Although I don't know the exact distance between the Ais Empire and the Academy, what I do know is that just when I was marveling at how smoothly the airship was flying, we had already arrived at King City, the Crystal Blue City of the Ais Empire.
Looking out the window, I felt my heart suddenly filled with excitement. The King City, which seemed to stretch endlessly, a sight that could only be experienced in games, was now right before my eyes.
If it were in the past, I would definitely not be able to resist the urge to explore the city and search for treasure chests. But now, this world was completely real, and if I were to go searching for treasure chests, I would be seen as a thief.
After circling around the Imperial City, the airship slowly descended onto a vacant space behind the city. As soon as the door opened, I saw soldiers and maids welcoming us on both sides, and there was also a steward in front.
"Princess, you've finally returned! It's been so long, and you finally responded. It's truly rare!" The steward called Muslan, a level 34 swordsman and level 50 steward, and he possessed kindness and prudence.
"It's only because of special reasons," Princess Michelle said, looking back at me before continuing, "They are all my most important friends, and you should treat them the same way you would treat me! Otherwise, believe me, I'll leave immediately!"
"Yes! I understand, Your Highness!" Muslan replied.
Princess Michelle, your way of threatening people is quite unique...
Glancing at the soldiers next to me, they were all around level 25, and as for the maids, except for a few who had the swordsman occupation at level 20, the rest were normal maids.
However...
I didn't see any mages at all!
And even without using skills, I could sense some disorder in the nearby magical elements. I wondered what the reason could be.
"To all of the princess's friends, although most of you are swordsmen, I still need to explain. The palace has been completely covered by a magical restriction, and unless you have special permission, you cannot use magic. This point needs special emphasis to avoid misunderstandings," Muslan said.
"I see," I thought, and then tried casting the Ice Shield magic.
But to my surprise, the magic circle flashed, and the Ice Shield appeared directly in my hand!
Seeing this scene, the old steward didn't know what to say, and it took several seconds for the soldiers to react and draw their weapons towards me.
The rest of the soldiers, as if receiving a signal, also raised their weapons towards me.
At that moment, Princess Michelle realized what was happening and shouted at them, "What do you think you're doing?! Didn't you hear what I just said?"
"Put down your weapons! You heard Princess Michelle's words! You cannot be rude to guests!" the old steward shouted.
Only then did the soldiers put down their weapons.
But Princess Michelle was clearly still angry.
"Are you idiots deaf? Cut off your own ears!" she exclaimed.
Hearing this, I was also startled. The soldiers trembled, and then looked at each other, hands shaking as they reached for the daggers at their waists.
"Princess Michelle, there's no need for that. It was my mistake to summon the Ice Shield. You don't have to punish them like this," I quickly said to Princess Michelle.
What's with the bloody violence in broad daylight? Are we watching a horror movie live?
Although I knew that the monarchy had absolute ruling power, it was still too extreme to casually ask someone to cut off their own ears.
"But... they pointed weapons at you!" Princess Michelle retorted.
"But they were concerned about your safety, weren't they? Just forgive them. Hmm?" I pleaded.
"Fine... listen up, this time it was through National MageFir's plea that I let you off! Don't let this happen again, understood?"
"Yes!"
Everyone shouted in unison.
Although their expressions didn't seem to change much, I could sense that they had all breathed a sigh of relief.
"Your Highness, this is not the place to talk. Please return to the palace," the old steward said."Well, Fir, let's go! Let me show you how powerful our Ais Empire is!"
"Well..."
I don't need you to tell me, I already know.
From the airship, I could already see the whole picture of King City. It feels like it would take half a day to walk from one end to the other. And the imperial city alone is already much bigger than Gray Academy.
Did you build it this big just for regular physical exercise?
------------------------------For Dongguan, light a candle, you know what I mean-----------------------------
Perhaps because of the ice element that the Ais Empire is full of, not only King City, but even the exterior walls of the imperial city have a faint blue gloss.
Although there was no snowfall due to summer, the air was cold, probably only a few degrees, and you could see the white mist floating in the air when exhaling.
But inside the imperial city, it gives a comfortable feeling, not too cold or too hot, just right.
However...
This place is too big and there are no convenient means of transportation. It took us more than 20 minutes to reach the destination, the Imperial Council in the center of the imperial city.
As soon as we entered, we saw Emperor Hal-Ais-Afungus sitting at the top.
He exuded a stronger deterrent power than the one I saw a few weeks ago. Don't ask me how I could feel it, my attack warning system was about to explode.
But this feeling gradually subsided, and I breathed a sigh of relief.
Behind the emperor, a few people were standing there, three women and two men. Although I couldn't see their titles, from the decorations on their bodies, they should be princes and princesses of the Ais Empire.
Next, the knight wearing heavy armor but without a visible rank should be a general of the Ais Empire. The civil official on the other side is probably a chancellor or similar position.
Of course, various officials were also arranged on both sides. It seems that they really paid attention to Princess Michelle's return.
When we reached the center of the hall, our group knelt down and saluted the king.
"Ah, I hate kneeling!"
Suddenly, I received a message from Aliyah.
"There's no democracy here, just endure it. In your heart, silently say 'I pay my respects to Your Majesty' and it won't feel so uncomfortable."
"..."
Although I didn't know Aliyah's expression, I saw her body tremble, she must have almost burst out laughing.
"I'm back."
After Princess Michelle finished speaking, she stood up before the emperor could say anything.
The emperor seemed helpless and smiled bitterly.
"You may all rise."
"I'll take my friend to play."
Just as we stood up, Princess Michelle said this and walked straight towards the door.
The people beside her seemed accustomed to it and didn't say anything.
You guys are too casual...
"Fir!"
Suddenly, the emperor called my name.
"Your Majesty, what can I do for you?"
"Go to the Mage Tower when you have time. I believe you will find many good things there."
"I understand."
After saying that, I left the council chamber with Princess Michelle.
