While Nicholas IV was furiously berating his men in the court of the Inrud kingdom, Marika's court welcomed some expected guests.
knocking sound* While Marika was again hard at work, processing official documents, there was a knock on the door outside her office.
"Come in."
"Your Majesty." After getting permission, Siduri walked into the office and saluted her. Marika, who has the soul of a modern person, is still a little unaccustomed to being constantly being saluted to, but her years of experience in the corporate workplace let her understand that saluting is an important part of the basic respect for subordinates to their superiors.
"Your Majesty, a group of people claiming to be the envoys of the Falkerhi Empire approached the west gate. They said that they came to redeem the prisoners of war. How should we deal with them?"
"The empire had already dispatched their envoys so soon?" Marika felt that there must be something fishy about the empire's quick response, even though there was no major grudges between the two countries.
"It seems that they have another hidden agenda besides redeeming the captives."
"Does the minister need to drive them away?"
"No, let them in. There is no hiding place for any conspiracy under the light of the Erdtree. Let us see what their purpose is! Siduri, go gather the ministers and bring the envoys to the court, let me see what these imperial emissaries are up to."
After saying that, Marika got up and left. She decided to confront the envoy head-on.
"Understood, your Majesty." Siduri saluted slightly, and then called the guards outside the door to inform Marika's subordinates, while she went to entertain the imperial envoys.
"Sure enough, this Golden Dynasty is definitely something to look at!" Lynn, the young man who is the leader of the imperial envoy, sighed looking at the magnificent city walls of Stoneville. He wears round glasses and has short red hair. There is no trace of stubble on the young and handsome face of his.
"I agree sir. They have transformed the small Uro City into such a grandeur in such a short period of time. They must have some unknown magic building technology." The adjutant beside Lynn echoed.
While they were talking, the heavy gates of Stormveil City slowly rose, and Siduri came to receive the embassy with a group of Godrick knights guarding her. Looking at the tall and mighty knights, the envoy swallowed nervously unconsciously.
"Our goddess has approved the visit of your group. I am the head priest Siduri, I shall be leading you to greet Her Majesty."
"Thank you, Ms. Siduri. Please let me thank Her Majesty Queen Marika for her tolerance." Lynn gave an elegant noble salute. However, he was not used to it internally. In the imperial court, the duties of Head priests were usually performed by men, while women were auxiliary saints or nuns.
"No problem, Sir Lynn. This way please" Siduri also responded with an Uruk-style female aristocratic salute.
Different from Stormveil City in the game, which was full of vicissitudes and ruins under the rule of Godrick, surrounded by steep cliffs, Stormveil City in this world is much more livable. The tidy streets cleaned by the Misbegottens are full of life, and the brilliance of the Erdtree makes the streets bright even at night. Merchants shouting loudly, civilians busy working everywhere, and adventurers returning full of spoils, all of them had satisfied smiles on their faces. Although there are people everywhere on the street, it is still orderly amidst the hustle and bustle. Anyone who dares to make trouble will be imprisoned in the dungeon to wait for disposal. The relatively flat terrain of Uro City made Stormveil City lose those iconic but extremely dangerous upturned walls. The streets of Stonewell are now undoubtedly much more prosperous and safer now than they were under Godrick.
But apart from this sign of prosperity, what attracted Lynn's attention even more was the Godric soldiers patrolling in uniform steps. Looking at their flawless formation, Lynn couldn't help but be impressed by the strict discipline of these soldiers.
His gaze then turned to Siduri who was leading the way. The gentle and pilot black-skinned beauty in front of him will undoubtedly be a desired maiden that every nobleman is eager to marry if she were in the empire. But here she is, serving as a head priest. Lynn can't help but wonder who she is and the master behind her.
"I hope you do not mind me asking, , but how did you end up in Her Majesty Queen Marika's service?" Ley spoke up, hoping to learn more about the Golden Dynasty from the chat.
"Since Sir Lynn is curious, I shall naturally entertain you. My humble self once served under the wise king Gilgamesh of Uruk. After the death of King Gilgamesh, I came to Stormveill City after some traveling and joined under the command of the Queen Marika."
