Disclaimer: I do not own anything (except my OC)
"Talking"
'Thinking'
"Flashback"
{Message}
(Telepathy)
*SPELL/ABILITY/MARTIAL ART*
*[METAMAGIC]*
A/N: This is the last prewritten chapter, and I have written hardly anything for chapter 6. At the moment, it is only like 150 words lol. Not sure when I'll be able to get to Chapter 6, but I will eventually. Well, enough of that. Time to see how Cael fares in the Roble Holy Kingdom!
Let's get this party started!
The moment Calca had left, Cael had started to gather the items he needed. He had been going over Ariel's intel on the nobles of the Roble Holy Kingdom and knew he needed to make a show of arriving.
From all he understood of the nobles, most of them were greedy, disloyal, ambitious, and not to be trusted. Ariel had only been on the job for three weeks and he already had name after name of those who served the Slane Theocracy or the Baharuth Empire and not the Roble Holy Kingdom.
He knew there were a couple more countries out there, but those two were the ones he was concerned about right now. What he was truly concerned with was how Calca was going to react to what he was going to do.
When he told her they still had a lot to talk about, he wasn't lying. They still needed to speak on several topics they hadn't gotten around to yet. Even after spending all this time together, it was only really at night after her duties were over so it wasn't as if they got all day to talk to each other.
He knew that at some point, a display of power was going to have to happen. He was hoping it wouldn't come to that, but it was a fool's hope. Almost every noble in the whole Kingdom was there, and every man, age 15 and up, was looking to become the next Holy King.
There was no way they were just going to sit there and accept their Queen was marrying someone who wasn't them. He had no intention of hiding that he was an angel either. He just wouldn't show them just how strong a one he was unless he had to. Even at that, he planned on holding back quite a bit.
He hadn't even shown Calca that yet. He didn't want to show her the first time in front of all these people as the threat it was going to be, but he had a good idea that was going to happen.
He had only seen two rooms in the Royal Palace of Hoburns, but Calca had told him what to expect. It was not set up like the Palace of Ascension was. The front entrance would have a long staircase, and it opened up directly into the throne room.
This would make his entrance easier, and Calca would get to see it as well. Cael was interested in meeting Kelart and Remedios as well. Calca talked about them quite often.
He knew a gift for each of them might feel like he was buying them, but he was going to do it anyway. Calca liked his gifts. Hopefully, her two best friends would as well.
Cael's carriage was pulling up to the front doors, and he could see all the nobles and servants lining the steps. He assumed they were doing the same thing on the inside. The lesser nobles and servants were the ones on the steps more than likely, he was sure the higher-ranked ones were inside.
He knew there was one, in particular, that would give him a world of grief if he could get away with it. Marquis Bodipo was an incredibly influential noble in the south, but it was not him from his house Cael had to deal with, it was his son.
The Marquis' son was the best match for Calca as far as politics was concerned. He was also probably the best looking man in the Roble Holy Kingdom. The problem Cael found out from Ariel was the boy had the backing of the Slane Theocracy and Baharuth Empire in becoming the next Holy King.
He had been having secret talks with them for years now. He was simply waiting for his father to die so he could fulfill the deals he made with each country. Cael was tempted to strike the slaver down the moment he laid eyes on him, but he was going to create quite the stir. Cael was sure he would get his chance soon to end his threat to his Queen's reign.
Cael's carriage finally pulled up to the front and he knew it was time to start the show. He hoped he didn't screw this up. The talk he and Calca needed to have would be much longer after this so it was better to get it over with as soon as possible.
Calca wasn't sitting on her throne to receive Cael. Not only was she showing the nobles of her country that she considered Cael an equal, but she was giddy with excitement. He would just need to show himself and then hopefully, they could go talk soon after he arrived.
She knew there was a chance the nobles would hound him, provoke him, and try to get him to do something they could exploit. That is the way most of them are. Her gaze landed on Marquis Bopido's son, he was going to be the one to watch most.
There was no one more aggressive in pursuing her hand than that arrogant bastard. It was true he was alright to look at, but that is where his good qualities ended. It wasn't like he was as good looking as Cael anyway, but her council had been asking her for years why she didn't just take him as the next Holy King.
If they would simply open their eyes to his deals with foreign nations, they would understand. Unfortunately, they fell for his somewhat charming smile every time and considered him the best young noble in their country.
Calca saw the roof of the carriage pulling up and she had to fight with all her might not to run to the door to greet him. He said he was going to make an entrance she wouldn't forget, but he didn't say how he was going to do that. It was hard to stay rooted on the spot at the base of her throne.
The nobles and servants outside noticed the pure white steeds leading the carriage. They all couldn't believe it was pulled by unicorns. They had no idea they weren't Unicorns but Pegasus. The single horn probably made them all think they were unicorns, but it appeared everyone failed to notice the wings on each of them as well.
None of them missed that there was no one leading the Unicorns or anyone to open the door. The door finally swung open, and out stepped the best looking man any had ever seen. His hair was a bright blue color and his eyes were shining silver.
They all gasped when he fully emerged and his pure white wings were on full display. When he simply stepped to the side and didn't advance up the steps, they were a little confused. Then, another figured emerged and the gasps were even louder.
The most beautiful woman any of them had ever seen came out of the carriage. She had silver eyes just as the man did. The difference, her hair was like molten silver as well. She had two pure white angel wings as well.
When they were next to each other, they both ascended the steps at the same time side by side. No one could take their eyes off the pair of them, and it left them all confused as to what was going on.
The moment boggled their minds even more as the pair stopped at the entrance to the door and turned toward each other. No one knew what was going on until the beautiful woman called out.
"We present to you, the King of the Abelion Hills, His Majesty, Cael Taylor!"
Her voice sounded like a beautiful song and the moment she finished, both of them dropped to a knee and bowed their heads. Everyone looked back at the carriage waiting for the door to open once more, but it didn't happen.
Instead, everyone felt a strong gust of wind at the top of the stairs, and the sight shocked them all. From the sky, an angel with six wings descended and floated just inside the entryway.
