The mood turned serious as each party adjusted themselves. The smile faded on Gena’s face as a group of elves appeared in the background. A small but strong-looking dwarf joined in te as he struggled to jump into his seat. He stubbornly refused the help of the other elves as he finally swung his small body into the chair.

  “I greet the high elves and the dwarf.”

  “We greet you, Grand Duchess of Credoa.”

  They exchanged pleasantries, with Arthur remaining silent behind her. With everyone seated, Melora was the first to speak.

  “As you all understand, I want to work more closely with you and all other creatures in the forest, but I have a problem. Your influence has not yet reached this part, so I am unsure of what steps I should take.”

  “You are from Credoa, correct?”

  The small dwarf asked.

  “Correct. Pardon my rudeness, but I am not familiar with you.”

  “I am sorry, hoho. I am Fisan, leader of the dwarves. I just arrived not so long ago, but the elves have fully caught me up to speed with you. You are a friend of our Highness Adeline, if I am not wrong.”

  “Yes, she is a good friend of mine.”

  “Then you are our friend also, hoho. Our Highness sure has a lot of strong friends. You burn like the sun itself, and the man behind you is as fierce as a Balowick.”

  Arthur slightly turned as he received the compliment, and Melora let out a small ugh.

  “Oh yes, as I was saying, there are not a lot of orcs and trolls in your area, but the true problem are the ogres and Oni.”

  “That is correct. They are formidable and tough. Unlike orcs, they are more organized and higher in numbers. Is there a way we can reach an understanding with them?”

  Everyone fell silent as they started to think. Just then, an old elf joined them. He looked lost; it was the same old elf who gifted her the branch. His gaze just wandered as the maids bowed and tried to escort him out.

  “Are we talking about ogres and onis? They are quite clever creatures and strong, but they never quite expanded the same way elves and humans did.”

  “Do you know anything that can help us?”

  Melora moved closer as the old elf got lost in thought.

  “Just like us, they are very protective of the forest. I would suggest stopping most activities there and leaving them gifts reted to the forest.”

  Arthur slightly frowned at the suggestion.

  “Young man, you feel very familiar, hmmm. What was I doing again?”

  The old elf stumbled out of the room while being led by the maids.

  “Grand Duchess, can’t you communicate with other creatures now? I do believe Father is right; maybe the best way is by simply talking to them.”

  Arthur raised his hand, then cleared his throat.

  “I do not oppose this, but mating season will be soon. If we let them be and they repopute, what is stopping them from retaliation and destroying our cities or attacking us for food?”

  Gena remained silent for a moment.

  “We are not the violent creatures that you believe us to be. If food is the problem, what about you use that as a ptform to establish peace?”

  “It will not be easy creating a bridge between us, but we will have to trust each other,” Fisan added while stroking his beard. Just then, another knock could be heard as the door swung open. Jacob bowed, then stepped closer to the desk.

  “Sorry to interrupt your Highness, but I have sensitive information to share.”

  “Is it regarding the bck market?”

  “Yes, your Highness.”

  “Give me a moment.”

  Melora turned to the crystal once more.

  “This was very productive. We will strongly consider your suggestions, and I hope that more good news will come.”

  “Thank you, Grand Duchess, for taking care of my people. We too are working hard to create a stronger front against the Empire. I also have a message for Adeline: she greets you and hopes to see you soon.”

  A bright smile appeared on her face as her cheeks slightly flushed.

  “When you meet her again, tell her that I miss her and that we should meet again in the future.”

  “I will make sure the message reaches her.”

  The image disappeared, followed by the crystal losing its glow. Melora’s smile instantly faded as she looked up at Jacob.

  “Did you find the location of the bck market?”

  “Yes, it is underground the Adventurers’ Guild. We have sent scouts, and they have verified it.”

  “I will personally attend the raid. Make sure no one escapes.”

  Melora got up as she grabbed her sword. The two followed her behind. She put on her rge purple cape and exited the castle. A royal carriage was already prepared, and she entered with Arthur. Jacob got on a horse and went ahead. The trip was retively short until they entered the city centre. The streets were filled with the usual hustle and bustle, but the commoners still paid their respects. The carriage stopped at the guild, which was already surrounded by soldiers and knights, with Jacob already there.

  She exited the carriage as Arthur took point. He knocked on the wooden door three times. When there was no answer, he pced his hand on it and released some of his mana. The door exploded, sending splinters everywhere. Soldiers poured in as chaos ensued. Some tried to put up a fight but were quickly dispatched and put in chains. Jacob checked the upper floors first. Once it was clear, Melora stepped in. She surveyed the area and followed Jacob, with Arthur in tow. He stood in the middle of the room and pointed to the ground.

  Jacob released his blue mana, then stomped on the floor, breaking the hatch. Jacob and the rest of the soldiers hoped down. The sound of swords cshing and screams filled the air as Melora waited patiently with Arthur. The soldiers emerged once more with a train of criminals, who all avoided Melora’s steely gaze. Arthur looked at the small opening and decided to expand it. With a small tap of his foot, the wooden floor peeled away, creating a bigger opening.

  They slowly descended as the smell of blood and rotten bodies hit their noses. Arthur was overcome with a rare rage as the bodies of human children, elves, orcs, ogres, and even trolls were lumped together. It was beyond barbaric. It seemed like the traffickers tried to hide the evidence by killing everything but they were too te. In the dark room organs could also be seen in jars together with fairies. One of the fairies seemed alive as Arthur rushed to free it. He called for healers, who took away the weak fairy. Arthur was a knight above all else, and he held great respect for the creatures he slew in battle he saw them as fellow warriors who fought for something just like him. This went against what he stood for; it was violence for violence’s sake.

  “Your Highness, I would like to personally execute each and every one involved in this. This goes against what Credoa stands for, what I stand for.”

  Melora simply nodded as she held back her fury. She made it her mission to ensure no such thing continued under her watch.