Happy New Years everyone!
After being dropped of in the outskirts of the empire. Lily and her attendants make their way to the empire. They caused quite the uproar for their suddenly visit, mostly because they arrived before the messenger Lily sent.
Lily got a personal chat with Gahard, the old emperor who still managed to stay in shape and had managed to beat Kouki. Lily tells him about everything.
The truth of Ehit, the king and pope's death, what Eri did, the apostles, the liberators, and the story that she spread to the people. Gahard took in all that information with surprising ease.
His country had mostly been revolved around strength rather than religion. So it was a shock, learning the truth of Ehit. But it wasn't hard to abandon his faith in the deity.
"So Loggins came up with the false story?"
"Yes." Lily nods.
"That guy, strong and smart." Gahard had always respected strength, so of course he was fond of Meld, who was considered the strongest at the time. He was happy when heard that the man was still alive after falling in Orcus. He also couldn't help but feel excited when Lily told him of how he had gained god's age magic and became even stronger.
Speaking of which, another person had perked his interest, Hinata Nagumo, one of the heroes summoned by Ehit. The one, who can make amazing artifacts and single handedly annihilating an army, while only being a synergist.
Lily had nervously told him of Hinata's character and her companions. Even though she told Lily that she didn't care, she still felt as if she was selling her kingdom's savior out.
"So you're saying she's a monster?"
"Well...no, and..yes, she has the strength of one, but she doesn't attack unless you attack her."
"So I shouldn't get on her bad side?"
"Yes!" Lily frantically nodded her head.
"Ok, but I still kinda wanna meet her. But if what you said is true, it'll be challenge just to find her, we'll just put a pin on that later." Gahard mused. "Let's get to the serious business."
Lily gulps, she expected that Gahard can clearly read her intentions. "Based on your report, i assume you came to me, regarding your kingdom's situation.'
"Yes, with Meld being busy with the labyrinths, we are severely lacking in military forces to defend ourselves, and we are still in the process of rebuilding." She dreaded the thought of what happens if the demons, or worse, Ehit comes.
"I see, I have a single division of troops that i can send to Heiligh."
"Thank you for your generosity." Lily bowed her head.
"But of course, we will need to prove our two kingdom's alliance."
Lily grimaced at what Gahard was referring to. "Yes I know, an engagement between me and one of your sons, I understand. However-"
"You're not in the position to get married, I know." Gahard finished her sentence. "Your kingdom, technically has no ruler and many of your ministers were killed. We can postpone the wedding but I would like to at least announce it."
"That is fine, thank you Emperor." Lily bid the emperor adieu, while hiding her disappointment about the wedding. She knows that Gahard didn't ask that out of malice. He genuinely wants to help the kingdom and feels sympathy for the princess.
This is just what it means to be royalty, this marriage of or the good for both kingdoms.
All in all, Lily is glad that she managed to get Gahard's help. After a couple of days in the empire, she will return to the kingdom. She just has to wait.
Two days later.
"..."
"...And that is really what happened?" Gahard asked the messenger.
"Yes, the reports state that the five masked individuals, claiming to be part of the demon army had attacked the empire."
Lily started to sweat
"The one in red was using what seemed to be holy slashes of light. The one in blue was binding our soldiers with holy chains. The one in black had a monstrous strength. The one in yellow had constructed powerful barriers. And the pink one had shown great swordsmanship." The messenger explained.
'IT'S DEFINITELY THEMMMM!' Lily internally screamed.
"I see, thank you for the report." Gahard sends the messenger away. He then turns to Lily. "Well...that was quite the report. Wasn't it, Princess?"
"Y-Yes...how odd." Lily kept smiling.
"Neve heard of demons doing something like this."
"Perhaps..,.it's a new tactic?"
"The one in the red mask seemed to have used similar attacks to the hero." Gahard smirked. "As in the one who is supposed to be at the sea of trees."
"W-What a coincidence."
Gahard narrows his eyes. "You know, I've recently captured a group of abnormal rabbitmen."
"..."
"And by abnormal, I mean their strengths far surpass any other beastmen. The same can be said about their artifacts. Those seemed to be the things that this abnormal synergist would make."
"I-I see..." Lily just kept putting on her smile, Hinata's bluntness has given lots practice for it.
