Chapter 19
Consolidation
Princess Pina, Prince Diabo, Hamilton and Lady Boze boards the transport provided by Cagalli to conduct them back to the Capital. They all excited at the prospect of lying and amazed at the interior, this transport can easily transport 400 fully armed Legionnaires or 140 heavy cavalry, even siege engines of various type. Then come the speed, instead of 4 or 5 days of hard riding, only 1 hours has pass and they are now at the outskirt of the Imperial Capital. Yet at the same time, they understand Orb Union can use these transports to transport their army to the Imperial Capital anytime they wish. Disembark and get on the horse to ride into the Capital, they come upon a patrol, soon the whole Capital is informed of the successful defense of Italica by Princess Pina and Prince Diabo. People line up on the street lead to the Imperial Palace and cheer, throwing flowers and praise their efforts. Embarrassed at the reception they know they don't deserved, they silently ride on, filled with shame. She understands this is her father intention, to take credit to make the population support the Royal Family.
Emperor Molt is happy that his children are back safely, since his spies had informed him about the successful defense of Italica by Orb Union, he has wrack his brain to think about how to counter it. The spies also inform him of several meeting between the Representative of Orb Union and Princess Pina and Prince Diabo, though they don't know what exactly transpired, they can guess the result is not good as both Princess Pina and Prince Diabo were livid. The capture of his Crown Prince and the fact that he organized everything make him have a mixed feeling. The plan is perfect, and would have success if not for the intervention of Orb Union. Just what kind of country is that? What kind of enemy they face to have such power? What is the true capability? All these question and no answer. Perhaps his children can provide some. Thus he eagerly wait for them and capitalized on the victory to give them the credit as nobody know the truth. And once the lie had been told, only traitors tell the truth.
All the villagers are safely disembark at their respective village, still think everything was a dream. From surviving bandits and dragons, then eating dragon meat and fly back to their home with more money they they could make in ten years. And the best of all, no tax for 2 years as the treasury of Italica is full and the Count is not greedy. Their villages had been ravages, but Orb Union had promised to help them rebuild. Thus they set up a temporary camp and work with the architect and engineer to design the village using construction machines and modern material. The villagers look at the machines at work knocking down buildings, clear rubble and debris, dig up rock bed beneath the land ….. with amazement and curiosity, children excitedly watch while their parent have to deal with their incessant questions yet can't provide answer. At Coda village, Leilei and her master observe and record everything, write down questions that they hope will be answer when the reconstruction is finished. When told it will take them 5 days, they simply accept the statement as they no longer have any doubt about the power of Orb Union, and they all glad they are no longer consider Imperial Citizens.
For the Elves, both in the same situation. Their fellow clansmen are worried and evacuate many children and women only to find their departed warriors disembark from those Giant metal bird. Even more shocking is they carry with them numerous sacks which they later discover contain dragon meats and scales. Their elders ask for their report and with horror on their face when the answer come.
"The siege ended in victory for Italica with the intervention of Orb Union whose Murasames killed 9 dragons, severely injured an Elder Lich which was dispatched by her Holiness Rory Mercury, all the bandits at the siege are dead. We surrendered and were shown mercy. Their Representative even gave us dragon meat and scales."
"What kind of power do this Orb Union have to be able to kill 9 dragons? Must be taken a heavy toll on them, right?"
"I'm afraid not, according to what we all witnessed, seem like they can kill those dragons without much effort, and no casualty. Her Holiness said so. She also said that she has no chance if it come to a fight between her and one of the Murasame."
"Do they possess the power of god?"
"I do not know. But rest assure they do not hold anything against us. And the Representative promise to weaken the Empire so it can't threaten anyone ever again."
"I hope they are more lenient and not have any hidden agenda, we are but pawn in a power struggle between the Empire and Orb Union."
"How about we make official contact with them? They have dragon newt and fairies in their base, so if we offer our service to them, we can determine their end goal and react accordingly."
"What do we have that they want?"
"They collect lores, books, stories, numerous odds and ends. …"
"Then it is information. Very well, let's offer them some of our hand craft item, old book and trinkets. You shall lead the envoy."
"I wish for our Lore Keeper to come with us. If our history proves to be of significant help, they might even offer their protection."
"Or they might take over and enslave us."
"They don't have slavery and they abhor the idea of depriving freedom of other people."
