The crowd stood in a hushed confusion after the Revelias abruptly exited their own gathering. The Duke's Guards, caught in the lingering effects of Rya's stasis spell, remained eerily still, a line of rigid figures frozen in time. Meanwhile, the Queen's knights quickly rallied, forming a protective barrier around Rianna and the Revelia daughters. Their posture was tense yet ready, eyes darting to assess any potential threats from the Duke's faction. Fortunately, the captain of the knights felt a surge of confidence; she trusted Rya’s formidable prowess to handle a few guards without issue. She felt a swell of pride at her women's decision to safeguard the royal family during such turmoil.

  Nieren, Eine, and Dalia watched from the shadows, their expressions a mix of awe and disbelief at the unfolding scene. The tension of the moment did little to dim the sparkle of adrenaline in their eyes.

  "Well, I was a little worried about you throwing around your magic in front of these Noblewomen, but it seems it worked in the end," Nieren said in a nonchant attitude, acting like what Rya did wasn't a big deal, but deep down, she was relieved.

  Dalia snorted, misreading Nieren’s sarcasm entirely. "Pff! You’re crazy, Woody! What self-respecting woman wouldn’t be in awe of Alpha’s power? I know I was! No so-called 'Alpha' would sidestep a female more powerful than themselves," she decred, her defiance underscored by an exuberant grin that lit up her features.

  "Nieren was joking—" Eine started, but Dalia's enthusiasm was too infectious.

  Nieren quickly interjected to silence her sister. "Don't waste your breath, El. Flea-ridden dogs can’t always tell when someone's joking," she replied, her expression as ft as ever.

  Eine tilted her head, a flicker of confusion crossing her face as she processed the comment. "Really?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

  "HEY!? I know a good joke when I hear one, and you’re just terrible at telling—"

  Suddenly, Fyrel Coldforge, an imposing figure in her own right, approached with an air of authority that silenced the banter. The elderly dwarven woman fixed her stern gaze on Dalia, who immediately straightened at the sight of her, respect and trepidation clearly visible on her face. "Lady Dalia," Fyrel began, her voice a low rumble, "the hostess may have fallen from grace and lost her standing in this court, but that does not give you license to abandon your manners, young dy."

  "Ah! Yes, L-Lady Fyrel!" Dalia stammered, her voice quavering slightly under the weight of authority.

  With a disapproving huff, Fyrel shifted her focus to Rya, who patiently awaited her words. "Princess Rya… you’ve performed a commendable deed today, and for that, I extend my gratitude."

  Rya nodded, humility etched across her face, though a flicker of doubt lingered in her heart. "I appreciate that, but I only did what I could—"

  "You, Princess, are so accustomed to defying expectations that it might seem trivial to you. You've garnered the favor of the right people, and the Ladies of the Court have firmly allied themselves with you and the Queen. Rest assured, any opposition to your right to wed the Crown Prince will be a futile endeavor; we will stand united behind you."

  A quiet unease stirred within Rya. She wasn't ready to fully embrace the praise until she had confirmation that the House of Lords had acknowledged her cim over Quinus, diverting any attentions toward other potential brides. Still, it was a reassuring reminder of the considerable journey she had undertaken thus far. She yearned to do more, to heal the deep-seated emotional scars of the Revelia daughters. Still, for now, she recognized that this step forward was significant—an essential beginning on the path toward actual change.

  "Thank you, Lady Fyrel."

  "Hah! Don't thank me. I haven't done anything besides trying to keep this one from rolling around on the floor covered in food." Fyrel Coldforge motioned at Dalia, who pouted from the dwarf's jab. "This was all you, and you did a great thing that I doubt will be replicated. But remember, Princess, this isn't the st trial that's ahead. Duke Aric and Leandra Revelia won't give up without a fight. They are cornered monsters and are at their most dangerous."

  Rya nodded at the older dwarf. "I'll remember that, Lady Fyrel."

  The older dwarf nodded. "Good... Now, I believe the Queen has been discussing with select women the possibility of hosting an after-party at the pace. I will see you there... And Lady Dalia?"

  The Wolfkin tensed up again, waiting for her scolding from the older woman. "Yes, Lady Fyrel?"

  The old dwarf smirked, "You've gotten better. I have a reward for you if you can behave at the after-party."

  Dalia's green eyes sparkled with curiosity. "A reward?"

  "Yes, a nice big quad horn roast that I was able to procure from the duchess's staff. I think they won't mind missing it after being amazed by Princess Rya's magical demonstration."

