Trapped in Another World With No Magic

Hekate flops down onto one of the comfortable chairs in the airship’s lounge, where everyone regularly gathers. It’s a little boring without Daniel and the Dragon Empresses to stimulate her, even if it’s usually teasing in Ryuogriar’s case. But, regardless, she’s far from alone.

Wenlianna is working on some drawings for new magic equipment, and Aramellianna is overseeing the lecture Haldestania and Bunnrimae are undergoing for their etiquette training. The Grand Duchess is still weakened and bruised, but Magnir is standing by her side, ensuring he’s ready to protect her or evacuate her at all costs.

Seeing Wenlianna and Aramellianna reminds the young feldrok girl of a conversation that was had with Daniel, though maybe it’s several conversations that all added together.

When Wenlianna excuses herself to go to the small micro-lab she has near the engine room, Hekate follows her.

“Wenlianna!” calls out the fox-eared girl as she jogs close.

“Oh! Hekate! Wh-What can I do for you?” asks the magic artisan.

“I… um… I was just… wondering something…”

“You were? Something I can help with?”

“Yes. Well, er… I mean, it’s about you, so… um..” Hekate fidgets awkwardly, and the eldest Stalvaltan daughter looks around briefly. She perks up. “Ah! My room is just over here. Do… you mind if we head there to chat privately? Maybe it’ll be easier to say.”

Hekate nods gratefully, and she follows the brunette to her room. There, they both take seats to get comfortable.

“I won’t rush you, so take your time.”

“Thanks… I was just wondering… C-Could… Do you think… the dragons…?”

Wenlianna cocks her head, not knowing what Hekate wants. “Are you… worried about the dragons being the target of whoever attacked Mother?”

“N-No… Well, yes, but… I meant… They spend the most time with Daniel…”

“Oh… Hekate, I am touched that you are worried for me, but life happens. In the… hopefully off-chance that I’m infertile, perhaps we can find a solution. But, I think it’s just one of those things.”

Hekate slumps a little, flattening her ears in disappointment. Wenlianna quickly jogs over to sit with her, holding her to comfort the young empress. “I’ll let you know first thing the moment I know.”

Hekate nods in agreement. “Good. I just wish I could do something to help.”

Wenlianna scoffs. “If it weren’t for you, this airship wouldn’t be nearly safe enough to protect us.”

Hekate smiles. “I’m happy for that. So, then, how is the other thing going?”

“Other thing… Ah! You mean the emergency medical device?”

“Yes.”

“With Great Aunt Reina having departed, we’ll hit a bit of a snag. Miss Doephluev’s magic is profoundly helpful, though. I’m not sure how or why it was forgotten, but the archoneldwyn… Their rune magic is some of the most complex and potent spells I have ever witnessed, short of the raw mana output of the dragons or you.”

“But, what about… Will the curse affect it?”

“I… don’t know…” admits Wenlianna softly. “Even if it works, I’m not sure how we’ll recover him.”

“Leave that to us,” says Hekate proudly. “Xyreko has already tasked Daniel with finding ancient magic that can restore a soul back to life. So, as long as we can make something capture it,...” The young feldrok relaxes her posture to a gentle demeanor. “We’ll be able to protect him for a change.”

“O-On that note, the teleporter is almost finished. As I mentioned, I don’t have all of the equipment I need here, but I sent the components and designs to Ahok, so she’ll be finishing the final assembly and begin testing once she has time.”

“We have too many things that we need to do!” whines Hekate. “We’re still waiting on the mana detector!”

“Ah! That should be finished, actually. Since Daniel and the Dragon Empresses went to the Citadel, I’m certain they’ll retrieve it and bring it back so we can find out the causes of the monsters… hopefully.”

“Mm-hmm!” agrees the feldrok empress proudly. “That’s good, then. Tell her to immediately finish the teleporter and then start working on the steam engine. If Daniel finds out what we’re planning…”

“I think he’ll listen. I… heard what Ryuogriar started. I know Daniel struggles with prioritizing himself. He was… actually worse when I first met him. There weren’t monsters to fight, but…”

“I know…” murmurs Hekate. “I… don’t talk about this much, but… It’s because he has no mana that he was able to even look at Lugrae. I… I was… s-so scared… I felt like my heart was going to stop, and I couldn’t hear or see anything. I felt like I was drowning… But, Daniel wasn’t afraid. He thought it was a dragon at first, and he still tried to fight it.” Hekate looks to the side.

