Demoness 3 - Chapter 5: ​Reinforcement (10,059 Words) (Patreon)

Yolani wiped the sweat from her forehead, the heat of the artifice forge turning her workshop into a sweltering sauna. She had cracked the windows open and set up a one-way air-flow barrier, but the oppressive heat still permeated every corner of the room.

The guest room now resembled a miniature version of the artifice workshops at the city works, complete with all the necessary tools and equipment.

She took a deep breath, the scent of molten metal filling her nostrils as she examined the glowing alloy with a critical eye.

Working on Elania’s Regalia was a deeply personal endeavor, and Yolani preferred to do it away from prying eyes.

Unless, of course, those eyes belonged to Elania herself.

A warm feeling blossomed in Yolani’s chest at the thought, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

With a pair of tongs, she carefully turned the metal over, the golden hue of the steel confirming that the [Glow Moss] alloying process had been successful. The metal was now ready for annealing.

Yolani carried the glowing alloy to a large metal machine, its bulk dominating one corner of the workshop.

She opened the door to reveal an oven powered by mana shards, which would allow the metal to cool slowly and evenly, preventing it from becoming brittle or shattering.

The Glow-Moss alloy would serve as the final internal gilding for the Regalia, providing a conduit for the intricate rune lines that would channel and direct the flow of [Power].

But that would come later. She closed the oven door, and the process began.

She turned her attention outward, the only sound the steady hum of mana resonance from the shards powering her machines.

The reinforced walls, a thin layer of stone protecting the mansion’s wooden frame, provided some measure of security. Still, she wouldn’t want to drop anything… heavy. Or hot enough to burn through the protective layer of fake stone.

Her next task would be using the artifice forge again. She moved to prepare a crucible.

The crystalline metal Elania had acquired needed to be crushed into a fine powder, a process Yolani had completed earlier using a grinder.

That had been a mess, and required the use of a vacuum hood and a wet scarf for safety.

From her research, she’d learned that the metal was biologically active. If embedded in flesh or breathed in, it had the potential to leech minerals and grow out of control.

It was probably why Arlois had sent Elania to clear some from the deposit in the first place. Left unchecked, it was possible that it could grow exponentially, consuming everything in a wide area.

Yolani shuddered at the thought.

It was a double-edged sword, a material with incredible potential for both creation and destruction.

Those effects wouldn’t be present once she smelted it, but the raw material… was nasty stuff.

The process was also too slow for her to think about weaponizing it, otherwise she would have considered adding it to the list of her planned elemental projectiles for the Regalia.

Maybe if she could figure out a growth catalyst…

She shook her head, pushing the thoughts aside.

Her focus needed to be on the task at hand.

Yolani carefully placed the powder into the crucible, being careful not to agitate it into the air.

The ceramic pot filled quickly, the powder settling evenly. She tapped the crucible with her wand. A series of runes flared to life around its circumference, their soft glow casting dancing shadows across her face.

With a pair of tongs, she carefully lifted the crucible, the heat of the forge washing over her as she placed it dead center.

Another tap of her control wand on the forge’s exterior activated the crystal pane, a shimmering barrier that sealed the internal chamber from the outside world, save for the exhaust vent.

Yolani reached down, her fingers finding the groove that housed the mana shard slider. She moved it into place, the resonance frequency between it and the main power shard increasing rapidly.

The forge’s interior began to glow, the heat within rising to temperatures that would turn lesser materials to slag.

The heat protection wards etched into its surface, flaring to life, their intricate patterns working to prevent everything from melting into an unrecognizable mess.

Everything, that was, except for the contents of the crucible itself.

Deep within the ceramic vessel, the crystalline metal was undergoing a transformation, its structure breaking down and reforming under the intense heat and pressure.

With the smelting underway, Yolani turned away from the forge, her attention drawn to another workbench.

Tools of every shape and size littered its surface, each one serving a specific purpose. She ran her fingers over them, the cool metal a stark contrast to the heat of the forge at her back.

Yolani moved to scrutinize the two primary molds she’d prepared, the product of hours of meticulous shaping and refining.

The pristine river sand from Contia’s northeastern river, infused with ground-up mana crystal, formed the basis of the molds.

She reached for her wand and tapped the bottom half of each mold.

The sand solidified, the magic binding the grains together to prevent any shifting or collapse. With a steady hand, she placed the top half of the molds onto their respective bottoms, the two pieces fitting together like a puzzle.

Another application of the wand sealed the two parts together, leaving only a single opening for molten metal to pour through.

Yolani slid each mold into an artifice bronze container, the metal gleaming in the forge’s light. She spot-welded the containers shut, creating an anti-resonance brace that would protect the molds during the casting process.

With the molds secured, Yolani carried them to the artifice forge. The heat from the forge washed over her sweat beading on her forehead almost immediately. She slid the molds into the designated slot on the side to pre-heat them.

She checked the crucible, the crystalline metal within now a shimmering liquid. Satisfied with its state, she added three more crucibles, each filled with a different metal. The forge’s heat engulfed the new additions, the metals within slowly melting and combining.

Yolani watched as the metals liquefied, each one with its own color, creating a mesmerizing dance inside the forge. She grabbed her forging mask and activated its visual enhancements.

Green, all green.

No impurities or clumps were detected, and the darkened crystal gave her face some relief from the heat.

When all four crucibles were ready, she activated a switch, and a mechanism poured the molten metals into a single stream that flowed into a larger crucible below.

The combined metal glowed with a brilliant white light, its intensity almost blinding even through Yolani’s forging mask. She activated the mixer, the mana shard resonance manipulating the metal, ensuring a proper and thorough blend.

With the spent crucibles rearranged to the side, Yolani initiated the casting process. The main crucible rose, the two molds sliding into the chamber to meet it. The artifice casing protected the sand from the intense heat, preventing it from cooking into glass.

The main crucible tipped, and the liquefied metal poured like water into the molds’ openings. The amount was just enough to fill the molds with a little extra, ensuring a complete and flawless casting.

She flipped the artifice forge to standby, so that it would cool gradually, giving the work time to rest as it came down from the intense heat. The process was basically annealing in the forge itself, and would take hours.

Yolani turned and took off the forging mask and wiped her brow with her forehead, clearing of a sheen of sweat.

She wouldn’t get to check on the fruits of her labor for some time, but she wasn’t nearly finished. Her eyes slid to the workbench with the polishing and refinement tools.

They needed to be ready.

When she was satisfied everything was in place, Yolani sat down and spread out the schematics for the Regalia to go over them again.

