Combat Healer Ch. 32 (Patreon)

February 5, 2023

NOTE: Just for the next few weeks, I will be alternating between IDH and this story more (back and forth).

<< Chapter 31 | Ch 1 (Book 1) | Ch 15 (Book 2) | Ch 29 (Book 3)

- CHAPTER 32: Ominous -

Present Day

Within the chambers of the royal harem of the Ryfle Kingdom, a young human girl with tan skin, dark brown hair, and bright green eyes, urgently tried to finish applying the black paint around her eyes in preparation for the king to arrive, terrified of what might happen to her if she wasn’t ready in time.

Or what might happen if she messed up the design in her haste.

She’d spent so much time painting the patterns she’d been assigned on her naked body that she’d almost forgotten her face, her gold bracelets rattling on her wrist as she hurried.

The room was full of girls, several hundred of them, all frantically rushing to ready themselves for the fickle cruel man that was their young king, having only just found out he was coming early this morning, even though there were few who desired to actually be picked for the day.

She was among them.

It had been over a year since she’d been forced into the king’s harem, to pay off her father’s debts, and yet she thankfully had yet to be picked, due to their being so many of them.

But she knew any day could be the day.

The king seemed to have a preference for certain qualities in a woman.

Specifically, extremes.

She personally had very large breasts, even though she was otherwise very skinny, breasts that were pierced in several spots, with a gold chain connecting the rings in her nipples, yet she wasn’t the most well-endowed. That particular girl had been picked several times, sometimes returning in an unfortunate state that required healing, other times simply looking exhausted and relieved that it was over.

She personally also had smooth tan skin, but was neither the darkest nor lightest of the group. The lightest had been picked most often, being fairly plump overall, that girl thankfully never returning in need of healing, as far as she knew.

She personally also had fairly wide bony hips, piercings in her skin and the attached delicate gold chains creating a makeshift skirt that hid nothing, but was neither the widest nor thinnest of the group. Same with her hair, being very dark, but not the darkest.

Quite a few girls had been overlooked due to simply not having anything overly extreme compared to the rest.

And yet, she felt like it wouldn’t be long before she was picked.

After all, it had been a full year.

Soon, it would finally be her turn.

The idea scared her.

A few of the girl’s claimed it was fine.

That the king was sweet to them, and was gentle. There was even one elf girl among them – only one. She seemed to enjoy the king’s company, and he was always nice to her. She claimed that her long arms and legs only ever received his passionate kisses, and never his open hands or fists.

Others didn’t ‘have to say’ anything, for the rest of them to know it had been a nightmare.

One girl got picked, but didn’t even sleep with the king, instead being dropped off for his select guards to spend the evening with. That girl didn’t speak to the rest of them for over a week afterward, and even now she rarely said more than a few words. Wouldn’t look anyone in the eyes.

It was obvious that the experience had really messed the girl up.

The horrible thought made her shiver, desperately wishing today wasn’t the day.

Suddenly, a bell rung then, and everyone was immediately scurrying to get in line, herself included, the hundreds forming rows and rows within the massive room, knowing the young fickle king would likely look everyone over at least once before deciding.

Why was he early?

He never came this early in the morning.

Feeling her heart in her throat, she tried to maintain her composure as she stood naked, only adorned in bracelets, piercings, and delicate chains, trying not to meet anyone’s gaze as she stood rigid, hearing his voice down the hall.

Unexpectedly, without warning, the girl’s knees next to her buckled slightly, and she stumbled over, their wet freshly applied paint smearing together as she caught her, causing both of them to focus down at their bodies in horror. She then met the girl’s dark brown eyes, both of them scared by the accident, knowing it was too late to fix it, only to stiffen when there was a clap to get everyone’s attention.

As if it wasn’t already completely silent in the room.

As expected, the young boyish king began making his rounds, occasionally running his hand through his curly brownish-red hair, pausing every once in a while for a long few seconds, before moving along. She didn’t meet his dark brown gaze when he stopped in front of her to focus down at the smeared paint…

Before slowly moving on without saying anything.