“Daniel relies heavily on the element of surprise. Because he’s so weak, every one of his enemies ignored him until he could get into a position to launch one or two devastating attacks.” The young feldrok teen fidgets with her hands nervously, and Wenlianna continues to wait and listen patiently. The younger woman finally looks at the brunette with watering eyes, which catches Wenlianna off guard.

“If his first attack didn’t work…” Hekate can’t finish the thought. Deep down, she has always known, but watching the fight with Brosjak was agonizing, because it was the first time Daniel had to struggle on the fly to fight an enemy. From what Doephluev said, the ruins where the elemental scarf came from was similarly reckless, and then… the monsters of Mattarglos.

Wenlianna puts her hands on Hekate’s, squeezing them for reassurance. “Hekate, when my father passed away, it was devastating to us. I would do anything now that I know about the revival potations. But,...” Wenlianna smiles. “Mother stepped into his role so swiftly. She was heartbroken, but she didn’t have time to mourn. Father’s relatives were coming from all corners of the kingdom to try to cannibalize the Grand Duchy, and Mother did many things to protect our home.” She closes her hand in tightly. “I… I always liked magic devices and reading more than the parties and social connections. I… hate dressing up, and I absolutely hate being asked to dance by money-hungry men. Father chose Mother because he liked her work ethic, and Mother fell in love with him because he was a kind but stern man who never budged on his morals, and he was very attentive to her.” She looks at Hekate after reminiscing, “Apologies for rambling a little, but my point is that I dove even more into the magic devices to try and make things to make life easier for my family, and to protect them with things that only I could do.” Her own eyes water, and she adds softly, “Father was like a mountain to me. A giant. I never believed I could be like him, and I still don’t. Even Mother is a colossus whose shadow I may never leave. But,...” She smiles proudly, even as tears trickle down her cheeks. “Doing the things only I can do is what Father would want.”

“The things only I can do…” murmurs Hekate as she thinks. They both sniffle a little, and they look at each other with rosy cheeks. Both young women laugh, and Hekate stands up. “Thanks Wenlianna. I’m gonna go do what only I can do now.”

“If you need a hand, I’ll be on the airship for the foreseeable future.”

The feldrok girl nods and leaves the room. She’s not sure what things only she, a young impressionable teen who was a slave until only a year or so ago, can do that no one else can, but she has an abundant supply of mana and an important task.

She finds Kera’tai, Aoloan, Treia, Gwenesphia, and Veiranoei in the lounge now, in addition to Roeta, Magnir, and Aramellianna, who is having an informal audience with some people Hekate doesn’t recognize.

The first five seem to be discussing a potential trade route through Fort Peony for merchants travelling through Mattarglos to use.

“... Empire will almost certainly want to establish tariffs on all goods passing through an Imperial Fort,” explains Gwenesphia. “Assuming that Sundenelle allows it.”

“Fortunately, we’re not moving crucial goods via the ground route,” replies Treia. “It’s possible that the burden on Peony might be a little too great as well, depending on how much traffic there is.”

“I can’t imagine it will be too much, will it?” asks Kera’tai politely. “How many merchants will want to make such a long journey? The Chi’rinnis will gladly open trade, but other than the Fievegal, we don’t traditionally trade in currency. The problem might be the goblin and imp tribes that haven’t joined the Fievegal. They often practice scavenging and thievery if they believe they have the advantage.”

Aoloan adds, “There are also many different tribes of both, including more passive groups and more… aggressive ones.”

Hekate asks, “Didn’t we already conclude that Peony isn’t a good option?” She approaches the group, who each give her a smile upon her arrival.

“We were just discussing for the interim. Assuming the railroad works and the naval port is functional, it’ll take at least a year or more to construct them all, assuming we can get the resources moving right away,” explains Gwenesphia.

“Grandfather is already sending out messages to the various territories between the capital and the three port towns,” adds Veiranoei. “He wants to gauge interest levels and the safest route. Though, I’m sure it’ll be a challenge to explain to everyone, since… I’m still a little skeptical of how it will work.”

