Far from the camp, a farmer was picking herbs for him to sell at their local market. Feeling the satisfaction of filling up his basket, he stretched his back and wiped the sweat off his forehead. As he turned to head back home, he suddenly heard a peculiar sound of pounding hooves in the distance. Bandits are extremely rare in this peaceful countryside. with curiosity getting the better of him, he decided to investigate further. He spotted an approaching cloud of dust. The rhythmic sound of hooves grew louder, and the anticipation in the air was palpable. The farmer stood on the side of the dirt road, his eyes widening as the legendary Knights of the Emerald Shores came into view. Their gleaming armor caught the sunlight, creating a dazzling display that made the farmer momentarily forget his herbs. With a mix of awe and respect, he quickly stepped aside, giving the knights a wide route.

the knights passed, and the farmer couldn't help but notice the strange vehicles that followed them. Metallic wagons with open roofs and windows rolled by with a smooth and quiet hum. People inside the vehicles held strange devices, their faces partially blurred by the dust kicked up by the vehicles. the farmer coughed at the dust and waved his hand to clear the air. As the dust settled, he watched until the knights and their entourage disappeared into the distance, leaving the road once again in quiet solitude, leaving the farmer confused about what and why these feared knights had to leave the capital.

Ivan endured the bumpy ride with a mixture of discomfort. The uneven road seemed to stretch endlessly, and he longed for the comfort of smoother terrain. When he saw the farmer, he quickly kicked his head out of the window to get a better look. "Poor guy," Ivan remarked, feeling sympathy for the farmer. However, for a moment, his empathy quickly shifted to excitement as he considered the potential discovery of a nearby village. With a quick smile, Ivan prepared his camera, ensuring the lens was clean and ready for action. He adjusted the settings, and anticipation was building as he aimed to capture what could be a captivating image for the public.

"Bingo!" he gasped, spotting the small village on the distant horizon. Ivan couldn't contain his excitement, envisioning the impact this unique encounter could have on the media. He wasted no time, meticulously adjusting his camera angle again to frame the perfect shot of the village.

As he zoomed in, he focused on the quaint structures and the surrounding landscape. then, a sudden bump in the road caused the vehicle to jolt, disrupting the shot. Ivan grimaced, quickly steadying his camera. "Tsk!" he clicked his tongue in frustration, realizing he had missed the moment. he adjusted his settings again, only to find that the view was now obscured by trees. The driver laughed upon seeing the photojournalist's expression. "Well, I have no plans to drive you back here anytime soon, so you'll have to make do with what you've got."

"Well, people say imperfections add character to art," Ivan replied, grinning at the driver. "Guess I should save more space for the capital then." The driver chuckled and nodded in agreement. The driver was silent for the moment, then, "Look," the driver gestured towards the wall.

"Huh?" Ivan replied as he sensed the change in the vehicle's pace. As Ivan looked ahead, he saw the weathered city walls that stretched beyond the horizon. This giant wall of sandstone and granite looked like it had witnessed centuries of history. Below it, he saw merchants parking their carts and fixing their broken axles caused by the rough and long travels. some merchants rested, taking advantage of the shade provided by the towering wall. He took a few snaps with his camera as their caravan slowly entered the city, carts pulled by horses galloping past them, their wheels clattering loudly on the cobblestone road. The air around them was filled with a heady mix of exotic spices and the aroma of freshly baked bread. The diverse range of races in the area captivated Ivan. Elves, with their graceful movements and ethereal beauty, glided through the crowd, their pointed ears catching the sunlight. Dwarves, known for their stocky bodies and masterful craftsmanship, haggled with human merchants over barrels of frothy ale, while centaurs in armor patrolled the streets with watchful eyes. The sight of these half-human, half-horse beings marching confidently in their metallic armor was both awe-inspiring and intimidating. From their elevated vantage point, they surveyed the bustling streets, keeping a vigilant watch over the city's inhabitants.

