Chapter 71: Praise The Keeper
Back in the Capital, Amy and Harper were taking a brief rest after completing a spree of jobs. The latest job was clearing the vampire nest and that was especially stressful on Amy. By the time they reached the nearest town, more than half the ones held captive by the vampires had died. As for the two vampires Harper kept alive, they died along the way. Amy wasnt sure how, but she heard the screams after Harper took them into the woods, only to come back with blood-stained hands. Although Amy didn't approve of torture, she was of no mind to say anything to Harper.
On the topic of Amy, her abilities had advanced quite a lot and her physique had undergone a noticeable change. In addition to her physique being improved, her facial features changed the most. Since Demons had a predatory nature whoever they inhabited would have subtle changes to their appearance to make them more attractive in order to entice other victims. Amy, who was originally a plain village girl with green eyes that stood out, began to draw attention in public and not just because of her arm. Still, compared to Avery her change in looks didnt even need to be mentioned.
Inside of Iras house, Harper and Amy had just finished bathing and were in the living room. Amy was busy rebraiding Harpers hair, while Harper sat with closed eyes as if she were meditating.
All done. Amy said as she handed a mirror to Harper.
Harper opened her eyes and took the mirror before looking at her single long braid. You did it just like the servants at Averys house. Harper gave an approving smile.
All of a sudden, a knock came from the door. Harper stood up and ran toward the door hoping it was Ira. She opened it with a smile only to have it instantly fade. A boy with dark purple hair and brown eyes stood at the door with a large bag in hand.
Harper? Aldis questioned, ...and Amy youre here too? Is Ira in?
No. He went away. Harper pouted as she left Aldis standing at the door.
Hey, Aldis. Amy stood up to greet Aldis who was caught off guard at her change of looks.
Youve...changed. Aldis said simply.
Shut the door already! Harper shouted.
Aldis did as instructed and stepped inside the house before closing the door behind him. He placed the bag down and looked around.
I almost forgot that you two are basically in-laws. Amy said as she looked at Harper pouting at the table and then to Aldis who looked a little bit dazed.
Hmm. Harper hummed absentmindedly while Aldis nodded in agreement.
Have you both been completing jobs while I was away? Aldis asked.
Yeah...well, it was mostly Harpers effort, I barely managed to assist her. Shes really strong, you know? Amy said. Shes not on the same level as Ira though. she added.
I dare you to say that again! Harper puffed up her chest in the most intimidating manner she could muster.
Amy tried her hardest but she could only laugh at Harpers attempt. She was small and her voice was high pitched and childish so it was normal not to be frightened by her.
Were waiting on Miss Samantha to bring us another job, she should be here in a little while. Amy said.
Dont ignore me. Harper placed her hand on her baton. Come to the training room and watch what happens. She threatened.
Training room? Aldis showed curiosity at Harpers words.
Upstairs Amy looked at the bag at Aldis side and spoke, Were you planning to stay here?
Just for today. My mother sent someone to buy me a house close to Iras so I have to wait until thats done. Aldis said.
There are only two rooms and one is Iras. Harper said.
Im staying in Harpers room. Amy added.
Im sure Ira wouldnt mind. Aldis said, but Harper wasnt convinced.
Hes not here so well never know. Harper pulled out her baton and extended it into a staff. Convince me through a fight. She huffed out.
Amy said youre strong. I wonder if youre at the same level Ira was at when we sparred in the Academy. Aldis said with a nostalgic look as he opened his bag and pulled out two swords. Would you like to see? He asked.
We cant just cease all movements weve already come so far. An unreluctant voice said in a dark room.
The several other figures that sat at a round table and responded with silence.
You heard it from Avery Thynne herself, her family wont get involved with our so-called petty matters. Ira doesnt seem to be too interested in anything else either, even though he has the Dark Elf Empire on his side he didnt even blink. With that, the biggest threats to our plan are removed without us taking any risk. The protesting figure spoke to the group.
