Chapter 246 Bribes, Treasure And Princesses
Once he had gently settled Sera in her bed, he stepped out onto the spacious balcony. The morning sun beamed down, casting a warm glow over the surroundings.
Taking a moment to unwind, he found solace in the tranquility of the scene before him.
As he sat down, he treated himself to some sweet bread, savoring its delightful taste as he enjoyed the peaceful morning.
A little while later, Hemera walked out onto the balcony and spotted him. A smile appeared on her face as she approached him.
"Hello, Arch. Where have you been? Also, where are the girls?" Hemera asked as she stood next to him.
Archer looked at the girl before replying, "They are all sleeping. Nefi should be up soon."
He looked at the nice weather and asked her something, "Hem, do you want to travel with me? Its still really early and we can get far before midday."
She smiled and nodded her head. Archer opened a Gate to the road, and they both walked through it.
As they walked out of the portal, they spotted a caravan not far from them. Archer turned to her and said, "You look beautiful today, Hemi."
Upon hearing this, she beamed. Archer examined her outfit – a black and gold Peplos along with a pair of gladiator sandals that showed her pretty toes.
When Archer saw them, he found them so small. He looked up and saw her yellow eyes watching him as they were walking.
''Your toes are so pretty, Hem,'' Archer said in such a casual way it caught her off guard.
She shook her head and smiled at him as the two of them heard a voice. ''What are you two young ones doing out here?''
The two of them turned to the voice and saw a caravan off to the side with about twenty adventurers as guards.
tall, chubby man stood there, catching Archer's attention before he replied, ''We're traveling to Larissa.''
The man smiled and introduced himself, ''I'm Mehmet Ali Yılmaz, the owner of Alchemiya Herbs & Potions based in the capital city of the Nagendea Kingdom.''
Archer nodded and introduced the two of them, ''I'm Archer, and this is my fiance Hemera.''
Mehmet nodded and then inquired, ''Young man, you're not from the South, are you? Where are you from?''
Hemera giggled, prompting Archer to look at her. She said, ''It's true. You don't look like you're from the South. Most people aren't as fair-skinned as you.''
Mehmet nodded his head when he heard her and added, ''You're almost the color of snow. Let me guess. You are from the Land of Plenty?''
Archer nodded his head and answered, ''I'm from the Avalon Empire.''
The merchant's eyes widened when he heard the boy. ''So, you're an Avalonian. I'm surprised you're down here and not in the College of Magic.''
Archer shook his head as he replied. ''No, I'm an adventurer just traveling around experiencing the different lands, I'm slowly traveling north.''
Mehmet nodded and spoke. ''A long journey but not impossible. The Uncharted Beastlands is the dangerous part. We got attacked several times as we made our way through it.
Hemera poked Archer in the side as he listened to the man. He looked at her and noticed that she had an excited look on her face as she spoke. ''What is the College of Magic Arch?''
Archer had to think for a second and remembered a little about the place so he went to explain but Mehmet beat him to it.
''The College of Magic is a prestigious institution located in the heart of the Avalon Empire. It's a place where young mages from all over the world gather to study and hone their magical abilities. The college is known for its ancient and powerful knowledge of arcane arts."
Archer leaned forward, intrigued. "What kind of magic do they teach there?" he asked, his eyes glinting with curiosity.
Mehmet smiled warmly, recognizing the excitement in Archer's voice. "Oh, they teach a wide array of magical disciplines. From elemental magic that controls the forces of nature, to illusions that can deceive the keenest of eyes. There's also telekinesis, where one can move objects with their mind, and the study of ancient runes that hold immense power."
Hemera's eyes sparkled as she listened attentively. "Is it true that the college has a vast library with books on every kind of magic?" she asked.
He chuckled, delighted by her enthusiasm. "Absolutely! The library of the College of Magic is a treasure trove of knowledge. It houses centuries-old tomes and scrolls, written by the greatest sorcerers and wizards who have walked the realms. Students spend hours studying these ancient texts to uncover the mysteries of magic."
