Chapter 32: The 11 Family Meeting Part 1

POV: Crown Prince Ruzo

“The absolute nerve of these people!” I mumbled to myself.

My maternal Grandparents sat next to me at this massive crescent table. The meeting should have started half an hour ago, and not a single person had arrived. I knew they were all on the planet and had been informed of the starting time, yet only one group had arrived.

“It seems they have forgotten who the real rulers of the Castles are. Shameful wretches. Don’t be too concerned with their attitude. When you reach maturity, they will come to know respect.” My Elven Grandmother comforted me. She looked very similar to my mother and retained her youthful appearance. If they stood side by side, they’d look nearly like twin sisters rather than mother and daughter.

“Where’s your mother and father?” My Grandfather questioned.

He was the standard for a Gentlemen. He had sharp green eyes and a pristine appearance, not one lock of his long pale brown hair out of place.

“They wanted me to greet the arrivals on my own and call them once everyone arrived. I’m sure they wouldn’t have expected this.”

“Ridiculous, even if they have no respect because you’re young. At the very least, they should have respect for everyone else’s time.” Grandfather scoffed at the disrespect I was being shown as the future Ruler of this Castle and the general lack of decorum from the other families.

My Grandmother rubbed my hand to calm me. She could feel my mood beginning to sour. What made it worse was knowing that if I had mentioned my fiance was attending this meeting, every single one of them would have been here.

~Do you see now, boy? This is the respect that your political savvy has gotten you.~

I heard Grandmother Tiamat’s voice in my head.

She would make her appearance, but she wanted me to experience this humiliation. She sent word that this meeting was taking place. However, she did not let the fact of her early awakening be known. I now understood why. She gained respect through absolute power. I thought I had gained it through my political moves. I’m sure she would show me the stark difference between us. At that moment, the doors began to open,

“Presenting King and Queen Ironforge. Rulers of the Floors of Iron.” Two arrogant-looking Dwarves walked into the meeting room. One had a beard that took up most of his face and body. His sharp eyes looked around at the architecture in the room. He had a well-made, sturdy-looking crown on his head; there were no gems in them, just intricate engravings. The Queen looked at the room's architecture as well. The Dwarven people were craftsmen of the highest level. They would not show such interest if they were not impressed by the room's construction.

It was surprising; not only was this place well built, but the walls all engraved the history of our draconic race. This room and this entire palace have been closed off since I was born. From what I understood, this palace, the size of most planetary capital cities, was where Grandmother had slumbered.

“These Carvings and architecture were made by Drawven hands. This entire palace was.” The Queen spoke serenely. She looked to be middle-aged, her black hair showing streaks of gray. She, too, had a gemless crown with beautiful etchings engraved on her head. She had deep blue discerning eyes that scanned the room with curiosity. She then turned her gaze towards me and bowed. Her husband followed suit.

“Our apologies for being late. We were enthralled by the craftsmanship of our ancestors. I feel there is much to be gained from studying their work.” She spoke sincerely.

The Dwarven race, for the most part, was obsessed with their craft; it wouldn’t be shocking if they had never shown up while looking at the palace’s works.

“It’s quite alright. It is my first time in this palace as well. I had no idea that these walls were crafted by Drawven hands.” I responded. Given their proud nature, they would never lie about something like this. At least their rudeness was excusable.

“Hmmph, and we’re not the last ones here? Tsk, I wish I brought my hammer to bash a few rude heads. I’d prefer to get this meeting over so we can talk to the walls here.” The Dwarven King spoke with disdain as he sat next to my Elven grandparents.

“I’m sure there will be time later.” The Queen spoke as she took her seat as well. They then began to hold a conversation with my Grandparents. Moments after the Ironforges and my Grandparents started conversing, the door opened again. The doormen spoke,

“Presenting the Lords Genesia and Lethe of House Sunderwraith. Rules of the Floors of Titan.” The Titan Lords finally entered, and while the Drawven Rulers had an air of arrogance, these two took it to the next level. As their names would imply, they were of the Titan Race. A race of Giant Humanoids. Their actual forms could expand to such massive figures that a planet could be small as marble in their hands. They had long since evolved to no longer need to remain in those cumbersome forms.

