Return to Jorgaldur Volume IV: Reunion

Imperial neighbors (II)

"Eldi Hnefa. It's an honor and a surprise," the emperor greeted solemnly.

He was visibly surprised. He didn't expect to meet the one who had been the talk of the entire court. A single person who had the nobility of a country in check, and with legitimate rights. Their territories weren't even been neighbors, but certain rumors spread quickly.

"I didn't expect to be so famous," he felt a little overwhelmed. "It's an honor to meet the emperors..."

"Leave the ceremonies. For today, she's my friend Kroquia, and he's her husband. There're no emperors around here," Gjaki interrupted him.

"Always the same," the emperor complained.

"There's nothing that can be done, she's like that," Eldi pitied him.

Although he hadn't suffered it in person, he knew the attitude of his friend. In the City of Light, for example, she had completely changed when she met her friends, not caring if they were generals or innkeepers. She treated them simply as friends, and didn't allow them to treat her as Blood Queen. Nonetheless, she treated very different her enemies.

"Finally, someone with common sense," the emperor sighed, and shook his hand.

"Stop the nonsense. Let's see, Eldi, explain to us about the gems. Why was that cheap blacksmith telling Krinia to get that one?" the vampiress demanded, half jokingly.

The high human shrugged, and turned to Krinia and Gjaki.

"I guess because he had done something before with that gem. All gems can contain mana. If you haven't used the right one, it might even seem like a good choice, but the difference is enormous. The gem you would need is the aktina. Let me show the difference. These two spears contain a lower version of those gems. Try inserting mana," he took out two spears from the inventory.

The emperor couldn't help but open his eyes, impressed. The workmanship of both was exquisite. At first glance, they were exceptional weapons.

"Well, it works fine. It circulates mana well, and stores it efficiently. Too bad it's a spear," Krinia assessed after using the wind spear as a staff.

"Let's see if you tell me the same after trying the other one," he handed the electric one with a smile.

There was no need to wait for the mage's response. Her expression was more than enough to show her surprise and excitement. She looked at Eldi with more reverence than she had a few moments ago.

"Is incredible. I couldn't imagine that... Can you let me try the other one again?"

"Sure."

The mage took the wind spear again. This time, the mana circulated more smoothly. With delicacy. She was feeling the changes. She sighed.

"It really is another world. How wrong I was. I have to get the aktina gem, and someone who can make me a staff with it. That blacksmith had no idea," she admitted. She was relieved to have known in time.

Krinia felt somewhat embarrassed. She was an expert mage, and until now, she had never even imagined such a difference. Of course, it was rare for a craftsman who hadn't reached mastery to be able to make weapons with specific attributes.

"If you get it, I can make you a staff. It wouldn't cost me much," Eldi offered.

"Accept the offer before he regrets it. He's the one who made all those weapons," Gjaki urged her.

The reptilians looked at him in surprise. Despite the knowledge he had demonstrated, they didn't expect him to be a master blacksmith.

"I... Thank you very much. I'll pay you whatever you want," she offered without thinking.

"You're Gjaki's friend. I can't charge you," he assured.

"I can't allow that!" Krinia exclaimed.

"First get the gem, then you'll discuss. Let's see, let's distribute the items," the vampiress meddled.

Meanwhile, Goldmi was making food for everyone. She even made some meals at the prince's request, although he had to get permission from his parents.

In fact, the prince had stopped being one for a while. Shy at first, he had been dragged along by the twins, and now he was playing with them and the vampire children.

He rarely had the opportunity to interact with other children freely, except for a few friends, very few.

The interaction with other noble children had many political implications, and could have repercussions in the future. He was the heir to the throne, and that implied a lot. Therefore, these interactions were done very carefully and monitored. Rarely could they simply be children playing.

Now, however, those children didn't have any problems or implications. Some were the daughters of Goldmi, an elf visitor who was very far from the reptilian court. The others were vampire children, also far from the problems of the court, and under the protection of the Blood Queen herself.

His mother couldn't help but smile when she saw her son simply playing like any other kid. His father tried not to smile too, although sometimes he couldn't avoid it.

In fact, Kroluo was delighted at the prospect of being able to bid. Of chasing and being chased by the other children. Of learning a strange card game.

"If you want, you can bring him to the mansion whenever you want," the vampiress offered.

"I don't know if it would be convenient. Perhaps..." the emperor doubted.

"Sure! It'll be good for him to get away from the court from time to time. That way, he can see that there're more things in the world, and he can be a child. Thank you Gjaki," the empress interrupted.

He looked at her. He wanted to contradict her, but knew that she was right. Although he doubted, the emperor felt some envy of his son right now. He himself had rarely had the opportunity of being only a child.

Perhaps, what had attracted him most to Kroquia had been her freshness. Despite being noble, she had contact with the people through her friends, through her adventures. Perhaps, Kroquia wasn't the only one with that traits, but she was the only one through whom he had been able to live another life. She was the only one who had understood him, who had understood his loneliness, and had helped him overcome it.

He had met her when he was ten years old. They had kept their friendship first and relationship later practically a secret. Above all, from his siblings.

It scared him to think that, without her, he might have become something like his older brother. A selfish and despotic being, who was willing to kill his own family if necessary. His brother had even wanted to subdue Kroquia, which was why he had hated him so much.

He loved his wife, and he was deeply grateful to Gjaki. Without the vampiress, the current empress would have died. Surely, he too.

"We'll see," he didn't give up. He didn't want to admit that it seemed a good idea to him.

"Gentlemen and ladies, it's an honor for me to preside..." the voice of who had come out on stage was heard.

The auction was about to begin.