It wasn't surprising for the people to slowly riot once the news broke. Soldiers had gone rampant in the castles searching for an explanation from their King. How pathetic, Arthur thought.

People could have their entire family executed if they defied the Emperor. Why were they not as loyal and fearful of him as the empire was of their ruler? The only difference between them was how they were brought up. The Albion Kingdom was young. The Divine Empire was mature.

"Oh, how it would be of so much ease if my people are understanding," he whispered as he rested by the window.

He looked out to his kingdom. From his place, high above the ground, he could see how the clouds have casted shadows upon his land to warn his people of storms and rains. Pockets in the sky spilt golden streaks of sunlight. Slowly, the people who were by his castle, demanding him to come out, went home with much anger and disillusionment.

This was the problem with his people. When the King needed the support of his people the most, the only thing they were willing enough to offer was complaints.

"King Arthur?"

He turned to find the young Emperor approaching him. "Call me Arthur,"

"And call me Nero," he swiftly said. He neared the window and squinted towards Arthur's direction of vision. He was still, admiring the scenery. "I see your country has turned their backs on you," Arthur stared towards the lightning flashes on his right. "Tell me honestly, Arthur. Is this Kingdom of yours capable of success on its own?"

Arthur turned cross. "How direct, Nero,"

"Yes. I am being direct here," he exhaled heavily. "I've never seen such a disrespectful bunch. Really, all I am doing was simply admiring the people here. Not two hours out and I've been assaulted by swords and rotten fruits," Arthur went silent. "Answer my question,"

"No," he said solemnly. "Everyone else has advanced. Their names twinkle with reputation and prosperity. Yet, look at us. We are not different from the savages you called us a months ago,"

"You're not wrong," the Emperor laughed, punching Arthur by the arm. The King was sick of this emperor. He was too perfect in his language and confidence. Although he possessed the most irritating personality amongst the imperial people who came, Arthur knew he wasn't one to be trifled with. "Though, you're not right either,"

Arthur furrowed his brows at him. "What is it then?" he asked. Annoyance in his tone.

"In my opinion, this land is rich. Righteous. Caring. And so very full of potential," he said passionately as he smiled at the people scurrying below them. "A Kingdom that doesn't surprise me if the Divine Empire desires to take hold of it…"

Arthur's heartbeat paced faster. He widened his eyes, gripping on the sheath of his sword. "Do you intend to conquer-"

"Do you know why your people are defying you right now?" Nero softly questioned, giving a reassuring smile at him. Arthur didn't know. So he was smart enough to not answer it, certain that Nero would reply it for him. "Because they want to protect and love it as much as you do, don't you think?"

Arthur's breath hitched.

"Cooperating with us is either suicide or the greatest decision you've made," he continued. He paced out of the hall as he waved a hand to Arthur. "Whether it is the latter or not- it will be you savages who must determine that. Not us,"

"An alliance?" Arthur squeaked when the meeting room went far too quiet.

"A trial alliance, to be exact," Atia coolly responded. She leaned back to the chair. Seeing the King hiding perplexed looks, she exhaled through her nostrils. "Similar to the alliance you made with the Brigantes Tribe, I presume?"

"Yes," Arawn's low voice interrupted as he crossed his arms. He turned to the brunet. "You make an alliance but it's not official. Not until we prove ourselves utterly and undoubtedly compatible,"

"I see," Arthur slowly said. He squinted his eyes at Nero's direction. "So you need our army,"

He merely chuckled and hid his open mouth behind folding fingers. "Dear God. No, King Arthur. Certainly not,"

"Then?"

"We need your brains," he said. Somehow, that sentence felt mocking. "Even if we send an armada, that creature would still know how to make them scramble to their feet instead of fighting. We would like to be honest with you, not that we diminished your trained army but I'm afraid there's no point sending people less knowledgeable than our circle,"

"My army is useless, huh?"