Even in their shrunken forms, they still towered over other humanoid races. On average, being about 2.5 meters in stature. They walked into the room and looked at the 5 of us as if staring at ants. Genesia was the newly appointed Lord of the Titan Race. As is their custom was strength above all else. She and her mate Lord Lethe slaughtered the previous Lords and their offspring, taking their place as the new Lords.

She had an imposing appearance. She had well-toned muscles and an athletic body. The Titan race all wore skin-tight bodysuits. They were made of unique material that would expand endlessly when they assumed their proper forms. They all had a minimalist design; everything about them was simple.

They were a race of warriors who cared not for such frivolous things. They were very militaristic. They all had buzz-cut or clean-shaven heads, men and women alike. Their Lords didn’t even wear a crown. They both just had necklaces made of the fangs of the previous Lords that they had slane. Simply barbaric. This was my first time seeing these two; the regime change was relatively recent. By the red hue of their skin, they were Blood Titans. They were, oddly enough, less hot-headed than other Titan variants, but they were also the most brutal.

“Blood Titans, are the new Lords? I'll say that the Titans will be on an upswing for a while.” My Eleven Grandmother said with a bit of trepidation. The previous Titan regime existed 800 years before the previous Maiden of Light was crushed almost overnight.

“I understand that you’ve only been ruling for 5 years, and this is your first 11 Family Meeting. However, you showing out late is unacceptable.” I told them.

“And what of it? Be happy we came at all. I don’t appreciate being summoned by a hatchling that still stinks of egg yolk.” Genesia responded, not even looking my way. She knew I was no match for her or her mate…yet. And presently, as far as she was concerned, I was not worthy of her time. But the future didn’t matter to these people. Only the present.

“You would be wise to watch your manners, little girl.” My Grandfather spoke up on my behalf. The air within the room immediately became thin. Lethe looked around and then stared at my Grandfather with a smile,

“Are you going to fight his battles for him, old man?” Lethe chided. His amber eyes shone with excitement.

“Only until he grows up a little more. Then we will simply watch. Because there is nothing more fascinating than Gteju feasting.” My Elven grandmother was the one to respond this time. The two Titan Lords looked over at me with intimidating gazing. As if they could scare me. I’ve spent the past 5 months in the presence of someone far more significant and terrifying than anything they could imagine.

“What are you looking at? Take your seats.” I dismissively said to the two of them.

“Of course, little prince.” They both chuckled as they sat to my left. They just wanted to get a raise out of me, it seems. Coming late to see how I would respond and what kind of strength I had. They must have found me satisfactory to take their seats so readily. That did not make me feel proud. It made me even more irritated. Who were they to test and judge me? I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to calm my nerves. There was no reason to enrage them.

There were 11 Families, but only 3 of them stood at the top. The Gteju, Iwon, and Finixoens. On the surface, they all were beneath the Gteju. However, as with most dynasties, it was far more complicated than things appeared on the surface. Of the 8 remaining families, 6 tend to bend to the wills of one of the three unless it went directly against their own benefit. The remaining 2 are stubbornly neutral. Usually, that neutrality would be welcomed, giving a more balanced view on issues. However, these two neutral Families were also two of the proudest and most volatile species.

The Titans were one of them, but now they were under the new rule, and that remaining neutrality might change. I could not show weakness nor give them a reason to break their neutrality in a negative direction.

~Weak… who cares about the allegiance of food?~

I heard Grandmother Tiamat’s voice in my head. I wasn’t sure, but I was almost certain she could hear my thoughts.