"Is-is that so? Then you must have quite the adventure my lady"
When Lynn heard Siduri's description, although he maintained a polite smile on the surface, he was completely knocked off his feet in his head. Uruk? Gilgamesh? He have never heard of these! And calling Marika a goddess, not even the powerful queen of the Elves would make such a boastful claim. What gives her the right?
With a violent brainstorm going on in his head, Lynn followed Siduri to the royal court restlessly. There are countless stone monuments standing on both sides of the stone road in the royal court, but the overgrown weeds, scattered weapons and eye-catching rotten dragon corpses in the game have all been cleaned up, so the whole royal court is less dilapidated, and instead more dignified and full of ancient solemnity.
Seeing the majestic steles, Lynn guesses that these tombs buried members of the nobility or soldiers who died in the Battle of Uro Castle. In any case, this country will have another label of having eccentric customs added to its oddity in Lynn's eyes.
Siduri led the envoy across the royal court, up the stairs, and into the throne room. The domed hall is made of ancient stone bricks, on the walls are exquisitely crafted reliefs and stone columns with several grooves. The grooves hold the statues of the great figures of Stormveil City in the past, the most striking of which is naturally the statue of the first Elden Lord, Godfrey. Although there is no inferiority between the thrones of the two rulers, the difference between the simple and solemn throne of Stonewell City and the lavish and magnificent throne of the Emperor's Imperial palace still surprised Lynn.
The tall wooden throne also has exquisite and simple carvings. On the left and right sides of the throne stood a brown-haired one-eyed girl and a giant with long and hideous deformed horns, standing like guardian statues. The two characters with different styles stood together to form a scene of discord. On the left under the throne stood a group of silver armored knights, a blond noble gentleman, a blindfolded bald priest, and a female mage wearing a strange stone mask. On the right stand a young black-haired nobleman in splendid silver and red armor, a handsome blonde man dressed as an adventurer, and the recently famous warriors Artorius and Achilles.
But the most striking thing is the mistress of the throne room. Long golden hair braided into a long braid faintly exudes light, and on her head is a golden crown made up of intertwined branches. The perfect features, as if carved by the gods, combined with the pair of noble golden eyes and the faint smile, is electrifyingly entrancing. Her voluptuous body is covered with a black sleeveless thin long dress embroidered with golden branches and jade leaves, and is embellished with pure gold jewelry, giving her a sexy and elegant temperament. The plump figure wrapped in the thin long skirt propped up the long skirt in a thrilling arc. The deep groove exposed by the loose neckline is something any man can't help but want to stare at. Those slender and fair legs make men drool at the mouth. The woman who gathers all these beautiful qualities, sits atop the throne relaxed yet polite.
Lynn has traveled around the world for diplomacy and has seen countless beauties, but even so, the woman in front of him is the most beautiful and regal woman Lynn has ever seen. Even the queen of the elves, known as the most beautiful woman in the world, was slightly eclipsed by her. Even after years of official training, Lynn still had a lapse of absence, and the envoys who followed him were already stunned. It wasn't until Siduri's audible report that Lynn pulled himself together.
"Your majesty, the Falkerhi Empire's envoys have come to see you."
Lynn quickly bowed and saluted:
"Honorable Queen Marika, I am Lynn Ufanst, the main official in charge of the diplomatic relations between our empire and your respected kingdom this time."
Lynn subconsciously greeted Malika with the etiquette for nobles. Lynn has seen countless noble lords, and they all have a noble temperament in their bones, and he can feel that Marika shares that same aura.
"You are welcomed, I am very pleased that your respected empire can put aside its past grudges and come to discuss peace with this king. I wonder what your country's request is for this visit?"
Marika saw that there was no deep hatred between the two countries, so although there was no expression on her face, she responded with the same polite tone.
"Before discussing important matters, His Royal Highness Prince Julian of the Imperial family specifically ordered me to deliver these gifts to Her Majesty the Queen, expressing his apology for offending your country in this conflict."
