Chapter 303. Invitations.

After Harmonixia presented herself, Flor couldn’t help but look at the three Sylvans. While they were completely different appearance-wise, there was a strange feeling of likeness between them. This sensation went beyond their presence; it was something at a more fundamental level. However, other than a faint superficial sensation, it was easy to ignore. 

Harmonixia saw Flor look at her with a strangely analytical gaze and blinked twice, feeling somewhat confused. ‘Why is she looking at me with such eyes? It feels as if she has known of me before…’

“You said that you have an interesting proposal, right? Well, don’t hold it back and speak up. I am interested in what this suggestion of yours is.”

Harmonixia smiled and spoke first. “I recommend we talk as we walk.” They all moved through the passageways of the building, following the group as they climbed to the fifth floor where their meeting was going to be held. Harmonixia first presented herself. “My name is Harmonixia Songtree, Lady Flor. You might’ve heard about my family’s name.”

Flor shook her head as she gently hovered forward. “I have not. Is your family as influential as Lady Verena’s Lifetree family?”

“More than that.” Harmonixia laughed. “I would honestly not put ourselves on the same level. No offense, but they are just too weak.” Harmonixia trailed her words and then added, looking at the frowning Verdantia with a smile. “At least until the Lifetree family can produce a Third Energy Cycle powerhouse.”

Verdantia raised her eyebrow and retorted. “Perhaps in your original continent, that’s the truth. However, how solid is the foundation of your family in this continent?” Verdantia snorted. “If you want to provide help, I think my family can do whatever you can, but better.” 

Harmonixia didn’t get mad at such a retort. Instead, she hummed pleasantly and commented. “Perhaps.” Then, she looked at Flor. “However, having our name tied to your city is something that will only benefit you.”

Flor tilted her head and asked, even though she had an inkling about it. “Your words are indeed tempting. As a new power, the thing that we are basically thirsting for is relationships. If we can join with the Songtree family as well, it would be great.” Flor added before Harmonixia spoke up. “However, you are suggesting a deal that doesn’t seem to have any benefit whatsoever in your favor. Only the Golden Sap City benefits from this.”

Harmonixia nodded. “You are right. That’s why I have a suggestion for our alliance to become solid and lasting.” 

Flor blinked and looked at Harmonixia with surprised eyes. “Oh, really? I would love to hear about it. What’s your suggestion?” 

Harmonixia saw that they were arriving at the room, so she was direct. Her gorgeous colorful eyes glanced at Flor as she smiled. “I don’t want to push you to an answer right now, so no need to respond. However, a marriage alliance between Lady World Tree and I would be perfect to tie the knot between our factions.”

Flor was surprised and glanced at Harmonixia’s retreating back. She kept looking until she suddenly felt a cold breeze caress her back. Her eyelids twitched as she turned around to see the three Sylvans sending murderous stares toward Harmonixia. ‘Ah… Haha… What a mess. Why is my cute and adorable Liu Shu always attracting these kinds of super-aggressive love interests?’

Scratching her cheek, Flor sighed and spoke aloud. “I am never going to force Liu Shu into any relationship. And before you become excited and happy, that will be the case with anyone who is approaching her.” Flor glanced at the three of them and reiterated. “Do you understand? If you don’t catch her attention, that’s your problem. I will only interfere if anyone has ill intent toward her.”

The girls didn’t answer, and they all silently entered the room. Once inside, Flor looked around and quickly spotted a seat her size with a name tag. Delia’s and Taro’s seats were to her right and left. 

The room had a massive circular red carpet in the middle, right below the similarly grand and large wooden table. The number of seats was nearly fifty, each with the names of different leaders. 

Two of the three seats of honor had someone sitting. These seats were distinguished by their quality and tall backrests. Madam Thalgryn and Lord Count naturally sat on two out of the three seats. 

Eila was surprised about this. ‘Madam Thalgryn is strong. However, those seats are usually left for the three global superpowers. Is Madam Thalgryn intending to place herself at the same level?’

However, before her thoughts started wandering much more, Madam Thalgryn spoke aloud. “I have joined the <Celestial Lotus Empire>, so today, I sit in this chair to represent the Empire as a <Keeper Of The Petals>.”

Many people in the room felt their minds shake from the information. This continent was one with relatively low influence from the global powers. Madam Thalgryn joining with one of them instead of maintaining neutrality was too big of a step for the rest of the powers. Moreover, a <Keeper Of The Petals> had a similar influence to a Count! 

The ranks for the three main global powers were as such. The <Azure Rose Confederation> followed the traditional ranking: Baron, Viscount, Count, Marquis, Duke, Prince, King/Queen, and Emperor/Empress.

The <Celestial Lotus Empire> followed these ranks: Tender Bloom, Blossom Steward, Keeper of the Petals, Radiant Blossom, Guardian of the Lotus Grove, Celestial Daughter, and Mother of Eternal Bloom.

Finally, the <Verdant Sactity Covenant> had these ones: Acolyte of the Grove, Warden of the Wilds, Vicar of the Verdant, Archdruid of Renewal, Patriarch/Matriarch of the Canopy, Sanctified Harbinger, and Hierophant of Verdancy.

Now, in front of them, there was a Count and Keeper of the Petals.

