Eumiella Dolkness kept her cool as the winding journey across the palace got longer than expected.
The corridor got more cosy with less security as she was lead on.
She was shown to a room and asked to wait.
When she questioned the escorting maid, she was informed that she had been duly invited to have tea with the Queen.
Mere minutes later, the Queen enters with her handmaid while wearing a simpler dress than that of the prior audience.
Eumiella felt as if some important event shall began.
One as influential as the Queen herself would not due to invite a mere subject to have tea with Her.
Especially in a more laid back ambience such as now.
Eumiella internally sigh as she expect some more persuasion to grant her... something... as to bind her ever so slightly to her Kingdom's future.
Why does she felt regretful, right suddenly now, of her manic drive towards leveling up?
"No need to stand on ceremony Ms Dolkness. This is just an informal meeting" said the Queen nonchalantly.
"But do note.
The words we exchange shall ever remain in this room.
Because I shall be divulging things that normally won't I let others know" added Her.
Eumiella groans internally as her concern is duly confirmed.
This naturally would involve issues she's not ready to handling yet.
"Fufufu. Please don't keep your guard up like that, Ms Dolkness.
WE both took a liking towards you, don't you know?
Your response at the audience was truly commendable, Young Lady.
It gladden both of Us, that one with such power is as kind as you are" said the Queen as if she could tell out Eumiella's concerns.
"Your final answer... to Our boons.
Do you think it is troublesome to hold too much power?
And you have a sharp mind, and a level head.
I shudder to think if you are instead an ambitious person with a head full of hot air" remarked the Queen
"Thank you for your generous compliments Your Highness.
If I may, why do you trust me that much, Your Highness?" queried Eumiella upon such candid response from her monarch.
After a pregnant pause, the Queen answers
"My dear.
Do you know how many nobles whom tried to approach Our Royal Family under the pretense of they desire nothing?
WE came to know that such behaviour was different from their true nature.
Young Lady, you however had shown how you are unwilling to be directly involved with Our Royal Family. Better still, your response was not of spite, but of duty.
Forgive me Ms Eumiella,
In Our time of need, you are that precisely type of person WE could trust"
Once Eumiella nodded in agreement, the Queen sat up straight and calmly announced her piece.
"Let's cut to the chase, shall we?
This information is known only to Our Royal Family and selected few.
Within two years, the Demon King shall rise once more"
Upon a slight pause, She continued
"Ms Eumiella. WE seek your cooperation in subjugating this grand threat to humanity"
Eumiella's internal groans doubles as she hear this 'new' information.
She does knew the timeline of the events to be,
It 's just not as easily she in accepting this unexpected 'O Great Hero, please help us' scene oft commonly arise in JRPGs.
She really wants to go directly back to her dorms, and not getting involve in these nonsense, much earlier than necessary in fact.
She really do.
What would someone else do for something like this?
What would someone like Adler-san for instance. What would he do in her place?
Eumiella thought back on Adler.
- Wait. Adler-san.
What would he do here? He should be a Gamer like me too.
Would he accept the request? Would he asks for more concessions or something?
Sheesh, We're acquainted only by a day. Unfortunately, I don't have a good grasp of his thought process yet.
He's definitely a Gamer too, given how easily he leans on the issue yesterday. -
An epiphany followed that train of thoughts.
- Anyhow, I can see it now.
So that's why Alicia the Light Mage was easily enrolled at the Academy during the game.
The Royal Family could and had accurately foreseen when the Demon King would be resurrected, thus requiring her talents.
Strangely enough, only the both of us having this elemental pair. Is our Darkness and Light element pair are such rarity amongst the population here?-
Sensing that her response was a bit delayed, Eumiella thus swiftly respond to the Queen.
"By your grace, I'll gladly co-operate Your Highness.
For Your honour and the safety of our people and humanity"
Naturally, the Queen is quite happy with this development.
She had prepared several avenues to conquer any hurdle in coaxing Eumiella for joining the Demon King Subjugation squad.
Pleased with Her results, she replied.
"Thank you Ms Eumiella.
Very well then, since it is you whom We trust, I shall be upfront"
Within minutes and the aid of Her maid, the Queen shown a location on a map.