The hours ticked by as she pored over every detail, every line and curve, ensuring that everything was just right. Again.

She’d spent countless nights perfecting these designs, and now, with the casting cooling in the forge, she was one step closer to bringing them to life.

She stood up, stretching her arms above her head as she made her way to the forge. The heat had dissipated, the once-scorching air now cool enough to work in comfortably.

Yolani unsealed the forge, the heavy door swinging open with a soft creak.

The casting molds’ outer shells were baked a deep, charcoal black.

Yolani reached for her tongs and carefully extracted each mold, one at a time. She placed them on the workbench, the weight of the metal inside making the table groan softly.

With a hammer in hand, Yolani positioned the first mold on the anvil. She took a deep breath, then brought the hammer down with a light but firm blow. The sand burst apart, crumbling away to reveal the metal beneath.

Yolani brushed away the debris, her eyes widening as she took in the sight of the bracer.

It was solid; the metal curving perfectly to fit the contours of Elania’s arm. The grooves she’d so carefully etched into the mold were there, exactly where she’d intended them to be.

She moved on to the revolver, the pieces still connected by thin spurs of metal. Yolani inspected each part closely, her fingers tracing over the main body and the cylinder.

The barrel would come later, a separate piece that she’d need to craft and seal to the rest of the weapon. But for now, the chassis looked good, the metal smooth and free of any imperfections. She’d need to be careful while cutting them apart and polishing off the spurs, but that was just a matter of care and time.

Yolani stepped back, her eyes roaming over the pieces laid out before her.

There was still so much work to be done, so many details to attend to before the Regalia would be ready for Elania to bond with.

She took a deep breath, mentally adjusting her timeline.

Two days, maybe three.

That’s how long it would take to get everything just right. There could be no rushing this process, no cutting corners or taking shortcuts.

This was too important, too precious to risk anything less than perfection.

Yolani ran a hand through her hair, her mind already racing with the next steps. Polishing, refining, etching the runes that would channel Elania’s power.

It would be a long road, but one she was more than willing to walk.

It was probably the most intricate and complicated piece of work that she would ever do in her life.

A smile appeared on her lips. And she was doing it for the love of her life, which made the process all that much sweeter.

*

Elania squinted against the morning light.

Her favorite mornings were the lazy ones where she woke up with her arm around Yolani, the other girl spooned against her to form a warm ball.

This was not one of those mornings.

Elania stumbled along the cobblestone street, her hand firmly clasped in Yolani’s as the other girl practically dragged her through the quiet city. The few early risers they passed gave them curious glances, but Elania was too groggy to care.

“Yolani, slow down,” Elania grumbled, stifling another yawn. “What’s the big rush?”

Yolani glanced back at her. “You’ll see when we get there!”

Elania sighed, resigning herself to the mystery. She knew better than to try and pry information out of Yolani when she was in this mood. The girl could be as stubborn as a mule when she wanted to be.

As they wove through the streets, Elania’s mind drifted to the events of the past month. The destruction of Neftasu, their arrival in Contia, the challenges of establishing a new life for everyone—it all felt like a distant dream.

“We’re almost there,” Yolani said, her voice brimming with excitement.

Elania looked up and realized they were approaching the Neftasu Guards’ barracks. She couldn’t imagine what could have Yolani so eager to come here at such an ungodly hour.

The watch guard barely had time to approve them as Yolani burst them through the entrance. The few men nursing morning drinks among the tables glanced up from their mugs, bleary-eyed and resembling Elania’s own state.

Yolani’s grip on her hand tightened as she veered toward the back of the room, her steps purposeful. They reached a sealed door, and Yolani pushed it open. A short hallway later and another door revealed a sprawling fire range with a large skylight, allowing the soft light of dawn into the chamber.

Elania blinked. “Did we seriously get up at the crack of dawn to shoot bullets?”

Yolani’s laughter rang out, clear and bright. “Yes, that’s it exactly.”

She led Elania to a nearby bench and set her pack down on the table. Elania slumped into a seat, her head falling to rest on the cool wood. She let her eyes drift shut, wondering if it was possible to catch a few more minutes in the position.

The answer was sort of.

The sound of Yolani rummaging through her pack, metal clinking against metal, fabric rustling was soft enough for her to doze. She was content to let Yolani prepare whatever surprise she had wanted to prepare.

After a few moments, Yolani’s hand gently shook her shoulder. “Elania, wake up.”

“I’m awake,” Elania mumbled, sitting back up. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes, blinking to bring the world back into focus.

Cradled in Yolani’s hands was the largest revolver she’d ever seen. Including on tv.

Its bronze-hued surface gleamed, and its barrel was huge, easily nine or ten inches long. Elania’s mind began to whir, the fog of sleep evaporating as realization filled her.

“Oh,” she breathed, the sound echoing in her head.

It was the design that she had chosen for her Regalia.

Yolani had brought it to life.

Elania leaned forward to take in the hundreds of little intricate details and runes worked into the surface.

Elania reached out, her fingers hovering just above the metal surface.

“Is this a prototype for the Regalia?” she asked.

Yolani shook her head, a mixture of exasperation and amusement playing across her features. “Were you even listening to me last night?”

Elania’s brow furrowed as she tried to recall the previous evening.

She vaguely remembered Yolani chattering excitedly about something, but the details were lost in a haze of exhaustion. She had fallen asleep against Yolani’s shoulder, lulled by the warmth of her body and the steady rhythm of her voice.

“I might have been a little sleepy,” Elania admitted, a sheepish grin tugging at the corners of her mouth.

Yolani rolled her eyes. “This is the final version, Elania. But before you consider bonding with it, you need to try it out first. Get a feel for it, acclimate yourself to it. Otherwise, you won’t have a strong connection when you bond, and the Regalia will be weaker.”

Elania’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “How do you know so much about this?”

Yolani’s expression darkened, and for a moment, Elania thought she might actually get yelled at. But then Yolani sighed, her shoulders slumping.

“Ember sent an information packet for us to read,” she said, her voice tight. “And I know you haven’t read any of it yet.”

Elania winced. She had meant to read the packet, really she had. But between the endless meetings and the constant demands on her, she simply hadn’t found the time. It had probably got buried under a load of other documents.

“I’ve been so caught up in everything lately,” she admitted. “I’m not sure what I would do without you to catch everything I missed.”

Yolani’s expression softened, the exasperation in her eyes giving way to understanding. “I know you’ve been busy, Elania. But you really need to read that information packet before you can bond with the Regalia. And you’ll probably have some questions for Ember or Arlois, too. It wasn’t entirely clear on everything.”

