Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or the manhwa who made me a princess

Chapter 8

Deo's POV

"Hn and what are their names and what of their ranks now?"

What's this? My daughter would so easily open up to Deacon and not me, her father?! Hmph so Deacon is aiming at stealing my daughter! I glared daggers at my platinum haired retainer.

"Quite impressive if I do say so myself. The leader of the first party, Lucas is now an A rank warrior with fire and water affinity. He is an expert with dual swords which are also his primary weapons. And because of his affinity to water, he can use basic healing from manipulating the water and turning it into holy water. From what I've heard from the guild, he learnt from someone the skills of alchemy and is capable in making potent healing potions. His second choice of weapon would be an axe and spear.

Eli is an A rank paladin with affinity to wind and has a weak affinity to earth as well. He is an expert with sword and shield and is often seen to use wind as a barrier when enemies attack. Despite his weak earth element, he could still make ten strong earth golems the size of a human and use them in a battle for an hour straight before they start to weaken. His second choice of weapon would be a bow followed by a mace.

Caleb is a B rank priest with an affinity to water. He can use advance healing spell and also manipulate water expertly to the point where he could turn them into ice. His primary weapon are dual daggers followed by a bow and sword. Despite being a priest, he is a capable fighter and can chant while fighting as well. He is capable of chanting without a wand.

Noah is a B rank archer and assassin. He has an affinity to the dark element as well as wind. He is an expert with his bow but also a master with his daggers in close combat. He will be taking the promotion test in a few days to rank up. Their party is named the Dragon's Claw."

"They… are rather impressive." I said still in awe at the strengths of my daughter's loyal retainers. It gives me a sort of relief that she has strong and capable people around to protect her in my stead.

"I know right?! Seeeee what did I tell you?! they are impressive! What's more impressive is that they have two elements! The average commoner has no affinity whatsoever to any element let alone having two! And despite one being weaker than the other, they made good use to train with that element. But that Lucas boy isn't the only one with impressive abilities." Deacon chirped like an annoying bird in the morning.

I raised an eyebrow at his last statement beckoning him to continue.

"The next party's leader is Logan. He is an A rank, Barbarian and knight. I believe he was a knight in training for the previous empress Phoebe that was caught and sold as a slave to our kingdom. His parents were both S ranked barbarians and knights to the late Lady Phoebe. He was ten when he was caught and sold to as a slave and was sold to our estate by his previous owner because he was too violent. His strength is beyond any normal human's capabilities and has an affinity to lightning and water. A master with his axe but often times he does incognito work with his team and during those times he will only fight with his fists."

"Impressive indeed. And he swore his loyalty to Luna?"

"Yes. In fact, it was he who swore a knight's oath to the princess and swore to live and die for her which resulted to the other's following as well. Especially Lucas." Deacon chuckled

I could feel myself dreading the future hustle my daughter would cause me. At three she already had males swearing their life for her. I sighed while rubbing my temples and glared at Deacon when I heard him chuckle at my expense.

"Continuing on! Ethan, an A rank, he is an assassin and also a necromancer with affinity to the dark element as well as earth. He wields daggers for close combat battles and his bow for range battle. He is capable on summoning a legion of undead of a thousand when he isn't even trying. I believe it is a tenth of his mana used to summon a thousand undead. So imagine him at maximum output." He flapped his arms to express his excitement.

"Joshua is a B rank mage and healer. He has an affinity to three elements. Lightning, fire and earth. He was previously raised by the holy church and thus allowing him to have holy powers as well. His healing powers aren't as great as as Caleb but he can still heal wounds that are life threatening. His choice of weapon is a staff that has a hidden blade that can spring out and turn the staff into a spear.

Lastly is Josiah he is a C rank summoner and is from the last survivor from the druid's tribe. His primary weapon is a bow and second weapon are chakram for close combat battles. He is somewhat struggling with his nature element but with the help of the others, he is doing better. Aside from earth and nature, he is an inventer. Josiah will be going for his promotion test as well in a few days. Their party is called the Dragon's Shadow."

Deacon closed his book of information with a grin and looked at me with expectant eyes.

"What?" I raised a brow.