~You’re right.~

Shit, she can hear my thoughts. Regardless, I would make the discussions I thought best, not what I felt Grandmother would approve of. It was the only way to properly hone myself while moving in my desired direction. Just then, the second neutral family appeared.

“Presenting Prime Minister Araxie Shellstorm and Warlord Merpus Shorvel, Rulers of the Floors of Surf.” The Niwoe or Leviathans had finally made their appearance. Their race had two elected officials that ruled over their people. The Prime Minister led their political dealings. They were chosen from their most impressive females. The Warlord was in charge of their military and was chosen from their strongest and more competent male warriors. However, that wasn’t to say that their males weren’t involved in politics or that their females didn’t become fighters. It was a strange and rigid system. Though it did seem to work for them.

“ Hmmph. We purposely arrived late and still aren’t the last to arrive? You need to improve your presence, boy.” Prime Minister Araxie spoke as she went and took a seat next to the Titans without waiting for me to offer her a seat. She had an arrogant smile on her purple scale lined, pale blue face. She nor the Warlord had a breathing apparatus. Once Levithan reached a certain level of knowledge, they had no need for water to breathe. Considering they are massive creatures capable of swimming in the void of space, breathing air would be a simple task.

“Rude little water snake. You have brains enough to run a species but not enough to understand proper manners or your station?” My Grandmother spoke. I could see where my mother got some of her fiery temper from.

“My station? You believe me to be beneath a child?” The Prime Minister added.

“I believe you to be beneath a Gteju. You should learn respect now, less I dine on fish later.” I said as I could no longer contain my anger from all this blatant disrespect. The Warlord’s body flinched with shock as he pulled out his chair. His hulking body tensed as he looked at me. Both of them were wearing military-style gray suits, but his suit seemed to barely be able to contain his girth. He gave me a fanged grin; his silver serpent eyes stood against his purple skin. He chuckled as he took his seat,

“So the hatchling has claws? Hehehe, this might not be as much of a waste of time as I thought.” The Warlord complimented me? Again this feeling was not one I appreciated.

~Better.~ Grandmother’s voice sounded in my mind again.

“Presenting, Sovereign Lizin Wynol, Ruler of the Floors of Illusions.” The following late arrival made her appearance. She was part of the Spirit Fox race. A species of seductive tricksters. They loved nothing more than to cause a bit of mischief. Oddly, they seemed to side with the Finixeons on most topics. What exactly did they gain from that collaboration?

~There’s no need for such thoughts. Subdue them with might, and they will quickly change their allegiance to you. Such is the nature of those sly little foxes.~

Grandmother Tiamat spoke again. I would have to give this more thought. I hadn’t thought that maybe the Finixeons had hold of them other than equivalent exchange. Given how free-spirited they were, it would make more sense to be a neutral party.

~Tsk!~

I guess she disapproved of my indecisiveness? No matter, she had her ways; I had mine. Though I admit, I was still very much lacking. I was starting to understand that political moves meant little without force backing them up.

“Sorry, I overslept.” Was the only thing that the Sovereign said as she headed to her seat. She was a disheveled mess. She wore an oversized short violet kimono, half falling off her shoulders. Seven golden tails wagged behind her as she sloppily took her seat next to the Drawven Rulers. Those tails told a great deal about members of their race, and they were proud to show them off. They could grow 9 in total. Each new tail signaled enlightenment for their race. Growing 9 of them signified that they had reached Godhood. However, such a thing had not been recorded by the race in the entire history of the Castle.

“Ergh, must I sit next to the damned lap dogs of those Angels?” King Ironforge grumbled.

“One, we’re foxes. Two, we’ll sit on any attractive lap. How unfortunate that you don’t meet the criteria, little King.” Her emerald eyes showed a playful glimmer when she glanced toward King Ironforge. Her golden locks fell around her arms as she laid her head on the table. King Ironfordge looked like he was about to blow, but the Queen placed her hand on top of his saying,

“Do not lose your temper over the words of a whore.” She said very calmly. Everyone looked at her with a shocked expression, even the Blood Titans, who seemed disinterested in all of this. Queen Ironforge rarely spoke unless it was necessary. But every time she did, it seemed to leave an impact. The Sovereign's head still laid on the table, but her fox ears perked up,

“You got a problem with prostitutes? How prude of you.” She responded.

