Chapter 284 - Changing The Tides
Elliot was standing right in front of the gate of Madam Locraine's mansion. The good mood given to him by the Creator's Heart gave him the energy to wait there, even when the sun was burning his thick skin.
It was still past lunch and the guard said Madam Locraine will arrive a few hours later.
"Come back later, kid," the guard said. He was starting to feel awkward while letting Elliot stand in front of the gate. The guard was stationed on the side of the gate where a small guard house was located.
"No, I'll stay here and wait," Elliot said. "The sun don't do anything to my skin and I don't really mind standing for hours on end because I'm an Adventurer. Don't worry about me."
"I'm worrying about myself though," the guard whispered. "Fine, you can come in but you have to stay at the lobby. The guards and the Rogues will be watching over you. One suspicious move and you'll be kicked out. You understand?"
Elliot didn't contemplate and accepted the offer. He was grinning ear to ear as the gates opened and he entered. Just when he stepped in, he stepped right back and went to the guard. "Where is Madam Locraine anyway?"
"She's meeting an important person right now," the guard said. "I cannot disclose any more information."
Elliot just shrugged and entered. Just as he was instructed, he didn't roam about. He stayed in the lobby and waited for Madam Locraine there. She should be arriving soon, Elliot was sure of it.
While Elliot was waiting for the woman, his friends were staring at the sleeping Jameson. He didn't even bother sleeping in his room and just placed his head over his arms in the lonby's table.
"Are you sure he doesn't sneak on us while we take a bath or change clothes?" Ed whispered to Lance.
"He's a prince too," Lance said. "He may not look like it, but he's dignified."
Connor smacked the back of Ed's head and sighed in disappointment, "And who do you think would spy on you?"
Ed rolled his eyes and scoffed. "I don't know. Maybe he's collecting information against us, who knows?"
"Wait," Lance raised his hands. He walked over to the caretaker of the inn, "Sir, you said Jameson's kingdom has the most exports of spices in the world?"
The old man nodded, "Yeah, but then Alorde is an exception since we get one at Glassblade City. We can't really import rice from the Spice Islands."
"But what if we can?" Lance smirked. "Thank you for this information. I'll use this well."
"Lance, what are you planning?" Aquarius quirked his brow up and crossed his arms. "I think I know what's in your mind, but please don't do that. That's going to be very dangerous."
"No, it won't," Lance said and glanced at the sleeping Jameson. "We only need a new good relationship with another source. Let's cut their tentacles before they can strangle us all with it."
Aquarius couldn't help but walk over to his cousin, "Lance, remember that you have no political power anymore. You can't just build relations with other kingdoms at the cost of the primary economic value of our own city."
Lance smirked, "I guess it's a good thing I was good to my brother then."
–
"Are you sure you don't want to sit?" a guard asked Elliot. It had been an hour since the boy was standing inside the lobby. The guard felt the awkwardness coming from Elliot. The boy had so much energy that it felt somewhat uncomfortable.
He was bouncing up and down while waiting after all, anyone would feel awkward being around him.
"No, I'm good," Elliot smiled. "I'll just stay here and wait for Madam Locraine. This is nothing for me."
"Well, okay," the guard turned around and went back to his position.
It took an hour more before a large golden carriage being pulled by white horses entered the gates. The guards lined up outside while one signaled Elliot to stay put.
Elliot just nodded and watched the carriage stop in front of the entrance of the mansion. The plump woman wearing a light green sequin dress got out of the carriage, carrying her fan with her on one hand and letting a guard guide her down with the other.
"Madam Locraine," Elliot called out. "Ma'am, I have another favor."
Madam Locraine's eyes widened after seeing Elliot. She cleared her throat and nodded at the boy, "Let's talk inside."
The woman only had to raised her closed fan for the guards to disperse. She walked inside and placed her hand on Elliot's back, whispering, "I'll have something to say to you too."
Elliot nodded and let Madam Locraine guide him inside. They walked through the halls and got in a room filled with weaponry.
"Elliot, the Twilight Bless…" Madam Locraine trailed off. She sighed and took a deep breath, "Polschk had requested someone to seal the stadium while we unlock it. This is going to be a tough road for us considering we need to fortify both inside and outside."
"Why do we need to fortify outside?" Elliot asked. "Shouldn't we focus on what's inside since the Twilight Bless is inside there?"
"Have you forgotten about the Oracion Alma and the Fallen Angels?" Madam Locraine quirked her brow up. "Elliot, I am joining this war. I have no choice. I will aid the gems with my antique powers. I will also call the powers of the ancients to add fortification for you, so your bodies can handle the intensity of the Bless."
"So, you're going to be our support?" Elliot asked her.
Madam Locraine sighed and nodded. "I have to. If Oracion Alma or the Fallen Angels will have the Bless instead of us, they will destroy everything. They will try to challenge the Abyss and seek its power. Then they will rule everything."
Just as expected, Madam Locraine has information that Elliot needed. Now he knows that they will receive extra power boost from her and that there are other supporters on their side. The Manual knows when to move its piece, and Elliot was its only piece.
"I will do my best for us to win this war," Madam Locraine said. "And Elliot, you are our greatest weapon."
Elliot was speechless for a moment.. He gulped and watched Madam Locraine in the eyes, the woman staring at his own. "What do you mean?"