He softly touched down after hovering there for a moment. He looked right and left, and everyone finally got a good look at him. It was hard to believe a man could be more handsome than the first one out of the carriage, but he certainly was.
He was the definition of tall, dark, and handsome. Jet black hair, perfect face, lovely lips, muscular build, and his eyes were hypnotic. Every woman to lay eyes on him, commoner and noble alike, couldn't look away from him.
He even had a regal air about him as he confidently strode forward toward the Holy Queen, both his apparent guards close behind him. Once he was halfway into the throne room, his wings slowly folded behind him until they completely disappeared.
By the time he made it to the Holy Queen, he looked just like any other man. Well, if every other man was close to seven feet tall and was good enough looking to drop women to their knees immediately.
Not that Cael or Calca had noticed, but that had happened. The ones to keep their composure enough had eyes though, and it was very clear that the King of the Abelion Hills and Queen of the Roble Holy Kingdom only had eyes for each other.
Cael knew he should remain stoic, but seeing Calca brought a smile to his face the closer he got to her. Soon, she wouldn't be leaving him for most of the day, every day. He would be right here by her side helping her achieve her dream.
That thought alone made him happy. The fact they would more than likely be wed in only three days just made him even more elated. He had to act the proper King for now though, so he grabbed her hand, bent down, and drop a kiss on the back of her hand.
"I am honored to meet Holy Queen Calca Bessarez in her Throne Room for the first time, your majesty."
He only liked to lie when absolutely necessary, so he chose his words carefully. He could tell from the smile on Calca's face that she caught on as well.
"The honor is all mine, your majesty."
Cael was reluctant to do it, but he dropped Calca's hand. He wanted nothing more than to intertwine his fingers with hers and lead her into a private room to talk. He couldn't hold her hand that intimately yet in front of all these people, but he could try to get her away from here.
"I believe we have a lot to discuss, your majesty. Shall we?"
Cael motions for Calca to lead the way and she takes a step in that direction. However, Cael knew it wasn't going to be that easy and a voice interrupted him getting her away from here.
"Do you think some demi-human could just come into the Royal Palace and walk away with our Queen?"
Cael honestly didn't have to turn to know who said that. While he only had intel on the nobles of this Kingdom, he knew there was only one person bold enough to say some nonsense like that in the middle of this. He was going to answer, but Calca beat him to the punch.
"That is exactly what is about to happen, my lord. As his majesty said, we have a lot to discuss."
Calca thought she had put an end to the arrogant bastards ranting, but she should have known better.
"You are really going to negotiate a marriage alliance with that thing?"
Cael could feel Michael and Seraphina ready to cut the man in half. Calca looked ready to explode at the man's words as well. While he would like to see both happen, he needed to handle this his way so it didn't look like he was hiding behind Calca. He squeezed her hand and she understood.
He turned to the man to look upon him. He was handsome as Ariel said, for a human at least. That was it though, he was barely over six feet if that, he was lean and didn't look to have much muscle, and he was wearing too much gaudy clothing. Cael thought he looked like a clown, but he'd keep that to himself, for now.
"First, Lord Tayron Bodipo..." the man is startled he knows his whole name, Cael doesn't miss Calca's smirk. "I'm not a demi-human, I'm a heteromorph. Second, it doesn't surprise me you feel that way about me considering all the connections you have with the Slaine Theocracy. Please, my lord, do tell me more about how humans are superior to every other race that exists?"
Cael could tell he was pushing the right buttons. The man looked a bit panicked he knew about the Slaine Theocracy, but he did what guilty people always do, he deflected it back to him not being human.
"You think we are supposed to buy some tall guy with pretty white wings is the King of the Abelion Hills? I can see a person's magic aura and you have none! You give off no powerful aura and I'm sure anyone of those monsters would rip you limb from limb! This is just some ploy to take our Holy Queen to your savage lands!"
'Thanks for telling me you have a secret talent you dumbass!'
Honestly, Cael didn't want it to come to this, but he knew it would. He also knew it would be this jackass that made him do it. It doesn't mean he wasn't going to have a bit of fun with it.
"It lightens my heart to know you think I'm pretty, my lord." Cael can hear some laughter from the hall. "I suppose a demonstration is in order for you then."
Cael reaches into his pocket and pulls out three rings, he turns toward Calca and hands her one. He then throws one to Kelart and Remedios who were standing behind their Queen and motions for them to put the rings on.
"I'm sorry I have to do this, my love." Cael whispers to Calca as she puts the ring on.
Once they have them on, he turns back toward Lord Tayron. He looks the man in the eye as he brings up his left hand. He reaches with his right and grabs a ring on his finger. The moment before he pulls it off, he smirks right at Lord Tayron and suddenly, the world got much, much heavier.
Everyone in the room except Cael, Michael, Seraphina, Calca, Kelart, and Remedios are immediately forced to their knees by the pressure coming off of Cael as he removes the ring from his left hand. Two huge grey wings sprouted from his back and a grey halo now rests over his head.
He slowly walks toward the cowering lord now, his eyes glowing pure grey. The pressure in the air is so heavy that every time he takes a step, the marble floor cracks under his boots. He finally makes it to the man and crouches down so he can see the fear in his eyes better. Cael notices he threw up underneath himself.
"I have to hold myself back for the sake of a weakling such as yourself. Do not mistake my thoughtfulness for weakness, Lord Tayron. You would not like me if I was angry."
With that said, Cael stood back up and placed the ring back on his finger. The moment he did, he could hear everyone in the hall taking deep breaths trying to get their wind back. He walks back to Calca and luckily, she doesn't seem pissed.
She does look a little surprised, but that is understandable. As he has said many times, there was still a lot they had to talk about. He offers his arm and she takes it immediately.
"Do you think Kelart and Remedios would join us? I'd like to get to know your friends, and I brought gifts to bribe them in case they don't like me."
