The Preparations for the Envoy Delegation III

Brando had arranged Prince Lainaret's residence east of Valhalla, inside a palace carved out of hollowed tree trunks. This was one of Valhalla's abilities. As long as one paid mana in the town hall, this fortress of trees could generate an unlimited number of hollows inside. Of course, turning those hollows into rooms still required decoration and furnishings. Brando had asked Antitina and Audum to imitate Fir Castle's design and create this palace as guest quarters for Valhalla. Now, these luxurious quarters were occupied exclusively by the First Prince of the Cruz Empire. Outside, Cruzian Swordbreaker Knights took turns standing guard day and night.

Most of these Swordbreaker Knights knew Brando. After announcing his arrival and receiving Lainaret's approval, they respectfully led him inside. The entrance to the palace had been designed with great ingenuity. It was located on a terrace and connected by a path made of vines. The other end of the path connected to the second level of the treetop plaza above. The entrance was secluded, with Treant archers guarding it. Directly in front of the terrace stood the main branch of the giant tree, stretching upward. A Treant archer outpost and treehouses hidden among the branches were stationed there. Yet through the lush shade on either side of the trunk, one could still overlook the mountain scenery amid the clouds and mist to the east. It was both secure and unobtrusive, allowing its master to enjoy the beautiful view—a truly excellent design.

At the entrance, vines covered in emerald leaves hung down from the tree wall like a curtain. Behind them lay the palace's main hall, which was also partially open-air. A massive crystal above the hall filtered in the light from outside, allowing sunlight or moonlight to spill over the magical fountain in the center.