Making Friends

THE TRIO OF DEMIGODS ventured deeper into the Alessia estate, where Olivia was led to its magic tower. Formally called an Aetherspire, it was a brilliant piece of arcane engineering — and the trump card of the Great Houses.

Powered by an intricate network of magic crystals, the structure functioned as a spellcasting implement of untold potency. Armed with such a device, a demigod could wield magic so mighty that they could take on an entire army on their own.

Given their strategic significance, each Aetherspire was heavily guarded, and access to them was limited to the highest echelons of Imperial nobility. And yet, in the estate of House Alessia, a number of strange faces were nestled inside.

Among these people, the Princess could only recognize one of them.

It was Alaiel, the faithful companion of her former mentor… and her presence alone, regal and disciplined, told Olivia everything she needed to know.

These people were here at her master’s behest.

“Let me introduce you,” said Gizelle, her tone warm but formal. “These are Galardos’ associates. Alaiel you already know, but this Gromni Ildskag, an adventurer. Milla of Sonis, a demigod. And Angeline… a Seraph.”

A wave of dizziness struck the Princess for a moment.

She couldn’t have heard that right.

Olivia had studied the unabridged history of Imrath — including the rise of Kathlan as the Living God, then his fall to corruption, and the war between Heaven and Hell that followed.

The Seraphs had only walked in the mortal realm during such a cataclysmic event, but now, her grandmother claimed such an angel stood before them.

It all looked like a bad joke, yet everyone in the room was dead serious.

Or well. One of them wasn’t.

“Maaaaan, you’ve hella grown, Princess! Damn, you’re so cute!”

The voice was bright and reckless, blazing with charisma.

“Seriously, what a beauty!” the angel gushed at her. “You’d better watch out, Milla. Blink and she’ll snatch your man away.”

Olivia stared in confusion, then gasped in horror as the pink-haired girl jabbed her elbow into the Seraph’s side.

“Gah! My ribs!” she groaned, dramatically staggering to the dwarf next to them.

“Have some respect!” Milla scolded, her cheeks flushed red.

“Apologies, your Highness. We’re workin’ on it,” said the dwarf, scratching his head.

“What in the world…” the Princess muttered, unable to hold it in.

“Here, let me show you. Open up,” said her grandmother, reaching out to touch Olivia’s forehead. She wanted to form a telepathic link.

The Princess loosened her mental defenses, and then a stream of information flowed into her head. Her mind was flooded with a detailed account of recent events: Galardos’ encounter with Milla, her identity, the abduction, the fallen Seraph — everything.

Olivia staggered to her knees, overwhelmed by the revelation.

“I’m so sorry… I didn’t know. I’m so, so sorry…” she begged in abject terror, now realizing the extent of the crisis she had forced herself into.

Vahram, however...

“There’s no need to apologize, Your Highness. It’s our fault,” he quickly excused her. “We failed to account for you, which should’ve been obvious in hindsight.”

“Yeah, I felt so dumb when I heard you yelling outside,” Gizelle admitted, smiling in embarrassment. “I should’ve given you a warning, so that one’s on me, love.”

“N- No, it’s my fault!” the Princess refused them. “If I hadn’t waltzed in here, then I wouldn’t have gotten in your way!”

“I must disagree with that,” said Vahram. “You did your best with the information at hand, and most importantly… you came forward in my brother’s defense. The way you stood up for him, I won’t forget it.”

Olivia blushed, feeling ridiculous over the exchange.

“In any case, now that you’re here~” Gizelle walked up gingerly. “The help of an Imperial Princess could come in handy. Isn’t that right, Vahram?”

“Absolutely. We can jump over all kinds of hurdles with her word alone.”

“You heard the man. So we’ll be in your care, sweetie!”

Olivia was starting to wonder if her Grandmother got her involved on purpose.

“I’ll do all I can,” she gave in, understanding she’d already gone too deep to walk out.

“Fufu, and now we have another cutie in the bag!” Angeline looked proud of herself for some reason.

The Princess turned her eyes to her, then to Milla and Gromni. She finally realized she hadn’t actually introduced herself.

“I apologize for my shameful display,” she said, straightening herself. “I am the Second Imperial Princess, Olivia of House Iustan. It’s an honor to meet you.”

Milla flinched for a moment as the Princess bowed her head.

“N- No, the honor is hours!” she said, waving her hands in panic.

“It’s mine, truly,” Olivia insisted. “I saw what you did for Galardos, and even the nation at large. If it weren’t for you, neither he nor Lady Angeline would be alive. We owe you more than you can imagine.”

“W- Well, he saved me earlier too, and I almost killed him myself when we first met. So all in all, I think we’re even,” said Milla with a wry smile.

