The wind swept harshly across the landscape, carrying the remnants of dead leaves in its wake.
Once, this land had flourished with lush greenery, dominated by large, robust trees that stretched toward the sky.
Now, it stood as a scorched wasteland, a reminder of this world long war.
Amidst the desolation, however, a green patch of life persisted.
And at the heart of this green oasis lay a small city, its walls riddled with holes and its buildings standing only partially.
It was within the confines of this city that Alex and Aqua found themselves, walking along one of its worn pathways.
“Man, this place looks like it's been through the wringer!” Alex commented, his hand extending to offer a small apple to a little girl they encountered along the way.
“Thanks.” The girl's face lit up with gratitude as she accepted the gift before turning to her mother.
Alex's expression softened with a gentle smile.
“Haven't we offered manpower and machines to help with the rebuilding?” His gaze shifted from the little girl to Aqua with a raised eyebrow.
Aqua too smiled fondly at the little girl.
“We did.” She confirmed, her voice carrying a hint of both understanding and frustration. “But the local lord has turned down our offers, believing that his people can rise from the ashes on their own.” Aqua said, a flash of annoyance in her eyes.
But then her eyes turned round with a teasing look. “However, I can’t believe you printed fruits from your world.”
Alex huffed, shifting the sack on his shoulder with an annoyed look.
“Don't remind me! I've sworn off trying any more of this world's fruits.”
He paused, turning around and handing another apple from the sack to a lively boy.
His hands were clumsy, but filled with warmth that made people smile.
“Besides!” He continued, his voice carrying a note of conviction. “Sharing your food is a great way to foster friendship.”
Aqua's lips curved into a pleased smile. “I can’t deny that.” She agreed with a soft hum. However, her teasing tone returned as she added “But I do recall a certain Pucline incident.”
A shiver ran down Alex's spine as the memory resurfaced, his expression dark.
“It’s not my fault! That thing looked like a pear but it tasted like habanero!”
Aqua chuckled happily, the sound lifting the spirit of the crowd around them.
However, their happy walk had to come to an end as they reached their destination, the remnants of a large round castle.
In the past, the massive structure would have been imposing, towering over every building around them.
Right now, it was just another corroded building, full of holes whose main tower was half destroyed.
A shadow of its former self.
“Attention!”
Noticing their arrival, a pair of Boys, who had come in advance, flanked by a dozen local guards, promptly cleared the way for Alex and Aqua to enter through the castle's main gate.
“Here.”
Alex took advantage of the moment to drop the remaining apples into the hands of the first guard he saw. “Share it among your people.”
“Yes, your majesty!” The guard trembled in gratitude. “Thank you!”
Alex just smiled as he stepped past the gate and into the castle's interior, where Lord Syrup awaited him.
“It is truly an honor for your presence to grace this place, my King!”
Lord Syrup's words resonated with reverence.
A slight bow accompanied his greeting, the shadow of his light pink hair partially obscuring his prideful eyes.
The man certainly revered him as his king, but arrogance was rooted deeply into his bones.
Alex smiled shallowly, Aqua joining by his side.
“Please, there's no need for such formality, Lord Syrup. We have important matters to discuss.”
“Of course, Your Majesty.” Lord Syrup acquiesced, gesturing toward a large, opulent couch in the main hall. “If you would follow me, we can converse more comfortably.”
As they began to walk, Alex cast a questioning glance at Aqua, his eyes silently asking whether she and the others were the ones who had spread the word about his preferences.
Aqua’s eyes shined, before transmitting her voice telepathically.
‘It was your future wife. She's been working diligently to enhance your image among the nobility.”
Alex nodded, his focus returning to the pink skinned lord.
“Yes. I find larger spaces more comfortable.”
Lord Syrup reached the couch first, but he waited for Alex to sit on the soft surface, and only then did he gracefully join him.
“Your wife-to-be, Lady Ashlyn, paid a visit here yesterday.” Lord Syrup began, his tone carrying a hint of admiration. “She proved to be of great assistance in capturing a group of starving thieves.”
Alex leaned back, citizens stealing food shouldn’t be a problem. The printers of their mothership had enough resources to produce food for the surviving 10 million Elysians for decades.
