June lifted his head and found Estrella\u2019s eyes bouncing between him and Quin for a moment before she spun to face Layhanna. \u201cWhat is the meaning of this, Lady Milliadry?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Layhanna’s gaze fell to the floor as if it held the answers to Estrella\u2019s question. Luckily for her, June stepped forward and answered Estrella\u2019s question. \u201cForgive, but Layhanna here called at my request. I believe I have a proposal that you may be interested in.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Estrella turned her glare onto him. \u201cAnd who are you and your companion supposed to be?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He flashed her his most charming smile. \u201cI’m June-Tae Mikkelson, but you can just call me June. And this is my daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He gestured at Quin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an honor to meet you, Your Highness. I’m Quin-tel Granwoad, but Quin is just fine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Estrella\u2019s scowl remained as she stared hard at them. June surmised that their nonchalant attitude had completely thrown her off. She probably wasn’t used to being addressed so casually. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo what is this proposal?\u201d Estrella snapped, breaking the silence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He held up his hand. \u201cBefore I get to that, there are some things you should be aware of.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He then explained what had transpired the past day, telling her the truth of what actually happened at the castle. He even included his confrontation with an Adjudicator. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Estrella\u2019s face had grown pale as he told his story, and by the time he finished, she was on the verge of fainting. \u201cYou purposefully provoked an Adjudicator into a fight only to treat him like a lapdog when you defeated him? Are you mad? The Imperium’s justice will come for all of us!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
June waved off her comment. \u201cI’ve met men like him before. He won’t return to the Imperium with his tail \u200cbetween his legs. His pride won’t allow him to. No. He’ll remain here, plotting up a scheme to eliminate me and all those that I care about.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Estrella\u2019s mouth fell wide open. \u201cTo court death in such a manner. You truly are mad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt’s only crazy if I didn’t have a plan to deal with him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Estrella\u2019s chest heaved as she combed her fingers through her hair like she wanted to pull them out from their roots. \u201cAnd what is this plan of yours?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat is an issue to be dealt with at a later time. First and foremost, we have to deal with Ravengel and his co-conspirators.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Estrella froze like prey caught in a predator’s gaze. \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI don’t know how informed you are of his dealings, but from what I’ve gathered, I’m not a fan. If I’m to settle here, I wouldn\u2019t want someone like that living in my backyard.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Estrella frowned, possibly not getting his reference. \u201cYou intend to settle here in Revelcroft?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh God, no. We had planned to offer our assistance to the Shining Arrow Guild. In fact, that is the very subject \u200cwe wanted to discuss with you. I offered to be a patron of sorts to Layhanna once you reinstated her nobility and gave her the right to lay claim to Castle Dumar. But it would seem that she is your loyal subject.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo, I want to offer you the same proposal. I’ll support you and your endeavors to rid your kingdom of the plague that is Ravengel and his allies.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Estrella\u2019s eyes narrowed into slits. \u201cWhy would you do that?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI don’t need any other reason than to build a safe place I can call home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She clutched her hands to her chest as if to shield herself. \u201cAnd what do you want in return?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
June shrugged. \u201cHonestly, I don’t want or need anything from you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She looked at him as if he were some sort of dumb animal or child before she turned to Layhanna. \u201cLady Milliadry, do you trust this man?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes, Your Highness, but\u2026\u201d She paused and looked at him with apprehension. \u201cThere is an important detail about him you really should know.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd that is?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Layhanna looked at him once more, and he slapped himself on the forehead. Estrella looked between them, confusion clear on her face. It had slipped his mind, and he had neglected to mention that he was in the Divine Realm. If he wanted Estrella\u2019s trust, that would be something he should share, especially considering that he’d already told the others in the room. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He nodded at Layhanna before she continued. \u201cJune and Quin are both in the Divine Realm.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her words dropped like a bomb from an F-22 that Estrella wasn’t expecting. Then again, it wasn’t like people ever noticed the bombs until after they hit their targets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Estrella asked, looking between them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou\u2019re jesting,\u201d she said with a nervous laugh. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRight?\u201d she asked when no one responded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cForgive us, Your Highness, but it’s the truth,\u201d Matil said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Estrella\u2019s face became ghostly as she fell to her knees before June and Quin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, before her knees could even touch the ground, June, through his clone, caught her with Wind Essence and tossed her back onto her feet. \u201cThere\u2019s no need for that, Your Highness.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She stumbled and fell back, at a loss for words. