Emperor Thomas Lucifeth the Third watched as those he ruled tried to convince him about how much aid they needed for his project. "I have already given you hundreds of slaves, and you dare to say that you do not have enough?!" Thomas slammed his fist on the armrest. The minor lord in front of him trembled in fright, likely due to how quickly, as Emperor, he could have the fool executed.

"But, your Excellency! Many of the slaves are not strong enough for the task you have graciously given me. I require more slaves to unearth the Tower." The man whined.

A voice to his right inputted their idea into the discussion. "Dear, you do know that this man, though simple, is right. Sometimes you need to use brute force to solve problems, and this is one of them." Agatha, his wife, advised him. "We both know how important this task is." Her voice had a serious tone, reminding him of what they both knew.

The Emperor looked at the sniveling noble and slowly nodded his head in agreement. Gaining knowledge of the Tower was extremely important for them to gain an upper hand on the other nations. Thinking about how they were able to learn about the object still made him shiver slightly, but he was determined to gain dominance over those who were attempting to defile the pure human bloodline.

"You are dismissed. I will have someone present you with the necessary slaves." Thomas gave the lord a penetrating look, "but I expect for you to have the task completed soon or there will be consequences." He watched as the man quickly bowed and quickly walked out of the room.

"Was there such a need to treat him like that?" A voice called out from the shadows. It was the type of voice that anyone would enjoy listening to, regardless of gender. The woman that emerged from the darkness was someone that looked pure of heart, as she wore a modest outfit which also seemed to showcase the curves of her figure. With a black coat which covered her shoulders and upper arm, and white dress where the skirt seemed to mold to her legs. Lady Ash appeared to glide whenever she walked, the skirt not even hampering her movements.

"Lady Ash, we apologize for having you see such a scene," Agatha said. She got up and over to Lady Ash and kneeled in front of her.

Thomas looked at the Lady, feeling something he was unfamiliar with. He remembered the first time he had met this woman, who seemed unafraid of his position. When he first ascended the throne, Thomas lacked confidence in his ability to lead and unite the Empire. Watching how nonhumans were becoming stronger and expanded their territories, he understood that something had to be done. Around this time, Lady Ash had approached him and given him advice on how he could see humans return to their rightful place in the world. Even more tempting was having him rule the entire continent, allowing those of pure lineage to live happy lives.

"Thomas, I see that things are going well?" Lady Ash asked him, as she laid a hand on his wife's head. Lately, his wife had begun to see Lady Ash as a mentor, being in contact with Lady Ash and developing a bond.

"Yes. We have made significant progress with fully uncovering the Tower. As you have said, the Tower had begun to pulsate, signaling that the Overflow is near." Thomas answered.

Lady Ash clapped her hands together and said joyously, "I am happy that you have done so well. With this Tower, your dreams will become a reality, and you will be able to provide the guidance that this world needs." She looked down at Agatha and gave a large smile. "I am sure that you have done so much to help your loving husband."

"Yes, my Lady, I have tried to be a good source of strength for my wonderful husband." When Lady Ash motioned with her hand, Agatha stood back up and went to stand by his side. "He is such a compassionate ruler, who has everyone's best interest at heart," Agatha explained with pride on her face.

Seeing Agatha say such things, Thomas felt a sense of happiness and pride well up inside of him. "My Lady, as my lovely Queen has expressed to you, I look forward to conquering these lands and setting up clear lines of the difference between humans and nonhumans. I hope that my action will be forever remembered as a compassionate one." He smiled at his wife, as she looked at him with a happy smile on her face.

"Seeing the two of you really makes me feel a sense of peace," Lady Ash said to the two of them. With her arms crossed behind her, she gave off a childlike innocence about her. "With the Tower, you will be able to have a degree of influence on the monsters that make up the Overflow. Though I would like to remind you that abusing this power would not work out well for you. Currently, there is another force which is attempting to influence the Overflow for their own purposes, and they may attempt to stop you." Her face had a look of frustration and annoyance as if such a thing was only piling more work on her.

Thomas tried not to appear too surprised when he learned that others could control the beasts. "Lady Ash, who are these other people who can control the Overflow?" He tried to keep his voice level.

