After everything was said and done, the stress and emotions finally caught up with the Princess - she spent the whole next day in bed. Meanwhile, I turned to Hestia and Irene, who sheepishly avoided my gaze. That was strange...

"Something happened?" I asked with an innocent smile. I had my suspicion they might think I was angry but I couldn't tell the reason.

"We are sorry..." Irene was the first to break. "I know I shouldn't have been so aggressive with Ibrevellians but I just couldn't stand that smug smile on my Father's face!"

I simply nodded, uncertain why she was so worked up about it.

"I unnecessarily escalated the conflict that, so far, was only unofficial!" She sighed heavily. "I gave them an excuse to officially work against us and undermine our operations. I'm so sorry about that, Theon... But I... I..."

She sighed heavily and put on a sad face. Her long, expressive Elven ears drooped on the sides.

"And why are you nervous, Hestia?" I switched my gaze to her. Keeping my thoughts to myself for a moment, I let Irene slightly simmer in her guilt.

"I... I was carried away with the shopping I did for Harmonia and Roannia..." She gulped. "I... I might have spent too much."

"How much exactly?" I asked with curiosity.

It wasn't like any of them had a habit of spending ungodly amounts of money on themselves so I was simply curious what Hestia considered too much. Especially since it was I who had a habit of spending a small country's budget to buy gifts for my wives. The last time I bought gifts for all of my beauties, I spent the equivalent of a Sabre-class destroyer.

"Half of a million gold coins..." She mumbled.

"Oh?" Considering their, so far, prudent expenditures, it certainly sounded more. "If I were so petty as to control your spending, that would still be within the limits of a hypothetical allowance. For God's sake, you are one of my Empresses, Hestia. Buying gifts for your long-since-seen family is understandable. Keeping gold circulating is also much better than hoarding it. Even Aoi agrees with that and she is, basically, a Dragon!"

"I also broke the rule about magic gear." She looked flatly at the table.

Well... That certainly explains things.

"How so?" I calmly looked at her as my smile turned sour.

"I bought a barrier ring for Roannia. It's one of the most powerful barriers Ruby and Verni can fit into a ring. You know... One that is also enchanted to explode if it leaves Arcadia. I... I ordered the safety removed from that ring." Hestia had a very blank stare. "But I didn't tell her how powerful an artifact it is! She thinks it's just a ring that allows me to know where she is, and she promised to always wear it, even in her sleep..."

"So you tricked her into wearing a barrier ring all the time?" I took a deep breath and rubbed my eyelids. "Honestly, I asked you two to meet me today to give me your impressions about the Aclians and the attempted kidnapping of the Princess. But..."

I scratched the side of my head and slightly smiled.

"First, Irene." I looked at her pitifully sitting in the chair. "Yes, your actions complicated things slightly but, let's be realistic, the Kingdom of Ibrevell can't possibly hate me or Arcadia more than they already do. There's literally no option left for us. If you played it safe or tried to reconcile, they might think that we are weaker than they originally assumed. I wouldn't call what you did an escalation but, in my opinion, it was the right course of action."

"What about our plan to buy out the slaves? Ibrevell will interfere." She still looked unconvinced.

"They already did." I laughed. "They forced us to, and let me quote it, ensure the high standard of living and at least three meals daily for the slaves we currently buy. They even resorted to enforcing that part of the deal with magic contracts. They're so cute."

"What?" She blinked in confusion.

"They think they outsmarted us." I shook my head in amusement. "A slave with such terms attached would be extremely expensive to keep. They did it because they believe that it will bleed us economically. They have no idea that we set free all those people. Not that I would ever not give them normal living standards but for the Ibrevellians, it's unthinkable to buy slaves and just set them free. They think their the best solution is to profit but also ensure the slaves are useless in the long run. You want to hear something funny? They are, even, working behind the scenes to ensure we buy as many slaves as possible before, and I quote, 'before those idiots realise these slaves are going to bankrupt them'. As you can see, your actions have had unexpected benefits."

"I... See..." She smiled slightly.

"Now, Hestia..." I took a deep breath and leaned back to look at the ceiling for a moment before I focused my gaze on her. "What kind of barrier is exactly in that ring?"

