Eternal Emerald Dragon

Chapter 712 - 711 - Unexpectedly Early

The image of the cold emperor of the Sanctuary Empire was hard to maintain in the weeks that followed.  Lind was smiling ear to ear but he also was missing a few meetings even though he was physically there.

It was not as simple as joy either, his draconic instinct to protect his wives was stunningly strong.  Ethry also became a bit tetchy to others unless they were direct family members.

The news of his wives being pregnant was kept hidden for the moment but a few wise women noted a few clues.  They said nothing but helped keep Lind calm.  Kin and Shi knew, of course.

They had to for planning reasons but the 2 kept looking at him with joy now and again.  It was clear that the news of the babies helped Lind not be gloomy about the death of Lanbao.  She would not have wanted him to linger on it, but he also confronted it seriously due to the danger of heart demons.

He did not mind that Cyntilla and her mother were spending their nights together.  The long held dream of their happiness had been achieved in multiple ways.  Firella had nearly crushed him in a hug after the announcements!

Now, they all had been examined by Mira and found very healthy.  She was a bit upset at the ones that knew they were pregnant at the border patrol and setup team but she was happy to keep them under her thumb going forward.

Lind suddenly became a human shield from his own mother.  The fools did not know he was her ally!  Still, he coddled them a bit and truly enjoyed being there for them.

"Emperor Frey?"  Lind jumped as Gravis smirked at him with Kin looking at him in exasperation.

"Sorry, what were we discussing?"  Gravis looked at Kin and laughed for a bit which Lind thought was uncalled for.

"I know you are distracted now, but do you have plans for when the babies are born?"  Lind was about to berate Gravis for such a question but then froze.  While he could compartmentalize a lot, his first children being born would clearly be very important to him.

Ethry and Kora especially would need delicate care as they would be aether beasts.  Ethy and he were both dragons but he was unsure what Kora and he would be having.  She would also lay an egg it seemed too.

It was a valid point he gave serious consideration.  There was no such thing as an Emperor taking time off exactly.

"I will need to make sure the ministers are ready.  How are they coming along?"  Gavis just smirked at him more but then summoned a jade slip.

"Her Highness Lysanna already had a good batch that survived, they just needed to adjust to our Imperial needs while those that came with us are nearly up to speed enough to not need to be monitored anymore."  Lind was happy to hear that.

The functionaires were critical to the smooth operation of the Empire.  Half the reason he had been run ragged was due to carrying more of the load than normal.

"Make sure they are ready for when the babies are born.  I will at least take a week off!"  Both nodded but assumed a month in their heads. They could see the anticipation on the man's face as bright as the sun!

They were about to circle back to their previous conversation when an emerald cloak entered.  They only broke protocol for important notices.

Lind grabbed the jade slip and looked confused.

"This is confirmed?"  The aether child nodded before returning to his post.

"What is going on, majesty?"  Kin leaned forward but he handed the slip to her.

[Caravan with orphans from Shanliang Peaks and special cargo have arrived.]

Kin was shocked.  They had settled the agreement but it was supposed to happen in shifts, not all at once!  Other powers would wonder what was going on!

"Cargo?"  From what Gravis knew, they had sent elixirs, artifacts, weapons, and armor to begin the process with a show of good faith but their experts were not ready!

"It should be our new disciple to test.  She must have broken through to late Soul Realm early or something else came up."  Lind's words made Kin reach out to Shi and some guards to quickly get the caravan secured!

"Why did they not let us know they were coming?"  Lind was curious about that and Gravis made a good point.  There was supposed to be notice but maybe Princess Giselle did not know.

"Emperor Lind, there has been a beast tide at the peaks."  Lind felt his blood go cold.  If a beast tide was enough to send the orphans and princess early, then it was not good.

"Prepare teams and supplies.  Send them via 3 Nautilus Class ships."  Time was a massive factor and his skyships were the fastest transportation and protection in one.

Beast tides were dangerous to varying degrees but if they felt the need to get the orphans and the princess out, it had to be very bad.

"Make sure some of the senior masters that agreed go with them.  It is the perfect cover both ways."  Lind saw Gravis nod and they began to work as Lind summoned his guards to follow him to the reception area.

