亚洲综合中美

“Very succulent,” said Elina gently touching her mouth with a handkerchief.

“I second Queen Elina, the dinner was most warming,” added the Emperor as to socialize.

“Glad we have something in common,” returned the Queen rather abruptly. “King Staxius, may I wonder why I was kept in the dark about the Alphia Empire joining the Federation?” the tone used was of malice, she didn’t entertain the idea.

“Do kindly keep thy voice down,” he refuted, “-shouting is all but a fool’s game. As for the alliance, as per Queen Gallienne’s condition and abiding by the power given by the council – I have the right to invite and remove any from the Federation. Let’s not forget who was the creator of our family. The Federation has but one goal, and tis to get stronger using any means. I do suppose Emperor Sultria joining after the war is rather surprising, yet, us not accepting him would be as far worse an insult.”

“Please, that isn’t what I mean,” she said nervously, “-I was merely asking since the Alphia Empire is a powerhouse on their own. Allying with us is most definitely going to have a target drawn on our backs, I wish not for this to divulge into anarchy.”

“Well-grounded reasons,” added the Emperor, “-thou art weary of the Wracia Empire for they hold equal if not, more power than Alphia.”

.....

“Yes, very much so,” she nodded, “-not that I mean anything malicious. As it stands, we’re closest to being hit if ever they decide to go to war.”

“I doubt it will happen so soon,” returned Staxius, the sentence had the crowd face him. “The Wracia isn’t going to fight, not just yet. In the coming weeks, a project will be brought to the Order of Scholars. It’s going to revolutionize the world of Magic as a whole. Don’t forget who thou art dealing with. I’ll make sure we have a decade or two before the possibility of war crosses their mind,” ended, the message assimilated with glee. ‘I can always call for a favor to the Prince.’

“I see,” smiled Elina, “-I suppose the news is to go to the Queen of Hidros?”

“She’s been informed.”

“What of Prince Easel?” asked Elina, “-I heard the prince was to come?”

“He’s at Rosespire for the Queen called an audience,” replied Youst standing in the corner.

“Let’s call it a night.” Goodbyes exchanged; Queen Elina soon took to her chambers for the night.

“What was that about?” asked Eira.

“How long have you been dealing with such a personality?” asked an impressed Xula.

“The years eludes me, Queen Elina is very impulsive and cunning. A double-edged sword that if not guided correctly, could have us sink in an instant.”

“Tis a dangerous game thou art playing, father.”

“I’ll take the words as a compliment,” he returned courteously, “-do get a few hours of sleep – we’re heading out in three hours.”

“This way,” said Arle as she led the way in the manly form.

“Papa, papa, where are you going now?” asked young Lizzie with an unsteady stance.

“Going to work,” he replied with her in arms, “-are you going to miss me?”

“No,” she pouted and faced Xula, “-I have mama and sis.”

“You’ve forgotten me, princess,” interjected the Emperor shyly before leaving the room.

“Oh, not you,” she raised her eyebrows, “-since papa doesn’t like you, I don’t like you either,” she pulled out her tongue, laughter followed after the comical exchange. The door shut behind, Xula and Eira did laugh though the eyes were idle.

“What’s the matter now?”

“Nothing much,” added Xula, “-it’s just that I thought we’d have more time to talk and be a couple.”

“Oh, don’t be that way,” he patted her smooth hair, “-I’ll be back sooner than you know. Be the Queen that everyone needs; didn’t you give me a purpose so many years ago. I think I’ve accomplished the task rather masterfully. Today, it’s my turn to give you a purpose, be the Queen that everyone loves, be the one who holds the continent. Long are the days where blame ailed thee, thy name hath been cleared. I sense doubt in thy word and inquietude in thy step – a clouded heart is as effective as an emotional fighter, inconsistent.”

“Easier said than done,” she whispered.

“Tis the point, what’s the point of a life without adversities.”

“Fine, I understand,” her frown rose to a smile.

“What of me,” interjected Eira, “-where’s my motivational speech.”

“In no way am I going to motivate someone with a clear vision of her future. I already said what was needed,” paused, young Lizzie caught his attention once more, “-there’s one thing you can do,” he pointed, “-Lizzie will be someone to be feared. I want you to be an exemplary older sister, be the one she strives to become, just like you strive to become like me and how I strive to become like my father.”

“Grandfather Tempest, what kind of man was he I wonder?” her mind took to the stars.

“It’s best you not know.”

“I have a question, father.”

“What is it Eira?”

“What of my grandmother, surely she’s alive. I know for a fact that you’ve never said anything of her death – is she ok?”

“I honestly don’t know myself,” the tone fell into woe, “-the only connection I can draw is something to do with the Order. Maybe my sister has an idea, still, I wish not to bother her already tired mind.??