She felt relieved…

If only briefly.

But then a few minutes later, he was walking back down the line toward her, stopping directly in front of her as he stared pointedly at her, only to shift his gaze toward the girl on either side of her as well.

And she was panicking.

Not today.

Please not today.

Please.

Unexpectedly, the girl who had knocked into her broke under the pressure and started sobbing, her entire body trembling as she ducked her head, her light brown hair hiding her face. There was nothing overly extreme or unique about this girl…brown hair, brown eyes, very average looking, even if she was still pretty…

Except that, now she was crying.

The king laughed.

Reaching out for her brown locks, he grabbed a fistful of it and immediately turned to drag her down the line, her posture bent as she was led by her hair.

Somehow, the girl managed to not cry out in discomfort…

But she couldn’t stop sobbing.

Crying harder and harder as she stumbled along.

And then they were gone.

Everyone began to slowly break formation…

Yet she personally…

Couldn’t move.

Staring straight ahead.

Her body…beginning to tremble uncontrollably.

Today…

It wasn’t today.

But…

Eventually…

It would be her turn.

* * *

I didn’t need to cross the entire length of the Queen’s audience hall, in order to accomplish the task she’d given me…

But I was going to.

I didn’t need to ascend the steps to her throne, in order to meet her request for healing…

But I was going to.

I didn’t actually need to even touch the Queen, in order to heal her from her injuries…

BUT I WAS GOING TO.

I crossed the entire length of the Queen’s audience hall, while everyone else knelt on one knee.

I ascended the steps to her throne where she sat carefully poised, adorned in a shiny black silk cape and covered entirely in tight shiny leather.

And then I towered over her as I held out my hand for her to accept.

Only now did her purple eyes widened as she looked up at me, seeming to finally notice a difference in my height. Only now did her gaze begin to shift to my thicker shoulders, my broader chest, my bulging arms, my strong outstretched hand…

My confidence.

Previously, I had confidence in my abilities, but now this was not the confidence of just a competent healer. Not even the confidence of the best healer.

This was the confidence of power.

Of a man who stood above all others.

A giant among ants.

A king among peasants.

There were only two people in this room that were SSS Tier.

And we now stood together, face to face.

Not a soul in the room dared oppose my actions.

Not after all that had transpired in the last few days.

Even the Head of the Guard held his tongue.

Queen Eliza’s entire body was covered in thick tight leather, all but her face, and she now raised her shiny gloved hand as she carefully slipped her slick fingers into mine. I didn’t need words to bring her comfort. However, I did speak for the benefit of those listening.

“Greater Healing,” I said firmly.

Her amethyst eyes immediately fluttered closed, her delicate pale chin turning up toward me more, as visible relief swept over her body, all the pain and agony vanishing in an instant, all the suffering and torment being washed away in the blink of an eye, all the time spent apart being as if it were naught, now that we were together again.

I wanted to hold her hand forever.

I never wanted to let it go.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t the time or place.

Because now, it was time to work.

I took a step back and held my hand up to Sylvia.

“Greater Healing.”

Her icy blue eyes gave me a confused look.

I held my hand out toward Astaer and Celestine.

“Greater Healing, Greater Healing.”

Everyone was giving me a bizarre look now, Eliza’s brow furrowed as she tried to understand what I was doing.

I began walking down the steps, my back to the Queen, and over toward the nobles, prompting a man to speak up in confusion.

“What is the meaning of this?”

“Silence!” Vildred barked out, finally rising to his feet. “All will be explained in a moment’s time!”

I held out my hand, casting my ‘Greater Healing’ on each of the nobles gathered, only to begin moving to the nearby guards.

Almost out of essence already, since it was a costlier spell.

My maximum stored essence was 230, and it cost 14 each, allowing me to cast it sixteen times in a row. I walked over to the wall to grab a Light Crystal and drained it with a touch, causing it to immediately go out, followed by walking over to another to drain that one too in order to have enough casts for the last dozen or so individuals.

