Weeks had passed, and the Golden Empire of Verticulas had been preoccupied, not with the emperor’s upcoming birthday celebration but rather with the unprecedented instability of the Hēnte barrier. It was reported that the people in the country were worried and could feel the rumble far underground, outside the barrier, in an uncanny sequence. This rumbling sound desperately tried to emerge from the underground. 

The civilians had reported to the knights the unexpected incident. These also include the letter reports received by Devin Gratus from the rural areas that were far from the main capital. The mercenaries who had been travelling by land from the South had also reported the same case.

The mages of Aechmā had decided to spread out and investigate where the rumble was coming from. There might have been a loophole unseen within or at the edge of the barrier. Meanwhile, Apollis, the Archmage, needed to stay behind to protect the golden crystal heart of the barrier in the Golden Empire's underground labyrinth.  

To alleviate their people's worries, they posted a memorandum in each empire stating that the matter had been resolved and that there was nothing to fear. It also stated that the emperor of each empire would protect its people no matter what. Some people still had that fear of not knowing what might happen tomorrow. 

Time alone will tell when this unforeseen rumble turns into a blood-curdling tremor. 

Ella was braiding Irelina’s hair in a Celtic waterfall style. 

“Lady Irelina, are you going to the library today?” 

“Yes, the regent said I can use the library because the Concubines don’t have class today. She also ordered the servants not to go on the second floor until 3:00 in the afternoon.”

“Then, I will prepare your snacks while you read, Lady Irelina.” Ella smiled. 

She glanced at the opened window momentarily and thought, It would be nice to walk in the garden. I heard that the regent’s garden was filled with African violets—Mother’s favorite flowers.

“Yes, please. I would love that,” she said, curiously asking, “Did something happen in the palace lately? I heard a lot of noise outside the other day.” 

Ella put the comb on the table as they prepared to leave the room.

“Now that you mention it, I heard from the servants that mages came to investigate and check the barrier here.”  

“Barrier?” she wondered. 

“Yes, the barrier protects the country from shadow demons and monsters. I don’t know much about it, but I heard a peculiar rumble had disturbed the land, and they were trying to figure it out.” 

They were headed to the second floor of the Regent’s palace. It was quiet, and no one was lurking around. They continued their conversation while walking in the hallway heading to the library. 

“Do you think they are the same demons who destroyed Mercius?” Irelina asked.

“I believe so. Would you like me to look into it?” 

“If you can, don't push yourself too hard to get information. This is not Mercius, so be careful when you listen to the servants' or guards' conversation in this palace.”

“Of course, you know me. I will not make unnecessary trouble for us, Lady Irelina.” Ella said.

Irelina smiled and said, "Very well, I'll see you soon then,"

Ella smiled and Irelina entered the library. She returned to the kitchen to prepare tea and snacks for Lady Irelina. 

During this time, in the Emperor’s Palace Council Room, the rapport was rather anxious and intimidating. Zeddrick frowned as he pondered about the uncanny rumble of the barrier with the presence of the other four Emperors of the Empires: Īsern, Aechmā, Coldēus, and Vicentus. Devin Gratus, the secretary, stood behind His Majesty. They all look unsettled.  

“Could this be an indication that the Demon Lord we know of shall rise again and uprise against our defence?” Earl asked.

“I don’t think so. The Demon Lord has been in a deep sleep for thousands of years after being struck by the Sword Goddess of the Protectress that was sealed in his heart and imprisoned him somewhere in the Black Weald of Ur, which is untraceable,” Doris explained. 

“Then, how do you explain that we have been fighting against shadow demons and monsters for the last ten years? And on top of that, the monsters have been multiplying rapidly in the North. Every time these monsters broke the Wall Barrier, they evolved and came back stronger and more resilient to the barrier spell,” Castaeus debated. 

“I can’t argue with that because we don’t know how these monsters multiply in such a short time. We found that they hibernate and return in a different form, just as you said. Unless you want to volunteer to enter the Land of Sanatus and check, then that will at least help us solve something,” Doris said tauntingly to Castaeus. 