Cael grinned at Calca and she smiles at him. She didn't say anything just nodded at him. One look to her two friends and they knew she wanted them to follow as well. They were in a room in moments. Only Cael, Calca, Michael, Seraphina, Kelart, and Remedios.
Cael did not miss the looks Kelart and Remedios were giving Michael. He did miss something apparently because he was surprised by Calca. He went to pull out her chair for her to sit only for her to wrap her arms around his neck and give him a nice welcoming kiss.
He certainly didn't think she would do that with her friends there. He knew Michael and Seraphina were a different story. The only thing he could come up with was that she had told them about him before he came.
It was over before he wanted it to be, but lasted much longer than was proper for the situation. Cael found things like propriety and protocol were usually thrown out the window when it came to him and Calca though.
"I certainly liked that welcome much better than that annoying lord in the hall."
Calca giggled and sat down when she realized she skipped something very important. As soon as Cael sat down to her right, she introduced the two on the left of her. Michael and Seraphina were standing guard behind Cael.
"Cael, love, these are my two best friends I have been telling you about. This is High Priestess Kelart Custodio and Grand Paladin Remedios Custodio."
"It is very nice to finally meet you two. Calca has told me a lot about both of you." Cael motions behind him. "This is Seraphina and Michael, two of my subordinates."
They both nod at Cael's introduction, but they can't seem to keep their eyes off of Michael. Cael didn't know if he should be glad or offended. He only thought about it for a moment before he settled on glad. The last thing he needed was for Calca's best friends to be attracted to him.
"How do you think your nobles and servants are handling my entrance?"
Calca giggled again as Remedios and Kelart still didn't seem to hear anything he said. Luckily, Calca didn't give them time to answer anyway.
"I'd imagine they are all up in arms right now. If this room wasn't silenced for anti-spying measures, I'm sure we could hear them yelling right now."
"Seraphina, why don't you show us what is going on out there."
"Of course, your majesty."
"But Seraphina, the Royal Palace has anti-spyin-"
Calca never got to finish as she heard Seraphina say.
*GREATER SCRYING*
A screen popped up in the middle of the table for all of them to see. Calca was right, all the lords were yelling at each other and the servants were trying to escape as fast as possible from the yelling. It was quite humorous if she was being honest.
"Well, I guess that answers your question, your majesty."
Remedios and Kelart finally seem to be able to respond to something, but he should have known it was because Michael finally spoke. He should have brought Angelo. Perhaps his black wings would have been a detractor for the situation he currently found himself in.
"It does, Michael. Seraphina, you may dismiss the window. As I told Calca, we have much to discuss and much of it will come as a surprise to her."
He knows he needs to talk to Remedios and Kelart first, but they don't seem keen to talk in Michael's presence. He knows exactly what he needs to do to remedy that.
"Seraphina, Michael, guard outside the door and make sure no one gets close to the door. I'll call you in when we are finished."
"But, your majesty..."
Michael's plea is interrupted by Seraphina grabbing him by the ear and pulling him toward the door.
"His majesty gave you an order. Follow it, Michael."
And they were both gone out of the door just like that. Cael had no idea that Seraphina and Michael had a relationship past regular party members. It looked like maybe mother/son type or maybe brother/sister, he wasn't sure. Perhaps he should be gathering intel on his own home instead of foreign nations.
Cael looked at Calca and she had her lips turned up into a smile watching them go. She looked pleasantly surprised at those two. Perhaps she knew something he didn't. He looked over at Kelart and Remedios.
"Sorry about that. They are..." Cael looks to Calca, it seems she doesn't know how to finish that sentence either. "Anyway, I know Calca and I have much to discuss, but I was hoping to answer any questions you two had before we started. I know this is a bit sudden for you both and I know how much Calca values you so I'll answer anything you want to ask as best I can."
Cael can see that Kelart and Remedios were looking at each other. He wasn't sure if they were trying to figure out what to ask, who was going first, or what. He felt Calca squeeze his hand and saw her smile at him. She looked elated he was asking their opinion first.
"T-That pressure we felt. Was that really your power?"
Remedios asked her question first, and Cael honestly thought the woman looked terrified. He thought he might get a reaction like that from someone after he did that. He was glad it wasn't Calca, but it being one of her friends wasn't very good either.
"In a sense, yes. It is more how much power I can project than my actual power, I suppose."
"What exactly is your power? Lord Bodipo said he sensed no magic from you, but surely that power can't come from physical prowess alone."
Kelart asked Cael that and he was relieved she looked curious without a hint of fear. His previous answer seemed to calm Remedios' fears a bit so he hoped his next one would help her ease even more and sate Kelart's curiosity.
"It would be hard for me to list all my powers if I'm being honest. It would probably take me the better part of a day simply to list all the spell I can cast. I supp-"
Kelart interrupted before Cael could continue when she heard that.
"So you are a magic caster? What type and what tier of spells can you cast? Does that ring you wear conceal your magic aura? How do-"
Calca cut her friend off with a giggle as she placed her hand on her shoulder. Calca didn't mind all the questions, but Kelart might want to let him answer some before he can't remember all the ones she is asking.
"My friend, let him answer before you ask him ten more. I'm sure Cael will answer anything you want so no need to rush."
Cael squeezes the hand still holding his to thank her. Kelart started asking faster and faster and it was hard to keep up with.
"So the first question, yes I am a magic caster. Second, I'm a divine caster and what tier would depend on what class you are asking about. Third, yes this ring conceals my aura. I'd be happy to answer anymore unless you have a follow-up. I'm sure you still have a lot of questions."
Surprisingly, it was Remedios that cut in next. Calca and Cael were almost certain talk of magic would have Kelart asking most of the questions.
"I do have a follow up before we continue. You said it would depend on what class as to what tier you can cast." Cael nodded and she continued. "What classes do you possess that allows you to cast spells?"
"To put it simply, I'm a Paladin and a Priest. Both grant me access to divine spells and abilities."
Remedios and Kelart's mouths both drop open at his statement. Each of them is the strongest and highest rank among their peers, it was hard to believe someone could feel that powerful and be both of them in one being.