It did nothing to dim the light in the room though, since there were so many lit already, and there was natural light coming in too from the rising sun.

The Queen finally spoke up once I was finishing up with the last person.

“What is the meaning of this?” she asked seriously.

I ignored her for a moment, something that would normally be a serious offense, and began walking toward the center of the room where there was a massive corpse hidden under burlap. Bending down to grab the course material, I spoke just as I began to reveal what was hidden beneath.

“Because, my Queen. It was important that I ensure everyone currently in this room was truly a person.”

Her thin black eyebrows furrowed in confusion only for a moment…

Only for her to straight-up bolt from her throne, her silk cape fluttering behind her, her leather-clad body exposed, as her horrified amethyst gaze focused on the abomination before her.

“My God,” she exclaimed in disbelief. “My God!” she repeated louder, her purple eyes huge. “What is it? How did you come upon it? When did you come upon it?”

I stood tall as I answered her. “It’s a monster disguised as a person, in this case a Green Oni, a perfect replica of the once living individual. And prior to it attacking us, I would have wagered my very life on the bet that it was truly a regular person. It spoke to us, it was kind to us, it was social and inviting.” I paused as her eyes widened more, before continuing. “It’s an intelligent monster. A deadly abomination disguised as a person, hiding in plain sight.”

She stared at me for a long few seconds, before responding, her tone hard.

“And how did it die? Who killed it?”

“I did, my Queen. I slayed this monster.”

Someone gasped in disbelief, and all three elves next to the Queen’s throne, Astaer, Celestine, and Sylvia, all looked upon me with sincere shock. No doubt they knew I wouldn’t lie to Eliza, but I could tell they couldn’t imagine how it was possible for me to kill it.

Astaer was the first to recover, with me wondering if she suddenly realized it might have been Wren who actually killed it. However, I fully intended on being at least a little honest with the truth. To share some of the skills that helped me defeat this creature, so that it would be believable without revealing my true secret.

“How?” Eliza finally managed.

“My Queen,” I said loudly. “There are skills I possess that are uncommon for healers. Skills that are very rare. Skills that allowed me to defeat this creature with my bare hands.” I paused when everyone grew tense at that. “And now I will disclose those skills. First, I have a skill called Foresight, which has a very low chance of letting me anticipate an attack before it happens. Second, I have a skill called Instinctual Casting, that allows me to activate a spell without thought, without even an awareness that I’m activating it, solely an instinct telling me that the spell is required in that moment.” I paused when there were murmurs among the nobles, Eliza abruptly giving them a hard look that immediately silence them. I then continued. “Third, I have the spell you saw me use when you desired me prove my strength. I can Stun any target for two seconds, which my Instinctual Casting activated when I sensed that I was about to be killed.”

She nodded, seeming to suddenly see how this played out.

Problem was, Stun alone wouldn’t have been enough against this abomination, since it had been too ridiculously fast and powerful, even for someone like me, who now stood at the pinnacle of true strength.

“Lastly, my Queen,” I continued, causing her eyes to widen. “I have two more skills that were invaluable in this lethal encounter. The first of which is Weak Point, a skill more common among Fighters, I was able to identify this creature’s weakness. Within its depths, there was a single red eye. One that was larger and separate from the eyes of the head. Destroying that eye is how I killed the abomination before you.”

She finally sat back down on her throne, her expression more serious now as she considered my words.

“And the final skill?” she wondered.

I nodded. “One that is rare, even for the Support class in which it is occasionally found. I have within my possession the skill ‘Charm,’ which can be effective against both monsters and animals, of course being easier to use on less intelligent creatures.”

Her brow was heavily furrowed. “And this skill worked on this monster?”

“The eye I spoke of is a true weakness. It seems that holding the eyeball in my grasp allowed my Charm to work,” I lied, though technically it wasn’t a complete lie. Still, I’d have to tell her the whole truth later. “I was able to get the abomination to speak to me. It was of course unwilling to divulge its secrets, but I discovered how to force it to reveal itself. With Greater Healing.”