"Let's hope they are true to your words Yao Haa Dushi.
The same situation play out when Tuka and her companions reach their village. They are intrigue about the people from Orb Union, whom despite possessing that much power remain quite pacific. Though knowing the conflict between Orb Union and the Empire, questions still emerge. Thus an envoy is sent on a good will mission to Orb Union fortress to better understanding and maybe future cooperation. Tuka gladly accept the task of leading the envoy.
The knights and foot soldiers, led by Sir Norma and Sir Grey are marching back to the Imperial Capital. The mood is heavy with thought of defeat even though they survive. A special carriage is accompany them, Rory is the driver with Crown Prince Zorzal, Hermes and Antigonius harnessed as the pulling horses. They protested vehemently but threatened with horrible suffering, they submitted. The only one in good mood is Rory due to the large amount of tasty food from Orb Union provided by Cagalli for her journey.
In Italica, Myui tries to get closer to Cagalli but get rebuffed at every attempt but find more success with Meryn and the faries. Cagalli and the Count make numerous deal with merchants from the vassal states, though most of them interest in the weapon of Orb Union's soldiers more than the dragon material. Still, rumors spread fast and it's only a matter of time when the Allied Armies learnt about the feat of Orb Union in the siege of Italica. The influx of trade attract many criminals to Italica, but with a mage at every gate and guards patrolling the street at all time, many are caught and sentence to do "community service" at the suggestion of Cagallie rather than simple imprisonment. The count is a scholar and experience stateman, but find himself learning more and more from someone who is less than twice his age. Even some of his accountant and bookkeeper rely on Meryn and Cagalli on method to keep track of the cash flow. Many new idea are put to good use, especially in storing food. Normally they simply put all the food in one warehouse, now they have to write the date and put each batch in orderly row to ensure old food are used up first. The city is bouncing back at a faster rate than the Count could imagine, but Cagalli has reveal her plan to build up a new Italica city, one with better design and plan. The Count is astonish at the ambitious plan yet he now believes everything Cagalli say even though many of his advisor and official suggest otherwise. In the end, the plan is for after the negotiation with the Empire.
Captain Hange and her charges are proceeding at a fast pace toward the Gate, but one night, they are attacked that leave 21 dead and 8 missing. Agron and Giselle recognize this partern as well as the weapon used in the attack.
"Your Holiness, it appear that the goblin is behind the attack."
"I know, and the missing are all female. So I guess a hobgoblin is leading this pack."
"Yes, the dwarves and Volralden fought with a bunch of goblin, then the Commander name Erwin said something about a goblin with size of a man."
"Let's hunt for them, I hate those filthy pest."
"I doubt our escort will agree to let us go, and beside, how are we communicate with them about our intention?"
"I have a feeling that their leader is a predator that will not leave the fun to just us."
Giselle signal Captain Hange to follow her and Agron. They soon discover tracks and rush forward. Moment later, they can hear foots steps and prepare to fight. As they emerge to a clearing, 20 goblins are waiting for them and unleash hail of rock on them. But they are facing an Apostle, with a throw of her scythe, 8 goblins are cut in half while captain Hange fire on them, killing more goblin and Agron swoop down to finish the rest.
"Damn, this group is a decoy."
"So what do we do now?"
"Pray."
Giselle puts her scythe on the ground with reverence and kneel, prayer on her lips. For a while, nothing happen and Captain Hange is getting irritated. Agron is standing guard for any goblin that might take their chance. Just as Captain Hange is about to drag Giselle off, a wind emanate from Giselle and she open her eyes. Signal Captain Hange and Agron to follow, she speed up to the North. Running nonstop for nearly an hour and finally Giselle stop. A small clearing with no sight indicate the goblins had passed. Confused, Agron inquire about the chase, Giselle simply slash at a boulder, cutting it in two and reveal a deep hole beneath it. Captain Hange shot a signal flare to summon her scouts, 30 arrive.
"The hole is too small for anyone of us, so how are we going to rescue those adventure?"
"Let's draw a map first, there is a trick I learn to navigate caves like this."