...And what about the Fourth Prince? Even though he demonstrated his worth you still decided to make an enemy out of him. While hes in the Free City hes untouchable. While hes under Iras protection hes untouchable. He is now an obstacle we cant afford to ignore since you moved against him. A voice from the group responded.
I only moved against him because none of you protested it. Dont pretend you didnt give your silent permission, its insulting to everyone here. The lone figure said.
So what do you propose we do? A voice from the group inquired.
We move ahead with our plan. The Grenitians have several Indexes, and even if the Dark Elves wont go to war against them, they would still want one. The best option is to create a conflict between the Telvians and the Grenitians.
Well allow you to continue, after all, this was your idea to begin with, but if it should fall beyond our line of comfort dont even expect to live. A stern voice came from the group.
I assure I have no intentions of failing. The lone figure said confidently.
Countless people have died without the intention to, dont become too neglectful. A voice warned.
Over at the section of the Diplomatic Quarter designated for the Dark Elves. Sylun sat in a large room with Ira and Avery as her guests. Saren stood at her side not daring to be too insolent in front of Ira.
You both are married...was Lauren there to oversee it? Sylun asked politely as she tried to control the emotion in her voice.
Yes, my Grandmother was there. Avery responded emotionlessly. You were close with my Grandmother? She asked.
She saved my life hundreds of times and is the sole reason the Empire exists. I loved Lauren, but she preferred fighting far more than she enjoyed the company of people. Sylun said.
Ira furrowed his eyebrows at the implications behind Syluns words. It was hard to tell if she meant a platonic sisterly love or something else.
Im glad to hear shes ok, even though there was never any doubt in my mind she wouldnt be. Sylun said with as sadness briefly flashed through her eyes, To get back on subject, my true purpose to inquire about you, Keeper. Please forgive me if I am being too rude.
No, its fine and you can just call me, Ira. Ira shrugged.
I cannot do that, Keeper. You dont know just how sacred your existence is to us. Sylun said.
Listen, Im not a messenger of the Gods or anything like that so dont expect any divine revelations. Im not going to trick you into following me, so you dont have to worry about that either. Ira said honestly.
Sylun suddenly knelt and held her head down and Saren and even those guards within the room instantly followed her.
Keeper, forgive me if I have somehow offended you, but you are our only hope. It is said that the Dark Elves, like the other dark races, offended the Gods and were struck with a divine curse. As proof, the Golden Aurora affected everyone except the races under my empire. We dont see you as the messenger of the Gods but rather a God growing in front of our very eyes. Sylun explained in a pleading tone.
Uh Ira looked around the room to see everyone kneeling in front of him and just thought it was a bit weird. As usual, the implications of having a leader of an entire nation kneeling in front him didnt even appear in Iras mind. The idea of royalty and noble figures had earned a natural disdain in his eyes, especially those leaders who were so weak that he could kill them with a light tap.
Ira looked at Avery who just nodded in approval. From her point of view, Iras status as a divine being to the Dark Elves could become useful.
Just to be clear, Im not a God. Ira said with a chuckle.
Not yet, Keeper. Sylun raised her head with hopeful eyes. After the Summit is over, we hope that youll visit the Underground City. There are many of my people who want to see you.
Ill take a look at some point. Ira said.
Keeper! Saren shouted.
Im right here, why are you yelling? Ira asked.
Please allow me to follow you until you visit the Underground City. Saren asked.
Saren. Sylun was just about to reprimand him but she saw Ira nod.
Why not? Ira asked with a friendly smile.
"Thank you, Keeper." Saren said as tears came to his eyes.
In the eyes of the Dark Elves, Ira looked like a benevolent and kind figure, but they didnt know just what was underneath that smile. Even if they did, they wouldnt care, the guards in the room who were lucky enough to witness Iras actions had already thought of the stories that they would tell to their friends. Those stories would soon become greatly exaggerated being told as, The Keeper of The Red Moon accepting the Dark Elf Prince as his own disciple. Ira also underestimated just how much the Dark Elves would react to his presence.
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