Chapter 1160: Royal Dignity

With the ’guests’ now presented in front of the Queen, the nobles around them quietened down, waiting for the Elders to speak first.

Naturally, Allura took a step forward, to signal that she was going to do the speaking on behalf of the group.

Seeing this, the Queen let out a sigh of relief inwardly as she didn’t want to deal with Alice if possible. Of course, she kept her face composed however.

This was a formal setting, she couldn’t go losing her temper like she did at the bar.

Not only that, but she wasn’t in disguise this time. Elves at the bar saw something different to her true appearance. Only people who were beyond a certain level of strength could see past the disguise.

And while she was in front of the nobles in the hall, this disguise was naturally disabled.

As the doors shut behind them, Allura bowed slightly with the grace of a noble woman.

She introduced herself, a familiar yet unfamiliar greeting.

"I am Allura Agnelia, Sword of Ayr, Apostle of the Fallen Goddess Velouria and Lord of Executions. My Authority as an Apostle governs Severance."

Her voice carried a certain level of dignity that couldn’t be faked. Neither boastful nor humble, her tone was simply that of stating fact, leaving little room for misunderstandings.

"I offer my greetings to her Majesty, the Queen of the Elves and the Elders who guide the Elven Race. May wisdom of your reign endure the ages and my prosperity fill this land."

Allura placed one hand over her chest and bowed slightly. Her left foot shifted back, just behind her right while the other hand lifted the corner of her dress ever so slightly.

She raised her head, not breaking away her gaze from the Queen.

Though others may call it impudent, Allura simply saw it as a matter of honour and pride.

There is only one person who will get her full bow when it comes to a formal setting.

Velouria.

Of course, there are exceptions to this rule such as Alice or Kaden but they are exceptions for a reason.

Some of the nobles were a little displeased but their displeasure quickly faded as they recalled her titles.

Could it be a lie?... None of them wanted to be the one to find out.

In the first place, even if it was a lie, what of it? The people behind her were enough for the other Lords to worry slightly.

Karya, Lord of Life.

A healer famous to other Lords. Any affliction you may have, she’ll no doubt have a solution to it. Her authority was the reflection of death and there are even rumours that she can drag you from even the grasp of Enris.

She had hid herself and avoided the world yet here she stood once more, looking the same as ever. Despite the years, her appearance hadn’t changed and those who had heard news or saw her in the past found themselves recalling that moment.

There are still people in this world who owe her favours or people whom she granted favours to along with a method to find her.

So just pissing her off was a land mine that even the Lords trapped in this realm knew about.

Absolutely do not offend Karya unless you’re certain that no one would find out you did it! And make sure you can kill her in one go!

Without these two requirements being fulfilled, they couldn’t be careless.

If everything remained the same, Karya should’ve been the main cause for concern.

While Allura felt dangerous, her aura also felt strangely weak.

Like a flame that could extinguish at any moment.

However...

The main cause for concern wasn’t Karya.

Far from it.

There was... ’something’ that some of the Lords didn’t want to turn their eyes towards.

Lords who had very sharp instincts or sensitivity towards energy, especially since they’ve been restricted to this realm.

Next to Karya, behind Allura, there was a ’demon’.

Not a literal demon but rather a bundle of evil energy that sent a chill down their spine.

The density of the corruption around her seemed to wrap Alice in a thick layer of miasma that couldn’t be breached. Their senses refused to register her in their mind.

This miasma seemed to distort the air around her. Not wild or untamed.

Calm, controlled. A predator lying in wait, motionlessly.

Some daring ones who turned their eyes felt Alice ’stare’ back.

The energy locking onto the source of the gaze.

Within that darkness, her eyes squinted.

’Keep staring and I’ll gouge your eyes out.’

A silent warning.

One where the intent was transmitted without words or actions.

"!!!"

A collective fight or flight response was triggered with some Lords suddenly drawing their weapons while others turned to leave.

Their faces pale and cold sweat filled their backs.

