Looking up at the dense dark clouds overhead and the rumbling thunder within, Bai En had a headache; he clearly didn't want to cause trouble.
As the man in the air prepared to wave his hand down, thunder was drawn and gathered, and three golden patterned spell formations reappeared. Crackling electrical sounds deafened the sky.
Just as the thunder in the sky was about to strike, Bai En spoke again: "I can help your Queen resolve that devil's curse."
Hearing these words, the man suspended in the air paused.
"I'm telling the truth." Bai En showed a sincere smile.
The man in the air dispelled the entire dark cloud and descended from high above, landing in front of Bai En. The man had fluffy, spiky hair, and a deep, long scar ran from his left cheek to his neck.
One of the Spirit Guardians of the Heart Kingdom—Gacha.
Gacha silently stared at Bai En for a moment, then asked, "Intruder, your identity?"
"Bai En Laikester, from the Clover Kingdom."
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Sparse silhouettes of sailboats drifted on the long, blue river, while umbrella-shaped trees stood on the land. Squirrels and birds darted quickly through the forest, and the air was exceptionally rich with magic.
Flying over the vast Boronfrum Forest, a wide island with towering layers of trees and flowing water appeared in Bai En's sight, and he could vaguely see the enormous structure upon it.
That was none other than the capital of the Heart Kingdom, and the place where the Queens of the Heart Kingdom had resided for generations.
"It really is quite different from the capital of the Clover Kingdom," Bai En commented while sitting on his flying broom.
"What is the capital of the Clover Kingdom like?" Gacha paused and asked, "I've never been there."
Bai En shifted his gaze to the person beside him. Unlike Bai En, who was riding a flying broom, Gacha, thanks to being born in this environment rich with natural magic and his precise control over it, was practically moving with the wind, riding on it.
Although Bai En could also do it, wouldn't riding a flying broom still be more comfortable?
It also consumes less magic than wielding a sword-shaped cookware.
"Grand and magnificent. Of course, if you could stand at the top of the Clover Kingdom's capital and look out, you'd see countless houses and buildings, and beyond the architectural district, endless grasslands with dandelions floating about—it's quite breathtaking." Bai En described the scenery of the capital as best as he could from the memories that surfaced in his mind.
"Is that so?" Gacha murmured.
"But actually, I don't really like the capital of the Clover Kingdom." Bai En smiled, and without waiting for Gacha's question, he continued, "Aside from the beautiful scenery, standing at the top of the capital, what you're actually more likely to see are the towering ancient city walls."
"The people within the city walls live in prosperity with tall houses, while the people outside wear tattered clothes and mingle on the streets. It's a place with severe polarization."
Bai En suddenly stopped. "Sorry, I might have said too much."
Gacha looked straight ahead without changing his expression, not finding anything amiss. "It's alright. Everyone is working hard to make their country better. Besides, I heard that since Lord Julius took office, hasn't the Clover Kingdom undergone significant changes?"
"That's true."
The wind rushed by.
"Since you are from the Clover Kingdom, why did you come from the Diamond Kingdom?" After traveling some distance, Gacha again asked about Bai En's purpose.
"I went to the Diamond Kingdom to ask for some information and, incidentally, helped them deal with some trouble."
"Trouble?"
...You should know that ever since Dark Triad usurped power in the northern great nation, they have been actively preparing for war and continuously expanding their territory.
Bai En's words were light, yet seemed very heavy. "The land where devils breed has already given birth to flesh and blood. I imagine it won't be long before sharp claws invade various countries, and the other three kingdoms won't be able to stay out of it."
Gacha frowned, then, after a slight relaxation, continued to ask, "So... are you representing the Clover Kingdom to form an alliance with the Heart Kingdom?"
"No."
Bai En got straight to the point, "I came to the Heart Kingdom for myself, to make a deal with you. And I came secretly, so please don't reveal my information to outsiders."
Gacha turned to look at the mysterious fellow smiling at him, his expression somewhat grave.
From their brief exchange just now, the opponent was definitely not weak. Unknown magic... unknown motive. Was it too risky to just bring him to meet the Queen?
But... as this guy said, their Queen has less than a year left to live... If there's any unusual movement, he must deal with this guy immediately.
Gacha snapped back to reality, his fleeting killing intent receding.
————————————————————
Ascending several steps formed by flowing water, Bai En followed Gacha into the main hall of the Heart Kingdom's capital. The interior was exceptionally spacious, with the faint sound of flowing water. White jade-like floor tiles covered the entire ground, and the stone pillars supporting the palace were carved with ancient patterns.
It was luxurious yet retained a natural aesthetic.
People were already waiting in the hall; the four Spirit Guardians, besides Gacha, stood in two rows, clearly highly vigilant and well-prepared for an intruder like "Bai En."
A giant silhouette of water stood behind the throne. The woman seated on the throne, wearing a golden crown and holding a sun-and-moon staff, was none other than the current Queen of the Heart Kingdom—Lolopechka.
She wore a white gown, her face dignified, and behind her, the tall Water Spirit Undine stood silently, exuding an aura of majesty.
Although he knew that Lolopechka, the Queen of the Heart Kingdom, was merely feigning royal majesty, Bai En decided to be more formal in this setting to avoid unnecessary conflict.
He performed a standard Magic Knights salute and introduced himself to Lolopechka: "From the Clover Kingdom, Magic Knights, Vice-Captain of the Aqua Deer, Bai En Laikester, I greet Your Majesty."
"Magic Knight Vice-Captain?"
Listening to Bai En's introduction, the surrounding Spirit Guardians began to discuss, "Although our Heart Kingdom has always maintained friendly relations with the Clover Kingdom, there's an existing treaty for interactions between us. Today, he just forced his way into our country..."
"Are they preparing for war?"
"Perhaps there are other matters. I heard that the Clover Kingdom recently experienced a major internal strife, and the entire capital suffered severe damage. Perhaps they are seeking assistance."
The chattering voices made the quiet hall noisy.
Lolopechka gently tapped the ground with her sun-and-moon staff. The clanging sound brought the surrounding voices to a halt. Then, she slowly stood up and asked, "You have come..."
Before she could finish her sentence, having only taken two steps, she tripped over her long skirt and fell heavily to the ground.
Bai En was slightly stunned and looked at Gacha beside him, who covered his eyes with his hand, seemingly pretending not to see. The others exchanged glances, their eyes darting, as if to say that this was not the first time such a thing had happened...
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100 POWER STONE = BONUS CHAPTER
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