“Prostitutes? Not at all; they provide a service. Which is why I didn’t refer to you as one. It would be an insult to them. Prostitutes sell their bodies. You whore, sell your dignity.” Queen Ironforge never looked in the Sovereign's direction. Her eyes remained forward. The little vixen was not worthy of meeting her gaze.

“Oof, that one stung. I’ll let you have this one, you frigid bitch.” Sovereign Lizin cursed, turning her head away from Queen Ironforge. The King seemed to have a very pleased look on his face.

“Presenting, Lords Ryse, and Illume Soliel, Ruler of the Floors of Rebirth.” Now it was the Ruiqo or the Phoenixes Rulers to appear. Them being late was probably the most annoying. The two strolled in as if they owned the place, both adorned with a crown of gold encrusted feathers on their heads. They wore orate togas with a living imprint of a fiery bird. The flames flickered. They flew around the plane white togas giving the two of them a sense of majesty.

“You’re late,” I said plainly.

“We apologize; an urgent matter came up.” Lordess Illume spoke.

However, her voice sounded more annoyed that I questioned her tardiness than contrite. Those sharp, opal eyes stared at me. As if daring me to question her again. Well, as she wished,

“More urgent than a meeting called by the future Ruler of this Castle? You forget yourself.”

“We received a call from Elera, your fiance.” Ryse was the one to speak this time.

“I’m well aware of who Elera is. As you said she is my FIANCE, not WIFE, not MATRIARCH… FIANCE!!! In what dimension do her words take precedence over mine?”

“With all due respect. You know that she isn’t simply a fiance. She is the current Maiden of Light.” Illume interjected.

“And? That just makes her a figurehead of the Church. The Followers of Light do not Rule this Castle. WE DO!”

“True, but they have the hearts of the people.” Illume continued to argue.

“Hearts can be easily swayed,” I said coldly.

“Hearts can also be easily ripped from chests. Especially from the weak little bodies of birds.” Genesia, the Blood Titan, spoke angrily as she looked at the two Ruiqo Lords.

“Too true… too true.” I agreed as I stared at the two of them.

“We will be sure to tell Elera about this,” Ryse spoke.

“Tell her. I will not be so thoroughly whipped by my mate as you, Lord Ryse. Take your seats!” The Leviathans and the Blood Titans chuckled. I’m sure they were tired of them as well. They used to be far more reasonable people. Having a Maiden of Light born to their species went to their head. Especially after the incident with my late Aunt, the previous Maiden. I guess they thought they’d use this to prove themselves superior to Gteju? By raising a more useful Pawn of the Church?

~Now you’re starting to get it. Good boy, diplomacy is saved for those with respect. Not ungrateful little Chickenhawks.~

I stifled a laugh, as I needed to maintain my dignity. Now that the Finixeon’s lap dogs had arrived; next was the unruly lot that tracked behind the Iwon. Like clockwork, the Doors opened again. I sighed;

“Presenting, Count Keir and Countess Eldia Astrophel. Caretakers of the Floors of Blood.” The Weproti appeared first. They were subservient to the Iwon. So much so that they didn’t even give themselves the title of Rulers. I suppose there was a certain elegance in not putting on false airs when you were aware that you were in the service of others.

And elegant they were. They both came dressed for a ball rather than a meeting. They had pale skin and unnervingly perfect sculpted faces. Their posture was pristine to the point they looked like living statues in black ballroom attire. They both bowed with a flourish and the Countess elegantly stated,

“Our deepest and most sincere apologies. We were instructed to come as late as possible. However, our deep engraved etiquette could not bear stalling any longer.” Characters, the lot of them. Admittedly, it was far better than the airs the rest had put on to feign dominance.

