Taste of Magic: Ambassador's Voice

Chapter 171 – Triumph of Sunglow

Melina felt like she was in the most ridiculous situation possible. She and Alistair sat next to each other at the large conference table in the Guild, used only for special occasions. Across from them sat Guildmaster Arianne, to their left sat Elowen, and to their right—the Monster Lord. His ethereal presence seemed completely out of place within the building, as his misty hair swirled around his figure and his starry eyes surveyed the room with keen interest.

Heiliger was held firmly by two drow soldiers, still muted and unable to utter a word, despite her mouth constantly moving. Melina suspected that the bishop had already screamed herself hoarse, as her eyes were bloodshot with anger, and hair–a complete mess with how much she tried to thrash about and break free.

Guildmaster Arianne cleared her throat. "So if I understand correctly, this gentleman over here is the Monster Lord himself."

She was visibly tense and would shoot Melina a glare once in a while, her eyes clearly screaming that this kind of guest was way above her pay grade. Melina did feel sorry for Arianne. She was tasked with leading the Adventurers Guild, but because the de facto noble in charge of Sunglow was never present, she had become the one in charge.

"That is correct. My name is Vaelorth Eidranis, the forty-fifth ruler of the Monster Realm," he said.

Melina was ashamed to realize that she hadn't even known his name. She always thought that he was just the Monster Lord, but it made sense that he, too, had a name.

"I-It is an honor to meet you, Lord Eidranis?" Guildmaster peered at the Monster Lord, wondering if she had addressed him correctly. He nodded in approval, and she continued. "May I ask exactly what led to this result?"

"I believe the Archmage and General will be able to provide a better explanation," Lord Eidranis said.

"Archmage and General?" Guildmaster raised an eyebrow, looking at Melina and Alistair.

"It's a long story, so let's focus on what happened in the Monster Realm," Alistair suggested.

"Allow me to explain, as I was able to observe the situation from all angles, so to speak," Elowen said and then explained the events to the Guildmaster.

He told her about Heiliger's plan to pit Lord Eidranis and Melina against each other and then swoop in with her soldiers to take out the severely weakened survivor. Elowen explained how he, having realized this nefarious plan, rushed ahead to the Monster Lord's tower along with a group of elves and tried to explain the situation to him, and pleaded for his help.

Apparently, Lord Eidranis had resisted the idea of helping Melina quite fiercely at first. But once the elves pleaded their wish to help humans and live with them peacefully in Sunglow, as well as explained the current situation with the Church, he relented. Melina suspected that his hatred towards the Church helped with that decision.

"Okay, I get it now. Apprehending the common enemy, so to speak," Arianne said.

"Exactly. Although I am not pleased to work together with the Archmage, I can see that she has changed. When my drow attacked her, she redirected their spells safely away," Lord Eidranis said, then looked awkwardly to the side. "The luminfruit macarons were also rather… acceptable."

Melina couldn't believe her ears. "You liked them?"

"My drow liked them. I wouldn't mind establishing trade so my drow could enjoy them," he said, emphasizing the word drow. But Melina knew that she had managed to capture him with her macarons.

Her chest swelled with pride. "I'd be delighted to set up trade with you."

"Focus, Miss Baker. We have bigger things to worry about here. You can establish your macaron trade later," The Guildmaster chastised, then pointed at Heiliger. "What do we do with her? While I understand your need for self-defense, capturing a bishop and apprehending priests and System users will cause a huge stir. I wouldn't be surprised if the whole Church attacked in retaliation."

Heiliger had a satisfied smile on her face after hearing these words. She was certain that the Church would save her from her fate. But Heiliger had been too arrogant and too rash. She thought that she could get rid of Melina and Monster Lord both early on and then establish whatever order she desired in the Human Realm.

"No, they will not dare," Alistair said sternly. "House Sinclair has taken this matter into our own hands. Heiliger will be put to trial for instigating war between realms. Even the Church won't be able to save her from this bad crime. His Majesty would not tolerate it."

"Will you persecute the Bishop yourself, General?" Lord Eidranis asked.

"I don't have the authority for it. My father, Duke Sinclair, will be the one to do it, and he should be arriving shortly," Alistair explained.

"I would like to meet the Duke," Lord Eidranis said.

"My Lord remaining in the Human Realm for too long is…" One of the drow said cautiously.

"I have to make sure that at least this Bishop will not cause harm to our realm anymore. Once I have spoken with the Duke, I shall return to the Monster Realm immediately," he announced.

