Brie and Sora did their best to hide their feelings as the backlash from the Council continued.
"Brats taken down several of the dungeons in the werewolf territories too. Lots of angry werewolves complaining they can't find a decent job because this party takes all the good ones," Fenrir said calmly.
"The human kingdom has complained of this party and their inability to clear dungeons quickly enough to keep up with any decently ranked job. Sora, I hate to say this, but you and your party need to stop hoarding all the dungeons for yourself," Jackson said.
"Sorry Sora and Brie, but I must also agree with the group. The concept behind the job board's creation was to allow an equal opportunity for adventurers of all races to clear dungeons, earn wages, and rank up. You've created a monopoly of sorts, so if I may, I have a recommendation on a possible solution." Dorian said calmly.
Sora noticed the King's facade fading away. He looked sick, not frail. He wasn't sure how much longer the King could live under these conditions.
"Well, I think Sora should stop clearing dungeons for a few weeks. This way, the council creates a unified announcement. Each representative can communicate to their races stating Master Lockheart and Lady Reinhardt apologize for taking so many of the dungeons and that he's willing to donate some of the rewards to each race."
Azazel grinned and sneered, "He should also have to return the artifacts he stole from my four elemental fiends. I believe that's' the Demon Elemental Whip of Fear. That belongs to me."
"Calm yourself Azazel," the King stated. He started coughing into a handkerchief. Sora noticed the blood. One of the King's guards, a large man, in a full set of armor, walked over and placed his hand on the King's back.
"Thank you, I feel much better. I agree with Dorian. Sora and his party are not to take any jobs on any quest board in any location for three weeks. An additional donation of ultravites to each race would suffice. 5 per each council member? By my count, that's 45 ultravites between the 9 of us." the King said calmly.
"Sounds fair to me, what do you think Sora? I'm sure our party wouldn't mind a break?" Brie finally spoke to the surprise of the Council.
"I agree with Brie, and the rest of you. I apologize for the trouble, that was never my intention." Sora said and pulled out 45 ultravites from his dimensional space. "Here you are, your Majesty."
"Excellent, I believe that settles that. Thank you for understanding Lady Reinhardt and Master Lockheart," the King said. "Also, welcome to our Council Lady Reinhardt. I'm glad Sora has finally chosen such a beautiful life partner and I'm sure you two will do great things together for the council, Exteria, but most importantly, you two will do great things for each other."
"Thank you, your Majesty. I'm happy to be here and I'm glad Sora and I are able to finally let the world know we're happily together." Brie said as she grabbed Sora's hand.
Sora smiled and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I'm lucky to have Brie in my life. Thank you for your kind words."
"See Camilla, I told you it would be Brie, didn't I tell you?" Dorian said.
"Yes, Dorian, but it seems like the King already was well aware before any of us as always," Camilla said with a polite smile.
The King smiled and Sora noticed his large guard had moved behind him and held his hand on the King for a few minutes now.
"Huh. I wonder if he has healing magic or is an Uthra or something?" Sora thought.
"Again, apologies for the trouble." Sora said.
"Rest assured, our party will not take any jobs on any quest board for three weeks. Is there anything else we can help anyone with?" Brie asked politely.
'I'm so glad Brie is here and doing so well. That's the only thing keeping me from completely snapping.'
Sora's insides burned with fury. 'How in the literal hell is this fair? Didn't they create the job board system to encourage Adventurers to rank up?! It's not like we're taking popular dungeons. We're taking high risk dungeons most of the time. This is utter nonsense.'
"You need to relax and calm down," a mysterious female voice played inside his head.
'What the hell is going on here?' Sora thought. He turned to Brie and noticed she also looked confused.
"Neither of you have anything to worry about. The council had to agree with Azazel and the King to not cause any more tension amongst the group. You do not know me, but maybe one day you will. Until then, please, trust the King," the voice stated, as it faded away.
"Well then, I'll send my invitation when it's time. Remember my order: none of you are to do ANYTHING to disrupt the peace between the nations," the King said faintly.
"On your honor," they said in unison. Sora was glad he remembered to tell Brie about that part.
The King got up and left, and Sora grabbed Brie's hand and darted out of the room.
"Brie, you did an amazing job and if you weren't with me, I would have snapped at the Council. Thanks for being you."
"Aw, thank you and you're welcome," she with a giggle.
"I think it's time you and I talk to the group about finding the Monolith," he said gently as he used his hand to brush through her beautiful blue hair.
"A loophole! I love it."
"I'm sorry if I upset you by being so pissed off at the council."
"Don't be sorry babe! It's ok. Azazel is an asshole. So are the werewolves. What do you think will happen when the King dies?" she asked with a smile.
"They'll feel the wrath of the Saviors'," Sora said while he opened the door for Brie.