"The Demon King's castle should be here in the badlands mountainous region of Anemone, beyond our northernmost provinces.
Legend had it that the Demon King manipulated and controlled his demonic minions through Darkness magic.
Once the Demon King rises, a clash with an invading demonic army is unavoidable.
An invasion by an army of ten of thousands, even hundreds of thousands is within reality"
Given a pregnant pause between the two, the Queen continues
"Currently We covertly devising a strategy to subjugate the Demon King.
Firstly, We wish to establish a defensive corp to protect the civilian against the invasion.
We shall assign Our son, Crown Prince Morris as its head.
He shall command a full war complement of knights, members of Our military and nobles.
Secondly, an elite unit shall be assembled to subjugate the Demon King.
We choose Our son second Prince Edwin as its leader;
Capt Adolf as his second-in-command along with his best knights;
Ms Enlyght whom Light magic is antithesis to the Demon King's Darkness magic;
and you, Ms Eumiella"
Despite her stoic facade, Eumiella is buzzing internally with thoughts lamenting this Royal Order
- Haa. Aren't I'm so lucky.
Initially if I'm doing this subjugation, I'm fine doing it alone.
I won't be dragged into power struggle as long as I didn't claim credit to the Demon King's defeat.
But now, they want me be a part of THE subjugation team.
This will be very complicated.
I hate getting into complications like this.
Is there any way I can prevent this debacle? -
Fortunately Eumiella managed to have the workings of an idea. She responded to the Queen.
"Your Highness. If I may?
A great cause for grave concern should be if Capt Adolf is absent from the Defence Corp.
As much as our valiant knights are strong, they would truly shine and serve their best alongside their esteemed captain at the helm"
Piqued at such suggestion, the Queen asked for a justification
"But Captain Adolf is an essential asset for the Demon King's subjugation. He holds a level 60 rating.
Although the Demon King's capabilities aren't fully known, records shown that even the rare level 30s knights could not challenge his prowess.
Our conservative estimate requires several individuals beyond level 50 to safely end such threats".
Acknowledging her past life's knowledge, Eumiella ponders
- Actually, an accurate conservative levels for said subjugation attempt is that each member must be level 60 the very least.
We are talking about beating the final boss here.
I would do the subjugation alone myself if I could shadow clone myself like Na-to. -
Eumiella thus spoke to convey her internal conclusion to her Queen.
"Your Highness, be at peace.
If I, a level 99, be a part of the Subjugation Squad, victory should be but assured.
Hence, I believe that Captain Adolf could serve and save our people with much ease and better along Your Majesties' side"
Upon a pregnant pause which the Queen did not break, Eumiella tried to add a complementary approach to the plans made.
"... A bit presumptuous of me to ask a sudden permission from Your Highness...
May I, your humble subject, develop a support initiative to bolster Your Majesties' strategy?"
Elated by her initiative, the Queen replied.
"Oh my, Ms Eumiella. Your dedication is very reassuring.
If you are willingly contribute as such, Capt Adolf shall able to devote himself better in fending off the Demon King's army.
How about this then, Ms Eumiella?
The new Subjugation Squad shall composed of My son, Prince Edwin as the leader;
You, Ms Eumiella the supreme Level 99 holder;
Ms Enlyght the Light mage;
and both Mr Ares and Mr Grimzard, My son's closest associates and confidants.
All of you are students currently studying together.
I'm sure you have abundant opportunities to interact and work together"
It took up much of her eagerness off, but Eumiella need to state her piece.
"With due respect, Your Highness.
May I be honest?"
Seeing an agreement by the Queen, Eumiella continues
"With their current levels, neither the Prince nor his associates may able to face the Demon King's minions, much less defeating them.
Ms Enlyght, whom is the weakest amongst us, is especially at the very worst risk despite her Light powers could defeat that King's Darkness magic"
Internally she commented - Actually the Crown Prince Morris himself have much better chances level-wise. - as Eumiella mused at the painful truth
"May I suggest finding a way to enhance their growth, my Queen?
We could apply my approach in enhanced leveling for the whole armed corp and especially the Subjugation Squad"
For such implied vigor in performing her new quest, the Queen responded Eumiella as vigorously.
