Vol.4 Ch.229 I’ve Come To Inform You.
As they relished their meals, a few minutes slipped by, filled withughter and delightful conversation. Rya took a bite of the roasted pig, its savory vor exploding in her mouth, and she couldn’t stifle a soft moan of delight. The rich, smoky goodness was simply irresistible, drawing her deeper into the moment and making her forget all else.
"Mmhm. Delicious!" Rya eximed, savoring a sip of water that seemed to dance on her tongue. The past week had elevated her senses, sharpening her taste buds as her cravings for rich meats and sweet treats surged unexpectedly. She chuckled at the thought, attributing it to the rigorous training sessions with her mage—a whirlwind of spells and incantations. Plus, thosete-night escapades with Quinus had surely been burning off her energy; it was only natural for her appetite to grow. Just some innocent hunger, she assured herself, nothing more.
"I''m delighted you''re enjoying the meal," Quinus replied with a warm smile. "It’s one of my favorites, though I have to admit, it doesn’t quite match the taste of the wild boars we used to hunt in the woods." His eyes sparkled with nostalgia as he spoke, reminiscing about the past adventures they had shared.
<span ss="editText">"I found it a bit gamey and toughpared to this. I prefer the pork," Rya hummed<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">. She leaned in and rested her elbows on the table, the warmth from the meal radiating through her body.
<span ss="userText">"Huh? Well, I find it to be quite the opposite. It has more of a rich and smoky vor that is more robust and hearty," Quinus retorted<span ss="aiText">, raising his eyebrows.
<span ss="aiText">"No way. Pork is so much more sulent and tender. It just melts in your mouth," Rya fired back, her gaze narrowing yfully.<span ss="userText"> She didn''t understand why eating this food was making<span ss="aiText"> her feel so feisty, but she couldn''t deny the thrill of bantering with her partner.
<span ss="aiText">"Pork, eh? Well, you do have a point. The taste is more refined, though, so I suppose there''s no right answer," Quinus conceded.
<span ss="userText">Rya felt a little bad<span ss="aiText"> for <span ss="editText">teasing<span ss="aiText"> her partner. She <span ss="editText">just loved the taste of<span ss="aiText"> pork and couldn''t resist the desire to eat more of it. <span ss="editText">But she s<span ss="userText">wallowed her pride<span ss="aiText"> and apologized. "<span ss="editText">That''s fine... We all have our own opinions, Quin... Speaking of opinionated people... Where''s Dalia and Yuliana? I was expecting them to join us," Rya asked<span ss="userText"> as she looked around<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> the room.
<span ss="userText">Percy grimaced, "My Dalia seems to be tired from our long trip and is still resting in our room... I was going to bring a te of food to her before she wakes up."
"I see... It looks like the early days of her pregnancy are really catching up to her," Rya remarked, a yful smirk dancing on her lips as she nced at Percy. "I''ve heard that during the first trimester, human women tend to feel exhausted, but don’t worry—things change after that. Once those hormones start kicking in during the next three months, they often find themselves bursting with energy!" she added, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
Percy met her gaze, a flicker of panic shing across his face.
<span ss="userText">"M-More energy? B-But<span ss="aiText">, she''s already been rather... frisky..." Percy whispered to Rya.
<span ss="aiText">"Yes, and I wouldn''t be surprised if you start sleeping with one eye open at night within a month or two... I know what you are in for, Percy," Rya teased and winked at the young ranger.
<span ss="userText">"But I already do that...<span ss="aiText"> She is rather active and... well... She likes to be on top... a lot," Percy muttered as his face turned red.
<span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Huh? But I thought you kept getting the upper hand on<span ss="aiText"> her and would make her cry out in ecstasy all night," Quinus teased.
<span ss="aiText">"W-Well, uhm... Yes, but...<span ss="userText"> I''ve been letting her win<span ss="aiText"> on purpose," Percy admitted.
<span ss="aiText">Rya looked at the ranger and smirked, "You''re<span ss="userText"> a sweety<span ss="aiText">, Percy."
<span ss="editText">"W-What? I''m not being sweet... I just... I want to make her happy," Percy protested<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, his face turning an even brighter shade of crimson.