“We are prepared for any punishment you see fit, Young Prince.” Count Keir offered.

“Just take your seats. I believed we wasted enough time waiting on you all.” I sighed.

“We appreciate your grace and wisdom, Young Prince.” Countess Eldia spoke. She was then escorted to her seat by Count Keir. They both took their seats, next to the Niwoe. I looked at them again. Were all Weproti like this? So rigid and refined. Everything was perfectly placed, from their stark white hair to the laces on their shoes.

“The picture of elegance and grace, yet you serve those miscreants?” Ryse spoke up as he stared at the Weproti.

The Count and Countess both turned to look at Ryse. They were perfectly synchronized as their red eyes stared daggers into the Ruiqo Ruler,

“What do you know of elegance and grace while speaking ill of others behind their back?” Duke Keir spoke.

“Something is enchanting, seductive even, about Iwon's straightforwardness. You don’t need to figure out ulterior motives because the face they share is the only one they have. Yet, you sit here trying to save face while having multiple.” Countess Eldia chastised.

Then as if planned, they both turned their heads back. I could hear the Cackling of Blood Titans. It seemed they had no love at all for Ruiqo.

“Presenting, Duchess Rivada Sthele Hudea Chrysda. Caretaker of the Floors of Aethiopia.” Duchess Chrysda, the Gorgon Ruler, walked into the meeting room. She had bronze skin with a golden hue, yellow reptilian eyes, and black hair that extended towards her lower back. Each individual strand of hair looked to be alive, like microsized snakes. Those black strands waved rhythmically behind her, with a life of their own.

Like the Countess, she was dressed more like going to a grand party rather than a meeting. Speaking of which, both of the Counts stood up in the presence of the Duchess. This showed the hierarchy within the Iwon’s camp. The Duchess turned her gaze towards the table. Everyone instinctively looked away from her, afraid to make even passing eye contact with her.

The Gorgon race was a terrifying oddity within the Castle. They had no exclusive Spiritual BENT to speak of. But have one of the most multifaceted Physical Bents, the most curious facet was the ability to petrify anything they touched or even laid eyes on, at will. This was terrifying for most species, even the ones at this table. Most of them were hard to kill, and some were hard to keep dead. The Ruiqo, even though they had the weakest body here, was the hardest to keep down. As long as some of their essences remain, they could be reborn, even stronger than when they died.

However, rebirth could not occur if you were forever a statue. No one knew how they did it, so no one knew how to counter it. Except for the Gorgons themselves and of course, the Iwon. However, their ability had no effect on Gteju. Well, it did not affect the older, more knowledgeable adults. If the Duchess willed it, I was sure she could also turn me to stone. However, I would not cower away from her. I met her stare, and she smiled back at me.

“Greetings, Young Prince. I trust the Count and Countess have already told you why we’re late?” Her enchanting voice echoed as she bowed with a grace that surpassed the Countess and rivaled my mother.

“They did. I would like to ask why? Are you capable of answering?” I responded.

“Of Course. Our leaders are displeased that the Gteju have been becoming so close with the Followers of Light. I suppose you can take this as a form of silent protest. Though, it’s not so silent anymore, is it?” She let out a chuckle.

“Understood. Take your seat.” I instructed.

“At your command.” The Duchess responded and took her seat next to the Counts. Only after she had taken her seat did the Counts retake their own. This time there were no snarky remarks or any show of power from anyone else. It seemed they all knew. If they didn’t dare to look their opponent in the eyes, all words they had to say were meaningless.

~Not bad, boy. You’re becoming more pleasing to my eyes by the second.~

Thank you, Grandmother.

“Presenting, Seraphims Saniel, and Ashiel Araquiel, Rulers of the Finixeons.” Two haughty pale rosy skinned angels walked into the room. There was a certain radiance that emitted from them. They were a married couple but could have been siblings with how similar they looked. They both had silver blonde hair and rose gold eyes. Both were thin pure white clothing, with no backs to allow their wings to spread out behind them.

