Aurelion was sitting at a long table with Luther, Dain, and Severin, as well as his father and uncle, alongside him. The sound of running fountains was heard, along with the rustling of winds.
Taking a sip of his tea, Aurelion looked at the man and his entourage, sitting opposite him. His silver hair rustled in the wind, dancing in the songs of the rustling bushes. His gardens had been restored, and the whole city was being reconstructed every day and night. Even the walls were being rebuilt, while plans were being formed for expanding the whole city by building another layer of walls.
The population was unknown, but after the armies had left, it could be said that 12 million people had flocked in, and the numbers were only growing. Of course, some armies were left here, and Aurelion was raising more and more armies of his own, including an aerial force. Yet that did not change the current situation he was facing right now.
"Please! Young Aurelion! My Empire is facing a calamity; people are dying every minute, second - by the thousands! Mothers are mourning, fathers are unable to grieve their sons as they march to war. Lend us your strength. You can marry my sister, our empire's jewel. We can give you money, a lot of money, to rebuild your city. We will grant you armies; just help us as you see fit. We need you to craft us artefacts to help us! War Marshal Severin, we need your aid as well. You are currently enjoying your break, I understand, but please, understand our predicament! You definitely understand us all, especially you older generation!" The man seemed flustered as he was sweating and begging, his demeanour nothing like a priest or an Archmage.
The expression on the older generation's faces changed as they heard his words. Of course they could understand. Their families were massacred 30 years ago, as were millions of people. The Rovan Empire even sent reinforcements, Masters and Archmages, as well as supplies. The Alliance of the past was not forgotten, and the Alliance of today was being ensued.
Aurelion was tapping his fingers on the table, deep in thought. Regardless of the rewards, he did not wish to leave; he was not desperate. Money, he had, even if having more would speed up his massive expenses. Armies needed money to be raised, and mainly, the whole city's renovation. Still, he was confident; Aurelia was a business genius, and his mother, Morgana, had sprung into action as well.
"Godson, if you go, I will follow. I am your personal guard's captain; even if I wasn't, we are going until the end." Luther said as he pinched his leg. He had left the Emperor's side and became Aurelion's personal guard after the Goddess Orianna had granted him his wish. Dain was here too, and he was nodding as well.
Surprisingly, Severin Halderick, their War Marshal, was considering it as well, as were his father and uncle. Yet he was reluctant, and it was evident. After all, Alexander was sending massive support himself, Masters and Archmages, even if the Empire did not have many.
"Name your price, please, Aurelion...I cannot stay here for long. I can give you more of my sisters if needed, whatever it is, name it." Valerion spoke again, his guards looking down. It was shameful. Their allies had already sent reinforcements, yet here they were, begging for more. From time to time they would take a glance at Aurelion; his presence was domineering yet also soothing. Nonetheless, it confirmed the rumours of his personal power - he truly was at the top of the food chain when it came to Experts.
"I need no more wives, Prince. Make no mistake, I do not wish for bloodshed; you are simply asking me to leave my fresh marriage after I've led a war, one that has cost me a lot. It is not like I would not come, you see; my Holy City, Aurelion, is in ruins. I am expecting a sibling, as well as a nephew, and my cousin is getting married soon as well." Aurelion said with a calm tone. He was not a fan of the tragedy, but he was anchored here for the most part, and yes, Morgana was pregnant.
"Aurelia is coming", the servants announced, as guards flooded in, ensuring her path was clear. If there was anything more worth mentioning, his personal guard consisted of an astounding number of experts - 650- and it was growing. He was utilising them for more than that, though, as they were also training armies. The truth was, in the eyes of the people, he was a man chosen by Orianna to carry her will...and that was indeed correct; he was capable of feats that no Expert or man was, he was the Silver Lord. The Aure River's waters, the Aure Mountain's minerals, the Living Silver and the gigantic mythic Silver Roc that was nestled on the peak- they were under his control. This is why the city was so important, needless to say, of the Holy Mirror, which Archmage Rose was put in charge of guarding.
The mirror allowed the mages to observe every nook and cranny in Orianna's domain, as well as convey messages. Good luck to enemy armies invading. The powers Aurelion had were truly divine; even if it took time mastering them, his body was absorbing divinity every day, as was his wife, Aurelia.
She came from behind and put her hands on Aurelion, while also greeting her in-laws and everyone else. Behind her were also Morgana, Ahri and little Axel himself - the destroyer of toys.
Morgana and Ahri were pregnant, only adding more to their beauty and mature charms as they lightened the mood. It was a reason for Aurelion to stay.
"Husband, go. I will take care of the city. I am Aurelia. I know your heart is torn apart behind this calm facade. I don't need you here; earn us some good money. Just speak with Dain; he may want to remain. His marriage is of importance to him, as you know. Stop the tragedy and come back to me..." Aurelia whispered in his ear while massaging his shoulders.
Clearing his throat, it seemed like he had made a decision; his gaze landed on Severin Halderick. The Emperor had personally allowed him to go and lead the Rovan Armies. Things were that severe. The Marshal nodded and smiled, aware of his protege's decision. Luther nodded as well, as did Dain, without a shred of indecisiveness.
"Alright. Dain, I wish you to remain here and enjoy your marriage. I will take Luther with me, as well as 150 guards of mine. My father, my dearest uncle, are to remain here, train the armies, and oversee things. My teacher, are you coming?" Aurelion spoke, giving light to Valerian's eyes and his guards.
"Cousin, let me come with you! My marriage can wait! What would my marriage be without you?" Dain protested.
"I am coming." The Marshal stated.
"I am coming as well, nephew. My body is aching..." Thomas suddenly said, having made up his mind.
Aurelion only looked towards Dain before speaking. "Cousin, I know how you feel, yet how must your fiancée feel? It is her most important day. Without Luther, who is to lead the guards and train the armies? What of our city's future? It is not that I do not need you; I do, yet you have spilt blood beyond count. It is time you marry as well; I am younger than you and married. Give me some nephews; when will it be my turn to baptise someone?"
Dain looked down, yet he rose with a smile, understanding Aurelian was right. He had been selfish; it was time to honour his lover and family as well.
"I will keep your word; my children will be baptised by Aurelian himself and no one else." Dain's spirits were high as he stated. He was not selfish, not at all; however, his sense of duty was really strong. If anything, he would strip to dress you up if you were to ask him to.
"Alright, Valerion, give us two hours, and we shall depart. We will need to prepare the gates and say our wives goodbye." Aurelion said as he stood up.
"Take your time; I will personally teleport everyone. Just spend time with your wives. Thank you, truly, thank you!" Valerion stood up and bowed; he had secured help for his homeland.