"Well don't you have anything to say?!"

"Impressive…?"

"Why does that sound like a question?" he sighed. How would I know what the hell it is you want to say damn squid!

"Just tell me already." I growled out.

"Shouldn't you be more at awe at them or something?" he sighed at my lack of emotional expression which ticked me off more than usual.

"Summon them for me in the next few days. I will reward them for their efforts in bringing prestige to the Vasilias' name."

"Ah perfect! I'll do that right now!" he didn't give me any time to reply and burst out the door and disappeared.

xXxXxXx

I stared down at all eight of the teenage boys one by one before my attention turned to Deacon who had proud and sparkling eyes staring back at me.

"What are your names, age and rank." I demanded, staring at them through narrowed eyes.

XxXxXxX

Lucas POV

My heart is currently beating a hundred miles a minute. The Duke summoned for some reason and Sir Deacon did not tell us why. His creepy smile did nothing to quell my anxiety. Despite my hotheadedness, I knew from the moment I stepped through that door that that person is someone far beyond our capabilities. Someone that even if all eight of us went up against, we would still be hard-pressed and lose. His red eyes is staring down at us and sent shiver down my spine.

"What are your names, age and rank." He stated. It was a simple order but his voice made me tremble from fear. I cast a quick glance towards my comrades and saw that they too found his presence to be suffocating. It's as though the grim reaper himself is looking down on us.

"Lucaaaas!"

The sound of Lady Luna's voice rang through my mind and her smiling face shone brightly through my mind. Ahh that's right if I falter here, it would mean I am not worthy to be by her side. I quickly gathered whatever courage I had and stood from my kneeling position with my right hand over my heart and stared straight towards the duke and answered him.

"I am Lucas, sixteen years old and an A Rank Warrior my lord."

My comrades found courage in my clear voice and they too stood up and answered the duke.

xXxXxXx

Deo's POV

The redhead surprisingly answered me with a clear voice full of confidence, his green eyes shining brightly with determination as though he was telling me that he would not fall here. That he needed to be strong for Luna. This boy was tall. Almost as tall as me with a body that is slightly bigger than Desmond, my head knight. If comparing his prowess alone to Desmond, the boy might have an advantage. However, he lacks the experience despite his two years of life as an adventurer

I smirked at him. How interesting.

"My Lord, I am Eli. Seventeen and an A Rank Paladin" Eli, a purple haired boy with grey eyes. His body was slightly smaller in comparison to his leader but nonetheless I could feel an enormous amount of mana circulating within him.

"I am Caleb my lord. A B Rank priest. I just turned fourteen a month ago. It is an honour to be in your presence." This boy is the smallest of the lot. His magical power is above the average power of the royal magicians. Brunette with black eyes. I hid my grin behind my hand.

"Noah, B ranking assassin. Sixteen this year, Honor to be here milord." Another small sized one. His brown hair is a shade darker than Caleb's though eyes are similar, black which seemed expressionless.

"Are the two of you brothers?" I questioned, my brow raised as I pointed towards Caleb and Noah.

The two nodded their heads with a clear "Yes Milord" through their lips.

I nodded my head and motioned for the next one to continue.

"I am the one named Logan, your excellency. An A Ranked barbarian knight. I recently turned eighteen my lord." His deep rumbly voice answered.

Ahh the barbarian. An enormous one. Rather small for his kind but still huge compared to our human race. He easily towered against me and if I was any lesser human, I would have trembled at the sight of his size let alone the power that radiated off him. Despite his huge demeanor and untapped prowess, I could sense a sort of gentleness from him. A gentle giant huh? Standard tan for a barbarian. Dark brown hair and eyes.

"I am Ethan my lord, A Rank assassin, seventeen years old." He bowed slightly before reassuming his stance, hands behind his back and feet apart. Another assassin huh? A shy purple toned hair with blueish grey eyes that seems to hold a huge amount of power and story. A necromancer aside from an assassin. His pale skin and sunken eyes stared at the floor as I assess him.

The last one introduced himself with confidence, he dipped a bow before introducing himself.

"Josiah at your service, your excellency. I'm fifteen and a summoner." Dark green hair and amber eyes that sparkled with curiousity and intelligence. These kids are truly geniuses of the century and will definitely be able to live over a century old due to their power output.