Elania nodded. “I promise I’ll read it as soon as we get back.”

Yolani nodded, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. She held out the revolver, and Elania took it gingerly, surprised by the weight of it in her hand.

The metal was cool against her skin; the grip molded perfectly to her palm. She ran her thumb along the barrel, trying to decipher the intricate designs etched into the surface.

She glanced back at Yolani, a sheepish grin tugging at her lips. “It feels pretty sturdy and well made.”

Yolani’s smile widened, and she reached back into her pack. “Good. Now, let’s look at the bracer.”

Elania blinked, her brow furrowing in confusion. “Bracer? I thought the Regalia would be morphable?”

Yolani pulled a gleaming bronze bracer from her pack, the metal matching the same color as the revolver. “That’s only after you bond them into a Regalia. Standard artifice can’t handle that kind of transformation. All I can do is lay the groundwork, create the pathways for your [Divinity] to take over during the bonding process.”

The bracer’s surface was etched with the same intricate designs as the revolver.

“This is incredible,” Elania murmured.

Yolani shrugged, but there was no mistaking the pride in her eyes. “I just want to make sure it’s perfect for you.”

Elania nodded, her expression turning serious as she met Yolani’s gaze. “We came to the range for a reason, right? To test this beauty out?”

Yolani’s face split into a grin, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Exactly. You’ll need to practice with it before bonding. We’ll be using ‘light’ ammo for now, without any of the specials I have planned.”

“Specials?” Elania asked.

Yolani laughed and launched into an explanation of her ideas for boosting the revolver’s power, but Elania found herself captivated by the way her lips moved, the passion in her voice.

Without thinking, she reached out and pulled Yolani close, silencing her with a kiss.

Yolani blinked in surprise, her train of thought derailed.

Elania laughed. “We’re here for target practice, remember?”

Yolani shook her head, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

She gestured to the ammo on the table, and Elania picked up one of the bullets, and for the first time she realized just how… large the ammunition was.

Actually, the cylinder on the gun was huge as well. It was just hidden by the overall size of the weapon.

“Just how much have you stuffed in these? They aren’t going to explode, are they?” she asked, turning the bullet over in her hand.

Yolani chuckled, plucking the bullet from Elania’s fingers. “It’s not all about size. The material, compression, and what you put in the cartridge along with the bullet—that’s what matters.”

Elania watched as Yolani picked up a ring and slid it toward the revolver.

With a press of a switch and flick of her wrist, the cylinder slid out on a spring, and Yolani shoved the speed loader into place, loading all six chambers at once. Another flick, and the cylinder snapped back into position.

Elania couldn’t help the stupid grin that spread across her face. “How many times did you practice that?”

Yolani’s cheeks flushed pink. “Shush, you.”

*

Elania’s brow furrowed as she sifted through the stack of applications for the alchemy position related to the Mushroohums. One by one, she discarded the unsuitable candidates, their pages fluttering into the growing rejection pile.

Too many of them balked at the idea of working alongside the Mushroohums, demanding their own shop outside the Arena. While it was possible to accommodate their requests, Elania’s frown deepened at the thought.

She wanted to foster a sense of unity between the Mushroohums and the refugees, to help them find common ground as her followers.

A familiar name caught her eye, and her fingers stilled on the paper.

[Name: Allie Revor]

[Age: 23]

[Previous Occupation: Waitress]

[Skill: Alchemy Basics Rank C]

Her experience listed working with her parents in their shop until she was fifteen. Elania turned the page over, but there wasn’t any additional information.

Elania leaned back and closed her eyes. Memories of a distant checkpoint outside of Neftasu flickered through her mind.

The world had seemed to stand against her, her lesser demon status marking her as an outcast and pariah. Allie had shown her kindness instead, treating her with a warmth and compassion that had been all too rare in those early days.

Elania’s fingertips brushed across the page, tracing the letters of Allie’s name. She could still feel the gentle tug of Allie’s fingers in her hair, the soothing sensation of being cared for, even if only for a moment.

A smile tugged at the corners of Elania’s mouth as she set Allie’s application to the side, separate from the others. Whatever Allie’s alchemical skills might be, Elania knew she deserved a chance, an opportunity to prove herself.

Maybe that was a little bit of nepotism, but then again…

Maybe someone who could accept a lesser demon wouldn’t have trouble with Mushroohums?

With the applications sorted, Elania leaned back in her chair. There was another bit of management to take care of.

With a deep breath, she activated [Divine Insight].

[Divine Power: 4,582/5,000]

[Followers: 12,316]

[Previous Maximum Divine Power: 2,147,483,647]

A frown tugged at her lips.

Nearly a thousand followers lost.

Lyra’s meddling might be to blame, but perhaps it was simply the natural ebb and flow of life.

The people of Neftasu, those she’d never forged strong bonds with, moving on, seeking new paths.

It wasn’t all bad though. She had been storing a lot more power than she had been using, and when she tugged on the massive net of connections to her followers, it seemed like…

It seemed like the ties to her remaining followers has strengthened to become more resilient. Was it a result of her interactions and support for them over the last month?

Being seen as a leader would be good, but Arlois’ words echoed in her mind. They needed to perceive her with a firm concept in their minds. As their deity. She was still conflicted about the idea.

And there was no way she was ever going to sell herself on the idea that she was a ‘goddess,’ so how could she be fine with convincing others of that?

It all seemed to be connected somehow to the ‘concept seed’ that had burrowed its way into her mouth and down her throat. The memory sent a shiver down her spine.

Eziel’s name danced on the tip of her tongue, tempting her to seek answers.

But he had been a wall of silence. He would outright refuse to answer questions about… anything.

Why?

Was it a test of her resilience, a challenge to forge her own path? Or was he simply content to watch her stumble, hurtling toward an unseen cliff’s edge?

Elania finally stood and took Allie’s alchemist application, heading out into the hall.

“Darius,” Elania called out, her voice cutting through the stillness of the mansion. He appeared a moment later.

She handed him the paper. “Have someone find her. Bring her in for an interview.”

Darius’s brow furrowed as he studied the application. “Are you certain, my lady?”

Elania nodded, her gaze unwavering. “Yes, please see to it.”

With a bow, Darius departed, leaving Elania alone with her thoughts.

A branching path opened up before her—there were a dozen different tasks she could take care of now. Visit the Neftasu Guard, the Ironfist, or go meet with the refugees.

But… how many days had it been since she had taken a day out just for herself?

Not since she’d taken Yolani flying across the countryside.

Elania turned and made her way to the artifice workshop.