He got to the large hall to greet the arrivals when gold and black carriages began to arrive.  They were all flying artifacts!  The operators were peak Sun Tiers covered in leather and chainmail.

He noticed the highest was only mid Sun Tier but that was still very powerful soldiers.  How bad was that beast tide?

"Emperor Frey?!  I am honored you came to meet us!"  A fairly young man with black hair and violet eyes knelt in front of him.  His armor was a tad better and the marks on his shoulder likely denoted the commander of the caravan.

"I heard about the tide, what is going on?"  The man grimaced and then quickly stepped forward.

"I beg pardon, her Highness does not know!  Her father was happy to have an excuse as our beast tide is a combination of panthers and steel hawks."  Lind's eyes narrowed.  The panthers were troublesome but could be endured as they would only drive similar beasts out of their area.

The steel hawks, as their name implied, were flying fortresses.  Their feathers were as strong as refined metal armor!  If the 2 races were clashing, it was very dangerous.

"I have already ordered 3 Nautilus Class ships to head to your kingdom."  A look of relief passed over his face.

"Thank you Emperor!"  He slapped a fist to his heart which Lind found interesting but filed it away.  "Please come with me!"

Lind followed the man and saw the many curious faces of various ages but none over 12 that he could see.  He frowned but then realized it was likely the fact the older ones volunteered to stay behind.

"Her royal Highness, 3rd Princess Shea Shanliang!"  Lind noted the last name matched the name of their kingdom!  It was not entirely unknown but still that was a mouthful.

"I welcome you–"  Lind bowed when a tiny girl with bright blonde hair launched out of the carriage like a cannonball!  His instinct to dodge was just barely suppressed as he felt no threat from the happily cheering girl.

She was a tiny but healthy little girl in blues and greens for her dress.  She had shiny pink eyes that were well complemented by her creamy skin color.

"Mr Dragon Frey!  You are so tall and strong!"  A smile spread on his face without meaning to but then an aura spiked from the carriage that made the girl freeze.

"Princess Shea, that is not how you should be acting!"  A very tall woman emerged in the same familiar maid uniform but he noted hers was a bit more involved.  The other maids had been fairly simple affairs but Lind felt the power of armor on hers.

"Uh, um, I am so sorry!"  Tears were leaking from Shea's eyes as she bowed on the ground trembling.  Lind glared at the maid who was not perturbed by it at all.

"There is no worry, Princess Shea.  I like energetic people, but I am going to need your help."  Shea looked up in curiosity at him as he waved at the other carriages.  She then slowly looked at the many faces poking out in fear and worry before she firmed up her face.

"Sure thing, Dragonman!"  Lind had to repress a giggle and shielded her from another spike from the maid.  Shea never noticed but the maid looked at Lind in frustration.

"Please, your Highness."  Lind held out his hand and she smiled as ice formed to raise her up.  He narrowed his eyes to confirm she was at the 4th tier of the Soul Realm but it was stronger than most Soul Realms he met.

Mediocre talent at that speed but her foundation was very solid.

"EVERYONE!  Emperor Lind Frey welcomes you all to his Empire!  You are here to learn per my father's order!"  Lind bowed and waved forward a mix of men and women to begin disembarking the children.

He waved and smiled at them.  Some waved back but a lot were afraid.

"Father!"  A voice cried out and footsteps came running as Lua showed up with rosy cheeks and breathing heavily.

"Just in time, Lua.  Are the tables ready?"  Lua stood up and nodded quickly.  He smiled and patted her head.  He instantly felt eyes bore into his back which only made him smile more.

"Princess Shea, this is my newly adopted daughter, Lua.  She was once an orphan as well."  His words caused a stir as all the kids looked at her hard but Lua simply smiled and waved back.

"Come with me!  I have lots of food for you all!"  The children immediately perked up and the mass of children followed Lua in as several emerald cloaks went along to keep things peaceful.

"Um, can I eat too?"  Lind laughed as he could not repress it and patted her head.  Shea beamed at the treatment.

"We have a meal but did you want to join them?"  Shea was stunned but nodded quickly.  The maid was boring holes in his back but Lind did not care.  Children after a long journey should have a good meal and a nap!