“How?” she asked seriously.

I nodded, gesturing to the corpse. “By the time I stopped it with Stun, most of my body was within its body. Within its mouth. It was a stalemate, because I had its eye, and I was using Charm, but it wasn’t enough to make it let go. The moment I killed it, I would have been crushed between its teeth. It told me that it hated ‘Divine Healing,’ and when I tried using my Greater Healing on it, there was an obvious effect. The entire body split open wider, releasing me, and it screamed so loud I was sure my ears would bleed. It gave me the opportunity I needed to rip out the eye, and upon doing so, it immediately died.”

She finally sat fully back in her seat, her leather-clad hand rising to her forehead, visibly distressed as she absorbed all that.

The General Vildred finally spoke up. “My Queen, if I may.”

She nodded, her gloved fingers still on her forehead. “Speak.”

“These abominations could be among us as we speak. I propose that we take action immediately. All Healers in the kingdom will be tested first, followed by the Guard. Together they will then test the Guilds, fully prepared to slaughter any of these monsters should they reveal themselves. Afterward, the entire population of the capital will need to be tested, followed by regular testing for any who try to enter these city walls.”

No doubt that would result in a huge drain on the store of Essence Crystals, unless they had enough healers assigned to the front gates to rotate out and handle the task, but there wasn’t really an alternative.

She took a deep breath, and then lowered her hand, sitting up straight again, her purple eye sharp, her tone hard. “Very well. This will be a great undertaking, and we can’t afford the enemy to be made aware of our intentions. Gather the strongest of your men, so that we may have Mr. Rosengard test them first. They will then be informed of what is going on, and we will proceed from there.” She shifted her gaze to the nobles. “All of you are to remain here. The other nobles will be gathered and tested by Mr. Rosengard. I want to ensure there are no monsters residing on the Royal Grounds before anything else.”

I spoke up again, because there were things I really needed to talk to her about.

“My Queen, I also have news that should only be heard by your ears, before sharing with anyone else. If you would please grant me a private audience.”

“Absolutely not!” Vildred roared. “How do we not know you’re one of these abominations?!”

I ignored him, since it would be absurd for me to bring this to their attention if I were one, instead keeping my gaze on the Queen.

She spoke up right away. “My trusted friend Sylvia, as well as the Rootkin sisters, will accompany me. Is that acceptable, Mr. Rosengard?”

I bowed my head, my hand over my heart. “As you wish, my Queen.”

She shifted her gaze to the General. “Vildred, you have your orders. Let’s not waste time.”

He spoke through his teeth, clearly irritated. “As you wish, my Queen,” he grumbled, before turning and leaving the audience hall.

Eliza stood, speaking to the room. “The rest of you are to remain here. No one is to leave under any circumstances.” She then nodded to me. “Mr. Rosengard, if you would please accompany me.”

I confidently began walking toward her, even as she turned to walk with Sylvia, her silk cape hiding most of her body from behind, the pair aiming for the doorway that would lead deeper into the castle. Both Astaer and Celestine waited for me to pass them before following after, as if they were bodyguards, both of their blue eyes widening when they seemed to realize for the first time that I was taller than them, if only by a little.

However, they waited until the large door to the audience hall was closed to speak up.

Astaer’s voice was hesitant. “Allister…you’re taller.”

I turned my head to the side, not actually looking back, and simply gave a single nod.

Eliza focused back at me only briefly, her brow furrowed, before turning ahead again.

Three inches was kind of a big deal, especially when Eliza and I had been the same height before. It was impossible for her not to notice, now that we were all standing so close. Especially when I was even a little taller than Sylvia as well, her and Astaer being the same height.

They all knew something was up, but no doubt had zero idea what.

Walking down a couple of halls, we reached the Queen’s study, where eavesdropping was unlikely, at least by those who didn’t have the Eavesdrop skill like Alyssa. The moment we were through the closed door, Eliza abruptly turned around and threw her leather-clad arms around my neck, hugging me tightly for a long few seconds, the top of her black hair only reaching my brow.