When Hemera heard this she got excited and grabbed a hold of Archer. ''Can we visit there one day?''
He nodded his head with a smile. ''Of course, we will.''
After speaking Mehmet invited them to journey with them for a little while, the caravan was heading for Astreopolis city just across the Lunarian border.
Archer and Hemera agreed and were invited into the man's carriage, when Archer was walking he remembered he had to go to Nefertiti's academy.
Once he parts ways with the merchant he will go with her and see his young master.
[Starfall City - Avalon Empire]
Emperor Osoric was in a meeting with his advisors and generals when he heard a specific report that piqued his interest. He promptly ordered his Spymaster to read it aloud.
"The rumors suggest that the White Dragon, whom you've tasked our southern agents to gather information about, has now been fully accounted for," the Spymaster began.
As the Spymaster delved into the report, the room fell silent, and all eyes were fixed on him as he revealed the astonishing news.
"It is reported that Archer Ashguard, the White Dragon, is engaged to not one, but five women in total. Three of them are princesses from the south: one from the mystical kingdom of Aquaria, and the other two are imperial princesses from the Zenia and Solari Empires. Furthermore, swirling rumors suggest that the Lunaris Empire is also contemplating offering their first princess's hand in marriage to him."
Osoric thought to himself, "How is this child getting so many women? What is he doing down there?"
He looked at the Spymaster and asked, "What is he doing there? What has he achieved?"
The man cleared his throat and explained how Archer stopped the invasion of Aquaria Kingdom by several kingdoms by destroying their armies. He also mentioned how Archer stopped the war between the Zenia Empire and their northern neighbors, whom the Zenians soon annexed, and how he rid Mediterra of the swarm.
As the Emperor heard of the boy's exploits and how he has made allies of the entire South, he turned to a blonde woman sitting there and inquired, "What is the boy like, Duchess Eveloria?"
Eveloria cleared her throat and began to speak, addressing the Emperor, "Well, Your Majesty, he is quite a greedy boy, known for hoarding all sorts of treasures. Nevertheless, he has proven to be quite effective in resolving the outlaw problems that once plagued the Southlands, claiming all their valuables in the process. He has replicated similar feats in the Solari Empire as well."
The Emperor nodded, indicating for her to continue as she paused.
"But what my agents have discovered goes beyond his greed and ruthlessness," Eveloria continued. "It appears that he harbors a deep affection for the five girls who travel with him. Our informants, some of whom are placed in the palaces of the south, have reported that he will go to great lengths to protect and care for them. This very attachment seems to be the driving force behind his involvement in most of the situations he finds himself in."
As Osoric pondered Eveloria's words, he finally spoke a few minutes later, "When he arrives in the empire, I want to meet him. I want him to attend the College of Magic so he doesn't go wild and cause havoc everywhere he goes."
Duchess Eveloria quickly interjected, "He won't agree to that, Your Majesty."
He sighed, and the Spymaster chimed in, "Let's offer him treasure as an incentive. You already want him to marry Princess Leira, which is a great honor. Additionally, I know General Sia Silverthrone is fond of him. If you endorse their marriage, it might persuade him. Though it might be frowned upon for an aunt to marry her nephew, if you support it, people will likely accept it."
The Emperor nodded at the Spymaster's suggestion, but that's when another man, the general of the Griffon Legion, spoke up.
"Plenty of princesses attend the College. I know the Lionheart Kingdom would be interested in tying one of their princesses to the boy. That would encourage him to attend."
Osoric nodded and agreed, that was when the Duchess spoke. ''How did Leira take the engagement?''
He sighed and replied. ''She took it as well as you would expect, she has no interest in marrying him, and the girl doesn't even want to meet him.''
The Avalon Council spent hours discussing how to entice the boy to attend the College of Magic and decided on bribery, promising him freedom and the chance to meet other princesses.
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