There's just one thing that I'm unsatisfied with… WHY ARE THEY ALL GOOD LOOKING?! These are the kids that's going to be around my daughter ?! what if they seduced her?! what if she fell for their charms and they elope away together?! What if-

"Ehem, milord?" Deacon's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. Sheepishly, I cleared my throat to recollect myself.

"For bringing prestige to the name of Vasilias from your achievements as adventurers, I will grant each of you a reward. Speak, if you have anything you wish for." I said firmly, staring at them.

They looked at each other before confirming something amongst themselves. Lucas took a deep breath and stood forward, right hand over his heart and he bowed at me.

"My lord, we all have but only one wish. It is to be lady Luna's personal knights."

I could feel my anger rising. The nerve of this kids! They probably want to be Luna's knights so they can charm my daughter! I ought to slaughter them!

"My lord." Deacon's voice growled out unexpectedly.

What?!

Their intentions are noble, Deo. Why are you twisting their intentions?

How can you guarantee they won't fall for my daughter?! She's already so cute and beautiful at five! And what's worse if she falls for one of them and they run away together?! I'll have to kill them before they even think of-

I could feel a sharp pain through my mind that caused me to flinch. This bastard! I glared openly at Deacon who kept his face calm but I could see the small smirk he has on his face.

You wouldn't be able to deny your daughter if she asks your blessings for marriage. Just agree to it. At the very least you can use the time to train them to torture them.

I stared at my friend and retainer who smirked evilly at me.

You don't actually think I'd allow my god daughter to marry one of these kids without having my fill of torturing them to make sure they are worthy of her do you?

Brilliant! I smirked back. Deacon puffed his chest, his nose high in the air before he winked at me and gave me a thumbs up which I returned with my own thumbs up

"Very well." They looked up at me with grins on their faces.

"However…" suddenly their smiles fell as they stared at me.

"There are conditions you must meet." I stared at them through narrowed eyes to prolong the effect.

"First, you must all train with my knights until I am satisfied with your capabilities. Make no mistake, you are all powerful now but you lack the experience as a knight to protect yourselves let alone my daughter."

They initially wanted to protest before processing what I said and nodded in agreement. I could feel Deacon smirking from where he stood which also made me smirk at them though a bit more intimidating compared to Deacon's.

"You will rotate between yourselves on the shifts. There will be two of you that will be guarding my daughter every day. One in the day shift the other night shift where you will guard her from outside her room. If I catch any of you doing indecent things to Luna, you will suffer and perish. Do I make myself clear?" I growled out, intentionally pressuring them with a miniscule of my power.

"Yes my lord!" they barked back with intensity despite trembling a moment ago.

Hn, not bad for a group of kids.

"Usually commoners aren't allowed as knights but seeing as you have made a name for yourselves as adventurers, I will allow this. And I will bestow a last name for the lot of you. Once your training as knights are over and you have given you oath to my daughter, I will permit her to give each of you a middle name."

The surprise on their faces were ones I didn't expect I'd feel content to see.

"THANK YOU MY LORD!" they cheered with tears in their eyes and lips quivering with swirls of emotion.

"From this day on, you all will be brothers. A band of brothers that had different stories in the beginning but came together to stand in front of me now with the same goal."

At this point I was already standing before them and motioned for them to kneel and they did so immediately.

"From this day on you eight will carry the on the name of Orion. Stay true to your path and goal, never stray away. Protect your master and hunt those that intents to bring harm upon her. Leave no stone unturned."

I gazed at them each individually before continuing,

"Bring only honor and victory to this house you serve and the name you carry. Arise, Lucas Orion, Eli Orion, Caleb Orion, Noah Orion, Logan Orion, Ethan Orion, Joshua Orion and Josiah Orion." With each word I said, they trembled with excitement and confidence and all eight rose in sync at attention with determination burning through their eyes.

I smirked at them. A sense of satisfaction coursed through my veins despite my earlier thoughts of them.

A/N: Took a while to do this chapter. I was evacuated due to a flash flood in my area. Expect late updates. Review please!