Arcana Series - Hierophant

Planning

“I believe that was enough of a demonstration already correct?”

None of the knights answered Alice’s question. With what just happened, their pride as knights have been greatly stepped on. Not only did they have the numbers advantage but, they also had the titles of knights backing them up. Indicating that they are supposed to be the strongest warriors of the kingdom. Yet there they were, completely outclassed by three servants of the current queen.

“I’ll take your silence as a yes.” Alice declared.

“My queen.” Ellain spoke up. The only knight who didn’t join in the Siege game. “I do have a question, if you may.”

“Please.” Alice simply said.

“Who are your servants actually?” The knight asked. “I watched the fight from a good spot and saw everything happen. The skills they displayed are definitely not something you would expect from their age range.”

At this Alice looked at Damian which weirded the knights out. As if the queen was getting consent from one of her servants. Damian then gave a nod which allowed Alice to proceed with whatever it was that she was about to say.

“This may come as a shock to you but, these three are actually acolytes.”

“Cairons?” Nathan asked in a tone of utter disbelief. “Your highness, you allowed us noble knights to fight mere Cairons?”

“Yes. And these “mere” Cairons are the same ones who beat you fair and square.”

Nathan was silenced. There was no denying this fact after all and, saying anything else in the current situation would just hurt his pride even more. A knowledge which every other knight knew. Making them keep quiet as well.

“You see, they aren’t your regular run of the mill acolytes.” Alice declared. “They are the best of the best. Soldiers who have been procured by my father himself and kept hidden from plain sight. They are the same ones who protect Obelisk from the shadows. And with the recent event with the Daemons, the king has finally decided to let them bask in the glory of their achievements.”

Most of the things which Alice said were lies. She can’t reveal the truth to to the knights because, these are things which would not be accepted easily. The facts that these same servants escaped from Sanctum, killed most of the jurors and, are also demons themselves; the very creatures abhorred in Obelisk.

“Damian here...” The teen walked up to the side of the queen’s chair. “Is a master strategist as he has displayed in the recent battle. He has studied countless wars in the past and, can come up with the best defensive measure that we could take.”

“We are letting a mere child dictate the flow of battle your highness?” Helix asked. “They only won a single Siege game against us. I believe that isn’t enough for them to lead Obelisk in a scale as big as a war with two kingdoms.”

“I believe the agreement with the war game is that, you will not be questioning my decisions anymore?” Alice asked sharply. “Or do you want me to personally beat all of you up for you to recognize who the absolute authority in Obelisk is?”

At this Alice let out her mana. She didn’t control it and allowed it to rage around the room. A thick amount of blue mana which made it difficult for the knights to breathe. As a strong and sharp wind spread.

The knights have witnessed the wrath of King Migard multiple times. Both in the meetings and in the battlefield and, that is why they knew that, what Alice was displaying was far superior than what her father has ever shown. Mana that went beyond someone of Migard’s caliber, a king who is feared by kingdoms far and wide.

“Forgive my insolence your highness.” Helix declared, making the queen control her mana once again as she took it all back.

“I know that I am still young but, I have been trained to be the ruler of Obelisk all my life. I have been given the proper instructions and have devoted myself to sharpening the abilities that I need. Now is the time to make use of all that.” Alice declared. “All I ask is that you give me an opportunity to lead and, to follow me as you would my father.”

“For Obelisk.” Ellaine said. Placing her hand on her chest as all the other knights did the same; repeating the same mantra.

“For Obelisk.”

“Good.” Alice said. “Now, let’s get on with this meeting.”

...

The meeting proceeded without much problem anymore. With Alice finally giving Damian the pedestal, the demon has completely ruled over the council room. He explained things methodically, beginning with the supplies in Obelisk that could be utilized. To the terrain that they would be using and would be modifying. To the rotation of soldiers as well as the couriers. As well as the possible delays and countermeasures that could be employed in case unexpected events arise.

Damian also entertained all of the questions which the knights raised. He also listened to the revisions that they had in mind which made the discussion more open. Because as far as Damian is concerned, there could still be some flaws to the plans he had in mind and, if he listens to ideas other than his own, it would be a perfect opportunity to solidify the plans.

