Valerian, The Legendary

237 Struggling To Live.

Valerian had Olivis sit down at the same table as the royal family. The other party was Magical, the status was special. He asked, “What is it this time, Olivis?”

The driad smiled slightly and replied, “The same old. I wish to lend you a hand when you face the Valkyrians.”

Valerian replied, “Fine then tell me what is going on here? The movements of the three nations have been controlled but why are the berserker still not stopping? Are they really that brainless?”

Olivis shook his head, he said, “The Valkyrians are people with no system, I have told you that over and over again. You can think of them as a horde of locusts, they, multiply without thinking, and what happens then? Their population outgrows the resources they have to keep the people fed.”

Valerian was surprised and said, “That explains why they are purchasing so much food. What is their capital?”

The other three people nodded and Olivis said, “Valkyria is the land where opium is found. Opium is a weed that can give people a strong sense of intoxication. This plant is usually used by Medicus, however, these days a lot of human nobles are consuming it in replacement of liquor.

There is no major side effect when the dosage is controlled, but it is highly addictive. If the dosage is not controlled, the consumers can die, or worst end up in a vegetative state, where the bodies are immobilized but the brain is active.”

Valerian and the rest leaned back in surprise when Azula said, “Indeed, this weed is in demand with the noble households. A few days ago, a few of the Lumen nobles also made inquiries about it with us. Since this weed is so dangerous, Father, impose a ban on this and assign the authorities to make random checks. If the youth of our nation became addicted to this weed, it will not be good.”

Libra nodded and said, “Do not worry, I will do this in court today.”

.....

Valerian sighed and said, “So, in short, the people are simply struggling to live on sparse resources. But as you said, if they have opium to trade for food, then why the rabid attacks of plunder? Something is off. Olivis, either you give it to me or you get lost. I am done playing mind games.”

Libra and the rest shivered when the boy talked to a Magical like that but surprisingly, Olivis chuckled and his ethereal voice echoed, “You sure are sharp as ever. The thing is that the opium poppy they found is naturally cultivated, however, now with the merchants charging them a high amount of it, the natural reserve will not last for long. So, the Emperor of the berserker is in a panic. That is all.”

Valerian shook his head and said, “Fools, all of them. They did not even think of what will happen if their chaotic nature was out of limits. Such shame.”

Olivis nodded and asked, “So what do you want to do?”

Valerian replied, “What else can I do? Go and find their emperor for a word of wisdom. If he understands the human tongue, then fine, if he does not then I will pound wisdom in his thick skull. Morons.”

He was enraged to think that the opponent was a fool. Olivis nodded and said, “I can help you go there right away.”

Fortuna shook her head and interjected, “Forget it, we will find our own way. Now that you are done passing the information. You may leave.”

That said Fortuna stood up from the ground and opened her mouth to yawn, while she revealed her gruesome fangs. Olivis also stood up and bowed to the people before he walked up to a tree in the garden and placed his palm on it.

Valerian asked, “If you could have come inside through the trees, why did you appear outside?”

Olivis replied, “I should not disrespect, His Excellency by barging into his palace, should I?”

The young boy nodded, and then he watched Olivis merge with the tree and vanish from the place. The other three people were still somewhat surprised by what just happened. Libra hurriedly left the place with a quick step to deal with the issues of the court, and Azula asked her mother, “Your Excellency, I noticed that when that Driad paid respects to Fortuna, you were not fazed. Your youngest child will never tell me anything so you better not keep me out of this loop.”

Her tone was firm and she was almost on the verge of throwing a princess tantrum, when, Fragrantis shook her head and beckoned her to come close. Then she whispered the truth about Fortuna into her ears.

Azula was stunned, she did not expect this to be the truth even in her wildest dreams. Fragrantia did not say anything else and walked away. How to cope with the situation was left for the princess to decide, it was better that she found out sooner than later. The delay will only make the shock deeper.

...

Valerian and Fragrantia were walking together when the lady asked, “How will you deal with the people in the Valkyria? You cannot just waltz in front of their Emperor.”

Valerian nodded and said, “I have researched, these berserks follow the stronger person, I will go and challenge the small leaders, and then I will find an audience with the Emperor of the Valkyrians.”

Fragrantia said, “You are not being efficient. This cycle of fights will leave you exhausted. However, since all you want is an audience with the Emperor of the berserks, there is a chance you can do it in six months.”

Valerian raised his brows and the lady said, “Every ten years, the emperors of the five nations meet at the peak of the tallest mountain on the western continent. This place is called triumph peak. This meeting is to decide which nation has the strongest champion in the continent. Last time, Libra won the face-off by a margin. What do you think?”

Valerian was surprised and had a lot of questions but then he put them all to the side and said, “Fine, I will participate in the battle. Also, ask the first prince to come over, he will be representing Sapientia, and he needs to toughen up and train.”

Fragrantia smiled jovially and said, “If you can teach him, I will bake a lavender cake for you, personally.”

The boy stretched his hand and said, “You got a deal.”

Fragrantia loved her children, but she was very happy at the imagination of how her oldest was going to struggle with his life when met with this youth. She was looking forward to the following days.