I simply held onto her slick waist, enjoying the affection and desperation in her touch, but knowing we had some hard things to talk about.

She then finally pulled away and focused up at me in concern. “You are taller,” she said in disbelief. “What’s happened to you?” She began feeling my arms, followed by my chest. “I know you’re only twenty-one, but growth spurts shouldn’t be possible at your age.”

“My good friend,” Sylvia commented to Eliza, frowning as she looked me over. “No one of any race should be able to put on so much muscle in such a short period of time.” Her icy gaze met mine. “I hate to ask, Allister, but are you still twenty-one? Or perhaps older?”

Eliza gasped. “No,” she hissed, her purple eyes filling with tears as she grabbed fistfuls of my shirt. “Please no, my love. Were you trapped in a Dungeon again? One where time passes faster instead of slower?”

I reached up for her gloved hands grasping my shirt, and gently squeezed them. “No, my beloved. But I do have some hard things to tell you, and think everyone should sit down.”

Fear filled her purple eyes, fear on my behalf, and then her expression pained.

Pulling her hands off my shirt, I guided her over to one of the chairs in front of her desk, only to gesture for Sylvia to sit down in the other chair, her silver dress shimmering in the light, followed by me sitting on the desk directly in front of them. Aster and Celestine then stood on either side, adorned in their navy guard uniforms with silver accents.

I focused on Astaer, and her expression pained, the two of us sharing in the secret of what transpired two nights ago.

I immediately stood back up, everyone watching me as I walked up to the older sister and wrapped her thin tall body up in my arms, planting a heavy kiss on her lips. Her blue eyes were wide, before she melted against my taller body, hugging me back tightly.

I then pulled away just enough to speak quietly. “Have you told them yet?” I wondered.

She grimaced.

“I’ve done worse,” I replied softly.

She closed her gorgeous blue eyes, shaking her head, clearly not believing me.

Not believing that I could have done anything worse.

It was obvious she felt guilty.

Obvious also that she was thankful she hadn’t been required to go through with it.

I gave her one last kiss, causing her to tighten her long thin arms around me again, before releasing her skinny waist and moving back down to sit in front of all of them on the desk.

Needless to say, everyone was confused, including Celestine.

I took a deep breath.

I wasn’t even sure where to begin.

I focused on Sylvia, her icy blue eyes almost sympathetic…and also seeming longing. As if she wanted a hug and kiss too. I decided to slip back off, placing my hands on the arm of the chair as I leaned right into her mouth, her hands grasping at my face firmly as she returned an almost desperate kiss.

Her hand then trailed with me briefly as I sat back down.

I took a deep breath, meeting Eliza’s gaze.

I felt like I knew where to start now. “You know what Wren did to save my life,” I began, figuring there was no point in being vague. “Putting a Monster Core in me. The big kind that we tend to convert into Essence Gathering Crystals. The kind that doesn’t seem to have a limit to how much essence it can store.”

They all nodded.

I frowned. “She never did tell us what kind of Monster Core it was.”

Their eyes widened, with Sylvia speaking up. “Does it matter?” she whispered intensely.

I nodded. “The Monster Core she put in me was from the creature that spawned her. A doppelganger.”

The sisters exchanged an alarmed glance, just as Eliza and Sylvia looked at each other briefly.

I continued. “It’s been changing me,” I admitted. “All this time, my body has been slowly changing. And I guess, as a part of that change, after about fifteen years of being unconscious from the transplant, one day I shed my skin and woke up.”

Their eyes widened in shock.

“And then, a couple of days ago, it happened again. Or rather, the process of my transformation finally finished. I’ve become like Wren. At least partially. Half human…half monster.”

Eliza immediately reached out and grabbed my hand. “You are not a monster, my love. Do not say such things.”

I gave her a weak smile, holding her hand tightly. “I am not evil,” I agreed. “But…I am part monster now. Just like Wren.”