“What of Claudia?” asked Xula, “-I did send an invitation.”

“I doubt she would have come; my older sister isn’t the type of person to partake in such festivities. Her personality is one of minimalism.”

“I have an idea,” spoke Eira, “-if you’d allowed me that is?”

“What is it?”

“I wish to go and find my grandmother; I think it would be best for my eventual growth.”

“I doubt she’ll be of any use, but go ahead,” an hour went by after the exchange. The celebrations on the lower-floors never stopped.

Left to right moved the moon without care for the norm. The bleak night-sky filled with shiny pearls had shooting stars darting across. A stroke of a white brush against a black canvas, a singular moment to make a wish, an example of taking a risk. Life was based on events that could be referred to as those darting lights, one had but a moment to grasp the chance and move.

“What should I use?” stood the King in the center of many luxurious cars.

“I’ve brought them, majesty,” said a voice.

“I see,” holding his chin, the man was in deep thought.

“Are we leaving already?” asked a sleepy Sultria.

“No, not yet,” returned Staxius with a worried tone.

“Did something happen?” asked Arle perturbed by the voice, “-did the transport get cancel?”

“No, nothing light that,” he gestured, “-I’m lost that all.”

“Say what troubles the mind then, we might be able to help,” added Rosetta.

“Well,” he faced the cars, “-I don’t know which one to pick,”

“Seriously?” a laugh escape Sultria’s mouth, he nearly spat water.

“Here,” came Serene with a key, “-take the 8I-T0.”

“Alright,” nonchalant, “-let’s go,” a push had the engine started.

“Impressive,” commented Arle, “-just how much did this cost?”

“No idea, ask Serene,” he said through the opened window.

“I’ve forgotten,” she laughed, “-I didn’t really pay attention to the price when buying. You see, it was meant as a gift for the King since he enjoys cars very much so.”

“F-fair enough,” sat warmly inside the comfortable leather interior, Xula and the others came to say goodbye. A blink later, the 8I-T0 carved through the streets and out onto the main road via Portal. From there on the long drive began.

“King Staxius,” spoke Arle in the front whilst Sultria slept,”-do you mind if we have a conversation?”

“I don’t really mind, go on.”

“It’s about Phantom and Arda. I’ve noticed this more than one time; even with a big and fruitful continent as Alphia, we seem to come into trouble when it comes to finance. How is it possible that you’re able to spend such copious amount in an after-war economy, everything has risen in price, I would say the world is in a recession.”

“I mean, money is all but a relative estimation of what is valuable. Valuable are gold and precious stones. There are other factors that we need not concern ourselves. As you know, the new currency system is backed by gold. Gold of which we have plenty. Question about how Phantom is so wealthy; in honesty, I have no idea how much we’re worth at the moment. I can but give a rough estimate in gold-coins, which would be in the millions even billions considering the business. I can safely say that Phantom is one of the richest businesses out there. We’ve also more than a great deal of money invested as stock and as shares in big-name companies. Meldorino is an example, the brand is prominent as luxury clothes and jewelry. Very popular and sought after in the after-market. Phantom privately owns 30% of their company. I’m telling you this because it’s knowledge known to the public.”

“Not that I understand the premise, I ought to be grateful for the information.”

“I wouldn’t worry,” he smiled.

“Thank you for entertaining my request.”

‘We’re only starting. I heard the news that Cake is planning to buy more than 75% of Meldorino meaning that we’ll be the new owners. A strong foot in the arm’s business, then the medical and alchemic and now fashion and jewelry. The economy now is the perfect opportunity to plan for the future. Angel Dust and God’s Ale are all but more expensive and sought for – Courtney’s been doing a good job. Phantom, who would have thought the amount of power we would have amassed.’

Driven across multiple terrains, he pulled close to the airfield where waited the jet.

“Boss,” hailed a guard on arrival next to a hangar.

“Hey, how’s the jet, where are the pilots?” asked through the lowered window, the visage all but sent a chill down the guard’s back.

“We got the news of thy arrival from lady Cake. Everything should be ready.”

“Good, do tell the pilots to be ready.”

“Before that, boss, I must add something.”

“What is it?”

“Lady Cake told me to relay this message, ‘-return to Rotherham first,’ that’s about it.”

“Return to Rotherham, sure.”

.....

“Wake up,” elbowed to her side, Arle jumped, “-have Sultria wake up. I’ll go check on something.” Parked neatly in an open space, he got out to spot two figures having a meal on benches.

“It’s you two,” he said peering over, “-what are you doing here?”

“Majesty,” they were the drivers from earlier, “-we’re waiting for the transport as you said.”

“Oh, I apologize,” he handed the key, “-here, take her back after you’re done.”

“Thank you, majesty.”