"We are all aware of whom your first brother is considering picking as his companion, which will, in turn, diminish the strength of the Pixie race—a situation we don't need, especially as we merge with other races in Orion's Cities. Given all this, are you still willing to continue with such a condition?" High King Eldric added, his narrowed eyes remained fixed on Princess Morgana.
"No… Yes…" Princess Morgana began, her gaze falling to the ground as she avoided directly meeting her father's eyes. However, just as she was about to continue, High King Eldric interrupted, "When you are certain about your condition, then we'll revisit this conversation again. For now, let's return to the palace and host a feast to celebrate your victory in obtaining the Divine artefacts," he said, snorting in response as he turned around and flew off toward the canopy palace, with the guards nearby accompanying him.
Princess Morgana bit her lip upon hearing her father's words. She had no response to his question as she watched him turn around and fly off into the distance. Her shoulders slumped as she sighed.
The High elders and the elders briefly lingered on Princess Morgana before they turned around and soared into the sky, following High King Eldric.
Prince Bran, Princess Kelani, and the other princes and princesses also cast a fleeting gaze toward Princess Morgana as they turned around and took off into the sky.
"Come on, this isn't the right place to get lost in your thoughts. Let's return to the castle so we won't be late for the celebration," Prince Alden said, taking his sixth sister's hand as he spread his wings and hovered above the ground.
Princess Morgana nodded timidly at his words. She spread her wings and took off into the air, beside him toward the castle's direction.
From her father's response, she could tell that although he did not oppose her decision, he was torn between keeping the royal family's bloodline pure or accepting her condition. So, if she wanted him to accept her decision, she would need to devise a more convincing reason for him.
...…..
Third Border City
After informing his wives about the Vylkr veil phenomenon, calming them down, and assuring them of their safety, Orion immediately headed towards the Third border city to see what the lands outside Aegis of the Arctic Deity's barrier looked like.
As he arrived at the Third border city, he immediately noticed Stronghold Leaders Zogar and Seth and landed beside them.
Stronghold Leaders Zogar and Seth also sensed Orion's arrival.
"You're finally here. Stronghold Leader Zogar has briefed me on everything that transpired while I was absent. However, he seems intent on keeping the Healers Association's discovery a secret. I need confirmation if the discovery is truly dangerous enough to be hidden from even one of the key leaders," Stronghold Leader Seth asked, fixing his gaze on Orion with a questioning look.
Orion shifted his attention towards Stronghold Leader Zogar, curious as to why he had informed Stronghold Leader Seth about the matter in the first place.
Stronghold Leader Zogar noticed Orion's questioning gaze and quietly wore an expression that seemed to say, 'I had no choice,' before showing a weary expression.
Orion exhaled and refocused on Stronghold Leader Seth, who had observed their silent communication but pretended not to notice.
Orion nodded, "Yes, the discovery made by the Healers Association is too important and dangerous to be revealed to anybody else. So, until it is ready, the Village Chief has decided to keep it under wraps for now."
Hearing Orion's firm response, Stronghold Leader Seth glanced between him and Stronghold Leader Zogar briefly before he exhaled tiredly, "Fine. Though I am curious about what kind of discovery it is if it needs to be so securely guarded, I'll set my curiosity aside for now and wait until it's time for its revelation," he responded.
Orion and Stronghold Leader Zogar inwardly exhaled in relief, knowing things would get difficult if Stronghold Leader Seth decided to push further with his questions.
"I was thinking about looking at those strange Vylkr vines that have suddenly started appearing nearby. Now that you're here, why don't we look closer?" Stronghold Leader Seth said, his attention shifting through the inky, dark, smoke-like mist towards the bizarre Vylkr vines rapidly growing from the scorched area where the molten lava had just swept over.
He had wanted to investigate them but chose to wait until the Village Chief and the others returned. After hearing Stronghold Leader Zogar's explanation of his current observation, he was more interested in discovering their capabilities and unique taste. Since they were Vylkr vines, they could also eat them, right?
"Isn't that risky? The Vylkr blade vines might not pose much of a threat, but the Vylkr wraith vines could be the most dangerous Vylkr vine ever. Plus, considering we've also burned an unknown number of four-star Vylkr vines, there's a chance this 'Heaving ground' will be even more dangerous than what Patriarch Rylan warned us about," Orion responded, his tone cautious.
He wasn't naive enough to believe everything would be safe outside the divine barrier. The situation could still escalate, and he preferred to remain within Aegis of the Arctic Deity's divine barrier when it did.
"I don't think you have anything to fear. With Stronghold Leader Zogar and me here, even if we encounter three-star Vylkr vines, we can handle them or retreat to the safety of Aegis of the Arctic Deity's divine barrier in time," Stronghold Leader Seth replied confidently.
"Or are you suggesting you're scared?" he teased, smiling at Orion.
"Stronghold Leader Seth is correct. With our combined strength, we shouldn't have any trouble handling whatever challenges come our way. And if things go awry, we can flee as fast as we can back to the Village within the blink of an eye,'" Stronghold Leader Zogar said confidently.
He was also curious about the 'Heaving ground' and eager to see how it differed from the standard Vylkr vines they'd been dealing with. Shifting his attention towards Orion, he nodded firmly, assuring him of his protection.