Sylvia’s brow was tense. “And what effect has this had?” she asked seriously. “Other than you growing larger?”

I nodded. “I’ve gained a new Focus.”

Their eyes widened, Sylvia being quick to prompt for more. “Which is?”

“A Berserker.”

Celestine gasped. Astaer’s blue eyes were wide.

“Truly?” Eliza said in disbelief.

I nodded. “And as you might imagine, the Class associated with this Focus isn’t Healer.” I paused then, shifting my gaze up to Astaer. “I now have two Classes. One Healer. The other…Hexer.”

The older sister’s blue eyes flew open in alarm, and she had to reach out to grab the back of Eliza’s chair. It was obvious they all realized what that must imply, but Astaer was the first to grasp the full implications.

“You’ve done worse,” she whispered in shock.

I nodded. “I’ve done worse. To protect the Queen.” I shifted my gaze to the person in question. “To protect my love.”

Her purple eyes were wide, still holding my hand. “You…Vizen…he…” She was speechless.

Sylvia spoke up. “Are you saying…are you saying that you can inflict people with curses?” she whispered in disbelief.

I met her gaze, and nodded once.

She immediately slipped out of her chair onto her knees, her silk silver dress shimmering in the light, reaching out for my arm at the same time, grabbing onto it with both hands, her body visibly trembling as she focused up at me, her icy eyes wide.

“Allister,” she whispered, looking the most vulnerable I’d ever seen her. “This scares me.”

I grimaced at that. “I’m sorry,” I said sincerely. “But I love you,” I continued, focusing up at the others, making a point to focus on Celestine so she felt included. “All of you.” I then sighed. “And as part of that love, I will understand if you don’t want to be with me, after finding this out.”

“Never,” Astaer hissed harshly, abruptly walking around the chair and wrapping her arms tightly around my neck, pulling my face against her small breasts.

“Never,” Eliza agreed firmly, letting go of my hand to lean forward and wrap her arms around my waist, burying her face in my lap, her leather outfit creaking with her movements.

I wrapped my arm around Astaer’s thin waist, even as Sylvia let go of my other arm and grabbed fistfuls of my shirt, leaning her forehead against my side, prompting me to hold up my arm to invite Celestine to join the hug too…if she desired.

She did, urgently rushing over to stand next to Sylvia on her knees, and wrapping one arm around my head, the other around her sister, both of them now squeezing me tightly. Celestine was a year younger than Astaer, and just a tiny bit shorter, but she also had bigger breasts, despite having that same thin wiry look to her long body.

It was very comforting to be between them again.

Reminded me of the time we spent in the Dungeon, already feeling like it was ages ago, instead of barely four days ago. Or at least four days for all of us, since an extra day had passed for everyone else while we were in the Dungeon.

After a long few minutes of hugging, I finally spoke up again, prompting the sisters to let go, even as the other two raised their heads. “There is something else I need to share though. Something I’ve been very hesitant about, because I’m afraid of how all of you will react.”

Eliza grabbed my arm, her gloved hands moving down to grasp mine again. “Nothing will change how I feel, my love.”

I nodded, taking a deep breath. “I said I was part monster now. I meant that literally. I have a transformation, just like Wren can transform. One form is human, the other is doppelganger. An exact copy of myself, except that I look like Wren.”

All their eyes were wide, Eliza’s tone strained. “You…can look like Wren?”

Sylvia chimed in. “And Wren can transform into something else?”

I realized they didn’t know about that, the tall blonde having easily picked up on the implications of what I’d said.

I nodded. “She can now turn into a monster called a Balphor.” I paused when Sylvia’s icy eyes widened in shock, clearly knowing what that was. “And while she’s not as big as a real one, she’s big enough that I can ride on her back when she flies.”

Astaer spoke up, clearly not knowing what it was. “It’s a creature that flies?”

I nodded, focusing on Eliza again. “And as to your first question. Yes. I can look like Wren. I want to show you, but…I’m afraid it will scare you.”