<span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Well, who am I<span ss="aiText"> to say anything? But that is sweet of you... It means you care," Rya said, and Quinus agreed with her.
<span ss="aiText">"Yeah, Percy, you are a good man," Quinus stated, and Percy blushed a bit.
<span ss="userText">"I need to figure out her ring size<span ss="aiText">, but I haven''t had a chance to do it yet," Percy said, and Rya smiled and looked at the young ranger.
<span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I''ll see what I can do<span ss="aiText">," Rya whispered.
Percy''s eyes sparkled with excitement as a broad grin spread across his face, and he gave Rya an enthusiastic nod of agreement.
<span ss="aiText">"Speaking of, where''s Yuliana? Is she not joining us?" Quinus inquired.
"She''s bugging General Dous for potted nts to nt in her room. She wants to start training her daughter in the ways of the Green Word. So, I doubt she''ll be joining us anytime soon," Sir George <span ss="editText">shared with a hint of amusement, as he was sure that Dous was getting driven <span ss="userText">nuts by the Wood Elf''s demands<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.
<span ss="aiText">"Green Word?<span ss="userText">... Well, she did jump the gun at Eldermyst City. All those townsfolk couldn''t stop staring at her<span ss="aiText">," Quinusmented.
<span ss="aiText">"Well, her <span ss="userText">green hair<span ss="aiText"> and <span ss="userText">overall figure<span ss="aiText"> make her stand out from a crowd," Sir George said, and Rya narrowed her eyes at the knight.
The Dark Elf raised an eyebrow, a yful grin tugging at her lips. "You''ve been gazing at Yuliana quite a bittely, George. Care to share what’s brewing in that curious mind of yours?" The question hung in the air, and Sir George found himself caught off guard, his thoughts scrambling as he froze in ce.
<span ss="aiText">"I-Intentions?... Well... I''ve <span ss="userText">been trying to find a suitable partner for her... At first, I thought about getting Sir Richard, lieutenant of the Royal Knights<span ss="aiText">, but... He <span ss="userText">has a thing about Wolfkins<span ss="aiText">. But then, I had a second thought, and maybe I should be the one to... W-Well, I... I''m just looking out for her," Sir George exined.
<span ss="aiText">"George," Rya warned, "Don''t lie to me.<span ss="userText"> I know she is not blood-rted to me, but she adopted me, and I<span ss="aiText"> care for her as my mother."
<span ss="editText">Sir George cleared his throat, "O-Of course... I wouldn''t dare<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> think of doing such a thing."
"Good.<span ss="editText">.. Now, let''s <span ss="editText">talk about how you n on finding the perfect partner for Yuliana," Rya continued<span ss="aiText">, her voice taking a yful tone<span ss="editText"> that made Sir George<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> sweat nervously.
Quinus couldn''t help but smirk; his curiosity piqued as he opened his mouth to question whether Rya had a list of her own brewing in that clever mind of hers. Just as the words were about to escape, the door swung open, and a member of the Royal Council strode in, shattering the moment andmanding their attention with an air of authority.
<span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Your Highness!? Thank the Goddess that you''ve returned unharmed," Lord Gawain said as he bowed before<span ss="aiText"> his prince.
Lord Gawain stood as a pir of wisdom and strength within the royal court, holding the esteemed position of the second-highest member of the King''s Council. For over forty years, he had devoted his life to serving the royal family, earning the respect and admiration of all around him. A devoted husband and father of two, Gawain bnced his family life with the demands of his role, always striving to maintain harmony both at home and in the kingdom. As the right-hand man to Lord Brice, he navigated the intricate affairs of the council with a steady hand, ensuring peace and order reigned whenever the king or queen was away. His presence was not just influential; it was essential to the very fabric of the realm.
<span ss="userText">"Lord Gawain... Shouldn''t you be running around with Lord Brice?<span ss="aiText"> Surely, there can’t be anything so pressing that it demands my attention right now?" Quinus asked with a bit of annoyance.
<span ss="aiText">"Your Highness, there is an<span ss="userText">~" Lord Gawain paused when he lifted his head and noticed the beautiful tan woman sitting next to the Prince.