Yolani was exactly where she expected: hunched over a table, schematics scattered everywhere.

Elania stepped into the workshop, the scent of metal and the hum of arcane energy enveloping her.

Yolani looked up as Elania approached. A smile spread across her face, the tension in her shoulders easing.

“Don’t you need to go work on the Heart or Gold?” Elania asked, her gaze drifting to the schematics scattered across the table.

Yolani shook her head. “They’re fine for today’s missions. I’m working on the Regalia ammunition.”

Elania moved closer, leaning against Yolani’s shoulders, her chin resting atop Yolani’s hair. “We’ve been working really hard without any breaks.”

Yolani’s fingers traced the lines of a blueprint, her voice soft. “We have a lot to do.”

Elania hummed, the vibration rumbling through her chest. “There isn’t any reason you can’t pause on what you’re doing right now, is there?”

Yolani tilted her head back, her green eyes meeting Elania’s golden gaze. “I guess not?”

A smile tugged at the corners of Elania’s mouth as she leaned down, capturing Yolani’s lips in an upside-down kiss. As she pulled back, her smile widened. “We should take a walk with Shadow and enjoy the gardens for a bit.”

“Okay,” Yolani said, her own smile mirroring Elania’s. “That sounds nice.”

Elania headed for the door. “Shadow!” she called out, her voice ringing through the estate.

A crash sounded from down the hall, followed by the patter of clawed feet.

Shadow burst through his door, banging it open. He turned and bounded toward her with his tail held straight up.

She reached into her pocket, producing a dried meat snack and tossing it. Shadow eagerly snatched from the air. As he munched on the treat, Elania rubbed his head, her fingers sinking into his soft fur.

Behind her, Yolani shuffled her papers, then reached for her cloak, draping it over her shoulders.

All three of them headed downstairs where Darius greeted them, asking if they were going out.

“To the gardens,” Elania said. “If anyone visits, please let me know.”

They stepped through the front door and made their way to the rear garden.

Benches dotted the area, and Shadow bounded ahead, exploring the plants and sniffing everything in sight, jumping on whatever caught his interest.

Elania slipped her hand into Yolani’s, their fingers intertwining as they settled onto a bench.

Yolani leaned into her, and Elania wrapped an arm around her back, pulling her close.

The warmth of Yolani’s body seeped through Elania’s clothes, a comforting presence amidst the tranquility of the garden.

“You’re amazing, you know that?” Elania murmured, her lips brushing against Yolani’s hair. “I don’t know if I could handle things without you.”

Yolani pressed into her a little more. “I don’t know what I’d do without you, either.”

She tilted her head, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “But this isn’t much of a walk, is it? We could’ve just snuggled inside.”

Elania laughed, the sound echoing through the garden. “True, but Shadow doesn’t get to play out here much. This is good for him.”

Yolani nodded, her cheek rubbing against Elania’s shoulder. “As long as I can use you as a heat source, it’s fine.”

A grin spread across Elania’s face. “Always looking for utility?”

Yolani’s eyes sparkled. “What can I say? I’m very industrious.”

Shadow darted past them, a stick clutched in his jaws. He dropped it at their feet.

Elania reached down, scooping up the stick. “Seriously? What are you, a dog?”

Shadow growled at her, his tail turning into an agitated swish back and forth.

Elania shook her head and then released the stick with a flick of her wrist sending it sailing across the garden.

Shadow took off after it in a nearly silent chase.

Yolani chuckled, the sound vibrating against Elania’s side. “He’s got energy.”

“He’s been cooped up inside for too long,” Elania said, watching as Shadow came to a stop near the stick, crouching down into a pounce posture. “Even if his natural habitat is underground, and caves, the house just isn’t like it. Out here is closer to… normal?”

Yolani looked thoughtful. “I can see how that is. Artificial versus natural, instead of constrained versus expansive. I bet there is a lot more stimuli out here than inside, too.”

“And there were a lot of stimuli in the caverns, vibrations especially,” Elania said.

Yolani frowned. “Hopefully, the air turbines from the city aren’t driving him mad.”

Shadow came back for another round with the stick before settling in a sunny spot beside a fountain. The sun soaking into the stone probably made it warm.

Time slipped by, the minutes stretching into an hour as Elania and Yolani sat, their conversation drifting from topic to topic, the words flowing easily. Elania’s fingers traced idle patterns on Yolani’s arm.

The crunch of footsteps on gravel drew Elania’s attention, and she looked up to see Darius rounding the corner of the mansion, his face set in a serious expression. He approached.

“My lady,” he said, inclining his head in a slight bow. “A messenger has delivered a paper for you.”

Elania’s brow furrowed as she took the proffered document, the parchment rough beneath her fingers.

Beside her, Yolani shifted. “What is it?”

Unrolling the paper, Elania’s eyes darted across the words, her frown deepening with each passing second. “The council has summoned me,” she said, her voice tight. “There’s an issue with the prize ship the Farwind took. I’m required to be there.”

Yolani’s eyebrows shot up. “Why?”

“The plaintiff is objecting to my share of the proceeds from the ship auction.” Elania’s fingers tightened on the paper, the parchment crinkling under her grip.

Darius cleared his throat, drawing their attention. “Whoever isn’t getting what they expected probably doesn’t like you getting anything.”

Elania shook her head. “It’s the ship’s owner. They weren’t affected.”

“Have you read the report on the appraised value of the Alistar?” Darius asked, his voice carefully neutral.

Elania shook her head. “No.”

“The estimated value at the auction is 150,000 crit,” Darius said, his words hanging in the air. “But it could go higher.”

Yolani’s eyes widened, her mouth falling open.

Elania blinked, the realization settling over her like a heavy weight. Maybe the Captain had asked the owner to intercede on behalf of himself and the officers?

“Maybe I shouldn’t have put Captain Narbor over the barrel so hard,” she said, her voice soft. “I didn’t realize it would be... quite that much.”

“It’s a full-size triple balloon airship,” Darius said, his tone matter-of-fact. “Of course it’s a lot, even with the damage.”

*

Elania strode down the cobblestone path, her boots clicking against the stones with each step. Beside her, Yolani matched her pace, her eyes alight with excitement as she spoke.

“Once you bond the Regalia, I’ll be able to incorporate miniature versions of the elemental bombs into the ammunition,” Yolani said, her hands gesturing animatedly. “You’ll be able to manage all the [Power] easily, and I can set up different speed loaders for each element. Maybe even a mixed one, so each shot is different? I’ll have to check the resonance frequencies so they don’t excite or amplify the inert shells…”

Elania glanced at her, an eyebrow raised. “The normal bullet, without any enhancement, put a three-foot wide hole twelve feet deep in solid stone,” she muttered, her voice dry.