“You’re late. You’re one of the Founding Species; you should lead by example.” I said.

“I believe we are doing just that, are we not? You may be the future Ruler of this Castle, but right now, you are but a child. Yet you dare have the nerve to summon us? You should have left such things to your father.” Saniel said, not even looking in my direction as he took his seat, followed by his wife, without even waiting for my command.

“Furthermore, we need to make this quick. We need to discuss the details of your engagement with”,

“Shut up, just shut the hell up!” I interrupted Ashiel.

Had my father and I been too diplomatic in our approach thus far? Did these lesser beings look down on me that much? The blatant disrespect shown towards me was too much. Did they think I was afraid of them?

“Excuse me? What was that?” Ashiel looked shocked and enraged by my outburst. But before I could respond, a rough dark voice echoed through the room,

“The boy said shut the hell up! Your noses and asses are so far in the cloud that you can’t hear?” Everyone at the table went still. We all knew who that voice belonged to, and no one wanted to get on that lunatics' wrong side.

“Present us, Lizard.” The door opened as the nervous guard began,

“U-umm P-presenting, Overlord Zakan Zymuji. Ruler of the Iwons. And his children Princess Iral Zymuji and Prince Morrok Zymuji.” The three of them walked. When they entered, the Weproti and Gorgon Rulers stood from their seats. Like the Weproti and Gorgon Rulers, they were dressed rather elegantly. Zakan was a well-built ashen skinned male with violet eyes. He had wild shortcut jet Black hair. His suit shirt was unbuttoned enough to see the black markings going up his chest toward the nap of his neck. Iral and Morrok were twins and took more after their alluring mother.

They both had sunkissed pale brown skin and hazel eyes. Both of their heads were full of long wild curls. I had never seen them before, but I was aware they were around my age, and a successor had not been decided between them. They were also a scarce variant of Iwon. The cross between a Demon and a Nymph… Succubus.

“Where is your wife?” I asked,

“You know how free-spirited Nymphs are. She couldn’t be bothered to come to something like this. So I brought the kids instead. I’m sure you, of all people, wouldn't mind.” He responded nonchalantly. He was indeed correct; the twins were around my age. Me being upset that they were taking the place of their mother would be spitting in my own face.

“Fair enough. Take your seat.” I instructed.

Zakan gave a flourish with his hand as if he was bowing, but no bow ever came. His children didn’t even acknowledge my presence at all, except for Iral, who stared at me,

“He’s cute for a lizard.” She smiled, and I could feel my face heating up.

~Be careful with that little Succubus.~

“He’s also engaged!!” Shouted Saniel.

“For now. Things change. And why do you care? It’s not like it’s your daughter he’s engaged to. Stupid little feather jockeys.” Iral said dismissively. She rested her head on her hand as she continued to look at me.

~Nevermind what I said, court the little Succubus. She is to my liking.~

Grandmother, please. I couldn’t contend with you saying nonsense disrupting my train of thought.

“You need to keep your children in check, Zakan,” Ashiel spoke.

“The only thing that needs to be kept in check is that mouth of yours, old woman. Last I checked, this is Gteju domain. Where do you get off shouting orders at anyone? Learn your place, and sit quietly until spoken to.” It was Prince Morrok who spoke up this time. Zakan wasn’t engaged in the conversation; he was leaning over chatting it up with Rulers of the Gorgons and Weproti. It seems Zakan was content to let the twins handle the affairs here. He would just act as a physical deterrent.

“He’s right….” I said flatly to the two Finixeon Rulers. Who could do nothing but stifle their rage. Now only 2 parties were missing. The main characters of this meeting.