“The construction will take time either way,” replies Gwenesphia. “I was just hoping the Chi’rinnis and dattakoriens might be interested in helping us secure the route to the Citadel.”

“I’ll send a message on the next shuttle to be passed to one of my people,” answers Kera’tai proudly. “I am certain it won’t be an issue.”

“I guess I’m not needed for this, then,” replies Hekate, a little disappointed.

The others are sympathetic, and Aoloan replies, “You do have final say on anything the Fievegal does. Even if Daniel left Doephluev to watch over you…” The succubus gives an apologetic look, and Hekate cocks her head. 

“What?”

The others are a little surprised by this as well. “Doephluev?” asks Gwenesphia. “I thought it was only because he’s going to check on Geirahoel, so he didn’t drag her along.”

“I’m not so sure. I’ve only seen her when I see Hekate.”

The feldrok girl flattens her ears subconsciously. Would Daniel have her spy on me? Or, does he think I need protection? I’m not a child…

Gwenesphia thinks out loud, “I suppose that’s true. She doesn’t show herself very often.”

“I wouldn’t think much of it,” replies Treia. “I’ve yet to see her do anything other than antagonize whoever gives her attention.”

The feldrok Empress stands up, saying seriously, “I have to go check on something.”

“O-Oh! Um, alright. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.” Gwenesphia grins and pats her void bag as she jokes, “I’m almost as powerful as the Harbinger of Calamity myself.”

Everyone snickers, and Treia teases, “Don’t let Daniel hear that.”

Again, everyone shares a laugh, and Hekate makes her way out. She needs to have another word with Doephluev.

***

Bellphine follows patiently as Ucahote shows her around the private quarters area of the Citadel. To her surprise, Erimaya and Heralesse are both in the Citadel. They both recognized her as well, though she struggled to make a proper greeting due to her stammer.

Because Rikuto banned Dawnseeing in Mornistae, Bellphine no longer had a profession, and her stammer has made her unattractive as a noble wife, leaving her effectively without anywhere to belong. Because of this, her parents told her that she needed to find her own way, and she heard about a strange opportunity from merchants in contact with the Grand Duchess and her people.

Now, she’s halfway across the continent from where she grew up in the most mysterious and technologically advanced fortress she has ever seen. Even the fabric for her dress and apron are better quality than the ceremonial robes she wore as a Dawnseer.

“If you have any questions, Miss Bellphine, please do give me an indication, and I will do my best to answer.”

She nods. She doesn’t like to talk if she doesn’t have to, since it’s embarrassing for her struggling just to speak. Her parents and siblings were ashamed of her, but it wasn’t her fault. They have no idea what she felt when the wave hit her. The terror and madness that gripped her made those around her nearly send her to a convent to live out the rest of her days as a nun.

Bellphine writes a note on the notepad Ucahote gave to her, and she gently taps his bicep. The golem General is one of many of the sentient golems that reside in the Citadel, and the others are giving tours to the other new servants hired by the Fievegal. He looks at her with a seemingly gentle movement, and she feels thankful that she was paired with the respectful and kind being. It’s easy to forget that he’s not a normal living person.

She shows him her note, which reads, “[Pardon me, but why are the Queen and Princess of Mornistae here? Are they prisoners?]”

“Ah, that. Well, Erimaya arrived on her own, offering herself as a sort of collateral to prevent a revenge strike on Mornistae by Daniel. Heralesse stumbled upon our staging of forces in the Grand Duchy. They’re both otherwise guests here, as long as Heralesse remains docile.”

Bellphine nods in understanding.

“If you have thoughts of trying to free them, it is inadvisable. Daniel is keeping them here so they won’t be harmed as collateral. There is nowhere safer than the Citadel.”

Bellphine shakes her head vigorously. “[I’m no hero.]”

Ucahote chuckles. “It doesn’t take a hero to be reckless and try to do ‘the right thing’.”

“There you are,” calls out a male voice, and both Ucahote and Bellphine turn.

Approaching them is the strange, tall otherworlder known to Bellphine simply as Daniel. He is accompanied by four women carrying large eggs, and each woman possessing a reptilian tail and metallic horns. Behind them, they are escorted by a similar male being, with grey hair and a silvery tail and horns. Bellphine has only gotten a brief overview so far, but she recognizes the fact that at least some of the Empresses are in her presence now, along with Daniel the Emperor.

