Word count: 2600 words
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*Holy Kingdom*
A thick tension settled over the stone hall, one that even the rays of sunlight filtering through the stained glass could not dispel.
Inside, seated upon a modest throne more symbolic than imposing, Queen Calca Bessarez delicately skimmed through the parchment in her hands.
She wore a gentle frown, the only sign of her internal unease.
Beside her, standing like a restless blade, was Remedios Custodio, still donned in her full plate armor, her crimson cape swaying slightly as she shifted her weight.
Across the long stone table sat Gustav Montagnes, head priest and the queen's close advisor. His fingers tapped the parchment before him with a measured pace, his brow furrowed in thought.
Several other noble officials and priests flanked the room, but their presence was drowned by the subject's weight.
"We have received word from the delegation sent to attend the new Queen's wedding in Re-Estize," Gustav said finally, his voice calm but carrying weight.
Queen Calca set the parchment aside and looked toward him. "Your thoughts, Gustav?"
"The man, this 'Meliodas,' seems unremarkable. According to our envoys, he does not command the room like a noble, nor does he possess an air of divine charisma or strength."
"So he's a puppet," Remedios scoffed. "The real power lies with the queen."
Gustav gave a slow nod. "I suppose. It appears his subordinates, or perhaps one should say followers, are the true issue. While none of their strengths could be confirmed exactly, the descriptions place multiple individuals near the level of Gazef Stronoff, they even recruited Brain Unglaus."
The room fell quiet.
Even the more politically minded nobles in attendance could grasp the weight of that statement.
One man such as Brain who was compared to Gazef could shift a battlefield. But several? That could shake a nation.
Queen Calca folded her hands gracefully, her expression composed. "...And yet we know so little. We cannot even confirm how many such warriors they possess?"
"Unfortunately, no," Gustav replied. "Our envoys were kept under tight supervision. Even the banquet was heavily regulated. There is reason to believe the Queen of Re-Estize, now wife to this Meliodas is complicit in shielding information."
"Tch... I don't like it," Remedios growled. "Stronoff was already a freak of nature, when he was alive that is. If they've got more like that..." Informations about Gazeff's dead were spread already.
"Then Re-Estize is no longer a nation to look down upon," Gustav interrupted gently, adjusting his glasses. "They may have been the weakest among the four great human nations... but that may no longer be the case."
A middle-aged noble to the side leaned forward, brow sweating. "What of the Angelia Mountains? The Empire has begun mining operations... were they really able to clear that region alone?"
Gustav turned his eyes toward the noble. "The reports suggest a rapid takeover. Far too rapid. Hundreds, if not thousands, of high-level monsters vanished overnight. There was no siege. No prolonged campaign. Simply... cleared."
"That's insane!" Remedios snapped. "Even with our paladin order at full strength, that would've taken months! How can we just sit here?"
Queen Calca shook her head slowly.
"Because we cannot afford to do otherwise," she said, voice tinged with the weight of reality. "The Holy Kingdom is still in a tough position. Nobles are having second thoughts. We do not have the luxury of envying others' gains."
Her calm, steady tone silenced the rest of the room.
Gustav exhaled quietly, folding his hands in front of him. "Indeed. It would be unwise to provoke or challenge the Baharuth Empire over mineral rights in the Angelia region. Even the Slane Theocracy and Re-Estize have remained silent, which tells us all we need to know."
Remedios scowled but said nothing further. Deep down, even she understood. They were in no position to complain.
The Queen continued softly, "Our priority remains on ensuring our people survive the winter. Should this Meliodas and his Queen be hostile to us, we must ensure we do not provoke them. If they are not... then perhaps a cordial relationship may prove fruitful."
"Even so," Gustav added, "I advise sending observers. Not spies, but open ambassadors. We must not remain blind to this rapidly changing political landscape."
There were murmurs of agreement. The nobles were uneasy, but there was truth in Gustav's words.
Re-Estize had changed. And the Holy Kingdom, battered as it was, could not afford to be caught unaware again.
Queen Calca leaned back in her seat, her golden eyes thoughtful. 'Who are you really, Meliodas?'
*Change of POV*
In the sanctified halls of the Slane Theocracy, the Supreme Executive Council convened to deliberate on recent geopolitical developments. The council, comprising the Six Cardinals and other high-ranking officials, gathered around a grand circular table, each member representing a facet of the nation's divine governance.
Cardinal Raymond Zarg Lauransan, commander of the Six Scriptures, initiated the discussion. "The union between Queen Renner of Re-Estize and Meliodas, the headmaster of the Obsidian Chains, is more than a matrimonial alliance. It signifies a consolidation of power that could disrupt the balance we've maintained."