  Dalia's tail began wagging in excitement, while the other three looked at the dwarf with a mix of surprise, confusion, and amusement.

  'Where the hell is Fyrel hiding the roast!?' Rya thought to herself. Rya couldn't see where the dwarf was hiding such a rge roast, especially in a dress that didn't have a lot of storage space.

  "I have to ask... Where are you hiding the roast, Lady Coldforge?" Rya asked.

  Lady Coldforge smiled at the princess. "Oh, I have my secrets too, princess. Let's just say my husband crafted an interesting ring that lets me hold things in a theoretical pocket. Sort of simir to your rare magic."

  Rya and her sisters raised their brows at this. "How tricky was it for Arathar to forge?" Rya asked as she spotted the ring that she thought was the magic ring that creates these pocket dimensions for storage. The brown ring in question looked crude and dull compared to the other jewelry on the dwarf's hand. If it were an artifact, Rya's eyes would have seen it, but her Omni eyes couldn't see any mana channeling through it.

  "Haha. Oh, Princess. Forging it isn't the problem..."

  Rya realized what Fyrel was getting at, "It's gathering the materials... What was needed to make it?"

  Fyrel looked around to make sure no one was listening in and then approached the Dark Elf. "Let's just say it takes a scale from an ancient creature," the dwarf whispered so low that even elven hearing had trouble making out.

  'Is she talking about a dragon scale?'

  Rya recalled the time when she first visited Iyomelka's astral domain, and she remembered the story about the gods putting the dragons to sleep because they couldn't kill them. And at the time, these dragons didn't seem to be that big a deal since it wasn't anything tangible at the time, but now, coming face to face with a ring that was made from a dragon scale? This was starting to sink in: how dangerous the world was if these dragons ever woke up.

  'If I didn't have my omni-eye skill, I would have probably thought nothing of it... But Iyomelka said they are creatures of ether. Maybe that's why I can't see it,' Rya thought to herself.

  Rya was lost in thought when her new friends slowly approached her from behind.

  "Ahem? I don't mean to interrupt, Princess Rya. However, I heard that the Queen wanted to host an after-party at the pace... Are we invited?" Asked the voice of Constance Montcir.

  "Huh?" Rya turned around to see a group of six dies, consisting of Menie Ingham, Constance Montcir, Jenelle Dravenhart, Serena von Maus, Aris Mardax, and Julia Dusker, who had become Rya's new friends, waiting patiently. "Oh!? Hey, dies! I just found out about the party from Lady Fyrel. Um? I don't see why not."

  Constance smiled triumphantly before gncing to her left at Jenelle, Serena, and Aris. "See Jenelle. We are invited."

  Jenelle panicked, "B-But what will my mother say!? She won't approve of me going to the pace, especially if my father finds—"

  "Jenelle! You need to start thinking for yourself," Constance interrupted her.

  "What's that supposed to mean!?"

  "It means exactly what you think," Constance said while walking over to the blonde beauty.

  Jenelle was speechless, and Constance continued her approach before she put her right hand on the taller girl's shoulder.

  "You've always been the shy, timid girl who has always been under her parents' thumb," Constance expined. "If you are going to become a Lady of the Court. Then you need to act like it. No one will take you seriously if you act like this. And don't worry, we are here for you—"

  "Don't drag me in on this... However, Constance is correct. You need to be more assertive, Jenelle. Or you'll be walked over," Menie Ingham interjected.

  "Fine... I will be here for you. So, stop worrying," Constance replied with a smile.

  Jenelle's mouth opened and closed several times. Before she looked over at the demi-humans to see if they had any objections. Nieren looked stoic, Dalia had an amused look, and Eine just looked confused, as she was the youngest in the group.

  "What do you two think about this?"

  "She seems fun, Alph—Ah, I mean, Princess Rya. Plus, we can use some new pack mates to liven up the pce with Woody bringing us down." Dalia was the first to answer.

  Nieren stiffened up and gred at her.

  Dalia smirked, "Well, it's true."

  "You're going to get it once the party is over!" Nieren excimed.

  "Then that settles it!" Dalia said cheerfully as she walked up to Jenelle and pulled her towards the exit. "The party must go on at the pace!"

  "Hey!? That's not how it works! Dalia!? Come back here! You can't use a human shield to hide from your responsibilities!" Nieren yelled as she chased after Dalia, who was pulling Jenelle quicker up the stairs.

