Chapter 789 Wait By The Bridge
''During the Great War of Avidia where nearly every power on the southern continent was embroiled in a horrifying war,'' Maria spoke while leading them to a bench before continuing her story.
''I was part of a small kingdom known as Arindale, which bordered the Whispering Wave Sea, but one day, our neighbor invaded and killed the royal family, forcing the surviving people to flee, and that's when your representative appeared and told us about the Al-Maseeh At-Tinyan who is the coming savior who will save us, and that's when decided to join your kingdom,'' Maria concluded.
Archer nodded in understanding, ''It's good you're alive and well in Draconia. We need more people like you.''
When he said that, the older woman's eyes gleamed with devotion as she bowed again, causing Kassandra and Leira to giggle at the worshipper's reaction. After that, Archer asked about the harbor, and Maria took them on tour.
She showed them the many warehouses that lined the shoreline, where merchants and trading companies could store their goods before heading to the island's Draconian Markets. Still, they had to rent out the spaces, which brought in another income for the kingdom.
Maria told the trio that the Draconian Government had started building several port cities to accommodate the constant incoming trade from other nations. Afterward, the older woman had to return to her post after saying farewell to the three before rushing off.
Once she was gone, Archer and the two girls searched for Ella, Teuila, and Halime, heading toward Stormwatch Port City. The three walked down the streets until they reached the western gate.
The trio stepped through the gate and walked west until they reached a bridge, passing by another city being constructed on their way to meet the three ladies. Kassandra and Leira looked around and realized they were standing near a large, well-made stone bridge.
Leira glanced at it and spoke, ''Who built the bridge Arch? It's much better than the ones in the empire.''
Archer nodded, ''The Second Legion built it along with most of the bridges,'' he said, pointing behind them at the fort in the distance. ''They also built the forts that guard the kingdom.''
''Why do you let your soldiers build stuff? Aint they used for fighting and defending the kingdom?'' Kassandra questioned.
''Bored soldiers get bad ideas,'' he replied. ''So I put them to work building stuff for the kingdom to keep them occupied when they're not training.''
After the three spoke for a little longer, Archer suggested they all relax on the nearby grass beside the bridge. The gentle breeze carried the scent of wildflowers and the distant sound of flowing water from the nearby river.
The trio lay in comfortable silence, enjoying the moment's tranquility after a long day of exploring the kingdom. Leira leaned back against a small knapsack she pulled out of her storage ring, and her eyes closed as she soaked in the last rays of sunlight.
While the cat girl relaxed, Kassandra idly plucked blades of grass. Archer sat upright, his gaze scanning the horizon. He caught sight of the carriage they were waiting for in the distance, its wheels kicking up dust as it approached.
He jumped up, catching the two girls' attention, causing Leira to ask as she sat up and stretched, ''Are the others here?''
Archer nodded, ''Yeah, they are about ten minutes away,'' he replied. ''We should wait by the bridge.''
The two agreed, and they went to the bridge to wait for the carriage, which soon stopped halfway. Archer saw the door fling open as Ella stepped out first, followed by Halime, Teuila, Aisha, and Meera.NneÌw n0vel chapters are published at novelhall.com
When Archer saw the queen and his prime minister, a smile lit up his face, causing Kassandra to comment, ''So this is the famous Aisha that the girls speak of.''
''I must admit she is beautiful. The others were right when we spoke about her,'' Leira said while staring at the approaching group.
''Banished?'' Archer inquired.
Demacia answered, ''Our group joined sides with the Swarm after being promised many things, and when I brought you up, Mother attacked, but I managed to escape with the help of Big Sister.''
When hearing this, Archer asked, ''How many of you are there?''
''Twelve more sisters are lost on Pluoria,'' Demacia answered with a sad smile.
Archer nodded and closed his eyes before summoning thousands of Shadow Creatures and ordering them to find the Necromancer women on the continent. After speaking, they vanished once he opened a portal to the outside world, leaving only him and the two women.
''What was that?'' Morena questioned with narrowed eyes. ''That was dark magic but none that I've ever felt.''
He shrugged before transforming into his Shadow Prince form, which towered over the two women and intimidated Demacia. Still, Morena stood firm as she nodded in approval, ''I feel the power radiating from you, but you're still not as strong as me.''
Archer chuckled, which sounded eery and sent chills running through Demacia's body, causing her to step back. He returned to his humanoid form and scanned the while-haired necromancer.
[Morena]
[Rank: Sovereign Mage]
[Level: 789]
''Oh, you're strong, Morena,'' Archer said. ''Can we fight when I get some free time?''
''Yes, but I want one thing in return,'' the older woman replied. ''I want a laboratory and corpses to work on.''
Archer's eyebrow raised, ''And what do you need these for?''
''To create powerful undead units for your army,'' Morena instantly answered. ''Dem told me you're a king and have made some powerful enemies.''
His eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly composed himself and nodded. "What do you want in return?" he asked.
"Your babies," came the unexpected reply.
This statement caught them off guard, prompting Demacia to whirl around to face her sister. "What are you asking? He has women who won't allow that," she demanded.
"Shut up, sister," snapped Morena. "I want to hear his answer."
Archer regarded the peculiar woman with a neutral expression as if she were making an everyday request like borrowing a cup of sugar. "Why do you want my babies? I must admit, it's an interesting request," he questioned.