Bellphine kneels quickly, stammering out, “G-G-Good d-d-d-d-day t-to the E-E…”

Daniel kneels directly in front of her, which startles her and interrupts her. He says gently, “I’m aware of your condition, Miss Bellphine. Don’t feel the need to force yourself. Please feel free to write your notes if it’s too difficult to speak.”

She nods gratefully, truly touched that Daniel is showing her such deference. Even her own parents were disappointed in her. She carefully jots down her greeting to Daniel and the Empresses, and he smiles and nods. He introduces everyone to her, and then asks, “How are you settling in?”

She nods sheepishly. Her lifetime of etiquette training demands she be respectful, but Daniel’s straightforward and respectful way of speaking to her is making it awkward.

“[It’s a lot to take in, your Grace, but I am grateful to be here.]”

“Good. If you have any trouble, please bring it to the attention of any of the golems, or the empresses. Well… definitely the dragons or Hekate at least.” 

She nods in confirmation of his advice. He then asks, “Do you mind if I ask you something?”

“[Please do. I am inexperienced in a lot of ways, but I will do what I can.]”

“Thank you. Lady Gold tells me that you’ve been having nightmares.”

Bellphine twitches in surprise. She glances at the gold-haired dragon, who explains, “I heard it from Balamae. I felt it was something that the Emperor should know, coming from a Dawnseer.”

Bellphine’s face darkens a little, and she trembles slightly.

Daniel says gently, “I’m not going to force you to do anything, but if you could at least share what you can about the nightmare, that will be a good place for us to start.”

“Be mindful, Mukori,” starts Ryuogriar. “Sometimes, a nightmare is just a nightmare.”

“If that was said before, Mukori wouldn’t have been summoned,” counters Reignleif softly. “Even if the thing they feared in the visions was Mukori, it’s only because they performed the summoning that the Devourer is dead now.”

“I agree. And, I’m not trying to treat Mukori like a fool, but this is magic that is not common on this side of the mountains, because the Uhl’tall practice a different artform similar in ability.”

“Either way, if others start having the same nightmare,” interjects Gold. “We’ll know it is more and more likely to be a premonition.”

“Minister Xyreko will also tell you to be cautious,” explains Ucahote. “A Dawnsight or premonition do not hold intent. It is merely a glimpse at the future through a very small hole.”

Bellphine nods in agreement, looking at Daniel nervously.

“Thank you all for the advice. I will strive not to make any rash decisions with the information. But, if we can start to make sense of what we might be up against, I can try to come up with countermeasures.”

Bellphine looks at the others, who don’t have any further warnings or objections. Daniel asks gently, “Will you write down what you saw in your vision?”

She agrees, and they head to an office room where a handful of goblins, dattakoriens, and ogres are working. The demon-kin notice the group entering, and they all bow and salute as they give the Imperial Family their greetings.

Bellphine writes down everything she saw in the vision as well as she can. Once she’s satisfied that she got everything, she hands it over to Daniel.

He reads it with a serious expression as the four dragon women all lean over his shoulders to read it as well.

“[The vision I saw in my dreams was of a bright rainbow-colored fire that was consuming everything, including castles, fields, and even down into the ground. I saw dragons in flight…]” Daniel notices that ‘dragons’ was written by a trembling hand, as if she’s afraid of there being an implication of an accusation.

He continues reading, “[They were breathing fire and racing towards the cities.” 

The young Dawnseer-turned-Lady-in-Waiting quickly scribbles down another note and hands it over, even before Daniel has finished reading the first one.

This one says, “[I don’t know what the dragons were doing, I only saw them. Please understand…]”

“We’re not angry at you, child,” replies Ryuogriar gently.

“If what you say is true, it’s more likely we were trying to assist others against whatever the ‘rainbow fire is’,” replies Reignleif with her soft voice. “And, the feldrok… That couldn’t be… Could it?”

“Certainly not,” replies Ryuogriar.