"Sir, Ugernt report!" Another messenger rushed in. "It's the Haulia, they've escaped!"
"What?!"
'HINATAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
Gahard turns to Lily with a darker expression. "You said one of Hinata's companion was a rabbitmen, correct?"
"Y-Yes."
"I see..." Gahard starts to smile. "Interesting." He walks away, leaving
Lily all but relieved that Gahard did not push any further. Lily now only intends to take time and rest her heart.
The next day
"Princess, you have a guest, he says he's the hero and sir Meld is with him."
"FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, WHY?!" She shouted and slammed her head to her head to the table. She didn't even believe in Ehit anymore. "Helina!" She called for her personal maid.
"Yes?"
"Find Kouki and escort them all to me, make sure they don't meet anyone else."
"Right away my lady." Helina heads out. Lily burries her face in her face, her gratitude and fear of Hinata was slowly being replaced with irritation.
Outside the palace.
The party was waiting in line to enter. It wasn't a very long line , considering it's a palace, a menacing one at that. It gave off the medieval vibe with it's moat and drawbridge.
Next it was their turn, only those with passes are allowed to enter the palace, but the only pass they need was Kouki and Meld's status plate.
They claims they were escorting the princess but was separated due to certain circumstances. The story sketchy and full of holes, but with the hero on board, so the gullible guards gives them a free pass. As Hinata expected.
They guard that inspected Kouki's status plate, was named Grid Half. He welcomes the hero's party. However.
"You there, rabbit boy, stop!"
"Huh?"
"How come your not wearing a slave collar?" He referred to collar that Hinata designed as a necklace instead.
"Um actual-"
"What did you do to my soldiers? The last thing they did was chase after you."
Shu was even more confused by Grid's question. Until he got a haunting realization. He now knows that he actually recognized Grid, he was the same leader of the group that chased her family on the day he met Hinata.
The memory gave Shu a moment of fear. But luckily he also remembered the person he is now. "I don't know. Maybe they got eaten by monsters. I don't have to tell you anything."
Grid didn't like that response one bit. "Watch your mouth, you dirty beastmen. I don't know how you weaseled your way in with the hero. But don't think these guys are gonna help you."
"You shouldn't make assumptions like that." Meld steps in between, giving Grid his own hateful glare.
"Back off Loggins. You might be the knight captain of Heiligh, but you don't have any jurisdiction here."
"And you do not have any solid proof for your accusations. Should you attack, we will retaliate." Instead of inflicting fear, it instead ignited Grid's anger. He still begrudgingly lets the group be escorted to the princess, who was in angrily waiting.
"Why did you do that? Do you realize what you did? How can you do this?" Lily started her barrage of questions.
However, it only took one glare from Hinata to stop her. "Shut. The fuck. Up." Kouki's group still wasn't used to the pressure Hinata is giving out. "I don't remember ever answering to you. I don't need your permission to do anything. We're not in your kingdom, I don't live in your kingdom., and I sure as hell don't have an ounce of respect for your kingdom." And just like that, Lily remembers where she stands is Hinata's view.
"...You're right." Lily bowed. "Forgive me for my words." Meld places a comforting on her shoulder. He then strikes Hinata with a frustrated look. He had always warned her to be more formal to royalty. At this point, he shouldn't be surprised that she didn't listen.
Meld leads her away, so that he can try to calm her down and cheer her up. Meanwhile, the others were also concerned about Shu. "Shu, what happened back there?" Kaori finally decided to ask.
"That guy...I know him. He was the one who chased my family in the Reisen Gorge, when I met Hinata."
The group let out an audible gasp. "Oh Shu." Kouki got closer. "You must've been so scared."
"Wait wha-"
"Don't worry, we're here.-"
Shu literally pushes Kouki's attempt at sympathy away. "I'm not scared! I'm just mad that I can't smash that guy's face with my hammer!"
"You really shouldn't make assumptions like that." Akira suggested to Kouki.
"I-I was-" before he can say more Shizuku pulls him back.
As for the princess and Meld.
"Princess, I must apologize for Hinata's-"
"No, it's fine." Lily stops him. "I need to stop assuming that my position as royalty would mean anything to Hinata. I understand full well why she despises our kingdom."
