"What about the cities that you've built? Are you just going to abandon them like that?"
"No, I am not abandoning Orion's Cities. Several capable individuals are in charge of their development, so my absence will only allow them to showcase their potential," Orion responded.
Aegis of the Arctic Deity remained silent, realizing the seriousness of Orion's words. "Okay, then I want to see how long you will last. When you give up, let me know so I can take you out of here as quickly as possible," Aegis of the Arctic Deity responded.
The large pair of slitted golden eyes gradually dimmed within seconds before they vanished.
Orion summoned his miniature mountain and brought a mat and warm, comfy sheets to lie on. As for food, he had a Garden in his possession, so there was no need to worry.
…......
The next day
The Princess of the Garden turned her attention to the side, sensing various familiar auras approaching.
Three figures approached her - High King Eldric and two High Elders, High Elder Larkin and High Elder Finn, all integral members of the High Court tasked with crucial decisions for the Pixie Kingdom.
"Princess," they greeted in unison, bowing respectfully.
Returning the nod, the Princess of the Garden reciprocated their greeting.
"Have the team you sent returned?" she asked curiously.
After receiving the news regarding the arrival of the Four-Eared Elves, she promptly dispatched a team of powerful, well-trained Pixies to investigate, with the agreement of High King Eldric, to gather information about the new race.
High King Eldric shook his head solemnly in response. "That's precisely why we've come to meet with you, Princess. It appears that the team we dispatched has been captured by the Four-Eared Elves."
The Princess of the Garden's expression briefly registered surprise before she nodded in understanding. "Oh! In that case, you don't need to worry. I'll send a message to Queen Selene, and she'll handle the situation, ensuring their safe return to us," she assured them confidently.
High King Eldric and the two High Elders nodded in understanding as if they had already anticipated such an outcome. Although they had received reports of some of the team members being seriously injured, they weren't concerned about their safety, knowing they would be fine. Their worries were directed elsewhere.
"What is it?" The Princess of the Garden asked, her brow furrowing. She sensed that they had another reason for visiting her.
"Princess, we also came to ask if Mr Orion will be visiting the Garden today," High King Eldric asked, his tone hesitant.
He was concerned that Orion might renege on his agreement, especially after revealing sensitive information about the Aegis of the Arctic Deity's identity the previous day.
The High Elders nodded in agreement, sharing similar apprehensions.
Hearing their words, a look of understanding instantly emerged on the Princess of the Garden's expression softened. "You don't have to worry. I can assure you that Orion hasn't backed down on the agreement he made. Since yesterday, he's been with the Aegis of the Deity. Though I'm not sure how long it will take, just be patient until he comes out," she responded, shaking her head.
Then, her gaze shifted to the Divine Essence Lake before her, filled with anticipation.
Meanwhile, upon hearing that Orion had been with the Aegis of the Arctic Deity, High King Eldric and the other High Elders couldn't help but widen their eyes in surprise.
They immediately speculated that Orion was negotiating with Aegis of the Arctic Deity to release their Divine artefacts before bringing them along to ensure a smoother process.
Or, he had a very important personal meeting with the Aegis of the Arctic Deity to attend before returning to the Pixie Kingdom. Regardless of the scenario, they understood that both conclusions were favourable to them, and they immediately felt their hearts put at ease.
"That's all for now, Princess. We'll be taking our leave," High King Eldric said with a respectful bow.
The High Elders followed suit, offering their bows before turning around and leaving.
….....
Village
Village Chief's Compound
"So Orion hasn't yet arrived at the Village?" The Village Chief said with a frown as he looked at Thak, who stood before him. Beside Thak, the Village Chieftess sat, handling some of the affairs that arrived yesterday evening.
Thak nodded. "Yes, Chief. We've sent a few warriors to his home this morning, and they said that Orion had gone to the Garden to take care of some very important matters. However, he hasn't returned since he left home yesterday," he responded.
The Village Chief nodded in understanding. Orion had already informed him beforehand that he had some important matters to handle before fully focusing on the Four-star Vylkr vines. Even though he wasn't aware of what it was, he hadn't expected that it would require his attention for an extended time.
'Is the Princess of the Garden about to give birth?' The Village Chief thought before he shook his head in response. If that were the case, they would have been informed beforehand, as that would be a significant event.
The Village Chief stood up from his seat. "I'll personally go to the Garden and check on his whereabouts. If he's busy, we will proceed as planned to take care of the four-star Vylkr vines. We can't keep waiting and risk the four-star Vylkr vines growing further. You two can continue taking care of the Village while I am away," he responded.
Village Chieftess Zara and Thak nodded in understanding as they watched the Village Chief leave his workroom with a concerned expression.
They were also concerned about the current situation but knew they still had things under control, so they weren't too worried and promptly returned to work.
.....
Third Border City
Garden
The Village Chief entered the Garden and was immediately greeted by a lush expanse of green vegetation, accompanied by the Pixies. Soon, he encountered the Princess of the Garden, who approached him with a warm smile.