"They are what your legends call Demons. Someone from an organization headquartered within your lands had successfully released them, so they are a little childish as they flex their muscles." Seeing the expression on Thomas's face, she added, "there is no need to be worried to such a degree. There are other elements which can influence the Demons, in a supervisorial role you could say." She held the back of her hand to her mouth and lightly giggled.

Thomas always thought that the way she giggled was one of the most magnificent sounds in this world. Seeing Agatha look at him, slightly, he quickly put the idea out of his mind. "Since you have arrived, how about we prepare a feast in your honor. I know that my son Eric would appreciate your wisdom. His older brothers could also use your guidance as they will someday have to take leadership positions." Thomas suggested. Though Lady Ash looked like an innocent lady of the court, Thomas had long understood that her intelligence and wisdom were beyond any he had ever met. He always tried to have his sons and daughter interact with her, whenever she made an appearance. He would even try to listen in on their debates, allowing him to gain additional insight into developing his abilities.

Looking over to one of the servants nearby, Agatha commanded, "I would like for all my sons and my daughter to greet Lady Ash and prepare for a feast." The servant bowed, and quietly left the room.

"The two of you are so considerate. There is no need to put so much effort on my behalf. Interacting with your children is such a joy, I feel like I am a part of the family." Lady Ash responded as her eyes became slightly misty.

"My Lady, to not show you this level of respect would be unforgivable," Agatha voiced. "You are an important guest, and we are blessed to have our children to have a mentor such as yourself in their life."

Lady Ash fanned her eyes, to get rid of her tears and regain her emotions. "It means so much to hear you say that, Agatha. Being able to share my knowledge is such a treasure for me. Little Samantha is doing so well with understanding the concepts I am teaching her." Lady Ash complimented Agatha.

Agatha curtsied in response. "To hear you compliment my daughter is a high honor."

"My Lady, let us retire to the lounge so you may be more comfortable, as we wait for the feast to be prepared," Thomas suggested.

Taking Agatha by her arm, he led the way to the lounge. Considering the area was reserved only for those close to the Imperial Family, the decorations were rather downplayed in style. There was a large fireplace, with leather couches and chairs surrounding it. A maid was present for preparing refreshments and finger food, in case any guests were feeling hungry before the large meal.

Thomas indicated for Lady Ash to sit in the largest leather chair, which was his favorite place to relax due to how comfortable it was. He felt his spirits lift when she gave him a smile at his offer. Agatha and himself took one of the couches, and he enjoyed the feeling of his wife leaning against him. Though she had five children, Agatha still looked as beautiful as she did when he had met her. Her figure was one of the attributes that drew him towards her, and later when he learned of her high intellect, Thomas felt that they were a match made by the gods.

As they talked with Lady Ash on minor topics, Lady Ash enjoyed sipping on a tea provided to her. Her mannerism was of a higher nobility compared to anyone he had ever met. As Agatha was talking to her, Thomas tried his best to not stare at the Lady. Thankfully, he heard several sets of footsteps to indicate his children had arrived.

"Lady Ash, you look as stunning as ever," Eric voiced out to her when he entered the lounge and bowing to her.

Lady Ash tinkling laughter could be heard in response, as she nodded her head to him. "Eric, as always you seem to be a rogue. I do hope you do not cause too many problems with the ladies in the courts."

"If you can tear him away from his whore," Samantha quietly voiced as she was standing far enough from the Lady to hear but close enough for everyone else to notice.

"My brother does have a penchant for attracting the ladies," Benford, his eldest son answered as he nudged Eric's side.

"I do admit that my baby brother could put in more effort in finding a respectable woman," Charles, his second eldest son agreed with Benford.

"At least I am not like little Hanson, who seems uninterested in women," Eric grinned while he looked at his older brother who looked shy as usual.

Samantha stepped to her younger brother's defense and said, "as usual, my brother seems to lack the ability to go up against opponents stronger than him." As the oldest of all of Thomas's children, Samantha had become a very independent woman who understood that she would not be inheriting the throne and likely would be married off for political strength.