"It's the personal barrier rune. Nothing too fancy but it also has the concealment enchantment added to hide the barrier... It's one of the best-known barrier runes in Aderon." She said without looking at me.

"So it's nothing confidential? Like one of Luna's barriers or Stella's barriers?" I tilted my head feeling a slight relief.

"Oh, nothing like that! Roannia doesn't have the mana capacity necessary to sustain those barriers. The barrier in her ring will draw on ambient mana in its standby mode while only needing the user's mana if attacked."

"That mechanic is something that was developed in Arcadia if I'm correct." I sighed. "What about the tracker part?"

"I really can track her if necessary, but the ring has nothing to do with it. I know that if our enemies ever manage to copy the rune, it would be bad, but I made her swear that she wouldn't give it to anyone."

"I won't pretend it wasn't a mistake but, on the other hand, I know how important Harmonia is to you and, by extension, Roannia." I sighed heavily. "We just have to keep our eye on her and the ring. I issued orders to the Praetorians who will protect her during her visit to Aclium. Since she will be in Arcadia most of the time, I don't think she will discover what her ring does. I'm more concerned about the time she won't be in Arcadia but, on the other hand, such formidable protection would keep her safe... You really didn't make it easy for me..."

"I know I made a mistake but... They are my family, Theon... Besides..." She bit her lower lip and looked slightly angry. "To lose a fledgling Goddess, if we could easily prevent it, would be horrible and if that Goddess were Roannia... I don't even want to think about it. I judged the risk to be worth it. We will need her help if the Ruinous Powers invade the world again..."

"That's true as well..." I hesitated and gave her a longer stare. "I know she's your family but did you really think that far when you gave her that ring?"

"Yes... I feel horrible about it but we, Eternals, aren't as numerous as we were during the last war and we almost lost back then." Hestia sagged even more in her misery. "I want to protect her from any imminent danger, that's true, but I can't allow myself to forget about our mission, Theon. We were guarding this world before your arrival and we continue to do so now. So every single fledgling Deity is worth protecting."

"I won't even argue with you... Just be careful, Hestia. Our advanced technology is the only thing we have. Our powerful weapons and advanced magic are our sole protection from aggressive neighbours or, basically, anyone." I ruffled my hair and rested my elbows on the table.

Yes, she was right. Getting more Eternals allied to our case meant I have more allies I can rely on when the shit, inevitably, hits the fan. I was confident that we could count on Harmonia's help and, most probably, on her brothers' if things came to it. If Roannia ascended, she would feel obligated to protect her people, so her help was basically guaranteed. No matter how much I hated the thought, I won't be much actual help during an invasion. Yes, the Dungeon Cities will be turned into impenetrable fortresses where I can appear instantly and personally fight Enemies. But anywhere outside? If the forces I'm mustering are insufficient against the gods of Chaos and Void, the rest of the world is cooked. That's why I need to ally myself with as many Eternals as possible. Combining their personal power with the gear we can craft in Arcadia, they could lead my armies against the Enemies. They can be where I can't...

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

"Let's just rig it to self-destruct if anyone attempts to meddle with it and tell Roannia the truth." I finally decided with a sigh. "Keeping her safe is important but I don't like the idea of deceiving her. Just being your family is enough reason for me to help them but I must think about Arcadia. I also don't want them to second-guess our intentions."

"All right." Hestia nodded with a much more confident smile. "I'm sorry and thank you, Theon. I should have set such additional protections in the first place..."

"Thank you both for what you have achieved in Aclium." I smiled at them. "The Kingdom of Aclium's contribution will be invaluable to the defence of our world."

"So..." Irene tilted her head with regained vigour. "How is our operation to obtain slaves going?"

"Mostly smoothly, but there have been some incidents..."

O•••

The flickering light of a single torch was a surprising sight in the deepest part of the slave dens. Orina, or at least that's what she was called in the past, covered her eyes. The light was blinding but she, still, looked at it with hope. Being cast to the lowest cellar was akin to a death sentence. Only the weak, ill, too old, or too defiant slaves were placed here. The Master... She hated to even think of him as her Master but she didn't have a choice. The Master rarely came down here but it happened. Sometimes people needed a slave for some dangerous task, or their budget was tight, so the client bought one of those from here. However, Master Kass'ar never acted so cordially toward clients who descended here.