"And... and what tier of magic can you cast with each?"
Kelart was more than a little curious. She had never felt something so powerful in her life and she was given an item to resist such an aura. She was at a loss for what his answer would be but excited about what it might be as well. Cael did not disappoint her with his answer.
"As a Paladin, I can cast the highest tier obtainable by them at tier 6, and the same goes for Priest. I can cast up to tier 11, but technically there is no eleventh tier. It really only goes up to tier 10 and the spells more powerful than that are called Super-Tier Magic."
"WHAT?!"
It was not Remedios or Kelart who yelled that out. It was Calca, and Cael wasn't surprised.
"Sorry, love. I told you we still had much to discuss. I wasn't hiding it from you, we simply didn't have the time yet to get to that point."
Cael was glad to see that Calca wasn't upset. She still looked surprised, but that was all. Remedios and Kelart looked stunned into silence as they just continued to stare at him. Finally, Remedios stumbled out.
"But I... I'm the only... Paladin in our... history to reach... tier 3... how... how can you... cast tier 6?"
"I'm not sure why the advancement is so slow compared to mine. The only guess I can make is the enemies we have fought. My darling Calca..." he picks her hand up and kisses the back of it. "was concerned for my safety in the Abelion Hills. She told me how strong they were in her eyes, but to me..."
Cael trailed off for a moment trying to figure out the best way to describe this to them. The difference in power between him and the strongest demi-human tribe leader was astronomical. Then he thought of a good analogy that wouldn't offend anyone.
"It was like making Remedios spar a three-year-old child. The enemies I honed my skills on would wipe out the Abelion Hills themselves easily. So you see, since that is what you consider a strong opponent, I'd imagine it would take you much longer to learn new abilities."
"But aren't you from the Abelion Hills? How would you fight monsters stronger than that?"
"Yes, my home currently resides in the Abelion Hills, but that is another complicated story. That one, however, Calca knows about and can fill you in later. It has to do with your history and religion so she should handle that one."
Cael looks at Calca and she nods. After he told her about Yggdrasil and she told him about her religion and history, it wasn't hard for him to realize the Great Gods, Greed Kings, Evil Deities, and some of the Thirteen heroes had to come from Yggdrasil.
He had a decent guess as to which were players, but he was certain a lot of them were NPCs. Perhaps even entire dungeons transported here at different times in their history. His guild base certainly came with him. It wouldn't be surprising if others came as well.
"If you are that strong a spellcaster. H-How much Magic Power do you actually have?"
Kelart cut in with that question realizing her other one would have to wait for later. Luckily for Cael, this was one of the easier questions to answer.
"Since you are aware of how strong a caster Calca is, the easiest way is to say I possess eighteen times the amount of Magic Power Calca used to possess."
All three of them were opening and closing their mouths like koi fish. Cael understood, even in Yggdrasil, he possessed an incredible amount of MP. He had to, he had two casters classes. His Priest spells weren't used like most either.
He specialized in Destruction Magic and that was not a normal thing for a Priest. He needed tons of MP to play his build to its potential. It was very draining on your MP when you were buffing, healing, and trying to destroy everything with magic.
"Wait. Did you say used to possess?"
Kelart caught on to his wording, unlike Remedios. He wasn't sure if Calca already knew about her new robes, but she didn't ask either.
"Yes, used to. The robes she has on were made by some of my subordinates. She possesses a lot more Magic Power along with a few other enhancements for safety."
"It's no wonder it looks so incredible. Do you mind if I ask what other enhancements?"
Kelart was still curious and it looked like Remedios was still coming to terms with what Cael said earlier.
"I have a better idea." Cael turns toward the door. "Seraphina!" It only takes a moment for her to step inside.
"Yes, your majesty."
"Kelart was curious what all you did to Calca's robes. Would you explain it to her for me please since you are the one who made them?"
"Of course, your majesty. First, they increase her majesties Magic Power by 150%. Second, they increase her resistances to all spells. Third, they make her immune to both magical and nonmagical poison and diseases, petrification, mind control, illusions, or extreme climates. Last, they raise her physical and magical defense to a level that can only be penetrated by a level sixty item or higher."
Cael hadn't known all that, and now it was confirmed. His subordinates went way overboard on making those things. Her robes weren't very much less powerful than his armor and that was saying something.
He also knew, there was still room for more enhancements. She only listed four even if there were a lot more benefits than four things. He'd leave that for later though. Perhaps let Calca customize the last two.
He was always fond of the quick change. It was why he had only put his armor on once, to test quick change. He could put it on in a second if needed. There was something about Calca's robes he was curious about though.
"Seraphina, what did you make Calca's robes out of? I've never seen such a bright white fabric anywhere in the palace."
"They are made of Solarian Truesteel, your majesty."
Now Cael was at a loss. He did not know of a way to make robes out of Solarian Truesteel. They came in normal metal ingots and as far as he knew, they could only be turned into weapons and metal armor.
"How exactly did you accomplish that, Seraphina? Those robes would be one of a kind even for us if that is true."
"Yes, they are, your majesty. I had the blacksmith melt down an ingot of Solarian Truesteel and pound it out into thin threads. Once we had enough thread, myself and the servants who helped me wove all the threads together to create the robes."
"How many ingots did it take to make her robes?"
Cael wasn't sure if he would like Seraphina's answer. Solarian Truesteel was one of the rarest metals even in Yggdrasil. In all the years of farming for it, he and his guildies had only managed to acquire a few hundred ingots. It had taken thirty of them just to make his bow and longsword. Her answer dropped his jaw.
"It only required ten ingots, your majesty."
"How did you get it to stay so pure white? Solarian Truesteel is supposed to only look white in direct sunlight and silver all other times."
"After we had the robes completed, I took them to the enchanter for coloring. As you said, your majesty, Solarian Truesteel is white under direct sunlight. When I went to the enchanter, I cast daylight on the robes and had the enchanter seal the robes that color."