Lynn signaled to the subordinates behind him, who then presented several treasure chests that they had been guarding since entering the city. When the envoys opened the treasure chest, it was full of gold and silver jewelry, and most of them were women's jewelry.
"I hope that Your Majesty is satisfied?"
Ley asked cautiously.
"It's decent enough, but let's return to the business at hand."
Marika herself is not interested in jewelry, she is more curious about the hidden purpose of the empire.
"As Your Majesty wishes. In view of the recent conflict between our two countries, we hope that the Golden Dynasty can return our soldiers who were captured during the war. Of course, the empire has also prepared enough ransom other than these boxes of treasures presented to Your Majesty here currently."
The empire's request was expected by Marika, but she felt that Lynn still had something to hide from her. There must be some hidden agenda for the prince of the empire, he wouldn't offer gifts for no reason.
"The captives will naturally be returned to the empire. In view of their identities, your country's officers have been treated with reasonable care." In order to ransom from the empire, Marika deliberately left a few officers in exchange for ransom when subduing the empire's defeated army.
"However, if it's just to redeem the captives, then the crown prince of your country would not specially send these precious treasures to me. Does the crown prince of your country have anything else to ask me besides expressing apology?"
Marika asked with an amused smile on her face. Many speculations about the prince emerged in Marika's mind. According to the information provided by the captives, the empire's westward expedition was planned by the prince of the empire, Julian. But Marika's sudden appearance messed up his plan, and instead of being angry, he gave Marika precious gifts. Then he must have taken a fancy to the strength shown in the battle by the Golden Dynasty, and wanted to ask them to stick it to his rival, the Kingdom of Inrud.
"It is as you suspect Your Majesty. His Highness the Crown Prince does indeed have a favor to ask of Your Majesty."
Ley reported back, then paused with hesitation, and said:
"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has long heard of Your Majesty's beauty and prowess in martial arts, and your Majesty's status as the honorable Queen of the Golden Dynasty. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince admires Your Majesty deeply, and considering that the two countries can form a deep ally, His Royal highness has decided to propose marriage to Her Majesty. He hopes marriage between His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Her Majesty the Queen will bring lasting friendship between the two countries."
The throne room fell into a brief shocked silence following Lynn's astonishing words, but was soon interrupted by Morgott's furious scolding.
"Bold lunatics! Aside from your unfounded invasion of our country, you dare to try to lay your hands on Her Majesty the Queen! Are you trying to humiliate the Golden Dynasty!?"
"Sir, please calm yourself. As the heir of the Falkehi Empire, His Royal Highness is perfectly matched to Her Majesty the Queen of your country in terms of royal status. Besides, it is not your place as a bodyguard to interfere with the marriage of the royalties."
Lynn retorted disapprovingly. In his opinion, he couldn't think of any other reason why this ugly monster could stand beside the Queen of the Golden Dynasty other than as a bodyguard. Lynn was already being courteous when he acknowledged him as sir."
Morgott wanted to continue to say something, but Marika raised her hand lightly to stop him, because the system just got another mission trigger.
"Task trigger: The imperial envoy humiliated the host's kid, how can a mother swallow this shame!? Please admit that Morgott is the host's son, and give the imperial envoy a metaphorical slap in the face. Mission difficulty: easy. Reward : Multiverse gacha pull X1, unlocking Lyndel soldiers, wandering nobles, night cavalry."
Marika was naturally willing to do such an effortless task. Marika never wanted to hide the fact that Morgott was her son in the first place. Marika immediately activated her "divinity" skill, and said with a cold face:
"Sir Lynn, please pay attention to your tone of voice. The "bodyguard" you are talking about is my son, the second prince of the Golden Dynasty, Morgott. "
The envoys felt great pressure upon them. And for mages amongst them who were sensitive to magic, were terrified of Marika's overwhelming mana, making them want to run away right then and there.
"This-this-this! What Your Majesty said is true!?"
Lynn was shocked by this biological miracle. There are many hybrids of elves and humans or humans and dwarves in the empire, but the difference between Marika and Morgott is completely unreasonable in Lynn's eyes. If Marika didn't tell him, he wouldn't be able to tell that Morgott is technically human!(although a very mutated one)
"Why not? Prince Morgott was blessed by the crucible of life in the golden tree, thus his appearance is naturally different from ordinary people." Marika said in a booming tone.