Yolani looked at her, a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. “I know, right? Imagine what it’ll do with the elemental enhancements!”

Elania shook her head, a sigh escaping her lips. “If I hadn’t shielded the firing range, it might have blasted anyone in the room.” She paused, her eyes narrowing. “And if you hadn’t put the wall back together, we would have had a massive fine.”

Yolani waved a hand dismissively. “But we did put it back together,” she said, her voice confident. “And that just means we need to fly down to the surface and do test firing on a hill or something.”

Elania snorted, a grin spreading across her face. “Yeah, because that’s a great idea. Let’s just go around blasting holes in the countryside.”

Yolani bumped her shoulder against Elania’s, a playful glint in her eyes. “Come on, it’ll be fun. We can make a day of it, pack a picnic, maybe even bring Shadow along.”

Elania rolled her eyes, but the smile remained on her face. “I’m sure the locals will love that. ‘Hey, don’t mind us, we’re just a couple of Demi-Divines out here blowing up the landscape.’”

Yolani laughed, the sound bright and carefree. “They’ll get over it. We just have to pick somewhere remote enough.”

Elania shook her head, a chuckle escaping her lips. “You’re incorrigible, you know that?”

Yolani grinned. “You love it.”

Elania shook her head, a wry grin forming. “I have no idea what the fine is for ‘purposeful terraforming,’ but somehow I don’t think it would be cheap.”

Yolani pouted.

Elania rolled her eyes. “You’re probably right, though. It would be worth it for calibration and testing.”

Yolani grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Of course I’m right. When have I ever steered you wrong?”

Elania let out a loud hum. “How about when—”

Yolani drew a breath, bumping her shoulder against Elania’s. “Okay, okay, don’t answer that.”

Elania’s expression sobered, her brow furrowing slightly. “I did ask for high-power over rate of fire. I’m hoping it’ll have enough stopping power to deal with... troublesome things.”

Yolani nodded. “That’s the idea. The Regalia will handle focusing and compressing the [Power], so you can focus on the full fight instead of amplification. And it can do it effectively, repeatedly, until you need to reload.”

As they approached the council building, Elania spotted a small crowd gathered outside. The wash of voices filled the air. Elania’s eyes narrowed, scanning the faces in the crowd.

“I recognize some of them,” she said, her voice low. “They’re crew from the Farwind.”

Yolani glanced at her, an eyebrow raised. “Do you think they’re here for the hearing?”

Elania nodded, her gaze still fixed on the crowd. “Maybe they’re giving testimony.”

The crowd parted as they drew closer, some of the faces turning to look at them with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Elania ignored them with a purposeful stride.

Yolani kept pace beside her, her eyes darting between the crowd and the building.

At the entrance a Silver stepped aside, allowing Elania and Yolani to pass without a word, and they settled into a pair of seats on the witness benches. A man who had been giving testimony moments before was dismissed, and a hush fell over the room as Arlois called Captain Narbor to the stand.

The captain rose, his steps measured as he made his way to the center of the chamber. Above him, the four Towers loomed in their boxes, their gazes fixed upon him. Silence stretched, thick and heavy, as all eyes turned to the captain.

The Towers took turns questioning him, their voices echoing through the chamber.

Captain Narbor spoke clearly and concisely, detailing the events that had led up to the battle and the boarding action that followed. As the questioning turned to Elania’s involvement, the captain’s words painted a vivid picture of her decisive role in turning the tide of the fight.

When the captain was dismissed, he strode from the chamber, his head held high. Arlois leaned forward, her voice carrying through the room. “It is clear that Elania’s actions were critical in saving the ship. Granting her the entire prize would be understandable, given the circumstances.”

Ember nodded, her eyes flashing. “Indeed. The owner should be grateful for her intervention, rather than attempting to cast aspersions on her conduct.”

Yolani leaned in close to Elania, her brow furrowed. “Why are they talking about you getting the entire ship?” she whispered, confusion lacing her tone. “I thought you were only supposed to receive a portion of the officers’ share.”

Elania shook her head, her own bewilderment mirroring Yolani’s. “I don’t know,” she murmured, her gaze fixed on the Towers above.

Elysia’s voice cut through the chamber. “Granting a non-crewmember the prize bounty is out of order and does not follow the precedent of law.”

Lyra stood, her gaze fierce. “As owner of the ship, I can’t stand idly while the legitimate officers and crew lose their portion because a foreign Demi-Divine demanded them.”

Elania blinked, and she shared a look with Yolani. Lyra was the Farwind’s owner?

The chamber erupted into chaos, the Towers’ voices rising in a cacophony of arguments.

Beside her, Yolani squeezed her arm. “This isn’t right,” she murmured, her brow furrowed. “You saved the ship. They should be grateful.”

Elania shook her head. “I think Lyra has other motives.”

A bang of a gavel silenced the room, and all eyes turned to Arlois. “We will vote,” she declared, her voice ringing with authority. “All in favor of upholding prior precedent and denying Elania’s claim?”

Elysia and Lyra raised their hands, their faces set in determination.

“And all in favor of granting Elania a share of the prize?”

Ember and Arlois raised their hands.

“A tie,” Arlois announced, her gaze sweeping the room. “Does anyone expect to be persuaded by further arguments or testimony from the witnesses, or possibly Elania herself?”

Silence stretched, heavy and oppressive.

“Then the matter will be settled via trial by combat,” Arlois declared, her words falling like a hammer blow.

Elania’s breath caught in her throat. Beside her, Yolani’s grip tightened, her fingers digging into Elania’s arm.

“The law is clear,” Arlois continued, her gaze fixed on Elysia and Lyra. “One of you is required to fight or declare a champion.”

Lyra stood, a violent gleam in her eye. “I will fight.”

Arlois nodded, then turned to Ember. “Will you fight?”

Ember shook her head, her expression unreadable.

“I decline as well,” Arlois said, her gaze shifting to Elania.

Lyra’s predatory grin sent a chill down Elania’s spine, and she felt Yolani’s grip tighten even further.

“Elania,” Arlois called, her voice carrying through the chamber. “Will you or your champion defend the position? Otherwise, the chamber will rule in favor of banning you from receiving any share from the Alistar.”

Elania drew in a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest.

Slowly, she rose to her feet; her gaze locked on Arlois. “I will defend the position that I deserve a share,” she said.