Of course some knights still thought lowly of him. Namely, Helix, Nathan, Azed, and Sylas. He is a Cairon after all and, the discrimination in social status is still there. Nevertheless, these knights cooperated because they are in the presence of Alice Flauros whose authority was already established.

The hours passed until the meeting finally finished. With this, the knights finally took their leave. With Cleo and Blaze also doing the same, deciding to go to the pantry of the castle in order to grab some snacks for their empty stomachs.

This left Damian with a tired Queen Alice who, finally slouched on her chair. Taking off her crown and rubbing the middle point of her eyes. Meanwhile, Damian simply stayed close to her, smiling as he also took his own seat. And, after a few more seconds, the two of them began laughing their heart out.

“Man, you should’ve heard yourself earlier Ali.” Damian said in a gleeful tone.

“Why? Did I sound a bit weird?” Alice asked in a worried tone as she slumped on the table. Her face looking at Damian’s direction.

“No, you definitely sounded like a proper queen of a kingdom. I mean the words you used are as good as they could get.” Damian said, chuckling just a bit. “But man, it’ll be hard getting used to it.”

“Well I hope you don’t go on laughing in the middle of meetings.” Alice mentioned. “I want those knights to take me seriously and, that includes you as well.”

“Come on your highness...”

“Shhh.” Alice cut Damian’s sentence. “When it’s only the two of us, you’re going to call me Ali. How many times do I have to say that to you?”

“It’s just been a week you know. Give me time to adjust.”

“I’ll give you until tomorrow.”

“Look at you. Not even a month into your rulership and you’re already giving your citizens a hard time.” Damian commented.

“Well if you’re not gonna listen to me anyways, I’ll have to use force.” Alice said as she sat properly on her chair again. Blowing the strands of hair that fell on her face.

“Was I supposed to get intimidated by that?” Damian asked, his lips quickly turning into a smile as Alice couldn’t help but do the same. With both of them laughing once again as the door suddenly opened. Making both Damian and Alice perform an impromptu act as a maid entered into the room.

“My queen, this is the laugh tactic that I have spoken so fondly about.” Damian explained, pointing at parts of the map while having a serious look on his face. “We’ll be using the feathers of the birds and we’ll be dropping them on the camps of the enemies. As soon as these enter inside their armor, they would begin laughing like crazy as the feathers would tickle them with every movement. Allowing us to march on and win without incurring much losses.”

“I see...” Alice was trying her best to hold back her laughter from the sudden shift. “It does work...like a charm...doesn’t it?”

“My queen.” The maid said.

“Yes, what is it?” Alice asked, unable to look at the maid as her face had a weird expression at that moment. Unfit to her status as queen.

“There are refreshments and snacks prepared for you. Should I bring them now?”

“Yes...please do.”

“Understood your highness.” The maid said, finally bowing as she took her leave. And as soon as the doors closed again, Alice smacked the back of Damian’s head.

“Hey, what was that for?”

“Laugh tactic? What the hell Damian?”

“Well we needed to act fast and, that’s the first thing that came to my mind.” Damian defended. “Cut me some slack here.”

They both gave soft chuckles once again.

“Well, I just hope that your real tactics would work on the war that is to come.” Alice said, her tone of voice getting a bit serious.

“It will.” Damian said with confidence. “You’ve got the best tactician in your team and, I won’t allow neither Kadish nor Sirza spoil your first experience as ruler of Obelisk.”

“Thank you Damian.” Alice said in a warmhearted tone. “I mean it, from the bottom of my heart.”

“Don’t mention it Ali.” The demon said as his stomach grumbled.

“Well it looks like all that thinking and laughing has gotten you hungry.” Alice’s stomach grumbled, making her cheeks flush red.

“Looks like I’m not the only one.” Damian said with a playful grin on his face.

“Oh shut up will you.” Alice stood from her chair. “Come on, let’s grab something to eat.”

“Sure thing.” Damian said as he and the queen finally left the room. Finishing with the preparations needed for that day.