Cael was impressed by Seraphina's thinking, and couldn't wait to see what she thought of next. It seemed though that someone else had finally found her voice.
"What do you mean level sixty item? What would that be the equivalent of?"
Cael was glad Remedios finally had the ability to speak again, and it led right into something he had wondered when he could do it. He'd take this one from Seraphina.
"It'd be easier if I answered that one, and it leads me to something I want to give both of you as well."
Cael reaches into his pocket (inventory) and draws out a long, white wood staff with a clear gem at the top. He sets it on the table and reaches into his pocket again. This time he pulls out a sword.
The blade is pure white, the cross guard is designed to look like feathered wings, the grip has a soft, white material wrapped around it, and the pommel has a crystal blue gem in it. Neither Remedios or Kelart had seen such beautiful items before.
It is hard for them not to immediately reach for them. It feels to Kelart like the staff is begging her to pick it up and Remedios feels the same about the sword. They couldn't stop staring until Cael held up the sword and said.
"I'll start by answering your question. This..." he motions to the sword. "would be considered a level fifty weapon in the hands of just about anyone. To most, it is a Cold Iron Holy Longsword of Evil Outsider Bane. If I were to hand this to Kelart, she could strike Calca anywhere and it would do absolutely nothing to her no matter how hard she tried."
All three were staring at the blade, Remedios couldn't tear her eyes away from it. None of them were skeptical of saying it was nicer than the national treasure that Remedios currently had on her hip.
"However, that is because this weapon is specifically made for a Paladin and Kelart does not possess the class so it can not become what it is meant to be. For someone like Remedios though, this weapon is known as a Holy Devastator. In her hands, this is considered a level seventy weapon. It gains several abilities only available to a Paladin, increases the number of smites she can use per day and increases the effectiveness of her spells. She could actually damage Calca with it, unlike Kelart."
Remedios is still transfixed by the weapon and Cael isn't even sure she heard a thing he said. Might as well get this over with, he feels she will be preoccupied after this.
"I'm not above admitting that I brought these weapons to bribe you into liking me in case you didn't." Cael chuckles and Calca smiles at him. "but that isn't the only reason. I indeed wanted the only two people that made Calca happy to like me, but I also know that the weapons you both wield are not yours."
They both nod in understanding at his words and he goes on.
"The staff and sword you are gifted with are National Treasures of the Roble Holy Kingdom and are given to the one in your positions as High Priestess and Grand Paladin. I wanted both of you to have something that was yours that you could pass down through your family."
Cael finally hands the sword to Remedios hilt first. Once she takes it, he picks up the staff and extends it to Kelart. She grabs it as well and both are fascinated instantly by the weapons.
"Kelart, I wasn't sure if you specialized in any type of specific divine magic, so I simply went with a staff that enhances your all-around divine spellcasting abilities. Just by grabbing it, you understand what it does, but I want to make sure you understand one of the abilities. The ability you can feel called Divine Sanction is something you can use five times per day, and it allows you to cast any spell you have without having to spend your MP to cast it."
Kelart's eyes widen at that statement. The other abilities were easy to figure out. Increase in her MP, her spells range, and their effectiveness. Divine Sanction sounded incredibly powerful to her.
"Thank you..."
Neither Kelart or Remedios heard Calca say that Cael. Both were also too fascinated by their new weapons that they didn't see Calca essentially making out with Cael to thank him for what he just did for them.
"Ahem..."
Cael and Calca break apart as someone clears their throat. Kelart looks a little embarrassed to have done that, and Calca blushes a little at being caught like that. Cael doesn't look like he cared at all, and he didn't. He'd kiss Calca all day if it was possible.
"Sorry to interrupt your..." Kelart blushes again. "Did you say something about specializing in divine magic? I've never heard of anything like that before."
"Yes, I did. It is not very common. Most divine casters are just that, general divine casters, but some do specialize in certain types of divine spells. Like me for example, I specialize in Destruction Magic. A lot of people believe there is an arcane caster hiding somewhere when I unleash my magic. It isn't often you see a Priest disintegrating things or causing massive elemental damage, but that is what I specialize in."
"I... I didn't even know a Priest could specialize in such spells. Honestly, I didn't know a Priest could specialize in anything that had to do with divine spell casting."
"As I said, it isn't common. Seraphina here specializes also, but she specializes in Conjuration Magic and Holy Magic. Most of those types of spells are simply healing or alignment-based spells, but conjuration also includes summoning and teleportation magic."
Kelart can't help but look at Seraphina after Cael told her that. She was certainly dressed the part of a divine caster.
"Y-You are a divine caster as well?"
"I am, High Priestess Kelart."
"You can call her Kelart, Seraphina."
It sounded to Cael as if Calca was trying to include Seraphina in her small group of friends now seeing how they were conversing with each other. That would make Cael incredibly happy. Not only could he get one of his subordinates to make friends outside of the palace, but if Seraphina was with Calca, Cael wouldn't be worried about her safety at all.
"I would be honored if it is alright with her, your majesty."
Well, looks like that went out the window quickly in Cael's eyes. Seraphina was back in majesty mode when speaking with Calca. Calca tried to remedy that quickly.
"Please, call me Calca as well, Seraphina. I would be delighted if we could be friends."
Cael was honestly surprised at how giddy Calca looked at the idea of being friends with Seraphina. He knew she got along well with the maids and other servants in the palace but hadn't seen Calca speak more than a few words here and there to Seraphina.
"I... ahh... are you... are you sure?"
Seraphina looks to Cael and he chuckles before saying.
"Don't look at me. That was an order from your Queen."
Calca smacks Cael on the forearm when he says that before saying.
"No, it wasn't an order. I would like for us to be friends. Not only because of this wonderful robe you went out of your way to make me, but also to make up for the past couple of weeks."
Calca notices Cael raise an eyebrow to that in wonder. It made her think...
'Of course, you wouldn't notice! I can't believe I ever thought he wouldn't love me.'