"But-can-but!"
Lynn couldn't comprehend the current situation. Indeed, the big golden tree looked really extraordinary. But if an ordinary woman gave birth to such an ugly monster, she would surely die of fright on the spot, right?! What's more, this is a child of the royal family, such a big scandal should make her want to keep him out of sight forever, right? But this Marika did not shy away from making him public, and even gave him the status of a prince.
"Sir Lynn, I don't judge my children by their appearance, but their talents and character."
Marika saw what Lynn was thinking, and said in a serious voice, her expression getting darker and darker. Realizing that he had offended Marika, Lynn looked at the other officials who also looked not pleased, and knew that he had made a big mistake. Perhaps the empire is not afraid of this little golden dynasty, but he is afraid! As an envoy in the enemy camp! It is a matter of minutes to kill him in their territory, and when the empire sends someone to rescue him, he would already be six feet under. More importantly, if he doesn't make up for it, then His Royal Highness's marriage proposal will come to naught! Lynn quickly knelt down on one knee and apologized in a flustered tone:
"Your Majesty, please calm down! It's my lack of knowledge that offended His Royal Highness, the second prince of your country. But please don't blame His Highness the Crown Prince because of my mistakes. His Highness is young and handsome, knowledgeable in books and courtesies, and understands literary and martial arts. He has a great talent and a broad mind. His Royal Highness is really the best husband you can ask for, and the marriage between the two countries is a win-win situation. Please think twice, Your Majesty!"
Marika just sneered when she heard Ley's explanation. Now she finally figured out what the prince was trying to do. As long as the crown prince of the empire marries her, then he only needs to slowly take away Marika's power, and the Golden Dynasty will be under his control, and the soldiers of the Golden Dynasty will become a force that strengthens his own power. His wishful thinking was sound, but he underestimated the loyalty of Marika's subordinates. It was impossible for them to betray her, and it was impossible for them to watch Marika being stripped of her power.
"You do make some sense..."
Marika pretended to hesitate and ponder about Lynn's proposal. Lynn also thought that he had persuaded Marika, but she quick change her tone, her face so stern it was like rock, and said resolutely:
"But I refuse! My favorite thing to do is to say NO to arrogant fools like you!"
"What!?"
Lynn was shocked again by Marika's statement.
"The crown prince of the empire said that he admired me, so where is his sincerity? Just asking his subordinates to send a few boxes of jewels and he thinks he can win me over. Does he think of me as some lowly wench who can be bought with money? Shame on you! Unless the prince comes in person to court me sincerely, otherwise I will not consider marrying him! "
Although she said so, Marika knew that the crown prince of the empire probably didn't have the guts to pursue her personally with the current uncertainties with the Golden Dynasty. Moreover, Marika herself has no interests in a romantic relationship currently. She is too busy building a kingdom and raising children, she has no room for storybook romance.
When Lynn heard Marika's statement, he knew that he had messed up the marriage proposal, so he lowered his head in defeat.
"The captives of your country will be returned, but unless the crown prince of your country comes to show his sincerity, whoever dares to bring up this marriage again, I shall not let him go lightly! Siduri! See off the guests!"
Marika sternly issued an order to expel the guests, thus Lynn and his envoys could only be escorted out of the city like dogs with their tails between their legs.
Seeing that the envoys were sent away, Marika deactivated her "divinity" skill and breathed a sigh of relief.
'Hah, trying to get under my skirt? You are too young! Damn that pissed me off! I need to get a gacha pull to let off some steam! '
Marika opens the multiverse gacha and prepares for a change of mood.
"Congratulations to the host for winning the reward: the Sword of vowed victory, Excalibur (S), Gate of Babylon (S), and the magic dmg resistance (B)"
"Oh! Is it the Type Moon version of Excalibur?"
Marika asked the system excitedly.
"That's right, well and true!"
"Alright! From now on, I think I can cosplay as Gilgamesh and Saber!" Marika said jokingly.