The caravan slowly navigated through the merchant carriages, with the knights riding alongside the vehicles. The sight of Sir Gaston's men, with their shining armor reflecting the sunlight, caught people's attention on the streets. The knights of the emerald shores were a symbol of strength and protection in the capital, revered not only for their bravery and valor but also for their history of defending the capital against external threats. They have a long-standing tradition of protecting the city from invasions and maintaining order within its walls. Their presence on the streets alone reminds the citizens that they are safe and protected. Merchants hurriedly made way for them, knowing their presence meant order and security. The knights' arrival also drew curious onlookers from the crowd. While some onlookers raised their necks to catch a glimpse of the unbeatable figures and the odd newcomers inside their vehicles, others were too engrossed in their conversations or work to spare a glance.

In the midst of this, Yaned couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and relief. She never expected to be part of this meeting. Sitting inside one of their vehicles, looking at the crowd. There were no cheers, just curious glances. The capital was a place she knew well, having familiarized herself with a few of its streets and landmarks during her time as a Rookie adventurer.

She knew they were going to meet the queen, the one who offered a quest, which she accepted without hesitation. The one that led her to these modern people she now finds herself surrounded by. Remembering the time when she fought the sea serpents, she felt guilty for not being able to defeat them and protect her crew. She was an S-rank adventurer, known for her strength and skill in magic. She felt anxious about meeting the queen a second time. She looked down at her hands and clenched them tightly, trying to calm her nerves. However, despite her anxiety, her stomach growled loudly, reminding her that she hadn't eaten since morning. Realizing that Commander Decken was beside her the whole time made her even more embarrassed. She was supposed to be a fearless mage, yet here she was, feeling awkward and hungry in front of a cold military leader.

"I haven't seen you eat since we landed on the camp; you need food," Commander Decken remarked, breaking the tense silence. He then glanced at the person sitting next to the driver.

"I have some energy bars lying in my bag," the person sighed. He reached into his bag and handed one to the elf, who gratefully accepted it. "Thank you," Yaned said, tearing open the wrapper and taking a bite. It was Dr. Kyle who handed out the energy bar. the renowned archaeologist, who accidentally woke a sentient relic the size of an island, which is now continuously moving towards the rift. Though its awakening was unintentional, he did 'purposely' point out where the rift was located (like pointing out the portal to Earth like it was a lost Tupperware lid), which ended him being scolded and almost ruined his reputation. However, for some reason, his skill and expertise in archaeology were still highly regarded by the expedition. Which led him to now, where he stood in the front seat.

Sir Gaston's knights and their horses increased their pace, heading toward the decorated entrance of the second wall. The second wall stood tall and imposing, reaching a staggering height of 60 meters, and showcased carvings of ancient runes that glowed with an ethereal light. The purpose of these runes remained a mystery to the newcomers; their glow was captivating and enigmatic. And its size was awe-inspiring, towering over the already-large town.

Commander Decken's men in their vehicles followed suit, accelerating to keep up with the knights, with their engines humming slightly louder. After passing through the entrance, they were met with a breathtaking sight. Bygone structures stood tall and majestic, their intricate designs and grandeur leaving everyone in awe. Commander Decken and Dr. Kyle had seen the city's layout from the UAV footage before even getting ashore; they knew what to expect. Its skeletal layout, observed from above through UAV footage, was now coming to life before their eyes.

The paved road slowly stretched wide before him, resembling a highway in its width. The caravan raced along the textured surface; beside the road lay mansions made of gleaming granite. The noblemen who resided in these luxurious homes peered out from their balconies as they noticed the knights and the newcomers passing by. On the other side lay a colossal dock that rivaled modern shipping ports, hosting ships of different shapes and sizes. Both Commander Decken and Dr. Kyle remembered this place and quickly looked toward the horizon, where a massive wall enclosed the entire cape, blocking out the vast expanse of the ocean beyond.

"There it is, as expected!" Dr. Kyle said, pointing at the 83-meter-tall statues of knights that stood guard in the narrow passage between the walls. Dr. Kyle grinned at the sight, seeing that these statues were moving, facing the wide expanse of the ocean. It was a formidable barrier, standing as a symbol of protection.