*

Elania’s heart raced as Arlois stood, her voice echoing through the council chamber. “Clear the hall,” she commanded, her gaze sweeping over the assembled crowd. “The trial by combat will begin immediately.”

Lyra’s blue wings unfurled, and she leaped from her pillar, landing gracefully in the center of the chamber. Elania swallowed hard, her palms slick with sweat as Arlois called her to the floor.

A Silver approached Yolani, his hand outstretched. “You’ll need to leave,” he said, his tone brooking no argument.

Elania stepped forward, her jaw set. “She stays with me,” she said. “She’s my Oracle.”

Arlois nodded to the guard, her gaze flicking to Yolani. “She may remain.”

As Elania walked out into the chamber, memories of Arlois’ painful demonstration flashed through her mind, sending a shiver down her spine. She clenched her fists, trying to steady her nerves.

Ember’s voice cut through the tension. “Personal combat would be entirely unfair.”

Elysia shook her head, her expression stern. “Personal combat is an honored tradition,” she countered, her gaze fixed on Elania.

Arlois held up a hand, silencing the debate. “Such a fight would have a predetermined outcome,” she said. “It goes against the spirit of the law itself.”

Lyra’s glare burned into Elania, her lips curling into a sneer. “Then she should forfeit.”

A sly smile played across Arlois’ face as she turned to Elysia. “It’s also tradition for the defendant to have a choice of venue and weapons,” she said.

Elysia grunted, nodding her head in reluctant agreement. Lyra’s scowl deepened.

“I suggest,” Arlois continued, her gaze shifting to Elania, “that they battle via a game of chance. Throwing magically inert dice while the council ensures integrity.”

Elania’s jaw dropped, her eyes widening in disbelief.

They were going to ‘trial-by-combat’ via a dice game?

Elania drew in a deep breath, her gaze locking with Lyra’s. “I accept,” she said, her voice ringing through the chamber. “We can decide it with dice.”

“This is absurd,” Lyra said, her wings flaring out behind her. “A game of chance is no way to decide such a matter.”

Arlois’ smile only widened. “On the contrary,” she said. “It is the fairest of combats: one of luck. No skill, no strength, no advantage.”

Elania’s gaze flicked to Elysia and Ember, waiting for their response.

But they remained silent, their expressions unreadable. Arlois turned to Elania, her brow arched. “What say you, Elania?” she asked, her tone almost mocking. “Do you agree that this is fair?”

Elania met Lyra’s gaze, her jaw set. “I think it’s fine,” she said, her voice steady despite nerves twisting in her gut. Maybe a fight would have generated less anxiety.

Arlois grinned. “Then it’s settled,” she declared, reaching into her pouch. “As the defendant agrees, we shall proceed.”

Elania watched as Arlois pulled out two cups and six dice, a sudden realization hitting her like a punch to the gut. The woman had planned this all along.

Arlois held out the cup, her gaze sweeping over the assembled Towers. “Confirm for all to see, that these dice are magically inert and free of any defect,” she said, her voice ringing with authority.

Elania stared at the dice, her mind racing. She had no idea how to tell if they were magically inert or not. But the other Towers seemed satisfied, nodding their approval.

All eyes fell on Elania, and she swallowed hard. “It’s fine,” she said, her voice sounding small in the vast chamber.

Arlois turned to Elysia and Ember, her expression serious. “Can you certify and watch the dice,” she asked, her tone brooking no argument, “to ensure that no outside effects attempt to manipulate them?”

Elysia and Ember nodded, their gazes fixed on the cup in Arlois’ hand.

Lyra moved to stand across from Elania. “Let’s get this over with.”

Arlois cleared her throat. “The rules are as follows: You will be playing a modified game of ‘soldier,’ best two out of three.”

Elania’s brow furrowed as she listened.

“Each player will have three dice,” Arlois continued, holding up the cup. “You will each roll, with each die turning up a number from one to six. The players will see each other’s dice, then secretly hide them. You will play one die at a time, with the higher die winning the round. Both dice will be placed in the victor’s capture pile.”

Elania’s gaze flicked to Yolani who gave her a reassuring nod, her eyes shining with determination.

“The winner of the match,” Arlois said, her gaze sweeping over the assembled Towers, “will be the one who has the most dice once all pieces have been captured.”

Elania swallowed hard, her mind racing as she tried to process the rules. It seemed simple enough. There was maybe room for a little strategy, but it would heavily rely on luck.

“Do both parties understand the rules?” Arlois asked.

Lyra nodded. “I understand.”

Elania drew in a deep breath, her jaw set. “I understand,” she said.

Arlois grinned. “Then let the game begin,” she declared, holding out the two cups to both of them.

Elania reached out to take the cup. She glanced at Lyra, who glared back at her, her eyes burning a barely contained tsunami.

They both sat down in the central circle of the hall, opposite one another.

Elania shook the cup, the dice rattling inside.

She closed her eyes, sending a silent prayer to whatever gods might be listening.

Actually, was she supposed to pray to herself now? How fucked up would that be.

Finally, she tipped the cup, the dice spilling out onto the floor.

Lyra threw her dice at the same time.

The dice clattered against the stone floor.

Arlois stepped forward, her voice ringing out through the chamber. “Elania rolls a four, a three, and a two,” she announced, her gaze sweeping over the assembled Towers. “Lyra rolls a six, a five, and a one.”

Elania’s stomach dropped as she assessed her disadvantage. Lyra’s smirk only grew wider as she eyed her higher numbers.

Lyra took the round.

Lyra leaned back, a victorious gleam in her eye. She looked like a cat who had just caught a juicy mouse.

Arlois cleared her throat, her gaze flicking to Elania. “The second round will begin.”

Drawing in a deep breath, Elania centered herself, pushing down the frustration. She picked up her cup, ready to roll.

The dice clattered against the stone, and Arlois stepped forward to announce the results. “Elania rolls a six, a five, and a two,” she declared, her voice ringing out through the chamber. “Lyra rolls a four, a three, and a two.”

Elania felt a flicker of hope. She’d win.

Lyra was not happy when she lost, anger palpable.

Arlois stepped forward, a hint of amusement in her voice. “Both parties have a match point. This will be the final round.”

Elania locked eyes with Lyra, and they both held up their dice cups.

Chance spilled onto the council chamber’s floor a third time.

*

Elania sighed, her shoulders slumping as she walked through the Cloud District, with Yolani by her side. Her companion’s hand rubbed soothing circles on her back, but it did little to ease the sting of their recent loss.

“I can’t believe we lost our share to those stupid dice,” Elania grumbled.