This ’thing’ amidst the group was exceptionally dangerous.

For those who drew their blades, it was too late by the time they realised what they’ve done.

What exactly did they expect to do?

Attack her?

Absolutely not.

Before them stood a calamity. A natural disaster.

The fact that it’s being docile was good enough yet they actually drew their blades.

Before anyone could make a move, the Queen stood up and slammed her sceptre into the ground.

"Enough!" Her voice echoed across the hall.

Her eyes narrowing at the Lords who needed a reason to back off then finally settling on Alice.

There was a cold look in her eyes but she could already tell the girl was holding back tremendously.

In fact, if she showed the same reaction as yesterday...

There would no doubt be a blood bath.

She needed to take control of the situation before the Elders escalate things beyond repair.

"I understand that tensions are high. We have guests before us, some of whom carry reputations that will no doubt make the strongest of Lords wary. Caution is warranted and suspicion is understandable." The Queen spoke with her back straight.

Unafraid of the eyes turning towards her.

Though she may not be a Lord, she was still the Queen. And the Royal blood within her veins granted her authority that the Lords here had to respect.

"However!" She scowled.

"Neither is an excuse to abandon the dignity befitting your status. You stand in my court. And yet, without a word of provocation beyond your own apprehensions towards our guests, you have drawn your blades against them."

*BANG!!!

Slamming her staff down for the second time, all of the Lords who drew their weapons collapsed onto one knee.

"Have you forgotten where you stand? Or have the years of my leniency made you so accustomed to treating every unfamiliar presence as an enemy? Have you no respect towards the people I have invited as a guest?"

Her words were harsh and reprimanding but Allura could tell she was helping them out.

Alice, despite trying to hold back, was in an unstable state right now.

If dealt with carelessly, people will no doubt get injured.

In comparison, a lecture and a slap to the wrist was more than welcome.

"Sheath your blades and let us discuss the issue at hand like civilised people."

One by one, the weapons were lowered. A few hesitated but in the end, they followed the Queen’s orders.

Only then, did the Queen finally sit down once more.

Her composure brought her looks of respect from the people around her yet her mind was in turmoil.

’Arghhhhh stop looking at me like that! What if she thinks I’m trying to undermine her presence!? What if she takes offence! If she tries to take my head who the hell can stop her!?!?’ The Queen sobbed inwardly.

She wasn’t even a Lord!

The most she could do was a couple of fancy tricks to make people kneel! That’s all!

So why the hell are they looking at her as if she can deal with the threat whenever she wanted!?

Once more, the Queen felt the weight of the role placed upon her.

An almost suffocating degree of expectations upon expectations dragging behind her each and every move.

Regardless, someone must take control of the court at this moment.

Allura wouldn’t do so since it’ll usurp her current authority.

"You have my apologies for the discourtesy you have suffered in my court. Whatever suspicions my subjects may hold, you are ultimately my guest and you shall be treated as such." The Queen let out a small sigh.

"However, I would ask the same consideration in return. This is a gathering of those who have lived through the conflicts across time while protecting the world tree. With the news that the Void has been lost to the madman known as Nyer, some have grown cautious to the point of paranoia.

"Though this does not excuse their behaviour, I do hope that you understand their wariness towards the fundamental nature of your presence.

"But once again, I still repeat my point. You are my guests. I will not have my guests threatened in my presence nor will I tolerate my subjects drawing their weapons without cause. This applies equally to everyone here, regardless of status.

"Let this be the only warning you receive." Her eyes narrowed.

Compared to the way she was acting at the bar, Alice was finally seeing the sense of ’Royalty’ from her actions.

"Anyone who cannot conduct themselves with the dignity befitting this occasion is free to leave. Anyone who remains will control yourselves as such. Failure will not be met with leniency or mercy. There will be no provocations nor unsanctioned displays of force."

With the court finally settled, she let out a sigh of relief inwardly.

Finally, a bit of peace.

But the meeting was far from over. Now they actually had to address the issues at hand...