Everyone bowed their heads respectfully, accepting this decision. But Melina did have to wonder what would happen to both realms if the Monster Lord remained here for too long.

After sleeping for the remainder of the night, came the next day and with it, the whole town was abuzz with nervous excitement.

Drow and the Monster Lord remained in Sunglow overnight, and obviously, by the time it was morning, everyone knew. People took this news differently. Some were nervous, even scared, and Melina couldn't blame them for it. Some were curious and some cautiously excited. However, everyone in Sunglow agreed that capturing Bishop Heiliger and her followers had been a great move.

People threw aside their daily activities and announced a large feast to welcome the drow and celebrate the defeat of the Church. By lunchtime, the town was adorned with colorful garlands, tables were set up in the main square and market square, and everyone contributed food to the community table.

Melina and everyone in the bakery also contributed, bringing fresh bread and feyfruit tartlets for everyone to enjoy. She used up all of her remaining feyfruit for this, but Melina wasn't worried. If the Lord Eidranis was willing to trade, then she'd exchange some macarons for more feyfruit.

Duke Sinclair also showed up shortly after lunch, bringing a considerable force of soldiers with him, and taking over the prisoners. Melina was worried that there would be some scuffles among the drow and Sinclair soldiers. But both were so disciplined and so loyal to their masters, that they didn't question the circumstances and obeyed.

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The drow informed the soldiers how to properly use the mana-sucking reason to keep even the most powerful System users under control. The soldiers absorbed this information eagerly, as did Duke Sinclair, who was interested in acquiring more of such restraints.

He and the Monster Lord talked for a long time. Melina didn't know what, since the two had set up a privacy ward around their table. However, judging from their expressions, the talks were going well as they would often exchanged approving nods and at the end, two men shook their hands in what was undoubtedly a sign of an agreement.

"I can't believe this is happening," Melina said, looking at the scene. Monster Lord and Duke Sinclair are sitting at the same table, both surrounded by their respective soldiers. Meanwhile, every single priest, System user from the Church, and Bishop Heiliger were dragged away. They would be transported to the capital and put in prison, where they will await their trial.

"It is quite surreal. I'm mostly surprised that nobody in Sunglow minds the many drow," Alistair said, looking around.

While many drow were still busy with the prisoners, some had already joined the festivities. Sunglowers were eagerly offering them food, and many were saying that Etrian wouldn't be alone anymore. The tailor seemed a bit tense around his brethren at first, but that mood quickly dissipated as they wanted to know more about his life in Sunglow. Most were surprised that humans had been open towards him.

"They are a bit scary…" Charlotte said, clinging to Alistair's arm. Obviously, when the girl had heard that her father was coming to Sunglow she insisted on coming along as well. Only the Duchess remained in Fenrora, to manage affairs in the Duke's absence.

"They are doing their job the same as our soldiers are doing theirs," Alistair explained.

"But still… They're like elves but scarier. And the one sitting with father is scariest of them all," Charlotte said, clutching onto her brother.

Melina couldn't blame Charlotte for being afraid of the Monster Lord. Frankly, she was a bit scared of him too. Or rather, worried about how his presence would influence Sunglow. Because the air was definitely different. Many wouldn't even notice, likely attributing it to the festivities. But there was a clear increase of mana in the area.

"Let me tell you something," Melina said, bending down to be at the same eye level as the girl. "He enjoys sweets too."

"Really?" Charlotte asked.

"Yes. He loved my macarons very much," Melina bragged, still proud of that.

"I want to taste some of your macarons too," Charlotte begged.

"Don't be a pest. Melina already spent the whole morning cooking," Alistair reprimanded.

"I'll make them tomorrow," Melina said with a smile.

"Promise?"

"Promise."

The festivities continued until late evening, at which point nobody seemed to care who was elf, who was drow, and who was human. Wine and beer had done wonders to make everyone relax. Everyone cheered and danced together. Barrett and Erina kept supplementing the tables with food while occasionally taking a break to dance.

The adventurers were dancing with drow and elves, switching partners and taking turns talking with each other. There was a strong sense of camaraderie going on between the fighters.

Leon couldn't resist the temptation and put on a magic show, displaying the skills he had learned from Melina. He'd manipulate water to form various shapes, freeze them, then unfreeze them again. Mango was absolutely stunned and tried to follow his example, earning many delighted smiles from children and adults alike.

