Chapter 233: The Affairs (1/2)
CHAPTER 233
THE AFFAIRS
Ella was currently standing atop the Eternal Sky Plateau, the prized Void Artifact of the Eternal Paradise Holy Ground. It was a swirling platform with connecting bridges, enclosed within a dome-like barrier that can withstand virtually every attack from anyone. Though it wasn't her first time seeing it, it was no less impressive than before.
At the very center of the platform was a small, hand-crafted garden of white roses, topped with a simple yet elegant water fountain around which a set of benches were built. She stood right next to one, observing the fountain before her where a flower-shaped top spat out crystal-clear water ceaselessly.
”It's been quite some time, Sword Maiden,” a soft, clear voice jolted Ella out of her thoughts as she turned around. Standing right behind her was a seemingly ordinary-looking, honest and gentle man of black eyes and brown hair. Yet, even Ella currently felt a faint sense of danger coming from him. ”I see you have regained your t.i.tle.”
”Long time no see Alex,” Ella smiled, nodding faintly. ”I see you still quite enjoy playing the role of a harmless rabbit.”
”Old habits die hard, I suppose.” the man shrugged, smiling faintly. ”What brings you to my humble abode?”
”I willed to visit the old Murook,” Ella said. ”But, the stubborn fool said he doesn't welcome anyone who bears no gifts. So, I've no choice but to come to you.”
”One of these days I really hope to shove a spear through his rotten heart and teach him some manners. Wherefore have you come to me, though?” he asked, curious.
”... to implore you at the very least freeze the war for the time being,” Ella said, her expression turning serious. ”This is no time for it.”
”... I can't do that, Ella.” he quickly replied.
”... I'll personally train your Bearer for three months,” Ella said, seemingly having expected his reply. ”And give you a single talisman to summon me for whatever future battle you wish.”
”... quite tempting, I've to admit,” Alex smiled lightly. ”But, you overestimate your value, Ella. Perhaps, had you not vanished for many moons, your words would still hold some weight. I'm afraid... you have fallen too far behind to matter.”
”... and you've gone complacent, Alex,” Ella smiled back, letting a sliver of her Will enshroud the whole garden, causing Alex to suddenly frown. ”For two eyes you have, yet can't see a single thing with them.”
”... Origin Soul... is indeed something,” Alex sighed, forced to repel Ella's Will with his own. ”I can't tell you how many times I've lamented you weren't born an Eternal. I, however, still can't halt the war, Ella. Do you even know why it was started in the first place?”
”... why?” Ella asked.
”Sixteen a.s.sa.s.sination attempts at Hannah's life,” Alex replied. ”Even after she gave up her t.i.tle of the Maiden. And while, naturally, all of them failed, sixteen is already fifteen too many, Ella. If I suddenly ordered my people to withdraw, what would become of our dignity?”
”... I imagine all those a.s.sa.s.sins are dead,” Ella said. ”Isn't it way more embarra.s.sing for old Murook than you? Having been unable to kill a single girl?”
”... aah, you really are persistent,” Alex said, sighing and sitting on one of the benches. ”I'll agree with one additional chip from your end.”
”What?” Ella asked.
”Your dear husband's talent, for a personal weapon for Alison.” Ella frowned for a moment, thinking. ”And I don't mean his hard-working creations, I mean the a.r.s.enal he'd given you. A minimal Creation-tier, growth-style pair of swords with properties of Body Enhancement and close-quarter combat as well as reliance on speed. Naturally, we'll provide all materials necessary.”
”... he hasn't crafted a Creation-tier item in hundreds of years Alex,” Ella said, sighing faintly. ”Despite his pride, even he would tell you it's impossible.”
”I didn't mean right now, Ella,” Alex smiled. ”I just meant eventually. The sooner the better, of course, but I'm no idiot; I understand very well just what goes into creating something so high-tier. I'd have asked for a Void-tier, to be honest, if he also hadn't vanished for so long.”