Daniel continues reading the first note, since he’s not sure what they’re talking about yet. “[There was an eclipse, and I felt like I saw you, Emperor Daniel. You were standing in the heart of the flames, but you weren’t burning. Then, something happened. I saw a dragon, but it wasn’t a dragon. It had glowing yellow eyes, fox ears, and jet black fur tinted with a red and purple glow. It was trying to cast magic in a dark place, and I saw cities burning. The last thing I saw was a monster with six eyes, and it said the words, ‘You truly are my Harbinger’.]”

Daniel studies the note. Like the dragons, he doesn’t believe for a second that the feldrok in question is Hekate, but that is a whole other issue. What troubles him more is the very last being described in the vision. A creature with six eyes matches what Daniel caught a glimpse of when he collapsed from the curse. And, the fact that it spoke of a ‘Harbinger’ gives him a light churn in his stomach. He was pulled to this world to slay Vaergraes, but in actuality, the real goal was to defeat the Devourer. Now, there is a new vision with a new monster, and one that seems to know Daniel specifically.

That said, he doesn’t forget the warnings and advice. Rikuto and Daniel were pulled from Earth with the goal of fighting Vaergraes, but the former Demon Queen was not the true enemy. If he reacts emotionally or fearfully, he is likely to only make things worse, if not play right into the premonition.

If I’m going to need to fight another feldrok and that being… I won’t be able to rely on surprise forever. I hate to do this, but… If worse comes to worse, I’d prefer to have everything I could possibly need, rather than be under-prepared.

Daniel glances at the dragons who are still looming over him. Gold is even leaning on the sofa behind him, while Reignleif is hugging his neck, and Geirahoel and Ryuogriar are seated beside him.

“What is it?” asks Ryuogriar, perceptive to Daniel’s expressions, and less afraid to question him.

He ponders what he should tell her, but a hand lands on his other side forearm. He looks at Geirahoel, and she makes a point of licking her teeth behind her lips while staring into his eyes meaningfully. She’s warning him.

The mechanic sighs. “I can’t and won’t make any moves outside of the Fievegal based on this information. There’s no telling what will cause the events Bellphine has seen, nor when they’ll happen, right?”

“That’s right,” replies Reignlief confidently, even with her soft voice.

Daniel bobs his head, reaffirmed of his decision. “So, the best and most important thing I can do is to prepare for the most powerful enemy we could face. For now, we should assume it’s a feldrok stronger than Hekate.”

The dragons nod in agreement, and Geirahoel states, “That much is obvious. Why the hesitation, Mukori?”

Daniel twists his lips as he thinks of how to say it. Bellphine is essentially the only one present that he doesn’t want to know about his plans, just to be safe, since Gold was alive and well when Daniel and the others defeated the Devourer.

That said,... He looks at Bellphine. The young woman had her life dramatically altered because of Daniel. Her mind was nearly destroyed, and she’s lucky to be alive and have any semblance of her identity intact, let alone be able to function.

“I have several things we need to build as quickly as possible, and among them… the ultimate backup.”

The Dragon Empresses gasp, specifically, and Ryuogriar asks softly, “Mukori, you said…”

“I know what I said…” interrupts Daniel gently. “But, if it comes to direct conflict… I am the weakest person in this world. I won’t be able to fight head to head against a feldrok. We might be able to win with anti-magic rounds for the rifle, but… after the fight with Yaulwembor…” He looks up at the ceiling, adding distantly, “If I can catch the enemy off-guard, specifically completely unaware, then I have a decent chance. But,...” He gives each of the dragons a worried expression. “If a feldrok stronger than Neith were to be aware of me and my current equipment, Yaulwembor is proof that there is too little that I can do…”

“That’s not true, Mukori,” retorts Geirahoel sternly. “The Fievegal is what it is for a different reason. You are our center, but it is not just you who will be fighting these enemies.” She takes his hands, urging sternly, “You recently renewed a promise, and you claim you will keep this one, because you are going to accept your place in this world. Was that a lie?”

“N-No… But,...”

“Then, you will be one of many fighting these new enemies. We are with you, now and always.”

“The combat team you took to fight Yaulwembor was holding back,” states Reignleif seriously, petting Daniel’s head as she continues to hold him from behind. Neith nods in agreement with her, adding confidently, “Yaulwembor was stronger than any one of us, except maybe Her Greatness Hekate or Lady Senn, but even holding back, we managed victory without losing anyone.”