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Again, June caught her with his Wind Essence and steadied her. She trembled visibly, and her chest heaved with short, quick breaths. It looked like shock was settling in, and he’d need to calm her if he wanted to continue their conversation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With a thought, he channeled some Life Essence mixed with Psionic Essence to soothe her mind and calm her raging emotions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A loud bang sounded behind her, and a man shouted for her. \u201cYour Highness! Are you okay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A tall Althori man garbed in decorated armor ran up beside her and pulled her into his arms. \u201cI detected a foreign Essence coming from your chambers!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He must have been Yander, Estrella\u2019s loyal guard and rumored lover. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yander\u2019s eyes landed on him, and his face twisted into a snarl. A sword appeared in his hand before he pointed it at him. \u201cWhat is the meaning of this? Explain yourself!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before he could answer, Estrella pushed off of Yander and pulled his sword arm down. \u201cYander, no!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She then turned to face him and bowed. \u201cPlease forgive his rude behaviour, Your Radiance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
June rubbed his brow and sighed. \u201cThere\u2019s no need to address me as such. Just June is fine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yander\u2019s scowl transformed into a frown as his gaze jumped from Estrella to him, then back to her. He must have concluded that Estrella wasn’t in danger as his sword disappeared, and he bowed. \u201cForgive me, Your Highness. I did not mean to intrude.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Estrella remained silent and still bowed, so June answered for her. \u201cNonsense, you don’t have to apologize for just doing your job. And Estrella, can you please raise your head? It’ll be difficult to continue our discussion like this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yander lifted his head slowly. His confusion was still evident as he stared at Estrella, who remained stock-still. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCome on, Estrella,\u201d June said, his voice slightly strained. \u201cCan we get back to the topic at hand?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yander stepped forward, fury burned on his face. \u201cHow dare you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEnough, Yander!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yander flinched from Estrella\u2019s rebuke, her glare boring into him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He dropped to a knee, his head bowed low. \u201cForgive me, Your Highness.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay, can we drop the formalities?\u201d June interjected. \u201cIt’s becoming really cumbersome having our conversation interrupted every five seconds.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Estrella\u2019s face became unsure as she looked at him. \u201cAlright\u2026 June.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. Now, do you accept my proposal?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yander stiffened, and Estrella sighed with defeat and bowed. \u201cLysia and I are at your service.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yander\u2019s head snapped up to look at her, his mouth wide open in shock. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
June shook his head. Why was everyone being so difficult? <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n He, in fact, knew exactly why, but couldn\u2019t help but mentally ask the question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is you who is being difficult, <\/em>Sarah said, exasperated. You’re the one who refuses to adhere to their customs.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n It was a rhetorical question, Sarah. Besides, you already know I hate their view of gods. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sarah remained silent after that, yet he could feel her annoyance with him through their connection. He just mentally shrugged. There was nothing he could do about their differing views, so he returned his attention to Estrella.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo, you have it wrong, Your Highness. Quin and I are at your service. That is my offer, not the other way around.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yander\u2019s expression shifted to confusion. \u201cWait, your proposal wasn\u2019t one of marriage?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n June laughed, understanding why he was so distressed. Ah, young love. It was so refreshing, which was a funny thought since they were most likely a couple of centuries old. Yet, to him, that was young.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo, Sir Yander. What I offer is an alliance of sorts. My assistance in the coming conflict against Ravengel and his allies.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOf course, June,\u201d Estrella said, her head still bowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n June could only sigh at her actions and moved on to more important topics. \u201cSo, shall I dispose of House Ravengel and their allies?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Estrella\u2019s head snapped up at him. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n June\u2019s attention briefly slipped to his clone before replying. \u201cNow’s the best time since they’re all gathered in the throne room.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Estrella and Yander\u2019s eyes widened in shock before hers narrowed with suspicion. \u201cYou already had spies in Lutingrad?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n June laughed. \u201cNothing so trivial.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n When he didn’t clarify, Estrella continued. \u201cThen what?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n A moment later, a knock sounded from behind Estrella and Yander. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNot now!\u201d Estrella shouted over her shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The knock came once more, and before Estrella could yell once more, June spoke up. \u201cYou should get that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Estrella looked at him briefly before nodding at Yander, who turned and made his way to the door. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The door swung open, and June’s clone stuck his hand out. \u201cNice to meet you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yander frowned and turned to look back at him through the seeing mirror before turning back to his clone. \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWho is it?\u201d Estrella asked and turned, gasping when her eyes landed on his clone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMay I come in?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yander hesitated for a second before Estrella rushed over and pulled the door wide open. \u201cPlease come in.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He nodded and entered. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Estrella\u2019s room was lavish, covered in velvet and draped in silks. Her massive bed sat on the opposite wall of the door. A modest tea table rested against the left wall, and the right wall was nothing but windows that led to a balcony. <\/p>\n\n\n\n He made his way to the table and sat in a chair. \u201cCome join me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Estrella glanced at the seeing mirror, hesitation holding her in place. June raised a hand and swiped it down, cutting it off from Estrella\u2019s Essence and turning it off. Estrella spun and faced him, her fear clear on her face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He gave her a disarming smile and gestured at the empty seat across from him. \u201cJoin me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Estrella shakily settled into the seat opposite the god. The day was not going the way she had expected. There was no way she could have prepared for the appearance of a random Divine being coming to her to discuss a partnership. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A partnership,<\/em> she thought. <\/p>\n\n\n\n She couldn\u2019t wrap her head around such an arrangement. It wasn\u2019t right. He was above her station in every way, yet he insisted on proceeding as if he weren\u2019t. <\/p>\n\n\n\n She looked at him and immediately averted her gaze, staring at her trembling hands in her lap. If she clenched any tighter, her nails just might break through her skin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n How was she supposed to keep her composure when he just sat there so nonchalantly? <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWould you like some tea?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Startled, she looked up and found a teapot sitting on the table. Steam billowed from its curved mouth with three sets of wooden cups on top of small wooden platforms arranged for her, Yander, and himself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s a green tea blend, at least, the taste is. I’ve had to improvise because of the ingredients available to me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n A delicate green liquid flowed from the mouth of the pot as he poured some into her cup. Without ever touching the cup, he slid it over to her, displaying masterful control of his Essences. The tea\u2019s floral aroma wafted over to her as it came to a stop before her. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With a nod from him, she tentatively picked up the cup in both hands and brought it up to her lips. He moved on to pouring a cup for Yander while she blew to cool the hot drink before taking a sip. Its bitter taste reminded her of the drink her mother loved, but then the bitterness faded to a clean, gentle sweetness that she instantly loved. Taking another sip, this one longer, the warm liquid soothed her nerves as she savored it to the fullest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before she knew it, she had completely drunk it all. With a bit of embarrassment, she returned the cup to its pedestal, and June refilled it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n He placed the pot on its own little wooden pedestal and picked up his cup, sipping from it. \u201cWould you want me to clean out your house?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yander stopped mid-drink and sputtered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Estrella\u2019s eyebrows raised in confusion. Why would he want to clean her house? <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Her expression must have told him what she was thinking because he explained himself. \u201cI meant, was, do you want me to rid you of House Dumar and their allies?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOh,\u201d she said, setting her cup down and letting out a deep sigh. \u201cI don\u2019t think that\u2019s a good idea. Doing so would only rally the nobles against you, and when they discover that we\u2019re allies, it\u2019ll turn into a full-blown revolt. Unless\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n A single eyebrow raised on his face. \u201cSpeak freely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She hesitated for a moment before speaking. \u201cUnless you reveal your Divine status. If you do, no one would dare stand in your way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n June grimaced and looked away, clicking his tongue. \u201cYeah\u2026 It’s a little early to reveal who I am to the world. I only told you for the sake of trust.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou trust me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He turned to look her in the eye, and she shrank back a little in her seat. \u201cWell, you\u2019ve got to give some to receive some, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her cheeks flushed with heat at the implied innuendo, yet he remained as calm and collected as ever, as if what he had just said was normal. It probably was for a Divine being like him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m sensing a misconception here. I was talking about trust.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her eyes widened, cheeks now burning from embarrassment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She remained silent, so June continued. \u201cHow did you plan on dealing with Ravengel then?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her gaze fell to her lap as her embarrassment turned to shame. \u201cI don\u2019t know. I have been trying to gather allies to my cause, but Ravengel has whittled them down to almost zero.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWere you expecting things to escalate to a civil war?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n His tone was just as commanding yet kind, reminding her of her brother, Nathander. She could offer only a slight shrug. \u201cI don\u2019t know; my brother and father usually dealt with these kinds of issues.