  "Wait!? M-My mother is gring at me! Let me go!" Jenelle pleaded, trying her best to escape.

  "No," the wolfkin replied with a mischievous smile.

  "Don't worry, Jenelle. We've got your back," Constance said as she followed the three up the steps.

  Jenelle stopped struggling. And let out a heavy sigh, knowing she was outmatched. 'Mother is going to kill me!'

  Baroness Evelina Dravenhart did a double-take as she witnessed her daughter being pulled along by the Wolfkin as she vanished out of sight.

  "J-Jenelle? What are you doing!? Come back here, young dy!?" The Baroness yelled out to her daughter, but it was too te as she disappeared. 'I didn't teach her to be rude. How could you be so disrespectful, Jenelle?! But do I go after her, or do I stay here and help the Duchess?'

  The Baroness was livid; however, she looked at her neckce, which had been stolen by Leandra, and hesitated whether she really should stay and help the Duchess after the revetion of her treacherous deeds. She's been friends for as long as she can remember, but was this enough to break that bond?

  She gnced back at the exit of the room and contempted what she should do. 'There must be another expnation for why Leandra had all of our jewelry. It could have been the servants or someone else who stole it and left it in her box. And it's not like she used it. A-And it was that Tayna girl who was holding the box! She must have been framed. Right? That's it. This has to be the work of the Dukes' enemies.'

  Evelina headed to the side door that Leandra took to meet up with her friend to see what she could do to help after this debacle. She gathered what was left of Leandra's allies, including Medalia Phanza, Nysara Kalesas, and Lakia Dordithas.

  "Cecelia!? Katie!? Bethany! Where are you going!? And where are Noa and Cire? We have to stick closer together more than ever. The Duchess is in trouble—"

  "It's over, Baroness. The Duchess's reputation has been destroyed. You're lucky you didn't get caught up in her schemes," Bethany said in a serious tone. "We'll leave it up to the House of Lords to determine her fate."

  Evelina wasn't having any of it as she grabbed Bethany by the arm and pulled her aside.

  "Don't you think that's a little unfair, Bethany? After everything the Duchess and her husband have done to save your husband's pathetic town that no one cares about? Not to mention all the other things that Duchess has done to keep the Kingdom together? You have no right to judge her. You're nothing but a miserable Minor House who doesn't know her pce!" Evelina spat out at Bethany.

  Cecelia and Katie backed off, seeming to let Bethany be the sacrificial mb as they made their escape.

  "Don't pretend you have a high horse, Evelina. I know what the Revelias think of my family after they cut off the funds for our town and forced us to live under the threat of extinction," Bethany said, gring back at the Baroness.

  Evelina couldn't say anything back; however, she wasn't going to let a Minor Noble make a fool out of her and the Duchess.

  "I don't need you Minor Nobles telling me what is fair or not. What I need from you is a show of support for the Duchess. Or should we see to it that your family is stripped of their title and nds?" Evelina threatened.

  Bethany was speechless. The Von Mauses weren't a Major House, but they did have a history of loyal service as a front-line city to Whispering Forest in the heart of Divalo. A forest that no one comes out of alive. It's a pce of mysteries and possible horrors. Just because no monsters have come out doesn't mean that they are safe. The Von Mauses were the ones who made sure that no monsters or worse came out. The Von Mauses have always protected their people and the Kingdom, so why would she think they would have been treated unfairly by the Revelias when the city of Verdantwatch was the first line of defense from these unknowns?

  Serena watched as her mother was being threatened and tried not to react. She had a bnk face that didn't show any emotions, but she wished she could do something. That's when she saw Rya walking towards her mother.

  "P-Princess Rya? Y-You don't have to bother on my—"

  "Account? I think you and your mother have been mistreated long enough," Rya said.

  "Huh? I-I appreciate it, but we have been through worse, and we always come through... Staking your reputation for us isn't worth the trouble. Besides, we're nothing but a minor house, so our opinions aren't worth—"

  Rya held her hand up, stopping Bethany mid-sentence. "I have made up my mind. Besides, I don't believe in treating people like dirt who've been loyal to the kingdom. It's time for you and your mother to get the respect you deserve."

  "I don't understand..."

  Menie walked up to Serena, "What isn't there to understand? The princess seems to know something that the rest of us don't. Why not let her py this out and see where it leads?"