“Presenting the Delegation from the Followers of Light. Second Elder Grace, and Grand Marshal Diava Zoorali.” The first name wasn’t a surprise; I expected the Church to send an Elder. All Elders of the Followers of Light had all abandoned their names and taken on new titles. This showed their complete dedication to the Church. Grace was the title of the Second Elder position. The next name was a surprise. It seemed the Sword of Light had a new Grand Marshal.

“Greetings, your Highness.” Elder Grace spoke. She was a dark-skinned older human female. She wore very modest clergy robes. I wasn’t aware that the Followers of Light had a human at that level. If she was an Elder, she was undoubtedly far older than she looked and had the knowledge to back up her position. For a human to come this far, she must have been extraordinarily skillful. Daiva, on the other hand, stood out for a different reason.

Those Black Wings that extend from her back and the look of contempt she gave the Finixeon Ruler when she walked through the door. She was dressed for combat, and I could feel the ferocity oozing from her.

~Now that is a warrior. Hahaha… it's a shame. It seems the Gteju are really on the decline. No wonder there is so little respect.~

Grandmother seemed to be lamenting silently to herself, more so than talking to me. Diava then tossed someone into the opened center of the crescent table. He was a bloodied, beaten mess. I looked closely, then my eyes nearly popped out of my skull. It was the former Grand Marshal.

“I do apologize for this, your highness.” Elder Grace spoke once again. She had not taken a seat, as there was not one available for her. The Church was more or less on trial during this meeting.

“Shall we begin then?” Saniel spoke. He was clearly upset to see the former Grand Marshal in this state. After all, it was his cousin.

“There’s still someone missing,” I said.

“Who, dear child?” My Eleven grandmother asked.

“I swear, everyone always asks who?” A voice echoed within the chambers.

Then a portal at the end of the crescent tables opening. Out of the Portal, 3 individuals walked. In the middle was a human woman I had never seen before. There was nothing extraordinarily striking about her; she seemed just to be human… but not human. Everything about her was unassuming; she was well put together, striking… yet it seemed effortless. It was the definition of natural beauty. I had to force myself to look away.

To her left was an orange-haired Dwarven woman. She looked over at Queen and King Ironforge; they both seemed uncomfortable and avoided eye contact. Then my eyes widened as I looked towards the human woman’s right. Gteju! She had striking blood-red hair and matching eyes. Those were the eyes of a Gteju! She scanned the table, scoffed at the lot of them, and then turned her gaze at me. When Our gazes meet, I could feel a pressure similar to Grandmothers. It wasn’t as suffocating, but it still weighed heavily on me.

Was she trying to establish her dominance even in this sort of situation?

When she realized that I would not yield so quickly, she simply smirked and then turned her attention back towards the others at the table. Her scanning eyes soon brought her face to face with the Gorgon Ruler. And beyond everyone’s expectation, the Duchess retracted her gaze.

~That is a real Gteju.~

Grandmother spoke softly; there was a hint of reminiscing in her voice.

“Who are you?!” Ashiel spoke.

“See? They always ask who?” The woman spoke. She sighed, exasperated. She looked around, I assume she was looking for a seat. There were no seats for these two parties. Elder Grace seemed to have noticed this and stood there quietly. This woman didn’t seem pleased with the arrangement. She shrugged her shoulders and then waved her hand.

A portal appeared on the ground and up rose a grand throne that rivaled the one I was currently sitting on. The woman took her seat on this throne, and the orange-haired Drawven woman took a seat on top of the oversized armrest. The Gteju woman with them simply leaned on the side of the throne.

“Well, go ahead, present us.” The woman said, waving at the formidable Gteju.

“Presenting, Big Boss Manager of the Black Market. Accompanied by the Second Elder Otunuzi Kindere.” The Gteju female announced her companions.

“And who are you?” The Gorgon Duchess asked as she stared at the Gteju.

“She is the Black Market's Number One Assassin. Quinn Zym.” It was Grand Marshal Zoorali who spoke.

Big Boss, with a playful grin on her face, waved sarcastically,

“Hi!”

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