<span ss="userText">''S-She''s the Dark Elf!?... I didn''t notice with that shawl covering her ears... It seems our prince has simr tastes to our King... Like Father, like son<span ss="aiText">,'' Lord Gawain thought as he quickly regained hisposure and bowed to the prince and the lovelydy.
<span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Ahem... Your Highness... There is an emergency. The Prime Minister called for an<span ss="aiText"> urgent meeting. <span ss="userText">But since the King is away. The meeting can''t start until the King shows up or if four days have passed<span ss="aiText">," Lord Gawain exined.
Quinus, Rya, Percy, and George exchanged worried nces, each wearing a deep frown that spoke volumes about their shared concern.
<span ss="userText">"Urgent? What''s wrong, Lord Gawain?" Quinus asked, now getting<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> a bit more serious.
<span ss="aiText">Lord Gawain nced over to Rya briefly and then back to Quinus.
<span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">The Prime Minister wishes to ban... your fiancee... from entering the capital... He doesn''t know you''ve returned so<span ss="aiText"> far, but the meeting won''t be able to start until the King is here,<span ss="editText"> and Lord Brice has left this morning to head to the city of Lumor to inform him... He believes that your father will stay in Lumor until the deadline<span ss="aiText">," Lord Gawain informed.
Quinus ground his teeth, the tension visible on his face. Rya gently rested a hand on his leg, a soothing gesture meant to ease his growing frustration.
<span ss="aiText">"Very well.<span ss="userText">.. What are our<span ss="aiText"> options<span ss="editText"> to stop this<span ss="aiText">?" Quinus asked.
<span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I''m waiting to get a messenger bird by noon... But, I can tell you that we have one option on the table and that''s to have... I-I''m sorry, but I didn''t catch your lovely fiancee''s name<span ss="aiText">," Lord Gawain stated.
<span ss="aiText">"It''s Rya. You may call me Rya," she said, and the lord nodded and bowed.
<span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Lady Rya... Thank you for protecting the prince... We''ve received a letter from His Highness<span ss="aiText"> exin<span ss="editText">ing<span ss="aiText"> the situation, but some council members aren''t sure if it was an illusion or not," Lord Gawain informed her.
<span ss="userText">"Don''t get sidetracked<span ss="aiText">, Gawain... Tell me our one option," Quinus ordered.
<span ss="aiText">"Right... We could use the <span ss="userText">Church of the Bnce... It''s a long shot, but if Lady Rya prays to Iyomelka''s idol, and if it lights up at all. Then the Prime Minister loses<span ss="aiText"> his argument that Lady Rya is evil," Lord Gawain suggested.
<span ss="aiText">"Huh? Why does it have to be me, and what''s <span ss="userText">Iyomelka''s Idol?" Rya asked, confused.
<span ss="aiText">"You are the Dark Elf, right?<span ss="userText"> Have you ever prayed to your gods and had them<span ss="aiText"> answer you?" <span ss="editText">Lord Gawain <span ss="aiText">asked.
Rya felt a wave of disgust wash over her at the mere thought of facing her two insufferable Goddesses, Nils and Nebulus. These were the very beings who had yanked her from her world and brought her to Tertius against her will, weaving a web of lies along the way. If it were up to her, she''d nevery eyes on them again, not if she could help it. The idea of their presence made her skin crawl.
<span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Well... I''ve done something simr, I guess<span ss="aiText">," Rya answered and took a drink from her cup.
<span ss="aiText">"Good<span ss="userText">! So if you can get the Idol to react, then the Priestesses and Clerics will see this as a sign, and you will be under the protection of the church and can enter the city without the Prime Minister''s opposition," Lord Gawain stated, and bowed.
<span ss="userText">Rya seemed pleased at first, but then she noticed the troubled looks on Percy''s and George''s faces, and Quinus narrowed his eyes at Gawain.
<span ss="editText">"That is our only option!? You''ve got to be kidding me. My fiancee has saved many lives, and she needs the mercy<span ss="aiText"> of the Church''s protection!? Will Mother Astra even let us near that stupid statue?!<span ss="editText">"<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> Quinus eximed.
<span ss="aiText">"W-Well, Your Highness, you see, <span ss="userText">this is the only option we came up with on such short notice... I''m sure<span ss="aiText"> Lord Brice will have another solution by the time we meet," Lord Gawain suggested and bowed again.