Meld understands that better than anyone. He's the only one who knows how much the kingdom had contributed to Hinata's anger.
"So...why are you all here?"
"It's complicated."
"It be best if you leave now." Lily advised. "I dread to think of what would happen if the emperor were to meet Hinata."
"Princess..."
Just then a messenger walks in on them. He says that he's there to escort them to Gahard.
Lily's started to get a bad feeling in her stomach.
They were all led to the audience hall. Gahard was sitting across the table with a far too cocky grin. Hinata can tell why, as soon as they enter she can sense the hidden soldiers around the room.
"Loggins, great to see your still alive." He greets Meld immediately. He was a man who liked strength, so of course he was fond of Meld, the strongest knight of Heiligh.
"Yes your majesty, it is a honor to meet you again." Meld spoke politely, even with his new powers, he still can't help but be a bit intimidated by royalty. The same goes for Kouki's party and Lily.
"And you must be Hinata Nagumo."
But as for the rest if his party. "What is it to you?"
'AAAAHHHHHH!' Meld and everyone except her party mentally screamed.
Instead of being angry at her rudeness, Gahard just smiles. "You are just like the princess decribed." He then turns to a different person. "Shizuku, I'm really happy to see you again. Have you changed your mind of becoming one of my wives?"
"Your majesty! Shizuku has alr-" Shizuku stops Kouki, who was trying to defend her.
She also felt annoyed at the reminder of the propsal, but she kept her straight face. "Sorry your majesty, my answer is still no. Besides, I think you already have enough wives."
"I'm an emperor." Was his response. "Isn't it natural for me to have multiple wives?"
"My decision stands."
"Are you sure? You're kinda stuck here, since Ehit won't be-"
"Dude! She's not into you, take a hint!" Hinata cuts off Gahard's flirting. Meld and Lily really wished they had some stomach medicine right now.
"Yeah." Kaori spoke up and held Shizuku close. "Shizuku already rejected you multiple times. Don't think she's the type to budge."
"Kaori..." Shizuku felt comfort seeing Kaori stand up for her.
Gahard turns his attention back to Hinata. "Hehe, feisty...if you were taller, I might be interested in you too."
At that moment, Meld's pain disappeared and he only thought of one thing, he wanted to punch the emperor. The same goes for Hinata's harem.
Luckily, Gahard noticed the glares. "Relax, I was just kidding."
"You better be, because I'm out of your league. Now are we actually gonna talk, or are you just gonna keep simping for high school girls? You freaking perv!"
That was the first time he was called that. "Sim...ping? Alright alright, I'll get to the point. Is it true you were able to create an artifact that was able to cut a two month trip down to two days?"
"That's none of your business."
Lily looked like she was ready to burst.
"I'll take that as a yes. As for the rest of your artifacts, is it true that you plan not to support any of the kingdoms?"
"Duh."
Gahard narrows his eyes. "Do you expect us to sit idly by as you run around freely?"
"Do you expect me care?" Hinata returned her own question.
Gahard stands up and along with his guards, they starts to seem tense.
"E-Emperor.." Lily whimpered, she had thought that Gahard had listened to her warnings of Hinata.
Just then Hinata pulls out her gun and aims it up above. "If that guy on the ceiling moves, he dies." Gahard might have not known what a gun was, but he knew Hinata meant her threat.
Gahard then smiles, getting rid of the pressure he was giving out. He sits back down. "Hahaha, alright you win. You really are a monster."
Hinata puts her gun away. "Why the hell are you laughing?"
"This is the empire. It's always a joy to see someone so strong." Lily and Kouki's party felt huge relief, though Lily still felt some pain in her stomach.
"The princess has also told me of your companions. Do you think you can give me one of them?"
"Take Amanogwa."
"What?!" The boy gasped.
"I wasn't really referring to him."
"I don't care. Just take him anyway."
"No, I'm not really interested in the hero." He still remembers the time he fought the boy. How he was so... unimpressive.
Shizuku had to calm Kouki down, who was upset at being so unwanted.
"How about that rabbit-"
"No."
"I ju-"
"No."
"Loo-"
"No, shut up." Hinata glared at the man.