“We’re not,” replied the princess. “So I will repay your bravery and kindness. Even if my power alone can’t protect you, I’ll stand by your side no matter what.”

Milla smiled nervously, unsure of what to say.

Truth be told, her impression of Olivia wasn’t the best given her turbulent history with Galardos. Yet the young woman before her was completely different from the image she had in her head — for the better.

“And you, Master Ildskag,” the Princess turned to the dwarf. “I’ve heard a great deal about your accomplishments in the Wardens’ Guild. Furthermore, I’m aware of the tremendous support you’ve given my mentor in his time of need. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.”

“Gromni will do, your Highness,” he replied with a courteous nod. “Besides, all you’ve heard about me was in large part Galardos’ exploits. I just tagged along for the ride!”

“I’m sure he would’ve been in a much darker place without you. Truly, we are blessed to have company as staunch as yours.”

“Oh, hehe. Please don’t make me blush.”

The two acknowledged each other with a smile, then Olivia turned to the Seraph.

“Lady Angeline… Words can’t express how sorry and ashamed I am for the tragedies that have befallen you. I’m not sure how to even face you, but I promise I’ll do anything in my power to make it up to you.”

“Oho? Anything...?” asked the Seraph, with a glint of hunger in her eyes.

The Princess gulped, fearing what kind of landmine she had stepped into.

“In that case, can you hold your arms open for me?” the angel continued.

“M- My arms?”

“Yeah, hold ‘em open.”

“Um. Like this?”

“Just like that. And… THERE!”

The Seraph lunged at her.

“WAAAAH!” yelped the Princess.

Angeline crashed into her with so much force that Olivia had to plant her tail on the floor not to trip over.

“Gods, I needed this!” said the angel, snuggling her face against hers. “I’m telling you, I craved it! Zarielle almighty, you’re adorable.”

“Ah! Aaaah~” stammered the poor royal. Never before had anyone gushed at her so openly and with so much fervor, and she had no idea how to take it.

“I’m uh… I’m glad to meet you too!” she eked out, trying to break free from her.

“Of course you’re not,” replied the angel, hugging her tightly. “I nearly killed your man and I brought a heap of troubles to your doorstep. You ought to hate me, but I don’t care! You’re the sweetest thing and I love you! Once your grandma patches me up, I’m taking you home with me.”

Olivia threw a desperate look at Gizelle, who only shrugged at her in response.

“If that’s what the Goddess wills, then…”

“Grams!”

“Bwahahaha!” Angeline cackled, finally letting go of her. “I’m yanking your chain, Princess! I’m sorry, but your reactions are like… just gold, you know? You remind me of Galardos, feeling all guilty and with a stick up your — ”

SMACK!

The angel was struck on the head by Milla.

“I’m so, so sorry, your Highness. We’re working on it. We really are.”

Olivia ran for cover behind Gizelle, her instincts getting the best of her.

Beside them, Vahram could only groan quietly as he witnessed the scene.

He could picture it already, the angelic legions descending from Heaven because they deployed a Seraph and she returned home a gremlin. If the affliction turned out to be permanent, even with Gizelle’s efforts… he shuddered at the thought.

“Well then,” said the healer in question. “Now that introductions have concluded, shall we begin?”

“Y- Yes. Let’s do that,” said Olivia, her heart pounding in her chest. “Can I help you with anything?”

“Gizelle will handle the ritual; you and I will be on standby in case something goes wrong,” Vahram explained. “But fear not. The Aetherspire has plenty of fail-safes — even if the magic goes haywire, it will be contained.”

“Got it. I’ll be in your care, then,” said the Princess.

“What about us?” asked Milla, grabbing the struggling angel by the cuff of her neck.

“Lady Angeline comes with us, of course. But you and Master Gromni can wait here with Alaiel. I’ll have some refreshments brought in, so take it easy and rest.”

“Understood. May the Goddess guide you,” said the wolf.

Olivia turned to her, realizing they hadn’t spoken at all.

She had so much to apologize for, but she didn’t dare to say it in public.

Thus...

“Lady Alaiel,” the Princess reached out to her telepathically.

“Yes, your Highness?” replied the wolf, meeting her eyes.

“When we have the time, could I speak with you privately?” she asked, stepping away from her grandmother.

Gizelle, of course, took notice of the conversation but remained quiet about it.

“Very well,” said the wolf, bowing with respect. “Once the ritual is over, I shall indulge in an audience with you.”

“That’s no indulgence at all.”

“It is. You’ve grown, Princess. Meeting you again after all this time…” the wolf pondered for a moment. “It’s not a bother.”

Olivia could feel a knot forming in her throat, her emotions welling up inside her.

There was so much to make up for, so many wrongs to right.

But now that Galardos had returned, and in dire need of allies, the Princess would seize the chance. She would redeem herself this time, no matter the cost.