I successfully got into the second chapter at last. I sometimes give delayed uploads, but don't worry. This story has already been written in advance. So I think you don't need to wait that long. But, I'm happy you came this far!
I'm going to use the Japanese terms for some words, so watch out.
Shinmakoku – The Great Demon Kingdom
Chapter 2: The world of Tengoku!
"Tengoku means heaven in my language. Or it could be paradise." Shibuya said in realization, his thoughtful look carved on his face. "It isn't really impossible for another world to exist with the knowledge of the other, right? That happened in Shinmakoku and Earth. I guess it goes for the same thing here in Tengoku."
"That's right."
"But you have wings!" he blurted, practically jumping from his seat to lean forward eagerly. "That's so cool! But wait," he paused and thought for a moment. "I don't think we ever asked for your name." the young king sat back down on his seat.
"Don't go asking for a girl's name without my permission!" Wolfram yelled, but got back to his 'business' almost immediately.
"Pardon my rudeness," she chortled. "My name is Solphitia and that girl is my younger sister, Aneeka." she turned to Conrad and spoke, "You referred to this boy as 'His Majesty', am I correct? Could you be the young king that is currently ruling over Shinmakoku?"
"I suppose you're correct."
A look of shock crossed her face. "What could you be doing here?"
"I don't know it myself." Yuuri goofily scratched the back of his head. "For all I know there was a crazy vortex that suddenly pulled me in."
Solphitia's brows knitted together. "I see."
"Can you please send us back home as soon as possible?"
"I'm afraid your request would take time." she said. "The portal to Shinmakoku only opens during the Summer Solstice and Winter Equinox. Until then, you'll have to stay here."
"But we can't!" Wolfram said. "If we stay he might fall for you!"
"Geez, Wolfram. Is that all you care about?"
He suddenly appeared to have gotten over his sickness and began strangling Yuuri. "Why?! I'm your fiancée! Do you think I wouldn't?! Unlike you, wimp! I CARE!"
"Fine! Fine! Just let go of me, will you?!"
"I'm sorry to disappoint, but I don't plan on taking away your fiancée." she said.
"Eh? You won't? Really?"
Solphitia gave him a teasing smirk. "Do you want me to?"
"Of course not!"
"Then I won't. You can count on that."
"But how do you know about His Majesty's social status? Moreover, you know about Shinmakoku." Günter queried.
"It's the same way as you do towards Earth. I've been there a few times as well. Though you do not know of it, I've watched you a few times. Especially when you paraded around the capital. Tengoku is very happy for the development."
"Ugh. How come I never knew of this?"
"I think it's all the same," Conrad smiled with positivity. "There are things in the world or worlds, rather, we can't explain."
"Anyways, you don't have to worry. We can find a way to connect with one of your subordinates and inform them of your condition. For the mean time, I'll find you a vacant room in the palace to stay in. I hope that will be enough for the moment. I'm truly sorry for having you dragged into this."
"I think its fine!" Yuuri exclaimed. "It's been a while since I was able to get away from work!"
Günter gasped dramatically. "How could you say that, Your Majesty!"
"Oh," Yuuri stared at Günter from across his seat. "I'm sorry, Günter. I did not notice. You've been so quiet lately."
"What are you talking about? I've always been like this." he told him.
"Oh," Yuuri laughed sheepishly. "Right."
Yuuri wasn't quite used to Günter's 'normal' self, which is very noble-like. He was always pining for him when he was away, and the moment he arrives, he would automatically be greeted by tears and running nose alike. It would be normal for Yuuri to feel quite different if he acts in such a way. Could it be because he has a girl lying asleep on his lap?
"Can't we use my maryoku to go back?" Yuri blurted.
"Brilliant idea!"
"That won't work either," Solphitia told them. "Tengoku is a much closed in dimension. Contact through water won't simply get you back. You'll need the power as strong as the force you release a hundred times more before being able to do so."
"This is terrible."
"I guess we have no choice then," Günter sighed. "I'm worried about how the people of our kingdom would react if they knew you were gone without a word. Chaos would break out."
"Isn't Gwendal still there? It should be fine. I know he can handle it." Yuuri said.
"You are too carefree, Your Majesty. You must mind the possibilities more."
"Ugh, I'm sorry. I've been really stressed out lately it made me insensitive."
"You needn't apologize, Your Majesty."