Dr. Kyle practically vibrated with excitement as the caravan rumbled through the city. His eyes darted, taking in every detail, and his fingers twitched against the worn fabric of his sling bag. Beside him, Yaned munched on her energy bar, her gaze fixed in the same direction as Dr. Kyle's.

"Yaned," he rasped, barely containing his enthusiasm. "Those moving statues… those colossal knight things! Did this kingdom make these things? Some forgotten technology buried within their stony armor?"

Yaned blinked; she was focused on eating her energy bar. Yaned paused, swallowing her bite of the energy bar before responding. "Oh, those are relics—wardens, to be exact," she explained, pointing her finger up. "They protected the shores from… well, everything wicked that tried to crawl out of the ocean. They existed before this ancient kingdom's existence for a considerable amount of time. As the legend goes, a young shepherd discovered the relic and established a special bond with it. The relic was sentient but motionless during that era. The shepherd would visit the relic every day, eager to hear tales of how it had fended off numerous leviathans. The shepherd's kindness humbled the relic.

While Yaned narrated her tale, Dr. Kyle remained attentive and engrossed in the shepherd's exceptional attachment to the relic. However, the sight of the palace looming in the distance suddenly interrupted their moment of connection. Dr. Kyle, unable to contain his excitement, raised his hand to pause Yaned's explanation. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold the horses, elf-lady!" he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with a mix of reverence and… was that a hint of panic? "I don't mean to be rude, but wouldn't it be a shame if the palace gates interrupted your story before you finished telling it? These vehicles may be comfortable, but they aren't exactly conducive to epic storytelling. Don't get me wrong, that tale sounds like a scholar's wet dream, but we would miss out on the end if we were interrupted." he pointed at the distance where the palace then came into view, dominating the cityscape with its majestic presence.

Yaned blinked, her elf ears twitching slightly in surprise. This Dr. Kyle, with his rumpled clothes and infectious enthusiasm, was nothing like the serious and stoic academics she had encountered in her travels. It was refreshing to see someone so eager and passionate about stories. She smiled for a moment before continuing. "Fair point, human," she chuckled. "The epic can wait for a proper tavern with pitchers of ale."

The palace looks like it was built on a mainstem river overlooking the vast Cape. Behind it loomed a silhouette of a glaciated tropical mountain, with its icy peaks reflecting in the sunlight. The knights and their vehicles slowed as they reached the bridge leading to the palace. With the attention span of a madman on a sugar rush, Ivan swiveled his camera like a mounted machine gun, peppering the landscape with burst after burst of photographs throughout the journey. As their vehicle climbed, he stopped for a moment, admiring the breathtaking view before him. The vibrant colors of the Cape's city. However, his camera lens quickly shifted focus as he noticed an impressive web of aqueducts branching out from the palace. They snaked through the city like veins, reminiscent of the ancient aqueducts of Rome. Ships as big as yachts gracefully navigated the city's canals, adding a maritime charm to the already picturesque scene. From their elevated position, the people below seemed like ants, bustling through the vibrant layers of the kingdom.

He can see everything from the second layer of wall filled with royal houses of merchants, where the massive port resides, to the third wall stretching past the sea, where the colossal knights stand watching each ship that enters and exits the shores. They finally entered the imposing palace courtyard, its grandeur and serenity instantly evoking a sense of entering a divine sanctuary. As their vehicles crawled to a stop within the vast, echoing courtyard of the palace, Ivan felt a thrill shoot through him.

Sunlight sliced through the ornate arches, casting dancing patterns on the cobblestones. The colossal building dwarfed them with its sheer scale, but it wasn't just the architecture that made his eyes widen. A line of figures awaited their arrival—a procession of maids in flowing gowns. But what made them truly remarkable were their… ears. One had fluffy white cat ears perched atop her head, twitching curiously. Another sported feathered fox ears, their tips tipped with a fiery orange. A third had sleek, white bunny ears covering her face, adding a touch of mystery. Each maid, it seemed, bore the mark of a different animal, a symphony of the wild woven into human form.

Ivan, a self-proclaimed otaku, froze. His eyes, usually glued to his camera screen, were now wide with an almost childlike wonder. He gaped at the maids, his brain struggling to process the sheer anime-ness of it all.