"Tch, fine. In that case, why don't I tell you about something you might find interesting. Some recently captured beastmen were found with some very strong and durable shorts swords. A synergist like yourself would surely-"
"I prefer knives. And my knife is strong enough to cut down castle walls. Next."
"Well in that case, those same beastmen escaped from my prison. And no one knows how they did it. Can you think of any artifact that can make that possible?"
"No comment, and I'm not your therapist, stop telling me your problems!" Hinata spat.
Gahard laughed. "Hehe, you really are something. Final question, what can I offer you to make you join us?"
"I'll tell you the same thing I told what's her name."
Lily flinched. "Huh? Wait, did you forget my name ag-"
"A way home to my world, non negotiable."
"Damm, the princess's description was accurate." Although he was smiling, he was a bit upset that he couldn't get Hinata. If she wasn't so strong, she would've been executed by now. "Well then, that is all. Oh, by the way, I'm planning a ball to welcome princess tonight. There, I will announce her engagement to my son. I hope that you all can attend." He casually mentioned.
"WAIT WHAT?!"
"Ew, social event." Hinata was the only one, who was not shocked. Everybody's jaws were still dropped even after Gahard got up to leave.
Once he already left. Everybody finally got back to their senses.
"Lily, you're engaged?!" Kaori asked in concern rather than excitement. Why was there a sudden engagement after an invasion?
"Well...if the demons invade again , we will not have the power to defend ourselves. And if Ehit makes his move..." She did not dread to finish that sentence. "We have strengthen our ties with our allies. And this marriage will do just that."
"But Lily...do you even love emperor's son." Kouki asked.
"This isn't about love Kouki. This is about my kingdom."
"But Lily...you should a marry a person you love."
"Kouki...believe it or not, this was always meant to happen. My father had always intended for this to happen. For me to marry the heir to the empire's throne. This is just what it means to be...royalty."
"But..." It was hard for him to say anything after hearing Lily's explanation. He turns to Hinata, who seemed to not be bothered at all. He had already tried to tell her what to do bit to no avail.
And unfortunately for Hinata, he still hasn't learned. "Nagumo, are really ok with this?"
"Ugh seriously? Dude, this is a political marriage. These things existed in the past of our world."
"Tch." Usually when this happens, Kouki would then turn to...
"Meld, what about you?"
"... Actually, I'm against it." He looks at Lily. "In fact, I can imagine Kuzeli and many of your subjects would object."
"You're right. But you do not have the right to object. Neither does my family, Lundel is too young and my mother was never a political figure. As for my advisors, I do not think they will object."
Everybody was all worried about Lily, considering how pompous Gahard was and how he rules his county, they can only dread how bad his son must be.
"Well if that's done, then let's get ready for this stupid ball." Hinata spat.
"How can y-"
Kaori pulls Kouki back before he can talk and whispers to him. "Stop it, if Hinata's plan work, the wedding might even matter. So don't go around doing reckless."
Kouki reluctantly backs down and as the other try to calm him down. "Um what are you talking about?" Lily asked.
Everybody just nervously looked away and remained silent. Hinata already pulled Meld away, not taking chances.
Though nervous, Lily still went on with preparing for the ball. She had just been outfitted with her dress. Helina and the imperial maids compliments fall deaf to her ear. She can only keep thinking about engagement.
What she's thinking about? About how much she hates it. And yet she's going through with it. She didn't know why, but she started to think of Hinata. She remembers how she spoke so casually Gahard, telling him to cut out the flirting with Shizuku.
She admits to herself thashe's jealous of Hinata can be straight with people. She wishes she can just reject Gahard's idea and ask for another one. Or at least ask for a different husband.
She remembers meeting Gahard's son, Baius long ago. He was still nasty back then.
And speak of the devil, Baius himself suddenly barged in. "You look nice." He said while giving an uncomfortable stare at Lily. He quickly ordered all the maids to leave, Helina whispers in Lily's ears, telling her to scream should anything happen.
Baius approaches the scared Lily, and immediately grabs her chest.
"H-Hey!"
"You've grown up well." Lily tries to stay strong, which actually arouses Baius. His face becomes even more disgusting as he rips Lily's dress. He then leans in for a kiss.