Cardinal Berenice Nagua Santini of the Fire sect added, "The establishment of an Obsidian Chains base within the Baharuth Empire, sanctioned by Emperor Jircniv, further extends their influence. This triad of power between Re-Estize, Baharuth, and the Obsidian Chains could pose a significant threat if left unchecked."
Cardinal Zinedine Delan Guelfi of the Water sect expressed concern, "Yes, and the rapid clearance of the Angelia Mountains, a feat previously deemed insurmountable, suggests the involvement of strong forces, likely the Obsidian Chains. Their capabilities warrant closer scrutiny."
Cardinal Yvon Jasna Delacroix of the Light sect pondered, "While Meliodas remains human and his actions currently benefit humanity, we must remain vigilant. Should his power grow unchecked, we must be prepared to act discreetly to preserve our interests."
At that moment, a messenger entered, bowing deeply. "Esteemed council members, I bring urgent news. The item Downfall of Castle and Country was deployed against a powerful vampire. The creature is now in a state of neutrality, attacking any who enter its vicinity."
Cardinal Maximilian Oreio Lagier of the Darkness sect leaned forward, "This development is troubling. The vampire's indiscriminate aggression poses a threat to all if it is deemed necessary to use that on it. We must monitor the situation closely and consider containment strategies to prevent further escalation."
Cardinal Dominic Ihre Partouche of the Wind sect concurred, "We must assess the implications of this incident and ensure that our use of World Items does not inadvertently endanger humanity."
The Pontifex Maximus concluded, "Our vigilance must not waver. We shall continue to assess these unfolding events and respond in accordance with the preservation of humanity."
*Obsidian Chains, Baharuth Empire*
The meeting room of obsidian chains was unusually quiet, despite being filled with some of the most brilliant and powerful minds in the world.
A long oval table stretched across the room, at its head sat Meliodas, the King of Re-Estize and the mysterious Headmaster of Obsidian Chains.
To his right sat Makima, eyes calm, unreadable. Ayanokoji rested his chin on his hand, observing everything with surgical interest. Senku was slouched slightly forward, his sharp, calculating eyes gleaming with curiosity. Yoriichi, serene and composed, emanated a quiet strength, while Brain Unglaus sat near the end of the table.
Meliodas raised his gaze, and Makima nodded slightly, recognizing the cue.
"My lord," she began smoothly, her voice calm yet commanding. "The vampire Shalltear Bloodfallen has been located. She is indeed in a state of artificial neutrality, the result of a powerful World Item. According to my agents, she attacks anything that enters her range without hesitation, almost like a mindless puppet."
Meliodas leaned back into his chair, an amused grin playing across his face. "So it's confirmed… This is our chance. She's out of Ainz's control, which means his defenses are weakened. He'll have to deal with that eventually."
Brain narrowed his eyes. "But you said that she is very strong, right? If we step into her range—"
"We don't," Meliodas interrupted. "Not yet. We're not going to poke the bear. But this opens the path for us to make contact with Ainz since he's… preoccupied. If we can give him his vampire back without killing her, I'm pretty sure that would open a path for us to have future interactions."
Makima tilted her head. "Shall I send emissaries to the great tomb of Nazarick? Or would you prefer we approach indirectly through diplomatic channels? It's true that we still have not located their tomb yet but we have a rough estimate."
Meliodas waved a hand. "No, that would raise too much suspicion he might refuse to talk to us in his current weakened state. I have a better idea, we will request The Dark Warrior Momon, once he's here I will talk to him."
When Meliodas announced that, his system gave him a new mission.
[MEET AINZ OOAL GOWN WITHOUT DYING]
[REWARD: A RANK SUMMON]
'Nice.' If he showed no hostility to Ainz it was guaranteed he couldn't die. Ainz was a reasonable logical person after all.
Ayanokoji finally spoke, his tone as analytical as ever. "You wish to provoke a reaction. To gauge his willingness to negotiate… or fight."
Meliodas grinned at him. "Exactly."
Turning back to Makima, he said, "Your next mission is to form a contract with Queen Renner. You and Tatsumaki are our biggest powerhouses, and we can't risk your safety. So make a contract that redirects all damage done to you two onto the citizens of Re-Estize."
There was a moment of silence.
Brain looked horrified. "Something like this is possible?"
Makima merely smiled, cold and precise. "Of course is it possible."
Meliodas then continued. "It is possible, and if you prove yourself, Brain, and get stronger, you might get the opportunity to get yourself a contract too. The possibility of contracts made by devils like Makima are endless. Boosting life spans, immortality, strength boosts, regeneration... you name it."
