"Thank you, Lord Cain."
Sylphiette bowed gratefully. If Cain had not protected Rudeus, he might never have returned safely to the Central Continent. He might even have died on the Demon Continent...
"Thank you so very much..."
"It's all right. It's a little early to thank me, isn't it? You can do that after Rudeus comes to the Magic University and you two reunite."
Cain waved off her thanks with a smile, then turned to Ariel. His expression grew serious.
"I represent the Dragon God. Princess Ariel, I'll guarantee your safety while you're in the Three Magic Nations."
Ariel was about to thank him, but Cain continued solemnly.
"However, Lord Dragon God needs to see what you're capable of before he decides whether to give you the help you'll need later."
"And how do I prove myself?"
"Understand the King's Way and win the support of Perugius, the Armored Dragon King. If you can do that, Lord Dragon God will help you become queen of the Asura Kingdom."
"As the Dragon God's envoy, I'll watch you grow. I won't help you in that capacity, of course, but I will provide the protection you need."
Ariel bit her thumb. Her blue eyes stared at nothing as she slumped into her chair and lowered her gaze, her beautiful face clouded with confusion.
The King's Way? Was this a joke? Ariel had no idea what it meant. She had inherited her dear friend's dying wish and wanted to become queen. Her plan had been to secure the help of the Sword God her father had mentioned, then rely on his nearly invincible strength to take the throne.
As for what came afterward... Though her intelligence and composure had surpassed those of her peers since childhood, and her beauty and small favors had won