With that in mind, Alex focused on his purpose for being there.
“That’s why I come here.” Alex stated, his posture reflecting his royal role as he resisted the urge to swing his legs. “I have a proposal that will benefit you and your people.”
Lord Syrup raised his right light pink eyebrow, his eyes reflecting his doubts.
“I hope my words don't come across as disrespectful, Your Majesty.” He spoke slowly. “But I've declined the offers of aid extended by your esteemed ladies. My people are hardy people, capable of surviving on their own.”
Alex met his gaze with unwavering conviction.
“I'm aware of your people's strength.”
Alex’s gaze became hard.
“During the war against the Gemcrabs, your territory received the most damage among the surviving regions as your allies were the first to crumble.”
Syrup's countenance betrayed a hint of vulnerability, a faint tremor in his left hand revealing his emotional turmoil.
“Sorry, remembering it is hard.” He said slowly.
“I lost many friends, children and subordinates then.”
Lord Syrup's voice wavered slightly, his left hand trembling as if trying to cast off the weight of those memories.
“The worst was witnessing the lack of aid from our fellow surviving territories.” He paused, his face hardening. “You must understand, Your Majesty, our reluctance to depend on others after having lost so much.”
Alex's countenance shifted, his once amiable smile giving way to a more resolute expression.
His eyes bore into Lord Syrup's with a commanding weight.
“That’s why I have come here today.” Alex's voice resonated with depth and gravity. “For you to accept us truly, we must give you something that you truly desire.”
Syrup’s gaze remained unwavering, his posture screaming indifference.
“Pardon me, but the little desires I have can’t be fulfilled in this era.” Lord Syrup responded, his words tinged with a hint of resignation.
Alex's lips curved into a confident smile, knowing his trump card would be enough to satisfy him.
“Lord Syrup.” Alex's tone carried an air of triumph as he continued. “Among Elysians, individuals with pink-hued skin have always been rare. After the war, you are the last one left of that unique lineage.”
The revelation hung in the air, like a cascade of dominos about to fall. Lord Syrup's demeanor faltered, a spark of realization igniting in his eyes.
“And that’s my offer.” Alex's words lingered with anticipation. “A true pink-skinned heir, your own blood in exchange for your cooperation.
Syrup trembled, his gaze unfocused as he tried to make sense of his words.
“How can this be? Even our God can’t revive the dead! Do you claim to possess such godlike abilities?”
Alex's gaze shifted subtly, conveying a silent message to Aqua.
In response, Aqua’s expression, who had remained silent until now, shifted from contemplative to decisive.
A faint smile graced her lips.
“We don’t wield such power.” She clarified. “Rather, we possess advanced technology that allows us to clone individuals, creating exact copies that can be raised as normal children.”
Syrup looked down with trembling eyes.
An uneasy silence enveloped them all, stretching for a long moment.
Eventually, Lord Syrup lifted his gaze, his eyes revealing a mixture of trepidation and a glint of newfound hope.
“Is it truly feasible?”
His voice carried a blend of doubt and longing.
The mere notion of rebuilding his declining was enough to stir emotions he had long suppressed.
As the weight of their conversation settled upon him, Lord Syrup's demeanor shifted noticeably.
The proud noble allowed his guard to slip, revealing a vulnerable side that had been hidden beneath his arrogance.
“Not only that.” Alex interjected. “Aqua, here, has assured me she can make modifications to the children so that each child is unique without losing their purity.”
Aqua nodded with a serious look on.
“That’s right. We can integrate desired traits from carefully selected donors to avoid the problems caused by inbreeding while ensuring the preservation of your unique lineage.”
As the gravity of their words sank in, a transformation occurred within Lord Syrup.
His lips curved upward, a fragile yet genuine smile forming on his face. His shoulders relaxed as he discarded a weight on his mind.
He let out a soft sigh. “Very well then. I will request a pair of twins, a son and a daughter, to begin. Perhaps, in time, three more offspring.”
He looked at Alex’s face before agreeing. “I’ll convince the stubborn people of this city to accept your aid.”
Alex almost jumped up in happiness.
His eyes lit up, and he struggled to contain the joy that had been building within him.
“It's a deal, then!”