“If we have to, Mukori, we will defeat our enemies, no matter the cost to the world,” declares Ryuogriar powerfully. “A thousand or a million lives lost are nothing compared to the extinction of this world. If those are the stakes, then we will carry the burden you can not. You come from a peaceful world. The only one here with as little blood on their hands as you is Miss Bellphine.”

Daniel looks at all five present dragons. He knew, deep down, that they were all viewed as monsters by most other races on some level, though he has never asked to what extent. He is personally aware of the Orbicharium, which would have been no shortage of death on the part of the four dragons who led the assault. But, what happened during the centuries between the fall of the feldroks and the day Daniel defeated the dragons?

I don’t think I need or want to know. It’s the past now, and they’re all my responsibility now.

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it,” replies Daniel quietly. “I only want to have them ready in case. And, I have two other projects the Citadel can work on making possible. One will be armor to make me strong enough to survive being in battle, and the other will be another weapon that might not need us to use the bombs.”

A chuckle draws everyone’s attention to slightly behind and to the side from Daniel. Everyone is now looking at Gold, who is snickering deviously with an eager smile on her face as she looks at Daniel. “Emperor Harbinger,... I would personally like to make a request.”

“Something amusing?” asks Ryuogriar coldly, unamused by the masculine woman’s humor.

“Only the most amusing, dear Sister.” She turns a little more serious, though there is a hint of excitement in her voice. “When your new armor is ready, I wish to be your opponent.”

“What!?” snap all three of the Dragon Empress as they whirl to put themselves between Daniel and the golden dragon. The warrior woman smirks as she crosses her arms on top of her egg, which is in a carrying harness.

“The Harbinger of Calamity will be worthless if he cannot actually fight after all of his effort, no? Who else will give him an honest fight to test his new equipment?” She looks at Ryuogriar, the most overtly loyal of the Empresses. “You, Madame Loyal Wife?” Ryuogriar grits her teeth, while Gold looks at Reignleif next, “Or you, Miss Cuddleclaws?” She smirks as she looks at Geirahoel, who is already fuming even more than the platinum dragon. “You’d ‘attack’ him, of that I have no doubt. But, the armor test will be useless.” Geirahoel blushes and ignites her pilot flame, but the second eldest dragon matriarch turns around to look at Neith. “What about you, Sir Knight? Can you fight Daniel without reserve to ensure his armor is even useful?” Neith doesn’t lose his nerve, but he does glance at Daniel, and then back at Gold. He admits, “No. I have no interest in taking that risk.”

“I want a fair fight with the Harbinger of Calamity. A rematch. Better, a rematch with an even stronger Harbinger.” She grins at Daniel. “I will do everything I can to scale upwards cautiously so I do not kill you, with your permission of course. If you can not defeat me, then there is no chance at all you will defeat any feldrok, no matter who it is.”

Geirahoel tries to lunge forward, but Gold skillfully catches her hand before the youngest dragon can grip her collar. The elder of the two growls, “I cannot harm you currently, your Grace, but you know as well as I do, the name used for the contract is not my true name. And, I am permitted to defend myself.”

Geirahoel struggles in vain to pull her hand free, and she snarls, “You’ll just use it as an excuse to hurt Daniel!”

“I’m using it as an excuse to have a fair fight with an opponent who defeated me once already. And, of course, I will have terms for if I win the fight. Without killing him, of course. I will gladly forfeit my life if I fail and cause irreparable harm to you, your Imperial Grace.” She releases Geirahoel and pushes her aside to step closer to Daniel. The haughty and impertinent dragon takes a knee, surprising all of the other dragons present. “Emperor Daniel, I swear on my life that I will fight you fair and square, so please grant me this fight. There will be danger for both of us, I can not deny that. But, we both have a progeny that will carry on our bloodlines, and I trust you to pursue a victory condition where I survive, just as I ask you to trust in me.”

Daniel looks at the other four dragons present. Neith doesn’t have much personal experience with Gold, but even he seems to be as surprised as the three Empresses who do know the proud dragoness. The Empresses look at Daniel with mixed feelings.

He is quiet for only a moment as he thinks about it. Gold is right. He’ll need to test anything he intends to use in battle, and a dragon is the closest he can get to fighting someone powerful enough to compare to the enemies he’ll need to defeat, since Hekate will be in the same boat as the Dragon Empresses and Neith, and Senn is still an unknown factor.