"My sister seems to be overestimating her strength," Eric said, an edge to his voice.

"Eric, we should be more respectful towards one another in front of our mentor," Benford mentioned, as he bowed to Lady Ash in apology.

Lady Ash was gently shaking her head. "To hear the five of you acting with such disharmony only brings pain to my heart." Glancing over to Samantha, she stated, "I expect more from my star pupil."

Hearing Lady Ash have such a disappointed voice made Samantha drop her head in shame. "I have shamed you, my Mentor."

Looking at each of Thomas's children and seeing that they understood, she flashed them a light smile. "As long as each one of you understand why such behavior is unbecoming I am satisfied." Turning her head to Eric, she asked, "Eric, how is your training progressing?"

Eric looked proud at being asked first. "My Lady, I have succeeded in increasing my abilities to several times greater than those of my classmates."

Samantha gave Eric a look to suggest what she thought of his progress.

"Wonderful! It is good to hear such progress." Lady Ash clapped to congratulate Eric. "Though what I teach is very basic, the concepts are very difficult to grasp. As with Eric, all of you will be able to gain greater awareness and abilities." Lady Ash looked at each of them.

--------

For the first time, Fredrick enjoyed the journey towards the usual secret destination. In the past, whenever he received the letter to indicate his presence was necessary, he found would feel annoyed by the need to journey to such a desolate location. Considering the need for secrecy, he would need to travel by himself instead of being able to ride comfortably. His legs would feel in pain for the longest time, having to ride on a horse for the extended period.

"Is there anything I can do for my Lord?" A mesmerizing voice could be heard next to him.

Turning his head, he viewed the reason this trip was so great. Lady Victoria looked at him with concern, her body close to his due to the size of the carriage. He enjoyed the way her shoulder touched his, the feeling of her voluptuous body bringing a variety of emotions to the surface. "I was just thinking how I am glad that you were able to join me, Lady Victoria." Fredrick smiled at her.

Ever since she arrived at the castle, he enjoyed having her company. Over time, he began to share more of his life with her. Feeling like he could trust her, he divulged his involvement with an organization that hid in the background. Though she was initially shocked by such news, Fredrick was able to calm her down and explain how important the organization was. He still remembered how she said, "my lord, though such things sound sinister, I do feel like you are an honorable man and feel that such an organization must also be such." She then placed her hand on top of his and looked into his eyes, saying, "I am happy that you would trust me with such sensitive information. Though I do not know how much help I could be for you, I would like to assist you on this matter."

This trip would be another step in becoming closer to her and allow him to begin courting her. Feeling bold, he placed his hand on her arm, feeling her smooth and tender arm. "Do you think you could fetch me something to drink? I do feel a little parched." Fredrick asked her.

Her cheeks turned slightly red at his bold move, and she asked the maid, "Astaroth, bring me a canteen for Lord Fredrick." The maid opened up a small carrying bag, and after rummaging through it, she pulled out a bottle with a liquid inside. From inside of the bag, the maid took out a crystal glass. Using the side of the carriage, which had a place for servants to prepare drinks and small snacks, the maid, Astaroth, opened up the bottle and poured out a small amount of the liquid. After closing the bottle and returning it to the bag, she used both hands to offer it to Victoria.

Taking the crystal glass, Victoria turned towards him and offered the cup. "I do hope this drink is to your liking. We packed several delicacies from our kingdom, to help in trade and remind us of where we came from." Her eyes were like bottomless pools filled with grace and kindness, as she handed him the drink. The way she smiled conveyed grace and feminine innocence, devoid of the seductive ways which were used by women of the court.

With one hand to take the bottom of the glass, he used the other hand to feel Victoria's hand. He felt her hand brush against his as she let go of the glass. A part of him felt saddened to no longer hold her hand. Looking down at the contents in the glass, he marveled at how the liquid seemed to change between a blue and purple color as it interacted with the light. "It seems even the drinks in your kingdom are filled with beauty," Fredrick commented as he raised his head to look at Victoria.

"My lord, the way you are able to weave words so smoothly, I am starting to think that other women have heard such things from you," She lightly laughed.

