The next day, we were readying ourselves for a trip to the shore. The construction of the main bastion was underway. It was the first phase of the plan for the defense of the south of Eoum.

There was remnant of the previous defense and the plan would revolve on building around the remnant, just like how they did it before.

In Valvakea, there are two major powers. One is the Eight Supremacies and the other is the Central Authority. The Eight Supremacies are consisted of Eight Clans that is considered the top Eight in terms of power. Unlike the decentralized and independent Eighty Three Tribes of Symokiva, Valvakea has a strict system of governance. Only the Eight Clan can make major decisions that decide the policies of Valvakea.

On the other hand, The Central Authority is a branch of Athryshiayl so all the members or public servants stationed here are from Tchekaz or the Ten Houses.

“Ruigne, did you prepare any countermeasure just in case we get attacked again?”

As we stood outside the office waiting for the escort, Herkaloi asked from the side.

Everyone looked at me after the question.

“I highly doubt they do such thing again. This official visit is filled with Guards and whatnot, even if they try to mount another ambush, it would only end in failure. I don’t think they’re that stupid to begin with.”

“Aye, the last few days, it felt more like harassment instead of a proper ambush. Last night, some of them threw a net on me and gave me a glare like telling me to just stand there and do nothing.”

As I reassured them, Akujin himself was attacked by some anti-establishment groups but for him, [Fouthic] was enough for a guard and taking care of the meddlesome youngsters. I can completely empathize with the rest. Even yesterday although nothing happened to me as I decided to do some in-depth research about Valvakea, the entire day, all the five summoned had complained about being watched and worst, attacked.

Even more vexing was that we can’t charge them for the appropriate punishment. Those that we had captured were only being under house arrest, a decision made by the majority of the Eight Supremacies. Being the sons of direct subordinate clans for one of the Eight Supremacies ensured such punishment.

We were lightly told that ‘they’re in that phase’ and as such ‘deserved’ to be forgiven as it is unavoidable.

I guess ‘harbouring malicious intent and acting on it especially on important personages’ is considered mild when compared.

“Oh man, not even a week had passed and we’re getting harassed left and right. I thought Kiefy said it only would start after a few weeks but not even week had passed.”

Annoyed, August huffed while leaning his back on the wall.

“Aye, if it wasn’t for the fact that this is unlike my world, I would have challenged them by slapping their left cheek with silk glove but I can’t find any silk to make a glove but since it’s another world, maybe I could use underwear…”

Muttering to himself, no matter what, Stryklos will always spout some non-sense.

“The carriage is here.”

Herkaloi, as though hearing something from a far amongst the many noises, spoke.

True to the fiction of an atypical elf, Herkaloi species had an acute sense of hearing.

A three wheeled carriage with the right and left side manned and a main driver in the middle. It reminded me of the early model car from 1930th century.

It was also the first time I seen this type of land transportation. In Valvakea, they don’t only use rivers as a transportation system as there is a land transportation system so this type of transport also exists.

Without using any beast of burden, it operates movement by a complex system of hydraulic principles and a little Alkhemia.

“Greeting honoured summoned, my name is Lekhos, Adjutant for Lord Adkav! Please, step inside the carriage.”

A man stepped out from the carriage and spouts some procedures then ushered us in.

I sat in the middle with August on my right and Aeriasus on my left while opposite of us was Herkaloi in the middle, Stryklos on his left and Akujin on the right.

Inside the spacious room, we sat down, continuing with our grievances while the adjutant sat outside at the main driver seat, beside the main driver.

Ever since that day, Aeriasus had kept quiet around me. We only made necessary communication so as not to arouse our fellow’s suspicion. A silent pressure was emitting from her however, seemingly trying to make me properly speak to her first.

I didn’t know that I hit the nail on the head when I inquired about her… crush on Vefal. It was only to probe her as I was trying to find why she was quite insistent about our matter.

Why had I decided on that question? It was because quite a number of times during our sparring, I would catch Aeriasus staring at Vefal with a dreamy gaze. I assumed it was admiration but in the light of such revelation, I realized it was like how Rino would stare at me from time to time.

Although we do interact with each other in a sufficient manner, that time when she posed such question, it was a glimpse of her true self. I guess it proved that everyone wears mask for certain companies.

