Impersonator

Those who entered were directed to another guest room within the palace. One room which is in the main building of Blumengarte, is more spacious and full of beautiful flowers. A larger sofa chair opposite the marble table and flower vases on display. They sat opposite each other.

"Your majesty.. and the guests of Blumengarte.. we bring dishes from our country which is dominated by sweet foods, as well as other dishes that you may like..."

"Please enjoy.. Your Majesties.."

The graceful hands of the waiter Pixies bring delicious dishes, entertaining them with sweet cakes and various fresh drinks. The clink of plates and cutlery arranged loudly. There was a faint scent of the delicate roses from the Pixy who brought the food between them. The exact same scent as Cyrus himself as the King of Pixy.

"Ooohhh…. there is Cheesecake.. my favorite..” Peter was happy to see his favorite cake also served on the table.

"You like that?"

"huum .." he took the small plate of cream cheese cake. With the available silver fork he slowly took a bite.

"hihihi" Cyrus the host swung his feet under the table. He was overjoyed to be reunited with his friends and coincidentally served one of their favourites.

"Please .. just eat and drink whatever you like .. " the fairy king smiled again. A maid then poured him favorite cold wheat tea.

“Hhh… I'm so uncomfortable. Out there my people are messing with your kingdom, your people put up magic shields to defend themselves but here I am even warmly welcomed and even treated to palace dishes .. " Ziel sighed, his gaze looked withered. His yellow eyes seemed to radiate sadness. He did not take any dish that was on the table, his fingers intertwined showing anxiety. The 7 kings looked at each other.

“Then Mr. Ziel.. say.. what is it.. whatever happens we are on Erick's side. Even though we've only known each other for a short time, we know he's not a King who just causes chaos…” Damian looked at Ziel, reassuring him that the rest of Ninefinity also believed in Erick. His black hair gleamed because of the hood he wasn't wearing.

"Okay.. well, one thing you should know, the cause of this mess isn't Silverstream.. no.. I DON'T KNOW WHO’S THAT J**K IS BUT THAT'S NOT THE KID THAT I GIVED MY THRONE TO HIM..!!!!" Ziel said in an angry tone. His hands clenched. His previously withered gaze now showed anger. His pupils narrowed. His breath even produced hot white steam.

"Wh-What do you mean??" Ryota blinked his eyes, surprised by Ziel's attitude. He took another sip of the hot black tea in his glass.

“Someone.. or something.. disguised as Silverstream.. imitating his looks, his voice, even wearing the Blue Spirit tiara that King Draecorona was supposed to wear...”

They were shocked, stared at each other, silent. Somebody? Something??

"Ehmm... somehow I don't understand..." Cyrus tilted his head, confused.

“Wait.. imitating?? Does anyone have the ability to 'mimic' someone?? I'm a Shapeshifter, me and my clan can transform into any kind of animal.. but don't.. you know.. 'imitating someone's appearance'??” Damian said. As a Shapeshifter, Ziel's explanation sounded strange to him.

“That's precisely it.. and the worst part, he abused the Blue Spirit.. the holy tiara holds the reins of power in Draecorona. That creature provoked the Dragons to invade other kingdoms with words I've never heard from Silverstream's mouth..” Ziel's eyes were closed, imagining what he saw in Eispalast palace before flying to Draecorona to meet Adryan.

After everything came back to mind.. He continued his testimony..

“Silverstream isn't the strongest Dragon, not the Dragon with the largest body size, not the Dragon with the most superior magic. But he's a dragon with the soul of a true leader. He loves peace, he loves his people, he loves Draecorona."

The 7 king not interrupted his words, all listened intently.

".. He never hesitates to protect his people along with his subordinate soldiers when an ice storm comes.. He never gets angry when someone makes a mistake.. He always forgives and even hugs his friends who have hurt him.. His people are submissive to him but he is never pride.." continued Ziel. Even though he had abdicated from the throne, he often visited to meet his successor King. What he saw in Erick was the true sincerity of a leader. A pure soul that he couldn't find from any other King candidate.

"That means.. something happened to the real Erick.. the creature might hurt or lock him up somewhere and take his Blue Spirit.." Andrew concluded. His feelings grew even more chaotic thinking about his Dragon brother's condition. His hands gripped tightly the glass of peach juice he was drinking.

“Son.. I've tried my best.. when I realized 'Silversteram' summoned all the Dragons with Blue Spirit, I also gathered together with the other Dragons. But when he started talking, I felt something else about him. The Blue Spirit that summoned us was indeed genuine. But the wearer... is not our King. He was talking about us, the Dragons clan which is the strongest clan, should surpass the other clans. All had to bow before the Dragons. He talks about conquering other kingdoms and proving that the Dragons clan is the strongest and best clan above all…” Now the former King's gaze softened. He is saddened by what is happening in the kingdom he once led.

“That blue spirit of yours, can it be used carelessly? I mean, I also have a special weapon… my heirloom spear can't be used by other Celestials who don't wield it…”

"Yeah me too.. my arrows and swords won't show their magic if used by another Pixy.."

"That's the problem.. Blue spirit, just like your special weapons.. but this enemy of ours, he can use as he pleases.. doesn't that mean his prowess can be above all of us?"

"Oh my God.. this is bad.. so bad.."

"I've tried to fight it. We argued for quite a long time. But my people.. they are definitely more on the side of 'Silverstream' and think of me only as a former King who is no longer worthy to be heard.. hhhh....." the tight feeling in his chest was conveyed to the 7 Kings who were listening to his story. Not being listened to or opposed by the people themselves while grasping the truth is a fear that all leaders have.

“no one listened to me.. they were attracted by the words 'Silverstream' and listened to his orders, flew in groups to other kingdoms and messed up.. by the time I arrived in Groilandia things were already very bad.. the trees fell, some rivers froze, The beasts are hiding and the dragons that are messing about there are starting to claim their territory.. sorry Adryan..” Ziel looked back at Adryan who was sitting in the other corner. He really felt bad.

"Yeah.. um.. ya.. it's okay.. at least I want things to quickly return to normal.. hehe.." Adryan took another sip of the bitter iced coffee in his glass. Tasted bitter like reality.

"Be patient, Ziel.. after this is all over, your name will definitely be clean again.."

“Well, that's more or less what I wanted to tell you.. please.. please find Silverstream.. please help us fix all this mess.. I know I shouldn't beg but.. but.. who else should I ask for help? …” Ziel's tears started to fall. Nathanael, who was sitting beside him, embraced Ziel's back with his wings.

"Yes.. calm down.. we understand.."

"Of course.. anything we will do to restore the peace of Arc Chaestra.. also for Erick .." Peter stood up, excited. There was a ringing sound from the silver accessories he was wearing.

“Woo.. yeahh...!!! problem, we're coming~” Adryan, happy with a straight face.

Ryota, silently looked at his friends one by one. Peter the passionate, Adryan the prankster, Nathanael with his brilliant form, Andrew with his sweet demeanor, Damian the steadfast and Cyrus the holder of the moon grace opposite himself, the priest of the Sun Fox.

Our friendship will grow stronger, again and again. I'm sure because I already know that..