Flor couldn’t help but bite her lips while looking at the tall and wild-looking woman. ‘Is this why she wasn’t concerned about Liu Shu? Madam Thalgryn now has the backup of the entire Celestial Lotus Empire, and unlike Eila, who didn’t even have the Baron title, she has something equivalent to a Count. If they are threatened, the Empire won’t be as careless or stay cross-armed.’

The door of the meeting room opened, and they saw a man in long robes followed by ten followers, five men and five women. The man looked simple and good-natured. He showed quite an apologetic expression and exclaimed, “Oh, Lady Of The Leaves! I am so sorry for my tardiness. It seems I am last.”

The new man that arrived walked across the room and stopped right by Madam Thalgryn’s side, sitting on the empty seat. Flor’s heart became even heavier as the man presented himself. “This little Vicar Of The Verdant apologies to everyone present. I had some purging to do, and I couldn’t make it here in time.”

The grand majority of people felt as if they had bit a rotten fruit. Even if they were just Count-level people, the fact that the three of them appeared in a single meeting meant that the global powers would start looking into this continent much more seriously. 

Madam Thalgryn noticed their looks and spoke, her tone formal and reaching everyone in the room clearly. “We’ve gathered all those leaders we find influential because there has been a problem beyond the <Wall Forest> and <Dark Aether Swamp>.” The muscular and heroic woman’s face became serious before continuing her explanation. “The <Abyssal Void Nexus> branches have spread too far and too wide. They have completely taken over the western part of the continent. While the continent’s north, south, and center areas have somewhat fallen into, respectively, the control of the Covenant, Confederation, and Empire, this part of the continent remains wild and has no apparent owner. We want to change that.”

‘Why now of all times?’ Flor wanted to bite someone. This continent has remained without a clear leader and free of influence for literally centuries. And now that Liu Shu had started to grow, these four monsters decided to look their way.

Madam Thalgryn looked at Flor and smiled faintly. “For this, we have a solution… Or, more accurately, we want to test something.” 

Flor felt a bad premonition. ‘Don’t tell me…’

Madam Thalgryn explained. “There has recently been a powerful World Tree blooming on this area of the continent. Moreover, its position is incredibly convenient to form a fortified defense. The World Tree we are speaking about is the young World Tree that has bloomed in the Golden Sap Forest, Lady Tianlian Liu shu.”

Everyone looked over toward Liu Shu, making the Flower Fairy wish that the ground below her could open like a giant mouth and swallow her. Still, since she knew that she was asking for too much, Flor decided to take the rose by its thorns. “Madam Thalgryn’s words, this one doesn’t understand.”

A man at the side snorted, his tone mocking. “Of course, you wouldn’t; you are just a monster.”

Flor glanced at the person and smiled. “Who are you?”

“I am Viscount Derful. I have a small county up north, slightly far from where you live, monster.” He mocked, his lips arching. “At first, I thought that whoever was able to end the life of a Baron from our Confederation would be exceptional. Sadly, seeing you in person has been a disappointment.”

Flor chuckled and retorted. “Baron Lorbase thought the same.” 

The Viscount’s smiling expression cracked, while many couldn’t help but feel their hearts jump. ‘She dares say that with a Count present?’

To their surprise, Flor looked at the Count and spoke directly. “We’ve been attacked often. However, I do not resent your powers. We came out of nowhere and claimed territory. We expanded and clashed with the conflicts of others. The result of those conflicts is our history.” Flor added. “If you want to judge me, do so. However, I am just a follower of World Tree Tianlian Liu Shu.”

The Count looked at Flor with a touch of surprise before a smile appeared on his lips. “Baron Lorbase was a good subject. However, he was slightly too greedy. His loss is also due to his weakness and his baseless accusations that Lady Tianlian Liu Shu had killed his daughter. Therefore, the Confederation doesn’t have a grudge against the Golden Sap Forest or its World Tree.”

Flor was about to relax when the Count added. “However…” Flor tensed again and listened. “One thing is messing with one of our Barons because they attacked you. Another is taking over one of our World Trees.”

Flor’s lips twitched. She actually had no excuse here. Liu Shu wanted to expand, and Fortuna was just in her way. Hence, conflict occurred. The Count rubbed his chin and spoke. “Here is where my suggestion comes from. I want to recruit you to become part of the Confederation. Of course, we won’t stop your World Tree from expanding. At the same time, we will stop non-related parties from participating in the conflict. In return, you’ll be loyal to our power.”

Madam Thalgryn jumped at this moment. “Before you decide or answer, the <Celestial Lotus Empire> is ready to offer you the position of a Tender Bloom right away, the rank equivalent to a Baron, if you join us. We will also make sure that the Confederation doesn’t mess with you due to this decision or your past transgressions, including your dealings with Lady Fortuna.”

Flor’s eyes widened slightly. However, when everyone thought this was all, the man from the Covenant spoke up. “Ah. The <Verdant Sanctity Covenant> also wants to extend a hand to Lady Flor. Our branch that has been roaming these lands, <Arboreal Revelation Hierophants>, has informed us of your worth. We are ready to defend you from other global powers and also provide resources.”

Flor’s brain froze as the invitations of people she didn’t expect flew her way. ‘W-What?’

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