"When I... when I first came to the palace." Calca seems to be directing this at Cael and Seraphina. "I was worried every time Cael would look at one of the women there that he would come to his senses and send me back to Hoburns."
"I'm sorry, what?!"
"Huh?"
Cael looked horrified she thought that. Seraphina tilted her head in confusion at Calca's statement.
"Oh come on! I have eyes you know. Every woman who lives in the palace is more beautiful than I am. Why wouldn't I think that?"
"No, no one compares to you Calca." Cael raises her hand to his lips and kisses it. "I'm sorry you ever thought that."
"Surely you can't be that blind, Cael. I have no interest in women, but even I can admit that Seraphina, Ariel, Parisa, Azrael, and all the women from the palace are beautiful."
Cael now understands the problem. It was just another conversation they were yet to have. He wasn't sure how to tell her all his subordinates were created by his friends and he could only see them as his friends' children.
"Of course I know they are, but..."
Cael doesn't think this is the right time or place to have that conversation. Luckily, Seraphina tries to help him out.
"His Majesty would never see any of us that way, your-" Calca gives her a look. "Calca. I assure you, our Lord loves you and no one else."
"It's as Seraphina said, my love. Everyone in the palace is like my family. I do love them, but in a much different way than I love you."
Cael never looked away from Calca's eyes as he told her that. He wanted to make sure she knew it was true. From the look in her eye, she already knew. She just wanted to hear it from him. He was going in for another kiss when they were interrupted by another question.
"Sorry to interrupt your moment..." Kelart didn't look sorry. "but are all of you divine casters? Is Michael also a divine caster?"
Cael wanted to laugh as he finally saw Remedios's head whip around at Michael being mentioned. She hadn't looked away from the longsword Cael gave her since it was in her hands.
"No, only myself and Seraphina are divine casters. Michael is our Warrior, Ariel is our scout and DPS, and Angelo is our arcane caster. There are others as well, but you can meet them when we go to the palace."
Calca squeezed his hand to get his attention. He turned from Kelart to look at her and she looked about to cry.
"Will you... will you really let them see your home?"
"Of course, they are your best friends but remember my love, it's OUR home now. I was thinking we could go after we finish talking about everything since there are a lot more things we need to speak of. However, I'm not sure what is all planned for your Birthday today so I'm not sure if we will have time."
"We have a little time between events today, but it won't be enough time to take a proper tour of your..." Calca corrects herself at Cael's look. "our home."
"Alright, I'll let everyone know we will be there tomorrow for Kelart and Remedios tour. Shall we move on to the next topic?"
Everyone at the table nods and Cael gets on to the next item on the list to talk about.
"Next one might be a little personal, but it concerns our relationship and what the future holds for you and me."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, you're a human, and I'm an angel. If I'm not killed by a spell, sword, arrow, or something like that, in a thousand years, I'll still look like this." Cael motions to himself. "I can't die of natural causes and I won't age any more than I already have. For all intents and purposes, I'm immortal."
"I never... I never even thought of that." Calca looks completely distressed at this revelation. "I suppose all I can do is enjoy our time together while I'm here with you. Are you still going to love me when I'm an old wrinkled woman?"
Cael can tell she is trying to joke a little about this, but he can see she is not processing this new revelation well. Hopefully, his possible fix will lighten her mood.
"Well, that isn't the only option." Cael sees Calca perk up at his words. "Really, there are three options. First, it is what you just said. We enjoy our time together until you are no longer with us. Second, I could make you immortal. You would still be a human, but you would stop aging. Like me, you could be killed by all the things I mentioned, but you'd never die of old age or natural causes. Third, I could change your race to one that has no natural lifespan such as an angel."
"Y-You can really do that?"
"I can, but that is not something you need to decide right now, Calca. Take your time and think about it. We can even discuss it more later on if you have more questions. I simply wanted you to know you had options. Whatever you decide, I'll support you 100%."
"Is there... Is there an option you prefer I take?"
"There is, but I want you to decide. I don't want to influence your decision one way or the other. As I said, I'll support you no matter what choice you make. Now, the next part we need to discuss involves all three of you. Ariel, if you would please."
To everyone's surprise, a face appears next to Cael that hadn't been there before. Her outfit is completely white and the only part they can actually see is her face as she pulled her hood back and her black wings. She had jet black hair and glowing gold eyes. Not even Calca knows where Ariel appeared from.
Kelart and Remedios realized that Calca was not kidding when she said the women who served Cael were beautiful, this one was just as beautiful as Seraphina. She set three folders on the table and stepped back next to Seraphina in an obvious guard position.
"One of these is for each of you." Cael gives them each a folder. "These are intel reports on the corrupt nobles, paladins, and priests who feed information to other countries, mainly the Slane Theocracy and Baharuth Empire."
Cael lets them open and starts looking at some of the documents before continuing.
"And this is only what Ariel has managed to find in three weeks. I imagine those folders will get larger the longer she investigates for me. Any proof you need, Ariel can provide. There are two reasons I want you to know of these people now."
All of them stop browsing the folders and looked to Cael wondering what his reasons were.
"First, you needed to know who to watch out for so you didn't give the wrong information to the wrong person. All of these people care more for themselves than the Roble Holy Kingdom. Second, they will be the first ones to sell you out when the war starts."
All three were listening so intently they did not miss those last words. All three paled and didn't like the sound of that. Cael knew the war was inevitable, he planned on doing it earlier and getting it over with in one big law change that many will rebel against.
"W-War?"
"Yes, war. It is not something I want to happen, but it will happen no matter what we do. If a lot of your nobles don't rebel simply because of our marriage, they will do it when we enact our first law as King and Queen."
"What law could possibly cause an immediate war in the Roble Holy Kingdom?"
Remedios was lost on what such a thing could be. Cael was going to answer, but Calca beat him to it with a smile on her face.
"Slavery..."
"Yes, love. The first thing we are going to do it ban slavery. That will cause a massive uproar and many of your nobles will rebel. It is what you have always wanted to do, and I'm going to give you the power to do it."