"Quite an entrance," he finally managed to blurt out, his voice trembling.

The driver, ever the pragmatist, chuckled at Ivan's enthusiasm. "Welcome to reality, kid," he teased. "Just try not to trip over your own feet. We wouldn't want to make a bad first impression, right?"

"Right," Ivan said, straightening his nonexistent collar and puffing out his chest.

Commander Decken, Yaned, and Dr. Kyle disembarked from their military vehicles, stepping onto the grand marble paths to the ancient palace. The imposing structure cast long, cool shadows over the trio as they made their way towards the entrance. Curious palace staff lined the entrance, their eager faces reflecting the anticipation in the air.

One of the maids is a demi-human with the grace of a dancer and the mischief of a housecat. Her fluffy white ears perked up, and her eyes, the color of molten gold, glittered with an almost feline curiosity. As she got close, a chill quickly ran down her spine. She caught herself off guard and almost staggered, regretting approaching them in the first place. She couldn't sense any magical presence within the group except for the elf standing bravely beside the newcomers. Every living thing in this world always has some sort of magical presence, from the largest creature to the tiniest bug. A highly skilled mage like a C or an S-class adventurer could easily sense the energy radiating from every being around them. Predators and prey use this magical presence to their advantage, whether it be for hunting or evading capture. But these newcomers seemed to be devoid of any magical aura. It was as if they were completely disconnected from the magical fabric of the world. Only a person who has some sort of knowledge and skill in magic can sense this anomaly. That's why some of the maids, like the others, weren't able to sense their presence, while others were completely aware of it, gripping their hands as they tried to hide their unease.

The demi-human ignored her senses, forcing herself to bow as she also tried to hide her unease from the newcomers.

"Meowza! Hi there, nya! I'm Tanya, the purrsonal assistant. Welcome to our palace!" she said, playing with her hands to resemble cat paws as she purred with an exaggerated feline appeal. The group seemed to be whispering to each other, their curiosity evident in the glint of their eyes.

 

A person approached her with an empty smile, wearing a combat uniform, and introduced himself. "I am Commander Decken, and I lead the Special Frontier Exploration and Research Unit, SFERU for short," Commander Decken replied.

"Well, it's nice to meet you, Commander Decken," Tanya replied, her unease still lingering beneath her friendly demeanor. "I'm here to guide you to our grand palace," Tanya continued, gesturing towards the grand entrance of the palace. "She has been expecting your arrival and is eager to speak with you." "Shall we?" Tanya asked, telling Commander Decken and the group to follow her towards the palace entrance.

The heavy doors of the palace creaked open, revealing a lavish interior. Intricate tapestries adorned the walls, while glistening chandeliers illuminated the vast hallways with blue etheric light. Dr. Kyle smiled at the sight of its elegance, giving the room a distinct Victorian-era feel. The luxurious furnishings, such as the ornate furniture and woodwork, are reminiscent of the time period. As they walked further into the palace, the sound of their footsteps echoed off the marble floors. guided by the regal presence of Tanya. As they entered, they were met with a breathtaking sight. In the center of the grand hall stood a white marble throne, where the queen who ruled this kingdom sat with grace and power. Her silvery white hair and silver-colored eyes looked down upon the newcomers with an unreadable expression. Her delicate features and pointed ears revealed her elven heritage, exuding admiration from all who laid eyes upon her. The grand hall was adorned with stunning stained glass windows, depicting her as closer to a god than a ruler, with the image of her white halo on top of her figure while descending below the clouds. The vibrant colors of the stained glass windows illuminated the hall, casting a colorful array of blue, white, and green onto the tall marble pillars that supported the ceiling.

"I am Queen Marielle, ruler of this province, and it brings me great joy to receive you within the heart of our kingdom." Her gaze shifted between each member of the group, observing their presence with a poised demeanor. "I trust your journey has been uneventful; I extend my gratitude for accepting my invitation. I am aware that your arrival is no ordinary occurrence, and I appreciate the efforts you have taken to come to our kingdom. Eranelu is a realm built on the principles of trade, diplomacy, and the pursuit of unity through cooperation."

