This is my second time visiting the Sky Fortress Chaos Breaker.
The scenery hasn't changed much since my last visit; the only thing different is the landscape below. It was summer last time I came, and now it's already winter.
However, the temperature atop the Sky Fortress and the vegetation in the garden remain exactly the same. There must be magical protection here to keep the temperature constant.
Honestly, what's the point of having the same scenery for 400 years? Once I'm better acquainted with Perugius, I'll suggest he change the scenery to reflect the four seasons, and maybe even update the murals and reliefs.
That would be like having four different sky fortresses; he should find that very interesting.
Though I suspect his twelve laborers would probably hold a grudge against me for it!
Everyone else besides me is visiting the Sky Fortress for the first time, and basically everyone is awestruck by its spectacular scenery.
Anya acted like a country girl who had never seen the world, grabbing her second sister Eunice's hand and shouting in excitement.
I didn't stop her from making noise, but I did remind everyone to be mindful of their words and actions here, as everything said would reach the ears of Lord Perugius.
As soon as I said that, they all became a bit nervous, and Anya grew quiet. But seeing such magnificent sights, they still couldn't help but let out gasps of admiration!
That's fine too; Perugius likely enjoys having people praise his castle. So an honest person like Anya might unexpectedly earn his appreciation.
We were received by The Void, Shiwalier, who seemed to enjoy descending from the sky to show off her beautiful black wings.
"I am The Void, Shiwalier. This is the domain of my master, Perugius. I have been ordered by my master to lead you to the Audience Hall; he is already waiting for you there."
"Good morning, Lady Shivalir. Thank you for leading the way again. I hope my companions haven't disturbed the peace of the Sky Fortress. Let's depart now!"
I then directed everyone to head toward the Audience Chamber of the Sky Fortress.
Inside the magnificent palace, Perugius sat upon a massive throne, with his twelve Familiars standing on either side of him.
They were:
The Void, Shiwalier
Almanfi the Radiant
Yulze of Atonement
Carowant of Insight
Skeket of Time
Krianet of Thunder
Detbas of Destruction
Trophimus of Waves
Hakenmel of Life
Garo of the Great Tremor
Furiasfar of Madness
Partimut of Darkness
Most of them are powerful spirit Familiars Perugius contracted using powerful Summoning Magic, somewhat like my messengers.
However, there are also those like The Void, Shiwalier, who belongs to the Sky Clan; she likely made a direct contract with Perugius rather than being summoned through magic.
Below the Audience Chamber, we stood in three separate groups.
The first group stood on the left side of the velvet carpet—Ariel's group. Ariel stood in front, with Luke, Sylphiette, Elmoa, and Krinie standing behind her in pairs.
The second group was just me; I was squeezed right in the middle of the velvet carpet by the two other groups, with Doris, Anya, and Eunice standing behind me.
The third group was Rudeus, with his two younger sisters Aisha and Norn standing behind him. Good, Aisha didn't try to run behind me, which shows she still understands her place.
Once everyone was in position, a majestic voice rang out from atop the stairs, from the throne:
"I am the Armored Dragon King Perugius Dora."
To prevent an awkward silence, I quickly replied.
"Lord Perugius, thank you very much for receiving us. As agreed, I have brought my friends to visit your castle."
I then introduced everyone present to Perugius.
Since most were of noble birth, they all bowed to Perugius. Even Anya and Eunice, who didn't know how to bow, stopped their fussing and mimicked our movements to pay their respects.
After the greetings, the voice from the throne spoke again.
"Dorin, you mentioned before that you wanted to bring your friends for a visit, but are you certain they are here only to visit? Do they have other matters to discuss with me?"
"Your insight is truly admirable. The companions I've brought today indeed have their own purposes for seeking you out. I hope you might be able to offer them an answer to some extent.
Of course, if it is inconvenient, you may refuse at any time. I will have no objections."
"Very well, I like straightforward people. Who among you will ask first?"
Ariel summoned her courage, stepped forward, and said:
"It is an honor to meet you for the first time, Lord Perugius. I am the Second Princess of the Asura Kingdom, Ariel Anemoi Asura. It is truly a great privilege to meet such a legendary figure as your Majesty today."
Before Ariel could continue, Perugius interrupted:
"So you are Ariel Anemoi Asura! I know of you. You are that foolish woman who lost the dirty struggle for the throne in the Asura Kingdom, yet remains shameless enough to try and start a quagmire war, dragging everyone into it."
Ariel began to tremble again upon hearing Perugius's words; it seemed she was still very nervous.
The attendants behind Ariel all looked toward Perugius with expressions of intense anger.
No serious incident occurred; after adjusting her mood, Ariel turned back to restrain Luke and the others.
She then said to Perugius:
"I am deeply sorry, Lord Perugius, for the rudeness of my subordinates. Your description is indeed sharp, but it is the truth."
Seeing how quickly Ariel composed herself, Perugius raised an eyebrow and said:
"Ariel Anemoi Asura, have you come here hoping for a chance to rely on my power?"
"No, I simply wished to catch a glimpse of the world-renowned hero."
Honestly, Ariel's lines in this dialogue made me want to shake my head. Why claim she just wanted to see a hero? Even Doris behind me wouldn't believe that. Did she really think Perugius wouldn't know her intentions?
Then I heard Perugius say:
"Your intentions are perfectly clear to me, Ariel Anemoi Asura. So, I will not beat around the bush with you.
I will ask you one question.
What is the most important quality for a king? If you can state this yourself, I shall lend you my aid."
Ariel looked somewhat confused, perhaps having never considered the question. After thinking for a long time, she answered seriously:
"To be vastly knowledgeable, to listen to the advice of ministers, and to have the self-awareness of being a king..."
I shook my head; it was still that answer. It seemed that no matter how many hints I gave Ariel, it was useless; history has its own inertia.
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