  Serena was surprised that Menie would speak to her in such a manner. It was as if they were truly friends, a daughter of a prestigious family. Serena turned her attention back to Rya, who was now motioning over Lady Saffron as she made her way to the Baroness.

  Bethany was trying to break free from Evelina's grip, but it was useless as she felt like she was hung out to dry. 'Why did I have to align myself with that damn Duchess! I-I wish Henry sided with the King! Goddess Iyomelka the Lame! Save me—'

  "Ahem?"

  Evelina's grip let up a bit as she and the rest of the dies saw Rya with her arms folded.

  "W-What do you want, Princess Rya. This is private—"

  "Then you should have done this in private, Lady Evelina... One would think to not scare the st of your allies away," Rya said, smiling.

  Evelina looked around and realized that her friends were no longer backing her up.

  "Y-You're maybe a capable mage—"

  "Capable is putting it lightly, Lady Evelina. Princess Rya is nothing short of an absolute powerhouse, even among her fellow Elves. You're lucky she's talking to you instead of giving the same treatment as that Prince," Saffron Fairchild said.

  Evelina stiffened up a bit at the thought of Rya using her magic on her, but she wasn't the Crown Prince's fiancée yet, and her say in the Court was limited until it was official. She didn't know why this Dark Elf was taking a liking to Bethany von Maus. That's when she noticed Bethany's daughter standing behind the dark elf.

  "So, Serena von Maus is using you to help her mother? That's not going save their financial situation," Evelina said, hoping to turn the conversation around.

  Rya raised her eyebrow at her, and the dark elf's smile got even wider.

  "I think the Crown and Mage's Guild will help the Von Maus family once they know about two more promising mages have been found by their future Princess," Rya said as she took Bethany's other hand.

  'W-What is the Princess doing—ooh?'

  Bethany felt the bruises on her neck getting healed, while at the same time, Rya's Mana flowed into Bethany's Mana Vein, which felt pleasant.

  "Y-You're bluffing! The Revelia girls make sense due to their bloodline! But a mere Minor Noble doesn't have the talent to be an Elite Mage!"

  Bethany gasped as her Mana Vein is over saturated and began to flow into her Mage Veins as something seemed to be flowing outward through her left arm towards Evelina.

  "You're wrong, Lady Evelina, Bethany and her daughter are both Elite level Fire Mages," Rya said with one st smirk as she controlled the flow of mana into her palm.

  Evelina thought she was about to call Rya's bluff but then she saw Bethany's eyes light up as her veins glowed from in her hand, and her fire magic surged around her hand. Evelina was about to respond but then a small fme orb shot out of her hand and singed the material of her dress, causing Evelina to jump back a bit as she let go of Bethany's hand.

  "Ahmmh! HAH!? M-My goddess! How did I do that?!"

  Half of the Court was still in the ballroom when silent as they saw Bethany standing with a baseball sized orb of fire floating above her palm.

  "I-Impossible!" Evelina excimed as she felt the heat from the fmes and took a step back.

  "That word has lost its meaning. Lady Bethany von Maus and her family are now under the Crowns protection. May sure you rey that message to my sister in w when you get the chance," Queen Rianna called out from the staircase.

  Bethany could only marvel at the fireball flowing above her palm. It's like she had a connection with the fme orb and it was responding to her will.

  "T-This is real," she murmured.

  Rya was still holding her hand and was watching Bethany with a gentle smile on her face.

  "It's just amazing, isn't it?" Rya said as she gazed at the ball of fmes.

  "A-Amazing doesn't even begin to describe it," Bethany stammered, barely able to form words.

  "I know," Rya said before she letting go of Bethany's hand.

  Bethany felt the supply of Mana getting cut off and after ten seconds the orb shrank and then vanished into a tiny puff of smoke. Bethany stared at her palm for what seemed like a lifetime. It was only when she heard someone coughing that she snapped out of it. The Ladies of the Court were staring at her, not with the normal contempt they usually held, but with genuine wonder and curiosity. Bethany looked up at Rya, who had a smug smile on her face. She opened her mouth, but no words came out.

  "What is it, Lady Bethany?" Rya asked, tilting her head.

  Bethany could only shake her head, trying to figure out what had happened.

  "Lady Bethany! I suggest you joins us at the pace so we can discuss what we can do to help your city with its financial situation. Come!" Queen Rianna ordered as a couple knights helped guide Bethany towards the Queen and the rest of the Nobles.

  "Y-Yes, your majesty," Bethany responded as she was escorted out.