The idea of a contract giving him a few additional decades or centuries to live made Brain almost cry tears of joy, he could already imagine the level of strength he might reach if he trained his swordsmanship for like 200 hundred more years... 'I need to get myself a contract!' Brain made up his mind.
Meliodas's smile faded. His voice was low, but firm. "I will protect what is mine and all of you are mine. If it comes at the cost of other people's lives then I could not care less."
Reluctantly, Senku leaned back. "Kinda feels wrong, but… logically sound."
Makima nodded. "I'll begin the contract work immediately."
Meliodas looked at her then, his expression softening just slightly. "Oh and also Makima… you've done well. But your time as leader of Obsidian Chains is over."
A lingering silence followed Meliodas's last statement. All eyes turned toward Makima.
For a heartbeat, nothing moved.
Then Makima blinked.
Only someone like Ayanokoji or perhaps Yoriichi could catch the faintest shift in her expression. Her lips remained curled in their usual relaxed, almost amused manner, and her posture was as perfect as ever. But her golden eyes betrayed… something.
A flicker. Like a puppy left out in the rain.
"My Lord," she began in her usual monotone, bowing slightly. "If this decision was due to any failure on my part, I humbly request another opportunity to prove my worth. I can do better. Please…"
A moment of heavy silence.
Makima lowered her head a little more. The tip of her nose nearly touched the table. "…Forgive me."
Meliodas blinked. Then scratched the back of his head, laughing a little awkwardly.
"Huh? No, Makima, you didn't mess up at all," he said, waving a hand. "Honestly, if I ranked the most reliable people here, you'd be first. By a long shot."
Makima's head lifted a fraction, though her expression remained unreadable. "Then… why remove me?"
"I need you close. With all the crap that's going to start happening soon, I need strong people by my side." Meliodas continued, "If you're stuck managing an organization, you won't be free to watch my back. That's why. Not punishment, just prioritization."
A long silence followed.
Then, in a strangely mechanical motion, Makima placed a hand on her chest and slowly, subtly… pouted.
"…Understood. I will protect you with all I have," she replied, tone still cold, but somehow… a bit more melancholy. "Though I do hope you still value me, even if I'm not given authority."
"Value you?" Meliodas laughed. "You're basically my cheat code!"
Makima blinked once. Then twice. The pout disappeared instantly, like it had never been there. "I see. Then I accept your decision with gratitude, my Lord."
"Good girl."
Makima tried to not react at all to the praise. But anyone paying attention would've noticed. If she had a tail, it would probably be wagging.
From his corner, Brain leaned over to Ayanokoji and whispered, "Did she just… get sad?"
"She did," Ayanokoji replied.
"…That was terrifying."
Yoriichi smiled quietly. "Even gods have their favorites."
Meliodas turned to Ayanokoji. "From now on, you're in charge. Fully. All operations go through you. But you answer to me."
Ayanokoji nodded once, unsurprised. "I will handle it."
"Since you are an important figure in the organization, I will assign Hisoka for your protection, and both Senku and Robin as your assistants." Meliodas explained.
Senku blinked. "Was that always the plan?"
"Eventually," Meliodas replied. "Ayanokoji's mind is built for command and manipulation. Makima excels in obedience and execution. Now, let's move forward."
He turned to Senku next. "You're up. We're going to build public bus stations in Re-Estize. In the noble district, the commoners' square, and also near the outer slums. Get the blueprints ready and the budget approved."
Senku's eyes lit up. "Public transportation? Oh, now this is something I can get behind! Are we talking combustion, mana, or magic crystals?"
"Use mana-infused engines for now. Make it affordable, not flashy," Meliodas replied. "If it works and we turn a profit, we'll expand into Baharuth, our allies… and eventually into other countries."
Ayanokoji glanced at Senku. "You plan to use this as an intelligence network too right? Information will flow where people go."
Meliodas did not think of this, he just wanted to make money by a new affordable way of transportation, but he decided to play along. "Yeah..."
Senku smirked. "Oh, now you're speaking my language. With my help, there is a 10 billion chance of success!"
Meliodas stood, resting his hands on the table. "Great, this meeting is over. Keep it the same it has been so far everyone."
The room stood with him, and one by one, they nodded.
Makima left first, already preparing to contact the queen. Ayanokoji lingered a moment, calculating routes of influence. Senku began muttering formulas to himself. Yoriichi offered a soft bow before silently vanishing. Brain remained seated a moment longer before joining his training with Yoriichi.
TO BE CONTINUED --->
Hey everyone! Author here.
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