"Ah, you soothe my heart hearing your concern of My son, Ms Eumiella.
You need not worry. He is Our son.
He could do his best upon anything he set his mind upon.
As a younger prince, he aches for military feats to delight his father and forefathers' legacy.
I do believe in my son's abilities, Ms Eumiella"
A sudden pause came before a smile upon her face, the Queen offers something unexpected.
"Ms Eumiella, in the advent of the Demon King's subjugation,
would you like to assume the role of Saintess and marry my young Edwin?"
Not in a better mood with these developments, Eumiella slips out an answer without missing a beat.
"No, thank you Your Highness.
It's an offer too kind...
... I.. I apologise Your Highness. That was awfully rude of me"
The unexpected prompt answer and apologies brings out mirth within the Queen's heart.
"Pfftth. Hahaha.
I don't mind your bluntness, Ms Eumiella.
If not My Edwin, how about My Morris instead?"
Less promptly, Eumiella replies.
"Thank you for such offer Your Highness, but that too I must decline.
I may be mistaken, but I do believe Prince Morris had a betrothed already.
It would be scandalous, and could be unbecoming upon your Majesties' reign if such is done.
Besides, Prince Edwin had set his sight on someone already, I believe."
Happy with such glib banter by a young noble maiden, the Queen can't stop and laugh.
"Hahaha. My. My. You are such charmer, Ms Eumiella.
I wished my two sons could hear what had you said.
A brief while ago, you'd said that there's nothing you desire, thus I does expect your declination.
But, Ms Eumiella.
Should you become the Saintess, I believe the prejudice against black hair shall fade."
The Queen awaits Eumiella's response to Her inquiry.
Eumiella took a breath as she formulate an answer to her Queen's query.
"I verily thank Your Highness for your kind and generous consideration.
But, however much I could be eligible so, some should still against a black hair marrying into the Royal Family.
The kind sentiment Your Highness bestowed upon me is enough for my happiness"
In return, the Queen spoke agreement with a solemn tone.
"Very well then, Ms Eumiella.
You may still consider it if you wish later.
By the way, a much pressing issue up comes once the nobles trying to get you in their factions' fold.
Your famed Level 99 spreads like wildfire as we chatted.
A battle for you shall began in earnest by morning tomorrow the earliest"
Knowing by experience, the Queen's judgement of how earnest and sharp Eumiella is, she took initiative in explaining her perspective.
"Ms Eumiella, I believe that you'd think joining Our Royal faction easily solves this coming discord?
Unfortunately, Our's are not as unified as We desires.
The King and I may lead the Crown's Faction of many noble members, but we face some disagreement with another faction known as the Radicals lead by Duke Hillrose.
Theirs are a congregation dissatisfied with the status quo;
They are advocating war and conquest as means to relieve their discontent while also gaining necessary merit and fame in enhancing their standing amongst Our Court.
Since most of the important offices are held currently by either Our Crown Faction or the Neutrals, they aimed to ascend to higher posts and ranks through military exploits gained during the expansion conflicts.
Amongst these members are the Pseudo-Metropolitan or Central-wannabe as some slurs it.
I believe you know them as frontier nobles whom resides in the Capital without proper official position, often disregards their duty to their domain.
Many are spoken oft in contempt and derision.
Fanned by the man himself, their burning ambitions aligned with what Duke Hillrose plans.
Unfortunately, your House Dolkness are one amongst many.
I'm sorry Ms Eumiella to inform you so"
"Hence, they shall attempt all and any to tie me to their factions', is it not Your Highness?
What shall I do if they betrothed or adopted me to another of their associates?"
Eumiella asked as she understands the gravity of her new fame and their consequences.
The Queen assuage the troubled young maiden with Her political might.
"Worry not Ms Eumiella.
In light of your achievements, We shall issue a Royal Decree barring them transferring your name to another House.
This should protect you until your Majority, hence keeping you out of their shenanigans prior to your graduation in 3 years time"
In gratitude, Eumiella thank her monarch for Her kind favour.
"I once again thank Your Highness deeply for such generous favour.