<span ss="userText">Rya looked at everyone in confusion, "What''s the problem with this idol<span ss="aiText">thing?"
<span ss="aiText">"The Idol is a religious artifact that the Goddess, Iyomelka, blessed<span ss="userText">... But the damn thing never lights up; even the High Priestess, Mother Astra, can''t get it to respond. It''s just something to buy us time and not much<span ss="aiText"> else," <span ss="userText">Quinus<span ss="aiText"> exined.
<span ss="userText">''Huh? It doesn''t light up? Then this n is pointless? What the hell.'' Rya<span ss="aiText"> thought.
<span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">On the contrary, Your Highness. The Idol did light up once in thest twenty-five years<span ss="aiText">," Lord Gawain stated.
Rya shot him an exasperated nce, her brow furrowed in confusion. Quinus, shaking his head with a mix of disbelief and curiosity, leaned in closer and asked, “Then who did that light up for?”
<span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I-It was your mother... Queen Rianna, Your Highness. I was there that day, and it was a sight to behold. The idol''s eye glowed only a little bit, and the High Priestess nearly made a backflip<span ss="aiText"> in the air," Lord Gawain exined.
<span ss="aiText">Rya tilted her head, ''<span ss="editText">That''s all they need to see to freak the fuck out over<span ss="aiText">?<span ss="editText"> If it takes that little to get the<span ss="aiText"> church on my side, I should probably try it.<span ss="editText"> And maybe I can find a way to make it work with my Mana if praying doesn''t work.<span ss="aiText">''
<span ss="userText">"And my mother has been the only one in a century to get that<span ss="aiText"> Idol to react, correct?" Quinus asked.
<span ss="aiText">"Th-that''s correct, Your Highness. But this could be the chance we need," Lord Gawain insisted.
"Haah... We''re in a tight spot now," Quinus sighed, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice. "It''s ast-ditch effort, and honestly, I doubt anyone will buy into the idea that Rya can truly win the Goddess''s Favor just because the Idol''s eye is glowing ever so slightly. The nobles won''t be easily convinced and will likely double down on their efforts to get her ousted."
<span ss="aiText">"It''s better than nothing. At least it can buy you two some more time, Your Highness," Lord Gawain suggested.
<span ss="userText">"I don''t like~"
<span ss="userText">"Quin... It''s okay... I''m sure there are other options<span ss="aiText">. But for now, let''s at least try it and see if the church is willing to give us an opportunity," Rya said, interrupting Quinus.
Quinus turned his gaze to Rya, captivated by the fierce determination zing in her eyes. “Are you really sure about this?” he asked, a note of concerncing his voice.
<span ss="aiText">"I''m positive, my love<span ss="editText">. My eyes allow me to see how artifacts work... Maybe I''ll notice something<span ss="aiText">," she responded, and Quinus couldn''t help but smile.
Lord Gawain couldn''t shake off his astonishment as he witnessed Rya''s remarkable ability to sway the prince''s thoughts. It was as if she wielded magic, effortlessly transforming his stance with her insightful words.
<span ss="aiText">"Well<span ss="userText">, there''s one more thing I should inform you<span ss="aiText">, Your Highness<span ss="userText">,"<span ss="aiText"> Lord Gawain informed.
Quinus arched an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Well, don’t keep me in suspense. Go on," he urged.
<span ss="aiText">"The Prime Minister <span ss="userText">has the Princess of the Divine Three in his<span ss="aiText"> mansion. And he wants to <span ss="userText">get the arranged<span ss="aiText"> marriage pushed through. He ns to <span ss="editText">show her off to the Major Noble Families at some point<span ss="aiText">," Lord Gawain said and bowed.
<span ss="userText">This made Rya''s blood<span ss="aiText"> boil, and her hands were trembling.<span ss="userText"> She knew about her from Quinus, but now that<span ss="aiText"> the bitch was in the city, it pissed her off even more.
<span ss="aiText">''<span ss="userText">So... I have to defend my position to keep my man<span ss="aiText">. That''s fine... I will not lose. <span ss="editText">And I never will<span ss="aiText">,'' Rya thought.
