Chapter 88

"I've spoken with the others, and I wanted to share the information with you. I'll be leaving the array connected to your city setting up our second waystation. All of you are free to come, and go as you please so long as you follow one rule. Everyone here is to be treated as an equal, and that includes those of noble birth. Here you will be judged by your actions, and character. So long as you understand this you can come and go as you please. Madison wishes to return home to ensure the safety of your clan but intends to return here. If you desire this could even be your home. They are several suitable locations for a district avoiding the sun, and plenty of livestock to tap. For those of you visiting here, I would recommend stopping at the baths before returning. Just follow the signs outside for proper protocols. We have plenty of food, and drink so no need to hold back." Zack announced raising a cup to the people.

"Can we go visit that village tomorrow?" Ren asked

"A fast response is wise." Dyna declared.

"I wanna join you if that's okay. I owe them a proper apology for them getting involved in this." Emilia stated.

"If that's the case someone from the Bernadett household should be present," Arthur said trying to be discreet in his intentions.

"No, you already got a day in the sun, and I need your sword by my side. Your skills are formidable, and you've been impressive lately. Seems like you're finally becoming a man, and our father would be proud to see your skill. Don't worry we will return tomorrow. I want our people to see this for themselves." Madison said extending her hand.

Arthur was happy to hear praise from his elder sister but didn't wanna be away from Emilia's side. Emilia saw his concern discreetly grabbing his hand under the table. Arthur knew she wanted him to go.

If they lived here the council would have difficulties intervening with their plans. They couldn't attack his clan due to Zack's protection and would have to come at him directly. If they were to attack Stormhaven their new alliance would cause Zack to take action.

It was indeed the perfect strategy if they wanted to be together. Arthur took off the amulet handing it to Cassandra as she stored it in her ring. She wasn't prepared to wear it quite yet. When seeing it she was reminded of her father's head rolling.

"We should get going now. I wanna make sure we make it home tonight." Arthur declared getting up from the table.

"I'm not sure what's brought about these changes lately, but I'm liking the new you." Madison smiled messing up his hair.

"Me too," Arthur replied in disbelief.

Arthur has never seen his sister smile like that before. The near-death experience and loss of her father were the cause. It made Madison reconsider her life, and she no longer wanted to waste time neglecting her family. Madison waved at the others signaling their leave. Most of them accompanied her home while a few went to Stormhaven to greet those escorting the prisoners.

"I should get going too. If I relieve the guards tonight they can send word to the alderman's territories. They need to be informed of their lords' demise." Wade announced standing from the table signaling his men.

"Be sure to offer them sanctuary. The workers shouldn't be left to suffer to their greed." Emilia ordered scooting closer to Zack.

"As you wish my lady," Wade replied taking his leave.

With the soldiers cleared Lilith was comfortable making her move.

"When are you gonna announce the cancelation?" Lilith asked with a smirk.

"A-after my ascension," Emilia whispered with a flushed face.

"Queen Eliza is a major cunt, and I hope you're aware of what that means. Breaking engagements isn't unheard of given your circumstances, but don't expect her to respond lightly." Lilith cautioned.

"I know I'll have to gather the alderman's forces and strengthen the watch on the border," Emilia replied in a serious tone.

"Do you still wanna explore the rest of my designs?" Destiny asked trying to lighten her stress.

"That would be wonderful. Everything you make is so beautiful and comfortable. I wish I was there to welcome you during your visit. I hope you know those barbarians who attacked you were dealt with. Zack made a very thorough report, and each of them was prosecuted. Stormhaven will no longer tolerate those halting progress either. With the loss of Invictus, and culprits locked up I no longer see this as an issue. Once the city is secure again feel free to visit us." Emilia replied with a smile.

"If you would allow it I could help with that. I finished reading the manuals left by Zack's mother, and I'm confident I can construct a new generator. She even marked sites we could find more when we run out, but I don't see that happening anytime soon. The cores can last centuries before replacement and would benefit the city greatly. It would take a month for enough mana to seep into the city, but then you can construct as we do. The barrier is strong enough to keep three sentinels at bay so you could rebuild in peace." Valan suggested looking at Zack for approval.

"We have plenty of dolls functioning for now, and I have improved my skills to pick up the slack," Aelia stated.

"That sounds like a good idea to me. I saw at least ten cores so we shouldn't have an issue. Those ruins seem interesting too. I imagine they were the spots she was checking next." Zack smiled wondering what his mother looked like.

"If you think it will help I have no complaints. Would it change the land as well?" Emilia asked.

"No, we have determined that effect is coming from the garden. I could have everything ready in a few days at most, and I would only need two dolls for assistants," Valan told Zack before taking off to gather materials.

Zack didn't hear Valan clearly as he was distracted by the figure walking from the forest. Mero was walking towards him, and he was captivated by her long thick thighs. They trailed up to the large hips swaying in his direction curious to see the backside.

Her golden eyes were watching Zack closely as they gradually moved closer. Mero could feel his sensual gaze examining her body closely.

"Looks like we have another contender," Lilith smirked seeing Zack's lecherous gaze.

Yu ran up curious about Mero's new form. The first time she saw the sea was arriving in Eden and was unaware of the transformations some species possessed. Following behind her was Lilith and Ren to examine her closely. Lydia was lost in thought watching her walk around so casually.

'I've never seen her legs before. She must really wanna spend time with him.'

"I figured you would've been a lot shorter," Ren said extending her hand.

"That's because she's always floor level to us. You have nice curves."Lilith smirked lifting her tail.

Mero on instinct whipped it but got control in time to redirect it into the dirt. The ground beneath Lilith was shattered causing her to tread cautiously. Mero was embarrassed she did something so clumsy.

"I'm sorry it was a reflex. Still not use to this body." Mero laughed it off rubbing the back of her head.

"It's okay I should've been more considerate." Lilith apologized walking back around.

"You seem rather sturdy like this. Would you like to train sometime?" Ren asked eagerly waiting for a reply.

"Really? That would help a lot. Lydia says I'm too rough." Mero said while watching her approach.

"That's cause you are. You're lucky I have good regenerative capabilities or I would be covered in scars." Lydia criticized.

"My skin can handle it." Ren boasted sipping her gourd.

"You sure you wanna risk scars?" Lilith teased glancing at Zack.

"That wouldn't happen with my healing, and I wouldn't mind either way," Zack said as he walked up with Yuki.