Even Master Gilbert was smiling, sitting at one of the many tables together with Etrian and Dorian and discussing something excitedly. To think that even her grumpy grandfather could show such a cheerful expression. Even Sienna chittered excitedly on the shoulder, tapping her little feet as she watched people swirl and dance.

At one point, the Duke and Monster Lord had finished their long discussion. Lord Eidranis disappeared from Sunglow quickly and noticeably like a shadow, taking the majority of the drow with him. Melina could feel the moment he felt the Human Realm. The heaviness that had been present in the air the whole time had disappeared, giving everyone extra energy for dancing.

"Charlotte, why don't you go to your father? I'd like to dance with Melina for a bit," Alistair said.

"Oh no! You couldn't dance all evening because you had to stay with me, Brother! I'm so sorry," Charlotte said with a pained expression.

"It's alright, Charlotte. We don't mind your company. But I'd like to dance with her at least once," he clarified.

"Of course, of course. Please, excuse me," Charlotte said with a graceful curtsied and together with her guards returned by Duke Sinclair's side.

The Duke and Alistair locked eyes for a moment. Melina could sense that there was some kind of question lingering in the air. The Duke glanced at Melina for a brief moment, then nodded, although the gesture looked reluctant.

Alistair, on the other hand, beamed happily and extended a hand towards Melina. "Would you honor me with dance, fair lady?"

Melina chuckled. It was silly to be called fair when she hadn't even had time to get a proper dress. There hadn't been enough time in the morning to get dressed, with how rushed things were. But Alistair didn't seem to care in the slightest.

"Of course, Lord Sinclair," Melina said, placing her hand in his.

Without hesitation, he pulled her closer, and they began to dance to the music. Melina had no clue where they got such great musicians on such short notice, but the point was that everyone was enjoying it. Melina, too, felt her heart swell with joy.

Heiliger was captured. The Monster Lord was alive and even willing to tolerate Melina's presence. The worlds wouldn't be split apart. Best of all, she was together with Alistair, the one whom she loved the most, dancing as if there was no tomorrow.

A small crowd gathered around them as they danced, clapping their hands to the beat of the music and cheering them on. After what felt like far too soon, the song finished, and they stopped.

Alistair took a step back and bowed respectfully to Melina. "Thank you for this wonderful dance!"

Melina curtsied gracefully for him in return. "Thank you."

Much to her surprise, Alistair then dropped down to one knee, smiling brightly at her all the while. Was this really happening? It was what she thought it was—the gesture was unmistakable. The whole crowd had gone completely silent, their eyes locked onto them. Melina's heart pounded like crazy as she watched him pull a small box out of his pocket.

"Melina, you've been with me through it all. All the pain, the suffering, I feel like the two of us have gone through hell and back. But now the world has given us this chance to finally be together. To be happy. So I'd like to ask you—would you marry me?"

She stared at him in disbelief for a moment. Was it alright for her to say yes? What about Duke Sinclair? Would he approve of this union? But then she remembered the silent exchange between son and father. How the Duke had inclined his head in approval. If the Duke approved then…

"Yes!" She said resolutely.

Alistair took the ring out of the box—it was a beautiful silver engagement ring with three small sapphires embedded in it. He then took Melina's hand. Both of their hands were trembling slightly, but he managed to slide onto her ring finger. Melina looked at the ring for a moment, then jumped into Alistair's arms.

"Hip-hip-hoorey for the young couple!" Erina called out in joy, and the whole crowd went wild.

The festivities that night continued long into the morning.

It was afternoon when Melina was woken up by a strange whistling coming from beyond the window. Despite the late hour, she could barely force herself out of bed.

"Five more minutes," Alistair muttered next to her, burying himself in the pillow.

"I'll just go check what's that noise," Melina said, running a hand through his hair and watching him smile with contentment. She slipped on a robe to cover herself and walked up to the window, peering outside.

The sun was shining on their backyard, the gloom from before having completely disappeared. Melina smiled at the sight. Everything felt like it was right again. Except there was that whistling noise coming from the backyard. Who would be whistling in the backyard of the noble? Had somebody drunk one too many beers yesterday and lost all sense of direction.

But looking around, Melina didn't see anyone. The whistling noise came again, and something purple flitted out of the apple tree. Melina couldn't believe her eyes at first, and pinched herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming.

A whistlewisp was flying through their backyard, looking completely at home. But how could it be possible? Whistlewisps could only inhabit places with a high concentration of mana around.

"Oh no…" Melina muttered in horror, realizing that the Monster Lord's visit to the Human Realm wouldn't be without repercussions.