Once done with breakfast, the group would head out. Just as Rowan promised, the city was quite the beautiful place. From the trees with pink flowers to the different and strange architecture. It was quite the relaxing place.

It was a bit difficult to enjoy though, at least for Kazius, he still was recovering from a good amount of internal pain. In fact, even with resting, the group was still quite beat up. In their journey for strength, most of them had taken several steps back and had new emotional scars for it.

Kazius above all. He was more determined, sure, but something had changed in his heart that had consumed his optimism. He was trying to look forward though, unlike Damon, he still had both his eyes. Though he would likely have a scar on his chest from his own wound.

Life moved on though, Kazius refused to give up on their dream. Staying and sulking would only make Remus’ death and their pain a waste. Though as he looked at the beautiful scenery, all the pinks greens and other colors simply blended into a gray in his mind.

As they walked, they could see people go about their lives, many stopping to stare at them, likely curious about the unfamiliar people.

There was a lot of buzz, the place being as busy as Veleno. Though unlike Veleno, it seems people in this place spoke both Common and another tongue. At least this should make things easier on the others in terms of communication.

Despite his current mental state, Kazius was improving on something. He was beginning to pick up subtleties of when it was his ability translating a language or actually Common.

It did make sense people here would speak Common though, at least with the founders of the place having had relations with the 3 heroes before they were casted out… If you could even still call them heroes.

These people were already crossed by so called heroes once before… So Kazius would make sure to not portray themselves as such. Not like Kazius himself would label himself a hero. He didn’t see himself as anything that noble, not since the vision from the hall of mirrors and he was okay with that.

He knew next time he saw Elande he didn’t want justice, he wanted vengeance. Anything short of that was unacceptable. He was certain the other likely felt the same. He would pay… Still… There were more current pressing issues at the moment.

‘This city has everything… Will these people ever follow me? It would be silly for me to think their Lady would just hand over leadership to me like how Damon did. At least not as easily… But this place… Is definitely one I will need… I have to be greedy if I want to ever hope to win against The Church.’

As they walked, a particular conversation between a panther Catfolk and a dog Neko caught Kazius’ attention. The two men wearing armor.

“Report.” The Panther Catfolk stated firmly.

“Yes, Sir! No sign of the Green Dragon. We will keep an eye out for him and interrogate him as soon as we find a way to detain him.”

“Good… We can’t tolerate him helping the enemy… His instigation will end here … Continue the research… Though make sure this does not take away from protecting the city. Who knows when those traitorous bastards will attack again. They will pay for going against our Lady.”

After that, the two were too far away to hear anything, but it was definitely useful information… This place wasn’t as well off as he thought… There may very well be a chance after all…

There was little time to think after that, the group finally making it to the steps of the Blossom Palace… The place reminded him a lot of a shrine almost more than a palace… It was clear not only did this place have good builders, but they also greatly revered the Lady to build her a palace like this.

Since they were at the palace, questions about the battle he overheard about would have to wait.

Once inside, they were led further in by a group of guards. Security was quite strict, only showing further to Kazius that there was indeed an issue. Outsiders or not, this security was excessive. As they were led inside, they were guided to what appeared to be a throne room. The place was impressive, though again for some reason, the place gave more of a feeling of a shrine than a palace.

There, at the center of the room on the wood and red silk throne, sat a woman with quite the intimidating noble air to her. Her expression was a calm one, her blue eyes almost holding a boredom to them, but also air of pride. As if she looked down on everyone. She was stall, that much was clear despite her sitting down, standing at 6ft 4in (1.93 meters). Her blonde hair was long, adorned at the top by what appeared to be her fox ears. Behind her were 9 fox tails swaying to an unknown rhythm. She wore an elegant robe in the style of the area… But a feature that was quite hard to miss was her very ample chest that was shown plenty by said robe.

A timid looking woman, much shorter was next to her, standing at 5ft (1.52 meters). She had short black hair and dressed in much plainer clothes. She appeared to be a Cat Neko. She would whisper something to the taller woman before timidly looking down.

“I see… So, you must be Rowan’s friends… The ones that showed up half dying… Your arrival caused quite the commotion… I am pleased to see you are alright. Yui here is quite the skilled healer, but the condition some of you were in… I wouldn’t have been surprised if you had died.” The woman admitted.

Kazius would look around, indeed when she began to speak, many of the guards bowed. She had such a presence it almost made sense to, but Rowan’s words rung in his head. He had to remain standing, or he would forever be seen as beneath her. He hoped she would vow to him at some point, an ambitious goal, but he had to be ambitious. He would be The Monster King, not the King of Vargstam. Though as things were, that future felt uncertain.

“As you can see, Lady of Blossom, we are alright thanks to your generosity. I am in your debt for that, me and my people back at Vargstam will remember this. My name is Kazius, ruler of Vargstam.” Kazius stated politely. He used to be a knight after all, he was not proficient in noble etiquette, but he at least knew how to carry himself with dignity, but it would need some practice.

“It is expected, we in Blossom would never leave someone in need be. That is the type of place this is. You may call me Lady Sakura, Lord of Vargstam. I hope you may explain to me how you could have ended up in such a state… It is quite the troubling situation to have seen someone in such a state… You were not attacked by a Green Dragon, were you?”

‘So what I heard earlier really must be a big issue.’

“No, we have not encountered any Dragons, Lady Sakura. I would argue what we encountered is much worse. One of your father’s friends was killed protecting us, the grandfather of my Alice here.” Kazius began to explain, Alice ending up blushing some at how he referred to her.

“I am sure you know of the story, considering how this place was founded. The people behind the labeling of all of us as traitors… They are not happy with just casting Monsters out… They are after us and while I don’t know what they have planned… I am sure they will eventually be after you as well.” Kazius admitted, to have the leader of the Edicts out here… Alice being a runaway Princess or not… The fact that they would not be left alone was pretty clear.

“I also have reason to believe that The Demon King is returning.” He explained as he gestured to Azanor, “Azanor was also a friend of your father’s before he was sealed away. I apologize if I bring far from good news, Lady Sakura… I am aware of the… Uprising you are facing… Though I don’t know the details. We will help you deal with it.” Kazius stated.

When he mentioned the uprising, of course even his comrades were surprised even though they were aware of his ability. Lady Sakura as well seemed to be caught off guard.

“I see…” Lady Sakura trailed off, looking over at Rowan who looked quite smug at her. “Normally I wouldn’t accept such help… But if that troublemaking uncle of mine is with you, it really must be true that you are my father’s friends… I would normally reject such a suggestion… But… If you are really friends of my father… I have little reason to decline… I will have a meeting later today during the evening about the situation. I hope you will attend… Then we will see if you can really be of help.” She stated, her calm expression subtly wavering a little. It seems since Shio had been close to Rowan, she saw him as an uncle. Though if they were that close, Kazius would make sure to get more information out of Rowan.

“See you then.” Kazius confirmed with a nod, pleased with how things went. Were if not for Rowan, things may not have gone so smoothly… Though it was clear he kept information to himself on purpose.