Giselle opens her mouth and send an echo into it. As she keeps listening, a map is being draw in her head. She gets up and signal to follow her. She leads them to a great hollow tree. Slashing he three in two reveal a secret door on the ground. Giselle turn around with a grin on her face and walk down. Agron, captain Hange and the scouts follow. As They ventures deeper, distinctive woman cries become clearer. The pick up their pace and soon come to some sort of big hall with multiple tunnels. As they gather to decide how to proceed, the goblin rush out from all tunnel. Unprepared, 5 of the scouts are swarmed and cut to pieces leaving a gory mess of bone and fleshy paste. Giselle and Agron let out a short sharp high pitched screech that renders both the goblins and Scouts rolling on the ground covering their ear. The sharp hearing of the goblins still cause them great pain while the scouts are recovering and proceed with the slaughter. Within minutes, the goblins are all dead. Then Giselle, Agron rush in to the tunnel at extreme left with Captain Hange following close. The trio reach a small chamber with 6 female adventurers tied up. Agron untie the gag on one of the adventurer mouth.
"The Hobgoblin carry off Merlina and Celine."
"They are mages?"
"Yes. Please hurry."
"Damn, that bastard tried to breed hobgoblin mages."
"With the burden of 2, It can't go far or fast enough. Let's go."
Leaving the rest to the Scouts, the trio rush onward. In the end of the tunnel, they see a tied up and wounded female next to a rope ladder. Leaving Captain Hange to tend to her, Giselle and Agron climb up to the surface. Giselle temporary stop to listen to the foot step, then run off with Agron. The sound of footsteps running is getting closer and closer until they catch up to the hobgoblin and its quarry. Facing strong oponents, the hobgoblin use it's captive as hostage and shielt. Agron and Giselle circle around it but find no opening.
"Seem like we have no choice but to sacrifice the hostage."
"Isn't any other way?"
"Not unless you can kill it without getting it kill the hostage first."
BANG!
The hobgoblin head tilts to the right with blood spraying out. The grip loosen and the hobgoblin drop on the ground. Giselle and Agron look to the source of the loud bang and see Captain Hange with a riffle aiming at the hobgoblin.
"Right, they have riffle that can kill from long distance. Totally forgot about it."
"Rifle?"
"Ask Arthrun, he is the expert."
The captive was bruised but otherwise completely unharmed. They soon come back to rejoin the waiting adventurer and scouts, whom surprisingly was joined by Lieutenant Nathan.
"Captain Hange, I saw the signal so I came to investigate."
"Nothing to worry about Lieutenant, we are escorting them back to the gate so they can get back to their world."
"So everything is finished? We've won?"
"Not sure, but seem possible, otherwise, I simply go back there to kick them in the butt after finishing this escort duty."
Another two day pass and all the Imperials are back to their world, Captain Hange reorganize her Scouts and lead them back to Mistra.
Legate Diomedes, Lord Cotyss, Lord Raglan and Master Hepheston are inspecting the 5.000 soldiers and their equipment, they are please that the men are in good shape but the language barrier is still a hindrance. Their officers on the other hand are progressing quite well with rudimental words under the tutelage of Arthrun. That person is still a mystery, but they plan to have Master Hepheston to read his mind when his teaching is no longer need.
Commander Erwin study the languages with seriousness that exceed anyone else as he wish to understand what the Imperials plan with his men. He has a feeling that they plan to sacrifice his men to steal their equipment. Also he has predicted his men will be used agains Orb Union. Although he has some reservation about the information Arthrun gave him, he doesn't want to fight and die for someone else war of conquest. Thus he usually gather his Officer and have 'group study' to improve the language.
"As you know, their plan with us and our equipment is obvious. And I am sure no one want their plan to succeed."
"Yes, but what can we do? They will surely surround us with security and even separate the officer and the soldiers."
"We have to adapt as things progress. But the thing I am worry about the most is Orb Union, they will show no mercy if we are on the side of the Imperial in battle. If they are fine with just slaughtering us, then I am thankful for their mercy."
"I am not sure about Orb Union, are they that powerful?"
"I am skeptical, but the knowledge and familiarity with fire arm of Arthrun is worrisome. And he is hiding something or rather not telling us about the true power Orb Union possess."
"I for once don't want to fight someone on another one behalf only to be stabbed in the back."
"So I propose that we are to run away and surrender to Orb Union if the chance come. How is that?"
"I agree."
"Me too, at lease Orb Union didn't attack us first."
"Then I shall inform Arthrun about this decision so he can inform his superior, this may give us the chance we need."
"What if the Empire retaliate?"
