Lackey's Seducing Survival Odyssey

Archpriestess acknowledged the invitation and moved to her seat with measured dignity. She noticed immediately: the chairs had been arranged in precise accordance with the number of arrivals.

Nothing was left to chance.

Even the followers, usually required to stand, were granted seats equal to the others. Some hesitated, uncomfortable with the honour, but the Archpriestess compelled them to sit.

Across the table, two elders flanking Kaelen exchanged glances, each frowning slightly before one let out a short, annoyed snort. Their disapproval was barely concealed.

When everyone settled, the room grew hushed. The Empress Sandra leaned forward, her gaze sweeping across, ”Well then,” she said, ”may I know the reason for your sudden visit? I trust it is a matter worth disturbing the order of this empire.”

Kaelen began to answer, nodding respectfully, ”Empress Marisandra, we have come to—”

Before he could finish, the Archpriestess interjected, her tone clipped with irritation. ”There is no need for pretences. We are both aware you already know the reason for our arrival.”

Kaelen blinked, caught off-guard, a faint flush creeping up his neck. ’Does she truly?’ he wondered, glancing at Sandra, who only smirked back at the Archpriestess, ’So she does know.’

One of the elders leaned toward Kaelen, whispering in a firm, steady tone, ”Your Majesty, stay composed. This is your first official meeting with other rulers. There is no shame in unfamiliarity. Hold your head high, show no weakness. Sit straight, and remember—never bow to uncertainty.”

Kaelen nodded, straightening his posture. Maelona and Liora exchanged a brief.

Sandra nodded, ”I suppose that much was clear from the beginning,” she hummed, then her tone shifted, voice slicing through the chamber,

”Let me say this once: Aether will marry my daughter and ascend as the next Emperor of this Empire.”

As her proclamation settled over the room, the reaction was instant—

”No way!”

”We will not allow it!”

”This is Balsemphy!”

”Aether belongs to us!”

”He protected us from every danger. He is our guardian!”

”He is our god!”

The High Priests, Followers, and Elders erupted in protest, their voices clashing in a rising tide of outrage, while others remained silent.

One murderous glare from Sandra cut through the chaos. Instantly, the room fell into a heavy hush,

”Just because you sit at my table does not grant you the right to speak to me. Am I correct, Rulers of Aerionis Zephyra and Elysiumis Aurora?” Her misty eyes were fixed on the floor.

The Elders and Priests followed her gaze. In that moment, they saw it—a blood trail, vivid and fresh, streaking across the blue marble.

The sight made their throats tighten in fear.

Kaelen gently reached out, steadying the Elders with a firm hand. ”Forgive their words, Empress,” he said,

Sandra regarded him, her expression unreadable, then turned her attention to the Archpriestess, who only snorted and muttered, ”I will keep them in check.” Her blank, unblinking gaze settled on her own group, and they fell silent.

Kaelen glanced around, seeing the strain etched on every face. No one dared break the silence, not even the boldest elder. He found Maelona’s gaze—she nodded, calm as ice, giving him silent permission to speak.

Kaelen drew in a deep breath, squared his shoulders, and addressed...

”Empress Marisandra, as we have witnessed, it appears Mr. Aether himself was caught off guard by these events. We suspected, perhaps, that you compelled him into this engagement. I would ask to speak to Mr. Aether directly.”

The Empress’s gaze snapped to Kaelen. Her eyes scanned him slowly, up and down, as if measuring his worth.

Kaelen’s heart pounded, but he refused to look away.

Why did they all act with such fierce intent?

Was this not acting? A false game?

Or... something really going on here?

Sandra’s gaze shifted to Liora, who watched her with a hint of pride, even a smirk at the edge of her lips. ’Not bad for a new ruler,’ Sandra mused. Then she turned her gaze to the Archpriestess.

”Do you share the same sentiment?”

The Archpriestess nodded without hesitation. ”Yes. We would see him in person. He remains our Archpriest as well.”

Her group echoed her, nodding with silent urgency, fear and hope mingling in their eyes.

Sandra blankly stared at them, before she simply shrugged her shoulders. ”It seems everyone here has misunderstood my intentions.”

”Huh?”