“Mukoris, I would like you to grant us permission.”

This surprises the Empresses as well, and Geirahoel immediately exclaims, “Denied!”

“Hear me out,” urges Daniel. “Gold is right. I won’t send the rest of you to fight while I stand on the sidelines. I won’t fight alone this time, but I won’t survive alone, either. So, I need to make all the preparations I can to win the fight. Lady Gold won’t hold back, but I trust that she will fight in good faith. She is the best choice.”

“But… If you get hurt… or worse…”

“I am immune to magic again because of the curse. I regret my negligence for that. But, I can still be treated like inanimate objects without mana.”

There is an awkward silence for a moment, and Neith blurts out, “Void bags…”

“What!?” snaps Geirahoel. “That’s…!”

“That’s exactly right,” confirms Daniel. “Store me right away if the worst should happen, and do what it takes to bring me back. I’m sure there will have to be a way, even if it means… Well, I’m sure you will find a way.”

“What way!?” panics Geirahoel as she grips Daniel’s shirt now, demanding the thought he trailed off. “I’m not sure!” pleads Daniel as she pressures him. “I’m just certain that, in this world of magic, there must be something else like Nemaisol or the elemental scarf with untold power. A fairy’s wish, a magical divine elixir that works on anyone, something. And, I trust you to find it. I’m obviously hoping the armor does its job, though. That’s the hurdle I have to cross first, and I only have some suspicions right now.”

She finally releases him, and she looks at Reignleif and Ryuogriar.

After a moment, Reignleif replies, “I agree with Mukori and Gold. It’s better that Daniel tests anything he makes in the most controlled conditions we can get, so there is at least some confidence that it’ll work.”

Ryuogriar sighs, “I don’t like it, but unfortunately, I don’t know of a better solution.”

“The golems,” growls Geirahoel. “Make golems wear the armor to test it.” She looks at Gold, retorting bluntly, “You already lost to the Harbinger of Calamity. Just because you don’t like being defeated does not change the fact that you were.”

The golden dragon looks to the side, but Daniel hugs Geirahoel from behind, surprising her. “Mukori… Gold is willing to help, and she’s making a request. I would like to oblige her, if it is what she wishes.”

The orange dragon groans and whines. “But… what about what I wish? Is her wish more important than mine?”

“No, but your real wish is that I’ll be safe, right? Just as my wish is that you’ll all be safe as well.”

She whines and groans. “I… The first battle will be with a golem,” retorts the orange dragon after a long internal battle. “Th-Then… If the golem can survive, I might allow Daniel to wear it.”

The group sighs, and Gold replies gently, “Thank you, Geirahoel. I will not take your Mukori’s safety lightly. If we could spar on the same level, I would not need to make such a request.”

Daniel then asks as Gold rises back to her feet, “So, Lady Gold, assuming you win, what will you ask for?”

She smiles. “Simple. I want my child to be granted a formally high rank in the Fievegal so that he or she is free; a friend to the Imperial Family, not a servant.”

Daniel nods. “Very well. I’ll figure out how to structure it later. For now, I need to get to work on the designs. I’ve been thinking about it since Yaulwembor, and there was something I wanted to look into thanks to her.” He looks at Bellphine, who has been patiently waiting on the conclusion of the conversation. “Miss Bellphine, I sincerely thank you for the prophetic dream. If there are ever any new details, please relay them to me so we can consider how best to address them.”

She nods cautiously, but she writes a note. “[The anti-magic weapons that you used that day… Is that what you were talking about earlier?]”

Daniel nods, and she writes another note.

“[Please forgive my selfish request, your Grace, but… please inform me when you will be using it.]”

Daniel nods. “I’ll do you one better. I will ensure you’re completely safe from its effects.”

She relaxes and bows respectfully. “Th-Th-Th-Thank y-y-you, y-yo-your G-G-G-G-Grace.”

“I am responsible for what happened to you. Come what may, I will ensure the rest of your life is as comfortable as possible.”

She smiles tenderly, nodding as tears fill her eyes.

The ‘Harbinger of Calamity’ may be a fraudulent title in truth, but Daniel will do everything he can to ensure that his family and allies are able to move towards prosperity so long as he shall live.

***