Chapter 125: Subject Kingdom (part 1)
"Prepare a message to the Kingdom of Erevaris."
Aldric's brow furrows slightly. "Your Majesty?"
Edric meets his advisor's gaze. "Inform them that we, the Kingdom of Valgros, seek to become a subject kingdom under their rule. We acknowledge their strength and wisdom, and in these dire times, we believe unity is our best path to survival."
The Advisor hesitates for a moment, then bows deeply. "As you command, Your Majesty. I will ensure the message is dispatched immediately."
----
In his working chamber, King Alix stands before a large map of the realm, his piercing gaze scanning the territories. A soft knock interrupts his contemplation. The door opens, revealing Sissari, the Minister of Foreign Affairs—a three-eyed, serpent-like being whose movements are fluid and hypnotic.
"Your Majesty," Sissari begins, her voice smooth and measured, "the Raltheon Kingdom has sent word. They accept becoming our subject kingdom."
Alix raises an eyebrow, a hint of surprise flickering across his face. "Oh? I expected them to resist until the end. This is unexpected."
Sissari inclines her head slightly. "Indeed, Your Majesty. However, considering the circumstances, perhaps they see the wisdom in aligning with us."
Alix nods thoughtfully. "Perhaps. Bridging the divide between humans and monsters will take time. Their submission may ease this transition."
"You are correct, Your Majesty," Sissari agrees. "Historically, humans in this world have enslaved monsters. Overcoming such deep-seated prejudices will be challenging."
Alix's expression hardens with resolve. "We must guide them toward a new understanding. Go to the King of Raltheon. Explain what it means to be a subject kingdom under Erevaris."
Sissari bows deeply, her serpentine form undulating gracefully. "As you command, Your Majesty. I shall depart at once."
---
As the sun begins its descent over Eldoria, the capital city of the Raltheon Kingdom, a remarkable sight unfolds in the sky. A carriage, drawn by flaming, monstrous horses, soars gracefully above the rooftops, casting an ethereal glow over the cobblestone streets below.
At the reins are two imposing figures: Grixx, a formidable lizardman, and an ogre whose massive frame exudes strength. Inside the carriage sits Sissari, her presence both commanding and enigmatic.
The citizens of Eldoria pause in their daily routines, their gazes fixed skyward, mouths agape in astonishment.
"By the gods, do you see that? A carriage... flying!" exclaims a merchant, his hands trembling as he shields his eyes from the sun.
"Never in my life have I witnessed such a marvel," murmurs a scholar, clutching his scrolls tighter. "Not even the Valgros Kingdom possesses such wonders. Is this truly possible?"
A young boy tugs at his mother's sleeve, his eyes wide with wonder. "Mama, look! The horses are on fire, but they don't burn up!"
His mother, equally captivated, nods slowly. "It's as if the legends have come to life before our very eyes."
As the carriage glides closer to the palace, the crowd's murmurs grow louder, a mixture of awe and apprehension.
"Who could command such power?" a blacksmith wonders aloud, wiping soot from his brow.
The floating carriage descends gracefully, coming to a halt before the grand entrance of the royal palace. Guards stationed at the gates exchange uneasy glances, their hands instinctively tightening around their spears. The citizens maintain a respectful distance, their collective breath held in anticipation of what this unprecedented arrival portends for the future of the Raltheon Kingdom.
In the grand throne room of Raltheon's palace, King Edric sits upon his ornate throne, the weight of recent decisions evident in his posture. The chamber is adorned with intricate tapestries and gilded columns, reflecting the kingdom's storied history.
A herald's voice echoes through the hall, breaking the contemplative silence.
"Your Majesty, the Minister of Foreign Affairs from the Erevaris Kingdom has arrived."
The massive doors swing open, revealing Sissari, flanked by two imposing figures clad in resplendent gold armor. Edric's gaze immediately fixes on the soldiers, recognizing their formidable presence.
Two tier 5 monsters, he muses internally, the magnitude of their power, is greater than he expected.
Sissari advances with a fluid grace, her movements almost hypnotic. Stopping a respectful distance from the throne, she offers a slight bow, her elongated form undulating subtly.
"Greetings, King of the human kingdom," Sissari intones, her voice smooth and measured. "I am Sissari, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Erevaris. I come to elucidate the terms of your kingdom's new status as a subject under Erevaris."
King Edric straightens, his expression a blend of resolve and curiosity. "We are prepared to listen, Minister Sissari. Please, proceed."
Sissari's three eyes focus intently on Edric. "As a subject kingdom, Raltheon will retain internal autonomy, governing its people and managing domestic affairs without interference. However, in matters of defense and foreign policy, alignment with Erevaris is imperative. Our enemies will be your enemies; our alliances, yours."
Edric nods slowly, absorbing the implications. "And our military forces?"
"Your army will integrate with ours during times of external threat, operating under unified command to ensure cohesive strategy and execution."
The king's fingers drum lightly on the armrest. "Tributes?"
"A yearly contribution will be required to support the collective strength of our alliance. This may be in the form of resources, troops, or other assets deemed valuable."
Edric's gaze shifts to the golden-clad guards. "And the presence of the monsters within our borders?"
Sissari's tail flicks slightly. "Citizens of Erevaris are permitted to travel freely throughout your cities."
Edric's jaw tightens. "And if these... citizens commit crimes on our soil?"
"Well, you have the right to detain them," Sissari concedes, "but they must be transferred to Erevaris authorities for trial and sentencing."
The king's knuckles whiten as he grips the armrest. "So, justice is to be outsourced?"
"It is a measure to ensure fairness and prevent potential biases, given the historical tensions between our peoples," Sissari replies smoothly.
Edric exhales sharply, the weight of concession pressing heavily upon him. "Is there more?"
Sissari's eyes narrow slightly. "Yes. His Majesty requires the immediate emancipation of all monster slaves within your kingdom."