"Cael, I know you did, well Ariel did, your homework. Surely you know that the rebel army will be much larger than ours. And using demi-humans from the Abelion Hills will only make their numbers grow if that is how you plan to offset the difference."
"I have no intention of offsetting the difference in our troops. Also, I was thinking that once we marry, we should rename the Abelion Hills the Eastern Holy Kingdom. I was trying to think of something clever, but..." Cael grins at Calca. "I realized it would probably be easier just to keep it simple."
"Are you sure we should do that? Will we really be able to make it just an extension of what the Roble Holy Kingdom is already? I doubt many of the humans would venture through those lands to trade, and can those that live there be trusted not to attack them?"
"I believe we should, and all of them will know the punishment for not following the law no matter what part of the Holy Kingdom they reside in. Whether it be the North, South, or soon the East."
"Sorry to interrupt..." Remedios cuts in. "but if you don't plan on increasing our troop size, how exactly do you plan on winning? If half of what is in this folder is true, we are going to be outnumbered somewhere around five to one. I know you're strong. I felt it, but can you really make up that much of a difference?"
Calca, Kelart, and Remedios are all waiting for Cael to answer. It was silent enough that it didn't sound like they were breathing. Finally, Cael's laughter broke through the air and they were all shocked at his reaction.
"I imagine when we actually get to the battle, the odds will be more around fifty thousand to one, possibly even one hundred thousand to one, but there is no need to worry. I will not use a single troop from the Holy Kingdom to win the war."
"I don't... I don't understand. You just said you weren't using demi-humans. How are you going to win a war without any troops?"
All three were wondering that, but it was Kelart who finally broke out of her trance to ask it.
"It is very simple. I'm going to fight the army... alone."
"YOU CAN'T FIGHT AN ARMY ALONE!"
Everyone wanted to shout that, even Seraphina and Ariel, but it was Calca who did. She gripped his hand tighter than he thought she could and looked at him with pleading eyes. He knew she was scared for him, but she really had nothing to worry about.
"I can and I will." he looked back at Calca showing her his determination. "We will bring the army you assemble with us, but none of them will lose their lives if I can help it. I told you, my love. I am here to make your vision for the future a reality. I have the power to lend you to make any changes you want to this country, and that is exactly what I am going to do."
"You really... you really are going to do that for me?"
"I am." He kisses her hand once more. "Your dream is my dream. I want freedom for everyone as you do. I will do everything in my power to make that happen. Only someone like you deserves their throne, and your vision is what this whole world should be."
"But... I don't want you to die, Cael. You can't leave me after I finally found you."
"I won't, my love. And I'm sure these two behind me, Angelo, and Michael will demand they tag along regardless." Cael looks back and sees them nodding their heads. "They may listen to me most of the time, but when I like to put myself in danger, they don't listen to my commands so well."
"I'm not going to talk you out of this, am I?"
"No, but I'll be alright. Now, let's change to a much happier subject." Cael smile to break some of the tension. "You still alright getting married in three days?"
"Absolutely! Wait... I... I'm not sure I can be ready in three days. I don't have a dress or shoes or any of that, and it won't be ready that quickly. As much as I would like to marry you this moment, I am the Holy Queen so an appropriate dress and so on are necessary."
It isn't Cael who tells Calca the next part, it is Seraphina.
"Not to worry, your... Calca. Your wedding dress, shoes, accessories, and crown have already been completed and are awaiting you in your room. Your room in this palace I mean."
"Did you... Did you make me a wedding dress too?"
It looked as if Calca was about to break down and cry if Seraphina answered yes. All of them were proven correct when she nodded her head at Calca and said.
"I did. With the same servants who helped make your robes. We started all of them after his majesty told us about you saving us from Yggdrasil."
Calca couldn't hold it in anymore. She got up and hugged Seraphina and it caught the angel off guard. It looked like she didn't know what to do until Cael nodded at her and she hugged Calca back.
"Thank you... all of you... you're so wonderful."
"Well, now that is taken care of." Cael grins at Calca as she wipes her tears away. "Is that a yes?"
"Yes! Yes! Yes! A thousand times, yes!"
Calca practically throws herself at Cael and kisses him as her arms wrap around his neck. He can't help but smile against her lips.
"Ahem..." Calca looks to her friend and blushes. She forgot they were here for a moment. "I'm happy for you, your majesty, but is there any way you could not make out with your soon to be husband in front of us?"
Cael laughs, Calca blushes, and both do each harder when Seraphina says.
"You get used to it, ladies. These two aren't very good at keeping their hands to themselves."
"Right, sorry..." Cael doesn't look sorry. "That is really all we have to talk about. I do have one more thing to discuss with Calca, but none of you need to be here for it. Remedios, Kelart, would you mind showing Ariel, Seraphina, and Michael around so Calca and I can speak alone for a moment?"
They honestly both look like they were going to agree immediately, but looked to Calca at the last moment to make sure it was alright. Calca gave them a nod and the five of them departed, leaving only Cael and Calca in the room.
"I wanted us to talk about this alone." Cael starts and even he looks nervous. Calca can't remember that look on his face before. "I don't... have you..." he exhales deeply and just blurts it out. "Children."
"Do you... not want children?"
Calca is honestly terrified he'll say yes. While a life with Cael sounds like a dream, a life with Cael and their children would be the best version of that dream to her.
"I do, but..." he hesitates. "I'm not sure if you do, you are a Queen. I'm not sure if you would think it would get in the way of ruling. Not to mention, well..." he hesitates again. He really didn't think this talk would be this hard. "I'm not even sure we can have children. I believe we can, but I can't be sure about that."
His answer removes all the tension from Calca. She now believes more than anything that woman will be right.
"I believe we can too." Calca takes both his hands and they look at each other. "And if you are alright with it. I'd like to start a family with you as soon as possible."
Cael lets out the breath he didn't know he was holding. He leans forward and kisses her brow before mumbling into her skin.
"Nothing would make me happier. Now..." he backs up and looks around before grinning at her. "Your friend did say we couldn't make out in front of them, but... I don't see anyone in here now."