"Lady Silvertail, I assure you that those slaves are still usable albeit... They need a lot of work to bring them back to usable condition." The man whose single decision decided their life or death was half bowed before a woman in a cloak. His tone was slimy but, surprisingly, honest considering how he had conducted himself so far.

"How many of them are here?" She ignored him and Orina instantly realised why she was so fearless.

Through the open door entered four menacing figures, and Orina felt despair. The terrified scream froze in her throat and she hysterically started gasping for air. Elite Death Lords?! She was about to faint when she locked her gaze on the clocked woman. The soft and compassionate gaze gave her hope against all odds.

"One hundred of them, my Lady." He replied, still bowing to her.

"Very well. How much?" She said without breaking eye contact with Orina.

"I'm afraid that I can't sell them cheaper than one hundred gold..." He started but she chuckled.

"For all of them?"

"Well... Yes, my Lady." There was a hesitation in his voice but Orina couldn't believe her ears. He usually sold those in here for a few silver coins.

"Prepare them to depart immediately." She sounded bored.

"I... Oh, of course, my Lady!" He straightened abruptly in shock. "Move, you lazy bastards! Take these slaves out and pack them into carts!"

The older Elf shouted at his workers who started lighting the room and opening cells.

"I don't want to hear that even a single one of my properties was damaged during your transport preparations, Kass'ar. My soldiers will overlook the process." The woman said coldly and pointed at Orina. "You. Come here."

"You heard the Lady! Move here!" Master Kass'ar shouted and Orina obeyed. "Lady Silvertail, I must warn you that she is very unstable and dangerous. I had hoped to train her to be a warrior but she attempted to break free at every occasion... Despite her charms, she is too fierce to be trained as a sex slave. I'm afraid that she lately has contracted a breathing illness."

"Did I ask you anything?" The woman was undoubtedly a powerful noble because Kass'ar gasped and immediately bowed under her cold voice.

"No, my Lady!"

"What's your name girl?" She demanded with a dignified voice that knew no disobedience.

"Orina, my Lady..." She answered through parched lips. Orina hated herself for her sheepishness but she was almost broken. She knew that if she were left in the darkness she would, eventually, do anything that terrible man demanded from her.

The woman nodded without returning her name. Instead, she flipped her fingers and one of the Death Lords took out a small leather pouch and gave it to the greedy slave trader. He immediately took it and revealed a pile of papers from his ring of holding. Handing them to the monster, he immediately opened the pouch. With a glee, he took out a gold coin and inspected its immaculate surface.

"Doing business with you is a pleasure, Lady Silvertail!"

She just snorted scornfully and looked at Orina. Orina trembled under the gaze and almost started coughing when her new Mistress brought out a magnificent staff from her own storage. "Heal."

She felt warmth filling her body and strength returning to her. She looked at the woman in shock.

"You will follow me."

Orina meekly followed her, more from the force of her slave collar, but she wanted so much to get out of that horrible place. Each of the cells they passed near were empty with only a few exceptions. The ones left looked at them with stunned shock or hate but were quiet. She, however, dared not leave the woman who bought her. She trailed behind with her gaze locked on the cloaked figure. They passed many soldiers wearing armour she didn't recognise though they clearly were in the service of that woman. Orina's heart beat faster as she saw the open doors and the soft sunlight as it was shining in. Oh, how long had it been since she had seen the sun for, what she thought was, the last time? She couldn't remember... The light momentarily blinded her and she yelped in pain. Strong arms stopped her fall and pushed her towards a cart she could barely see. Everything was so bright and blurred despite the long shadows indicating it was late evening. However, she did notice there were dozens of carts waiting on the street. All of them must have been full of slaves...

The doors behind her closed and she felt a gentle push. With a fearful shriek, she fell back only to be caught by fluffy pillows. Her eyes more quickly adjusted to the extremely dimmed light inside and she looked around.