  Queen Rianna and the rest of the nobles slowly began to file out of the ballroom and towards the foyer of the Manor.

  Rya smirked and looked at Menie, Aris, Julia, and a stunned Serena.

  "M-My mother is a Fire Mage?... That's... I-I don't know," Serena whispered.

  "Serena, darling. Come on. We have a party with the Princess we need to get to," Aris said as she and Julia tugged on her arms.

  "Oh, yeah. Sure," Serena said as she allowed herself to be dragged off by her two friends. "Wait!? Did Rya say I'm a Mage too!?"

  "You are," Rya said with a smirk.

  Serena was speechless as she was pulled away. Rya then looked over at Saffron. "I also found three other dies that are mages. I'll point them out to you ter once I spot them again."

  "My, my... You have brought Fiafyr to a new age of magical prosperity," Saffron said.

  "I want my Kingdom to flourish. I want the people to prosper. I want my friends and family to be happy and live fulfilling lives," Rya said with a warm smile.

  "Well, I will do my best to help you. You have made it my mission to help you succeed, your highness," Saffron said, giving a pyful curtsy.

  Rya smiled and chuckled before looking over at Menie. "So, is your mother going to approve of you hanging out with a Dark Elf?" She asked sarcastically.

  Menie cracked a rare smirk. "I need to start acting like the next countess of Celestria Hollows. I am a noble, and I have to show you the respect you deserve," Menie said like a aristocrat, but Rya could pick up on her ft sarcasm.

  "Well, we better catch up to the others. We've overstayed our welcome," Rya said, leading her friends towards the foyer.

  "Yes, your highness," Menie teased as she curtsied.

  'Gah... I'm still not used to be calling "Your Highness." But I think it's starting to grow on me,' Rya thought as she heard Lady Rachel call out to her.

  "The Queen is waiting in the foyer for you, Your Highness," Lady Rachel said.

  "Thank you, Rachel," Rya said, waving her off. She looked around the ballroom one st time to see that they were the only ones left as the staff slowly began to clean up. They didn't know what else to do besides look busy, while keeping a weary eye on the dark elf.

  "Let's go, my dies. We don't want to keep the Queen waiting," Rya said, looking back at her friends and seeing that Menie had a slight smirk. "You better watch out, Menie. Smiling is contagious, and you might start enjoying yourself."

  Menie chuckled as she followed behind the Dark Elf Princess not saying a word.

  They soon reached the foyer and saw the everyone was gathering their things then headed out to the courtyard to get in their carriages.

  Menie's mother, Countess Alexandria Ingham, tried to get her to come home with her. But Menie told her that she was going to the pace with the Dark Elf Princess, Rya, and the others.

  Alexandria warned Menie that her father would disapprove of her hanging out with the Dark Elf. But Menie didn't care.

  Rya noticed that House Dule's carriage was leaving the Duke's property with Elizabeth and Amelia in it. She found out from Tayna that Elizabeth was one of the few that was terrified that she corrupted Amelia and she wouldn't take no for an answer. So, Amelia was heading back to the family estate, before Rya could find out what type of mage Amelia was and what her level Mana Vein was. Plus, Rya missed out on ridding Elizabeth of her curse.

  However it wasn't meant to be for today and Rya thought she could address Elizabeth's fear some other time then cure her of her curse.

  Yuliana and Rianna called over to Rya to join them in the Royal Carriage, which she happily accepted. Everything seemed to be coming together she Rya and her new allies, friends, and family slowly made their way back to the pace.

  From what Rianna had told her, it was only a matter of days before the House of Lords makes it official that Rya will become the first wife of Crown Prince Quinus Meredydd. They only needed to wait for "The Vote of No Confidence" to be completed in the next coming week and see who will become the next Prime Minister before the marriage could happen.

  And then Rya can finally rex. But until then, she might help her new friends develop their mana veins during the party. Since the cat was out of the bag about her magic, she can quickly get her golems to and from any forest that has monsters. She was going to help her friends become the most revered women in the continent.

  And as the st of the carriages left the Divalo Manor, one carriage with House Stoneworthh had stayed behind. Hilda who had followed most of the dies to the foyer decided to sneak away when it was max capacity and went back inside before anyone could notice. Her goal was simple, as the Goddess's guidance echoed in her mind: "Only the Foul Noblewomen can help you defeat the Dark Elf." She needed to speak to Leandra alone about how to defeat the dark elf to win Quinus' heart, once and for all.