"They won't, Orb Union isn't going to let the Empire stay in power. Also, we we can get some kind of treaty with Orb Union regarding the Empire, we might even get some compensation."
"Will Orb Union help us?"
"I am not sure, but if it hurt the Empire, I don't see why not."
Arthrun is doing his utmost to teach Latins to the officers and also make sure to use the chance to input the way the Empire treats those they deem 'loser'. Though not all of them believe everything, they still have been mentally prepared. His sole worry is how the Empire will use them agains Orb, he has no doubt 5.000 or 500.000 of soldiers like this can make any difference other than the length of casualty list. Thus he is relieved when Commander Erwin come to him for 'consultance'.
After 4 days, supplies had been pile up and the Imperial force start to march toward the Gate. The Legate sent back a messenger to inform the Emperor of his success. With Lord Cotyss editing some part in the report, the letter is exactly what the Emperor will be expecting. And his fortune is getting better as 11 Titans are captured after they have passed Wall Sina.
The Emperor is neither in good mood or good health, bad news and questions with no answers keep haunting him. But today, the messenger have given him the cure he needs.
"Send word to all nobles in the Capital, all my official and spread the news throughout the Empire, The Eastern Expeditionary Force is returning victoriously with the fruit of their conquest. There will be a banquet to celebrate the news tonight and a parade when Legate Diomedes is here."
Naturally the Prince and Princess also learn about the news. They are happy that their father is going to get well but worry about the arrogance that will soon rise up. They don't know about the world beyond the Eastern Gate, but know very well the strength of Orb Union. They can only pray whatever wonder Legate Diomedes brings back will be enough to stand up to Orb Union might or there will be another slaughter. And this time, Orb Union will finish the job.
Cagalli and the CIC in Alnus base are kept up to date about the progress of the Imperials, and new plan is being made to deal with the upcoming battle that will surely come. After a bit of thinking, Cagalli begins to issue order. Soon every village in Count Colt domain is stationed a mobile HQ to help administrate the region. At first, the people are thinking Orb Union is about to exploit them. When they see the benefit the mobile HQ bring, they are ecstasy.
"I thought they are here to lord over us, I didn't expect them to be giving us more than we can possible imagine."
"Yeah, those classes about farming technique, cooking, handicraft ….. they are making our life better than ever before."
"Not to mention about their basic study class. My husband is writing love letter for me, some mistake but so heartwarming."
"And my children are learning about how to swim, at first I think they simply wants to play in water, but when I see what they are doing in the pool, I was convinced that these class will do good for them in future."
"I wonder how their citizen live back in their home world. Must have been a paradise there."
"And they are sure to have a long life, their medical care is so good, my sons got fever yesterday and today he is fine. I guess they have good medicine to compensate for the lack of healing magic."
"But I am still worry, what will happen after they beat the Empire?"
"Not sure, but they won't exploit or leave us, that's what I believe."
"I hope you are right, and I hope they can make sure the Empire can only look upon us with jealousy but can't do anything about it."
"You've got that right."
In front of Alnus base, the elves from both villages arrive roughly at the same time, they are gawking at the fortress with awe and hope. After a while, they are standing awkwardly without knowing what to do when it happen. Two M1-Astray fly out and land near them. A booming voice call out.
"Tuka Luna Marceau and Yao Haa Dushi, declare your intention for coming to our base."
Startled and frighten by the sudden appearance of the two M1, they stutter for a short while before clearing their throat and answer.
"We are ordered to show our appreciations for the benevolence and mercy received at Italica. We heard that you want to collect folk tales, lore, and trinkets so we are here to offer what we can to establish a good relation."
"Then welcome to Alnus base, remember that this is a military base camp so please listen to your guide and don't wander off. You may get killed unknowingly."
The part of getting killed make the elves uneasy, but realize that they only need to follow instruction, they will be fine. Though they wonder, where exactly is the entrance. The two emitter emerge and a transparent bridge is form to the astonishment of the elves. At first hesitate, but as soon ask Tuka walks on it without anything happen, they soon walk on the bridge one after another and reach the top of the wall, greet by a one eye man with several soldiers. They tense up, but many fairies appear and they feel relieved.
"Welcome to Alnus base, I am Andrew Waktfeld, commander of the Orb MS ground force."
"I am Tuka Luna Marceau, i bring good blessing from my village of Kowan, North of Italica in Koan Forest."