Commander Decken stepped forward, his military bearing evident as he addressed Queen Marielle with a measured tone. "Your Majesty, I am Commander Decken, leading the Special Frontier Exploration and Research Unit, representing the interests of all nations in my world. Your gracious welcome is appreciated, and I assure you that our journey has indeed been eventful, filled with discoveries and many mysteries."

He locked eyes with the queen, his gaze unflinching. "Eranelu's reputation as a hub of trade and diplomacy precedes it, and it is precisely these qualities that have drawn us here. The United Nations sees opportunities for mutual benefit, understanding, and cooperation between our worlds." Commander Decken continued, his words carrying the weight of the concerns of his world: "However, I must be truthful with you. The sudden rip in our reality, the rift that has connected our worlds, has raised significant concerns among my superiors and the people of my world. We seek answers and clarity about the implications and effects this unforeseen connection may have on both our realms."

He shifted slightly, adding another layer to his statement: "Our original mission was to gather data. Every interaction, every custom, every nuance of your culture, we must observe and document it all. The presence of magic has raised concerns and skepticism in the United Nations, and they require comprehensive information, even if it pertains to the basics. Furthermore, if it is within our capabilities, our ultimate goal is to explore the possibility of closing the rift, ensuring the stability and safety of both our worlds."

Queen Marielle acknowledged Commander Decken's words with a nod of understanding, her expression reflecting a blend of curiosity and contemplation. 'I appreciate your naivete, Commander Decken, and I assure you that we share your concerns regarding this unprecedented event.'

She paused briefly before continuing, "Tomorrow, you and your companions will have full access to our kingdom's extensive library, where you will find a wealth of knowledge that may aid in your research. Additionally, I will arrange for a few scholars to accompany you, offering their expertise to assist in your endeavors."

"In exchange for their assistance, these scholars will have the opportunity to closely follow your expeditions and observe your capabilities. It is a mutually beneficial arrangement," she explained, her tone gracious yet firm.

"Although Eranelu is renowned as a center of trade and commerce, our understanding of our own world is indeed limited and, at times, inaccurate. We welcome the opportunity to expand our knowledge and deepen our understanding of the mysteries that surround us," Queen Marielle concluded, her demeanor radiating a sense of determination and resolve.

As the Queen finished speaking, a hush fell over the room. The researchers and soldiers exchanged bewildered glances, clearly taken aback by the unexpected turn of events. Tanya, the queen's personal assistant, concealed a smirk, knowing full well the calculated nature of her queen's offer. Only Commander Decken maintained his composed façade, subtly acknowledging the small victory in their ongoing diplomatic game of chess.

"Tanya," the queen called her servant.

"Yes, my queen?" Tanya responded, and her demeanor changed. to one of subservience and obedience.

Tanya nodded and quickly sprung into action, putting on a professional smile as she took charge of the situation. "Please follow me, esteemed guests," she said politely, gesturing for them to follow her.

"Except for you, Commander Decken. I want to have a word with you in private," the queen added, her tone slightly colder. She wanted to discuss a matter of utmost importance.

The queen led Commander Decken to the balcony overlooking the vast city, where the cool breeze carried whispers of history. The soft glow of the setting sun bathed the landscape in a golden sheen, accentuating the beauty of Eranelu beneath.

"This balcony has witnessed the dreams and ambitions of many who have stood here before. Now, it hosts a conversation between worlds," the queen said, her voice carrying a weight that transcended the physical realm.

As they gazed out into the expansive cityscape, Queen Marielle couldn't help but notice the stoic demeanor of Commander Decken. His cold eyes revealed little, and in her mind, she recognized the challenge of choosing the right words to bridge the gap between their worlds.

"The aura of your people," she began carefully, "it's unlike anything I've encountered in my long reign. The absence of mana, the energy that courses through every living being in our world, it's as if your people exist outside the tapestry of magic that weaves through our lives."

She paused, allowing her words to hang in the air before continuing, "I have seen glimpses of your world in my visions, but I wish to hear from you. How does your society function without the foundation of magic that has shaped ours for centuries? How do your people thrive in a world untouched by the forces we take for granted?"

