to the sisters and the director, alright!”

“““Yes, Big Sis!””””

The four of us returned House Helvas’s mansion in the city and entered the [Room] portal there to return to Elyonda. I told Rita and Neill what exactly happened during the conference while we walked together, shocking both at how the grimgarians were starting a war.

“In any case, I need to—” As we exited out of the portal to the beach of Karhalenteel island, I stopped speaking when Jehtro suddenly ran over to us, grim shadows over his face.

“Lady Hestia, we have an issue. Our scouts have sighted grimgarians attacking the other principalities and our border.”

…

This was why I hated having to react to all of this crap.

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