“So, you’re saying our only option is to infiltrate the Land of Satanus?” Castaeus furrowed and added, “Isn’t it bringing our men to a mass suicide? Aren’t you insane, Doris Aechmā?” 

“Watch your mouth, Castaeus—” 

“Enough!” Zeddrick intervened. “Instead of bad-mouthing each other, we should come up with a proper short-term solution. How is Apollis doing with the new barrier spell?”

Doris Aechmā cleared his throat.

“It will take at least a month. But—”

“But what?!”  

“Even though Apollis can strengthen the new barrier spell, it will only last three months.” They were surprised, and he added, “If we want to make the barrier dominant for three years, at least, we need the Black Obsidian Crystal from the Empire of Horos, or to acquire the current emperor’s blue blood.” Doris suggested. 

The Empire of Horos in Helleus was the antipode of Hēnte, standing independently as one empire. It was the second-largest prosperous country and had a dominant barrier coming from the Black Obsidian Crystal soaked with the blue blood of the emperor in the heart of Helleus's underground labyrinth.

The current emperor was Sidañian Neus Horos. He became the newly appointed emperor when he killed his eldest half-brother Nikolas Neus Horos, who was supposed to be crowned emperor.

Sidañian did not do it out of jealousy; he was a powerful, inborn blood-cursed bastard son of the deceased emperor Apocalipteus Horos. It was said that his blood was blue with a smell of Amorphophallus titanium, known as the corpse flower.

Despite knowing his cruelty, the people respected him and no other kingdom dared to wage war against them. 

Sidañian had intimidating tiger eyes with a black leather eyepatch on his right and had captured the heart of every woman he desired. He was also a well-known shadow reaper who could reap fifty people with his mana blue blood disguised in a thin thread that strikes invincibly.  He could also kill shadow demons like Zeddrick, but with limitations.

Regrettably, Hēnte and Helleus were not on good terms because Sidañian was an avaricious man that Zeddrick hated the most. 

“Of all countries, why does it have to be Helleus? Is there no other better option than this?” Zeddrick asked.

“I understand that Hēnte and Helleus are hostile to each other. But we must consider the point of view of the citizens of Hēnte. We cannot take the Black Obsidian Crystal, as it is the heart of Helleus. This must be the most humiliating suggestion, but the only option we have right now is to get the Emperor of Horos’s blue blood,” Viktor Lan said. 

“Beware, Viktor Lan. We should be mindful that once we seek help from the Emperor of Horos, we should do whatever he asks to return the favor, whether we like it or not. What we need is not something easy to obtain,” Castaeus said.

At that moment, Zeddrick needed to decide. If the Empire of Horos was the only way to make the Hēnte’s barrier dominant for a couple of years, he must later return the favor in goodwill. 

“Then so be it. Send an invitation to the Emperor of Horos to attend my party in the coming months. From there, I will decide whether I will seek his help or not,” he commanded. 

“Are you sure about this? We’re dealing with a madman who doesn’t show mercy.” Castaeus asked.

“Do I have a choice? Zeddrick said as they felt somehow guilty of a rushed suggestion, adding, “If I have a choice, I would never dare shake hands with him, but for our people, I’ll lay down my pride to protect what’s ours and best for us.” 

Though their faces seemed disappointed, they had no other alternative but to swallow their pride and acknowledge the Emperor of Horos as their finest guest. The council meeting ended soundly, leaving His Majesty with a doubtful face. Whether the Emperor of Horos would gladly give them what they want without asking for something in return—or maybe, in Zeddrick's mind, there is another way to avoid such a nuisance without spilling blood in Hēnte. 

Despite the unknown disruption in Hēnte, the people remained calm and vigilant. The children played their favorite hide and seek, and the elders attended to their personal needs. You can still hear the loud waves of laughter of drunken men on the busy street. Wives hang their laundry on the clothing rack while the young ladies do the indoor chores. 

Truly, the afternoon was amicable, and the humongous inner palace glimmered from the warm sunlight coming from the wide windows. Its shiny marbled floors reflected the ceilings engraved and painted with cupid angels.  

Quietly, Irelina dragged her right slender fingers along the books, feeling every moment of serenity around her.