Being in this situation, Lily started panicking inside. The feelings she repressed suddenly came out in her mind. She didn't want this. She didn't to marry this creep. She kept asking for help in her mind, asking for Hinata. Ask her to swoop in and save her just like she did for other people.
Suddenly.
"Ow! what the-" Baius suddenly felt prick the back of his neck. He starts to feel dizzy and eventually passes out.
After Baius falls, Lily then sees some thing odd, a very small metallic object floating in the air. She looks back at Baius and sees a small needle coming out of his neck. She picks it up, then seese the small object fly away into a small crack in the walls.
"Wait, are you-" It disappears before she can ask anything.
"Disgusting."
"Huh, what was that?"
"Nothing, I just tranquilized the groom."
"Did he try to do something bad...?"
"Yup."
"Ugh, I can't believe Lily was supposed to marry that guy."
Hinata was with Kaori and the other girls. They had been led to the quarters and given some formal clothes to wear. After their escorts were gone, they were able to initiate the plan. Hinata released a bunch of miniature drones all over the palace, disarming trap after trap. It didn't take long, because with the ball, there was way less traps then there was supposed to be.
"Hey Hinata, I thought you needed your goggles to control those drones." Kaori pointed out, since Hinata wasn't wearing her goggles.
"Oh, I replaced them with these contact lenses, way less bulky, I feel like a super spy."
"Hehe, of course you do. Now come on, we need to get ready."
"Yeah, good luck with that." Hinata simply jumps into bed while still focusing on controlling the drones.
"Hinata, don't tell me you're actually gonna wear a hoodie to a ball."
"Why not?"
"Come on, even you would think it's fun to dress up sometimes."
"I don't know..."
"Just imagine all the boys drooling over you, knowing your harem, they would definitely do that."
"...You know what? Sure, but if we're gonna do this, we're gonna do it right."
Meld nervously stood in the venue, trying to distract himself with some wine. Everybody in the party was here except for Hinata, Kouki's party was swarmed nobles due to their status. And the same applied to him. As for Hinata's harem they were approached by multiple ladies due to their looks, some...excited ladies also approached Shu.
Just then Hinata enters, and of course she makes quite the scene. She wore a strapless black dress and long black gloves. Not the type of dress color people expect in parties. Although a lot of people stared in confusion, they soon look in shock as Akira and the other guys ditch them to welcome Hinata.
She made sure flip her hair to show off and unknowingly made her harem stunned by her beauty. She walks over to Meld, who was standing near the food table. Not making eye contact as she activates Telepathy.
'Nice monkey suit.'
'Nice dress, you should wear it in a funeral.' Hinata internally laughed. It was so weird seeing her without her jacket and hat, along with seeing her right eye not covered by her hair, but Meld liked that she dressed like herself even in a royal ball.
'So how're they doing?' Meld asked regarding a certain tribe.
'Only a few more thing, then the fun begins.' She had given the Haulia telepathy stones, in order to report to her. Hinata deviosly smiled, waiting for what's to come.
Gahard announces Lily and Baius's arrival. The guests all felt deja vu as Lily entered with a one piece black dress.
"Well this is awkward." Hinata said amused.
"Did you have something to do with that?" Meld questioned.
"No, blame the prince. If you knew what he did then would know exactly why the princess wore that."
"I see..." Meld narrows his eyes at the prince, controlling his feelings. As the festivities continue, it was time for dancing. The first dance would of course go to Lily and Baius, as they dance the prince tried asking Lily about what happened. But Lily remained quiet and feints ignorance. She knew Baius wouldn't wanna cause a scene, so she chose to take advantage of that.
As they watch, Akira and the other guys were glaring at each other, arguing of who gets to dance with Hinata. Not that it matters since she'll refuse whoever asked.
After the first dance was over, Lily walks to Hinata, ignoring the glares.
"Well you look good and you know I mean it." Hinata said while referring to her own black dress. "Shouldn't you be dancing with another pervert right now?"
"It can wait, I must first thank you for helping me with... you know what."
"No prob, even I don't stand for...that."
"Princess." Meld looks at Lily with a determined. He knew exactly what Hinata had meant "Just say the word and I will handle it. We both know that your father would not have stood for that."