She tensed at the idea. “Please, love. Please show me.”

I looked at Sylvia still on her knees, then up at Celestine, followed by Astaer, wanting to make sure there was certainty in their eyes, before I took a deep breath…

And closed my eyes.

I allowed myself to transform.

There really was no ‘slow’ about it.

One second, I was a normal human.

The next, a monster.

I felt everyone’s tension.

I kept my eyes closed, my tone quiet. “I’m still me,” I whispered.

No one moved for a long few seconds, and then slowly Astaer moved closer. Slowly, she wrapped her arms around my head again, pulling my gray face into her breasts. Celestine followed suit, wrapping her arms around us too.

I took a slow deep breath, my voice quiet. “Ready for the eyes?” I whispered.

Astaer and Celestine both tensed at that.

Eliza squeezed my hand.

When the sisters pulled away, I slowly opened my eyes, allowing them to fully see the monster I’d become, with me focused intently on Eliza’s amethyst gaze as she absorbed what she was witnessing.

I then spoke quietly, giving her a weak smile. “On the positive side, you don’t need to be afraid for me anymore,” I said quietly. “Because in a way, I’ve become life and death. A person and monster. A Healer and Hexer. An Essence Diviner…” I smiled more fully. “And Berserker.”

She nodded slowly.

I allowed myself to shift back.

Everyone visibly relaxed.

Eliza glanced away, still holding onto my hand in her gloved fingers, but now seeming pensive. She then shifted her gaze back up to me. “My love, I have a question for you.”

I nodded. “Anything.”

Her expression was serious. “How…would you like…to become one of my Ambassadors?”

Sylvia focused on her in surprise, and then carefully got up to sit back in her seat, seeming pensive now as she considered that.

I was shocked by the offer. “What are you thinking?” I wondered.

Eliza took the blonde’s lead and slowly eased back into her seat too, sitting on her silk cape, most of her tightly wrapped body visible, the light reflecting off the shiny leather. I couldn’t help but focus on her sturdy waist, wide hips, and plump thighs, her overall figure having a very maternal appearance. And exceptionally appealing in this outfit, even if she only wore it for a specific purpose.

Her tone was serious.

Very obvious she was ready to move on to discussing business.

“This new threat you’ve discovered is urgent and troubling. However, in many ways, it is nothing like the threat that Ryfle, under the rule of the current king and his advisor, currently poses to all of the Delanor Kingdom. With this new strength of yours, and given this development, I think now is the time to take action.” Her gaze grew intense. “We will address the situation here first, but then I want you to travel to the capital of Ryfle with this urgent news.”

My eyes widened in surprise. “Do you want me to assassinate the king?”

Her eyes widened in shock, only for her to shake her head. “No, as I said before, the human kingdoms across the sea pose a great threat should this situation be handled poorly. Instead, I want you to visit under the pretense of warning them of this development, so that the news of this creature can spread across the sea. Perhaps we can eventually make it look like the king is one of these monsters, in preparation to put a new ruler on the throne.” She paused then, visibly debating that possibility, before continuing. “And then, while you’re there, I want you to meet with Princess Marta, one of the king’s older sisters. She’s the only one with blonde hair. And also meet with Commander Demetri, the General of their Knights, in order to ensure both are made aware of these plans. For, it will have to be they who ensure that the news spreads across the sea, and that the scene is set for the king to be assassinated as a monster. Or perhaps to be assassinated by one such monster.”

“And what about the advisor?” I asked seriously, knowing he was the brains behind everything.

She shook her head. “He only holds power while the current king rules. No doubt the princess will find reason to execute him once she takes the throne, but until then, it is more important that the king be dealt with. And in a way that won’t cause tensions with their allies. Killing the advisor alone ultimately does nothing.”

I nodded as I considered all that.

She continued. “If you accept, I’ll be sending you with only men as part of your convoy. It is not wise to send women to the southern kingdom under these conditions. If there are any elves you trust, I will try to make sure they are included.”

