Arthur's Point of View

Helmsforth Temple

Things went well with Sherry. The french toast was a hit, and I led into several other dishes she might be interested in. Much like the city itself, most things were in a medieval fantasy era. Airships were something that existed, but food diversity wasn't that common. Mutton, roasts, chicken, pies, and things along those lines were all rather common. Needless to say, Sherry was rather excited about working towards the future.

However, I was now in the Priestess's personal chambers. "It is good to see you, Sir Arthur. Welcome to my room." Arceana said and looked to her sister. "I am surprised it took you so long to find him."

Given that it was the priestess's room, it was about what you would expect. A grand bed that was far bigger than necessary with gaudy gold decorations fit for her position. Mirrors, a vanity, private bathroom, desks, dressers, and more were all as expensive-looking as they could be. It made me curious about how many of the items in this room were more than they appeared.

Elincia gestured to me with a small blush. "Our Knight was in the middle of a business proposition with someone when we found him. I felt it best to let him finish conducting his business before we came here."

Arceana was quiet for a moment before she looked back at me. "Were you doing something inappropriate when my sist-"

The blonde blushed harder before raising her voice. "No! He was literally in the middle of a business meeting!" Elincia shouted.

A small smirk came to Arceana's lips. "I see. Forgive my inquiry." Then she turned back to me. "I assume my sister told you why I requested this meeting?" I nodded. "Then allow me to begin. Thank you for saving Lucia and General Alwin. Both are very important to me, and I was unaware either of them had even left the Temple."

Continuing for her sister, Elincia sat down on the bed. "It is likely that they would have escaped with Lucia before we even knew she had been kidnapped."

"I was in the right place at the right time." I replied as I sat down on one of the couches while Arceana sat across from me more daintily. "So, what else was there that you two wanted to discuss." Crossing my arms grabbed the pink-haired Priestess's gaze.

"We are not here to discuss you if that is what you were worried about. My sister and I have learned our lesson in questioning you about you." That made me smirk as Arceana continued. "No. You are here because I would like to know if you learned anything from the Succubae that infiltrated Helmsforth and your thoughts on the matter."

"Given everything that has happened in the short time since I've been here, I think it's safe to say that war is coming."

Both Priestesses were immediately on alert, and Elincia stood up from the bed. "War?" The blonde repeated.

Arceana gave me a serious look as her expression turned dark. "Why do you think war is coming?"

Gesturing to the two of them, I spoke. "If I was in your position, it's likely that I would have already called for new training and a draft of sorts to prepare. Ghouls, Succubae, and more have been appearing. Roaming through your lands unchallenged and undetected until they run into me." Standing, I began to pace. "That in itself could be considered a declaration of war, but even Demons of incredible power have appeared."

They were quiet for a moment before Arceana looked at her scepter in thought. "You think they are testing us?"

Elincia then moved to her sister's side. "Or perhaps they have a goal here?"

"Given the number of incidents lately, I think it's safe to say that they have a foothold in your kingdom and likely in some cities." Stopping, I turned to them. "Both of you know how strong that Demon was."

Tor was incredibly powerful, as was Thana and the mystery High Elf. Each was a significant threat, all stronger than me. Even in my transformed state, I doubt I would've been able to beat Thana or the High Elf. It has become abundantly clear that I got lucky with Tor.

"But you drove the Demon back yourself. Surely he would be hesitant to return." Elincia pointed out.

"I'm going to be honest. That Demon was stronger than me and underestimated me. I've been extraordinarily lucky when it comes to those situations." Then I pointed down. "This mountain and the rest of your kingdom is in danger. War is coming. Scouts, Spies, attempted kidnappings, and more are the evidence."

"What do you suggest we do? Announce a call to arms? It would send the people of this kingdom into a panic and plunge Lestrania into chaos. Lestrania has not been to war in almost a thousand years." Arceana stated.

Then I pointed at her. "But you have been to war! What do you think is going to happen if you continue to do nothing?" I asked her, and she frowned. "Alwin and Lucia were almost killed today. In your very own Capital."

Elincia sighed. "Who would you have us declare war on? The Demons? They come and go, but invading the Crimson Wasteland is a foolish idea and would open us up for others to attack should they feel confident enough to do so."

Then I gestured to them. "Then what are you two going to do? Keep letting the Demons come say hi? I cannot allow that."

Arceana narrowed her eyes at me. "Careful, Sir Arthur." She began in her more official tone. "We are the leaders of this kingdom. Not you. You made a vow to us, and I expect you to uphold it."

Chuckling at that, I responded mirthfully. "I pledged my services to Lestrania. My oath is to this kingdom. Not to either of you."

"You swore your allegiance to-" Elincia began, but I cut her off.

I then gestured to myself as I interrupted her. "If either of you thinks that my vows include you specifically, you are sadly mistaken. I will protect the two of you and respect you as this kingdom's leaders, but nothing more. My oath to Lestrania compels me to suggest what I think would be best and do what I think is right." Crossing my arms as both of them looked at me, stunned, I continued. "And I will continue to do so, whether the two of you approve or not."