Emperor's Reckoning



Felidora, a realm of vibrant enchantment and cultural splendor, sprawled beneath an expansive sky, its beauty matched only by its rich history. The kingdom stood as a captivating blend of natural wonders and architectural marvels, a testament to the harmonious coexistence between civilization and the surrounding environment.

Nestled amidst rolling hills and lush valleys, Felidora boasted a landscape that was both breathtaking and diverse. Verdant forests stretched their arms in every direction, their emerald canopy sheltering an array of flora and fauna. Crystal-clear rivers meandered through the land, weaving intricate patterns that mirrored the kingdom's intricate tapestry of culture.

The heart of Felidora beats within its grand capital, a city that blends the grace of tradition with the innovation of the modern age. Majestic palaces with intricate domes and minarets stood as testaments to the kingdom's historical significance. Yet, in contrast, bustling marketplaces and artisan alleys hummed with life, showcasing the fusion of old-world charm and contemporary ingenuity.

The city's streets were alive with color and movement. Vibrant banners adorned with intricate patterns swayed gently in the breeze, while bustling markets offered treasures from far-off lands. The air was redolent with the mingling scents of exotic spices and freshly baked bread, a symphony of aromas that delighted the senses.

The people of Felidora were as diverse as their surroundings, coming together in a harmonious blend of cultures and traditions. Elaborate garments adorned with intricate embroidery reflected the kingdom's rich history, while the laughter of children echoed through bustling plazas, a reminder of the city's vibrant present.

The wagon trundled along the well-paved road, its wheels humming a rhythmic tune that harmonized with the gentle rustling of leaves in the warm breeze. The journey had been a mix of serenity and excitement, the landscape transitioning from the serene countryside to the bustling outskirts of a grand city. Felidora awaited them with open arms, it's colorful banners and intricate architecture a vibrant prelude to the enchantment that lay ahead.

As the wagon neared its destination, Cecile's playful nudge disrupted Lyon's light slumber. Blinking his eyes open, he rubbed the remnants of sleep from his vision and stretched his arms, momentarily disoriented. Cecile's voice carried a spark of amusement as she announced their arrival, pulling him fully from the realm of dreams.

"We're here in Felidora," she chimed a hint of mischief in her tone.

Lyon's gaze shifted, and his eyes widened as they fell upon the captivating tableau that unfolded before him. The city's outskirts were a veritable menagerie of life, a symphony of races and species living in harmony. Elves with their graceful demeanor moved through the crowd, their pointed ears catching the light in a hypnotic dance. Druids, their connection to nature evident in their every step, conversed with the flora and fauna as if they were old friends. Beastmen exuded strength and primal energy, their presence an embodiment of nature's wild essence.

Among them, Foxmen displayed a curious playfulness that seemed to infuse every interaction, their tails swaying like joyful banners. However, amidst this vibrant tapestry of beings, something felt conspicuously absent. The absence of humans was palpable.

Lyon leaned toward Alaric before asking, "Where are you taking us? I hope it's not the prison."

"O-Of course not, young master," said Alaric.

"Oh, you believe that old man's story?" Lyon smiled with a tinge of amusement.

"Let's not talk about that here, I'm taking you to my home," said Alaric. "I have sufficient guest rooms, but you will have to share."

"Don't worry about us, we can sleep together just fine on one massive bed," answered Lyon confidently.

"Ehem!" Karina coughed.

"Okay, two massive beds," said Lyon with a wry smile.

The wagon glided smoothly through the cobbled streets of Felidora, the clip-clop of horse hooves harmonizing with the city's lively atmosphere. As the cityscape gradually shifted, the surroundings grew more elegant, and the streets widened into grand boulevards. Tall trees lined the paths, their branches arching gracefully overhead as if to embrace the travelers in their shade.

Amidst this refined district, Alaric skillfully guided the wagon to a stop before an impressive mansion. The building stood as a testament to both grandeur and practicality, its architectural design combining the elegance of the Elven aesthetic with the strength of stonework favored by the Beastmen.

The mansion's façade was adorned with intricate carvings that celebrated nature and the unity of the races, a visual representation of Felidora's harmony. Tall windows showcased the artistry of the Druids, with stained glass panels depicting scenes from the kingdom's history, a testament to its rich culture and traditions.

As the wagon halted, Alaric's voice carried a sense of pride as he spoke, "Welcome to my humble home, one befitting the title of a captain of the knights." His eyes glinted with a mixture of modesty and genuine affection for the place he called his own.

Karina was drowned in awe as she saw the mansion. It was a luxury that not even her father in Nostria had. However, her sentiment was of her own, the other was not as impressed.

"Welcome back, Captain Alaric," the guards opened the gate after a bow.

Alaric nodded in response before entering the mansion, then the guards closed the gate.

After avoiding prying eyes, Lyon and the others found themselves in an elegant parlor. Kesya immediately succumbed to her curiosity as she stood near whatever she found interesting. Karina was the same albeit more reserved.

Alaric sat down right the opposite of Lyon and his wives. He rubbed his hands together, pacifying his anxiety, even though Lyon looked rather ordinary without his regal bearing. 

"Regarding your question early on, I do... but not fully."

"Oh?" Lyon chimed in amusement.

"First of all, you killed Bahnci so fluently and effortlessly, a masterclass display of using your surroundings before..." he glanced over and saw Kesya admiring his bought paintings, then darted back to Lyon. "The second one was, Elder Garin kowtowing, that old man might look frail, but he is not. He taught me how to fight."

Lyon smirked before he nodded, "That's fine, whether you believe me or not, it doesn't matter to me, but I do have a request."

"You want to heal your friend," said Alaric.

Karina got her attention piqued. She turned before standing right next to the three of them.

"Smart," said Cecile.

"You have doubts," asked Selena.

"Well... I can't guarantee safe lips," said Alaric before sighing, "The tension between humans and demi-humans is getting... absurd."

"Hmm... I see what you mean," said Lyon as he frowned. "You don't happen to know any healing hermit living in some valley, do you?"

"Uh... what?" Alaric was puzzled.

"Forgive my husband's... assertiveness," said Cecile. "It's just that we do often find hermits back in the day."

"I-I see..." Alaric gulped.

"Hey, what's this?" Kesya courted their attention. Her finger pointed at the poster he took on the table nearby.

"The annual Felidora Tournament..." Alaric muttered.

Cecile opened her hand with her palm facing up before Kesya gave it to her. She read the content aloud.

'One wish will be granted by the King of Felidora; Battle your way to the very top and be Felidora's champion."

"Pretty straightforward," said Selena. 

"Just like the solution to our problem," Lyon stood up with his arms crossed and a smirk hanging. 

"W-Wait, young master, are you—"

"Of course," Kesya grinned. "Let's enter together, Emperor!"

"No," Cecile answered, gaining control of the atmosphere. "Lyon, you will not enter the tournament, but Kesya will."

"Eh..." Lyon slouched in disagreement.

"Me too," said Karina.

"K-Karina?" Lyon raised his brows.

"I... I too want to compete," said Karina as her eyes revealed determination.

"Then you will," said Cecile. "After all, Kesya and Karina can't be counted as humans, so it will not stir a problem."

Karina nodded.

"Then it's decided," Lyon smiled with a hint of playfulness.