Chapter 218
218 Participation.
Valerian and Fortuna took two days to relax and made up their minds on what they were going to do. Then the two decided to go back to Lumen and participate in the war. Fallax has left the academy Lilian to meet her family. The old man was pretty serious about this issue as it seemed
Valerian did not waste much time, and after leaving a letter about his departure he went out with Fortuna and Priscilla. The dragon had told him that as long as he did not use the decay magic, his body will not deteriorate and will grow stronger gradually and neither will he lose control in despairing situations.
The young man called for Linea and the bird followed him outside the academy. Just when Valerian was getting ready to hop a ride when Fortuna said, “Linea may be fast but he will still lose to me in speed. Priscilla you follow behind on your mount, Linea will be with you.”
Valerian shrugged his shoulders and taking the quick hint the young man sat down on the back of the huge White tiger. Fortuna roared lightly and said, “If you pulled my fur, you will have to walk.”
Valerian chuckled and leaned down to get a hold of the beast under, and Fortuna rushed forward. Even after holding the neck of the tiger firmly, the silver-haired boy was troubled. This speed was indeed faster than Linea, and the wind hitting his face was suffocating him.
Thinking of something the young man cast a wind spell in front of him to block the incoming wind. Fortuna obviously could have done this for him, but he needed to learn to pay attention to the journey. Valerian was so lazy while traveling that he would rather sleep on the back of his mount sometimes.
Fortuna was not going to give-in and work for him. The two people had left Priscilla and the two beasts behind by a huge gap in just an hour. Fortuna moved through the woods and soon, Valerian found himself standing in front of the big tree. He rubbed his hand against Fortuna’s head and said, “Thank you.”
The beast nodded and Valerian got to the ground, he walked up to the tree, and touched the bark with his palm as he closed his eyes. He said, “I hope you are doing fine mum. I have missed you, although there have been a few obstacles, but I dealt with them pretty nicely. Umm, I am a little sick, but will be fine, if you and Her Majesty Senium can see me, then do not worry, Fortuna promised that she will help me.”
A gentle breeze shook the canopy. Valerian smiled and said, “I will go, we have a lot of work to do. I will come by later. I miss you.”
.....
That said, he turned around and went to Fortuna. The beast let him got on her back and slowly walked toward the edge of the clearing. She did not want Valerian to feel rushed while leaving. Suddenly, she asked, “Where did you find my mother’s inheritance?”
Valerian replied, “Forest of Acies.”
Fortuna nodded and they arrived at the edge of the clearing, the beast spurred up again and she moved through the woods like a scepter. Valerian held tightly while casting the wind magic. They were akin to a flash of black and white on the road. Fortuna and Valerian arrived at the western side of the Imperial Capital and they were stopped.
The guard at duty did not seem to recognize Valerian and asked him to stop, usually the western entrance was used by the royal family. This was a secured route, how could he let anyone waltz in? After a few moments, when the guard captain arrived he shivered and said, “Your highness, forgive us for the lapse in duty. I will have the doors opened right away.”
Valerian nodded and looking at the guard who stopped him, he said, “You did a good job. Do not let anyone other than the royal family use the western gates, unless it is an emergency. Captain of the guards, do not bother him. He was just doing his duty.”
The guard captain nodded and heaved a sigh of relief and after that Valerian walked through the doors with Fortuna beside him. The guard captain nudged the guard and said, “Alec, recognize that face and that aura. He is the fourth prince, he is one entity that you must not offend.”
Alec was recruited to the military from a remote village and had reported for duty just a few days ago. He was still trying to fit in the place when this happened. He said, “I apologize captain, I did not expect a prince to travel without an entourage. I will not let this happen again.”
The guard captain chuckled and said, “Kid, you do not need to apologize like this. The fourth Prince does not have many people beside him as he usually travels with his flying beast. Also, you probably do not know of his reputation thus you are talking like this. I will tell you, who is the fourth prince.”
Then Alec was fed the legendary things the fourth prince has done.
...
Valerian entered the palace through the western gates and the beasts in the western garden became obedient in an instant. These guys would cause small ruckus for the staff from time to time.
The beasts saw Valerian walking with Fortuna and they all bowed there heads to her respectfully. Fortuna had the blood line of the dragons and the beasts were all suppressed by her pressure. It could not be done anyhow. Valerian did not waste any time and headed toward the courtroom. They have arrived rather early and the court was still in session.
The situation of the entire continent was obvious and it was discussed openly inside the court. The guard at the door announced Valerian’s arrival and the people were surprised. They were told that the fourth prince has been sick and was recovering in peace.
Valerian walked in with his back straight and head high. His eyes were sparkling and his expression was cold. He stood in front of the Emperor and bowed to him. Libra nodded from the throne and asked, “What brings the fourth prince here?”
Valerian replied, “I would like to participate in the war planning against Centaur and Valkyria.”
His words were simple and they surprised the court. Prime Minister Alm was happy that the fourth prince was taking initiative to join the war room. Suddenly, an official asked, “Your Highness, while I commend your stead forth behavior, I want to ask, why do you not want to fight against Stella Nation. They are easier opponent.”
Valerian cast a gaze at the person and said, “External Affairs ministry needs to get in touch with the intelligence department more. When her excellency was in danger in Stella Empire, it was all a fa?ade to weaken the force of the previous emperor and cede the throne to the son of a Duke. The current emperor is a toy we placed on the throne and his life now belongs to us.
So, Stella is out of question, however, Centaur is not so gullible. We need to stand together to face Jamal and Stynes.”
The minister was embarrassed but also shocked, the court began to broil with questions and Valerian revealed the details they should know and what they should not know to the court patiently. Libra nodded from time to time as he heard the words. He was also surprised that so many attacks had been done and so many moves had been made from their side.
Since Valerian knew all this, than it meant that Valerian was the one behind these moves. He will simply need support and even a fool can tell that it was the Empress who lent him support.
Alm asked, “Your Highness, what do you think we should do next?”
Valerian placed his hands behind his back and began to move as he asked, “Any recent moves from the Centaur?”
Alm replied, “They have sent people to spread rumors about you, but they have been quelled.”
Valerian nodded and said, “Since the rumors have been quelled then the player behind this is an ally. Did the royal court make any moves?”
Alm and the others shook their heads. Valerian nodded and said, “Your Excellency, please call for Princess Azula to the court and also inform Her Excellency that we are going to battle together.”
The people nodded, Libra waved his hand and said, “Follow what the prince said.”
Valerian nodded faintly and suddenly his aura started to climb as he said, “If the things discussed inside the courtroom are spilled out, even to the closest member of your family, then I will make sure to locate the source and have them go through the most heinous of tortures ever.”
The people shivered as they knew since he could kill thousand people, he could certainly do things to them. They all nodded, and began to discuss a few issues of the country. When the two ladies arrived, the people stopped talking. When everyone was seated, Libra said, “Valerian, you will lead the War Council.”
Valerian stood up and bowed to the Emperor before he said, “The war council will now begin.”