"No Meld, that won't be necessary. I will be fine, that is why I wore this dress. I will not try impress him and I will enjoy this as my last day free."
"Like a bachelorette party?"
"Yes...whatever that is. Oh, I also have a question for you."
"What is it?"
"Did you forget my name again?" Lily inquired.
"Yes." Hinata answered with no hesitation.
Meld's jaw drops in disbelief.
"As blunt as usual." Lily sighed.
"Honestly..." Meld was fuming, he wanted to scold Hinata so badly right now.
"Either way, try to be positive. You never know when a miracle might happen." Lily was really worried by what Hinata meant by that.
And so the party continues, Hinata receives the final report from the Haulia, Shu had also received it and hides his presence to secretly leave the ballroom. Hinata also started secretly smuggling food from the buffet to her treasure trove.
Gahard finally got up on a pedestal, to make his announcement. Hinata casually smiles while listening and looking at Gahard's smile. 'Enjoy it while you can.' She teases him mentally while enjoying a slice of cake.
Meanwhile, with the Haulia, they were all counting down to a very exciting massacre. Gahard finishes woth a toast, and so...it begins.
"Glory to human race!" After those words were ushered. Everything fades into black. Hinata was able to see it all through her lenses.
Nobles freaking out left and right, getting swiftly sliced. The ones that managed to cast magic to lighten up the place just made them an easier target to kill.
Regular nobles would just keep panicking. Unfortunately, they were in the empire, not to mention they also had Gahard. Living up to their reputation, they managed to remain calm and form a defensive line. They were in a ball, so barely any of them had any weapons on them aside from Gahard.
Speaking of the emperor, he managed shows his worthiness for his reputation. Even in the limited light source, he was still able to sense the Haulia's attacks. With his physical strength and magic, he was able to hold his own against the rabbits.
But not for long.
The defensive line was quickly broken down when the rabbits started using their flash bangs. And even without stealth, the rabbits still have great coordination and skills. Even with Gahard's strength, he could not avoid every attack. Just one hit, one poisoned arrow shot by Cam was enough to bring the man to his knees. He couldn't even use the artifact he had hidden, considering the Haulia quickly sliced his limbs .
Kouki's party and Lily, who was pulled closer by Meld were all horrified by the slaughter.
And while all of this was happening...
Grid and his squadron were rushing to the party venue. The magical alarm was sounded. He didn't know what was happening. He also didn't know why non of the other squadrons were coming.
The answer to that was the fact that they were all already killed by the Haulia. As they all reach the ballroom entrance, Grid's squad stops at the sight of a blue haired bunny boy standing
"Tch it's you, move aside!" Grid ordered.
Shu remained quiet for a second before he burst out laughing.
"What's so damn funny?" Grid angrily asked.
"Oh I'm just so happy. I don't believe in god but this must be fate. To think you would be one of the few that remained."
"Captain, we don't have time for this, let's ju-"
*Thunk*
The soldiers suddenly hear something fall. The last thing they saw was a small metal canister.
BOOM
Several of the soldiers were blown away or blown apart . Grid looks at Shu, now holding his grenade launcher. Shu twirls his weapon as it becomes a hammer.
"Kill him!" Grid's soldiers rush to obvious doom. Shu swung with such might that he managed to cut the soldiers in half with hammer. Any spell that was fired at him was simply deflected. Shu made faster work on the imperial soldier than the demon soldiers in Heiligh.
Soon it was only Grid left, he was shocked to see Shu's strength, but he still foolishly believing he can beat him. Reality, or rather Shu finally hit him. Shu easily stops Grid's attack and holds the man against a wall. Shu proceeds to use his knee and hit the man in the stomach, breaking his armor and chainmail, Shu hit him again, and again, and and again.
Each time he did he was of the names of each of his tribe that died in the gorge, and making sure Grid witnessed the anger on his face.
The man, who felt like spewing his insides out finally saw Shu as the monster he is and starts recognizing his own fear. He begs for his life...
"Please….spare me…."
And Shu couldn't care less.
He picks the man up and throws him up and hits him with his hammer, sending the now corpse flying over the moon.
"Everyone..." After wishing for his departed family to rest in peace, he gets ready for the other incoming soldiers.
Sorry about no dancing scene, if any of you were expecting one.