I could only think of two. “I would trust Jackel Luzumin with my life, as well as his friend Kizmel.” I focused on Sylvia. “The guy who frequently guards your collection of artifacts. He’s a good childhood friend of Jackel’s,” I added.

She nodded, of course knowing who I was speaking of, even without that clarification.

I returned my attention to Eliza. “When do I leave?”

“I haven’t heard from my contacts in Ryfle in months, so as soon as possible. As much as I hate to admit it, this development gives us a unique opportunity that we must take advantage of immediately. For today, we must first build a team of healers and guard to be ready to handle any of these monsters that we might flush out. However, your presence won’t be needed after that, since you obviously can’t reveal your strength by defeating it yourself.”

I knew she was right.

Even if I watched one appear right now, I couldn’t be the one to kill it.

I couldn’t reveal that I was a monster.

I’d just have to trust the other Fighters and Mages in the city to be able to handle it, and if a few people died in the process, then that was just an unfortunate outcome that I had to allow happen. Because risking my secret wasn’t worth it.

I was about to respond, but unexpectedly there was a knock on the door.

No doubt a guard reporting that General Vildred was ready to get this underway.

I took a deep breath.

Eliza jumped up to give me one last hug. “We shall finish our conversation in the audience hall,” she commented, before she and Sylvia headed for the door, followed by the sisters.

I took up the rear this time.

Within the audience hall, General Vildred had about twenty men assembled, as well as a dozen female elf healers, all of them ready to be ‘tested’ with my Greater Healing, before explaining the situation and what needed to be done. They also had a couple of elves who would be keeping track of the names to ensure that everyone in the Elf Guard was proven to be a person.

However, before moving on to the rest of the Guard, the Queen was ready to make another announcement.

“Given the urgency of this situation, I have decided to elevate Allister Rosengard to the role of Queen’s Ambassador, and intend to send him to the Ryfle Kingdom with a convoy, to warn them of this threat. A messenger will be sent ahead of him immediately. While preparations are being made for his departure, he will remain in the capital to help with his Guild, Remnant, but afterward he will leave with haste.” She paused to focus on Vildred. “It is my deepest hope that we find no monsters within our midst, and with that hope in mind, we will send this corpse with my Ambassador, to provide evidence of the threat. However, if we do come across another, prior to his departure, we shall send that one as well. See that my wishes are realized,” she said firmly to the General.

He bowed, hand on his chest. “As you wish, my Queen.”

I was surprised that he didn’t seemed irritated by any of her decisions, wondering if maybe he actually felt like it was a smart decision to send me, a human, to be the kingdom’s Ambassador. That, and he probably didn’t like the idea of her coddling me, appreciating that she seemed to be using me for my utility, instead of trying to protect me as if she actually cared about me.

It was at that point that I realized I probably wouldn’t see her again for a while, as I was tasked with helping out with this situation prior to leaving, and I realized there was still one thing I needed to tell her.

Something probably everyone should know.

I cleared my throat, before we could be dismissed.

“My Queen, one last thing.”

Her tone was…possibly a bit too affectionate.

“Yes, my Blessing?”

I hesitated at that, surprised again by the term. “My Queen, as an Essence Diviner, I have also ‘Divined’ the name of this monster.” I paused as I gestured to the corpse. “It is called a Lesser Eldritch.”

Much to my surprise…

Everyone stiffened at that, the tension in the room rising dramatically.

And the Queen’s amethyst eyes widened in horror, saying just one word.

A single word, in shock and disbelief.

“Lesser?” she gasped, saying nothing more.

Everyone knew what that must mean…

That there must also be…

Greater Eldritch.

FEEDBACK: Thoughts?

1. What do you think about the two new girls who have been introduced? The princess being one, and now this new 'harem girl' who was sold off into the king's harem to repay her father's debts?

2. Do you feel like Allister covered all of the 'most important' topics when speaking to Eliza? Or was something missed?

Chapter 33 >>

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