Valerian, The Legendary

236 Discussion Of The Future.

Valerian issued his warning and pacified the group. He was calm and firm in his ideas and Morgana supported him. He spend five days in Centaur with the princess, and finally, after her coronation, he made his way back to the Lumen Imperial Palace.

During these five days, the two people explored and rediscovered the capital of Centaur. A lot of people were surprised when the couple moved through the streets without any entourage and protection. However, the people were also aware that Valerian and Morgana were strong enough to deal with any threats.

This move of theirs won the hearts of the people. Not only did the status and respect of the future Empress was elevated, but the image of the allies was also fortified. Valerian had a sunny smile on his face and acted like a boy in the neighborhood. He helped the elders and played with the children.

After the coronation, he bade farewell to a somewhat reluctant Morgana and left.

...

It has been a few days since the young man returned from Centaur and was having breakfast with his family. Libra said, “The situation around the continent has almost stabilized. However, the Valkyrians are still wishing to go at it.”

Fragrantia nodded and said, “I have also received some reports saying that these berserks are infiltrating the borders of the three nations and attacking any human in sight. This is a rabid act of struggle.”

Azula said, “They have been demanding weapons and healing medicines these days. The merchant caravans were almost held, hostage.”

The three were indulged in a discussion when Valerian asked, “Why do you think they are in such a rush?”

.....

The three stopped talking, they looked at the boy and thought about this question. Indeed now that it was mentioned, there did not seem to be any reason for the Valkyrians to panic. Valerian asked, “Have they been buying food in higher quantities?”

Azula shook her head, her merchant firm was the only one that would deal with the Valkyrians in Lumen, so she was aware of the situation. Suddenly, she mentioned, “When I was trying to procure grains, we received them from the Stella and the Sapientia empire, but there was almost no trade with Centaur. Would it be possible for a centaur merchant firm to be supplying the berserker with grain?”

Valerian shrugged his shoulders and asked, “Even if they were, would the Valkyrians have anything to complete the transaction?”

Suddenly, a soldier walked in and knelt on his knee. He said, “Hail Lumen.”

Libra raised his brows and asked, “What is it?”

The soldier said in a flurry, “Your Excellency, there is a driad who is seeking audience with His Highness Valerian.”

The three people were shocked, they did not expect a Driad to come forward. They cast their gazes at Valerian who sighed and said, “Bring him over through the western gate but make sure that he is not seen by anyone. Humans cannot digest the appearances of the magical easily. And treat him with respect.”

The soldier looked at Libra and the man nodded. The soldier left, he did not mean to disrespect Valerian, but inviting a Magical was a delicate issue. Although the relationship between the two groups was not hostile, it was not friendly either. The magical were elusive, rarely showing up in front of the humans.

Humans had a stigma towards the things they did not understand. This was something that could not be changed all of a sudden. The magicals were strong entities, that could turn living and joyful cities into a mound of corpses and rubbles. This has happened in the past, the mistake was never one-sided.

Fragrantia asked, “What does a magical want to do with you?”

Valerian shrugged his shoulders and said, “Priscilla, call Fortuna over, and tell her that rest time is up.”

He was not going to meet that driad alone, Priscilla nodded and rushed to his room. The boy acted as if nothing happened and continued eating his meal. However, the other three people were not at ease.

Valerian stood up from his chair when he saw a silver tiger walking over with a grumpy expression and said, “Stop slacking, a driad is here, and I am guessing it’s Olivis.”

Fortuna snorted and said, “That pathetic stake of dry wood, if he came to take advantage, I will char him.”

Valerian nodded and ignoring the surprise of the people, he walked along with Fortuna to the western gate. On the way, he said, “Priscilla, have all the people evacuate this area.”

The maid was surprised but she knew that this thing must be kept a secret. The soldiers worked very efficiently, they had just entered the palace from the western gate. Four soldiers surround a figure in black. Valerian looked around and when found that the place was clear, he wanted to dismiss the soldiers, but Libra cut him short.

The three have followed him here. The emperor said, “Whatever you all saw today, must not be mentioned to a single entity. Understand? Tell the rest about it as well.”

The soldiers nodded and they left the place. Valerian looked at the cloaked figure and asked, “How may I help?”

The figure took off the cloak and Fortuna said, “Say wood stick, can you not have someone else come over? I am tired of your face.”

Olivis bowed his head and said, “Greetings, your majesty.”

Fortuna snorted and said, “What do you want?”

The two people, Libra and Azula, were shocked to see how humble this Driad was acting. Olivis stood up and greeted the rest of the people before he said, “Valerian, I have some information for you.”

Valerian nodded and said, “Let us go to the garden, it is easier to talk there.”

Olivis nodded and with Fortuna, they made their way to the garden. Libra moved forward but Fragrantia and Azula were stunned, the Emperor turned around and asked, “What happened?”

Fragrantia looked at Azula and the princess said, “That Driad is someone I recognize. When I was coming back from Acies city, we had camped near the woods, that’s where that driad and his friend met us. This guy had conversed with Valerian in secret there.”

The two elders were surprised and Fragrantia said, “Let’s go and see what he has to say now. The rest is for the later to discuss.”