I believe that should be sufficient time to prepare myself and handle any needs required for a safe life post my majority"
The Queen added thus.
"Ms Eumiella, please be safe.
Please stay away from the Radicals if possible, especially the sight of House Hillrose.
Given that a level 99 individual had appeared, even the foreign powers wouldn't stay silent. Please be on your guard.
We shall dispatch one of His Majesties' most trusted retainers to the faculty. Please consult them if any need arises"
Eumiella answers Her, "Thank You Your Highness. Your kindness knows no bounds"
The Queen gestures her to continue their tea party as much of the important issues are addressed.
Unfortunately, Eumiella had stirred the Queen's interest on something else that's quite important.
"Anyhow, Ms Eumiella.
You are a lady of marriageable age. Please enjoy your time at the Academy" as the Queen starts her query with small talk.
But the Queen isn't finished with Eumiella, yet.
Eumiella had slipped earlier about Prince Edwin (tentative) relationship, which gave cause for the Queen to interrogate her more.
"And yet,
You spoke something interesting earlier.
Is there someone My young Edwin smitten to? Hmmm?"
- Ah. That was sloppy of me to slip that out and about. Maybe revealing the inevitable earlier could help the kingdom better - thought Eumiella upon realizing her mistake.
"Well... Your Highness.
I... I am ill-equipped with the truth. It is my mere speculation.
With regards of Prince Edwin, I believe he is smitten by our Light Mage, Ms Enlyght.
His reaction towards her was astoundingly direct actually. It could be scandalous amongst the noble were his acts upon her.
They barely knew another longer than a day, but his actions shows he cared for her much more than any friends oft do. Especially one of the opposite gender.
Your Highness,
My Darkness magic is antithesis to Ms Enlyght's Light magic, and my level simply overwhelms her.
Thus Ms Enlyght fears me greatly, and my presence is a perceived danger to her.
To her defense which our Prince Edwin willingly antagonize me to protect her.
He and his best friends naturally considers me as a threat to the student society.
I stand to be corrected, but are his actions not show a reaction of being smitten to her?" explained Eumiella.
"Verily Ms Eumiella.
Such insight of my son is admirable. I do admit some that his action can be seen scandalous to some partisan.
But are you not envious of his attention towards Ms Enlyght?" inquired the Queen.
Within a moment, Eumiella answers the Queen.
"Believe me, Your Highness.
His caring attention upon Ms Enlyght is little of my concern, but his bigotry towards me is much more appalling"
Urgently sipping much of her tea, Eumiella continued as she felt some grievance needed to be aired.
"Truth be told, I barely knew my parents personally, Your Highness.
My black hair had exiled me from them. I was practically an orphan, Your Highness.
But their reputation preceded them, and it painted mine with prejudice.
The house I grew up is no home of theirs. A house out of myriad they owned but never lived in.
The servants living there served no more than to keep me fed and alive, and a constant distance kept against me"
The Queen was put on alert upon hearing Eumiella's home had She thought such a life exist amongst Her subjects. It was an abusive home life.
An emotional abuse it might be, but an abuse nonetheless.
Before her monarch could express displeasure, Eumiella continues her story as some strain enters her calm tone.
A strained tone that eventually evaporated as she ends her story with a thin sincere smile.
"I guess the main reason why and how I gained my formidable level is due to their negligent actions.
Since I was 5 years old, I could easily slipped out of the mansion to hunt and even joined the local Adventurer Guild.
Timed and executed right, I often gone for days on these quests while none of them the wiser.
Such negligence left a hole within me, Your Highness. The balm I used to plug it was gaining strength and defeating something and anything.
Monster Hunting that began as a rebellious hobby turned into an obsession in dur time"
A pregnant pause as she sipped another cup of tea before she adds in,
"Your Highness, under an alias, I'm actually a B-Ranker already as the result.
But later, I found that I was in fact fortunate and blessed.
I eventually found a family for myself amongst the guild members.
Their presence healed me, and lead me towards becoming better and my best.
We had fun together. I had fun together. I just let myself lost in enjoying our camaraderie. Even the hardest quests were nothing less than great adventures amongst us.
We care not how high our levels are, since surviving takes precedence.