"I would not dare such things, my lady Victoria!" Fredrick quickly renounced the claim a tad bit more forcefully than he should have. The thought of her thinking he was a frivolous man was a horrifying idea.

"I am glad." She dipped her head down and quietly spoke her relief.

Hearing her words made him want to place a hand to her chin and turn her face towards his. Fredrick imagined placing his lips on top of hers, like out of a romantic story he had heard women read. Before he was able to act on his impulse, he raised the glass to his mouth and drank the contents in the cup. The liquid felt like it glided on his tongue, bringing a sweet taste that was nothing he had ever experienced. Once the glass was empty, he stared into the cup as if he was hoping that there was more.

"Would it be too presumptuous to think that you enjoyed the drink?" Victoria asked, after seeing his dazed expression.

"Your kingdom must be a wonderful place, to have such things within its borders," he finally stated.

As he was about to ask to have another glass, he felt the carriage begin to slow down. After it had come to a complete stop, the door nearest to him opened. The night flooded into the small carriage but was replaced with the light of a lantern. One of Victoria's maid's voice was heard. "My lord and lady, we have arrived at the destination. As you have requested, we have stopped by the twisted tree as marked on the map."

After hearing the maid, he turned to Victoria and said, "my lady, we will need to hide our faces as is the custom."

Victoria nodded and looked towards the maid across from her, who pulled out a porcelain mask. After Victoria placed the mask on her face, Fredrick was startled by how there were no openings for her to see. The mask was a smooth surface, giving an eery feel.

"Will you be able to see properly?" He asked her, concerned that she would stumble.

As the maid across from them also place a similar mask on her face, Victoria stated, "there is no need to worry about us, my lord. These masks are traditionally worn in our kingdom. The lack of openings helps us to hide our identities, in case of meetings such as these."

When he leaned forward to look out the carriage, he was met with four faceless masks on the remaining maids. Though the image was startling, considering the cloudy night sky and the nature of the meeting, Fredrick was able to calm himself. "There is no need to be frightened by such things, as a child would," he told himself.

Getting out of the carriage, he turned back and offered a hand to Victoria. Just like she hinted, Victoria took his offered hand with the same ability as someone not wearing a mask. Though the mask still gave him some hesitation, he was impressed with the design.

With his hand still holding Victoria's hand, he guided them away from the road. After several minutes of walking had passed, they reached a massive stone. It had the appearance of something that had existed in that spot for thousands of years. As he approached the stone, he called out, "as the flood comes, only the pure will remain." Several moments seemed to pass when there was a scraping noise, and an opening appeared from the ground.

Looking at Victoria, who nodded her head to indicate she was willing to proceed, Fredrick walked towards the stairway leading into the abyss. The path was wide enough for several people to be side by side, so there was no issue for Fredrick and Victoria to walk next to one another. Still holding Victoria's hand, Fredrick enjoyed the way she felt and how she naturally allowed him to lead her. There was no feeling of insincerity when she did this, which was all the more to his liking.

The underground hall continued to slope downwards, though not enough to feel uncomfortable. To guide members, the walls had mana stones on one side of the wall, to provide enough illumination. The light first started as a red and slowly began to turn blue. This was to not only prevent others from seeing the opening when the light leaked out but also to symbolize how the Overflow, though violent, would purify those destined to rule.

After they had walked for some time, the hallway opened up to reveal a robed individual. "As the Overflow comes, who will remain?" The individual asked him.

"Only those who have are deserving and have been touched by the gods," He answered.

The robed man looked at Victoria and her maids and then looked at him.

"There is no need for alarm, she is someone from a foreign land who I believe will bring many resources to our cause." Fredrick calmly answered the unspoken question.

Accepting his explanation, the robed figure moved aside and pressed his hand on a secret panel. Where there was previously a wall, a door slid open and revealed a lighted room. When Fredrick walked into the secret area, there was a circular table with other members of the organization. There were servants carrying plates of food to the members, some of the members enjoyed teasing the servants as they grabbed their butts or had them sit on the member's lap.

Turning back to look at Victoria, Fredrick welcomed her by saying, "my lady Victoria, welcome to the Order of Purity."