We made it to what is said to be the Centre of Valvakea, the ‘heart’ and core of the planned bastion. Overseeing from our carriage, it looked half-way completed from this view but there were about five phase for the bastion construction.

It seems that only phase one was completed, which was the construction of the central command.

The carriage stopped at the front courtyard of the bastion where countless of soldiers from Athryshiaryl were garrisoned.

“So in about three years, some of us will be battling sea Mal’eurs… Nope, I definitely holed myself up if they sent me here.”

Akujin, looking at the building, grimaced vehemently as we got out.

“Hey, you won’t go to the ocean, the ocean will come to you!”

Stryklos was marveling at the sight of vast blue sea when he said as such.

It had been quite some time since I been to the sea.

“It’s quite majestic isn’t it? If it weren’t for the damned Mal’eurs, we would have set sail and found new lands to settle.”

Adkav had come with several entourages from the direction of the completed centre.

“Sir Adkav, let’s begin. We have plenty of things to do ahead.”

“Of course, Honoured Herkaloi, let me show you all around.”

We entered the bastion and started our tour.

Three hours had passed and we learn quite a thing about the layout, the formation and other vital information’s about the defense plan.

It was quite a curious thing as only Valvakea had a solid planning on how to deal with the Grand Incursion. During my time on Endless Western and Symokiva, There was no outline on what defence will be mounted or any plan to cope. Not even Athryshiayl has one. Perhaps they would brief us in due time.

“I see, quite a despicable act. Back in my days, we ideologists had clear line that we wouldn’t cross. It was mainly because back then, Athryshiayl and Valvakea had a shaky relationship so both side would take any incidents even if it small and blow it out proportionate. That time, was the time of the ninth summoned, so a certain incident involved with one particular angelic summoned. Let’s just say the aftermath of the incident resulted in a few clan diminished or destroyed and one top clan fell down the ranking to being merely some no-name clan.”

Adkav after listening to a complaint from Herkaloi, could only shake his head helplessly.

From the way they reacted, it seems that every Valvakean can emphasize and acknowledge such phase in life that they think it’s just a minor thing.

I’m pretty sure this is what considered as a culture shock.

When I studied the history of Valvakea, there were excerpt of the author stating that sort of groups was actually tolerated because they were an underhanded political tool to be used by their clans since some members were the youngsters of the clan, an illegitimate side of the constantly changing political arena for the clans to manipulate. Because the Eight Supremacies would definitely change after the Grand Incursion, the activities from these groups would increase in order to maximize the effect of the change beneficial for them.

“But something is truly wrong with them nowadays to brazenly commit unthinkable crimes. Still let’s move on from this awry topic. Why don’t you enjoy the sight of the beach while you still can.”

Adkav, at the end of the tour suggested that. Of course, we were informed as such before the trip commence so we prepared appropriate clothing for the occasion.

“Finally I get to see some skin and enjoyed some skinship.”

“You do realize there are five men including you unless you meant…”

“Hell no, not her!!”

August suspiciously looked at Stryklos who happily stated out his intention but on the last sentence, the words seem to jolt the latter and he cast a nervous glance at Aeriasus.

Suddenly being the subject of everyone’s attention, she only smiled and shrugged.

The beach of Valvakea is the main attraction for tourists when they come here and also one of their major sources of income but since the grand Incursion happen every cycle, they never tried to make permanent buildings like inn or anything resort-like.

So there are lots of temporary housing and some disposable utilities around the beach.

Come afternoon, we were all in our ‘swim suit’ in the style of Valvakea although nothing like the swim suit of my world, it’s a bit conservative.

An entry to the beach per person cost one quilen with the suit provided. Even though we’re summoned, we’re not excluded from the fee.

“It’s the sea! It’s even more glorious and breathtaking when you see it nearer!”

Stryklos was like a child easily succumbed to his primal desire as he exclaimed.

But even so, the rest of us were staring and enjoying the view.

Bang~!

Something hit my head hard but luckily, I was resilient enough that it only fazed me. I looked at that something and realized it was something like rubber-like ball.

“Sorry!”

Amongst the many crowd of people, a figure of a petite body and long green hair ran towards me.

After I registered her existence, a smile crept and formed on my face.

“I’m glad to see you have grown more beautiful, our little teacher.”