Sordil Express

When Diphiya returned to her room, it suddenly dawned on her that Grandiere had deduced Sordil's identity from his brother's name. However, when she went back to Sordil's room, Sordil was already long gone. Left with no other option, Diphiya could only return to her own room and settle the score with him the next day when the alliance was signed.

"Luckily I was smart enough to hide quickly, otherwise I would have had to wear a mask to the signing ceremony tomorrow!"

Having witnessed the events through his detection magic, Sordil praised himself for his quick thinking. Only after confirming that Diphiya had left his room did Sordil dare to return from the alternate dimension. However, for his own safety, Sordil decided to find a safer place to sleep; after all, it's always better to be safe than sorry!

Kingdom of Donagunov, Royal Palace

Council Hall

"Good morning, Count Kiel!"

"Oh, it's Count Talis! Good morning, good morning!"

"My Earl," I said, "Do you know why His Majesty has summoned us today?"

"Baron Solost, you flatter us too much! How could we possibly know what's going to happen today? If you're really curious, you can ask him!"

"Prime Minister? You two are joking with me. Even if the Prime Minister knew, he might not be willing to tell me!"

"Yes, it is! We just need to wait patiently now, why ask so many questions!"

"Yes!"

Similar conversations played out in every corner of the council hall, with all those notified waiting anxiously. Newcomers would repeat the questions, then join the others in quietly awaiting developments. As time passed and the hall grew larger, just when everyone could no longer endure the long wait, the main characters of the day finally appeared, much to their anticipation.

Today, Irene had specially changed into a magnificent court dress and applied a perfectly balanced makeup, which accentuated her noble and dignified demeanor. She waved for everyone in the hall to quiet down, and then solemnly and earnestly conveyed the reason for today's gathering to everyone present.

"I'm sure you're all very curious right now. You're curious why I've invited you all to the council hall today, and you're even more curious about what is it that makes me treat this with such solemnity and seriousness."

Seeing that everyone's attention was drawn to her, Irene nodded with satisfaction; she knew it was time to announce it.

"The reason is simple: our Kingdom of Donagunov is about to welcome a powerful ally, and today is the day our two countries sign an alliance, officially becoming allies who will help each other and fight against a powerful enemy together!"

As Irene finished speaking, the council hall erupted in excitement, everyone speculating about the identity of their new ally. Some said it was from the Kingdom of Tsuyioru Xiu, others from a Dragon Clan Secret Realm, and still others guessed it was from a powerful guild on the continent. Opinions were flying back and forth. Just as the debate reached its conclusion, three heavy thuds echoed through the council hall, and then three imposing figures stood before them.

"Now let me introduce these three: Prince Sordil of the Dragon Clan Secret Realm of Fostadu, Princess Diphiya, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Kaldiz. Today, these three gentlemen will represent Fostadu to sign a treaty of friendship and alliance with our Kingdom of Donagunov."

After Sordil and his two companions entered, the Prime Minister naturally took over the reins from Irene and introduced Sordil to all the nobles in the council hall. Upon hearing the Prime Minister's words, the hall erupted in discussion again, with the nobles asking their friends if they knew anything about Fostadu.

"You must all be wondering why you've never heard of this Dragon Clan Secret Realm, right?"

Seeing that everyone in the hall nodded in agreement, the Prime Minister had no intention of hiding anything any longer, so he continued:

"Fostadu wasn't originally Dragon Clan Secret Realm Ishgar. It was formed a year ago when the entire dragon race migrated there from the Western Continent, and it's now located within the Cuyis Tree Sea within the Kingdom of Tsuyioru Xiu. The dragons of Fostadu, like the dragons of our Kingdom of Donagunov, wished to coexist peacefully with us humans. Therefore, they were attacked by the irrational dragons of the Western Continent. After repelling those Evil Dragons, the dragons of Fostadu decided to migrate to Ishgar, a land of dragons who share the same ideals. Now, they have decided to form an alliance with us to jointly resist the brutal dragons of the Western Continent!"

After hearing the Prime Minister's explanation, everyone in the hall cheered, both for the powerful ally their country was about to gain and for the Queen's wise choice. Once everyone had calmed down, Irene stepped forward again and announced loudly, "The alliance signing ceremony between the Kingdom of Donagunov and the Dragon Clan Secret Realm of Fostadu officially begins!"

At Irene's command, a group of guards in white robes slowly ascended the platform, carrying a golden wooden box. They gently opened the box, revealing a thick stack of parchment covered in writing. Irene walked solemnly to the box, and at that moment, Sordil also began to ascend the platform. However, with each step, Sordil's body shrank, until he was the same height as Eileen when he stood opposite Irene. Seeing this, the crowd below gasped in astonishment, gaining a more objective understanding of Fostadu's power.

Next, the Prime Minister ascended the platform and read aloud the terms of the alliance to the assembled spectators. After he finished reading, Irene and Sordil each signed their names on the agreement. The guards then placed the agreement back into the wooden box, and Irene and Sordil each grasped one side of the box, signifying the formation of the alliance. Thunderous cheers erupted once more from below the platform, and the nobles waved their arms in celebration of this great alliance.

"Sordil, are you really leaving?"

Irene looked at Sordil and the other person standing not far away and said.

"Irene, I really want to stay here and have a good talk with you! But I really can't, we both have important things to take care of and have to leave!"

Irene's words made Sordil consider staying, but the Kingdom of Tsuyioru Xiu was at a critical juncture, and Sordil told himself he had to rush back. Thus, he had to part with his beloved goddess, suppressing his heartache, without even having time for a proper farewell.

Irene could see the reluctance and determination in his heart. She understood Sordil's feelings, because she herself had felt the same way when she took the throne from her father and shouldered the heavy responsibility of protecting the people of the Kingdom of Donagunov. Therefore, Irene did not try to persuade Sordil to stay, but instead stepped forward and gave him a warm hug.

And so, the Sordil Express departed for its next stop.