Commander Decken met Queen Marielle's inquisitive gaze with a gentle intensity. "We, as a society, have forged our own path to progress using hard work and creativity rather than relying on magic. To us, magic is a form of myth and folklore, something that exists only in stories and legends."

His voice resonated with a calm confidence as he continued, "Since magic is not a part of our reality, we have had to become resourceful in finding alternative solutions. Our resourcefulness has allowed us to thrive and build a thriving society. We dissect the world around us, learn its secrets, and then bend them to our will. It's not about waving a wand and hoping for the best; it's about understanding the rules that bind nature and playing it to our advantage."

He gazed at the sprawling city below, with the sun slowly setting in the distance and thousands of lamp posts illuminating the streets of a kingdom built upon wealth and trade. "Our primal desire to discover, to know answers, and to brave the unknown without fear—curiosity—has guided our innovation, from primitive hunter-gatherers throwing bows and arrows to sending a man to the moon."

Commander Decken's tone carried a genuine passion for exploration and progress. "Our ability to adapt and overcome has pushed the boundaries of what is possible. Through careful planning, rigorous training, and the development of specialized equipment, we have learned to navigate treacherous environments such as frozen tundras, scorching deserts, and unreachable mountain peaks. Even the most hostile environments in our world have already been explored."

He concluded, fixing his gaze back to the Queen, "Our knowledge of my world is constantly expanding, but the rift between this world and yours has brought debates and controversies. You see, something that exists has an explanation for how and why it exists; the presence of this rift connecting both worlds challenges everything we thought we knew about the laws of nature, and the journey of discovery is far from over."

As Commander Decken spoke, an arrow of contemplation seemed to hit Queen Marielle, who listened intently while her long ears twitched in distress. With the idea of a world without magic—a world where mortals relied on their cunning to achieve feats more akin to those of gods—she can tell that those words were not made up to flatter or threaten her. It challenged everything she knew and everything her ancestors and scholars had told her about the world's delicate balance. But as she looked into Commander Decken's eyes, she saw the confidence and commitment that resonated within his words. Perhaps there was more to this world than what she had been taught.

 

A thoughtful silence lingered in the air in a slow count of five. The queen's expression shifted between curiosity and a subtle wariness. "Commander Decken, your words have given me much to ponder. A world built solely on mortal ingenuity and resourcefulness is a concept that is not foreign to us, and yet, your achievements speak volumes about the capabilities of your people."

Her silver eyes held a mix of admiration and caution. "However, I must offer a word of caution. Hubris, the overestimation of one's abilities, has been the downfall of many civilizations throughout history. Your accomplishments are undoubtedly impressive, but be wary of the fine line between progress and arrogance."

She gestured toward the city below. "Power corrupts people, and people corrupt power. the authority and influence you possess as a leader can easily lead to abuse if not held in check. Similarly, the trust and admiration that your people have placed in you can be exploited and distorted if you allow yourself to become consumed by greed or self-interest. nobles and kings have often met a similar fate when they let their power go to their heads. The history of this world is filled with examples of rulers who succumbed to their own arrogance and lost everything."

"I have led this kingdom for almost two thousand years, and throughout my reign, I have experienced my fair share of rebellions. My first centuries of reign were heavy-handed. and there were times when the people of my kingdom rose against me, challenging my authority and questioning my leadership. But I faced these rebellions head-on, relentlessly fighting to maintain peace and order. these past conflicts, I have learned the importance of humility and staying grounded. I understand that the power I hold as a leader can easily corrupt me if I let it. I constantly remind myself that my duty is to serve the people and ensure their well-being. The trust and admiration bestowed upon me by my subjects are precious gifts that should never be taken for granted. I know that if I misuse or manipulate this trust, it could lead to disastrous consequences not only for myself but also for the stability of my kingdom."

After a moment of reflection, Queen Marielle shifted the conversation, her gaze piercing yet compassionate. "Commander Decken, the scholars I have offered to accompany you serve a dual purpose. While their expertise will undoubtedly aid in your research, their presence also serves to safeguard you and your companions."