"I am Yao Haa Dushi, I bring good will from my village of Roldon, in Roldom Valley, South of Alnus Hill, beyond the Schwarz Forest."
"As you have stated before, this is a good will cultural exchange to promote understanding and cultivate good relation between Orb Union and your people, isn't it?"
"Yes, we bring gift and good to exchange as well as our Lore Keepers to provide information that you might find useful."
"Excellent. Then put your things at the depot and come with me to the cafeteria. You must be tired of the journey. By the way, stack up your weapons, they will be return when you depart."
They are perplex but decide to follow his instruction. Food and drinks are served while Andrew orders tents to be set up for the Elves.
For the Elves, the reception is unexpectedly hospitable considering they are the inferior party. Being treat as equal and to be offered food and drinks they have never tasted before boost the image of Orb Union to these conservative Elves. Everything they have seen in the base are new to them, even their Lore Keepers have no idea. Yet their guides politely explain and show them how to use everything. The thing they are most curious about isn't the various things they have seen but how identical to one another each item is. When Andrew explain that these are produce in factory or workshop using machine and mass production method, they realized that everything in the base in mass produced.
"Is this the reason why you people value art work, handicraft and hand-made product?"
"Yes, after all, it's take a long time to master one's trade, so each master piece is consider priceless."
"So we who are technology inferior value your mass produced goods why you whom are technology superior value our hand-made goods. Such an irony."
"Say what you want, but if it work out for all of us then there who else but those damn arrogant Imperials could complain."
Laughter echo the cafeteria.
"So this mean a trade agreement is in order?"
"Not until we finish our cultural exchange, for us, trade isn't about the flow of good. It's about culture and understanding too.
"You people sure think broadly for such simple word."
"And we reap the benefit for such thinking."
With the help of the guides, fairies and off duty soldiers, they set up their living quarter for the next several days. The Elves expect their stay will be very productive while the soldiers expect more civilian like activity to relieve their boredom. And the fairies are expecting fun and food.
Myui still do her best to get close to the Representative of Orb, and her efforts are all still in vain. But she does succeed in learning about her through Meryn. Her admiration for Cagalli keep going up and up with everything Meryn shows her. And her conviction that Orb Union is a place worthy for her future domain to model after.
"Hey Meryn, why does she keep avoiding me?"
"Properly because you two are so much alike."
"How?"
"Both of you are destined to rule over a territory after the death of your fathers, have to fend off powerful faction within and without, very independence and more importantly, idealists."
"Then how come she doesn't allow me to get close so I can learn from her?"
"Because she is worrying about you being call a puppet."
"I see, I'll try to be formal with her then."
"I think that may work, learn from your father how to govern and as her for idea and advise."
A wyvern messenger come to Italica and deliver a news that worry the Count, but Cagalli assures him that it doesn't change anything. Thus the Count gives a letter in which only five words are written
Congratulation, from Sovereign to Sovereign
The messenger is instructed to make sure to deliver the letter during the banquet to honor the commanders of the Eastern Expeditionary Force.
Moon base, communication room, incoming data. The operator again inspect the content and this time, mark an "!" before forward to all related personnel. A meeting is arranged and all the important figures are presense.
"Is there any progress in finding out the mysterious sender of these news and data Adonis?"
"No, I traced the signal and surprisingly, it's a secured channel, using some kind of submarine or ship to make the transmitter mobile."
"So how do we know if these data is true?"
"Until we have some official news, nothing is concrete. But I have a sentiment that the sender is not baiting us out."
"Alright, so what to do with these data? We can't do any experiment or run any test without the sample."
"But we can develop theory, I have a feeling that we will get some sample really soon. And we might be contacted by the sender too."
"Then draw up some schematic and find some use for these data. See if we can apply it to our force. Good night ladies and gentlemen."
A week has passed and the time for the Elves to leave has come, many of the elves are feeling somewhat down as they have wished to stay longer to learn and may even open a shop to trade. But they understand that Alnus base is a military base so it's impossible. But the things they manage to acquired are enough to make their village welcome the idea of accepting Orb Union protection.
"To think their weapon is so advance yet they still practice with antiquate weapons. These people like to preserve their history and culture."
"Yeah, from original and traditional designs to modern and advance design, they have it all."
"It's their books that frighten me. They think of method that we could never have imagined ourselves, so it's quite a shame when they demonstrate those archery skill and technique to us."