Nero raised his brows. He couldn't believe that they were both about the same age at this point. Though, it was highly understandable. The Albion Kingdom and the Divine Empire had been on opposite sides for far too long. Considering that they were now on Albion grounds, Nero figured it would be wise to be on his best behavior for now.

"That's not what I meant," he said gently. "It would be a waste. Believe me, sir. We have learned from our mistakes,"

Claudia's small voice continued. "We've sent two troops to the place of rumour about two weeks ago- each with two dozens of men. Yet, not a single one of them have returned," The Albion party began to lean into their chairs and sighed nervously. Octavia felt her stomach curl. She knew that those troops might have been of higher class since the task was under Nero's wing.

Still, if forty-eight soldiers has yet to report back to headquarters…

She gulped.

"Albion is a land filled with Elves and has had a well-known history in battling the evil force, Gravitas," Nero said. "The same way how it serves no purpose to aimlessly wonder into a forest, hoping you'll arrive safely at your destination, there will be no use for us to fight this creature without knowing its weak points first and foremost,"

The King nodded, understanding the situation better. "You need us for research. We have people. We have libraries. The Black Being is a popular myth here,"

Atia cracked a polite smile. "Truly," Her voice was tender. "If you agree to this temporary pact, we will make no hesitation to use your facilities to gather as much information possible. Of course, this alliance will not be in the shadows any longer. Sooner or later, we have to make a statement. We must show our people clarity in this treaty,"

"Well said," Arawn remarked with a smirk at her. Atia's shoulders shuddered as she hinted repulsed flinches. "However, we should set conditions to this union. Should there be no fruitful research for the creature, at least let this union be of benefits on both sides,"

Nero's chair screeched when he stood up proudly. He made his way towards Arthur. "Fair enough, Demon King," He signaled at Claudia who hastily took out a parchment of paper and a quill. Dipping it in ink, she scribbled after Nero's slow words. "Firstly, should there be any sign of betrayal from any side of both parties, this union is immediately called off,"

When Nero was halfway through his stroll, Arthur got to his feet as well. He began. "Next, both parties are obligated to defend each other from all types of danger- be it physical, mental or reputation," Nero nodded with an impressed look. 'Finally,' he thought.

"Claudia, are you writing all of this down?" Nero beckoned.

"Yes, sir!" she promptly replied as she continued to chase on their words.

"Good," he said. "Thirdly, both parties will refrain from attacks upon each other until the conflict is solved. Also, from the Divine Empire, we offer you a discount on the tax to use our ports. We will halve it. Your people would be delighted to further trade with us,"

"Very well," Arthur responded joyfully. "If so, how about the fee on our agricultural products? The Albion Kingdom will halve the additional fee on them for your people,"

Nero gave a curt chuckle and tapped Arthur's shoulder. "Obsessed with trading, aren't we?" Everyone laughed.

Octavia couldn't help snickering at the whole situation. First, a discussion on a fairytale and now, they were agreeing on the conditions of their cooperation. What's next? The revival of another Demon Lord? She wondered. "My, what a rich land we both shall be,"

"Indeed," Arthur giggled.

Now that they were both close, he noticed how handsome Nero's facial features were. Everything about him, from his postures to his pronunciation, was extremely sharp. He was a being made of marble, he thought. His heart dropped. He realized he had to be on par with this man.

"Who knows? Perhaps we won't even be able to focus on the task at hand once we are officially trading partners," Arthur slurred, heightening the laugh in the room. Claudia had to halt her quill when she too followed the fit.

This was it, Octavia thought- the alliance that she anticipated to come. And it came with much humour and irony. With humor or irony, even so, she could sense warmth between the union of the two realms. Yet, Octavia knew that though these two domains would become fast friends, their relationship would definitely start with bittersweet rivalry.

Atia cleared her throat. A grinning Nero swirled around to find a wink from her. "Ah, yes," he uttered. "Noting the fact that she has experience in both of our administrations, Octavia will be given the duty as the head of the investigation," He paused. Octavia choked. "She shall be the bridge between our two nations,"

And just like that, the joyful mood perished.