"You saw it." The woman stated. Her voice wasn't angry but full of surprise and curiosity.

Orina looked at the gentle-looking Nekomi who was wearing a light travel outfit. She had already removed her cloak and was tossing it on the bench.

"I saw what, my Lady?" She answered while trying to stand up and bow but the cart moved and threw her back to the pillows.

"You saw what is under the armour of the Praetorians of His Majesty." She said with her arms crossed on her chest.

"Yes..." Orina whispered, forced to tell the truth to her new master.

"You are the first person to do that. That's why I knew you were special." The woman smiled. "My name is Marquess Lanka Goldentail of Avalon, the Arch Cardinal of Eriar, the Saving Grace. I'm in service to the Royal Family of Arcadia and, from now on, so are you. However... Who are you? Who are you really?"

Orina stared at the mysterious noble in silence. Lady Lanka Silvertail took out a flask with some yellowish liquid and sandwiches which she gave to Orina.

"Eat. I understand your hesitance and complete lack of trust." She said, watching as Orina grabbed the food and started eating it. It was so delicious. "First of all, I want to tell you that we are going to take you to the Empire of Arcadia. Do you have any family or other close friends?"

Orina slowly shook her head and swallowed a bite. "My village was raided and I was kidnapped when I was just a child. I don't even know if my family is still alive, my Lady."

Orina knew nothing about the Empire of Arcadia but she wasn't willing to wait. Being a slave was the same, no matter where. Lady Lanka rubbed her chin as she pointed her finger at Orina and the woman felt an intense appraisal skill washing over, breaking through any concealment she could muster. Orina paled... That woman... She knows...

"You must be kidding me..." Lady Lanka's eyes went wide. "You are a reincarnator? Have you come from a world called Earth?!"

"How... How did you know about Earth?" Orina felt despair. Since the day she was enslaved, she had managed to keep that single secret.

"I promise you that I will explain everything, Orina! Once we get to Arcadia, I promise you that we will set you free. I can't do it now because the Elves made sure you would return to them if we tried to do it quickly." Lady Lanka said, and Orina wanted to believe her, but she just couldn't. She had been enslaved for far too long. "I was sent on a mission to buy as many slaves as we could and return with them to Arcadia. We..."

The Nekomi fell silent when their carriage stopped. Some commotion erupted outside and Orina clenched her fists. If she saw an opportunity, she would run. They mustn't get her knowledge... Meanwhile, Lady Lanka looked at her with her cat's eyes and gave her an order that deprived her of all hope.

"I order you to stay here until I free you to move." And just like that, she opened the doors.

It appeared the caravan had been ambushed by bandits and Orina almost started crying. It was dark and raining, like the day she was kidnapped. Lady Lanka wasn't going to join the fight or even go anywhere far. She simply looked outside to assess the situation and returned.

"About two hundred bandits. Looks like an organised group of slavers who were waiting specifically for us." The Nekomi shook her head and took out a flat runic slab the size of a mobile phone and activated it. "I'm sorry that I'm controlling you with slave orders, Miss Orina, but I can't let any of you try to run. Especially you! Trust me. We really want to set you all free."

"I wish to believe you, my Lady but I can't..." Orina cried bitterly.

Through the open doors, she watched the Arcadians fight the overwhelming forces of slavers. Despite the element of surprise the bandits were outmatched, their bodies littered the ground and stained puddles with blood. Each Arcadian soldier was fighting two or three bandits with ease. Suddenly, all the fighting came to a stop as the bandits dropped their weapons as they looked towards the sky. None of them tried to flee.

"Our ride has arrived." Lady Lanka crossed her arms.

In the darkness of the early night, Orina saw a large airship descending toward the ground. Above it, she noticed something she had never expected to see in Nilmerthis. Undoubtedly, modern-looking Earth-like airships hung in the air, providing cover to the landing giant.

"His Imperial Highness, Emperor Theon Avalon would like to meet you in person as soon as we reach the capital." Lady Lanka briefly informed her. "Until then, I must order you to stay with me. I'm so sorry... We can't lose you."

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