"I am the current master of Terra Palace. Thank you for your help. May I ask who are you people?" said Yuria after inviting Emery's group inside while sitting on the Terra Throne.
Morgana and the others turned their heads towards Emery for an answer, prompting Yuria to turn at him as well. However, the latter was currently standing still, staring at the hall, stunned as a lot of nostalgia came back to him like tidal waves.
The weapons and trophies mounted on the walls, the huge tables on the corner, all these memories started to recall the figures of his friends from home, how they used to have feasts so many times in this place.
A faint smile appeared on his face as those fond memories replayed in his mind.
Then, the figure of Senior Izta popped up. His fierce stature that hid a gentle heart couldn't help but make his heart warm.
Seeing no response, Yuria was about to ask again when she found something strange about the young man and said, "Who are you?"
After collecting himself, Emery turned to her and said, "I would very much like to visit the Lord's grave."
Even though she still didn't know the identity of the unknown young man, there was something in his voice and expression that made Yuria agree to the request. She even decided to bring the man to the tomb herself, not allowing any guards to follow them.
When they reached the stone statue, Emery finally revealed his true face. While she was surprised by his face, he casually said, "I'm sorry it took me so long to remember."
He then walked over and kneeled in front of the statue, saying, "Senior, I have returned."
After several minutes of silence, Emery stood up and then gave his respect to Yuria and said, "I am sorry, for some reason I can't reveal my identity."
Seeing the dark hair women nod understood, Emery once again put his [shapeshifting] ability to use, turning back to his cover, Evan Valerious.
By the time they returned to the hall, Yuria had immediately ordered the guards to leave the premises. She then walked up to Emery and, to everyone's surprise, dropped one knee to the floor before saying, "Master Emery, welcome back to Terra Kingdom."
Izta had always treated Emery and the others as family, so the five wives of his had come to an agreement to treat them as the masters of the kingdom. Hence the reason for her seemingly bizarre action.
Knowing this, Emery politely accepted the respect and then introduced the companions he had brought to Yuria.
"Now tell me what just happened outside? What happened to Terra?"
Yuria couldn't stop herself from frowning when she recalled the Raven faction's actions just now. He explained that the abolition of the Magus Academy greatly affected Terra's situation due to its status as one of the academy's four guardians.
That meant that they no longer received any more tribute from the academy and had to rely completely on the city's economy, which was by no means small but simply not enough to sustain the kingdom.
The change gradually affected the kingdom treasury. Coupled with an increased number of bandits and bad weather throughout the years, things had been hard for the kingdom.
Raven, the neighboring faction, that existed on the same planet as Terra had always been a good ally until two years ago, where they allegedly sabotaged a trade deal that left Terra in a quagmire of debts. In the meantime, the faction went ahead and gained the status of second-grade faction.
It was then revealed that their intention was to take over the entire planet for themselves when they put forward a proposal to be the planet's sole owner to the Magus Alliance. With their relationship with the alliance, Terra Kingdom was notified that their proposal would be approved if Terra couldn't pay back their debt.
"How dare they do that?!! Lord Izta is a war hero!" Emery said in anger.
Unfortunately, the administration of the Magus Alliance has reformed extensively during the past 4 years, and without their Master and King, Terra Kingdom basically had no real power or influence in the galaxy.
With the number of Terra warriors to pay and people to feed, the debt only grew larger over time. That was the reason why the streets were so barren and so few Terra warriors were to be seen; most of them were sent to the frontline.
"Sister Rosia, Camila, and Grisa went to the frontlines in hopes of gaining contributions that could help the kingdom's situation. Meanwhile, Silica and I stayed behind to guard the palace." With a deep frown, she added, "They kept coming to make trouble after finding out my sisters were gone."
Hearing such a situation unfold, Emery couldn't help but get involved.
"How much is the debt?"
Yuria did not hesitate to reveal the numbers. "35 million spirit stones."
The amount was indeed mind-boggling. But compared to the value of the entire kingdom of over 30,000 people, it was practically a small price.
She then told Emery that their situation was still not that dire as apparently, the kingdom had around 30 million worth of properties up for sale. However, selling them would greatly affect the kingdom, thus Silica was currently in Golden City applying for some loans.
"She will return in a few days. We will know by then."
Since the matter could apparently be set aside for a while, Emery decided to tell Yuria about his plan to enter the planet where the Darkness Institute Atrium was located. However, the response he received was the same as he heard before.
"All previous Academy institutes were under lockdown, unless you got permission from the magus alliance, you are not permitted to enter"
"Yes, is there any way Terra could help with this matter?"
"I'm sorry I can't do much about it. Sister Silica is the one who handles all relations with the Magus Alliance."
Emery was agitated to hear that. Not wanting to wait around without doing anything, he inquired about where he could find Magus Silica in Golden City. Fortunately, Yuria was more than happy to provide him with the information.
But then, she said something that took Emery by surprise.
"While you are there, perhaps you can also visit your friend"
"My friend?" Emery repeated, confused as to who she was referring to.
"Yes, haven't you heard from him?" Seeing the look on his face, Yuria told him straight away. "Master Chumo. He currently resides in Golden City."
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