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She could feel his eyes boring into her, judging her. Eventually, his gaze shifted, lifting the tension from her shoulder. \u201cYander? What\u2019s your opinion?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She looked up and found Yander frozen in place, mouth open as if to throw a retort. But silence was his only response, as June had caught him unprepared. She could see that he struggled with not knowing what to say and his duty as her guard and lover. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGo on, Yander. You can speak freely as well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yander took a quick breath before looking at her, his eyes gentle yet steadfast. \u201cCivil war is inevitable, for we will not stand idly by and allow Ravengel and his traitorous allies to take the throne. Not while we still breathe.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Her heart thrummed at his exclamation, and tears welled up at the edges of her vision. She didn’t deserve a man as fine as Yander, but in that moment, she was over the moon for him. If it had only been the two of them in her chambers, she would have leaped at him and ravaged him. Alas, they weren’t alone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWith that being said, we can’t be the first to strike.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n June’s sudden appearance and revelations had thrown her for a loop. But now, hearing Yander’s words, she finally remembered their earlier conversations and strategy meetings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Yander turned to her, signaling her to speak. \u201cHe’s right. We believe Ravengel has been sowing dissent amongst the populace, riling them against my family. If we were to strike first, he’d turn the civilians against us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n June nodded. \u201cI see, and the other noble houses?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her face fell. \u201cThey\u2019re preoccupied defending their fiefdoms against banditry and constant raids from our neighbor, Lupinval.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe believe Ravengel is in league with them, considering the circumstances of how the king and prince passed. We just have no evidence to prove his treason beyond our suspicions,\u201d Yander added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou’re correct in your suspicions,\u201d June said before turning to stare out of the windows on the opposite wall to theirs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His face deepened as if in thought, and he remained like that for a long moment. The silence became deafening. Every subtle shift Estrella made, every ruffle of her dress, was as ear-splittingly loud as a banshee’s screech. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So she remained as still as a gargoyle, staring at and studying his face. She had never before seen anyone with such striking features, which weren’t as sharp as an Althori’s. His eyes, shaped like a Langoos nut, were wider instead of rounded like hers or Yander\u2019s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, his face was nearly symmetrical, unfamiliar yet still handsome. It overall held a quiet strength that dignified his status as a Divine being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She startled slightly when his eyes suddenly met hers, catching her staring. He, however, didn’t seem to mind; in fact, he didn’t seem to care that she had. \u201cSo you want him to be the first to strike, giving you justification to eliminate them all, correct?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She looked at Yander, who gave her a subtle nod. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes,\u201d she said, turning back to June and nodding. \u201cHowever, there is little we can do besides consolidating our own allies and waiting for them to make their move.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n June shook his head, tsking all the while. \u201cI don’t like the idea of just waiting around for them to make the first move.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yander\u2019s eyebrows rose high. \u201cDo you have some sort of plan, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She leaned forward as well, her curiosity stirred. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe force their hands.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n When June didn\u2019t continue, Yander spoke up. \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou may not like this plan since it\u2019ll affect not only Ravengel, but the Imperium as well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She frowned. \u201cI don\u2019t like the sound of that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n June shrugged. \u201cI\u2019m just going to be upfront with you. Once I\u2019ve dealt with Ravengel and his allies, the Imperium is next.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n The silence that once hung in the air grew cold as a shiver ran up her spine. \u201cThat\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yander then finished her sentence for her. \u201cBlasphemy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n June tilted his head to the side as if he hadn\u2019t just spouted heresy of the highest order. \u201cThat right there is something that I can\u2019t abide. They\u2019re not gods; none of them are. They\u2019re nothing more than false idols who\u2019ve declared themselves gods and forced your entire species into subservience. You\u2019re nothing more than slaves to them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her body trembled, teeth grinding as he spewed his words. How could he believe \u200csuch nonsense? But then again, who was she to judge him, a Divine being? His words held more weight than her own mortal thoughts and whims. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Taking a deep breath, she steadied her beating heart and stared at June. \u201cIf that is your wish, then I am at your command, June.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOne step at a time,\u201d June muttered to himself with a sigh before returning to the topic of Ravengel. \u201cSo, how would you hit Ravengel where it\u2019ll hurt the most without throwing the first punch?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her mind raced to come up with an answer. But sadly, the sudden pressure to provide an answer, and who was asking, left her mind completely blank. Her gaze dipped, and she could offer only a tiny shrug as a response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere\u2019s no shame in not knowing the answer, Estrella. That is why you have people like Yander and me here to help shoulder the burden.