"It's a pity we can't open shop here."
Their banter is interrupted by Lieutenant Yanagida.
"Though I can't help about opening a shop, there might be a way to circumvent the regulation."
"Really? How?"
"We are foreign here so we will need auxiliary complement. This mean friendly native people are often hired. And to prevent problem with supply, auxiliary unit will have their own weapon, supplies, equipment and quartermaster."
"And a quartermaster usually trade their stock to acquire other things for his troop."
Wide grins appear on Lieutant Yanagida and the Elves faces.
The transport take off, carrying the elves and their goods back to their village along with a captain to negotiate with the village Elders. When the transport land, the elven villagers look eagerly to their clansmen return and the things they bring back. While the captain and the elders go to the chief house to discuss term, outside, the elves are excited, hundreds of question are thrown at their envoy. Soon they are separate in two group. Women interest in the mirror, hand cream, textile, cloths…. While men trying the various bows and arrows, but surprisingly their chief attention is the good old Swiss knife. When night come, their envoy show off the last things they know every elves will enjoy. Music instrument, different kind of mixed drink and food. For Captain Rin, she has finished the negotiation with no difficulty. The terms are simple.
Orb Union is allow to hire Elves to serve in noncombatant role.
Trade will be conducted on a monthly basis and only nonmilitary goods are allowed.
Orb Union will provide aid if the village need.
Orb Union can maintain a small military unit in the village to help with security and communication.
Elven village will accept any liberated elven slaves as resident.
After what have been like ten years, the Imperial Capital is in sight. Hatred increase with every step as Zorzal, Herme and Angitonius pull the carriage on the road. But their humiliation doesn't end there. They are greet by soldiers of the Empire, of the Allied Armies and their commanders lining up on the road. The invitation sent out by Rory Mercury is as persuasive as the sight of the Crown Prince of the Empire being punished. The Allied Armies soldiers cheer for Rory and she waves back, grinning as much as Zorzal, Helme and Antigonius gritting his teeth.
"How did you get such a nice carriage your holiness?"
"We are honor to be a part of the honored guard to welcome you oh Apostle of Emroy."
"Hail Rory Mercury, future Goddess of victory and spoil of battle."
"To acquire such a splendid loot, you must have fought extremely hard, please tell us the tale."
Every praise for Rory is an insult to the crown prince and to the Empire. But nobody can do anything. The Knight Order are completely ignored.
The gate swing open and banners fluster on the wall, citizens cheer and releasing flower petals as the carriage pass. Now, at the end of the street, the senators, nobles and the whole royal family of the Empire are waiting. Emperor Molt is furious, yet he has to welcome Rory with a big smile. In his heart, he would prefer his son to die at the siege so he can use his death, yet he is alive and being humiliated. But he has to swallow his pride and anger as Rory Mercury is entitled to do so. Her presence is both a fortune and liability. She can speak the truth about the siege and no one dare to dispute her story.
Zorzal looks at those waiting for him, his eyes filled with hatred, he watch each person with intense focus, swearing to himself that he will pluck out their eyes one by one and force them to eat those. And the Capital will be razed to the ground and rebuild to erase his humiliation. Unbeknown to anyone, a certain god had taken notice of him.
The gods and goddess convene again, they are all excited and looking forward to the Empire next move. But the happiest seem to be Emroy, Hardy, Lunaryur and to their surprise, Palapon.
"Seem like the siege of Italica was quite a drama. That girl sure knows how to make things go her way."
"Yeah, and the way her commander led their small force to victory, it was just brutally clear to all witness that there were no hope to win in open battle for the Empire. And the ceremony she held after that was also entertaining."
"In one day, she has make sure those inhabitant will never betray her and her country. The province was in chaos and she pacified it in one day, if she wants to, she could have taken over the whole continent and bring order to it in a year or less. It's a shame I can't grant her my blessing."
"Normally I don't care much about this kind of thing, but that girl had created someone suitable to be my plaything. I shall enjoy her offering to me."
"Hoh, even Palapon is excited. This is really good. More spices to pot. I am looking forward to it."
"Remember, more spices are on the way from the Eastern Gate."
The god and goddess chat away the remaining time of their meeting. And they enjoy themselves so much that they forgot about the purpose of their meeting. To elevate a worshiper of Lunaryur to Apostle.