Calca smiles as well and climbs into his lap before claiming his lips. They still needed to go out into the throne room and announce the ceremony in three days, but they'd give time for Kelart and Remedios to show Ariel, Seraphina, and Michael around a bit.
A bit ended up being thirty minutes, and it would have been longer if Cael wouldn't have been interrupted by a message from Ariel. Calca reluctantly climbed out of his lap and they both made their way to the throne room. Surprisingly, it was Seraphina who introduced Calca when she saw her walk in the room.
"Her majesty, The Holy Queen, Calca Bessarez!"
Her tone actually made all the yelling quiet down. If Calca didn't think it beneath the woman, she'd ask her to introduce her all the time. Her voice had power and authority behind it. Also, she would have liked it if she introduced Cael as well, but she did not.
"What is going on in here?"
"Your Majesty!" Calca rolls her eyes, of course, it'd be that arrogant prick even if Cael already put him in his place twice. "You can't seriously be considering marrying this... monster!"
Everyone in the room could count the number of times they had seen the Holy Queen in a rage with one finger, this was that one time.
"He is NOT a monster! And if you EVER say something like that about him again, it will be treason! That literal angel will be your next Holy King!"
Cael steps up but not to speak. He grabs Calca's hand and she relaxes. Even Ariel and Seraphina were impressed by the fire in her eyes, but she wasn't done speaking even if Cael managed to calm her down.
"We were coming out to tell you all that since most of the nobles are already in the city. We will be having the wedding ceremony in three days. Instead of me being polite, consider this your formal invitation. Now, Get! Out!"
Most scurried away like rats. None had ever seen the Holy Queen like this. The few that tried to linger were quickly turning tail at the glares from Kelart, Remedios, Ariel, and Seraphina.
"Remind me to never make you angry, my love. That was quite terrifying."
Calca blushes while everyone else nods their heads. She never got that angry but hearing someone like him call Cael a monster was too much for her.
"Sorry, I just..."
"Oh don't worry. It was also quite lovely. Nothing like having a Queen defend your honor so passionately." he can't help but smile at her. "Now, we have some time I believe. How about you show me around this time?"
Calca is thrilled she can take his hand now and lead him on her own personal tour. He had seen very little of the Royal Palace so there was much to show him.
They had seen the ballroom, dining hall, kitchens, libraries, studies, guest rooms, and a host of others. Calca was showing them one of the balcony views when her thoughts spilled from her lips.
"I suppose this isn't much compared to the Palace of Ascension."
"That's not true. This palace is very nice, Calca. You deserve it, this one, and any other one you wish in this world."
"Such pretty words, your majesty." Calca giggles. "You should never promise a woman every castle in the world."
Calca leans in and gives him a peck on the lips. There was no one here so it wouldn't matter if anyone saw. Well, she was sure Kelart, Remedios, Seraphina, Ariel, and Michael were getting tired of it. When she looked at him again, he looked completely serious.
"If you want the world, I'll deliver it to you."
Ariel, Seraphina, and Michael looked ready to receive orders to start from Cael. Remedios and Kelart paled at his words. It was one thing to ban slavery and right your own country, but to invade all the others for no reason was insanity. Calca, she didn't know what to think until she asked him.
"Y-You're serious, aren't you?"
"I am. I told you, my love. I am your power. I am your other half. You are kind and loving and gentle and political. I am war and justice and vengeance. I haven't seen much of this world, but what I have seen is terrible. This place is ruled by religious fanatics, bloodthirsty nobles, and slavers. You deserve this entire world."
Cael turns to Calca and two giant grey wings sprout out and a grey halo appears. She has seen this before but there is no pressure, just a comforting warmth.
"You know I reached the pinnacle of what being an angel meant in my world, but since I've come here. I've surpassed even that."
Cael wraps his wings around the both of them.
"My power is immense now, and it is yours to do with as you see fit. Every sense I have is telling me that you are what is best for this world. If you wish it to be yours, I will deliver it. If you wish for peace in the Holy Kingdom only, I will deliver that as well. We will work together and makes this a better world."
No one can complain when he kisses Calca this time because no one can see them cocooned in his wings. He makes sure she knows he is dead serious about what he said before breaking away, folding his wings away, and dismissing his halo.
"Cael, I..."
Calca didn't know what to say, but luckily, Cael didn't want her to say anything. He didn't need an answer now or any time soon. He did still have one more thing to do though.
"Just something else for you to think about." he winks then gets on one knee. "I'm not quite sure if this is how you normally do it here, but where I'm from it is."
Cael pulls a little black box out from his robes and opens it. Calca sees the most beautiful ring she has ever seen inside. It looked like two rings in one with two platinum bands on each side making it look like an X.
The top right band had small rubies running along the length of it. The bottom right band had small sapphires running along it. The top left band on the other side had the clearest diamonds Calca had ever seen, and the bottom left band had small emeralds running the length of it.
Set right in the center where the two rings met was a prismatic gem carved to look like an open rose. Calca had both her hands over her mouth trying to will the tears away. She looked at Cael and he smiles before saying.
"I know I didn't do this in the right order, but... Calca Bessarez, will you marry me?"
Calca doesn't trust herself to speak and can only nod her head. Cael takes that as a yes even if he would have liked to hear it. He takes the ring out, he realizes this might be a thing here too when she holds out her left hand, and he places it on her finger.
"Sorry to disappoint, but it is just a ring. I didn't want to turn your engagement ring into a magic item."
Cael chuckles as he looks at Calca's tears. He wipes a few away and she tells him.
"It's perfect!"
When she claims his lips this time, everyone claps instead of protests. Calca couldn't wait for the next three days. There was a lot to do, a lot to think about, and a lot to look forward to. She officially started her new life today as far as she was concerned, and she thought it looked good.
So there is Chapter 5... Cael and Calca are getting married soon... Perhaps war is coming soon too as Cael thinks it is... We'll find out soon! Until next time!