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her eyes raised and found a gentle smile on his face that reminded her of her father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou are not alone in this fight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She struggled to hold back the tears that fell despite her fight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHere, Your Highness,\u201d Yander said and handed her a handkerchief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She accepted it without a word, her throat choked with emotion. If she said anything right now, she feared her composure might crumble under her grief and relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After dabbing away her tears and retaining some semblance of composure, she returned her attention to June, who patiently waited for her. \u201cForgive me. I don\u2019t know what came over me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n June raised a hand in a placating gesture. \u201cThere\u2019s no need to apologize. Now, the answer to my question would be his wallet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her brow furrowed in confusion. \u201cHis wa-llet?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n A chuckle broke from June\u2019s lips. \u201cSorry, I meant his purse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her frown deepened, so he explained. \u201cEconomic warfare. We\u2019d move to strike at his money and infrastructure, crippling him and his operations. It\u2019ll force him either to back down and submit or to reveal his true colors and attack. My bet is he\u2019d go for the latter, and when he does, you\u2019d have every justification to eliminate him and his allies as traitors to the crown.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She didn\u2019t fully understand his plan, but got the core of the idea. \u201cThat sounds like a feasible plan. If Ravengel can\u2019t pay his men, then he\u2019d have to worry about his own rebellion. But how would this affect the Imperium?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWell, I planned on introducing a new currency. One that is readily available and backed by Soul and Essence Crystals. Eventually, I\u2019d like to eliminate the use of Soul and Essence Crystals as currency.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBy doing this, we\u2019d disrupt Ravengel\u2019s businesses since he\u2019d have to submit to our new currency and risk the ire of the Imperium, which we will certainly gain, or refuse to and lose out on influence within Lysia. It also doubles as an attack on the Imperium since I\u2019d openly challenge their authority with such a drastic change.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n After listening to his explanation, she had trouble speaking, on account of having to pick her jaw up off the floor. When she did, she remembered her lessons on economics and trade deals she had received and found a flaw with his plan. \u201cThe people wouldn\u2019t readily accept such a drastic change. You say that Soul and Essence Crystals would back this new currency, so I\u2019d assume they\u2019ll have to trade what little Crystals they have for this new currency, correct?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n June nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHow can you guarantee people would accept this?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n A broad smile broke across June\u2019s face. \u201cThe answer is quite simple, really. Let me ask you this: how does one grow stronger as a Cultivator?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She quirked an eyebrow at him as if he had just asked the dumbest question. \u201cBy absorbing Soul Crystals.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n June readily nodded and leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. \u201cSo, we\u2019d exchange their Crystals for our coins, then sell Crystals for less than what they received.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She huffed a breath of annoyance. \u201cAnd how can we afford to do that? If you haven\u2019t noticed, the Imperium has full control of all the dungeons.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n June then held out a hand toward her with a ring lying in the center of his palm. She stared at him, befuddled, before he raised it in her direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGo on, take it. Consider it a gift for my proposal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She hesitantly reached a hand out towards his. But just as she was about to accept it, the implications behind his words finally hit her, and she quickly retracted her hand. \u201cWhat is the meaning of this?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n June raised his one free hand in reassurance. \u201cSorry. I know you\u2019re looking for a suitable suitor as an ally to fight against Ravengel and put an end to his schemes of legitimately claiming the throne through marriage. I could play the part of a wealthy merchant who has won your heart and hand.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n June then briefly looked at Yander before returning to her. \u201cOf course, it\u2019d only be an act, no offense.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her face turned into a scowl. Even if June had meant no offense, his words had wounded her pride as a woman and as the princess of Lysia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat\u2026 sounds like a reasonable ploy,\u201d she said through gritted teeth as she reluctantly accepted his ring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When she put it on, she immediately realized that it was a storage device and channeled her Soul Essence into it, binding it to her. For the second time that day, she had to pick her jaw up off the floor when she took a peek at what was inside the device. A literal mountain of Crystals sat on her finger, the weight of it nearly crushing her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Was he serious?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n She looked at June, who had leaned back in his chair, arms wide open, with a devilish grin. \u201cNow, the Crown can afford it.\u201d<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" June lifted his head and found Estrella\u2019s eyes bouncing between him and Quin for a moment before she spun to face Layhanna. \u201cWhat is the meaning of this, Lady Milliadry?\u201d Layhanna’s gaze fell to the floor as if it held the answers to Estrella\u2019s question. Luckily for her, June stepped forward and answered Estrella\u2019s question. 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