The next morning I woke up in the warm hands of Elina. Even if she is constantly acts like a mother, she is still warm and nice. After I learn how to keep her silent I might as well keep her as my bed companion.

“Where do you think you’re going?” When I tried slipping out of the bed she woke up and tightened the hug.

“I need to pay a couple of visits. If you want to keep hugging me then go with me.”

“Okay, okay. Just say that you want to be carried there.” She always knows what I need.

Well, my hopes were surpassed when we exited the tent. While Elina was ready to carry me anywhere, even she had issues with princess-carrying a goddess in her hands, especially when she is looked at by a lot of kings, dukes and counts. She was carrying me to all of my meetings with a perfectly beet-colored face.

At one point we walked into the emperor of Gru’s pavilion. I waved my hand and declared.

“Carry me there, I want to sleep there.” And the foxbearer did the task.

The emperor was writing something in his papers. When I was carried in he glanced at me and returned to the papers. Elina was hesitating to lay me down on his bed but my orders reign supreme.

“Good morning, have you slept well?” The emperor was polite but a bit irritated by my sudden visit.

“Oh, this is a nice bed. If only I had a couple of those…” Let’s tease him a bit.

“I am sorry, for now I have no way of ordering new beds for you, can you write me when I return to the Empire?” (F)

I was done with fooling around so I ordered my servant to put some pillows for me and ‘teleported’ there. By the time we were done the emperor was ready to talk as well.

“Elina, wait outside. So, shall we have a chat?” I clapped my hands and tilt my head.

“Yes, I am ready to listen to what you can tell me.” The emperor sat in his chair behind the desk.

“The situation becomes less and less stable, soon the war will break out on all fronts. How well is Gru prepared?” I started my offer from afar.

“We are well prepared, our military is one of the strongest amongst the participants, almost as strong as yours. If only the others prepared for the approaching crisis better… Oh, this will be so problematic to handle everything by ourselves.” He showed interest in answering me but we are not close enough to discuss such things in a more direct way.

“The war is coming and we have to oppose the demons and the neighbors. There is a great shortage of resources, and here, in this kingdom, is an ongoing civil war…” I was approaching the actual offer.

“If only we had more time to prepare and had more resources, this is indeed a great oversight. The conference should try their best to reach an agreement for all of the humanity.” (F)

“Yes, the conference shall be the best answer for all of us, for it is the only way to unite the human strength against the demons, though they might need a bit of an outside help…”

“I agree with you, great Goddess. It is our duty as the strong to guide them towards the right choice…” (F)

“It is a great idea, Franz. I think we might be able to show them which choice is the best for the common cause. However, will they listen to us?” I was approaching the actual goal.

“I think we both know the correct answer, it is only natural for us to guide them. I, as the backbone of the strength, and you, as the wise goddess.” (F)

“Shall we…”

“Regrettably no, we can cooperate but with no documents. I had heard the echo of your agreements and not ready to take such a risk.” In the end we reached no solid agreements.

“While I am disappointed, your choice can be understood. If we end up in the same carriage we will repeat this talk later. Can you give me one promise?”

“I am listening.” (F)

“Shall your army keep neutrality if I decide to follow my own way?”

“I promise you, my army shall not take any actions against you, as long as you promise to do the same.” (F)

“Very well, we reached a mutually beneficial concord, this will be useful for both of us.” I left the pavilion and clinged to mommy.

I will have to do a lot of similar talks with a lot of people, I might use a few alliances and partisans. That is why my arm-pillow will be necessary to conserve my strength.

“Why are you smiling?” Elina gently patted my head.

“I have a nice catch, this will be a great asset for me. Now, carry me to the next destination!”

The day is not over yet…