Besides, we don't have easy access to a level-measuring tool.
Hence, I was duly shocked to unintentionally reach level 99 as we found out during that ceremony"
Her Highness looked at Eumiella with a motherly smile of Her own as She hears the happy end of Ms Dolkness' tale.
It was galling to see and hear a broken child devoid of parental love and care, confessed in person.
As a mother Herself, Her Royal Duties rarely superseded Her motherly duty.
She had already two sons, maybe She could try for a daughter. Possibly the one in front of Her?
His Majesty had already proclaimed that He was willing to take her into the Royal Family; mayhap They could coax her again into accepting the offer.
Such pity, such calamity.
That the Fates misplaced such a kind child, a great talent under such disgraceful parents.
Her Highness felt bittersweet at the moment.
She only tried to coax Ms Dolkness into gossiping about her second son, only for her unveiled a raw nerve whom agonizing pain soothed by chance encounter with kinder and loving friends.
"Ms Eumiella, I congratulates you on your grand fortune of good friends whom loved you much like family.
I must admit that I didn't expect such revelations hidden in your past.
I wish to do you better, Ms Eumiella.
I'm tempted to insist His Majesty to take you into Our Family.
My young Morris and Edwin could do well with a new sister.
I'm too old to bear a new life, so adopting you would be a good idea" mused the cheery Queen to Eumiella.
Eumiella was stunned to see the result of her candid sharing.
She was also perturbed at her disregard to etiquette and protocol by her unabashed sharing of something that private to the Queen, directly unfiltered.
She did not managed in time to school her blush of embarrassment and shame.
She wish to apologize for such flagrant disregard to propriety, before the Queen spoke once more, softly as caring mothers does.
"Ms Eumiella. Don't be ashamed. As I said earlier, we are in a private and informal tea party between us both.
I know you felt what you had shared was improper, but I minded little.
I'm more than happy to see you act as a young maiden would.
I would be elated should I have a daughter like you in fact" Her tone cheery as seeing that Eumiella relaxed her composure by Her assurance.
"But I do wish your parents weren't so egregiously callous towards you.
I've heard of loveless marriages. But never before of such loveless parents.
Even those hateful, spiteful, abusive parents had a sense of love although misplaced.
Your parents displeases Us greatly.
It is a vexing predicament
As much as the authority WE do wield, We can't simply took you away without huge repercussions down the line in such trying times.
WE had also promised you some freedom from interference in your marriage and adoption.
Woe be we. Such predicament, Ms Eumiella" the Queen said dramatically with nary a ridicule sense within.
"Do Your Highness desire me to accept the offer of His Majesty of joining Your Royal Family?" asked Eumiella carefully, partially understanding the Queen's intent as the result of the Queen desiring a better life for her.
Despite the Queen's beaming smile as Her sign of acknowledgment, Eumiella still wished to refuse.
There are a lot of issues at stake with such decision. But she must find a compromise somehow.
This offer and its insistence was beyond her depth, she was simply caught off guard.
All these took more time for her to process and think, thus delaying her for an answer.
"Don't you worry, my child.
WE need not an immediate answer nor shall WE rescind that offer anytime foreseeable.
You deserve a caring family, and WE would be honored grant you that.
Having you as Ours grants US satisfaction incomparable to anything else" assuage the Queen as She saw Eumiella's hesitation to a decision.
The Queen took this opportunity to end the tea and return her back to her dorm.
"I hope you could rest for a while before returning to the Academy, Ms Eumiella.
I have took much of your time, and My Duties awaits.
Pardon my leave, and don't mull too long on the offer.
WE thank you for your kind company" She smiled as her handmaiden lead Her out of the room.
After spending some time centering herself and schooling her stoic demeanor, Eumiella took the long awaited journey back to the Academy.
She got a feeling that Adler-san might be waiting to greet her back. His presence elicited many emotions to her.
He is a friend. Hs is a fellow transmigrator. He is…
A.N: I'd edited some lines to make a better flow.
This is the 2nd part of my draft turned into a chapter of it's own.
To my readers, have a great day enjoying our works. Try to write something and change your world.
To fellow writers, keep it up. Keep the world spinning with your great stories.