They soared through the cloudy skies, flying across the endless, blue horizon in moderate speed. The Pegasus's neighs reiterated clearly on Yuuri's ears. They didn't need a coach to guide them. They seemed to know the place where they were supposed to be going themselves.
"I'm sorry for making you hold her," Solphitia's statement caused the silence to shatter. "I don't want to move her around so much, and it would be more convenient when we get off."
"No, it's fine." Günter stared at Aneeka sleeping soundly in his arms. "You did mention about us staying in a palace, right? Are you members of high-society?"
Solphitia laughed nervously. "Well, I guess you could say that."
"We're sorry. You see, we aren't use to any of your customs here. We're lost." Conrad said.
"Where's this castle, by the way?" Yuuri asked.
The carriage broke through a thick cloud as Solphitia simply smiled. Behind the misty view, the sight of golden towers racing to unbelievable heights that it practically touched the sky and reached the clouds came to their view. Flying horses casually flew around with either a rider or by themselves.
The panorama of the palace was truly grand it was almost like heaven. Unlike Covenant castle, this is what you would call luxurious and opulent. The sight was so breath-taking Yuuri couldn't help but stare and let his mouth drop open in shock. It was all the same for Günter, Conrad and Wolfram, who seemed to have completely forgotten his sickness without a doubt.
"Wow," Yuuri said, eyes widened in disbelief. He could never believe what he was seeing.
"Such beauty," Conrad speechlessly commented.
"I've never seen a palace as big as this before. Not even Blood Pledge Castle itself," Günter whispered. "Nothing can ever be compared to this."
"I'm glad you liked it. Let us land," Solphitia directed deliberately.
The horses neighed in response and glided back down to the ground. Yuuri looked around fervently, wanting to take in everything he could see. He didn't even realize the carriage coming to a halt.
The door was pulled open and Solphitia urged Günter to get out first, Aneeka wrapped in his arms. Someone had opened the carriage door for them; it was a boy who looked like the typical stable boy.
"Your highness," the young man addressed.
"What?" Yuuri was sure it wasn't him being referred to. For all he knows, he isn't in the kingdom of Shinmakoku anymore.
Everyone went still and turned to Solphitia with confused gazes.
"I'm sorry," she apologized. "I believe I haven't told you about me and my sister being royalties."
"Eh?!"
"I see. So that was what you meant by high society. What were you and your sister doing in a place like that?"
"Aneeka sensed danger. The dark clouds a while ago brought an ominous feeling for her. She snuck out of the castle to see for herself, now look what happened."
"Oh,"
"Well, Edmund." she turned to the stable boy while setting her feet down to the grass floor. "Please call the healers and tell them to give immediate attention to my sister. Also, ask someone from the staff to take my guests to appropriate rooms. They are important people, representatives from a different kingdom. So please make sure they are properly treated. I'll take care of the horses."
The stable boy curtsied and then immediately ran off, dashing out of sight. Solphitia turned her attention to the carriage and released the horses, setting them free. She petted them affectionately before telling them to go and graze somewhere, but not wander too far.
A few minutes later, a group clad in white uniforms rushed out of the door the stable boy previously entered. They took Aneeka from the arms of Günter, who hesitantly gave her to them.
"What a troublesome child," a middle-aged lady with brown hair tied up on an up-do said, knuckles on her lips. "She truly does know how to give me a heart attack."
"Please take care of her," a worried look creased Solphitia's face.
"Certainly, princess. What has happened?"
"She fell and broke her wings."
"I see. Let's just hope the damage isn't severe. I'm guessing you retracted it on her back correctly?"
"That's right."
"Thank goodness you were there. Now, I'll be taking my leave."
"Excuse us," three girls dressed in maid uniforms appeared, their heads lowered. "Please let us accompany you to your rooms."
"If you would excuse me, as well." Solphitia said. "I need to speak with my father regarding this situation. I'll ask for you later. Please make yourselves at home, in the moment." she then sauntered out of sight.
"Since when can you call this 'home'?" Yuuri asked, sweat dropping just by staring at the huge building built in front of him. "It's bigger than the mall of Asia."
"I'm quite worried for that girl," Günter whispered, not paying attention to what Yuuri said at all. "I think I shouldn't have left her alone."
"Let it go, Günter. She'll be fine. I'm sure their healers are very experienced." Conrad stated.
"Even if you say that . . ."
Someone cleared their throat and they all redirected their attention to the maids. "This way, please."
"Oh, sorry. Didn't notice you there."
