"Her Majesty would like to see Sedyon as part of Avalonia," Julia said with a strong and imposing tone, smiling softly at Adam. She behaved as if they were discussing something over a peaceful tea, though her words were somewhat sharp and direct.
Furrowing his brows, Adam didn't immediately respond to Julia, who patiently waited. He glanced at Amarantha out of the corner of his eye, who appeared slightly annoyed, but upon catching Adam's gaze, she smiled gently at him.
Taking charge of the situation, Adam sighed and asked, "While this is quite interesting, I am more curious to hear the reason why Her Majesty wishes to incorporate my city into Avalonia."
Leaning back in his chair, Adam folded his hands on his chest, looking pensive and carefree. His mind, however, was fully engaged, and his eyes tirelessly tracked every movement in the room.
Julia didn't show any displeasure and smiled with a soft and carefree smile. She gestured for one of the guards to bring papers, then handed Adam an envelope.
"A letter... with Avalonia's emblem?" Adam raised an eyebrow and sighed, realizing the gravity upon seeing the name on the envelope, which read: "From Elizabeth."
Opening the letter, Adam narrowed his eyes as he read the rather lengthy monologue. [The letter is addressed to the Mayor of Sedyon, Adam Harris, also recognized as a modern genius.
The sky these days is peaceful and clear, and despite the great sacred war against the vile elves in an attempt to preserve Avalonia's territorial integrity, I cannot help but admire the beauty of nature. My desire to protect my country increases with each passing second and every breeze.
Sir Adam, I believe you have already read my letter and understood my intentions. The Great I is a person of my word and is ready to collaborate with the city of Sedyon and with you. My words are sincere and filled with good intentions. The Great I is ready to help you achieve freedom from the elves and find freedom through cooperation with my great country, the Sacred Kingdom of Avalonia.
Throughout history, my ancestors have fought for peace and the right to human existence, achieving it through blood and sweat. However, with each passing time, the aggression of other races becomes more persistent, and the Great I doubts that they will want to discuss matters peacefully. For instance, Elfhaven and the Chaos Empire, who only wish to strike us at our throats].
Adam noted to himself the beautiful handwriting of the Queen of Humans, Elizabeth, and her neat writing style. He couldn't help but secretly admire her sophistry. With each paragraph, she convincingly highlighted Avalonia's innocence and the malice of Elfhaven, portraying humans as victims and other races as villains.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtUnder Julia's gaze, Adam refocused his attention on the letter, wishing to quickly find the true purpose behind it. Otherwise, he might drown in the water of reading her letter alone.
[And though the Great I would like to discuss many matters and express myself to a gentleman like Sir Adam, I will be brief and efficiently use our time. My offer is simple – to become a part of the great Kingdom of Avalonia and find yourself in capable hands, where your talent will be valued and utilized to its fullest.
And if you think my assistance ends with protection alone, I regret to disappoint you and then delight you. The Great I wants to see you as my advisor and promises full support from all sides – political, financial, and even moral.
You will receive authority, and I will ensure that within a year, you attain noble status and become engaged to an influential noblewoman from the highest class. The Great I cannot help but acknowledge your achievements in technology and inventions, and your business methods, including what you call a bank, have endlessly amazed and made me dream of possessing a mind as brilliant as yours, Sir Adam.
Either way, the Great I will await your response, even if it is a refusal. Be assured that I will take care to quell the anger of my subordinates in advance, and I apologize on their behalf.
Respectfully,
Her Majesty the Queen, Holy Avalonia, Voice of God, Supreme Mind,
Elizabeth De Lilya Avalonia.]
Closing his eyes, Adam crossed his arms over his chest and pondered, looking intrigued. In short, Her Majesty Elizabeth expressed her desire to take Adam and his city under her vast wings, offered a high position, and promised titles and wealth.
Adam also couldn't help but note her letter's style, where even to someone as ordinary as him, she addressed him in the friendliest and least condescending manner. This automatically earned her extra points for politeness and courtesy, which was a good start for any business, or perhaps even closer, relationship.
However, before responding, Adam turned his head towards Amarantha and smiled, taking her hand and kissing the back of it, gently stroking her palm. "What do you think about this?"
Amarantha's opinion in this matter was crucial, and her experience far outweighed his. Adam saw nothing wrong with asking for her opinion and using her guidance to adjust their future actions.
