The Conference

The weakening of the Flower Fairy Kingdom's barrier had stirred the Dark Demon God into action. Unable to wait any longer, he had launched an attack. Although it had failed, it had still thrown Pupula into a panic. She hurriedly sent invitations to the other kingdoms to discuss the matter, and the Elf Kingdom naturally received one too.

Soon, representatives from the other kingdoms arrived at the goddess's Palace in the Flower Fairy Kingdom. Simon represented Courage Castle, while the Elf Kingdom's representative was the Golden Mandala Prince, Manda Gabriel. The Wind and Sand Kingdom sent someone unfamiliar whom none of them had ever seen before.

The Ancient Spirit Fairy Clan sent its king. He was utterly resigned: his eldest son did not want to come, and he could not force him. Alas, he could not beat his son in a fight, and the queen was too frail... Sending an elder alone would show too little regard for the other kingdoms. Although it was not as if they could not defeat them, they did not want trouble, so he had no choice but to come himself. An elder from a collateral branch had accompanied him, however.

Although Pupula and the others were puzzled, they said nothing. Meddling in another family's affairs would only make them the ones at fault. Who knew who had seized power this time? At that thought, everyone stole a glance at Manda. His expression did not change in the slightest, as though he were not the one they were looking at.

"Manda" was even more detached than before, his bearing steadier and sharper. In his utterly tranquil eyes, everything seemed as insignificant as ants, unworthy of even a second of his attention.

Although Pupula and Simon had their doubts, neither dwelled on them. After all, it was perfectly normal for someone who had seized power to undergo a change in outlook. Even a drastic change in personality overnight would not have surprised anyone.

And this conference was aimed squarely at the Elf Kingdom. Pupula proposed creating the Flower Code, which clearly offered the Elf Kingdom no benefit whatsoever. They would have to provide both people and labor without even being paid. Was that not blatantly taking advantage of them? Naturally, the Elf Kingdom was unwilling.

But with the support of the other kingdoms, Pupula was certain that the Elf Kingdom would swallow this enormous loss.

The former Manda might truly have taken the so-called safety of the Flower Fairy Kingdom into consideration, but the man here now was not that Manda. He was Lu Qingyi, who had replaced the former Golden Mandala Prince, Manda Gabriel. He would not concern himself with the Flower Fairy Kingdom. Others might not know, but did she think he was ignorant too? He knew the truth perfectly well. If Pupula had not used the Tree of Life's energy without authorization, how could so much trouble have arisen?

She dug this hole herself, yet she expects others to fill it, all while offering such a high-sounding excuse. For the Flower Fairy Kingdom? Hah. Hypocrite.

Pupula continued to press him:

"Prince Manda, I have no other choice. The Flower Fairy Kingdom is in imminent danger. We need the Elf Kingdom's help."

"Manda" gave a cold laugh without speaking. An immensely powerful pressure radiated from him as brilliant light flared around his body. His six wings shone dazzlingly, his golden hair fluttered in the wind, and both his hands rested on his sword. Dressed entirely in white, he looked perfectly approachable, yet something about him struck Pupula as strange.

Pupula kept feeling that something was wrong. Then a golden light radiated from Manda. As it swept over her, her gaze froze. A moment later, she returned to normal, but she had no memory of that instant. The same was true of everyone present.

Pupula forgot her earlier doubts. Seeing that "Manda" refused, she too began to radiate a sacred glow, and the mark on her forehead flickered. This was clearly coercion: if he did not agree, she would attack him outright.

At this tense standoff, the elder beside the king of the Ancient Spirit Fairy Clan spoke:

"Prince Manda, it is fine if you refuse to agree. We can help you, but the price is that you must become the eternal guardian spirit of the Ancient Spirit Fairy Clan's royal family. Are you willing?"