Yolani gave her a sympathetic smile. “It’s not your fault. Next time, we’ll have better luck.”

Elania nodded, but the disappointment still weighed heavily on her. “I know. I just don’t like setbacks.”

“It was nice of Captain Narbor to give you part of his share, though,” Yolani pointed out.

“Yeah, but he didn’t have to do that.” Elania’s brow furrowed. “I feel like I owe him a bit for it.”

Yolani hummed thoughtfully. “Maybe we can think of something to pay him back. But for now, I want to use the money to purchase some more supplies for making the Regalia.”

Elania’s eyebrow shot up in surprise. “I thought we were mostly done already.”

A sheepish look crossed Yolani’s face. “Well, I thought of some extra embellishments that could help improve the compatibility during the bonding process. It should make the morphing more fluid.”

Blinking, Elania shook her head. “I don’t have any idea how [Artifice] works at all.”

Yolani laughed, the sound bright and warm. “It’s a bit advanced, I’ll admit. I’m using a lot of concepts I’ve learned from the [Divine Forging] book and skill Ember gave me.”

Elania glanced at the other girl. “What kind of concepts?”

“Oh, you know, things like infusing the materials to conduct [Divinity] essence, aligning the mana channels for optimal flow, and using specific runes to enhance… well, everything.” Yolani’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she spoke.

Elania couldn’t help but smile at her partner’s enthusiasm. “It all sounds very complicated.”

“It is, but it’s also fascinating.” Yolani grinned. “I never thought I’d be able to create something like this, but I feel like I can make something truly special for you.”

Warmth bloomed. “I have no doubt about that. You’re amazing, Yolani,” Elania replied.

Yolani ducked her head, a blush staining her cheeks. “I just want to make sure you have the best Regalia possible.”

Elania smiled brightly. “With you making it, I know it will be.”

Elania hummed as they continued back toward the estate, but the talk of bonding had reminded her of one potential issue.

She pulled up her [Soul Management] perk, scanning through the various essences listed. The gorging on the crabs and random arcane beasts she had taken in the forest had raised the ‘other’ entry to nearly twelve percent, a significant increase from before.

Her [Divinity] had been slowly coming down toward its ‘natural’ level as well, balanced with her [Human] and [Darkwalker] essences. That wasn’t entirely ideal.

“I’m not sure I can raise my [Divinity] high enough to bond the Regalia easily,” Elania said, her voice tinged with concern. “There aren’t exactly a bunch of Conclave monks to snack on anymore.”

Yolani’s expression darkened, her lips pressing into a thin line. “What do you mean?”

Elania sighed, running a hand through her vibrant red hair. “It’s just... with the way my essences are balanced right now, it might be difficult to push my [Divinity] to the percentage needed for the bonding process.”

It was probably an issue unique to her, because of her demon nature. The other Demi-Divine would probably be 100% [Divinity] all the time…

And she doubted any of them would just let her snack on them, considering that it would make them very dead in the process.

She paused, considering her options. “Maybe I can use my perk to expel the other essences, although it would probably mean discarding a large portion of my current [Divine Power] stores.”

Yolani’s eyes widened, her voice sharp with worry. “Is that safe? Won’t that leave you vulnerable?”

A sad smile tugged at the corners of Elania’s mouth. “For a while, probably. But finishing the Regalia would be worth it, I think.”

Yolani grunted, her expression twisting into a grimace. There were a few more minutes of silence before she finally spoke again. “I actually considered this already and brought it up to Ember. She had a solution.”

Elania’s eyebrow shot up, curiosity mingling with suspicion. “What was it?”

Hesitation flickered across Yolani’s face. “She suggested having a bunch of threesomes. She said it would boost your [Divinity].”

A scoff tore from Elania’s throat. “Has Ember been keeping her promise, or has she been harassing you again?”

Yolani frowned, her voice firm. “I would have told you if that was the case, but it’s obvious what Ember wanted.” She glanced at Elania, her next words coming out in a rush. “Drinking their sweat, tears, or... piss would help too.”

Elania recoiled, disgust twisting her features. “Yeah, no, let’s stop there. I’ll figure out how to expel the unwanted essence and do it that way.”

Yolani nodded, her expression softening. “It’s your choice, and I’ll support you no matter what.”

The anger still simmered beneath Elania’s skin, her words sharp. “Even if you approved and wanted me to, I don’t think I could handle doing anything with those crazy bitches, anyway. Just the thought of it makes me angry enough to want to kill them instead.”

Silence stretched between them as they continued toward the estate. As they neared their destination, a prickle of unease crept up the back of Elania’s neck. At the gate, her communicator crackled to life, the sound scratchy and distorted.

Yolani’s concerned gaze met Elania’s as she pulled out the device, adjusting the receiving power to maximum. Harlock’s voice filtered through the static, urgent and clipped. “The Heart needs assistance. We’ve encountered another airship and—”

The voice cut out abruptly, leaving only silence in its wake. Elania cursed, shaking the communicator several times to no avail.

Yolani’s hand touched Elania’s shoulder, her words gentle but firm. “Go.”

With a nod, Elania flared her wings out, the powerful appendages carrying her into the sky as she took flight, her mind already racing with the possibilities of what awaited her aboard the Heart.

*

Elania’s wings beat furiously as she soared through the sky, her eyes locked on the Heart and the unfamiliar airship floating alongside it.

A loose bridge swayed between the two vessels, but there were no signs of explosions or fighting, which only heightened her agitation.

She reached for her communicator, but it buzzed uselessly in her pocket.

Elania scowled, realizing why Arlois had dismissed them as unreliable. Whether it used radio waves, magic waves, or whatever, the device was incredibly touchy. In fact, it had failed every time she’d tried to use it, except at close range.

Elania angled her wings, steering herself toward the Heart’s rear castle, where the steering and observation deck were located.

As she landed, a sailor panicked, nearly tumbling overboard. Elania’s reflexes kicked in, and she caught him just in time.

The Ironfist mercenary thanked her, his voice shaky with relief. Elania nodded curtly before letting herself into the navigation tower.

Artifice lighting filled the space, complementing the daylight streaming through the large windows.

“Where’s the captain?” Elania demanded, her voice cutting through the tense atmosphere.

Harlock stepped out of a cubbyhole, his face grave. “Elania,” he greeted her, his tone somber. “We have trouble.”

Elania’s eyes narrowed. She hadn’t seen any coming in. “What kind of trouble?”

Harlock glanced out the window, his gaze settling on the unfamiliar airship.