Seeing Adam's trust, Amarantha smiled happily and shifted her gaze to Julia, who appeared somewhat embarrassed but still awaited the final response from both Adam and Amarantha. However, her gaze stopped on Julia for only a few seconds before glancing over her shoulder and focusing on a large knight in armor, covering his face.
"I think it would be best to discuss this directly with Elizabeth herself," she said cunningly and a burst of magical energy erupted, sending a laser towards the large man.
Julia widened her eyes and leaped towards the laser, crossing her arms on her chest in the shape of an "X."
An explosion followed, and the tent lifted into the air, engulfed in concentrated magical energy. Meanwhile, several hundred knights ran towards the tent, those nearby suffered shallow wounds and injuries.
"Amarantha, your temperament is as fiery as ever," a cold and exquisite voice of a woman with hints of superiority sounded.
Adam disabled his magical shield and squinted his eyes, watching the silhouette emerging from the dust. With each step of the unknown figure, droplets of water appeared, effortlessly extinguishing the fire.
Meanwhile, Amarantha showed no fear or hint of caution towards the unknown person. On the contrary, she smiled brightly, appearing proud and charming simultaneously. "And you're still the same paranoid Elizabeth!" Amarantha laughed, acting like a mischievous young girl playing a prank.
In response to her laughter, a sigh echoed, and the cloud of dust was swept away by a strong wind, revealing a beautiful woman of mature appearance. Her beautiful silver hair fluttered in the air, and her deep blue eyes stared unwaveringly at Adam as if she was looking right through him.
Although Adam didn't sense any trace of magical energy from her, he was certain that this woman couldn't be underestimated. Given the fact that she turned out to be the Queen of Avalonia, it made him remain vigilant.
"It seems Sir Adam is very cautious of the Great I," Elizabeth nonchalantly noted, glancing at Adam without changing her emotions.
Noticing the tension, Amarantha smiled at Adam and took his hands, prompting a slight reaction from Elizabeth – a subtle raise of her eyebrows.
"Adam, even though I despise her manipulative and cunning nature, we both studied at the same academy!" Amarantha smiled and delivered shocking news.
"Uh..." Adam didn't know how to respond and could only nod. Considering the strange environment and the injured knights around, he felt that this wasn't the right place for introductions.
***
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmElizabeth shared his point of view and moved their meeting to a smaller, cozier tent with a more inviting interior. Inhaling the pleasant aroma of cherry tea, Adam tried not to pay attention to the two women who were speaking amongst themselves.
"Let's have some tea, brothers," The guards on both sides shared the same stance, sipping the tea Adam had provided. To ease tensions, Adam also offered tea to the guards.
The men seemed to understand the situation and formed a temporary alliance, not interfering in the conversation between the two women. Adam shook his head and then, out of the corner of his eye, looked at the familiar man who casually drank tea.
"Alexander, what an unexpected encounter," Adam said monotonously, locking eyes with Alexander.
"Cough-cough!" Alexander coughed and averted his gaze in embarrassment. Under Adam's pressure, he finally responded, "Alright, man! I admit, I could have warned you, but I didn't want to risk it, okay? I wouldn't want to end up as the scapegoat if you end up fighting."
Adam disdainfully raised an eyebrow, and the other knights chose not to comment on the situation. Even the once-friendly Richard averted his gaze and sipped tea with an air of importance.
Alexander sighed, set aside the saucer with his teacup, and grabbed his head, muttering, "Darn it, how I hate my curiosity. If I hadn't been tempted by the new amusements of the unknown city, I'd be sitting now surrounded by my wives and concubines, enjoying their touches and caresses!"
"Well, well. And who said you'd be willing to sell your estate just to reach the third and fourth levels of a brothel? Huh?" Adam rolled his eyes, his words capturing the attention of the knights.
One knight, bald with brown eyes, asked with interest, "Sir Adam, I've heard much about your splendid city, but if you don't mind my asking as the mayor of the city... Um... Are there truly high-class brothels and gaming houses there?"
Turning to him with a bright smile, Adam thumped his tea saucer on the coffee table and raised his index finger. "What an excellent question! My friend, I invite you, and all of you, to my wonderful city. I'll even give you discount coupons for all goods and services in the city! He-he"
"Ah, our Sir Adam, so kind! Truly a noble gentleman," a voice full of praise sounded suddenly, and Adam turned to Alexander, who was smiling politely.
"And don't rejoice prematurely. You won't get any discounts," Adam cut off all his hopes, smirking cunningly.
"...".
To be continued...