<span ss="aiText">Quinus clenched his fist and narrowed his eyes, "Gawain... Make sure that bastard doesn''t push through the marriage.<span ss="userText"> You hear me?"
<span ss="userText">"I-I understand, Your Highness... If you wish, I believe the Prime Minister is in <span ss="userText">the West Wing of Parliament... Only half of the Major Nobles are in the capital, and he might be<span ss="aiText"> discussing his n with them," Lord Gawain offered.
<span ss="aiText">Quinus stood up, "Gawain, send word that <span ss="userText">I wish to speak with Duval this instant<span ss="aiText">."
<span ss="aiText">"But thew states~"
“Damn thew, Gawain! I will be the next king, and that meddling Prime Minister is overstepping his bounds. If he thinks he can defy me, then he can kiss his position goodbye. If he weren’t so consumed by his own agenda, we wouldn’t have to endure these ridiculous theatrics!” Quinus snapped, his voice echoing with fierce determination.
Rya felt a rush of heat rise to her cheeks. She rarely witnessed this fierce side of Quinus, and there was something undeniably captivating about it.
<span ss="aiText">''Damn, this is so sexy... But he needs to calm down a little bit. Otherwise, I might attack him.'' Rya thought and stood up, "We should get ready and head there."
<span ss="userText">"I-I would advise against having Lady Rya<span ss="aiText"> attend this meeting. She would be a liability, Your Highness," Lord Gawain suggested.
<span ss="aiText">''Fuck him!'' Rya screamed in her head.
“Rya ising, Gawain,” Quinus dered, his eyes alight with ambition. “She’s destined to be our future Queen and will stand beside me on the throne someday.”
<span ss="editText">"I can''t shake the worry that he might try to toss her into the dungeon," Lord Gawain confessed, a frown creasing his brow. "Though we both know those old stone walls wouldn''t be able to contain an earth mage like her for long. But<span ss="aiText"> I still would feel more at ease if <span ss="editText">she were to hang back <span ss="aiText">for no<span ss="editText">w<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">."
Quinus paused, his mind racing with the implications. The thought of Rya taking down the Marquess'' guards sent a chill down his spine. Even if it were an act of self-defense, the consequences could tarnish her reputation. He knew the kind of scrutiny she would face, and thest thing he wanted was for her to be judged harshly for a situation beyond her control.
<span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">He''s right, Rya... I don''t want the Prime Minister to use some stupid trick to get the Nobles to<span ss="aiText"> side with him. Just stay here and let me handle this. It won''t take long. And I''ll have Percy stay behind to keep youpany," Quinus suggested.
Rya felt a surge of defiance bubbling inside her, ready to argue, but deep down, she understood the truth of his words. If she started taking out Duval''s people, she''d not just be a target—she''d be dering herself an enemy of the state. The thought sent a shiver down her spine; it wasn''t a path that would lead to anything good for her.
"Alright, I’ll agree, but I expect something in return," Rya said, crossing her arms and pouting in a way that made it clear she meant business.
<span ss="aiText">Quinus smiled, "Name it."
<span ss="aiText">Rya smirked and whispered into his ear<span ss="userText">, "How about we use ropes<span ss="aiText"> tonight?~"
<span ss="aiText">Quinus''s face turned bright red, and the image popped into his mind, making him feel hot. <span ss="aiText">Rya pulled away and <span ss="userText">winked<span ss="aiText"> at him before going back to her seat.
<span ss="aiText">Quinus quickly calmed down and cleared his throat, "Percy, you stay here and keep Ryapany. The rest of us will head out to deal with the Prime Minister.<span ss="userText">"
<span ss="aiText">"As you wish, Your Highness," Percy bowed and then moved next to Rya.
<span ss="aiText">"I''ll see you soon, Rya," Quinus said and gave her a peck on the lips before leaving the room.
<span ss="aiText">"I can''t wait," Rya responded with a seductive smile.
<span ss="aiText">His heart was pounding as Quinus was leaving with Sir George and Lord Gawain. The idea of doing such a thing with Rya made him a little nervous, but he knew he could trust her. <span ss="aiText">He knew this was just a way for her to distract him from his stress. And honestly, he was happy about it. He felt proud and honored that she wanted to do such a thing with him.