Harlock’s gaze drifted to the window, settling on the other ship. He sighed heavily. “That ship was drifting and flew a distress flag. We were obligated to assist.” His voice dropped to a mutter. “Wish we’d just ignored them.”

Before she could press further, a commotion erupted on the deck. An officer burst through one of the doors, shouting for the flight master. Harlock grunted. “You’re about to see for yourself.”

They descended the ramps, pushing through the thickening crowd. Raised voices and the sounds of a scuffle reached Elania’s ears.

As they broke through the throng, she spotted two men locked in a brawl, fists flying. One wore the distinctive garb of the Ironfist, while the other’s outfit marked him as crew from the other ship.

Harlock muscled his way into the fray, slamming his bulk between the combatants. With a powerful shove, he sent both men sprawling onto the deck, their asses hitting the planks hard.

Sailors from each crew grabbed their respective crewmates, restraining them as they struggled to resume the fight.

“We should kill the bastards!” an Ironfist sailor shouted.

Elania glanced at Harlock, raising an eyebrow. How could discipline have deteriorated so badly? Perhaps she and Yolani needed to reevaluate the crew.

A figure crossed the bridge from the other ship. Elania’s eyes locked onto his attire: a pristine white robe adorned with a symbol that sent a jolt of recognition through her.

Fury ignited within her, consuming her thoughts as she stared at the man.

Okay. Scratch that. The crewman wasn’t wrong.

Her wings twitched, anger simmering just beneath the surface as the white-robed man raised his hand. “Peace! Let tempers cool here.”

The crew from the other ship responded immediately, their agitation dissipating like smoke in the wind.

Elania’s hand went to Eziel. Peace? She’d show him peace. The peace of non-existence.

Harlock stepped in front of her, his face ashen and voice low and urgent. “This might not be the best time or place, ma’am.”

Elania barely spared him a glance, her eyes locked on the Lightbringers. “I think everyone here knows exactly who they are, Harlock.”

The white-robed man, having overheard her words, smiled serenely. “Indeed, we are Lightbringers. I am Bishop Lefarne, leader of this diplomatic envoy bound for the City of Spires. We are most grateful for the assistance your crew has provided. Our artifice was malfunctioning, and our propulsion had failed.”

Elania remained silent, her gaze unwavering.

Lefarne’s smile widened, seemingly amused by her lack of response. “You must be the Demi-Divine we’ve heard about, the one who has taken up residence in Contia, aspiring to become a new Tower of the city.”

“Maybe,” Elania grunted, her tone clipped.

Lefarne’s eyes flickered to Eziel’s hilt, a glint of recognition in his gaze. “That is a most interesting magical sword you possess. You should take care not to lose it. It reminds me of a precious item our order once had... and lost.”

Elania’s stare intensified, her mind racing. Was he implying that Eziel was the very artifact the Lightbringers had invaded Neftasu to recover? Or was Eziel playing his mind tricks on the man? She couldn’t be certain.

Finally, Elania spoke, her voice low and measured. “Do you have any Monevoians on board?”

The Bishop frowned, shaking his head. “No, none of the Sun Emperor’s subjects travel with us.”

Elania’s thoughts turned dark, the temptation to strike down the Bishop and sink his airship nearly overwhelming.

But she hesitated. She had no idea how many of the Ironfist were on board. The lack of voices was deafening as the ship creaked and wind buffeted the fabric overhead.

Elania’s eyes bored into the bishop, his words fading into a distant buzz as her mind focused on a single, decisive course of action.

The world narrowed to this moment, this choice, and she calculated the steps required to eliminate the enemy before her.

First, she would sever the bridge connecting the two ships, isolating the Lightbringers.

Then, she would annihilate the crew on the Heart, ensuring no survivors. She’d fly over to the other ship and collect any Ironfist. Finally, she’d obliterate the vessel.

The decision to slaughter them solidified in her mind, a cold, unyielding resolve.

Elania took a step forward, her hand inching toward Eziel’s hilt, the sword’s power thrumming in anticipation of the impending bloodshed.

It was simple to visualize taking Lefarne’s head. No one really knew what she intended. It would be over before they did.

Elania froze as a gust of wind slammed into the ships, whipping hair and clothing in a frenzied dance.

Green wings flashed in the sunlight as Elysia appeared above the bridge, her voice booming across the deck. “Hold!”

The Tower landed with a resounding thump beside the Bishop, her presence commanding immediate attention. Elania froze, her previous decisiveness shattered by Elysia’s unexpected arrival.

Elysia’s voice rang out, clear and authoritative. “I recognize Bishop Lefarne as an expected emissary. Any violence done to him while within the borders of Contia will be considered an act of aggression against the city itself, as per the laws and traditions of diplomacy itself.”

Elania’s hand lowered to her side.

Elania’s eyes locked with Elysia’s. The Tower seemed to sense the violence that had been brewing, a knowing look etched on her face. Well, it wasn’t a hard thing to put together. No one from Neftasu would view Lightbringers as anything other than murderous bastards.

One question she couldn’t answer, though, was how Elysia knew to come and save them.

Bishop Lefarne turned to Elysia, a smile playing on his lips. “Thank you for your protection and welcome, Tower Elysia. I would be most grateful for the opportunity to discuss the common issues between our nations.” His gaze slid to Elania, a sly glint in his eyes.

Elania’s scowl deepened, her anger simmering just beneath the surface.

Elysia’s voice cut through the tension. “Do not mistake my enforcement of the law for approval, Bishop. You will be heard by the council, and that is all.”

Lefarne nodded, his smile never wavering. “Of course, of course.”

Elania stood motionless. Elysia turned to her, her expression serious. “The Heart will need to continue rendering assistance. That must be their top priority.”

Those words only drove Elania’s anger deeper, a knife twisting in her gut. Elysia frowned, seeming to sense Elania’s displeasure. “You will receive recompense for any delayed cargo contracts and payment for the service.”

Elania nodded stiffly. “I understand.” But the anger of being forced to help the very ones who had butchered Neftasu stabbed deep.

She glanced at the Ironfist crew, their faces mirroring her own emotions.

Men who had fought alongside her, who had seen the horrors inflicted upon their city, shared her resentment.

Harlock stepped forward, his voice low. “Ma’am, what are your orders?”

“Render the minimum assistance required,” Elania said, her voice cold. “Get them to Contia as quickly as possible, but don’t go out of your way to make them comfortable.”

Harlock nodded. “Understood, ma’am.”

Elania turned back to Elysia, her eyes narrowing. “I trust the council will see to prompt payment for services rendered.”

Elysia inclined her head. “Of course.”