She paused, choosing her words carefully. "As individuals lacking mana, you may be viewed as anomalies or even threats by certain factions within our world. Nobles, kings, and other influential figures may seek to exploit your abilities for personal gain or perceive you as a threat to their power."

"Be careful not to be embroiled in conflicts, especially when your understanding of this world is still in its infancy," Queen Marielle admitted. "I hope that by offering our assistance and guidance, we may navigate these turbulent waters together, forging a path of mutual understanding and cooperation."

Commander Decken listened in silence to the Queen's words, his expression betraying nothing in his cold eyes. He understood the veiled warning beneath her curiosity and the cautious undercurrent beneath her invitation. and he is well aware that he is talking to someone far older and wiser than him.

Taking a calculated pause, he responded with a voice that remained calm and measured. "Your Majesty, your wisdom and understanding are as vast as your reign," he began, subtly acknowledging her experience. "The concerns you raise are valid, and they serve as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with any form of power, be it magic, technology, or leadership."

He continued, his words laced with veiled diplomacy: "While our world may lack the magic that underpins yours, we are not blind to the dangers of arrogance. We constantly strive to maintain a balance between ambition and humility, remembering that progress should always serve the greater good."

Decken then subtly shifted the focus, making a strategic appeal to the Queen's desire for knowledge. "The scholars you offer are most welcome, Your Majesty. I will ensure that they are provided with a safe and nurturing environment to pursue their studies. Learning is a powerful tool that shapes minds and drives progress, and we are grateful for the opportunity to foster learning and the exchange of ideas."

As the conversation shifted, Commander Decken subtly addressed the issue of his role. "Your Majesty," he started, his voice steady, "I must clarify that I am not an ambassador in the traditional sense. My presence here is part of a mission to gather information, to learn about your kingdom, and to seek answers to the questions that weigh heavily on the minds of my superiors and the people I represent."

He paused, ensuring that his words carried the weight of his commitment. "However, I give you my word that I will keep any agreements made. While I may not hold the title of ambassador, I am bound by my duty to fulfill the promises I make."

With that, Commander Decken inclined his head respectfully, a silent assurance of his sincerity and dedication to the mission.

As Commander Decken made a courteous move to leave the balcony and retire for the day, Queen Marielle raised her hand, signaling him to halt. "Commander Decken, before you rest, there is one more matter I feel compelled to bring to your attention."

Her tone shifted, becoming more somber. "In the shadows that lie beyond our kingdom's borders, a threat has grown more pronounced in recent years. Demons and the powerful entities that command them, known as demon lords, have become a looming threat."

She observed the gravity of her words settle on Commander Decken's features before she continued. "Ever since the disappearance of the summoned heroes and the demise of the demon king, the demon lords have seized the opportunity to vie for control and dominance over their respective territories. This power struggle has given rise to incursions into the eastern and northern parts of the continent, disrupting the delicate balance that the adventurers and other kingdoms have maintained for centuries."

 

The Queen's silver eyes bore into Commander Decken's, a silent urgency behind her gaze. "Adventurers, the brave souls who once safeguarded our realms, have slowly faced a decline in numbers due to these incursions. These demon lords, whether monstrous or once-human mages gone rogue, now command legions of malevolent creatures and control treacherous labyrinths that extend deep into our world."

She paused, allowing the weight of her words to settle. "While these occurrences are not commonplace, they remain a persistent threat. Even armies from neighboring kingdoms have been drawn into skirmishes with these demonic forces. Rumors have reached our ears of a kingdom far to the south currently contending with one such incursion."

Queen Marielle's expression remained resolute as she warned, "Commander Decken, I warn you to act with utmost caution as you navigate our world. The veil between realms has grown thin, and the influence of these demon lords has become more pronounced. Your journey may bring you to places where this threat looms, and I have to ensure you are aware of the dangers that may lurk in the shadows of this world." She inclined her head and said, "Rest assured, you have my kingdom's support."

With that, Queen Marielle allowed Commander Decken to proceed with his plans for the evening, a silent acknowledgment of the burdens that weighed on his shoulders in this unfamiliar realm.